Interviews

Tune in to Firewater this Tuesday as Claire Stuchbery catches up with US singer Matt Caughthran from LA punk bands Mariachi El Bronx and The Bronx. Born more than two decades ago, the bands have since carved out an impressive career of its own, drawing on the band’s deep connection to the Hispanic music and culture of their Los Angeles home. Tune in from 5pm to hear about the show happening at the Forum on March 3.

Tune in to Pojama People as Chris Pearson is joined by local doom metal band VVarp. Their 2025 release, 'Power Held In Stone' is an imagined soundtrack for a folk horror film that exists only in the collective imagination. It tells the story of rebellion against invading oppressors, of doors beyond our perception, how old ways clash with new, of the terror before the dawn, and of souls trapped in stone communicating through the generations. Listen in to find out about their next live shows.

Jahred Gomes, vocalist for seminal US nu-metal group (Hed) P.E joins Ryan on Tyrannocoreus. Chatting about the band’s upcoming Australian tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album 'Broke', tune in to hear about their 17th studio album and what the band has in store for 2026.

Since launching in early 2023, metallic hardcore punk band Better Lovers has risen to global prominence at a pace as blistering as their chaotic music. After tearing it up all around the world for the last two years and ripping out their album 'Highly Irresponsible' in 2024, the group will finally make their Australian debut this month. Guitarists Jordan Buckley and Will Putney join Ryan on Tyrannocoreus, tune in to hear about their show at Max Watt's Melbourne on January 28.

Beyond The Sea are Belinda Gibson on uke and Michelle Lewis - guitar, accompanied by Andrew Barcham - double bass, and Mark Pottenger - mandolin. Beyond the Sea has developed a lovely blend of folk and bluegrass tunes, featuring sweet delicate melodies and weaving harmonies. This week they drop in to chat to Jan, and to play an intimate live set on-air.

Since forming out of south London in 2017, Dry Cleaning have captivated audiences worldwide with their quirky lyrics and unconventional pop songwriting. Their new album, 'Secret Love', has just been released, and is their finest expression yet of the profound friendships that underpin Dry Cleaning - between frontperson Florence Shaw, guitarist Tom Dowse, drummer Nick Buxton, and bassist Lewis Maynard. Tune in as Lyndelle catches up with Florence and Lewis about the new album.

On February 7 at the Coburg RSL club, local group The Wellingtons will be delivering their pop feel goods. Their sixth album 'Baby Moon' follows 2017’s 'End of the Summer', and marks a new chapter for the band - one that embraces getting older, exploring other interests, and raising kids, while still holding tight to their signature blend of memorable melodies and lyrical bite. Tune in to Radio City as Crispi catches up with Zac and Kate about the band's upcoming album launch show.

The Sacred Cowboys are about to release their first album in 19 years - 'In The Manifesto'. It’s a complex, atmospheric soundtrack with Gray’s cool delivery over sometimes sparse, sometimes weaving guitars and rich harmonies. Channeling a Sonic Youth ethos and grinding the gears in the engine room of the Cosmos Factory, ‘In the Manifesto’ is as wide and expansive as the Australian desert skies. Tune in to hear Michael Mulholland catch up with Garry Gray about their show at The Tote on Feb 14. 

Listen in to Sunglasses After Dark this Thursday as Phil MacDougall catches up with Steven Shane McDonald, bass guitarist for US rock band Redd Kross. Two months out from the band’s joint Australian tour with The Hard-Ons, Phil and Steven chat about Redd Kross’ new documentary, 'Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story'; the new book, 'Now You’re One of Us: The Incredible Story of Redd Kross'; the band’s latest self-titled double album; and their show at The Thornbury Theatre on March 14.

Joining Milo Eastwood for a Studio 5 Live performance is Adelaide formed, Melbourne-based outfit No News. Following two recent standout sets at Sonder Festival and Strawberry Fields last year, No News will be sharing their genre-blurring, two-piece band blending live jazz with house and breakbeat energy to The Breakfast Spread listeners. Ahead of their show at The Night Cat on February 7, Milo catches up with the band about their biggest headline show to date. 

Tune in to the second half of Tomorrowland as Edd Fisher is joined by Tornado Wallace. Now based in Berlin, Tornado Wallace is the main alias of Berlin-based producer and DJ Lewie Day, releasing music on labels including Running Back, Optimo Music, Ghostly International, and !K7 Records. Blending house, ambient, and club music into a sound uniquely his own, tune in to hear a special guest mix from the Melbourne export. 

