Irish artist CMAT has got it all: the voice, the songwriting talent, the charm. Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, (aka CMAT), has been shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize and counts Elton John as a fan.  Her Euro-Country songs capture heartbreak with a healthy dose of humour, which is why she gravitated towards country music in the first place.  Gary Stewart – 'She’s Actin' Single (I’m Drinkin' Doubles)' This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5.  You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/cmat-take-5-suckerpunch-songs/104404882 

Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes has lived quite the life. Hitting Number 1 around the world in 1997 with their debut album, he recently shared what was going on behind the scenes at that time, in his beautiful and devastating memoir, Unlovable. When he joined Zan Rowe to Take 5 back in 2024, he shared a whole new side of one of Australia's biggest stars. Peter Gabriel - 'Love To Be Loved' This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5.  You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/darren-hayes-take-5-love-songs/104604586 

Angie McMahon is the kind of songwriter who stops you in your tracks. With two albums under her belt, her most recent record Light, Dark, Light Again is about cycles and the patterns that repeat and renew throughout life. This concept of cycles inspired Angie's Take 5 theme of 'revolution songs' and she responded to it beautifully. Joni Mitchell - Circle Game (live at Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles 1974) This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5.  You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/angie-mcmahon-take-5-revolution-songs/103830806 

It's not definitive, but here are some of the best moments from Take 5 this year: The legendary Richard Fidler threw back to the early days of the Doug Anthony All Stars. Gordi's brilliant third album Like Plasticine gave us an insight into her experience as a doctor on the frontline during the pandemic. Comedians Matt Okine and Denise Scott celebrated Season 2 of their much-loved TV show Mother and Son. Lorde made a triumphant return with her fourth album Virgin. And best-selling author Trent Dalton (Boy Swallows Universe, Gravity Let Me Go) blew up the Double J textline with his heartfelt stories and deep passion for music. Best of 2025 song choices: Richard Fidler: Cocteau Twins – ‘Carolyn’s Fingers’ Gordi: Missy Higgins – ‘Any Day Now’ Matt Okine: Radiohead – ‘Paranoid Android’ Lorde: Charli xcx – 'Girl, so confusing featuring lorde' Trent Dalton: Vera Lynn – '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover' 00:00 Introduction and Show Highlights 00:47 Richard Fidler's Journey with Doug Anthony All Stars 03:33 The Magic of Elizabeth Fraser and Cocteau Twins 07:55 Witnessing the Fall of the Berlin Wall 14:00 Gordi's Personal and Musical Journey 17:50 Missy Higgins' Influence on Gordi 23:13 Comedians Share Unexpected Moments 26:10 Matt Okine's Musical Memories 27:35 A Sudden Change: Mum's Illness 28:32 A Life-Altering Event: Mum's Passing 29:42 Coping with Loss: A Birthday to Remember 30:10 Finding Light in Dark Moments 31:18 Music and Memories: Radiohead's Impact 32:22 Take Five: A Star-Studded Season on ABC TV and ABC iview 32:49 Lorde's Journey: Embracing the Mystery 34:41 The Power of Rhythm: Creating Music 35:27 A Special Remix: Girl, So Confusing with Charli xcx 38:15 Emotional Reactions: The Remix's Impact 46:10 Trent Dalton's Take Five: A Heartfelt Story 48:34 Honoring a Hero: Granddad's Legacy 54:37 Looking Ahead: New Seasons and Reflections Listen to the full episodes here: Richard Fidler: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/richard-fidler-take-5-history-songs/105441174 Gordi: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/gordi-take-5-transformation-songs/105598300  Matt Okine & Denise Scott: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/denise-scott-matt-okine-mother-and-son-mixtape-take-5/105932382  Lorde: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/lorde-take-5-songs-of-rebirth/105835080  Trent Dalton: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/trent-dalton-take-5-his-story/106038960 Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

