Our guest today is iconic British singer-songwriter David Gray, known for his soulful lyrics and deeply heartfelt songwriting that has captivated audiences for over three decades. Last week, David released his 13th studio album, Dear Life —a beautiful, introspective record that blends his honest songwriting with fresh sonic elements, further cementing his evolution as a songwriter. In this episode, we discuss the journey of creating Dear Life during the pandemic, his heartfelt collaboration with...
Jan 21, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 402
We’re kicking off 2025 with a bang! Joining us on the podcast today is the legendary Alex Kapranos from Scottish indie rock icons Franz Ferdinand. The band is back with their sixth studio album, The Human Fear , and in this episode, we dive into the inspiration and songwriting behind this brilliant new record. Alex also shares how new band members Audrey Tait and Dino Bardot have brought a fresh energy to the group and gives us a hint about when Aussie fans might get to hear these songs live. Fr...
Jan 15, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 401
Today’s episode is our final for the year AND one of our favourite yearly traditions—it’s our Best of 2024 episode! Today, we’re counting down our top albums of the year and reflecting on the music that truly resonated with us. Joining us for the ride are two very special guests: Sam Cromack from Ball Park Music and the incredible Emily Wurramara. From standout releases by 3%, Sabrina Carpenter, Mk.Gee, and Clairo, and Amyl & The Sniffers, this year’s list is packed with incredible music. Li...
Dec 19, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 400
Today’s episode is a special one—it’s our final interview for 2024 before we wrap up the year, and we’re thrilled to be closing things out with none other than indie singer-songwriter mxmtoon. From secretly uploading songs on YouTube to building a massive global fanbase, Maia—better known as mxmtoon—has become beloved for her deeply personal, relatable indie pop. Earlier this month, she released her third studio album, liminal space —a beautifully introspective record that reflects on life’s tra...
Dec 17, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 399
Our guest today is one of Australia’s most exciting new indie rock talents—Sydney-based songwriter total tommy. Known for her blend of indie rock, grunge, and gothic pop, total tommy pairs raw, heartfelt lyrics with unforgettable melodies. Her debut record, Bruises , just dropped and is a stunning collection of indie-grunge anthems that showcase her incredible songwriting. In today’s episode, we chat with total tommy about the raw honesty in Bruises , her immersive approach to creating music, an...
Dec 02, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 398
Our guest on the podcast today is one of Australia’s most exciting emerging voices—Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Stella Bridie. Known for her emotive and gut-wrenching music, Stella pairs stunning melodies with deeply honest lyrics that cut straight to the heart. Following a stellar run of singles this year—including the breathtaking He Didn't Mean It —she’s releasing her debut EP, Speaking Terms , this week. The record is a gorgeous showcase of Stella’s raw songwriting talent and unflinchin...
Nov 28, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 397
Our guests on the pod today are none other than indie dance icons, Two Door Cinema Club. Known for crafting infectious indie rock anthems perfect for the dance floor, the Irish trio has been a staple of the genre since their 2007 formation. With five acclaimed studio albums under their belt—and their debut Tourist History still holding a special place in fans' hearts—they’re gearing up to hit Aussie shores next week for a massive co-headline tour with Declan McKenna. In today’s episode, we catch...
Nov 25, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 396
Our guest on the pod today is indie pop singer-songwriter Alex the Astronaut, who just released their brand-new EP, Rage & All Its Friends . After wrestling with some doubts about their songwriting, Alex leaned into collaboration for this project, teaming up with incredible co-writers like Lisa Mitchell, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Gordi, and the iconic Paul Kelly. The result is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted collection of songs that showcase Alex’s growth as an artist while staying true...
Nov 21, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 395
Our guest on the pod today is beloved alt-pop artist Andy Bull, who just released his stunning new album, Collapse in Bliss . Showcasing his multifaceted talents as a songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, and mixer, the record is a bold exploration of creativity, shaped by the intentional limitations he set for himself during its creation. In today’s episode, we chat with Andy about the album’s unique process, the idea that a song’s impact isn’t tied to its length, and his refreshingly open app...
Nov 18, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 394
Our guest on the pod today is the immensely talented singer-songwriter Gordi. Known for her beautifully melancholicsonics, Gordi has captured hearts over the last years with her acclaimed albums Reservoir and Our Two Skins . She’s collaborated with a diverse roster of artists, with songwriters like Bon Iver, Troye Sivan, and Alex Lahey, showcasing her knack for easily crossing genres. Now, she’s back with a brand-new EP titled Lunch at Dune , featuring the captivating title track alongside Irish...
