Host Aaron sits down with Tin Town for episode 195 to discuss their album Down in the Dirt, songwriting, harmonies, and standout tracks like ”Before We Begin”, ”Things I Got From You”, ”Samson” and ”These Days”. The band talks about recording moments, personal influences, upcoming gigs and touring, and the emotional stories behind the songs, encouraging listeners to support their music and catch them live.

Host Aaron chats with Dean Whitman-Lamb of The Revolation about his musical journey from early influences like KISS and INXS to his time with Valve and new solo work. They discuss recent recordings — including ”Tumblin’ the Rough,” ”Born Again,” ”Liberty,” and ”Shattered” — the studio process, music videos, and forming a live band with help from friends like Rusty Brown from Electric Mary. The episode also touches on personal moments, including Dean’s family struggles and his son Xander’s cancer diagnosis and recovery, plus local gig recommendations, Electric Mary shout-outs, and encouragement to support live music and local artists.

Maxine Gillon Unveils ’Girl Songs’ — Album Launch at The Tramway Episode 193 features a conversation with Maxine Gillon about her debut album, Girl Songs, its recording process, and the upcoming free launch at the Tramway with her band the Blue Jeans. The episode explores the album’s lush arrangements and wall-of-sound influences, stripped-back acoustic takes recorded at Avery Studios, songwriting themes of desire and vulnerability, and Maxine’s artistic influences and live approach. Maxine Gillon proves she’s a talented songwriting force to be reckoned with on her debut album ‘Girl Songs’ Melbourne solo artist Maxine Gillon announces her debut album ‘Girl Songs’. The album is written, arranged, performed, recorded and produced by herself, is mixed by Wade Keighran (Dust), John Lee (Laura Jean) and Paul Annison (Flyying Colours) and is mastered by William Bowden (Gotye). The album itself takes Australian indie-rock to expansive and majestic new territory with production and sonics inspired by 60’s Wall-of-sound, 80’s ethereal glitz and modern dream-pop. The lyrics throughout are unconventionally exceptional, and reflect her imaginative, queer, poetic and witty vocabulary. Maxine Gillon is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter whose cerebral and intelligent approach to music sets her apart in the indie rock scene. Her compositions are rich in lyrical depth and musical complexity, drawing listeners into a world of introspective exploration. – Deb Pelser, Backseat Mafia (on ‘Lipstick’) Upcoming gig - November 14th, Tramway Hotel, Fitzroy (‘Girl Songs’ album launch w/ Mystery Shopper) (free), For kore on Maxine check out - https://maxinegillon.bandcamp.com/ Join in the LIVE chat with Maxine from 8:00pm AEST on Tuesday 11th November.

Episode 192 — A Man Called Son: Instrumental Calm & Mental Health Host Aaron previews local gigs, announces ticket giveaways and teases the upcoming milestone show 200, then sits down with Simon Pearlman (A Man Called Son) to discuss his new instrumental record, creative process, and mental-health themes. Blending the sun-drenched sounds of classic Australian rock with introspective storytelling, A Man Called Son, the project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Simon Pearlman continues to evolve. Drawing comparisons to Hoodoo Gurus, The Go-Betweens, and The Church, the music is rich with intricate guitar work, heartfelt vocals, and a uniquely atmospheric style rooted in Australian isolation. Simon talks about the making of Instrumental Health, his recording approach, shoegaze and ambient influences, and the forthcoming vocal album AutoTraumatic with singles like “Meds” and “No Time Like the Present,” plus livestream and Bandcamp recommendations. Join in the LIVE chat with Simon from 8:00pm AEST on Thursday 6th November.

Episode 191 features Jules Sheldon and The Boundary Riders discussing the new album Electric Transport, a heartfelt tribute to Spencer P. Jones who this episode is dedicated to the memory of SPJ, which happens to be recorded on the date he was born, and the songs that shaped his sound. Jules talks about his tram obsession, songwriting as catharsis, favourite guitars, and upcoming tour dates while performing tracks like ”Tramways in My Mind,” ”Uncles,” and ”When I’m Old.”

Al Matcott Unveils ‘Fake the Days Away’ — Blue Vinyl, Pedal Steel & Protest Episode 190: Host catches up with Al Matcott about his new album Fake the Days Away — the singles “All Night” and “There Is Much Wrong I Have Done,” the recording process at The Gem with producer Rob, and the band’s new addition Joe on pedal steel. They also discuss the album’s blue recycled vinyl, internet-inspired artwork, and the use of found footage in videos. Al talks upcoming shows and the album launch at Stay Gold on November 14 (with funds supporting Rising Tide), his plans for quieter songs and a heavier future project, and the everyday realities of life on the road and in the studio. Join in the LIVE chat with Al from 8:00pm AEST on Thursday 23rd October.

Host Aaron Cusack talks with Team Love members Ruby and Tom about their new album, recent launch shows, and the stories behind singles like ”Tomorrow Is a New Day” and ”Winter.” The conversation covers the band’s origins, recording process, and how life changes — including parenthood — shape their music. The episode also highlights upcoming gigs, the new Coburg venue The Graveyard, festival ambitions, and the band’s plans to celebrate their 10-year anniversary with returning past members and special performances.

