Interviews

'BLAK N BLUES' is a conversation in blues music, art and poetry. Created by Wiradjuri man Uncle Glenn Loughrey and internationally awarded blues guitarist Fiona Boyes, it brings together two enduring oral traditions - First Nations storytelling and the deep blues. Ahead of the show, Helen catches up with Fiona about the event, which will take place at Wheat, Wine and Whisky from October 13 - 18.

Winners of the MBAS Blues Challenge, Paulie Bignell and the Thornbury Two will be representing Australia at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2027. In the beginning, Paulie carved out a reputation with his guitar, but now it’s his voice and songwriting that continually carries his solo output. Nonetheless, the guitar is still an integral part of what he does and is. Tune in this morning as Helen Jennings catches up with Paulie Bignell.

This September 23rd will mark 30 years to the day when Magic Dirt’s acclaimed debut album Friends In Danger was released in Australia back in 1996 To celebrate this significant milestone and to talk about its legacy, we will have none other than honorary guest Adalita Srsen. Also joining will be current bass player, and long-time friend of the band, Steve Patrick.

A third '-TOPIA' will unfold across three realms of sound, vision and movement at the Abbotsford Convent on October 10. A multidisciplinary meditation on existence and what lies beyond, the lineup includes Fare Evader, Gut Health, Jack Gaby and many more. Benji and Alana from Tessellate Club join Milo on The Breakfast Spread for a round of Musical Chairs, tune in to hear songs from the artists that will be playing at '-TOPIA'.

Singer/songwriter and cellist Alice Hurwood creates charming folk-pop that shimmers with emotional depth. Writing songs that navigate love, longing, and self-discovery, Alice invites listeners into a world that feels both delicate and powerful. With her cello in hand, Alice Hurwood joins Lauren Plant on Down By The River to perform a couple of songs live to air, ahead of her show at River Folk Festival from October 2 - 4.

'This Parallel Dimension' is Dan Flynn's new album featuring his two sons, Sebastian Flynn on bass guitar and Euca Flynn on drums. While it's a proud dad moment, the record is a collection of some of Dan's most compelling work, propelled by a combination of masterful songwriting and youthful abandon. Crispi catches up with Dan on Radio City ahead of his album launch at Cross Street Music Hall in Brunswick on October 4.

Coming into Fang It! this Thursday for a stripped back live performance is local surf punk group Máquina Peligrosa. Translating to 'dangerous machine' in Spanish, Máquina Peligrosa are taking their raw, sweat-drenched energy and swagger to The Bergy Bandroom with Plaster of Paris, Pussy Horse and Hot Milk Machine on September 27. Tune in to hear about their new single, 'Intro Venus'. 

This morning on the Ports Of Paradise, Paul Bender (bassist and producer from Hiatus Kaiyote) will be dropping by to chat with Palmtree Paddy about his studio-based instrumental project The Sweet Enoughs. In 2020, The Sweet Enoughs released their first album of easy listening cinematic exotica called 'Marshmallow'. Tune in as they discuss their sophomore album 'Another Helping of The Sweet Enoughs'.

Local artist, producer and industry professional Xylo Aria will be stopping by Tiger Beats Elephant Grooves this weekend. Combining R&B, experimental and ambient tones to create a captivating soundscape, her musical journey sparked while accompanying her grandmother to classical Indian carnatic singing classes at the age of five. Tune in to hear about her new single 'About You', which features Eora/Sydney rapper Rotaris.

Tune in to Stars In The Static tonight for an intimate, live performance from local jazz guitarist and composer Matt Hoyne. His new album 'Furniture Music' comes out on October 6, and it's a collection of songs written specifically for listening at home on the stereo. Like well-designed furniture, this music is intended to provide comfort, offer respite from the busyness of everyday life, and elevate the experience of being at home. Listen in from 8pm to hear about Matt's new music.