Hearing TV On The Radio talk about music is as fun as it sounds. When the New York band first emerged they were like nothing we’d heard before. A mash of genres and sounds and for many, the sound of tomorrow, today. 10 years on from their last album, the band are back on the road again. And on their first visit to Australia in a decade, they joined Zan Rowe to Take 5.  It’s the only interview they gave while here, and they really went in on the theme of 'future sounds from the past'.  Want to dig into the brains of Tunde Adebimpe, Kyp Malone, and Jaleel Bunton? You’re about to fall into a wormhole. This is a wild and wonderful ride with three of the most intriguing and passionate music minds of our time. TVOTR's song choices: Suzanne Vallie – 'River of Angels' Wings' (unreleased) Pharoah Sanders – 'Izipho Zam' Sun City Girls – 'The Flower' Hildur Guðnadóttir – 'Melody of Not Knowing' Jehovah’s Princess – 'F(X)' 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:35 TV on the Radio: A Decade Later 02:07 Reflecting on the Past and Present 04:57 Take 5 theme: Future Sounds from the Past 05:05 SONG 1: Suzanne Vallie – 'River of Angels' Wings' (unreleased) 11:13 The Influence of Pharaoh Sanders 11:33 SONG 2: Pharoah Sanders – 'Izipho Zam' 17:59 Sun City Girls and Their Impact 20:06 SONG 3: Sun City Girls – 'The Flower' 25:15 SONG 4: Hildur Guðnadóttir – 'Melody of Not Knowing' 30:59 SONG 5: Jehovah’s Princess – 'F(X)' 35:18 Conclusion and Farewell

Do you remember the first time you heard Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out? The way it began, then completely flipped less than a minute in? It was such a thrill, one that has never dulled in the two decades since.  Six albums later, the Scottish band explore the thrill of living on their latest record, The Human Fear. How human fears drive us on, bolt us into action, give us a thrill. It was ripe for a big convo on Take 5. And frontman Alex Kapranos was up for the challenge. Get ready for a brilliant conversation on the songs that have shaken him in the best of ways, through his life. Alex Kapranos's song choices: The Turtles — 'You Showed Me' Dory Previn — 'With My Daddy In The Attic' Adam and The Ants — 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier' Fiery Furnaces — 'Sweet Spots' Pussy Galore — 'NYC 1999!' 00:00 Introduction and Unusual Party 00:49 Overcoming Fear: A Conversation with Alex Kapranos 02:02 SONG 1: The Turtles — 'You Showed Me' 02:23 The Thrill of Sharing Music 04:37 Musical Influences and Songwriting 10:11 SONG 2: Dory Previn — 'With My Daddy In The Attic' 15:38 Parenthood and Fear 18:17 SONG 3: Adam and The Ants — 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier' 21:56 Embracing Performance and Audience Connection 24:32 SONG 4: Fiery Furnaces — 'Sweet Spots' 25:16 Touring with Fiery Furnaces and Hot Hot Heat 30:36 The Indie Music Scene of the Early 2000s 31:10 The Impact of Digital Music 35:07 The Rise of Franz Ferdinand 37:48 Memorable Moments and Reflections 39:49 SONG 5: Pussy Galore — 'NYC 1999!' 39:51 A Chaotic Memory with Pussy Galore 43:45 Conclusion and Farewell

