Changing Viewpoints With STEVEN WILSON

HEAVY Music Interviews

#HEAVY Magazine #Music #Showbiz #News

40:34

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary (InnSæi: The Power of Intuition), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 14:57

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Interview by Kris Peters
Acclaimed musical innovator and six-time Grammy nominee, Steven Wilson, will bring his highly anticipated The Overview Tour to Australia this November. His arrival will follow a massive run of UK, European and American dates and celebrates the release of his eighth solo album, The Overview, out now via Fiction Records.
Australian fans can expect a captivating live experience from one of contemporary music’s most boundary-pushing, genre bending artists. Accompanied by accomplished and seasoned veterans including Nick Beggs on bass (Mute Gods, Steve Hackett), legendary jazz keyboardist, Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Ray Manzarek), Craig Blundell on drums (Steve Hackett, Frost) and Randy McStine on guitars (Marco Minnemann, The Fringe) this world-class line up will bring the expansive, progressive soundscapes to life in a way that can only be experienced in a live setting.
The Overview is a 42-minute conceptual journey inspired by the “overview effect” of astronauts viewing Earth from space, and marks a return to the long-form progressive style Steven Wilson redefined with the iconic Porcupine Tree and his earlier solo work. Featuring two ambitious tracks and immersive spatial audio production, The Overview blends progressive sprawl with cinematic electronics and lush, immersive vibes all wrapped in spatial audio wizardry.
It’s a bold addition to his repertoire which also includes six Grammy nominations, three consecutive UK Top 5 albums and a string of iconic remixes for artists including, Pink Floyd, The Who, King Crimson and Tears For Fears. The Australian tour promises to be a thrilling and dynamic experience. Expect a set packed with The Overview’s mind-bending sprawl, alongside cuts from his acclaimed and peerless career.
HEAVY had the pleasure of chatting with Wilson, in an enlightening chat that proves why the man is so highly regarded in the music industry. One of the questions we asked focused on the length of his songs and whether the global shortening of attention spans comes into his thinking when writing.
"The simple answer is I try not to think about the listener when I mark art," he answered honestly. "That sounds very selfish and self-indulgent, and it is, but I've always believed that artists - if I can pretentiously call myself that - should never be thinking about their audience when they create the art, I think by definition it is a selfish act, and you just hope that people want to go with you on that journey. You hope that people will give you the benefit of the doubt. I have a fairly loyal fan base that listen to everything I do. Even if they moan about it, and they complain it's not what they want they still go with me on that journey (smiles), which I think is something that I've built up over the years, that kind of loyalty.
Also, I think there's a sense of providing the alternative. There's always been this notion in pop and rock of alternative music. Providing the alternative to whatever is the mainstream at the moment. The mainstream at the moment, as you suggested, is very immediate, short, synthesized pop music. Usually sung by female solo artists. That seems to be very much the prevalent, mainstream, pop formula. So here I am kind of providing the alternative to that. There are people that want that. There are people who want to engage on a deeper level and are prepared to sit and listen to a longer piece of music. So in that sense I see myself as the alternative to the mainstream, and there's always an audience for that."
In the full interview, Steve runs us through his busy schedule, tells us what has changed since his last visit, his backing band and what they bring to the live show, The Overview and how fans responded, the conceptual story it is based on and how it transpired to verse, the balance of writing long compositions in the face of people's shortening attention spans, the musical atmosphere generated in his music and the process of bringing it to life, constructing set lists when so many of his songs are lengthy and more.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1006 episodes

HEAVY Music Interviews

Changing Viewpoints With STEVEN WILSON

HEAVY Music Interviews

published about a year ago

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1006 episodes

#HEAVY Magazine #Music #Showbiz #News

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HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Taking It To The Streets With JAYANT BHADULA From BLOODYWOOD 15:17

8 hours ago15:17

15:17

Interview by Kris Peters Billed as an Indian folk metal outfit, Bloodywood are a band much more than that. They are an amalgamation of hard rock and metal, mixed with traditional Indian elements, who create a sound comfortingly similar but also fresh, new and exciting. While the folk metal element is there, labelling them as such is doing the band a disservice musically. Bloodywood first landed on the world's sonic radar with the single Ari Ari in 2018, a Punjabi folk song made famous in the early 2000s remix boom in India by hip-hop act Bombay Rockers. The band pushed it further with help from the gritty New Delhi-based conscious hip-hop artist/rapper Raoul Kerr, offering a cultural musical alternative to the mainstream acts that were dominating the charts. Since then, Bloodywood have taken the world by storm, with their debut album Rakshak solidifying the band's growing reputation. Bloodywood have been on the road pretty much ever since, performing to packed crowds and at major global festivals, including Lollapalooza India, Download Festival, Bloodstock (UK), Hellfest (France), Summer Breeze (Germany), Brutal Assault (Czechia), Fuji Rock (Japan) and American mainstays like Louder Than Life and Aftershock. Their sophomore album Nu Delhi came out on March 21 this year, marking a new landmark in the band's short history and proving emphatically that Bloodywood are more than just a metal band from India. They are now a world-class band in their own right. HEAVY spoke with vocalist Jayant Bhadula to get the rundown. "Very, very well," he smiled when we asked how the album has been received. "In terms of numbers, it's doing very good, but in terms of people showing up for the shows and singing our lyrics back from the new album, it's a great thing to see. Honestly, as an artis,t the greatest level of validation I can see is when people are singing your lyrics for you, especially the ones that are not in the language as well." We ask what Bloodywood were going for musically on Nu Delhi. "In terms of music, we tried to represent the sense of New Delhi where we come from," he mused. "It is a very realistic and metal city where we come from. If you give it love you will get love 100 times back but just like we say in the album, if you fuck around you won't be found and that is what we were trying to capture. That is why this album is more in your face rather than being as subtle as the last one." In the full interview we talked more about Nu Delhi, Bloodywood's collaboration with Babymetal and how it came about, the cultural dynamics present in their music, blending Eastern and Western cultures together musically and how difficult that is to do, how Nu Delhi differs musically from Rakshak, being labelled as a folk metal band and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Fun, Fashion And Music With PRIVATE FUNCTION 18:40

10 hours ago18:40

18:40

Interview by Kris Peters Private Function are possibly Australia's best kept musical secret. Their infectious and highly contagious brand of punk metal is a step back into the days when music was fun and, while being abrasive, is also delivered with enough tongue firmly planted in cheek to keep them at bay from those who wish to sanitise the music scene. With album titles such as St. Anger, Whose Line Is It Anyway and 370HSSV 0773H already under their belt, the punk outfit recently unleashed ¯_(ツ)_/¯, an album that, despite being impossible to pronounce, is also impossible to resist. It is a typical slab of excellence from the band, complete with red herrings and the world's first microscopic album cover, and one which sees them embark on a national tour of Australia before heading overseas for a 35-date European tour. Never having had the pleasure of spending time with the band before, HEAVY was a little unsure of what to expect, but within 30 seconds of chatting with vocalist Chris Penney and guitarist Anthony Biancofiore we knew we were in familiar territory. We start by talking about the new album and its early reception. "Great," Biancofiore smiled before Penney cut in. "Everyone's loving it. It's good stuff." "I've been getting heaps of messages from people I don't even know saying they heard the album, and it's great," Biancofiore continued. "They like specific songs, so it's interesting." HEAVY asks if anyone has been able to pronounce the title yet, which was greeted by fiendish laughter from the pair. "I don't care," Penney laughed. "It's not our problem." "That's for you to figure out," Biancofiore laughed over the top. We ask about the album musically and what Private Function were going for. "It's kind of a different one," Penney measured, "because we wrote most of the songs in the studio. All of our previous albums, we've had the songs 100 % finished, and we'd knock them out in a weekend, but this one was a far more collaborative effort between all of us. We've all got pretty different styles of music we come from." "For sure," Biancofiore nodded in agreement. "There's room for all of it on this album. Even the songs that aren't your natural genre, there's a path for you to follow and have a moment in as well. There's a six-minute electronica song that's not really any of our forte's, but you listen to it, and you can hear everyone on it." "We've got sea shanties, we've got a sick 80s… It's like a KISS type thing…" Penney added. "Like a glam rock song, it's all over the shop." In the full interview we talk more about the new album and the songs on it, the title and where and why they came up with it, starting the album with the heaviest song Animal, Chris' obsession with vegemite, their live show and what to expect, the microscopic cover and the thought process behind it, meat raffles, their cheeky sense of humour and pushing the envelope, the national tour including the final show at Thrashville, touring overseas and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Integrating Music And Gaming With THE LIVING TOMBSTONE 17:57