Nov 14, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 393
Our guest today is the Aussie surf-rock band King Stingray! Hailing from Arnhem Land, this group has quickly built a devoted following with their powerful fusion of rock and Yolŋu cultural influences. After earning ARIA and AIR awards for their self-titled debut, King Stingray is back with For the Dreams , a breathtaking new album that explores themes of nostalgia, simple living, and a deep connection to their homeland. In today’s episode, we sit down with guitarist and producer Roy Kellaway to ...
Nov 11, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 392
Our guest on the pod today is none other than Aussie indie songwriter Annie Hamilton. She recently released her eagerly awaited second record, Stop and Smell the Lightening , and it does not disappoint. This album finds Annie exploring fresh sonic territory, incorporating electronic and disco elements that bring new depth to her signature sound. In today’s episode, we chat with Annie about the creative evolution behind Stop and Smell the Lightening and how branching into new genres has influence...
Nov 07, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 391
Our guest on the podcast today is Mia Berrin, the creative mind behind Pom Pom Squad! The indie rock band reached new heights in 2021 with their debut album, Death of a Cheerleader , which fused punk, indie rock, and ’60s pop influences into a bold statement that resonated well with fans. Now, she’s returned with Mirror Starts Moving Without Me , a record that dives into the complexities of navigating life after success. In today’s episode, we chat with Mia about Mirror , the challenges of writi...
Nov 04, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 390
Our guest today is Soccer Mommy, the indie rock project of Nashville songwriter Sophie Allison! Over the past decade, Sophie has emerged as one of indie rock’s most captivating voices, turning her raw, bedroom-to-Bandcamp beginnings into a beloved project with a loyal fanbase. Just last week, Soccer Mommy dropped her latest record, Evergreen —a stunning album that feels like the culmination of all her work to date. In today’s episode, we chat with Sophie about how Evergreen builds on her past al...
Oct 31, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 389
Our guest on the podcast today is none other than The Wiggles! This beloved children’s group has been delighting kids and parents for over 30 years, selling over 30 million records and DVDs, 8 million books, and earning a special place in the hearts of millions. To kick off 2025, The Wiggles are making their debut at the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival. To celebrate, they’ve released their new country rock anthem, Big Red Ute —a fun nod to their iconic Big Red Car . In today’s episode, we...
Oct 28, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 388
Our guest today is one of our all-time favorites—Katie Gavin. Best known as the frontwoman of the electro-pop band MUNA, Katie is now stepping into a new chapter with her debut solo record, What A Relief . This captivating album showcases her talent for writing unfiltered and deeply personal songs. In today’s episode, we talk with Katie about her creative process, how she approached solo songwriting differently, and the fresh sonic direction of this new record. We also dive into her collaboratio...
Oct 24, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 387
Our guest today is the brilliant BAYNK, an electronic artist who hails from New Zealand but now lives in LA. Known for his unique blend of lush, feel-good beats with introspective lyrics, BAYNK first made waves with his 2022 debut album, Adolescence , which earned him a Grammy nomination. His latest release, Senescence , dives deeper—exploring themes of human fragility and the passage of time, all while maintaining his signature sonic warmth. In today’s episode, we talk to BAYNK about the inspir...
Oct 21, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 386
Our guests today are none other than the Mercury Prize-winning jazz quintet, Ezra Collective. Hailing from London, this dynamic five-piece fuses jazz, soul, afrobeat, hip-hop, calypso, and more into some of the most infectious, groove-heavy music out there. Last month, Ezra Collective dropped their third album, Dance, No One's Watching —a vibrant record inspired by their time playing dance floors around the world. In today’s episode, we sit down with drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso to dive i...
Oct 17, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 385
Our guest today is ratbag, a rising altpop artist from New Zealand making waves with her unique sound—a fusion of pop, grunge, shoegaze, and electronic elements. In addition to her music, she’s also an accomplished illustrator, creating vivid visual worlds that amplify the emotion and depth of her songs. Earlier this year, she released pinky boy , and now she’s back with pinky girl —a companion track offering a fresh perspective on the first. In today’s episode, we explore the connection between...
Oct 14, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 384
Our guests today are one of Australia’s most exciting indie rock acts, The Rions. This four-piece band from Sydney's Northern Beaches has been on a meteoric rise since winning triple j Unearthed High in 2021. They've toured with big names like Lime Cordiale and Boy & Bear, and recently wrapped up a European tour with their friends Pacific Avenue. The band just released their highly anticipated second EP, Happiness In a Place It Shouldn't Be —a fantastic collection that blends elements of cou...