Trent Dalton is a master storyteller. His debut novel Boy Swallows Universe is an international bestseller, it was turned into a Netflix series and recently voted as Australia’s #1 read of the last quarter century, in Radio National's Top 100 books. A Walkley Award winning journalist, Trent followed this stunning debut with several other works of fiction, and a collection of Love Stories from the streets of Brisbane. And now he has a new novel, Gravity Let Me Go, for us to sink our teeth into. You’re about to hear an incredible conversation; some big yarns and the music that has shaped Trent Dalton’s whole life story. If you know him, you know he’s a massive music fan, and I’ve been wanting to have him Take 5 for yonks. I soon found out the feeling was mutual. Trent Dalton's song choices: Vera Lynn - '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover' Melanie - 'Ruby Tuesday' Pearl Jam - 'Alive' Powderfinger - 'These Days' Taylor Swift - 'Out Of The Woods' 00:00 Introduction and Opening Anecdote 00:19 Meet Trent Dalton: A Master Storyteller 01:40 The Power of Music in Writing 03:00 SONG 1: Vera Lynn - '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover' 03:26 Family War Story and the Ultimate Sacrifice 08:48 Love Stories and Personal Reflections 14:29 SONG 2: Melanie - 'Ruby Tuesday' 14:46 A Tale of Two Parents 24:05 Pearl Jam: A Lifelong Influence 27:22 Reflecting on Pearl Jam's Influence 28:28 A Memorable Graduation Night 29:58 Meeting Eddie Vedder 31:37 SONG 3: Pearl Jam - 'Alive' 34:58 The Impact of Boy Swallows Universe 37:24 The Love Story with Fiona 39:32 Powderfinger and Bernard Fanning 42:33 SONG 4: Powderfinger - 'These Days' 45:26 Writing About Long-Term Relationships 48:44 SONG 5: Taylor Swift - 'Out Of The Woods' 52:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever lost touch with a friend or been heartbroken by a platonic breakup, Stella Donnelly’s new album is for you.  Documenting the end of a friendship, it’s a brutally honest, heartbreaking, and hopeful record so many of us can relate to. And Zan couldn’t wait to talk with her all about it.

Justine Clarke is a legend. For most of her life she’s been in ours; as a child actor who graduated to a lifelong career on the big and small screen and into an acclaimed theatre actor.  For the last 20 years she’s probably been entertaining your kids, as a regular on Play School and ARIA winning singer of many children’s albums. But running parallel to all of this, has been music.  Way before she stepped into roles on Mad Max and Home and Away, music was her lifeblood. With our annual Ausmusic Month kicking off, Justine Clarke shares her Australian songbook. Justine Clarke's song choices: Vince Jones – 'Jettison' Paul Kelly – 'From St Kilda To Kings Cross' Lisa Miller – 'Eleven' You Am I – 'Purple Sneakers' Angie McMahon – 'Slow Mover' 00:00 Introduction and Early Career 00:50 Justine Clarke's Musical Journey 03:02 Influence of Family and Early Music Exposure 04:53 Jazz and Live Music Experiences 05:00 SONG 1: Vince Jones – 'Jettison' 10:06 Paul Kelly and Iconic Collaborations 12:30 SONG 2: Paul Kelly – 'From St Kilda To Kings Cross' 16:44 Exploring Australian Country Music & ABC's Going Country 19:03 SONG 3: Lisa Miller – 'Eleven' 20:02 Reflecting on a Classic Australian Film 20:44 The Power of Music and Grief 22:33 Creating Music for Play School 23:29 Unexpected Career as a Children's Performer 25:53 Collaborations and Live Performances 26:16 SONG 4: You Am I – 'Purple Sneakers' 29:51 Memories of Tina Turner 33:17 SONG 5: Angie McMahon – 'Slow Mover' 35:58 Wrapping Up and What's Next Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

