Interviews

With breathtaking musicianship, soaring vocals and cinematic arrangements, Thaikkudam Bridge has carved a global reputation as a genre-blending phenomenon. The collective seamlessly shifts from delicate ragas and Hindustani vocal passages to heavy guitar-driven climaxes, lush string sections and thunderous percussion, delivering a visceral and immersive live experience unlike any other. Playing at Northcote Theatre on March 7, tune in to hear Pradip catch up with the 15-member ensemble.

On Friday February 20, FCPE (Flora Carbo Percussion Ensemble) will bring her ensemble to Mamma Chen's in Footscray. A dynamic project inspired by community, electronic music and patience, FCPE focus on restraint, pulse, glitch and disintegration. Joining Greg Sher on Stars In The Static, tune in to hear about FCPE's upcoming show, joined by kindred musical spirits Bad Ambulance AV (Jack Palmer) and the premiere of The Department of Earthly Delights (Sofia Carbonara & Iran Sanadzadeh).

Discovered as a precocious 18-year-old and signed in 1968 by Japan's first independent record label, Sachiko Kanenobu is widely regarded as Japan’s first female folk-rock singer-songwriter. Having released her debut album 'Misora' in 1972 featuring a collection of ethereal folk gems, the album has since become a cult favourite among folk lovers worldwide. Now at age 77, Sachiko Kanenobu makes her debut to Australia. Tune in to hear Claire Dickson catch up with Sachiko while she's in town. 

Under the artist name Clariloops, Ruby Ester Mae creates immersive ambient music that weaves together synthesized electronic sounds and clarinet. Based in Naarm, she is a performer, producer, and educator whose practice is rooted in curiosity and mindfulness. Joining Lloyd Briggs on Deeep Space, tune in to hear about Clariloops' latest album 'Islands', improvisation at 'SIGNALS' (live).

Last year, Will Larsen dropped his album Confluence, his first release as a bandleader. The local saxophonist, arranger, and composer now gears up for his album launch at Tramway Hotel on February 22nd. Larsen visits PBS for a chat about the album on Mike Gurrieri's show Mystic Brew. Tune in from 9am on Tuesday to hear more.

Coming into Roots of Rhythm for the monthly segment 'Wordy Gurdy', Jackey Coyle and Helen Jennings chat about exceptional music and writing, scouring the past 100 years for rare and excellent blues, jazz, country, and more. Tune in from 9am to hear them analyse the best of the best.

‘Cataclysm’ is a poignant call for revolution of both politics and consciousness, conveyed through ten distinct songs written and produced by Zanias. Each piece of music inhabits its own aesthetic universe and rhythm, featuring elemental fusions of coldwave, italo disco, witchhouse, trance, breakbeats, hyperpop and a touch of drum and bass. Back in Melbourne for a visit, tune in as the Berlin-based artist joins Kristen Solury on BBHR for a chat about her recent album.

Brunswick Music Festival is taking place from March 1 - 8, and this year’s lineup is packed with both local and international artists, including Ganavya, Horns of Leroy, and FRENZEE, to name a few. Festival programmer and PBS' own MzRizk will join Milo Eastwood on The Breakfast Spread to chat about the festival, sharing music from the incredible artists who will be performing. Tune in to hear this Brunswick Music Festival edition of Musical Chairs.

The new album 'Banter' from local post-rock instrumental band Badinage is set for release this month, and Simon and Dave from the group will be stopping by Radio City to chat with Crispi about the release. Made up of Simon Capp (Rhythm Pigs, Blue Ruin), Dave Reid (Speedway, The Likely Lads) and Peter Cave (Negatives, Raconteurs), the new album was recorded and produced by Phill Calvert (The Boys Next Door/The Birthday Party, Psychedelic Furs, Blue Ruin). Tune in to hear their new music.

The British post-punk band The Horrors are returning to Australia for their first headline tour in 14 years. Their sixth studio album, 'Night Life', sees The Horrors shapeshifting into a new form with a fresh sonic outlook and line up. Known for the way they roam freely between genres, The Horrors have consistently reinvented their sound. Tune in to Junkyard as Michael Mulholland catches up with lead vocalist Faris about the band's upcoming show at Northcote Theatre on April 12.

An expansive selector and producer, Fantastic Man has a catalogue of music that has consistently evolved through a myriad of genres and emotions over the years. From dreamy, new age balearia, to the chuggiest of nuggets, to sitting on the galactic borderlines of house and trance, Fantastic Man's music has that warm vintage feel with a wholly contemporary take. Joining Edd Fisher on Tomorrowland, tune in to hear Fantastic Man's beats, along with his show at Solace on February 27.

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.

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.

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 as Milo catches up with Drifting Clouds ahead of their show at Northcote Theatre on February 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. 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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.