12 hours ago17:57

17:57

Interview by Kris Peters Music and video games are no strange bedfellows, with bands such as Motorhead, Judas Priest, Dragonforce and Iron Maiden, plus a stack of others having their music forever immortalised in the popular platform. But more often than not, the songs are written first, with executives from gaming companies sensing the potential for more money by adding the songs in at a later date or as a soundtrack. But what if there was a band that actually wrote and performed music that was an amalgamation of the two? A band that combined electronic rock with gaming culture and internet anthems? Such a thing exists in the form of The Living Tombstone, an LA electronic rock outfit with both feet firmly planted across all three, making them possibly one of the most powerful and influential bands in the world. The two founding members - Yoav Landau and Sam Haft are in the unique position of being both recording artists and influencers in gaming, and as such have their fingers on the metaphorical pulse of both realms, which can only translate to something special in the right hands. And if the last decade of success is anything to go by, then The Living Tombstone have certainly cracked that elusive crossover market. With their first album in six years, Rust, coming out this Friday, May 30 and an Australian tour looming in July, HEAVY sat down for an interesting chat with both gentlemen to see if we could pinch some pointers. "The name itself is inherently inspired by bands that in and of itself are things you feel for, like as a concept," Landau explained, "Like Gorillaz, for example, is a great idea. The name comes up, and you don't just think about the music; you think about the entire visual. It is almost like a snapshot or an obsession over other bands that had this sort of name and idea and big opaque." We ask about the live show and bringing all of their musical elements to life during a performance. "The band is very much in and of itself, with characters that are really big and out of this world," Landau answered first. "Gaming and media culture are very much about how much you feel for them and the things you're into, so we translate and try to connect it within our own world." "We try to have characters people can connect to that are visual and exciting to look at," Sam added. "Beyond just the experience of going and seeing a band play live, you're getting to see these characters perform live." In the full interview, we had a chat about shoey's and Australian fans' insatiable appetite for the homemade craze. Sam and Yoav discussed their creative process, highlighting the collaborative nature of their work and the integration of gaming into their music, which has become increasingly relevant in pop culture. They expressed excitement for their new album, Rust, and their commitment to delivering a mix of familiar and innovative elements to connect with fans emotionally. We spoke more about their live show We spoke more about their live show and what to expect, the song they had on the movie Five Nights At Freddy's, the early days of the band and how their vision has changed, integrating gaming with music and finding the balance in the creative stage and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Bringing The Brutality With DACE CHAVARRI From ILL NINO 21:58

1 day ago21:58

21:58

Interview by Kris Peters The global musical landscape shifted forever in 2001, with the release of Ill Nino's debut album, Revolution Revolución. It introduced the world to a fusion of metal and Latino-influenced brutality that gave birth to a new movement of metal that still exists in some form today. It was an experimental and daring album from a group of musicians from New Jersey who decided to combine their culture with their music and introduced the world to a band who give no quarter and have remained steadfast despite well publicized internal battles. It says much for the scope and vision of founding vocalist Dave Chavarrí, who has reassembled his dream numerous times over in search of the perfect formula. To showcase the new-look line up - and reportedly the best yet - the band are paying their first visit Down Under in eight years this September, intent on pummelling their Australian fans into musical submission. Chavarri joined HEAVY earlier this week to fill us in on the blanks. "Wait until you see the new band and the new line-up," he declared straight off the bat. "We're going to fucking crush Australia, man. People ain't going to be ready for this shit right now." We ask Chavarri what has changed with Ill Nino in the eight years between visits. "We have a new singer now," he replied. "We are going to release a new track and a new video and song next month, and it's from the new album that we're starting to record next week. The new album is fucking insane. It's the best thing that we've done since Revolution Revolución, I feel. And yeah, wait till you see the band live. We're in the best shape of our lives physically - the entire band - mentally and spiritually. We're firing all cylinders right now, and we just can't wait to come and fuck shit up." In the full interview, Dave spoke more about the new line-up and new song, Ill Nino's live show and what makes it so brutal, bringing Adema as touring partners, and his love for Australian crowds. He reflected on the band's evolution, influenced by his Latin music upbringing, and shared his commitment to Ill Nino despite past challenges, including member changes and conflicts. He noted recent reconciliations with former members Christian and Marcos, emphasizing a newfound positivity and supportive environment within the band. We spoke about what keeps driving him despite the setbacks, and his need to have the band and music in his life. We touched on the new material and what direction it will take, when it might come out and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Functioning In A State Of Dysfunction With MATTI HARROD From BEANFLIPPER 17:39

5 days ago17:39

17:39

Interview by Kris Peters After playing what the band describes themselves as the worst gig they have ever done in late 1998, popular Melbourne outfit Beanflipper decided to call it a day, leaving a massive hole in the Australian music scene. Since 1993, the five-piece had been terrorizing the local music scene, with their underbelly of punk, grindcore, noise, and death metal dragging the band kicking and screaming into the hearts and ears of those who stood in their path. They released three albums in that time, touring relentlessly and fearlessly, anchoring themselves in the blood-soaked altar of Australian grind and hardcore. They weren’t just part of the scene — they were the cursed heartbeat beneath it. After a brief flirtation with a second lease on life, Beanflipper faded into obscurity, but now, two decades since that last echo faded, the beast stirs once more. In 2025, to mark 30 years since Total Dysfunctional Collapse first howled into the void, Beanflipper returns — resurrected by the mad generosity of Kent Bartley and his invitation to play Necrosonic Festival 2025. It's not just a reunion. It's a reckoning. HEAVY spent some time with drummer Matti Harrod to fill in the blanks. "It's actually been a lot easier than I thought, getting to know the songs, considering it's been 20 years," he smiled. "Now it's down to what I call the footy training side of it, where every week you've got to go into the rehearsal room and smash out two sets to get the fitness up. I mean, it's a bit like an endurance game, really." We ask if the approaching resurrection show is more nerve inducing or exciting, given it has been so long between drinks. "Is it nervous? Is it relief? I know we're all really excited," he replied. "I've been quite humbled by the response that we've received. People are just so chuffed that we're back together again. When I first sort of sneakily announced it on my own Facebook, there were heaps of people going, what, are you bullshitting us?" In the full interview, Matti talks more about the upcoming show and how the band are going to approach it. We ask him what to expect from their live show and what surprises they have in store, as well as naming a couple of songs festival goers can listen to in order to know what to expect. The discussion also covered the band's history, including its origins in 1993 and the various line-up changes that shaped their sound. Matti reflected on the band's tumultuous past, particularly a disappointing final show in 1998, and noted the excitement surrounding their reunion, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of their first CD plus more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
The Unmistakable Roar Of Rock With JOSH TODD From BUCKCHERRY 18:56

7 days ago18:56

18:56

Interview by Kris Peters Today we're going to do something a little bit different. Instead of just talking normally about an album, as people normally do, HEAVY reviewed the upcoming release from Buckcherry - Roar Like Thunder - and went through it with vocalist Josh Todd song by song and he let us know if we were on the right track before giving us a bit more of a detailed version of what the song is about. We started with the review intro. "I've long been a fan of Buckcherry and their music. It has always held an infectious air of defiance and a rebellious swagger that has defied much of the music that has punctuated the last 25 years, with the band making an immediate statement with the classic song Lit Up from their self-titled 1999 debut album. They have always been a band that skirts in the shadowy side of the rock realm, defying trends and expectations while still managing to have somewhat of a crossover appeal that evades many others. After losing track of the band for a few years, I caught up again with Buckcherry for their sensational Fuck EP in 2014 and have kept up with every release since. The band seemed to find a fresh air of rock-drenched goodness on their 2021 release Hellbound, which they carried through to Volume 10 two years later. So it is with a great deal of excitement I sit to listen to their upcoming album, Roar Like Thunder, which is scheduled for release on June 13th." "That's great. Love it," Todd smiled. "Yeah, we're very excited. You know, we've already dropped three songs off the record, Roar Like Thunder, the title track, Come On and Set It Free, and everybody's loving it. It's a great record, you know, and it rocks from beginning to end. We're really excited for it to hit the streets." The full interview features a track-by-track analysis of Roar Like Thunder, where Josh highlighted themes of focus and ambition in the title track and expressed enthusiasm for the positive reception of three already released songs. He shared insights into the songwriting process, mentioning the evolution of tracks like Talking Bout Sex, inspired by Cardi B and George Michael, and Blackout, which reflects his personal struggles with alcohol. The conversation also covered the blues influences in songs like I Go Boom, which explores sociopathic themes, and the motivational nature of Set It Free. Other tracks discussed included Hello Goodbye, which contemplates bittersweet relationships, and Machine Gun, showcasing the band's storytelling ability. The dialogue concluded with praise for Let It Burn, seen as a powerful finale, reinforcing Buckcherry's strong presence in rock music. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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Fine Dining Done Right With METAL MASTICATION And STEVE UNGER 55:34

