Interviews

Founder of the charity party WHOMP and psychedelic party MAGICK, ANNX is known for her driving psych-rhythms and seductive, hypnotic beats within the trance, prog, and deep-techno space. Playing regularly at underground parties across the UK and beyond, ANNX is inspired by the cities and dancefloors she’s lived in and explored. Tune in to Passing Notes as the UK-based DJ joins Penny for a special edition of the show.

2-time Grammy Award winning American roots music, Jim Lauderdale is coming to Victoria next month, performing at Port Fairy Folk Festival in March. With a list of accolades - including induction into the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame - Lauderdale’s music has been woven into the fabric since the early 90s, when his twin careers as critically acclaimed recording artist and hit songwriter kicked into high gear. Tune in as Myles catches up with Jim.

Georgian ethnomusicologist Dr Gia Bagashvili is visiting Melbourne this month to present a lecture and concert about Georgian folklore and folksong: 'Georgia: Cradle of Wine and Polyphony'. Dropping in to the Global Village, Roger Holdsworth and Dr Gia Bagashvili will discuss the unique polyphonic singing in Georgia, illustrating its variations.

Passionate torchbearer of traditional Greek music, particularly Smyrneika - Estudiantina of Melbourne are about to launch their new album 'Ta Nisia' (The Islands) at Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday 15th March. Maria Antaras-Dalamagas and Christina Bachiella from the ensemble drop in to the Global Village to talk about the new direction of music which is inspired by the sunny Greek islands, and to share some of the tunes in advance of the launch.

This morning on Deeep Space, Lloyd Briggs will be joined by Naarm-based artist Rafet. Growing up between Australia and his family village of Miniara in North Lebanon, Rafet has always had a deep interest in maqamat and traditional Arabic music. Playing his first live performance since releasing on Research Records, tune in to hear about his show at Brunswick Ballroom on March 5, as part of the Brunswick Music Festival.

Stopping by Homebrew this afternoon for an acoustic, in-studio live session is Maggie Alley. Blending dark folk with raw rock energy, she creates music that is as haunting as it is powerful. Maggie Alley and her band have just released a new single, which she'll be chatting about on Homebrew with Brooke. Tune in for some gritty folk and atmospheric rock, that’s both intense and electrifying.  

US based guitarist Marisa Anderson is stopping by The Breakfast Spread this morning, joining Claire Dickson for an exclusive, electric guitar performance. Channeling the history of the guitar and stretching the boundaries of tradition, her playing is fluid, emotional, and masterful, featuring compositions and improvisations that re-imagine the landscape of music. Tune in to hear about Marisa's first Australian tour, along with her show at Merri Creek Tavern on February 24.

The musical journey of Bakri evolved from personal refuge to professional discipline at the University of Wollongong Television and the ABC. Shaped by Naarm’s dancefloors, he bridges technical research with physical intuition. This guest mix appearance is a spiritual homecoming, uncovering subconscious Sudanese rhythms. Tune in to Dounya for Bakri's blend of foundational jazz and classical with new-age funk and Afrobeats, exploring themes of hospitality and longing, through a third-culture lens.

To kick start Underground Love this week, Jordan will be joined by local artist Hannah Kate. Their debut LP ‘Whatever Weather’ just came out this month, and the 9-track album provides a refreshing take on the indie genre - piloted by frontwoman Hannah Wales’ natural energy and matched only by her band’s post-punk to psych-rock output. Bringing along their guitar to play a couple of live songs in studio, tune in to hear about the album launch show taking place at The Tote on February 28.

Local band Public Figures are about to play at Golden Plains and go on their first ever tour. After a blistering hot 2025 that introduced them to the world, the uncompromising project of longtime collaborators Evie Vlah and Gigi Argiro, have carved out a lane all on their own - punk with purpose, earworms at every turn, and songs that swing between identity, power, and resistance with explosive honesty. Tune in to hear about their new EP 'Figure It Out!'

Mid last year, Drifting Clouds released their debut single, ‘Bawuypawuy’, and it's been a favourite of the station ever since. The solo project of Yolngu musician Terry Guyula, ‘Bawuypawuy’ is a modern adaptation of a millennia old Songline passed from generations, blending tradition with Guyula’s eclectic musical style and sung in his first language: Liyawulma’mirr-Djambarrpuyngu. Tune in for a stripped back performance from Drifting Clouds, ahead of their show at Northcote Theatre on Feb 28.