Oasis are undoubtedly the biggest band to rise out of Brit Pop. And it’s hard to describe how massive their return is. For years, the public fighting between the Gallagher brothers suggested they’d never come back. And one day, they did. Oasis have been playing all over the world to stadiums of screaming fans, young and old. And as they finally return to Australia, we’re celebrating by sharing a Take 5 for the ages from the archives. A couple of years ago Zan Rowe sat down with Noel Gallagher in his own studio, in Kings Cross, London. At this stage, the reformation tour was not on. He was recording and touring with his band the High Flying Birds, and had just released an album called Council Skies. Noel’s history is everywhere in his songs. And the songs he loves, too. You'll hear songs you're expecting, but it's the ones you're not that'll pack a real punch. And the stories? All time. Noel Gallagher's song choices: Pink Floyd – 'Nobody Home' The Smiths – 'Asleep' Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – 'This Guy's In Love With You' Air – 'All I Need' The Beatles – 'I Am The Walrus'   00:00 Introduction and Oasis' Impact 00:57 Noel Gallagher's Studio and memorabilia from The Haçienda nightclub 02:11 SONG 1: Pink Floyd – 'Nobody Home' 07:35 Reflecting on life as a rock star & post-fame 09:45 SONG 2: The Smiths – 'Asleep' 14:55 Growing up in Manchester 17:02 SONG 3: Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – 'This Guy's In Love With You' 17:11 A Memorable Encounter with Burt Bacharach 24:09 Remembering Burt Bacharach 25:38 SONG 4: Air – 'All I Need' 30:52 The Shift to Digital Music 31:30 Wild Times with Oasis 35:09 Transition to a Calmer Life 36:33 SONG 5: The Beatles – 'I Am The Walrus' 39:48 The Night That Changed Everything for Oasis 41:37 Reflecting on Oasis' Final Tour 42:55 The Joy of Songwriting 44:25 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe Contains strong language. This episode was originally broadcast in 2023.

Get ready to laugh, cry, and go head-to-head with two of Australia's most loved comedians.  Denise Scott and Matt Okine are Mother and Son (the remix). And as the second series comes to a close on ABC TV and ABC iview, I roped them in to Take 5. A bit out of the ordinary, but oh boy, they embraced it. This is beautiful and hilarious Take 5, and you’re gonna walk away from it feeling all the richer. Denise Scott and Matt Okine's song choices: Neil Young - 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' Bruce Springsteen - 'Thunder Road' Jordie Lane - 'New Normal' Radiohead - 'Paranoid Android' Bag Raiders - 'Shooting Stars' 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:14 Denise Scott's Journey in Comedy 00:37 Mother and Son Reboot 00:55 Personal Stories and Reflections 01:25 Behind the Scenes of Mother and Son 03:16 The Origin of the Reboot Idea 05:29 Musical Memories and Mix Tapes 05:36 SONG 1: Neil Young - 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' 09:12 Heartbreak and Humor 13:58 SONG 2: Bruce Springsteen - 'Thunder Road' 18:19 Family Dynamics and Aging 21:07 The Vulnerability of Performing 21:36 Denise's Son Jordie Lane and His Music 21:42 SONG 3: Jordie Lane - 'New Normal' 24:58 Scotty's New Standup Show Tickety Boo 27:18 SONG 4: Radiohead - 'Paranoid Android' 28:46 The death of Matt's mother 33:45 Judith Lucy and Denise's secret - The Power Weep 36:16 SONG 5: Bag Raiders - 'Shooting Stars' 39:28 Conclusion and Next Episode with Noel Gallagher Watch Mother and Son on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/mother-and-son 

Paul Kelly is a national treasure, who's written the soundtrack to our lives. Road trips, first loves, heartbreak, our very sense of identity; he’s explored it all over more than 40 years and 30 albums.  But who are the songwriters that tickle him? And what place do they take him to? That was the theme I gave PK, when I invited him to Take 5. And you’re about to dig  into an extraordinary conversation, about place, time, family, and the mystery of song. Paul Kelly's song choices: Kinks – 'Waterloo Sunset' The Go-Betweens – 'Cattle And Cane' Joni Mitchell – 'River' Queen Latifah – 'Just Another Day…' Archie Roach – 'Charcoal Lane' 00:00 Introduction to Paul Kelly's Musical Journey 01:40 Paul Kelly's Influences and Visual Songwriting 02:59 SONG 1: Kinks – 'Waterloo Sunset' 07:13 Paul Kelly's Early Life and Musical Education 10:26 Discovering Jazz and the Trumpet 13:45 SONG 2: The Go-Betweens – 'Cattle And Cane' 16:33 Songwriting Process and Inspirations 21:59 SONG 3: Joni Mitchell – 'River' 25:35 The Magic of Christmas Songs 29:28 The Song's Characters and Their Stories 31:12 Writing the Sequel: Unexpected Turns 32:32 Exploring the Mystery of Songwriting 35:21 SONG 4: Queen Latifah – 'Just Another Day…' 35:31 Contrasts in Music: Queen Latifah's 'Just Another Day' 37:12 Hip Hop and Folk Music: Unexpected Parallels 43:38 The Art of Songwriting: From Poems to Albums 47:42 SONG 5: Archie Roach – 'Charcoal Lane' 53:08 Final Reflections and Future Directions Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