7 days ago55:34

55:34

Interview by Kris Peters Two of the most essential things in life would have to be heavy metal and food. Hands down. No argument. But what is actually better than metal or eating? Combining the two together, which is exactly what Brett Hoag and James Pulli have done with their revolutionary, entertaining and informative show, Metal Mastication. Since 2023, Hoag and Pulli have been producing quality content, interviewing bands and artists while cooking up a storm with a personally selected favourite dish from the guest of the day. It is a novel and unique concept, and also the first of its kind, so it is no wonder the show has developed a cult following in America that promises to break through to the rest of the world at any time. Over the years, Metal Mastication has hosted David Ellefson, Jeff Young, Tony Macalpine and Steve Unger, with Unger's heat sensitive Breasts Of Fire recipe marking itself down in history as one of the most intense dishes ever created for television. The recipe was so good, in fact, that when HEAVY spoke with Metal Mastication earlier today, Unger made a special trip from his home base to Los Angeles just to run it through with us on this side of the world. "Hell, Masticators and Metalheads in Australia, it's so good to be here with you guys," Hoag began the conversation, introducing the show as well as himself. "My name is Brett, and I host Metal Mastication. We are the only heavy metal interview show set in the kitchen. Where do the best conversations happen in your house, Kris?" "The toilet?" HEAVY replied, before changing our answer to the kitchen. "The kitchen, yeah, you're correct," Hoag laughed. "And so that's where the idea came from, and we've done 19 episodes. We have eight on our YouTube channel, and right now we are in the quarter-finals of the Colossus Favourite Chef 2025 competition. It benefits the James Beard Society, which brings equity and sustainability to professional kitchens. If we win this competition, it will allow us to buy a food truck and go to metal festivals as well. Now, say you're at a metal festival, and you're there to see Metal Church, for example. I know they're really huge in Australia, they're huge all over the world. So you see our food truck there, and you go, wow, that's fun. That's a cool logo, that's a cool purple truck. You walk up to get something, and behind the counter in the food truck is none other than Steve Unger, the bass player, the Metal Hall of Fame bass player from Metal Church." The session focused on the unique concept of blending heavy metal music with cooking, featuring discussions about the show's premise and a cooking demonstration. Brett highlighted the show's innovative format, which combines interviews with heavy metal musicians in a kitchen setting. Steve Unger discussed his signature dish, Breasts of Fire, and expressed enthusiasm for connecting with Australian fans. The conversation included humorous anecdotes about cooking and the challenges of using spicy ingredients, with Brett noting that all necessary ingredients are provided for guests to enhance their cooking experience. HEAVY inquired about the origins of the show, prompting Brett to recount how it began two years ago after discussions with Billy Sheehan about cooking on social media. He emphasized that while cooking is a component, the primary focus remains on interviews and conversations with guests, while Steve provided an update on Metal Church's hiatus while also discussing his involvement in other projects and more. Don't forget to vote for Brett and Metal Mastication here: https://favchef.com/2025/brett- Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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Navigating Grief And Galaxies: THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA’s Cinematic Journey With 'Give Us The Moon' 23:47

8 days ago23:47

23:47

Interview by Angela Croudace Swedish rock collective The Night Flight Orchestra have always fused nostalgia and ambition, but their latest release, Give Us the Moon, dives deeper than ever before—both emotionally and sonically. Frontman Björn Strid opened up about the band’s journey through loss, growth, and creative expansion following the passing of co-founder and guitarist David Andersson. Strid describes the album as “cinematic” and “dreamy,” a result of the emotional weight carried during its creation. “We had to grieve as a band,” he says, reflecting on the impact of losing Andersson. “But we also wanted to find joy again and create something uplifting—something he would be proud of.” The result is a multilayered, genre-fluid soundscape that defies classification, staying true to the band’s commitment to musical freedom and sincerity. Themes of space and existential reflection permeate Give Us the Moon, inspired in part by a letter Andersson left behind, wishing to be remembered as “an astronaut floating in space.” This poetic image gave shape to the album’s narrative arc and title. Despite their retro influences—pulling heavily from late '70s and early '80s AOR and classic rock—Strid emphasises that their music is not just a throwback. “It’s a tradition we want to carry on, but it needs to make sense today.” The band’s recent signing with Napalm Records also marked a turning point, opening up new promotional avenues and international exposure, including a surprise interview with CNN. With their growing global footprint, The Night Flight Orchestra is preparing for a return to Australia—a country that left a profound mark on Strid during their last visit, inspiring the emotionally charged track “Melbourne, May I.” Balancing his heavy metal roots (as the frontman of Soilwork) with the melodic, theatrical nature of TNFO, Strid finds fulfilment in the contrast. “I switch between genres easily,” he says, noting that each project brings out a different side of his artistry. As Give Us the Moon soars, The Night Flight Orchestra continues to celebrate both the cosmic and the deeply personal—honouring a lost friend, embracing new creative horizons, and inviting listeners on an unforgettable voyage through sound and soul. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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Thunder From The Witch's Cauldron: BURNING WITCHES Bassist Talks Magic, Metal And Aussie Tour Debut 12:29

9 days ago12:29

12:29

Interview by Angela Croudace For Burning Witches bassist Jay Grob, the path to heavy metal thunder began with a red guitar—and a little persuasion. “Romana (Burning Witches’ guitarist) gave it to me and said, ‘It fits your hair,’” Jay laughs. “But I thought, every idiot plays guitar! Then she handed me a bass, and I was like—yeah, that’s more me.” Now a cornerstone of the Swiss all-female metal powerhouse, Jay’s bass playing has become a defining force behind their sound. Guided by Romana Kalkuhl and her husband, she’s never stopped learning. “You have to play continuously, even in your free time,” she says. “It never ends.” With their first-ever Australian tour about to ignite, Jay is buzzing with anticipation. “I’m so curious about the fans there,” she says. “Every country’s different. We’ll meet fans at VIP events, and I hope I can explore the food and culture too—maybe see a kangaroo!” Despite their fierce stage presence, the band’s bond is grounded in friendship. “Off stage, we’re like family,” Jay shares. “We BBQ in Switzerland, go shopping together on tour days off—it’s real.” When it comes to songwriting, Jay jumps in after the drums are locked in. “Romana and Lala (drummer) get the riffs down first. Then vocals. Then I come in with the bass.” Live, it’s the fans that fuel her fire. “Whether it’s Wacken or a tiny club, when fans sing every lyric, that’s the most beautiful thing.” But the real challenge? “Finding a washing machine on tour,” she jokes. As Burning Witches’ fan base grows globally, Jay stays grounded. “We’re just five crazy chicks spreading our love for metal. I hope Aussie fans feel the magic when they see us live. Real heavy metal. Real energy.” Australia, get ready—Burning Witches are about to set the stage ablaze. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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SLEEP THEORY: Rising Rock Powerhouse Redefines Modern Sound 19:05

