Interviews

Multi-instrumentalist and producer Emma-Jean Thackray has just dropped her second album 'Weirdo'. Musically and creatively the record bridges grunge, pop, soul and jazz, channeling George Clinton and Kurt Cobain in the award-winning artist’s powerfully idiosyncratic style. Virtuosic musicality and self-expression is combined with humour in this triumphant exploration of loss, recovery and gratitude. Elle Young catches up with Emma-Jean Thackray, tune in to hear about her new release.

Last month, Claire Dickson caught up with Sharon Van Etten after her performance at Castlemaine’s Town Folk Festival with her new band, Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory. The New Jersey musician, known for her heartfelt indie rock/pop songs, has entered a new era - writing and recording in full collaboration with her band for the first time, discovering the freedom that comes with letting go. Tune in to hear this exclusive Breakfast Spread interview with this incredible artist.

In Iran, women are forbidden from singing in public. Vocalist and composer Faravaz has confronted this law firsthand, criminalised simply for using her voice. After leaving Iran, she founded 'Right To Sing', an advocacy platform amplifying women’s vocal freedom across borders. Joining MzRizk to chat about her new record 'Azadi' - a fusion of pop and alternative sensibilities with bold, provocative lyricism - tune in to Boogie Beat Suite for a special, live performance from Faravaz.

This week on Pojama People, Chris Pearson catches up with local band SPAWN about their new album. Forged over nine years, SPAWN’s record 'Light Rite' is a radiant rite of transformation. From the heavy mire of stoner doom to the celestial expanse of psychedelic rock, this odyssey embodies raw authenticity and quiet humility. Tune in to hear about their show at The Tote on December 12. 

On December 13 at The Gem Bar in Collingwood, Seedy Jeezus will be playing their last show of the year, in a straight ahead, sweaty affair - just the way they like it. Six years in the making, their third studio album 'Damned to The Depths' came out July this year, delving deep into the human experience of death and mourning. Chris Pearson catches up with the band ahead of their show, tune in to hear from the local heavy psych rockers.

Armed with some of the heaviest riffs known to humankind, Dying Fetus has built a reputation for uncompromising integrity, with a slew of classic albums and a renewed surge of respect from a new generation. This December, they hit the road with 200 Stab Wounds who are forging their own brand of classic, gore-themed savagery for themselves and their like-minded brethren. Burning Bitumen catches up with the bands, tune in to hear about their upcoming show at Northcote Theatre on December 12.

Breathing fire, virtuosity and improvisation into blues, classic soul and roots originals, Checkerboard Lounge are playing at Memo Music Hall on December 12, with local band Opelousas. With a multi-award-winning, ARIA-nominated 2022 album ‘Sun Sessions’ and recent limited edition vinyl release ‘Live at Jazzlab’, Checkerboard are the very essence of a live music experience. Tune in from 9.30am as Helen Jennings catches up with front man, drummer and vocalist Carl Pannuzzo about the show.

Melbourne-based blues artist Dan Dinnen has teamed up with Anthony “Shorty” Shortte, one of the blues scene’s well-loved drummers and percussionists, to create their new album 'Jeff’s Shed'. Recorded with Jeff Lang, Shorty’s dynamic drum work fits Dan’s style like a well-worn glove. Joining Helen on Roots of Rhythm, tune in to hear about their new album.

Singing songs of hope, passion, love, and loss, Tracey Miller has spent nearly 40 years captivating audiences worldwide with her soulful voice. Her new album, 'Queen of the Creek', echoes the classic soul records of the ’60s and ’70s, showcasing a voice that cuts through with emotional depth and seasoned skill. Tune in to Boss Action as Miss Goldie catches up with Tracey following her Studio 5 Live performance.

Formerly known as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, TEED has just released his bold and assured new album 'Always With Me'.  A luminous and emotional body of work, the record marks a striking new chapter for TEED, defined by restraint, clarity, and the most open-hearted songwriting of his career. Coming over to Australia early 2026 for a string of shows, tune in to The Breakfast Spread as Milo catches up with the US-based, UK-born, two-time GRAMMY-nominee musician. 

With a voice that resonates the very soul of Ireland, musician Andy Irvine has maintained his distinctive performing style throughout his 50-year career. From Sweeney’s Men in the mid-60s to the success of Planxty in the 70s, Andy has been a true pioneer of traditional music. Lauren Plant catches up with Andy Irvine while he’s on tour, tune in to hear about his upcoming show at the Brunswick Ballroom on December 14.

Winner of the 'Folk Album of the Year – Traditional' for 2025, banjo player and singer Maggie Carty is from Ireland’s west coast and now based in Naarm/Melbourne. Infusing traditional Irish music with Australian folk, Americana, and blues, her debut album 'Ebb and Flow' explores emigration, heritage, and identity with fresh, timeless energy. Tune in to Down By The River to hear Maggie Carty play a special, live performance on the banjo.

Songwriter Nadia Reid journeys back to Naarm/Melbourne in celebration of ‘Enter Now Brightness’; her fourth record containing ten tracks, featuring themes of change, motherhood, home, and heartbreak. The Manchester-based expatriate New Zealander is known for her ruminative and well-crafted folk-inflected songwriting, and with ‘Enter Now Brightness’, she presents a record of poise and beauty. Crispi catches up with Nadia before her show at Howler on December 11.

Post-hardcore band from Washington D.C., Girls Against Boys (GVSB) are returning to Australia in February to celebrate the anniversary of their 1994 album 'Cruise Yourself'. One of the most unique and revered bands to emerge from the post-hardcore/noise-rock scene of the ’90s, their show at The Tote on February 6 will feature a powerful mix of fan favourites and brand-new songs. Tune in to Junkyard as Michael Mulholland catches up with Scott, ahead of GVSB's trip to Melbourne next year.

