Interviews

Known for her innovative approach to contemporary music and her ability to blend various art forms, Irish composer, performer and multimedia artist Jennifer Walshe performs her 2017 work “Is It Cool To Try Hard Now?” as part of This Hideous Replica, a program of performances, talks, workshops, screenings and an exhibition happening across Naarm this August to September. Jennifer speaks to Ian about her performance at The Capitol on September 5.

Led by Alana’s wild violin, Vardos is the Naarm-based, all-female trio playing lively folk music. On September 14, the trio are putting on a show to pay tribute to the rich legacy of Eastern European women musicians, honouring those who have inspired the eclectic sound of Vardos. Tune into Global Village for a dance-filled, live performance from the trio, and a chat with Roger about their upcoming show at the Melbourne Recital Centre

ARIA-nominated, multi-award-winning lutruwita-based artist, activist, author and proud Warnindhilyagwa woman hailing from Groote Eylandt & Milyakburra/Bickerton Island Emily Wurramara shares her long-awaited second studio album NARA via ABC Music. Ahead of a string of national shows in November, including Queenscliff Music Festival, Emily stopped by PBS for an intimate conversation with Kerryn Fields. Tune in to Suzi Hutchings' Subway Sounds to hear the interview and a live song from Emily.

Led by guitarist and vocalist Ripley Johnson (Wooden Shjips, Moon Duo), country psychedelic rockers Rose City Band will grace Australian shores for the first time in October. Myles speaks to Ripley about their tour, Out On The Weekend and their latest album 'Garden Party.'

Label manager of Southern Exposure Records, Nick Ure joins Bridget Small on Tomorrowland for a guest mix.

Six-piece Melbourne band Sweet Talk has a passion for Americana music, classic songwriting, and improvised jams. Their single ‘Warm Love’ hit #44 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplays, and their single ‘Real Good Cooking’ came out this May. Tune into Swinging Doors as the band stops by to spin some yarns with Ernie.

Dandenong Ranges husband and wife duo Fallow Fields write raw, alt-country music, portraying the complexities of love and life, fearlessly laying bare their hearts for all to see. From moments of blissful joy to heartbreaking despair, their songs capture the full spectrum of human experience with a vulnerability that is as brave as it is beautiful. Rachel and Danna Simmons come into Radio City to chat with Crispi about their debut album Rocky Head Road, out this August 26.

Queenie is the trash queen alter-ego of Melbourne musician Eloise Thetford whose debut record, New Moult, has been selected as PBS Feature Album. Last month, the fearless performer played a riveting set at the PBS Swinging City OB at The Corner as parts of Leaps and Bounds. She now comes in to our studios to have an intimate conversation with Crispi about her new album. Tune in to Radio City on Thursday from 1pm.

Earlier this month, PBS featured local multi-instrumentalist Darvid Thor's debut record In The Space You Carry. A shedding of skin that leans into the cinematic and orchestral spaces within the indie and alternative music idioms, the record sees Darvid's evolution in songwriting. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear Darvid play a round of Musical Chairs as he pays homage to some of the music that inspired his beautiful album.

This month Steve Purcell and the Jumpin' the Blues All Stars return to PBS for a unique live-to-air session. Joining the regular band will be the smoky, roots-infused vocals of Yolanda Ingley II alongside some tasty blues violin from Varvara Vakhrameeva. Tune in from 2pm for the very best live blues you'll hear on radio anywhere in Melbourne.

Dryden Mitchell is the vocalist for Californian rock band Alien Ant Farm. ‘Smooth Criminal’ and ‘Movies’ are a few of their biggest tunes, and their latest album ‘mAntras’ has just been released. Tune into Tyrannocoreus as Ryan chats with Dryden about the bands Australian tour next year with CKY, and an interesting insight into the band's history.

Emerging onto the scene with fierce, Metalcore determination, Silver Fang are a force to be reckoned with. Their debut EP ‘Labyrinth’ has just dropped, and brings together elements of gothic, metalcore, and electronic music. Lead vocalist Stephanie Jessica Rose and guitarist Jesse Abdurazak come into Tyrannocoreus to chat with Ryan about their EP and upcoming tour with Heartline.

Known for giving a visceral musical experience and living for their art, the pubs, the booze, the endless highways and the blues, Child have announced a month-long residency at The Cherry Bar before jetting off for a European tour. Tune in to Pojama People from 9pm to hear Chris chat with the band.

G Town (Geelong) riff jammers Smoke Witch call in to Pojama People to talk about their new single and upcoming show at the Barwon Club supporting Grim Rhythm on August 30.

Melbourne-based artist Rowena Wise is an indie-folk songwriter, inspired by poetry and storytelling. Her debut album ‘Senseless Acts of Beauty’ showcases her wispy, powerful vocals making the listening experience as if the storytelling is being delivered by a close friend. Tune in as Rowena comes in for a special Studio 5 performance on Underground, and a chat with Jordan about the new album.

Musician, historian and author John Boothroyd drops into Southern Style on August 27th to play live-in-studio and to discuss the recent release of “Tell it to me”, a collection of recordings he made with his first wife Juanita some 50 years ago. The original recordings were mainly from live concert venues including the 1973 Australian Folk Festival. Pieter Groenveld of the Netherlands record label, Strictly Country, considered them worthy of preservation and the result is this excellent album.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival returns from the 18th to the 27th of October with another impressive line-up of international superstars and incredible Australian artists. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear from Hadley Agrez, CEO & Program Director at MIJF, when he chats with Milo about the many events and performances enlivening the streets, concert halls, and intimate clubs of our city this October.

Cong Josie is back with his eagerly anticipated sophomore album 'Moto Zone.' Pushing even deeper into his craft, Moto Zone's energy gets bolder, harder and sleazier conjuring the age of rock ’n’ roll, motorcycle gangs and hot rods, leather, chains, backcombing and hair pomade, with an Aussie twist on greaser ‘cool.' Mastermind of Cong Josie, Nic Oogjes catches up with Elle about 'Moto Zone.' Tune in to Headhunters from 6:30pm to hear their conversation.

Owelo Dreamhouse intertwine the complexities of cultural heritage and identity with cinematic soul, psychedelia and Afrobeat grooves on their new single 'Africa BaBa.' Tune in to Headhunters on Monday to hear Nkechi and Nic talk about the single and upcoming launch.

Delivery returns from a tour of Europe for their first Australian headline shows since the release of their 2022 debut album ‘Forever Giving Handshakes.’ Scarlett and Jordan join Brooke on Homebrew to talk about their Melbourne show at The Curtin Hotel on August 31.