13 days ago19:05

19:05

Interview by Angela Craudace Sleep Theory is shaking up the rock world with a bold blend of anthemic choruses, polished production, and emotionally charged lyrics. Lead singer Cullen Moore opened up about the band’s journey, their creative vision, and how they’re building a powerful connection with fans both on and off-stage. From the start, Sleep Theory has stood out by combining elements of rock, pop, and metal in a way that resonates with a wide audience. The band’s breakout single Another Way catapulted them into the spotlight, and they haven’t looked back since. With millions of streams and a dedicated fan base growing by the day, their rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Moore emphasises authenticity and emotion in their songwriting. “Everything we write comes from a real place,” he says. “We want people to hear our songs and feel understood.” This genuine connection is reflected in the energy of their live shows, where fans sing every word back to them with raw emotion. Looking ahead, Sleep Theory is focused on pushing boundaries with upcoming releases. “We’re experimenting more,” Moore reveals. “We’re not afraid to step outside the box.” Yes, we also probed Cullen on the chances of an Australian tour; we can proudly announce that an Aussie tour is being discussed! With undeniable talent, fearless creativity, and a message that resonates, Sleep Theory is fast becoming a defining voice in the next era of rock. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
THE SPILL CANVAS Celebrate 20 Years Of One Fell Swoop With First-Ever Australian Tour 22:22

13 days ago22:22

22:22

Interview by Angela Croudace Nick Thomas, frontman of The Spill Canvas, is bringing something special to Australian fans this year — a long-awaited celebration of their beloved 2005 album One Fell Swoop. Speaking ahead of their debut tour Down Under, Thomas shared his excitement and gratitude for being able to continue making music nearly two decades on. “To get to do this for even a year, let alone over 20, is a marvel in and of itself,” he said. “We’ve never been to Australia, so to come over now and play this album in full feels really special.” The tour, a co-headlining run with fellow emo pioneers The Juliana Theory, marks a major milestone for both bands. Thomas credits Emotion Is Dead as a formative influence in his own musical journey, and says he’s thrilled to share the stage with artists he once idolised. “I grew up listening to them — now we’re friends. It’s wild.” The Spill Canvas will perform One Fell Swoop front to back, staying true to its original sequencing. “We spent a lot of time curating the track list as a journey,” Thomas explained. “It just feels right to honour it that way.” After the final track, Self-Conclusion, Thomas plans to segue into a few more fan favourites to round out the night. Despite never visiting Australia before, Thomas is embracing the adventure with enthusiasm. “I’d love to see the Opera House, meet people, maybe spot a kangaroo. I’m also — embarrassingly — a big fan of Below Deck Down Under. Captain Jason is my hero!” Reflecting on the recording of One Fell Swoop, Thomas recalled humble beginnings at Black Lodge Studios in Kansas with producer Ed Rose. “It was our first real studio experience. I remember Ryan Pope from The Get Up Kids giving me a shoulder rub while I was recording guitar. I tried to play it cool, but I was freaking out.” Over the years, The Spill Canvas has toured with major acts like the Goo Goo Dolls and OneRepublic. Thomas fondly recalled an evening where Ryan Tedder listened to his demos and gave thoughtful feedback. “Moments like that are unforgettable. It’s what makes this lifestyle feel like a shared journey.” After all these years, Thomas remains a passionate music fan, recently inspired by artists like Medium Build and Bilmuri (not the actor). “Always be a fan,” he said. “That’s what keeps it exciting.” Check out the full interview for more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Feeding The Hunger With JONNY HAWKINS From NOTHING MORE 14:47

13 days ago14:47

14:47

Interview by Kris Peters Nothing More are a band on the rise. And rapidly. Since the release of their seventh studio album, Carnal, last year, Nothing More have become the darlings of the hard rock scene, with three songs from that album already taking out top position on Rock Radio. And what does a band worth their promotional dollar do when they strike gold on a release? Yep, you guessed it, re-release the album as a deluxe special and draw in a whole new bunch of fans while placating existing lovers of their music. While more often than not such a move reeks of cashing on for the sake of it, with Carnal Deluxe, Nothing More have expanded on the quality provided the first time around, plus added a new song to keep diehard fans happy. HEAVY spent some time with frontman Jonny Hawkins earlier this week to go over Carnal Deluxe and why it is superior to the original version. We start by asking if Carnal was received as well as the band hoped. "We knew this was going to be a strong album," he affirmed. "We felt a lot of confidence in our bones about this one. It just had good songs, and when we put it out, it performed as good as we had hoped, if not better. We have three number ones in a row, and now we have the song Freefall that will be climbing the charts, and we're - knock on wood - but we're hoping for a fourth number one." We ask if the anticipation and excitement levels are the same for a Deluxe release as opposed to the initial album. "I'd say typically not," he smiled honestly. "Deluxes are fun little ways to kind of boost the album and push it back up to the top of people's streaming platforms. But that's the main goal, I think, is just reminding people and getting them to stream it again. I mean, for us, we did have a feature on a song called Freefall with Chris Daughtry. So that was kind of cool, because we hadn't released that version of the song yet. And then we had some cool remixes and stuff that were like good workout tracks or things to drive fast to that we didn't have on it before." In the full interview, Jonny spoke more about Carnal Deluxe and the value of being able to release upgraded versions of an album. We ran through each of the five bonus tracks individually, and Johnny told us more about each song and the new versions available. We spoke about K9s For Warriors and the organisations success in dealing with mental health and why Nothing More chose to help them, working with David Draimen from Disturbed, the band's pleasure at having Chris Daughtry on one song, the new song We're All Gonna Die and how it came to be on the album, touring plans and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Ripening With Age According To DARREN CROWE From FAKE NEWS 19:10

15 days ago19:10

19:10

Interview by Kris Peters Queensland punk upstarts Fake News are having a stellar 2025. Starting the year with a national opening slot for Pennywise and Millencolin, the lovable punksters have just released their new album Dead Set, abody of work which sees Fake News showcase a different, yet still familiar, side to their musical psyche. The band are ready to take the next step forward with Dead Set. Whilst staying true to their 90s Skate punk sound, Fake News have evolved and raised the bar on the album. Boasting a high-energy and action packed live show, the release of Dead Set is a staunch reminder that Fake News are here to stay and create a legacy that stretches beyond their own backyard. HEAVY sat down earlier today for a chat with guitarist Darren Crowe to find out more, starting by asking how the early reception to the album has been. "It's been good," he smiled. "It's moving at a steady pace in the streamage. It seems to be doing all the right things and moving in the right direction. There are a few different songs in there, which might have lost a few listeners, but there's a few different songs in there that might have gained a few listeners as well. We've stayed true to who we are, and we've evolved, and we feel like we've got a very now sound with what we've done on this album. A lot of these songs were written seven years ago when the band started, and we just knew that we wanted to get them right. We didn't have the right people for the job so we kind of went back and redid them, and there are riffs there I've had lying around for like 15 plus years, so it's nice to finally get them released. People don't understand how much work goes into a riff in a song sometimes. When you hear it on release day, itwas probably recorded two or three years prior, and then by the time it comes out and stuff… there's just a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. But it's nice to have it out." In the full interview, Darren discussed Fake News' evolution and the challenges faced during production, emphasizing the importance of their punk roots while incorporating new elements. He highlighted the album's diverse tracks and encouraged fans to engage deeply with the music. We also discussed the unique approach to covering songs, noting the significance of drums in creating a fresh sound. We spoke about Fake News signing with Thousand Island Records, enabling international distribution and vinyl production. Darren expressed excitement for their upcoming launch show at Sol Bar and mentioned plans for more, as yet unannounced, touring this year plus more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Battling The Blues With JOHN CORABI From THE DEAD DAISIES 20:51