Oct 10, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 383
Our guest today is the much-beloved singer-songwriter Ben Lee. The Aussie songwriter launched his solo career at just 16, releasing over 20 albums and winning multiple ARIA Awards for his 2005 album Awake Is the New Sleep . Alongside his music, he also co-hosts the podcast Weirder Together with his wife, Ione Skye, under their media company of the same name. Now, he's back with his brand new record, This One’s for the Old Headz , a collection of songs that showcase his signature optimism and cha...
Oct 08, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 382
Our guests today are Sam and Elliot from The Rubens. The much-loved alternative rock band recently dropped their fifth studio record, SODA , which sees them once again pushing the boundaries of what defines a Rubens song. In today’s episode, we chat with Sam and Elliot about the making of SODA and what motivates the band to keep evolving with each release. We also dive into the songwriting dynamic within the band and how it has developed over the years. Plus, we discuss working with the incredib...
Oct 03, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 381
Our guest today is the incredibly talented Christian Lee Hutson. The talented American songwriter and musician just released his stunning third album, Paradise Pop. 10 , which sees him reconnect with longtime collaborators like Phoebe Bridgers and Marshall Core while bringing new voices into the mix, including Maya Hawke and Katy Kirby. Christian is returning to the podcast for the first time since we previously went record shopping together, and this time we’re diving into the making of Paradis...
Sep 30, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 380
Our guests today are Mica and Matthew from Magdalena Bay. The alternative pop and electronic duo has been making waves this year with their second full-length record, Imaginal Disk , which is receiving widespread acclaim for its genre-blending soundscapes and conceptual narrative about evolution and change. In this episode, Mica and Matt share the fascinating concept behind Imaginal Disk and how it inspired the album’s direction. We also dive into their early days playing in a prog-rock band, ho...
Sep 26, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 379
Our guest today is political-pop trailblazer Noga Erez. The alternative pop star, singer, songwriter, and producer has been pushing musical boundaries for years, gaining fans like Billie Eilish, Britney Spears, and Missy Elliott along the way. Last week, Noga dropped her bold and genre-defying new record The Vandalist , blending various sonic styles with sassy, emotional lyrics that explore themes from anger to hope. In today’s episode, we chat with Noga about how The Vandalist came together, he...
Sep 23, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 378
Our guests today are none other than Conor Oberst and Nate Walcott from the legendary indie rock band Bright Eyes. Having shaped the landscape of indie music for over two decades, Bright Eyes has become one of the most influential bands of their generation. Today, they’re releasing their brand-new album, Five Dice, All Threes , a stunning addition to their already impressive catalogue that blends the essence of their past work with fresh new ideas. In this episode, we chat with Conor and Nate ab...
Sep 19, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 377
Our guest on the podcast today is none other than indie-rock musician MJ Lenderman. The Asheville-based songwriter, who also plays in the indie rock band Wednesday, just released his fourth studio album Manning Fireworks to widespread critical acclaim. Praised for his razor-sharp lyrics and impressive guitar work, MJ is quickly solidifying himself as one of indie rock’s most exciting voices. In today’s episode, we chat with MJ about the creative process behind Manning Fireworks , how The Larry S...
Sep 16, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 376
Our guest on the podcast today is none other than British singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya. Known for her critically acclaimed music that blends indie rock, soul, jazz, and trip-hop, Nilüfer has toured with some of the biggest names in music, including Adele and Mitski. Today, she’s releasing her third studio record, My Method Actor , which explores the emotional complexities of life transitions. In this episode, we discuss how these themes shaped the album, her songwriting process, and her colla...
Sep 12, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 375
Our guest today is the incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist and producer Chaz Bear, better known to the world as Toro Y Moi. A pioneer of the chillwave genre in the 2010s, Chaz has continually evolved his sound, pushing musical boundaries with each release. Last week, he dropped his eighth studio album, Hole Erth , a genre-blending masterpiece that fuses Y2K emo and hip-hop, featuring collaborations with Kevin Abstract and Ben Gibbard. In today’s episode, we sit down with Chaz to explore th...
Sep 09, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 374
Our guest today is the incredibly talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Sarah Kinsley. With roots in classical music, Sarah’s journey into contemporary music led her to start writing and composing her own songs. She's now set to release her highly anticipated debut album, Escaper , this Friday. This indie pop record showcases Sarah’s growth as an artist, with grand arrangements and beautiful instrumentation, featuring the production work of John Congleton. In today’s episode, we ...
Sep 04, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 373