Local guitarist Geoff Achison and UK saxophonist Tom Waters will be embarking on their 'Brush with the Blues' tour this February and March, showcasing blues, country, rock, funky jazz and folk. Each bringing their own catalogue of original music, along with some classic roots gems, Helen catches up with the duo ahead of their show at Brunswick Ballroom on February 28. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear a special live performance from Geoff Achison and Tom Waters.

Tune in to Jumpin' The Blues as Tom Sianidis is joined by Gary Jones and Dave Brewer. They'll be chatting about 'Kickin' The B' at Bar 303 - an upcoming show on February 26 featuring Clayton Doley, a widely regarded Hammond organists and powerhouse of the international blues and soul scene. Joining Clayton on the night will be Dave Brewer on guitar and Hamish Stuart on drums.

Cosmic funk groovers Jerry are celebrating the release of their debut album 'The Lodge', with a launch show and all-star cast performing at Northcote Social Club. An excursion through funk, jazz, dance, and cosmic sounds with most tracks written at Jerry’s birthplace, a lodge in an unassuming suburb of Melbourne. Jerry’s unmistakably electric live performance drifts between super deep and super funky, with an intention to make you move. Tune in to hear about their show on February 28.

For his first ever show in Australia, UK EBM/industrial artist Matt Hart is in town for a live performance at The Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood on February 27.  Matt Hart's music and live shows seamlessly blend the essence of industrial legends, harsh electro, and the emerging dark synth gods, heralding the future sound of 3808. The London artist stops by Bleeding Black Hearts Revue, tune in to hear about Matt Hart's show, along with a guest mix of EBM/Dark Electro tunes. 

With a Grammy nomination, international tours, and currently touring with Ed Sheeran, Irish band Beoga are back in Australia. The five-piece, celebrated for their fusion of Irish traditional music with contemporary pop and folk influences, have earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting and genre-blurring acts. Members of the band will be joining Lauren Plant - tune in to hear an intimate live performance on Down By The River.

Basement Spaceman is back with a new album and a highly visual show at the Wesley Anne on March 14. The record 'Apollo 17 (3 days on the moon)' tells the epic story of the final Apollo mission using visuals direct from the NASA archives. Unique storytelling, widescreen atmospheric tones and retro beats, you can expect a truly captivating show from Basement Spaceman on March 14. Tune in to Radio City as Crispi catches up with front man Andy about the new record and album release show.

Tune in to Swinging Doors this Thursday as Ernie spends some time with Oklahoma, USA country musician Kaitlin Butts. After discovering her passion for performing as a little girl, the Tulsa native brings her boundless energy and radiant voice to her own unapologetic yet soulful songwriting. Currently on tour with Lainey Wilson and playing at Rod Laver Arena this month, tune in to hear how she’s enjoyed her trip to Australia so far.

Writing songs about three things only: pizza, death, and death by pizza, local band Pizza Death’s music is a mix of thrash and early ’80s hardcore punk. Their 2024 album 'Reign of the Anticrust' won the Best Heavy Work award at the 2024 Music Victoria Awards, and they’re about to release a new album. Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear about their upcoming release, 'World Doughmination'.

Local brass band Horns of Leroy are back in their original stomping ground ready for a show at Brunswick Ballroom on March 8, as part of Brunswick Music Festival. Since 2013, Horns of Leroy has built a reputation on insatiable energy and strong foundations – performing everywhere from the MCG to Splendour in the Grass, Dark Mofo to Hamer Hall. Andrew Young brings the band onto Saturday on Jazz, tune in to hear about their recent endeavors. 

During the 1950s, the Melbourne folk scene was thriving. A new exhibition is dedicated to the Lumsden Family who were involved in folk singing, recording stories and putting on some of the first gatherings of the Melbourne folk revival. Tune in to the Global Village as exhibition curator, Alex Ettling, joins Roger to chat about an associated concert in Footscray on March 7, featuring folk artists: David Lumsden, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Margret RoadKnight, and The O’Hanlons.

This Labour Day long weekend, 'ABSORBED V' takes over Miscellania for three days of ecstatic, hopeful, and boundless music. The stacked lineup features a range of DJs and live acts, including Bridget Small and Henry Guala, Mioko Shiga (JPN), Tangerine (live), and Michael Kucyk. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread as Michael Kucyk joins Claire Dickson to chat about the festival.