16 days ago20:51

20:51

Interview by Kris Peters The Dead Daisies have always had an underlying stream of blues coursing through their music. It is an age-old style of music that has influenced pretty much every conceivable genre over the years, although rock music has benefited the most. With vocalist John Corabi coming back on deck for last year's album Light 'em Up, The Dead Daisies embraced their blues side even more, culminating in late night jam sessions while recording that album at the legendary FAME studios progressing into recording sessions which led to their new album Nothin' But Trouble, which is due out on May 30. The album pays homage to the work of blues legends such as BB King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Howlin Wolf, with The Dead Daisies reworking their classic songs and sprinkling enough of their own DNA through the tracks to make them their own. It is an outstanding body of work from a band with an impressively high back catalogue, and showcases some of the influences that have seen the members hone their craft. HEAVY caught up with Corabi to find out more. "You know what I'm excited about so far is that the first two songs that we released have been getting great feedback from everybody," he began. "And as I was saying earlier, this was it was what we call a happy accident. This whole thing came about in such a weird, random way. We went to this legendary studio in America called Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, and it was kind of a bucket list thing for all of us, including Marti Frederiksen (producer). So we went down there with the thought in mind that we would just maybe write and maybe do a little bit of recording down in this legendary studio. It's a legendary place, but also it's a functioning studio, and they do museum tours through this place and each night around dinner time, they bring in 20, 30 people. So we'd take a break. And then we kind of sat and thought about it. We're like, well, okay, the tour was over. We were done eating, and we'd crack open either a bottle of whiskey or some wine. And we thought we could go back to the hotel and sit and watch TV all night, or, we're here, let's just jam. Let's see. Let's just have some fun. So we kind of started jamming some blues that everybody was familiar with, obviously, like Crossroads, Going Down, and Born Under a Bad Sign. And then it was weird, we just kind of sat, and Marti kept the session rolling. We listened and thought, okay, this is really cool. This is really cool, so what we did is during the day we worked on what became the Light 'em Up record, and we just continued working at night and putting together 10 of our favourite blues songs and so far man, everybody's been raving about it." In the full interview, John spoke more about the band's intention to honour their musical roots through a collection of blues tracks. He explained the challenges of reinterpreting classic songs, emphasizing the need to make them their own while maintaining their integrity, using When the Levee Breaks as a reference for transformation. He shared insights on the evolution of specific tracks, such as Terror Plane Blues into Take My Soul, and acknowledged the blues' influence across various genres. We talked about the process behind reworking other people's music, which songs were the easiest to do and which ones more difficult and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Reflecting On Music And Life With ELLA and JESSE HOOPER From KILLING HEIDI 16:43

16 days ago16:43

16:43

It was the turn of the century, and everything was meant to be crumbling. The Y2K bug had been and gone, but people were still unsure of their future - or the future of the planet for that matter - but amid all the gloom and chaos emerged a beacon of light, headed by a brother/sister combination, both still in their teens. That band was called Killing Heidi and the release that changed it all, coming out in 2000, was Reflector. Propelled by hit singles Weir, Mascara and Superman/Supergirl, Killing Heidi, and particular teenage frontwoman Ella Hooper, became the voice for disenfranchised youth everywhere. Their songs, filled with hope and belonging, gave people a view to a brighter future, which, coupled with the rags-to-riches story that accompanied the Hooper siblings, resonated with a much wider audience than the band's teenage demographic would suggest. The band would go on to release another two albums over the next 25 years, plus took a ten-year break, but will forever be known and loved for that debut album. Now, a quarter of a century on, Killing Heidi are celebrating Reflector by re-releasing the album as well as heading out on tour to take their music to the nation. Jesse and Ella both joined HEAVY to discuss 25 years of Killing Heidi. "We're pretty stoked," Jesse enthused. "We're getting the band back together for the 25-year anniversary of our debut album Reflector, and doesn't that make you feel young and old (laughs). We tend to mainly do festivals with Killing Heidi over the last eight years, so we're stepping back into our own headline shows, which is really exciting for us. We're going to play Reflector in full - which we've never done before - and it's gonna be a party." "This is a big deal for us," Ella added. "We're putting on our big girl pants and doing our own headline tour with some amazing support acts as well." In the full interview, Jesse and Ella discussed the tour in greater detail, reflected on their debut album and the success it brought them, ask what the album actually means to them, their thought process going into the album and their initial hopes, which of the songs are most personal to them, their youth at the time Reflector came out and if the success of the album forced them to grow up quickly, how those songs helped shape the people they are today, playing the album in full and how difficult it was to learn all of the songs and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Opening A Can Of Worms With HENRIK HOCKERT From VIAGRA BOYS 7:49

16 days ago7:49

7:49

Interview by Kris Peters Formed in Stockholm in 2015, Viagra Boys - as their name suggests - are a band here to have fun. And have fun they have, with debut album Street Worms introducing the world to their absurdist humour, with their follow-ups Welfare Jazz and Cave World only serving to solidify their reputation as a band set to conquer the world. Or at least win over a few fans. Viagra Boys have not once shown any signs of slowing down or conforming to a changing musical landscape, and have instead raised the bar even higher with the recent release of their fourth album, Viagr Aboys. In keeping with the group’s token absurdist humour, Viagr Aboys is a further step into a foray into sharp observational humour, dismantling everything and nothing at the same time. They take shots at the cultural institutions that hold people down while also turning the lens inward, never shying away from their beliefs and viewpoints in the name of acceptance. HEAVY spoke with bass player Henrik Hockert earlier this week from Viagra Boys' tour bus to find out more about their fourth release. "It got a really good reaction," he enthused of the early response to the new album, "people seem to like it a lot. Good reviews and people seem to like it." We ask him to explain the album more musically. "I think when we started, we were just trying to make a Viagra Boys record," he shrugged. "We have kept on doing music that we like. We often start out with a bass line and go from there, and then Sebastian makes some vocals. It's a lot of different elements in there, with some slower songs as well." In the full interview, Henrik talks more about Viagr Aboys, the singles released and how they represent the album as a whole, the Australian references in the song Uno II, the burp in the opening song Man Made Of Meat and how it came to be there, the final song River King, which is a piano led softer song, next year's tour of Australia and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Respecting The Musical Legacy Of JOHN SYKES With MARK ALEXANDER-ERBER From GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS 14:57

19 days ago14:57

14:57

Interview by Kris Peters The world lost a true legend earlier this year, when vocalist/guitarist John Sykes - Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Tygers Of Pan Tang - lost his battle with cancer. While his legacy endures thanks to the music he created, the world has still lost a musical innovator and pioneer with a gift for writing timeless music. Around eight years ago, Sykes entered into a contract with then-fledgling music label Golden Robot Records, agreeing to terms for a new album to be released through the company. But over the ensuing few years and as life and circumstances got in the way, all that was honoured by Sykes in that contract was four songs, written by him with a view to completing a full album down the track, that have until now remained locked away from the world in their original demo state. Since Sykes' passing, the label has gone to the vault and dusted off the cobwebs and had them professionally remixed and remastered by Aussie legendary producer Paul Gommersall (Paul Weller, George Michael, GNR). Paying respect to the music and legacy of John Sykes, Golden Robot decided to allow the music world at least six months to grieve the loss of Sykes before announcing their intentions to release the four songs - the first new music from Sykes in a quarter of a century - as a four-track EP. It was a decision taken with much respect to the situation, the man, and his music, but ultimately one which Golden Robot Records believes serves the best interests of fans and enables them to release material which was to form the nucleus of a full body of work. Golden Robot Global Entertainment’s Mark Alexander-Erber sat down with HEAVY to talk us through the release and the history behind four tracks, which could well be the final recording the world hears from a man who has shaped so much of its history. "John was introduced to me during the formative days of Golden Robot Records’ journey in Los Angeles," Mark explained. "The label officially launched around 2015, and by 2017 we had entered into an agreement with John for a full-length studio album. The original contract was straightforward — John was to deliver a minimum of ten tracks for a complete album." "As per the terms of the agreement, we made an initial payment to John, and everything was progressing well. John preferred to work at his own creative pace, which we respected. The understanding was that upon delivery of additional material, a second tranche of payment would be made. However, as time went on, it became clear that what we had originally paid for and what was ultimately being delivered were two very different things." "That said, we approached the situation the way we always have at Golden Robot — through open communication and a commitment to the relationship. Like many bands we worked with in those early years, it was never just about rigid contractual enforcement; it was about navigating challenges together in good faith." "In the end, what we received were four absolutely outstanding demos — powerful, compelling tracks that truly reflect John’s immense talent and artistic voice. While it wasn’t the full album we initially set out to produce, those recordings have tremendous value, and we’re proud to be the ones bringing them to the world." In the full interview, Mark provided detailed insights into his professional relationship with John Sykes, which commenced in 2017. He acknowledged that while not all contractual obligations were fulfilled to the letter, all parties involved reached mutual compromises in good faith. Mark expressed sincere appreciation for their personal and professional relationship, noting the importance of approaching sensitive matters with discretion and respect. The discussion also included specifics regarding the forthcoming 4-track EP, which will feature two previously unreleased songs along with remastered versions of two existing tracks. Mark confirmed that the estate of the late artist will receive the royalties as stipulated under the terms of the agreement. He conveyed confidence in the artistic and technical quality of the recordings, stating that the work pays a respectful and authentic tribute to John’s legacy. The release strategy includes the rollout of two singles ahead of the EP, with the first single scheduled for release in late June through Golden Robot Records on a global basis. We discussed Mark's personal relationship with John and the decision to delay releasing the songs after John's death, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Drums, Discipline, And Death Metal: Ingested’s LYN JEFFS Talks Aussie Tours And Going Back To Their Roots 16:18