Jarvis Cocker has had a dream run. As founding member and lead singer of Pulp, he hit the highest of the highs during Brit Pop in the 90s, before embarking on a solo career that was just as celebrated.  A few years ago he published a different kind of memoir called Good Pop, Bad Pop, which visually catalogued his stuff and told his story through its memories. And within that was revealed the Pulp Masterplan, a manifesto by young Jarvis of what a band would look, sound, and be like. Much of it came true. You’re about to spend time with one of the most charismatic frontmen I’ve met. But offstage, Jarvis Cocker is somewhat shy, reserved, and more than a little self-deprecating.  It took me by surprise when we sat down in an old theatre in London’s Shepherd’s Bush. The Jarvis I’d grown up with, was different to the one facing me in Bush Hall.  Settle in for a beautiful, funny, and poetic conversation about life, love and and endless obsession with song. Jarvis Cocker's song choices: The Cryin’ Shames – ‘Please Stay’ B52s – ‘Dance This Mess Around’ Scott Walker – ‘It’s Raining Today’  Judy Dench ‘Send In The Clowns’ / Boys Town Gang ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You’ Jarvis Cocker Mash-Up [unreleased] Bob Dylan – ‘Isis’ 00:00 Introduction and Memorable Moments 00:18 Jarvis Cocker's Career and Memoir 01:04 The Charismatic and Shy Jarvis 02:02 Music as an Escape 03:51 The Take 5 Theme of Love 07:12 SONG 1: The Cryin’ Shames – ‘Please Stay’ 10:51 Childhood and Early Influences like The Beatles 15:28 Sheffield and Moving to London 18:16 SONG 2: B52s – ‘Dance This Mess Around’ 22:32 The Pulp Master Plan 29:41 The Reality of Fame 31:03 The Impact of Fame 32:13 SONG 3: Scott Walker – ‘It’s Raining Today’ 37:50 Pulp's Reunion and New Beginnings 41:25 SONG 4: Judy Dench ‘Send In The Clowns’ / Boys Town Gang ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You’ Jarvis Cocker Mash-Up [unreleased] 42:00 A Unique Wedding Story 44:37 Reflections on Love and Relationships 46:58 Pulp's 2025 album More 48:29 Glastonbury Performance: Then and Now 54:06 The Magic of Live Performances 55:54 SONG 5: Bob Dylan – ‘Isis’ 58:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

At the age of 16, Lorde went #1 across the world. She was catapulted from the suburbs of Auckland to the Grammy's stage, winning Song of the Year.  12 years and four albums later, she's continued to defy expectations as a pop artist and is one of the most gifted songwriters of our time. This is an extended edit of a Take 5 that was filmed for the TV series, but this podcast is an extended edit - capturing even more stories, insight, and sounds. It's an incredible conversation with one of the most thoughtful people I've met.  Lorde has been going through a massive period of change. A chrysalis, taking new form. So I worked up a Take 5 theme to draw that out. And from Lucinda Williams to Westerman to something very close to home, hearing her speak about the craft of song is a rare treat. Lorde's song choices: Lucinda Williams – 'Fruits of My Labor' Bronski Beat – 'Smalltown Boy' Nina Simone – 'Suzanne' Westerman – 'Confirmation' Charli xcx & Lorde – 'Girl, so confusing featuring lorde' 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:49 Lorde's Early Influences and First Song Choice 02:04 Lucinda Williams' Impact on Lorde 09:30 Lorde's Childhood and Musical Beginnings 12:56 The Mystery of Songwriting 14:02 Second Song Choice: Small Town Boy 24:10 Reflecting on Teenage Years and Womanhood 28:22 Lorde's Relationship with Her Parents 30:18 Third Song Choice: Suzanne 30:27 Nina Simone's Transformative Cover of 'Suzanne' 31:16 Leonard Cohen's Inspiration and Poetic Imagery 32:12 Nina Simone's Unique Interpretation 35:39 Exploring Gender and Identity in Music 36:36 The Impact of Personal Transformation 39:48 The Creative Process Behind 'Virgin' 46:20 The Emotional Journey of 'Girl So Confusing' 50:06 Reflections on Vulnerability and Friendship 55:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