Host Aaron chats with John Freeman Baxter of Alcotomic about his backyard studio, the band’s new album 8 Second Empire, and the 90s Melbourne music scene that shaped their sound. They discuss songwriting rooted in old demos, authentic recording approaches, standout tracks like ”Bridges,” ”Sunshine,” ”Tom Lee Park,” and ”Ruby Shoes,” plus video-making, mental health themes, and plans to return to live gigs — with a reminder to support local venues and call a mate.

This episode of So What’s Been Happening features a lively conversation with indie trio Plastic Cheeses — their origins, new singles, music videos and standout tracks like ”Pandemic of Stupid” and ”Mid‑Strength Crisis.” The show also covers upcoming gigs and festivals around Victoria and NSW, band name stories, mental‑health check‑ins, record‑collecting anecdotes and a call to support local live music and venues.

Dashville Skyline Preview: The Festival Bringing Live Music Home Episode 186 previews Dashville Skyline with an in-depth chat with Matt Johnson of Magpie Diaries and conversations with artists Ben Mastwyk, Joyce Prescher and Meghan Maike. The show covers the festival’s grassroots spirit, Magpie Diaries’ new album recorded at the Tractor Shed, and highlights from the 11th-year lineup (Oct 3–5, Hunter Valley). The episode blends interviews, live clips and festival-ready updates — celebrating community-driven music, emerging talent, and the intimate boutique vibe that makes Dashville Skyline a must-attend event. Dashville is a secluded bushland venue and campground, located at Lower Belford in the Hunter Valley, Wonnarua, NSW. It’s also a grass roots cultural enterprise, embracing, connecting and inspiring a community through music, art and events. A number of annual festivals and smaller events are held at the unique purpose built site, added with a wonderful wide community of people who come to enjoy, embrace, perform, create, learn and grow from them. Dashville curate and promote a number of boutique music, art and food festivals annually, along with various one off concerts and events throughout the year. Dashville Skyline is a favourite for those who like a bit of cool oozed over their country, with a myriad of artistic collaborations, family activities & laid back old-school country-inspired fun. Tickets to the festival - https://www.dashville.com.au/

Valerie Trails Unveiled: Inside ’Winter Palace’ — New Album & Tour Dates Episode 185 of So What’s Been Happening features Andrew Bower of The Valery Trails discussing their new album Winter Palace, the recording at their Buffalo Speedway studio, singles like ”Everything Is Temporary” and ”First Kiss,” and upcoming shows across October. The episode also covers band lineup changes, video visuals, influences and plans for U.S. radio, plus a round-up of local gigs and festival news — a concise look at the band’s creative process and live plans. For Fans Of: R.E.M, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, The Hold Steady The Valery Trails (Brisbane, QLD) return with their first new music since the release of their fourth album, The Sky Is Blue, in 2022. On the back of the album’s strong airplay and positive reviews, the band toured the east coast of Australia, with new guitar recruit Tim Steward (Screamfeeder) along for the ride. Previously, as a trio, Andrew Bower (vocals/guitars), Sean Bower (bass), and Dan McNaulty (drums), released their debut album Ghosts and Gravity (2012), Buffalo Speedway (2014), and Chameleon Bones (2016). The three albums’ melodic and atmospheric indie rock received college and specialty airplay in the US, strong community radio support in Australia, and critical acclaim from outlets such as PopMatters, The Big Takeover, and many other international websites. On the new album, Winter Palace, there’s plenty of The Valery Trails’ trademark guitar jangle and crunch, but they also explore some diverse styles and genres, including synth-pop stylings, horn-driven retro flavours, and some straight-up rock and roll, across the 13 songs. Heading into the band’s second decade, The Valery Trails continue to strive towards their goal to build a body of work on their own terms. With Andrew at the helm, and through their collective experiences, influences, and musicianship, they’ve created another gem of an Australian indie rock album. Great to get the chance to chat to Andrew Bower from The Valery Trails LIVE on Tuesday 23rd September from 8:00pm AEST, join in the chat anytime.

Crayon Shades Live: Moderate Lovers on Songs, DIY Clips & N.W.A. Surprises Aaron sits down with Mick Wilson of Moderate Lovers to discuss the band’s debut EP Crayon Shades, track-by-track stories (including “Lucy’s Gardening,” “Lost City” and a surprise N.W.A. cover), DIY video-making and songwriting influences.

