Interviews

Uniting the worlds of traditional African instruments with modern-day production techniques drawing inspiration from genres such as reggae, dub, electronica, jazz, drum & bass, dub and gnaoua. Drummer, N’goni Fola and multi-instrumentalist Julian BelBachir calls in to Flight 1067 to Africa to talk about his debut album 'Babdoukkala.'

Born out of a cross state remote collaboration during lockdowns, Mess Esque is the newish pairing of the Dirty Three's Mick Turner and Brisbane artist Helen Franzmann. The duo, who recorded their first 2 albums before ever meeting in person, are set to follow the release of their second album, the self titled Mess Esque, with a small run of shows in Victoria. Ahead of their gig in Archies Creek on Thursday night, Helen and Mick visit PBS to play a couple of live tunes on The Breakfast Spread.

Last year, Minneapolis-flavoured Melbourne funksters Lake Minnetonka released their second album, House Arrest, a 10-track funk noir odyssey that's finally getting the launch party it deserves. Bandleader, pianist and composer, and PBS's Black Wax announcer Adam Rudegeair drops in on The Afterglow to tell Lyndelle the story behind the album and how it's all going to play out at the launch on May 7 at The Night Cat.

The Blues Train gets ready to take its commuters along the scenic heritage Bellarine Railway, offering them a fresh blues inspired meal and four amazing live blues & roots entertainers on board. Founder and former PBS announcer Hugo T Armstrong drops in to the station for a fun chat with Helen about whom will be on the train this year.

Exploring the most iconic and memorable moments in the history of Geelong/Melbourne independent and punk rock music scene through the experiences of the bands and fans who created it, 'BORED! This was Geelong' is a celebration of both the seminal band and Geelong independent music scene from 1977 onwards. Author Maree Robertson calls in to State of the Art to talk about the book and growing up around the Geelong scene.

Singer-songwriter Jess Ribeiro is a finalist in the Environmental Music Prize, the world’s first music prize that celebrates artists inspiring action on climate and conservation. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear from Jess about her song, which is one of 24 songs that have been selected from over 200 entries, and about the prize and the important issues it raises.

Composer Jessica Lindsay Smith is putting the final touches on her experimental opera 'Esoteric,' ahead of its premiere at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute on May 20th. Drawing together visual art, choreography, contemporary art music, and improvisation, 'Esoteric' is a one act opera that responds to societal indifference to climate change. Tune in to The Modernist to hear Jessica chat with Cas about her multi-sensory debut.

New Zealand alt-metal band Devilskin is hitting our shores for their first ever headline Australian tour. Bassist and songwriter Paul Martin chats to Chris Pearson about the tour and Devilskin's upcoming gig at Max Watts this Saturday night.

Sydney duo Astrodeath are bringing their special flavour of heavy sludge-grunge to Melbourne when they play Cherry Bar this Saturday night. Frontman Tim Lancken chats with Chris Pearson about the gig and his band's newest single 'Ceremonial Blood'. Tune in to Pojama People from 8pm.

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets present their latest collection of warped and vibrant ideas on their fifth studio album, Night Gnomes, this year's follow up to their 2021 acclaimed record SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound. Tune in to Pojama People to hear from songwriter Jack McEwan about how the band have been pushing more sonic boundaries on this new album.

Thanks to Music Victoria, Creative Victoria and On The Road Again a collection of deliciously talented, exceptionally cool and fun bands are heading to the seaside on May 7 for a full afternoon and evening of live music across 2 stages at Singing Bird Studios in Frankston. Band booker Juliette Lalli comes into the studio to talk to Jordan about the festival.

On May 3rd, EWAH presents 'Finding Paradise', a film set to the music of EWAH & The Vision of Paradise including a Q&A with filmmakers Emma Waters (EWAH) and Tess Campbell at Thornbury Picture House. The film takes the opportunity to rearrange some of the band's songs, weaving in narrative and textural sounds recorded on location in remote Tasmania. Ahead of the Melbourne screening, EWAH drops in for a chat on Homebrew about bring 'Finding Paradise' across the Bass Strait.

One of Australia's most highly-regarded musicians, Luke Howard composes music that stretches from contemporary classical to textural electronic, theatre and film scores through to ethereal jazz. To celebrate the release of his new solo album 'All of Us' on Mercury KX, Luke drops in to chat with Milo about the record and to play a solo piece live-to-air in PBS' studio 1.

Reservoir Stomp is heading to the Kingsbury Bowls Club this Saturday for a massive afternoon of music in the ol' 3073 postcode. Tune in to Stone Love to hear drummer Alice Edgeley from spa country/spaghetti goth outfit Imperial Leather chat to Richie1250 about the event's fabulous line-up as well the barefoot bowling, and local food and drink vendors you'll expect to see on the day.

To celebrate Penny Ikinger's illustrious career, Michael Mulholland chats with this singular artist about what it means to still be making music more than four decades on. Beginning with music from Wet Taxis and then playing tracks from her various solo releases, including Songs From The Deep, Electra, Penelope and her most recent album Tokyo, this promises to be a very special episode of Junkyard.

Punk superstars Private Function are recording some new songs at Sunset Pig Records just around the corner from Collingwood Yards. Frontman Chris Penney takes a little break from the session to drop in to PBS for a chat with Ruari about his band's upcoming performance at Reservoir Stomp this Saturday. Tune in to Fang It! from 5pm to hear more.

Hailing from Rye, Doe St. is a foursome that melds slackened Aussie jangle with a bit of punk grit and gravel. Their debut self-titled album is described as 'a batch of songs compiled between friends during down time over 2021,' and is set for launch at The B.East on May 7 with support from Phil & The Tiles and Mutual Colour. Lead vocalist Tom Duell calls in on Radio City to chat with Crispi about the making of the album.

Naarm/Melbourne-based producer Harvey Sutherland's new album 'Boy' is a hypermodern take on funk music, featuring a string of special guests and hotshot Melbourne session musicians. Ahead of its release this Friday via Clarity Recordings and Virgin Music Australia, Harvey drops in to PBS to play Musical Chairs with Milo and to chat about 'Neurotic Funk,' his upcoming immersive, one-off live show in partnership with RISING and Melbourne Recital Centre.

Since 2016, Würst Nürse have been the world’s best and only nurse punk band. 'I’m Not Your Punching Bag' is their first single taken from their forthcoming EP 'THE WÜRST NÜRSE CÜRSE,' which they will be launching at the Gasometer Hotel on May 7. Tune in to Shock Treatment to hear the story behind the single.

Set in Minnesota in 1934, 'Girl From the North Country' is a musical that's taken the theatrical world by storm. It centres on a community living on a knife-edge in the local guesthouse and features over 20 beautifully reimagined Bob Dylan songs. TAcclaimed actor Terry Crawford, who plays The Narrator, rings in to State of the Art to talk to Annika about this critically acclaimed and multi award-winning play.