This morning on the show, Paris Rebel Richens will be dropping by to share with Claire Dickson her harmonium-led, spiritually inspired project, P.P. Rebel. Largely inspired by Paramahansa Yogananda’s spiritual classic 'Autobiography of a Yogi', Paris began studying the Self-Realization Fellowship teachings in 2020 before becoming a Kriya Yogi (Kriyaban) and disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda in 2021. Tune in to hear a round of Musical Chairs from Paris.

For the second half of Boogie Beat Suite, MzRizk will be joined by Immy Owusu and his father, for a live, acoustic performance. Immy's new single 'Hard People' explores the impact of difficult individuals and the importance of protecting your peace whilst staying true to yourself. Musically dedicated to Immy's Grandfather and the Ghanaian 'Palm Wine Highlife' sound, the distinctive instrument in the track is the Frikywa thumb bell, a type of metal castanet that adds a rhythmic off beat. 

On September 25, Allysha Joy will be releasing her new single 'kiss it better'. Known for her solo work and as the front woman for 30/70, her husky soulful voice, formidable Fender Rhodes prowess and raw poeticism have garnered legions of attentive fans from all around the globe. Milo Eastwood catches up with Allysha Joy on The Breakfast Spread, tune in to hear about her latest music, and for a special, live in-studio performance. 

Locally based visual artist and author Pauline Bailey has got a new book coming out called 'Blues portrait Vol Six'. Recognised for her depictions of music venues, Pauline was awarded the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society’s Allan Stafford Award for Services to Blues Music. Tune in to hear about the book launch taking place at The Yorkshire Stingo on October 10, with live music from The Blow Out, Stingo’s resident house band, plus special guests from 3.30pm–9.30pm.

Local blues harmonica player and educator Matthew “Whalebone” White has been immersed in the blues for more than 15 years. As one half of Wilson & White, a popular acoustic and electric blues duo known for their authentic juke-joint sound, Matthew performs classic Chicago blues and stomps at venues across Victoria, bringing that same raw feel-for-the-music directly into the workshop room. Tune in to hear about his upcoming harmonic workshop at LVK Music on October 18.

Adelaide-based film writer/director Dario Russo will be joining Matt on Game Jams this Thursday morning. ​Having created, co-written, and directed the cult series 'Danger 5', the viral web series 'Italian Spiderman', Dario has just completed his debut live-action feature film, 'The Fox'. Dario joins Matt on Game Jams to chat about his work with Powerbomb Games on 'Pro Jank Footy'.

On the same day as his upstairs show at The Tote, Crispi will be catching up with Benny J Ward on Radio City. After years of playing in different bands and touring together, Benny J Ward and members of local garage-pop outfit Lava Fangs are uniting for a split 7" record. Drawing on a shared love of hook-heavy power pop, garage rock and underground guitar music, the split captures two artists whose paths have crossed countless times before finding their way onto the same record. 

'Mixed Light' is the latest and 8th album from Ned Collette, and the record flows freely between styles, genre-hopping and rollercoasting through moods. Sometimes delicate and dreamy then warm, dramatic and melancholy, it tumbles into rhythmic, almost psychedelic, melodic pop, before diving into a whirlpool of raucous and raw offerings. Today on Radio City, Crispi catches up with Ned about his new album, chatting about his 20+ year career.

For its fifteenth anniversary, Adalita has been performing her self-titled album in full, which marked the beginning of her remarkable solo journey. Raw, intimate, and emotionally fearless, the album struck a deep chord with listeners and remains one of the most beloved and influential Australian releases of its time. Michael Mulholland is joined by Adalita on Junkyard to chat about the record. 

At the John Curtin Hotel on October 24, Kilat will be returning home to launch their new album 'Tirai Niskala'. Across eight compositions, 'Tirai Niskala' is explored through visceral sonic landscapes, hyper blast beats, tremolo picked full spectrum guitar sonics and dense vocals, bringing atmosphere and invocation into collision with abrasive black metal. Kilat stops by Burning Bitumen to catch up with Kene. 