'Homophonic!' is Melbourne's annual celebration of queer composers and a regular part of the Midsumma Festival, and local double bassist and Artistic Director of the event Miranda Hill will join Ian on the show. Now in its 16th year, 'Homophonic!' brings a tremendous array of LGBTQI+ composers to Melbourne audiences, including the annual Pride Prize for a newly commissioned work by an Australian queer composer. As the Festival describes itself, 'Homophonic!' is, "classical music, but gayer".

Joining Claire Dickson for an intimate, live in-studio performance this February 2 is local atmospheric pop trio Hydroplane. Having released their new album, 'A Place In My Memory Is All I Have To Claim' late last year - their first music after more than two decades of radio silence - Andrew Withycombe, Kerrie Bolton, and Bart Cummings return to the gentle, close-quarters musical world they shared around the turn of the century. Tune in from 8am to hear this ambient, electronic performance.

From DJing at Burning Man in the USA and Devconnect in Turkey, to dominating festival main stages around Australia, along with hosting his own show 'Coburg Up Late', Callum aka DJ Be Kind To Other People will be dropping in to Boogie Beat Suite. Tune in to hear about 'Coburg Up Late 50th Episode Live-Recorded Charity Event' at Revolver Upstairs on February 12, along with an up-beat guest mix. 

Local based DJ and dancefloor curator Jeyson Iza aka Iza's journey began in 2004, rooted in vinyl culture and shaped by Bogotá’s underground scene through the Airbag collective. After developing his craft in Spain with residencies in Madrid and performances across Europe and Latin America, he refined his sound through formal study at Madrid’s Microfusa School and radio work with Radio Círculo. Tune in to Dounya to hear Iza's storytelling approach to the decks, guided by dancefloor energy.

US progressive deathcore group Born Of Osiris are about to embark on their long awaited Australian tour this March, celebrating their 15th anniversary of their breakthrough album 'The Discovery’. Ahead of the tour, Ryan chats to Cameron Losch (drums) and Ronnie Canizaro (vocals) about their most recent album, 'Through Shadows', and how they're navigating the loss of a longtime member. 

US deathcore group Signs Of The Swarm are about to go on tour, supporting their US friends Born Of Osiris at Max Watt's Melbourne on March 19. Celebrating their decade of dominance with a completely sold out US tour and reputation for being one of deathcore's most ferocious live band, David Simonich from Signs Of The Swarm catches up with Ryan. Tune in to hear about the band's latest album 'To Rid Myself Of Truth'. 

The eight voices from Grammy-award winning, North American vocal band Roomful of Teeth will fill Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on February 11, revealing an extraordinary sonic landscape distinct from any sounds you’ve ever heard. Presenting works from their 'Rough Magic' album, Roomful of Teeth are known for blending contemporary classical precision with bold experimentation, earning praise for their “consistently yet freshly cutting-edge” sound. Tune in as Cas chats with members of the group.

Way Out West Roots Music Club (WoW) is an institution in Melbourne’s western suburbs, offering a feast of cool blues and roots music on Sunday afternoons. With a new venue for 2026, WoW President Rob Rowe joins Helen Jennings on Roots Of Rhythm to chat about the new venue and the gigs they have coming up.

Back by popular demand, the Burning B3 Trio (Sammy Owen, Liam Kealy and Tony Martin) return to Jumpin' the Blues to play an exclusive live-in-studio set at PBS. Tune in as the trio rip through red hot jump blues, smokey slow blues, burning funk and everything in-between.

Velatine is a Melbourne-based goth/darkwave musical project led by producer/engineer Loki Lockwood. The project features moody, synth-laden atmospheres and brooding post-punk/industrial textures. This week on Bleeding Black Hearts Review Velatine drop by to chat about their latest music and to play some tracks live in the studio.

Local country-blues-rock band Little Quills is about to release 'Strong Bold Brave’ at Coburg's Post Office Hotel on February 15. Born from friendship, resilience, and a shared love of singing, the new album is a soulful and heartfelt testament of survival against the odds, with nine songs telling a story about the power of friendship and strength in the face of adversity. Tune in to hear from band members Pina and Sally as they join Crispi on Radio City.