Interviews

Committed digger, dancefloor filler and celebrated BBC6Music broadcaster Deb Grant is one of this year's key international guest speakers at BIGSOUND. Ahead of her trip down under in September, Deb has a captivating conversation with Elle Young about her journey of discovery and deep love for emerging artists.

Creating honest art that touches audiences is the drive behind Ella Ion's music. Hailing from Kaurna land, Ion is a is an alternative folk-rock singer/songwriter who has been playing in an array of local bands since she was 15, and was inspired after picking up classical guitar at 10, by world, folk, post-rock and jazz music. Drawing on influences of indie-rock, folk and country, her eloquent lyricism and masterful musical control delivers a cacophony of raw emotion, anchored by grit and heart.

Tune in to The Sound Barrier this weekend to hear composer, conductor, violist, and programmer Aaron Wyatt, and composer-percussionist Louise Devenish chat with Ian Parsons about their work. In collaboration with composer Kate Milligan, the live performance ‘Dark Oceanography’ explores the life of vulnerable oceans through immersive percussion and electronics, premiering at the Monash Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, 27 July.

Australian composer Wally Gunn and Homophonic! artistic director Miranda Hill join Ian on The Sound Barrier to chat about the Australian premiere of Wally’s oratorio 'Moonlite', taking place at Fitzroy Town Hall on Saturday, July 26. Scored for voices, percussion, and viola, the work tells the queer love story of 19th-century bushrangers Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt.

Renowned for their boundary-defying compositions and instrumental virtuosity, Koi Kingdom’s third and most ambitious self-titled album delves into themes of friendship, loss, grief, rebirth, and joy. Showcasing a unique musical connection and shared creative vision, the group features guitarist Marcos Villalta, bassist Stephen Hornby, and award-winning saxophonist Cheryl Durongpisitkul. Tune in for a special performance from Cheryl, ahead of the band’s show at the Kew Court house on July 25.

Professor Emeritus Michael Atherton AM joins Roger to discuss his newly released autobiography, ‘Never Miss a Beat’. An accomplished composer, writer, and educator from Sydney, Atherton has been a pioneering force in Australian inter- and cross-cultural music. From self-taught guitarist to founding member of seminal groups Sirocco and Southern Crossings, his work has shaped the sonic landscape of a grassroots multicultural music movement in the Naarm pub scene.

Creator of Amalgamod cases, Aeon Hakyavik will be making a special live performance appearance on Electric Sunset. A hidden gem of electronic dance music, this talented artist will bring a live music experience based on rhythm and mood. His sound loosely described as electro, dub, and techno with no fixed style. Tune in from 10pm on Saturday for this sonic take over.

Born in Hamilton, Victoria, and now based in the enchanting coastal town of Port Fairy, Fleur’s artistic roots trace back to her studies in sculpture, performance, and installation at the Sydney College of the Arts, where she explored themes of self-determinism and freedom. Influenced by Cat Power, Sharon Van Etten, and Fiona Apple, Fleur’s music blends cosmic country, alt-country rock, and indie pop with a distinctive touch. Tune in to 5ft High and Rising to hear about Fleur's upcoming shows.

Known for their compelling songs and wildly entertaining performances, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen will be playing at the Brunswick Ballroom on July 18. Since forming in November 2000, the band have gone on to earn widespread acclaim, from headlining at the Sydney Opera House to sold-out shows on London’s West End, and playing major arts and music festivals nationally and internationally. The quintet stop by Ports of Paradise, tune in to hear them perform live.

A happy new face in the Naarm selector circuit, Sammy Sanchez has a penchant for downtempo grooves and a cheeky appetite for the 90s and early 2000s. A versatile DJ with great taste, Sammy drops in to PBS for a guest mix on the Wheels of Steel where she shares some of her recent favourites.

