Interviews

I chatted with Bryn Soden, lead singer of Adelaide band Sturt Avenue, where we talked about the band’s origins and the nostalgia-heavy nature of their music. We also discussed his songwriting process, how it varies from the spontaneous to the deliberate. For their latest single, “Passenger Side”, Bryn reflects on a drive with a friend,…

Queensland singer / songwriter AYLA has just released her full-length album Dopamine. We caught up with her to chat about the evolution of the album, and the influences and processes that went into the making of it. It’s taken four years to release the album. I guess COVID must have got in the way early…

Since unveiling their new EP an introduction to a theme on 31 July just months after their debut album in retrospect, Melbourne emo pop quartet PRETTY BLEAK have asserted themselves as the next big thing in local indie rock. Engineered by vocalist/guitarist Sam Thomas and mixed by Jarred Nettle (Teenage Joans, TOWNS), an introduction to…

You’ve definitely heard Sweet, even if the name doesn’t ring a bell. With iconic hits like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox On The Run” and a mammoth career spanning over fifty years, Sweet has navigated a tumultuous history. Yet throughout all the spinoff groups, the revolving door of band members, and the multiple hiatuses, one constant…

Aussie animated metalcore band, Lost Souls, burst onto the scene earlier this year with their debut single “Childhood Died.” The track, which blends heavy riffs with a passionate critique of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, quickly gained traction online. Listeners were drawn not only to the band’s unique sound but also to their bold and…

Aussie singer-songwriter Pete Murray is a beloved household name, with massive hits like 2003’s “So Beautiful” or 2005’s “Better Days”. As he celebrates the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album Feeler and anticipates the milestone for See The Sun, Murray reflects on his illustrious career, his evolving relationship with his early work and his upcoming…

Aussie Indie Artists is a series of interviews with lesser known Aussie creators across all forms and fields. The goal is to share exciting new works, find new angles towards the art, and peek behind the scenes. Experimental artist LOUV’s career so far has had the inspiring trajectory of a woman who never gave up…

Following her Top 4 placement on this year’s season of Australian Idol, singer IVANA is hitting the ground running with the release of her dancefloor-ready debut single, “Ooh La La La.” And she’s doing it all on her own terms! As the song ignites across all platforms, Peter Gray spoke with the rising talent about…

Barry Conrad’s multifaceted career spans screen, stage and music. After breaking out on the reality series The X Factor, both local and international tours followed, including openings for such R&B icon acts as Brian McKnight, Craig David and Eric Benet. Landing a role on FOX’s Power Rangers: Ninja Storm, his first feature film was the…

It’s been a huge week for Brisbane alt-rock act sunbleached, who have today returned with the punchy new single and video “White Lace” and announced that their new EP I Crawled into the Hole is due 30 August. The news comes just after revealing that they will be playing at BIGSOUND 2024 and main support…

Brisbane alt-rock outfit Bad Neighbour have established themselves as one of the city’s most exciting acts in recent years. The band have today announced their debut album Millions, which will be out 20 September, and shared the punchy new single “Heart Pumps Blood”. Following previous singles “And the Fleas” and “In the Car”, the latest…

Adelaide alt-metal act Heartline have returned with the animated new single and accompanying video “Lovers”, their first offering of a busy year ahead. Co-written by Thornhill guitarist Ethan McCann, it explores modern monotony in a digital landscape and encourages you to find beauty in the little things. Chunky riffs and dark electronics compliment the sweet…

Every now and then you come across a promising young hopeful who is so talented that it’s not fair. Melbourne pop-rock songwriter ISHAN is one of those people, back again with a fresh tune and video in “Her Boyfriend’s House”. At just 21 years old, he’s already got a bunch of music out including the…

Brisbane alt-rock trio East Capri are one of the most exciting acts to emerge on the local heavy scene in recent years. The band shared their empowering single “Not What They Want” last Friday, the latest in a string of fresh tunes since their debut EP Wake n Repeat in 2021. This melodic anthem shines…

Aussie Indie Artists is a series of interviews with lesser known Aussie creators across all forms and fields. The goal is to share exciting new works, find new angles towards the art, and peek behind the scenes.  Punk rock trio Kill Bell play it loud with fuzzy, distorted guitars and battlecry vocals. In the lead…

Tori Forsyth releases her third album All We Have Is Who We Are today through Island Records. Following her Golden Guitar-nominated debut album Dawn of the Dark (2018) and the rock album Provlepseis (2021), the new record includes the QMA 2024 Country Award winning single “Sometimes”, as well as most recent release “All We Are”….