Dropping by The Breakfast Spread today is local instrumental quartet Surprise Chef. 'Frogs In A Pond' is their upcoming new album, and they'll be playing a stripped-back set of the songs from the record, live to air with Claire Dickson. Celebrated across the globe for their sound, their singles 'Inside Voice' and 'Outside Voice' offer a window into the cinematic world of the album, which is inspired in part by Italian giallo cinema and European film composers of the 1960s and ’70s.

US metalcore act Miss May I is set to release their 8th studio album 'No Place For Me' this October. Formed in 2007, the band currently consists of Levi Benton on vocals, Jerod Boyd on drums, Ryan Neff on bass, and Elisha Mullins on guitar. Tune in as Ryan chats with bassist Ryan Neff about how the band's lineup change has impacted the group, and their fond memories of performing at Knotfest Australia in 2024.

From rock blues singer to Greek songbird, Anthea 'Jewels' Sidiropoulos will be joining Helen Jennings on the show today. Born and raised in Naarm/ Melbourne, Anthea grew up surrounded by music that expressed and exposed a voice for human rights through diverse music genres. This early influence can be heard in her music in a unique and captivating way. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear about Anthea's new album. 

Back with a new cycle of whimsical stories and compositions, The Village Square will be heading to The Motley WhereHaus on October 17, as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Bringing together the captivating, madcap narration of Richard Piper and the creative chemistry of cellist Zoe Knighton and guitarist Robbie Melville, tune in this morning for some live contemporary folk tales filled with humour, longing, and beauty on Down By The River. 

Aotearoa/ New Zealand singer-songwriter Reb Fountain is bringing her new album 'Water for Gasoline' to Australia this October, playing at The Curtain on October 17. A record that confronts the challenges of our times while searching for light, beauty and connection amongst the noise, the album debuted at #1 in New Zealand. Ahead of her show in Melbourne, Crispi catches up with Reb Fountain on Radio City. 

Stopping by Radio City this afternoon is Dave Bowers, to discuss his show 'The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore – The Songs of Scott Walker', which is happening at Brunswick Ballroom on October 23 and Archies Creek on October 25. Musical director of the show, Stephen Hadley, will also be dropping in, chatting about the innovative and enduring songwriter Scott Walker, whose work inspired generations of musicians, from David Bowie, Brian Eno and Pulp to Radiohead and countless others. 

Two piece metal band from Naarm/Melbourne Dusk Cult will be coming on to Burning Bitumen this week. Forming in 2020, the band has a new EP out which they'll be chatting to Kene Lightfoot about. Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind the new EP, and when we can next expect to see them play live. 

Coming onto Global Village this Sunday is Salvatore Rossano of Santa Taranta. Having moved from Naarm/ Melbourne to Bellingen some time ago, the band have returned to take part in the Melbourne Italian Festa over the weekend of October 17 - 18, and to launch their new album. Tune in to hear about the new music they've been cooking up. 

The new album 'Flourish' from Ball Hanlon Schulz represents the growth of a musical collaboration. All three musicians are well versed in the art of improvisation, with diverse musical backgrounds from folk to early jazz, and classical. The music speaks of respect and joy immersed in the remarkable instrumental textures that can only be trumpet, double bass and accordion. Greg Sher brings the trio onto SITS for a live performance, and to chat about the new release.

With a back catalogue that spans pop, new-wave, punk, alt-rock and folk, Liam Snowy Halliwell is a creator at heart. With a long history in bands such as The Ocean Party and Snowy Band, Snowy leans into his sense of self as he unveils his new solo project under his real name, with the announcement of album 'Pure Joy'. Liam stops by Homebrew, tune in for an acoustic live performance from the local artist, and to hear about his new project. 

Local group SPAWN is joining Chris Pearson on the show today for a live session in Studio 3, and to chat about their recent hiatus. Forged over nine years, SPAWN’s 2025 record 'Light Rite' is a radiant rite of transformation. From the heavy mire of stoner doom to the celestial expanse of psychedelic rock, the record embodies raw authenticity and quiet humility. Listen in from 8pm to hear their live performance.