20 days ago16:18

16:18

Words by Angela Croudace UK death metal giants Ingested are returning to Australian shores, and drummer Lyn Jeffs gave HEAVY the inside scoop on what fans can expect. After their tour in 2023 alongside Archspire, the band was blown away by the warm reception and immediately knew they had to come back — this time for a headlining run. “We always wanted to come over and do a headliner,” Lyn shared. “The Aussie crowds were amazing — really good energy, and we made solid connections with bands like Melancholia and Werewolves. It just felt right.” Ingested’s recent shift back to a five-piece line up has brought fresh energy and creativity to both the stage and studio. With the addition of guitarist Andrew and bassist Tom, the band embraces a more collaborative approach to writing and performance. “It’s way more dynamic now,” said Lyn. “We’ve got new perspectives, and it’s even influencing the sound. There’s a section in the new track ‘Ultra Flesh’ that’s just bass — something we’ve never done before.” Their physical and mental preparation for tours has evolved over the years, too. Gone are the hard-partying days of trying to live out Pantera-style tour videos. Now, Lyn sticks to yoga, running, and a gym routine to stay stage-ready. “Playing the kind of music we do is like a sport,” he said. “It’s not normal to play these tempos — it’s f***ing stupid really — but if you prepare well, you can still perform at your best.” The band is embracing this tour as a way to connect their evolving sound with their roots. Expect older tracks to return to the set list, now that they’ve got longer headline slots. Despite their brutal sound, Lyn reminds us not to judge a book by its cover. “People expect us to be scary or into horror 24/7,” he laughs. “But most of us are just regular people who like football, cycling, or different kinds of music.” With their grounded approach and renewed energy, Ingested’s return to Australia promises to be a tour that fans — and the band — won’t soon forget. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
The Odd World Of OCEAN GROVE With DALE TANNER 14:09

20 days ago14:09

14:09

Interview by Kris Peters Since bursting onto the sonic landscape in 2010, Melbourne metal machine Ocean Grove have pushed every conceivable musical boundary known to man, and, more importantly, made a successful transition on each occasion. Blending elements of nu metal, hardcore and alternative rock to create a sound that is uniquely their own - dubbed Oddworld Music - Ocean Grove have consistently challenged themselves and their fans in search for their ultimate sound, but one gets the feeling the band are only now just scratching the surfaces of what they can ultimately achieve. Ticking off their first headline tour in Australia since the release of their 2024 album ODDWORLD next month, Ocean Grove will pay homage to their past and present via their Odd Label Tour, with 2025 marking the 10 year anniversary of the band's iconic second EP Black Label, and the upcoming headline shows also set to feature founding OG members Luke Holmes and Matthew Kopp (Running Touch) performing each night. Ocean Grove frontman Dale Tanner joined HEAVY from a baseball game while on tour in the US to discuss the tour and the growth of Ocean Grove. "We've been playing some of the old stuff at soundcheck, and it's really exciting," he enthused. "The boys go up on stage, and I get to stand on the floor and be a participant in it and witness what it's going to be like. And I'm hearing these songs that we haven't played live in a very long time once again being performed with this new life and this new energy that we have now as a current live band. These songs are going to get performed in a way they have never been played before." In the full interview, Dale talks more about the run of shows and what we can expect, the challenge of playing two albums live, learning old material with newer songs and if that makes Ocean Grove reflect on their musical journey, selling out shows a month in advance and what that does for the band's confidence levels, the decision to have Luke Holmes and Matthew Kopp join the tour and what it will bring to the sound, future plans and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Music As Therapy With JIMMY KYLE From CHASING GHOSTS 25:35

20 days ago25:35

25:35

Interview by Kris Peters Chasing Ghosts have traversed a multitude of styles and genres over the course of their career, ranging from solo material to punk fuelled anthems to their current blending of indie rock and punk, but the one thing that has remained consistent with all of their work is the bands unflinching search for understanding and resolution, particularly in matters pertaining to Indigenous people and their culture. Frontman Jimmy Kyle - a Thungutti man who has emerged as one of Australia’s most important voices in recent years - openly wears his heart through his lyrics, verbalizing topics and situations that are generally shied away from or pushed aside by most bands and musicians. Since the release of Chasing Ghosts' debut album Confessions From A Phone Booth in 2011, Kyle has successfully and poignantly married introspection with boldness as his stories confront, deconstruct and illuminate the challenging realities of being an Indigenous Australian; while also championing human persistence, the ability to overcome, and the recognition of beauty in even the most flawed. The bands new album, Therapy, which is released on May 16, further highlights the thoughts and feelings of Chasing Ghosts, tackling issues from domestic abuse to the mental health crisis in a confronting yet sensible way which only accentuates the strength of character and conviction that has strengthened the band and their music over the years. HEAVY sat down with Kyle to discuss Therapy in greater detail. "I think it's definitely a lot more upbeat," he replied when asked to describe Therapy musically. "As you know, the Chasing Ghosts story is, I guess, acoustic punk troubadour leaves hardcore music and goes solo (laughs). It has come full circle where this is a heavier record. It's sonically a lot more polished than and bigger than anything we've done before. And the songs felt like the next progression coming out of Homeland; the next progression was kind of like, where can this go?" "We had done a real lo-fi, very Melbourne sounding mix for Homelands, and then Therapy is a very produced - very shiny is the word that I tend to use - kind of polished record. And it was a real pleasure to do something different because I'd always had a history in recording the earlier records in the analogue way. So now have we not only moved into the digital realm, finally, but we've moved into it sort of with no rules, just leaning right into a modern process, and so we could give some contrast and personality difference between the other releases." In the full interview, Jimmy provided an overview of Therapy, describing it as a significant evolution in their sound. He discussed the themes of the album, which stem from his personal journey through therapy, addressing issues such as insomnia and domestic violence, and aimed at fostering understanding among listeners. The conversation also included details about the Therapy Australia tour, scheduled from June 6 to June 14, featuring a mix of classic songs and new tracks. We also discussed the meanings behind some of the songs and their significance to modern society, whether he feels people are starting to accept his messages, how Therapy represents the next chapter for Chasing Ghosts and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Converting Children To Metal With Alex And James From METAL MOUSE 23:41

20 days ago23:41

23:41

For too long now, parents have had trouble convincing their children that rock and metal are the way to go, not pop and the likes. It is a never ending battle of guidance, but one that is generally destined to failure from the outset. Parents the world over have agonised on how to introduce decent music to their children's lives, and now, thanks to a new band emerging from the US, their prayers may have been answered. By converting Disney classic tunes to the dark side, Metal Mouse are using already known and loved songs for children to their advantage by adding a touch of metal madness to songs from family films such as The Little Mermaid, Frozen and The Lion King. It is an ingenious idea that is sure to at least appeal to the next generation of music lovers. Fronted by American Idol alum James Durbin, Metal Mouse taps into Disney nostalgia with the flair and theatrics of glam rock. What began as a “what-if” idea has struck a chord, especially with millennial women who grew up on Disney - and men who never gave up on hair metal. Durbin and band creator/manager Alex Pels sat down with HEAVY to discuss this exciting new creation and how Metal Mouse plans to convert as many youngsters as possible to real music. "We're trying to make the connection between heavy and Disney," Pels explained. "James and I both love metal. We're both involved with tons of other metal kinds of music, but we realised that the Disney songs - in addition to being excellently written by great songwriters - the themes and the chord progressions and everything else lend themselves to a heavy architecture." It's such a simple idea, but one which has never been tried on this scale before. "I've been doing a lot of heavy metal in the last five or six… even longer than that, eight years," Durbin relayed. "I was with Quiet Riot for a couple of years and have put out a couple of heavy metal albums over the last few years with different projects. So, metal has been seeping through my system. It's difficult, because sometimes there can be such a thing as too much metal - a metal overload - and metal isn't widely accepted by everybody, but here's a perfect way to make it accessible to people. With songs that are already known mixed with the classic 80s music and hair of the day, mixed with this beautifully arranged music… it's a blessing." In the full interview we discuss the genesis of Metal Mouse, how easy Disney songs convert to metal, the selection process for songs, the live show and what it looks and sounds like, future plans for Metal Mouse and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
A Night Of Local Brutality With KAT WARTOOTH At MELBOURNE METAL MATE'S One-Year Anniversary Gig 15:05