On the eve of releasing his tenth solo album, Undefeated, we had a chat with Frank Turner about life in the music industry in a post-pandemic world, just days before a world record attempt for the Music Venue Trust. You’ve got quite a busy weekend coming up… I do, yeah.  I’ll be honest with you,…

Adelaide emo act Wolf & Chain are steadily making a name for themselves as ones to watch in the local alt-rock space. The band have recently released the new single “Not Giving Up”, exploring lycanthropy as a metaphor in their first offering of the year and third single since their 2021 sophomore EP Amor Mortal….

Blick Bassy is a master of world-building. One need only listen to songs like “Bengue” and “LoBa” to hear this African artist’s unquestionable talent at creating music that drips with feeling. Although his instrumentation is sparse and earthy, his vocals fill spaces with a soaring sense of soul. Having such a gift for vocals and…

DEM MOB discuss the importance of taking control of one’s life and making choices that align with one’s goals and aspirations. Their advice to young musicians, emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up on one’s dreams. They’ve recently released a single, “DIP” that exposes some of the injustices and difficulties that Indigenous people…

Adelaide-made and Gold Coast-based artist ALTERJOY (aka Ben Heidrich) has returned with his fresh new single and video “Better Make a Move”. Known as the drummer of Adelaide metalcore act The Daily Chase, Ben launched his solo project last year with his debut single “This is Real” and exuberant No Doubt cover “Hella Good”. The…

Sydney-based psychedelic duo Velvet Trip have recently released their debut album, Harmony Blooms. The album found its genesis when the duo met up in Berlin, taking in the sounds around them. Their approach to creating the album took a substantial deviation when they both had significant hand injuries.  I caught up with lead singer Zeppelin Hamilton and…

A permanent survivor of the ever-changing music industry, Ricki-Lee is one of Australia’s finest success stories. An advocate for the independent music scene and an unapologetic lover of all things pop (sorry, she’s not sorry), she’s forging her own path with the anticipated release of her 5th album On My Own, the first under her…

Aussie Indie Artists is a series of interviews with lesser known Aussie creators across all forms and fields. The goal is to share exciting new works, find new angles towards the art, and peek behind the scenes. Tess Hannah’s music is grungy, moody, and frayed with overloaded electric guitars– often likened to Wolf Alice or…

Slowmango are a six piece band from SA that are having their debut Womadelaide appearance this weekend. We sat down to learn a little more about the band. How would you describe your music? Is it something that can be categorised? Slowmango’s music is a melting pot of global influences, incorporating rhythms and melodies from…

If you’ve been in the Aussie pop punk scene for a while, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with the Sydney-based powerhouse Yours Truly. They’re no stranger to some of Australia’s most iconic venues and festivals, and have had a massive year touring with huge international acts. In early 2023, it was announced that two out…

Soul artist Erin Buku releases her new single and video “Ley Lines”, a mesmerising lo-fi soul and trip-hop track, emanating emotional eloquence and atmospheric depth. Let’s jump straight in and talk about your new song, “Ley Lines.” How did it come about, and what was the inspiration behind writing it? I’ve always been really into…

Almost twenty years since their formation, indie treasures Bombay Bicycle Club are still kicking and going stronger than ever. Just months after the release of their sixth studio album, My Big Day, they’re back with a four-track pop EP, Fantasies. I got to sit down with Ed Nash and chat about their album, the upcoming EP, and how…

Brisbane metalcore act Bad Party have been turning heads with their unique electro-punk style since their debut EP Beyond Repair in 2022. After releasing standalone single “Want It” last year, the band have recently shared the sultry single “Pray” – the first with newly appointed vocalist Dale Dudeson of Revoid. Produced, mixed and mastered by…

Sydney’s very own Middle Kids are dropping their third studio album, Faith Crisis Pt 1 TODAY! Produced by the iconic Jonathan Gilmore and recorded in England, this album is nothing short of fantastic. I caught up with lead vocalist Hannah Joy just weeks out from having her second baby, and she was keen to chat…