On March 6 at The Creature Bar in Brunswick, local grunge group Howling Mountain will release their new single ’Numb Blooded’. Finding a distinct sound from the freedom of stoner rock and dirty blues, the music is reminiscent of the brutal honesty of those styles, with the flesh and bone that a determined three piece can only deliver. Chris Pearson catches up with the band on Pojama People ahead of their show.

Tonight on Tyrannocoreus, Ryan will be interviewing Greg Burgess, lead guitarist for US melo tech group Allegaeon. Having just released 'The Ossuary Lens’, they’ll be chatting about the reception their new album has received, and how vocalist Ezra Haynes has joined the band once again. Tune in to hear about their Australian headline tour, playing in Naarm on March 8 at The Corner Hotel.

Chain, the originators of ‘Oz-Blues’, present an evening that includes their hits from the early 70's through to recent albums, all delivered with the energy and cohesion they are known and loved for. Founding member of the band, Phil Manning, has had an impressive career as a guitarist and catches up with Helen ahead of the shows. Tune in to Roots Of Rhythm as they discuss the performances going down at Memo Music Hall on March 7 and 8.

Following the successful release of their self-titled debut album in 2024, PepperCreek Revival and Kelly Auty embarked on a new creative journey together, releasing their sophomore album 'It's all Been Said'. The ten-track album weaves together themes of life’s journeys, embracing Australian roots and rock while exploring both joyful and challenging personal relationships inspired by the music the band has admired over the years. Barry Hills and Kelly Auty join Helen to chat about the record.

Renowned in city pubs and regional halls for their country-soul, rock’n’roll boogie and high-energy performances, the Danny Walsh Banned are about to launch their new album 'No Monument' at Shotkickers on March 22. With singles like 'Emu War' and 'Mousetrap', the new album dives deep into Australian folklore and untold stories, expanding their sonic horizons and featuring a lineup of guest artists including Kylie Auldist, Davey Lane and Dave Graney. Tune in as Crispi catches up with Danny Walsh.

Extreme doom band Mammon's Throne have just signed with Hammerheart Records and will be launching their third and largest opus to date ‘My Body to the Worms’ at the Leadbeater Hotel on March 14. Atmospheric metallers Aquilus will make a rare live performance to celebrate - their first show since their European tour. Joining Kene on Burning Bitumen, tune in to hear about their new album ‘My Body to the Worms’.

Tune in to Boogie Beat Suite as MzRizk is joined by Derya Yıldırım and Grup Şimşek for a Studio 5 Live performance. Produced by Grammy-winning Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) and backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Şimşek, their latest album, 'Yarın Yoksa', is a standout record that challenges genre with a powerful message. Led by Derya Yıldırım - who sings and plays the bağlama (a seven-stringed Turkish lute), tune in to hear the band's psychedelic meets Anatolian folk music.

The Geelong Jazz and Blues Festival exists to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of jazz and blues music, while inspiring new generations through live performance over two vibrant days in the city of Geelong. With over 40+ performances and 5 venues, festival treasurer and president Paul Brooke catches up with Helen. Tune in to hear more about the two day festival, taking place on March 14 and 15.

Formed by four friends, Alabama group Mountain Grass Unit are bringing their bluegrass to Australia for the first time. Playing at Northcote Social Club on March 11, their latest EP 'Runnin’ From Trouble' (2024), shows their radiant energy and fearless musicianship. With a sound that draws from bluegrass tradition but fearlessly weaving in country, jazz, funk, rock and even metal, tune in to Southern Style to hear their lightning-fast picking, and a whole lotta twang live in-studio. 

Iron & Wine, the moniker of singer/songwriter and film studies lecturer Sam Beam, returns to Australia for the first time since 2018 – this time as soloist in a captivating run of shows. Known for his deeply burnished vocals, keen melodic sensibility, and introspective, free-flowing lyrical point of view, Iron & Wine is one of the preeminent artists and collaborators of the first wave of indie folk. Tune in as Myles catches up with Iron & Wine after his Studio 5 Live performance.

Local duo Zoltan Fecso and Anna Morley are about to release their debut collaborative album 'Desire Path' on Sydney's Oxtail Recordings on March 27. A collection of atmospheric duets for vibraphone and synthesiser, the album was recorded live and unedited. Tune in to Deeep Space as they join Lloyd to chat about their upcoming east-coast tour with shows in Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.