You’re about to learn a whole lot more about Kevin Bacon. The prolific actor has been on our screens for more than 40 years. It was his breakthrough part as Ren in Footloose that got him attention, but he was just getting started. Acclaimed roles in Apollo 13, A Few Good Men, The River Wild, and Mystic River would follow. In fact his filmography and range is so broad he literally had a game made up about him – Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon – where you could connect any Hollywood actor to him in six or less steps, he’s worked with that many stars. But bubbling away in the background, Kevin has always loved music. He played and wrote songs as a kid, joined his brother’s band and formed The Bacon Brothers in ’95, and shares his love of songs on the regular, across his social media. It was this thread I wanted to pull at, when I asked him to Take 5. But what emerged was a greater sense of the man himself. Deeply empathetic, very grounded, and with his heart in all the right places. Kevin Bacon's song choices: Earth, Wind & Fire – 'Happy Feelin' Spin Doctors – 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong' John Prine & Iris DeMent – 'In Spite of Ourselves' Frank Ocean – 'Thinkin Bout You' Brandi Carlile – 'The Joke' 00:00 Introduction to Kevin Bacon's Musical Journey 01:00 Kevin Bacon's Love for Music 02:19 Kevin Bacon's Acting and Music Synergy 04:11 SONG 1: Earth, Wind & Fire – 'Happy Feelin' 05:59 The Influence of Philadelphia's Music Scene 09:59 Kevin Bacon's Acting Aspirations and Early Career 14:38 SONG 2: Spin Doctors – 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong' 18:02 The Bacon Brothers and Overcoming Stage Fright 22:53 SONG 3: John Prine & Iris DeMent – 'In Spite of Ourselves' 23:28 Marriage to Kyra Sedgwick and singing together 30:32 SONG 4: Frank Ocean – 'Thinkin Bout You' 35:21 Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon and Philanthropy 39:51 SONG 5: Brandi Carlile – 'The Joke' 44:28 Kevin Bacon's Musical Journey 45:57 Upcoming Episodes and Podcast Details 46:29 Double J Radio Highlights Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

You’re about to see a side to Aaron Chen you’ve never seen before.  You might know him as George in Fisk, or Guy Montgomery’s sidekick on Spelling Bee.  Maybe you cheered his win on Taskmaster Australia season 3.  He’s also an acclaimed stand-up comic. But when I sat down with Aaron in his new home in New York City, I got a totally different sense of what makes him tick. This podcast is a companion to the TV episode you can see now on ABC iview. But here, you’re getting a whole lot more. More stories, silliness, and backstory to Aaron Chen.  I really loved this conversation, mainly cos I had no idea what to expect. And what I walked away with was a rich portrait of a really beautiful human with his heart in the right place. Aaron Chen's song choices: Arcade Fire – 'Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)' Matt Berry – 'Take My Hand' Vampire Weekend – 'Jerusalem, New York, Berlin' Faye Wong – 'Dreams (夢中人)' Kacey Musgraves – 'Deeper Well' 00:00 Introduction to Aaron Chen 01:26 Aaron's Move to New York 02:49 Comedy and Music 04:38 Growing Up in Suburban Sydney 12:06 Early Comedy Days 16:05 First TV Show Experience 20:43 Friendship with Sam Campbell 25:38 Journey to America 27:49 Auditioning for Fisk 29:44 Meeting Kitty Flanagan 30:29 Finding My Comedy Voice 34:29 Faith and Grounding 41:50 Marriage and Moving to New York 44:27 American TV and Movie Roles 48:36 Final Reflections and Future Plans Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