25 days ago15:05

15:05

Interview by Jack Harlen Melbourne Metal Mates, an online community for metalheads to go to shows together as gig buddies, comes together for its one-year anniversary as they host a (free) gig on May 4 at The Bendigo Hotel. The line up includes Melbourne metal staples, including performances from Hybrid Nightmares, Vault Hill, The Incantus and All Monsters Are Human. HEAVY spoke with creator and founder Kat Wartooth about the creation and rapid ascension of the Melbourne Metal Community and what this unexpected success means for both herself, the fans and the bands of Melbourne's heavy music scene. In the interview we explore how the gig came to be and the connection to each band as well as the possibility of creating a tradition well after their first anniversary celebration. Kat also touches on the hardships and initial anxieties of starting a gig group before experiencing the influx of like-minded, heavy music enjoyers who latched on to the group's values and sense of community and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Death. War. Fire With BENNO And RYAN From AWAKEN THE HATE 19:27

25 days ago19:27

19:27

Interview by Kris Peters Brisbane groove metal outfit Awaken The Hate are a band in transition. Transition within themselves, their membership, their direction and their sound. But one thing they are not, at least internally, is a band in conflict. Far from it. As a band, their vision for the future is clearer than ever, their goals resolute. For Awaken The Hate, the future is now, and is coming off the back of a trilogy of singles dubbed Death. War. Fire that was recently completed with the release of the third and final single, Planet Death. Each of the three songs, started by Reign Of Fire before Contradiction Of War seconded the trilogy and Planet Death rounded things out, portrays a subtle changing of musical landscape for Awaken The Hate and casts an ominous eye into what the future holds for those who dare to follow. Concluding this ambitious new movement for the band, Awaken The Hate next week take the new tracks on the road for their first full national tour, starting in Perth on May 8 before hitting Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney over consecutive days. Welcome to Awaken The Hate, and board the train if you have the mettle. HEAVY was joined earlier today by frontman Benno and drummer Ryan to dive deeper into the Death. War. Fire trilogy and what it means for Awaken The Hate moving forward. "Steve, who started Awaken The Hate, made the decision at the end of last year to step away," Benno began. "That was all for his personal reasons. These were the last of the three songs that he wrote with the band, and we thought this would be a fitting way to say goodbye. He actually came back to record them with us. He's still a very good friend of the band, and the door's always open if he ever wants to come back." "Planet Death is environmental, Contradiction of War is very political, and then Reign of Fire is a bit more spiritual about the whole thing," he continued, focusing on the three songs. "So that's what the concept about it was, and then releasing them as a trilogy was to say thanks to Steve and also finally get a bit more than two tracks out there for people (laughs)." In the full interview, we focused more on their recent single releases, particularly Planet Death, which received positive feedback from band members. We discussed the trilogy of singles honouring former member Steve, with each song addressing different themes. Reign of Fire was highlighted for its unique inspiration and straightforward approach, while Contradiction of War, released on Anzac Day, aimed to honour veterans and provoke thought about military service. We talked about recording thir latest tracks live, enhancing the emotional resonance, and are eager to test new material during their upcoming national tour. We also chat about balancing their music careers with personal responsibilities while engaging audiences and supporting local acts, plus more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
The Lighter Side Of Death With JOEL From THE MURDERING 13:27

29 days ago13:27

13:27

Interview by Kris Peters The Murdering roared back to life in June last year, releasing the track Finality and breaking an eight-year drought that saw the band release nothing since their 2016 EP From Hell. While many bands had come and gone over that period, if you were a fan of the heavier side of metal, then you still remembered The Murdering. After establishing a loyal, rabid fan base due largely to From Hell and the ferocity of their live shows, The Murdering fell off the proverbial radar for the best part of ten years. Not broken up. Not disbanded. Just simply not playing or actively recording. While to many of us they are all the same thing, not so for the members of The Murdering knew their day in the flames would come once more, if not when exactly, but the seeds of melancholy had been planted far too deep for there not to be a continuation of some sort. Finality reignited the hunger and set The Murdering on a collision path with a collection of songs based around the crimes and passion of a serial killer under the guise of Death Process, a five-part tale of death and decay to be released sometime this year. Having already released the devastatingly brutal Daemon Eater, The Murdering have decided to brush off the remaining cobwebs and set this year's Necrosonic Festival on August 23 at Brisbane's Mansfield Tavern as the day the music world once more bows down to the masters of death. HEAVY sat down with vocalist Joel for a chat about the re-emergence of The Murdering and their first live show in nine years at Necrosonic Festival. "It's a killer lineup so far," he smiled. "Obviously, there's a second wave to come out for it as well, and I think people are going to be pretty psyched when they see who's on that second announcement." With a handful of bands playing at Necrosonic - including Beanflipper, DaysEnd and Brace - being metaphorically brought back from the dead, we ask Joel if The Murdering fall into the category of one of the undead after so long away from the scene. "I wouldn't say we're back from the dead," he laughed. "It was more just a very long continuation of what we were doing before we stopped doing it, I guess. I haven't even really thought of it that way, to be honest with you (laughs). We're just happy to be on the bill. Like I say, we haven't played a live show in a very long time, and we've got some really good material coming out at the moment. We've not got any expectations on anything. It's just going to be a day to have a good time and just knock the dust off." In the full interview, Joel emphasized the importance of music loving promoters like Kent Bartley (organizer of Necrosonic) in fostering connections within the music community, highlighting the flow on benefits for heavy metal bands and music in this country. He expressed enthusiasm for the festival and shared insights about their upcoming EP, Death Process, which features a narrative centred on a fictional serial killer and aims to create a cohesive audio-visual experience. We spoke about The Murdering's recent collaboration with The Amenta, what fans can expect from their live show, future plans for the band and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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SILVERSTEIN At 25: SHANE TOLD Reflects On Passion, Longevity, And Global Impact 29:22

4 weeks ago29:22

29:22

Interview by Angela Croudace Shane Told, the unmistakable voice behind Canadian post-hardcore giants Silverstein, is still riding high as the band marks a staggering 25 years together. In a recent chat with HEAVY, Told opened up about the surreal nature of hitting that milestone—and the unexpected road that brought them there. “It’s pretty surreal,” he said. “We’ve never taken a break—no hiatus, no time off. We’ve either been writing, recording, or touring the entire time. It’s my entire adult life.” Despite the passage of time, Told says he feels better than ever—both mentally and physically. “With age comes confidence. I think I’ve hit my 10,000 hours of emo,” he joked, referencing the theory that mastery comes with time and repetition. “Every show feels better, my voice feels stronger—it’s wild.” Silverstein’s resilience and chemistry as a band has a lot to do with their approach to relationships. “We’re not best friends who hang out every second, but we’re close and we respect each other. We give each other space when we need it,” Told explained. Weekly Zoom calls keep the band in sync, personally and professionally. When asked about a defining moment in Silverstein’s journey, Told’s answer was rooted in an unforgettable first trip to Australia in 2005. “We thought nobody would know who we were. Then we played two sold-out shows in Brisbane. That was the moment I put the schoolbooks away for good.” That trip also cemented Told’s deep affection for Australia. From feeding kangaroos to being hosted by Parkway Drive’s Winston McCall’s parents—complete with his first-ever avocado toast—Told recalls each visit fondly. “Australia has always shown us so much love. It’s my favourite place to tour.” Looking ahead, Silverstein’s dual-album release—Antibloom and Pink Mist—is already making waves. Told revealed that the decision to split the music into two records came from a desire to give each song the attention it deserved. “We’re perfectionists. Every detail matters to us, and I think fans can hear that.” As Silverstein enters their next chapter, the band’s drive remains relentless. “We’re still here, and we still give a shit,” Told said. “And we’re just getting started.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
Hitting Where It Hurts With JACOB BINZER From D-A-D 15:36

