Interviews

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).

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).

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.

TEK TEK are back after a one-year hiatus, and after some in-depth workouts, are ready to shimmer away with two jam-packed, exotically-perfumed sets of sweaty disco, psychedelic chicha, surf, exotica and sleazy jazz at The Tote on February 21. Joining them on the night will be wild 7-piece disco funk outfit, China Beach, plus some banging sets in between provided by PBS’s own prima donna, Emma Peel. Tune in to Stone Love as members of the band join Richie 1250 to play some live music. 

Overdressed punks who play original soul, calypso, New Orleans and old school RnB music, JAZZPARTY are kicking off 2026 in fine style, launching their brand new single 'Not Human' at Howler on February 27.  A family band full of misfits who like heavy rhythm with tightrope improvisation, the band will be joining Richie 1250 on Stone Love. Tune in for some loud, big energy jazz, performed live from JAZZPARTY. 

After two years away, Prague’s Harmony Records return to Naarm for a special collaboration with Weaver at Solace on February 20. Making the journey from a snow-covered EU, Harmony residents Alfred Czital and Ayū present their live set, joined by past collaborators Mabel and Georgia Bird (b2b Baby G), Weaver’s own suki, and Vortex head miscmeg. Joining Edd Fisher on Tomorrowland, tune in for some dance floor beats from Ayū. 

Psych-garage punk trio The Jackets are in the city for a bunch of shows, and Phil catches up with singer and guitarist Jackie Brutsche about their new album 'Essentials'. Hailing from Bern, Switzerland, The Jackets are known for their ferocious blend of fuzz-soaked garage rock, raw punk energy and warped psychedelia. Frontwoman Jackie Brutsche commands the stage with a fearless, high-voltage live performance, while the band’s no-frills approach has earned them cult status across the globe.

Tasmanian folk troubadour Zac Henderson is rolling through town this February for his 'Change the Tides' album tour. Known for his poetic lyricism, rich vocals, and effortless storytelling, Zac brings his new record to life with a captivating live set that drifts between heartfelt reflection and spirited acoustic energy. Playing at The Old Bar on February 14, The Thornbury Local on the 15th and Mama Chen’s on the 16th, tune in to Down By The River to hear an acoustic live set from Zac.

The annual free, two-day celebration of local music, St Kilda Festival, is back - taking over St Kilda’s foreshore and surrounds on February 14 - 15. Saturday will showcase a huge line-up of First Peoples' talent celebrating 20 years, followed by the traditional Big Festival Sunday where every pocket of the neighbourhood comes to life in a multi-stage extravaganza. Lead programmer Sulli joins Lyndelle, tune in to hear about the line up, including Drift Clouds, Grace Cummings, BARKAA and more.

This week on Jumpin’ The Blues, Tom plays an interview he had back in 2009 with guitarist and singer Dave Brewer. An artist who comfortably sits among the giants of rhythm and blues in the Australian music scene, Brewer is a musician who effortlessly slips, slides, and dances between, through, and around blues, roots, soul, funk and jazz, seamlessly distilling them into an unmistakable sound. Tune in to hear this interview from the Jumpin’ The Blues archives.

'Liquorice', the third album from Australian indie pop artist Hatchie, features a closely cropped portrait of Harriette Pilbeam laughing, her smudged red lipstick suggesting the glorious aftermath of a kiss. Captured using a dinky digital camera, the image encapsulates a record that is rough around the edges and joyfully undone with themes of longing, lust, and regret. Playing at Bergy Bandroom on February 27, tune in to The Breakfast Spread for an acoustic, live performance from Hatchie.

Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as Ryan chats with Daniel Furnari, drummer for Eora/Sydney metalcore giants Polaris. Formed in 2012 and with multiple ARIA Award nominations up their sleeve, Daniel will chat with Ryan about Polaris' self-curated festival 'Life’s a Beach', their upcoming US tour with Linkin Park and Electric Callboy, along with their new fourth studio album.

Melbourne alternative-metal band Thornhill are set to celebrate their 2025 album ‘BODIES’ at Forum Melbourne on February 27, marking both their first Australian shows since the album's release and also the group's biggest headline shows to date. Ryan catches up with vocalist Jacob Charlton about the band’s recent success, tune in to hear how Thornhill were asked to play at Good Things Festival just three hours before it began.

Eight years after their debut LP, local trio Grim Rhythm return with a new single, ‘Forever Eating Sh*t’, which also serves as the title track of their upcoming album. The release signals the start of a long-awaited new chapter for a band that has spent more than a decade building its reputation outside the usual channels. Tune in to Pojama People as Chris Pearson catches up with members of the band about the new album, soon to be released on March 11.

Nongkrong returns to Fed Square this Valentine’s Day, inviting Melbournians to fall in love with Indonesian food, music, dance and community. Fed Square will transform into a pasar senja (twilight fair), where live Indonesian music, dance, food and handmade goods come together as the sun sets over the city. Artistic Director Yasmine Middleton stops by Headhunters to chat with Elle Young, tune in to hear them discuss this free, family-friendly event.

Local psych-rock band Brown Spirits are playing at this year’s Drive Live on February 18 on The Afterglow Radio Show. Bringing their deep funk and jazz-influenced instrumental music live to air for a free show at Collingwood Yard’s CY venue, Brooke catches up with Tim from the band. Tune in to hear what Brown Spirits have on the cards for 2026.

Born in India and residing in Australia, Xylo Aria brings her global perspective into her music and everything she does. Her journey in music began during her formative years while being introduced to traditional Indian Carnatic music by her grandmother. Having just released her atmospheric new single 'Leaves of Summer', Ajak catches up with Xylo while she's in town. Tune in to hear about her new music.

ELISION is an internationally renowned ensemble, most noted for its focus on new and adventurous compositions by living composers, and works that place technical and performative demands on their musicians. Artistic Director Daryl Buckley is a widely respected performer on electric lap steel guitar with many compositions written for him, and for ELISION. Daryl joins Ian on the Sound Barrier, tune in to hear about ELISION's 40th Anniversary, celebrating their work from throughout their history.

Blending acoustic, traditional folk, roots, and pop sounds, singer-songwriter Lucy Wise’s voice pulls hearts out from the shadows. She masterfully articulates the things we don’t often say out loud, describing in rich detail what it’s like to live in the world at this particular moment. Stopping by the Global Village to play a few live songs, Lucy chats with Roger about her forthcoming album 'Salt' and its crowdfunding campaign. Tune in to hear about her show at The Lomond Hotel on February 14.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Norris Man is a distinguished roots reggae artist known for his soulful vocals and spiritually conscious lyrics. Inspired by reggae legends like Bob Marley, his musical journey began in the 1990s. After his break through with his 1997 single 'Persistence,' Norris Man has released numerous albums, including 'Life' (2023) and 'Free Man' (2024). Tune in to Babylon Burning as Jesse I catches up with him while he’s in town.