As one-fifth of the Spice Girls, she's one of the most famous people on the planet. But you wouldn’t know it. The Liverpudlian's down to earth beginnings define who Mel C is today. Take 5 is back on your screens for a fourth season on ABC iview, and we kicked off the series with Sporty Spice.  In a beautiful HIFI bar in east London, we unpacked her remarkable story… of a kid who daydreamed about the pop stars she’d one day become friends with. This is the story of the Spice Girls you haven’t heard, where against all odds they did it their way. It’s also the story of Melanie’s path to a solo career, and her full circle return to the rave culture she grew up in. Settle in for a fireside chat with an absolute legend, in this extended uncut edition of Melanie C's Take 5. Melanie C's song choices: Stevie Wonder — 'Sir Duke' Wham! — 'Everything She Wants' TLC — 'Waterfalls' Orbital — 'Chime' The Beatles — 'Eleanor Rigby' 00:00 Introduction to Mel C and the Spice Girls 00:24 Mel C's Musical Beginnings 00:36 Take Five Podcast and Mel C's Story 01:35 The Power of Music in Mel C's Life 02:50 Mel C's First Musical Influences 03:38 SONG 1: Stevie Wonder — 'Sir Duke' 05:43 Meeting Stevie Wonder 09:22 Growing Up in Liverpool 11:07 The Birth of Sporty Spice 15:37 The Spice Girls' Early Days 19:28 Living Together and Early Struggles 20:55 Breaking into the Music Industry 23:55 SONG 2: Wham! — 'Everything She Wants' 30:38 Childhood Memories and First Friendships 32:17 SONG 3: TLC — 'Waterfalls' 35:59 Going Solo and Collaborations 41:12 SONG 4: Orbital — 'Chime' 42:23 Rave Culture and DJing 51:33 SONG 5: The Beatles — 'Eleanor Rigby' 54:44 The Beatles and Liverpool's Influence 55:48 Reflecting on Spice Mania 58:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

The transgressive trailblazer celebrates 25 years since The Teaches of Peaches. A boundary-blurring blend of electroclash, sex-positive feminist themes, and fun.  It would become a defining album of the early noughties, and kick off a career that made our heads spin time and time again. Peaches has been pushing the boundaries and conversations around gender and sexuality since the beginning, and she’s someone I always relish sitting down with. So I’ve dug into my Take 5 archives this week to a chat I had with Peaches back in 2018 when I invited her to Take 5 with songs that bite. And oh boy, did she deliver. Peaches' song choices: PJ Harvey - '50ft Queenie [4-Track Demo Version]' Rough Trade - 'High School Confidential' DAF - 'Der Mussolini' Missy Elliott - 'Get Ur Freak On' Diamanda Galás - 'My Love Will Never Die'   00:00 Introduction to Peaches and Her Impact 00:50 Peaches' Musical Inspirations and Influences like AC/DC 04:39 Exploring PJ Harvey's Influence 05:06 SONG 1: PJ Harvey - '50ft Queenie [4-Track Demo Version]' 07:59 SONG 2: Rough Trade - 'High School Confidential' 08:02 Rough Trade and Carol Pope's Legacy 13:36 Peaches' Role in Queer Culture and Feminism 14:21 Influencing artists like Janelle Monáe 17:31 SONG 3: DAF - 'Der Mussolini' 18:13 The Power of Minimalist Punk 19:32 Peaches' Unique Stage Presence 20:51 SONG 4: Missy Elliott - 'Get Ur Freak On' 22:33 The Evolution of Peaches' Art 23:28 SONG 5: Diamanda Galás - 'My Love Will Never Die' 25:15 Upcoming Take Five Episodes and Conclusion