The Australian cosmic cowboy and interstellar troubadour Ben Mastwyk is fast approaching launch time for the release of his fourth album, 'Let Me At The Night', on July 18. Mastwyk's latest single is the title track, capturing the restless spirit of someone yearning to break free from isolation and return to the vibrant nightlife they once knew. Bringing in his acoustic guitar, tune in to Swinging Doors for some live, heartfelt country ballads from Ben Mastwyk.

Sean McMahon of The Owls stops by Radio City ahead of the band's stacked weekend of shows: Merri Creek Tavern on August 1, Tanswell's Hotel in Beechworth on August 2, and the Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on August 3. With over a decade of writing, recording and performing, Sean has honed his craft as a musician who weaves poetic lyricism with timeless sounds inspired by classic vintage folk, rock and cosmic country. The frontman chats to Crispi about The Owls' latest offering, 'Gilded Morning'.

Eora's Bryan Estepa joins Crispi on Radio City, diving into his latest release 'I See It Now', out June 27 via Lilystars Records. With over two decades in the Australian independent music scene, Estepa has built a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and rich melodic craft. Across seven acclaimed studio albums and countless tours through Australia, Europe, the US, Japan and the Philippines, he’s quietly carved out a legacy as “one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.”

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Mandy Connell is passionate about the breadth of folk music, working on solo projects as well as with larger bands such as the Stray Hens, where she reworks contemporary and trad folk ballads. Beyond performance and production, Mandy hosts a YouTube series called 'An Otherwise Quiet Room', presenting insightful interviews and showcasing musicians in unique social spaces. The diverse artist comes in to chat with Lauren about her dynamic show and career.

The Maes bring contemporary folk, lush harmonies and acoustic mastery to Down By The River for a few live tracks followed by an interview with Lauren. Born in Victoria Australia, the sisters grew up emersed in a melting pot of music from around the world washed up on stolen land. The Maes are outstanding live, with engaging storytelling and spinetingling harmonies. With echoes of Gillian Welch and The Waifs, there is a timeless luminescence and simplicity to the sound of Maggie and Elsie Rigby.

Synth ambassadors Birdsnake create their own brand of psychedelic infused downtempo electronica, exploring the line between digital and organic. Since their 2023 debut EP 'Birdsnake Begins', they've been busy playing at musical festivals across the country, and supported Pachyman on his recent visit. Stopping by The Breakfast Spread for a round of Musical Chairs with Milo, tune in to hear about their new single 'Rare Amulet', along with their show at The Curtain Hotel on July 26.

Formed in Brisbane in the early noughts by a group of friends at an open mic night, The Gin Club has since gone on to release five full length albums featuring their blend of folk-rock, alt-country and indie. With songwriting and singing duties shared among all ten members, the tour will happily coincide with the 20th anniversary of the 2005 release of the group’s sophomore album 'Fear of the Sea'. Lyndelle catches up with Ben Salter, tune in to hear about their show at The Curtain on July 19.

Burning B3 Trio is the spirited combination of Liam Kealy's Hammond b3 organ and Sammy Owen's Stratocaster, together with Tony Martin on drums. From blazing jump blues to sizzling slow blues and everything in-between, Owen and Kealy play a true "Hammond trio, traditional blues show" in every sense. Turn up the dial and settle in for an afternoon performance with all the hues of the rhythm and blues.

Tom Somerville's music career was fated. Having played with his father Peter Somerville in The Burning Bridges, covering bluegrass and old time, as well as an expanding catalogue of original songs, Tom's musicality has been a longstanding family affair. Performing since 2012, The Burning Bridges appear regularly at national festivals and at venues across Naarm with two albums to date and another on the way. As a young fiddler, Tom's current forte is traditional Appalachian music.

Tune in to Roots of Rhythm for ‘Wordy-Gurdy’, Part II of ‘John Campbell: The Greatest Guitarist You’ve Never Heard Of’. Having checked out his idiosyncratic take on other people’s songs in Part I, Helen and Jackey will explore more of his songwriting and production, spotlighting his original songs. Listen in for more great stories of John’s incredible life, as he shook up the blues scene of the 1980s and '90s with his fiery guitar work and formidable vocals.