Western Australia’s producer HAAi has recently released her new album 'HUMANiSE' via Mute. Marking a bold evolution from her 2022 debut 'Baby', the new record weaves vulnerability into her bass-heavy productions, blurring the lines between intimacy and futurism. While in Melbourne for her show at the Third Day on December 12, HAAi joins Milo on The Breakfast Spread. Tune in this Friday morning to hear a techno-pop-futurism take over from HAAi on the Wheels of Steel.

After the success of 'The Napoli Exchange', EX GENERATION's new album, 'The Mumbai Exchange' sees Ziggy and Lewis' ongoing series of cross-cultural collaborations, a project that examines how the soul of a city is shaped after years of touring and absorbing the sounds of different cities. With musicians including award-winning vocalists Vinay Sugatha Ramadasan and Anuja Zokarkar, the album is a vibrant love letter to Mumbai. Tune in to hear Pradip catch up with Lewis about the new record.

Dr Shellie Morris AO has released the album 'Singing For Our Little Ones' - a project that encourages the integration of First Languages learning in early education curriculums. Developed with Warumungu elders Miriam Frank and sisters Rosemary and Marlene Plummer to help preserve the Warumungu language for future generations, Miriam, Rosemary and Marlene are among a small handful of fluent speakers left. Tune in to the Global Village to hear Roger catch up with Shellie about this project.

After a string of sold-out shows, Watar Ensemble returns to the stage with new music, timeless Arabic melodies, and an energy that promises to move both heart and body. They'll be sharing two brand-new singles at Howler on January 11, reconnecting through the sounds that have come to define Watar’s voice. Tune in to Dounya as DJ Matab catches up with Watar Ensemble about their upcoming show.

Formed in 2020 from the ashes of various hardcore and metal bands through a love of extreme metal, industrial and crustpunk/hardcore, Knife has just released their new EP 'Non Compos Mentis'. Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear about the band's upcoming album, and when we can next expect to seem them perform live.

Tune in for the second half of Burning Bitumen this Tuesday as Kene chats with Brazilian musician Max Cavalera. As a core member of Nailbomb and Soulfly, he'll be chatting with Kene about Nailbomb reforming, along with the much anticipated new Soulfly album.

US deathcore band Fit For An Autopsy are returning to Australia next year to tour their new album 'It Comes For You'.  Joined by Florida’s Bodysnatcher, rising Australian force Volatile Ways, and Human Warfare’s newest signing Pain Body, expect a night of crushing riffs and unrelenting energy at Max Watt's Melbourne on January 22. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as Ryan catches up with guitarist Pat Sheridan ahead of the tour. 

Tune in to the second half of Tyrannocoreus as Ryan is joined by local solo artist ARIE ROSE (pronounced air-ey rose). Making music that is sweet, fiery and thorny, ARIE marries rock and metal with classical influences from singing in choirs and playing in orchestras in her childhood. Listen in to hear about her debut album 'In Sickness And In Sickness', which shares her battles with Crohn's disease, neurodivergence and feminism.

Joining Milo Eastwood on The Breakfast Spread this morning is local DJ, Joey Lightbulb. With his debut at Club UK in Melbourne in 2001, Joey played at Golden Plains Festival in 2024, along with two headline shows at The Night Cat earlier this year, playing squelchy disco, jacking house, forgotten indie bangers - whatever the people need. Tune in to hear about 'TOOLS DOWN: Joey Lightbulb's Work Xmas Party' on December 19, along with a special Wednesday morning guest mix.

Tune in to Roots of Rhythm for a special Christmas show - filled with the best of the blues, memories and interviews. Helen Jennings will be joined by Jackey Coyle, along with a few surprise guests. Listen in to hear Helen’s final show of the year before she takes her well-deserved summer break.

Mick Thomas is one of Australia's most revered songwriters and storytellers. With a brand new album GoComeBack, Mick Thomas's Roving Commission are currently touring the country. Joined by Brooke Taylor, Mick finds time to drop into PBS to play a couple of tracks and to chat to guest host Aaron Allen on Swinging Doors this week.

Tune in to The Breakdown this December to hear a Studio 5 Live session from Temporary Blessings – the last Studio 5 Live for the year, followed by an interview with DJ Manchild. Led by local trumpet player/ composer Liam McGorry, ‘Sumbisori’ is the debut album by the newly formed Melbourne group. Inspired by 1960s Italian and French soundtrack music, Temporary Blessings brings together members of Surprise Chef, Karate Boogaloo, Saskwatch and Let Your Hair Down. Tune in after 3pm.

Tune in to Audio Vitamins as Jonny Alexander catches up with London-based artist J. Caesar. Discussing his street soul/deep house sound and upcoming EP, J. Caesar draws influence from Peven Everett, Blaze, and Moodymann. Tune in to hear about his show at London’s Royal Albert Hall, along with a 60-minute guest mix featuring unreleased material ahead of his new EP, which is set for release on New Year’s Eve.

Returning to their Australian origins for their first comprehensive tour in over a decade, rock group Crime and the City Solution are bringing their acclaimed sixth studio album, 'the killer', to the Brunswick Ballroom on January 24. Originally formed by Simon Bonney in 1977, the band released their new album in October 2023. Tune in to Junkyard as members of the band join Michael Mulholland for an interview, chatting about their career to date and what it’s like to be back where it all began.