Take 5 with Zan Rowe is back on your screens from Tuesday 9 September, and Season 4 is our biggest yet. Kevin Bacon Melanie C from the Spice Girls Lorde Paul Kelly Comedian Aaron Chen (Fisk, Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee) Pulp's Jarvis Cocker Across this new season, you’ll hear revealing, funny, and deeply personal conversations with some of the most fascinating artists around. Each guest takes on a theme and chooses five songs that speak to it, and what unfolds is always unexpected. Like Jarvis Cocker, who didn’t say “I love you” until he was 40. Or Aaron Chen, whose wild comedy days led him back to a deep Christian faith. Want a Spice Girls story? Melanie C takes us back to the early days of sharehousing with the band – and spills on who scored the solo room. That chat was filmed at Hidden Grooves, a high-end London hifi bar owned by Richard Branson. The speaker behind us? Worth £55,000. No joke. We also sit down with songwriting legends Paul Kelly and Lorde, diving into the tracks they obsess over and the stories behind them. You’ll catch all the episodes from Tuesday September 9 on ABC TV and ABC iview.  PLUS: every week, we’ll drop extended cuts of these chats right here on the podcast. All the bits we had to leave out of the TV episodes, the stories that didn’t make the edit, the moments that stayed with us. So hit follow and get ready for a season of Take 5 that’ll shift your perspective, make you laugh, and maybe even make you cry. And while you wait for Season 4, there’s plenty to explore. From Eddie Perfect to Meg Washington, Bernard Sumner to Antony Green – Take 5 has been a radio and podcast favourite for years. Dig in. Watch the first 3 seasons of Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe  Other Take 5 episodes you might like: Eddie Perfect https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/eddie-perfect-take-5-source-material-beetlejuice-musical/105463030  Bernard Sumner from New Order https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/bernard-sumner-take-5-still-uses-blue-monday-synth-unbeatable/104908428  Meg Washington https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/meg-washington-take-5/105628150  Antony Green https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/antony-green-take-5-song-preferences/105234670 

Mac DeMarco has long been loved for his laid-back guitar noodlings and so called “slacker” rock. He sometimes calls it "jizz jazz", but whatever it is, it’s gained him a loving fanbase across the world. For the past few years, Mac has moved away from traditional albums in favour of brain dumping huge swaths of music – a lot of it without lyrics. But now he’s returned with an old school album, and for him he says it’s capturing the essence of where he’s at right now. What matters. On the day he released Guitar, I invited Mac to Take 5. Fall into Mac's world, you'll feel better for it. Mac DeMarco's Take 5 song choices: Martin Kolberger + Ralf Illenburger – 'Waves' Akiko Yano – 'A Worried Girl' Michael Manring – 'Welcoming' Bruce Cockburn – 'You Get Bigger As You Go' Bob Dylan – 'Alberta #1' 00:21 Mac DeMarco's Musical Journey 01:13 Reflecting on Life and Music 03:06 The Essence of Music and Collaboration 05:45 Martin Kolberger + Ralf Illenburger – 'Waves' 06:23 Philosophical Musings and Personal Anecdotes 09:25 Akiko Yano and Musical Inspirations 13:39 Akiko Yano – 'A Worried Girl' 14:08 Guitars and Their Stories 16:37 Canoeing and Nature's Influence on Music 19:27 Michael Manring – 'Welcoming' 20:18 Exploring Jazz and Its Mystique 23:01 Creating Music Independently 25:58 Reflecting on Canadian Roots 29:39 Bruce Cockburn – 'You Get Bigger As You Go' 30:06 Reflecting on new album Guitar and singing falsetto more 33:26 The Influence of Bob Dylan 37:20 Bob Dylan – 'Alberta #1' 38:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Other Take 5 episodes like this: Flaming Lips' frontman Wayne Coyne Lucy Dacus Sharon Van Etten