4 weeks ago15:36

15:36

Interview by Kris Peters Forty years is a long time, no matter what it refers to, but when it relates to a band that is still going strong after four decades in the music industry, it takes on even greater significance. Known for their lunatic personas and stage antics backed by solid musical skills and songwriting chops, D-A-D made their international breakthrough in 1989 with the album No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims which spawned the hits Girl Nation, Jihad, Point Of View and the MTV favourite and global smash single Sleeping My Day Away. Songs such as Laugh ‘n’ a 1/2, Bad Craziness, Grow and Pay, Everything Glows and many more are a part of some people's lives just as important as their own children, and Australian fans get the chance to allow their children to hear them live when D.A.D return to Australia in May. Get ready for an unapologetic, hard-hitting rock ‘n’ roll show from Denmark when D-A-D return for their Greatest Hits Tour, treating fans, old and new, to a sonic journey through the band’s illustrious career. Every time the band steps on stage, another party starts, with vocalist Jacob Binzer joining HEAVY to warn us what we might expect. "I'm packed and ready to go," he laughed. "I wish I could spend more time down there, but it's the start of the festival season in Europe, so unfortunately, we have to head back straight after. I think I can spend a couple of days in Melbourne after the last show, which I will enjoy, but then we are back to Europe. But Australia, you know what? The first time back in the early nineties, when we went to promote and play for the album back then I went up North to Cairns and I went on a motorcycle safari with a local guide, and I want to do that again. So please join in if anyone down there can help. A motorcycle safari in Cairns. How about that?" In the full interview, Jacob provided insights into the band's upcoming Australian tour, set to begin on May 20 in Perth, with additional performances in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. He discussed the challenges of curating a greatest hits set list from their extensive catalogue, emphasizing the importance of selecting songs that resonate with Australian audiences, such as God Praise to Man, 1900, and Sleeping My Day Away. He explains how different songs seem to go better in different parts of the world and why. The conversation also touched on the band's loyal fan base and the vibrant atmosphere of their live shows, particularly in Australia, where they aim to create an energetic experience. Jacob reflected on the success of their breakthrough album, No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims, and the significance of celebrating 40 years as a band, their achievements and musical legacy after 40 years and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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Reaching Out For Belonging With CHELSEA WOLFE 12:02

4 weeks ago12:02

12:02

Interview by Kris Peters The incomparable CHELSEA WOLFE has announced her return to Australia and New Zealand in May 2025. Three years after her sold-out tour of Oceania, the Queen of Darkness will bring her visceral, vivid live performance back to Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington. She will tour with her four-piece band, as well as bringing along experimental Australian producer APHIR, performing as support for all shows. Wolfe will perform a career-spanning set on this tour, including songs from her new album She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She, which was released in February. Her latest album is a rebirth in process. It is a powerfully cathartic statement about cutting ties, as well as an important reminder that healing is cyclical and circular, and not a simple linear process. Featuring elements of electronica, trip hop, industrial music and goth rock, the album has been hailed as one of her finest works. The record has been followed by two EPs containing reimaginings of the songs. Wolfe last performed in Australia in 2022 for Tasmania’s Dark Mofo, along with a full national tour, her first in a decade. Her return in 2025 will mark 15 years since her debut The Grime and The Glow was released, sparking a career that has influenced and inspired a dedicated cult following worldwide to appreciate life in both its darkness and light. HEAVY spent some time with Chelsea ahead of the tour. We start by asking what has changed in her world since she was last out here in 2022. "I feel like I've grown and changed as a person," she offered. "I've toured so much with these songs, I've learned so much from them. I learned so much from writing them, and I'm learning so much from playing them. They're very personal and also very universal. So it's like each night I notice a different lyric or something and kind of, you know, get present with that for a moment." In the full interview, Chelsea expressed excitement for her upcoming tour in Australia and New Zealand, where she will perform a mix of new songs and older favourites, while also discussing her growth as an artist and the connection she feels with her fan base. She reflected on her previous solo tour experience, the evolution of her music style from overproduced to lo-fi, and the integration of atmospheric elements in her live performances. Chelsea also highlighted her latest album, and the two remix EPs with acoustic versions, showcasing her artistic journey and the creative thought behind her stage setup and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

1
ROSS THE BOSS Gears Up to Melt Faces on Australian Tour 20:04

4 weeks ago20:04

20:04

Interview by Angela Croudace Heavy metal legend Ross The Boss is set to electrify Australia next week, and he couldn't be more excited. Reflecting on his previous visit, Ross recalls the overwhelming love he received from Aussie fans. "The reaction nerfed me," he laughed. "The intensity, especially in Melbourne, was unbelievable." Ross, a founding member of Manowar, spoke passionately about the creation of Sign of the Hammer, revealing that the band often recorded more tracks than needed, seizing every opportunity in the studio. A highlight was recording at Richard Branson's famed Manor Studio — a surreal experience that included sleeping in rooms once occupied by historical figures like William the Conqueror. This upcoming tour features what Ross calls the best version of the RTB band yet, boasting powerhouse musicians like Dirk Schlächter (Gamma Ray) and drummer Sean Elg. “We’re coming to melt faces,” Ross promises, highlighting the group’s precision and raw power. When asked about his time in Manowar, Ross candidly shared that he wished he'd been firmer with his bandmate Joey DeMaio. "Sometimes I should’ve put my foot down more," he admitted. Despite past challenges, he now channels his passion purely through his guitar, still rooted in the soulful blues influences of B.B. King and Albert King. Ross also touched on the emotional impact his music has had. "People tell me it saved their lives," he said, visibly moved. "It’s an honour I don't take lightly." As Ross prepares to unleash a storm of classic anthems down under, he leaves fans with one promise: “We’ll give you 150%. When the final note rings out, we want you to feel it in your soul — and want us back.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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Fresh Beginnings With DAMIAN KULASH From OK GO 16:54

5 weeks ago16:54

16:54

Interview by Kris Peters Since their inception, OK Go has been something more than a band and something different from an art project. With a career that includes award-winning videos, New York Times op-eds, collaborations with pioneering dance companies, tech giants, NASA, animators and Muppets, and an experiment that encoded their music on actual strands of DNA, OK Go continue to fearlessly dream and build new worlds in a time when creative boundaries have all but dissolved. Formed as a quartet in Chicago in 1998 and relocated to Los Angeles three years later, OK Go (Damian Kulash, Timothy Nordwind, Dan Konopka, Andy Ross) have spent their career in a steady state of transformation and continue to add to a curriculum vitae filled with experimentation in a variety of mediums. Their work is in the permanent collection of MoMA, and their achievements have been recognized with twenty-one Cannes Lions, twelve CLIOs, three VMAS, two Webbys, The Smithsonian Ingenuity Award, and a Grammy. The band has also partnered with the Playful Learning Lab at the University of St. Thomas to create OK Go Sandbox, an educational non-profit that provides free resources to teachers that use OK Go's videos as starting points to teach STEAM concepts. The band last week released their first album in over a decade, And The Adjacent Possible, with Kulash stopping by HEAVY HQ for a chat. "It's been fantastic," he smiled when we ask how the early reception has been for And The Adjacent Possible. "It's wonderful to get the music into people's brains. It's swimming around there in the ether somewhere, and when you pull it out… you don't write the songs. You find them. You define them from the world, then work so hard to get them into shape. You can share them with people, but then there's this arduous period where you do the business stuff, and I'm just so happy that it's finally out and people can listen to it and feel the emotion. The only point of music is that sense of human connection, and it's so wonderful to be getting real reactions from real humans now." We ask Damian to dive deeper into the album musically. "It feels like this is the first time that we weren't going for anything," he measured. "We actually felt comfortable enough with what and who we are that we were able to say these are the things we like. Since the last album our guitarist had kids, I had kids, then there was the pandemic, then I directed a film and that put several years between the records, and before we knew it even though we had never officially shut down the band or gone on a hiatus, we'd taken enough of a step back that instead of feeling like our foot had to be on the pedals with 'what do we do next' we could just come back to and recognize who we are and that our flag was planted a long time ago, and we don't have to plant a flag." In the full interview, Damian discussed And The Adjacent Possible in greater detail, including the singles released and how they summarise the album as a whole. We talked about the music video for A Stone Only Rolls Downhill, which was shot on 64 phones with 64 different videos placed over a moving mosaic, which led to discussion about their elaborate music videos and the process behind them. We spoke about musical ideas and converting them to reality, any extra pressures coming back from a ten-year lay off, the meaning behind the album title and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support .…

HEAVY Music Interviews

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A New Chapter Begins With DAN And WAYNE From SOUND AFFLICTION 15:39

5 weeks ago15:39