On this episode Aaron chats with Ben Mastwyk about his new album Let Me At The Night, the creative energy behind The Millions, and the collaborative videos and limited-edition release. Ben explains his festival-ready vision, family-made clips and upcoming shows across Melbourne, Dashville and Tamworth. The episode also highlights local gigs (Sweet Talk at Howler, Bernadette Novembre supporting a Black Dog Institute benefit), the busy music week and a heartfelt reminder to check in on someone — ask “Are you okay?” and really listen. Let Me At The Night is a bit of a fantasy record for Ben Mastwyk – the Australian cosmic cowboy and interstellar troubadour. He really discovered the DNA of his band The Millions over the last few records, and this time, they all wanted to push the boundaries. Mastwyk was lucky enough to receive funding through a Creative Victoria Creative Works grant, which allowed him to really lean in and record the album he wanted to make, without cutting corners. Working with producer Michael Hubbard at The Shrimp Shack studio in Melbourne, Mastwyk initially set out to make a ‘90s country-inspired record—and in a way, he did. But instead of sticking strictly to that particular sonic palette, he found himself leaning back into the genre-bending, experimental approach he first explored with his original band in the actual ‘90s. ”It’s still a country record in my eyes: narrative-based songs that explore the themes I’ve been circling in my writing for years,” he says. ”But we’ve really dialled up the experimentalism - pushed our sonic palette further than we ever have before!”

Join us for an electrifying episode as we dive into the world of Temperate, a dynamic band from Coffs Harbour. In this engaging conversation, we explore their upcoming gigs, touring plans, and their exhilarating live performances, including a unique mix of acoustic and rock influences. Meet the band members - Finn, Levi, and Taylor - and learn about their journey, the creative process, and how Taylor’s powerful voice has added a new dimension to their sound. Discover the challenges and joys of band life, from crafting memorable music videos to the thrill of live gigs. Don’t miss this inside look at what makes Temperate stand out in the Australian music scene, and get ready to rock with them on their upcoming tour!

Join us for an in-depth conversation on EP181 with Gina and Jeremy from Blackbirds FC as they share their excitement about their upcoming album launch at George Lane. Discover the creative process behind their rockier third album and get a sneak peek into the unique sound that sets this release apart from their previous works. Revisit their journey from an impromptu Zoom chat during the dark days of COVID to hitting the stage with electrifying energy and passion. Explore their collaborative efforts with producer Cameron McKenzie and the addition of guitarist Jeff Baker, which has introduced an invigorating new dynamic to their music. Hear about the joys and challenges of crafting music that resonates locally while drawing influences from iconic bands like Midnight Oil and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. As they prepare for a special launch event featuring the Penny Hewson Band, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience the magic of live performances that bring their music to life. Tune in to hear more about their aspirations for future tours and recordings, their reflections on the Melbourne music scene post-COVID, and their plans to keep the spirit of live music thriving. Don’t miss their heartfelt discussion about the joy of creating music that continues to inspire and entertain. Loved this episode recorded on 16th July 2024. Enjoy if you would like to watch the video version, its available here - https://bit.ly/3TTqViB More on Blackbirds FC check out - https://blackbirdsfc.com LAUNCH TICKETS - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1412604

Welcome to Episode 180 of ’So What’s Been Happening’, where host Aaron Cusack engages in a captivating conversation with musician Robert F. Cranny. Dive into Robert’s fascinating musical journey, discover the story behind his intriguing middle name, and explore the formation and evolution of his band, Party Crashers.

Join us for episode 179 of ”So What’s Been Happening” as we sit down with the talented Brian Estepa to discuss his latest album, ”I See It Now.” This episode dives into Brian’s musical journey, from his early influences in Manila to recording his seventh album across continents. Listen in as we explore the creative process behind his new songs, the importance of staying true to your musical roots, and the excitement of live performances. Don’t miss this engaging chat about the joys and challenges of indie music, complete with a look at the vibrant gig scene and a special live performance from Brian himself.

One not to miss, it’s time to ”Check In Tuesday” with special guest Jon Baxter from Little Faiths with a purpose to stop the stigma around mental health and normalise discussions about mental health in particular. Join us for an enriching evening episode as we dive into the world of music and mental health with special guest Jon Baxter from Little Faiths. On this Tuesday, the 1st of July, we explore how music can be a powerful connector and healer during challenging times, especially as we embrace the ”group hug” metaphor for the month. This episode highlights the importance of supporting friends and family, particularly during the financially and mentally testing end-of-financial-year period. Jon shares his personal journey, discussing mental health with refreshing honesty and how his band is affectionately known as ”The Men’s Shed.” Through their unique sound and songs, Little Faiths provides a safe space for emotional expression and camaraderie.

In episode 177 of ”So What’s Been Happening,” we dive into the vibrant world of Melbourne’s own punk band, Wombat. Join us for an exciting conversation with the band members as they share their experiences, musical influences, and the philosophy behind their energetic performances. From the story behind their EP to their relentless gig schedule and the unique dynamics between the band members, this episode promises an insider’s look at a band that leaves it all on stage. Ready to discover what makes Wombat tick? Tune in and prepare for an auditory adventure that captures the essence of live Aussie rock. We also highlight upcoming gigs in Melbourne and beyond, featuring some of the most anticipated music events of the month. Whether you’re a regular at the Tote, a fan of live punk energy, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of band life, this episode is packed with insights and anecdotes that resonate with music lovers everywhere. Don’t miss it! Rewatch episode on YouTube - https://bit.ly/4kH5vkh

Join us for Episode 176 of ”So What’s Been Happening” as we dive into the vibrant world of music with The Electorate. Recorded on a chilly night in June 2025, this episode brings warmth through lively conversations and upcoming gig highlights that showcase the ever-evolving music landscape.