Take 5

Thirty years ago the world met Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Their debut album Revival introduced us to two incredible storytellers, singers and guitarists, and in the three decades since they’ve swept us away in song.It's long been on my bucket list to have them Take 5, and finally here it is. When thinking on a theme, I landed on time. Time, and their ruminations on time, have always swirled in their songs. They love old-time music, and take their time in getting your own songs right. How they responded to the theme, is one for the ages.Settle in for a deep, insightful, and intoxicating conversation with two of music's best.Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' song choices:Robert Johnson - Love in Vain The Stanley Brothers - Rank StrangersTownes Van Zandt - Pancho and Lefty (Live at the Old Quarter)The Carter Family & Johnny Cash - Will the Circle Be UnbrokenJohn Prine - Angel From Montgomery 00:55 Gillian Welch and David Rawlings introduction01:52 Three decades since the release of 'Revival'08:44 Choosing Robert Johnson12:32 Robert Johnson - 'Love in Vain'13:22 O Brother Where Art Thou18:07 Working with The Stanley Brothers17:59 The Stanley Brothers - 'Rank Strangers'26:13 Raw versions of songs28:10 Townes Van Zandt - 'Pancho and Lefty (Live at the Old Quarter)'32:35 Recording things as live34:32 The Carter Family & Johnny Cash - 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken'40:37 Gillian and David finding their harmony44:33 Hope for something better48:48 John Prine - 'Angel From Montgomery'51:33 Show notes and next weeks guest!

Are you ready for some incredible stories? Take 5 always gifts us with some cracking yarns, but this week’s episode takes the cake. In fact, I’ve had more responses to Ed Le Brocq’s Take 5 than any other, in ages.Ed used to be Eddie Ayers, a legendary ABC Classic FM broadcaster who has shared his life of adventure with us over the past two decades. Ed is a cellist, viola, and violin player, and has gifted his talents to others; teaching school kids in Afghanistan, and playing for Uyghurs in the remote deserts of China.We’ll get to those stories soon… but this might give you a sense of why I asked Ed to Take 5. Across four books, Ed has shared his stories of travel and self-discovery with us, and music has always been at his centre. From Joni Mitchell to shredding violas to Ry Cooder, this is an extraordinary conversation about the power of love, self-belief, adventure and of course, music. Ed Le Brocq's song choices:Joni Mitchell – A Case of YouMaria Theresia von Paradis – SicilienneElton John – Your SongPaul Hindemith - Viola Sonata, Op. 25, No. 1: IV. Rasendes ZeitmassRy Cooder and V. M. Bhatt – Isa Lei00:33 Ed Le Brocq introduction01:52 Having a restless spirit04:55 Memories of the seventies and Joni Mitchell07:21 Joni Mitchell - 'A Case of You'07:55 Ed's love of the Cello14:30 Travelling the world with music17:59 Maria Theresia von Paradis – 'Sicilienne'18:50 Interpreting music in your way20:20 Listening to music as a musician28:10 Elton John - 'Your Song'29:10 Music as the universal language32:30 Classic music with an edge35:42 Paul Hindemith - 'Viola Sonata, Op. 25, No. 1: IV. Rasendes Zeitmass'36:45 Classic FM audience and shredding42:30 Depression and "the cover of grey silt"44:08 Ry Cooder and V. M. Bhatt – 'Isa Lei'44:06 Show notes and next weeks guests!Show notes:If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Where do you begin with Tim Rogers? For more than 30 years he has been the soundtrack to our lives. As frontman for You Am I, an acclaimed solo artist and keen collaborator, an actor, author and once even a Double J broadcaster.He's made a living in more ways than one, and his approach to living has shifted over the years. A long time coming, I invited Tim to Take 5 and explore this idea of a living; what makes a good life, and what it means to be alive. And he didn't disappoint.Tim Rogers' song choices:Magic Dirt – IceJake Thackray – The BullJoni Mitchell – Just Like This TrainNRBQ – I Want You Bad Martha Wainwright & Linda Thompson – Or Nothing At All00:39 Tim Rogers introduction 01:30 Memories of watching Magic Dirt on Rage 04:21 Magic Dirt — 'Ice'07:45 Making a living as an artist & mowing lawns10:31 Jake Thackray explainer15:00 Jake Thackray— 'The Bull’21:41 Tim’s later in life love of Joni Mitchell26:07 Joni Mitchell — 'Just Like This Train'32:08 Rewriting and revisiting your own songs33:55 NRBQ explainer & Tim’s obsession36:27 NRBQ — 'I Want You Bad'39:05 You Am I ‘Hourly Daily’ anniversary and going pop46:30 Linda Thompson explainer & inspiring songwriting53:41 Martha Wainwright & Linda Thompson  — 'Or Nothing At All'55:20 Conclusion + next week's guest!Show NotesTo see Tim perform live, check out his tour dates here: https://tim-rogers.com.au/

Comedian Lizzy Hoo has been everywhere the past few years. When she’s not doing stand up, she’s popping up on Have You Been Paying Attention?, and hosting her own podcast The Lizzy Hoo Show.Lizzy has made travel shows, and is even the voice of an airline. She's one of those people who says YES to life. She also has also got a razor sharp wit, and more than a few adventurous tales which is why I invited her to Take 5. I didn't realise it'd become a beautiful lesson in how to live.Lizzy Hoo's song choices:Arctic Monkeys — 'Dancing Shoes'Journey — 'Don’t Stop Believin’The Lemons — 'Monad'Snoop Dogg — 'Who Am I (What’s My Name)?'Camille — 'Ta Douleur'00:34 Lizzy Hoo introduction and Take 5 prep02:40 Music's role in Lizzy's life 04:53 North America adventures in a $500 car09:23 Arctic Monkeys — 'Dancing Shoes'10:45 The Hoo's as a family13:30 Karaoke in Japan ski towns16:40 Journey — 'Don’t Stop Believin’18:13 Music and comedy in Lizzys world19:50 Moving to Mongolia  26:30 The Lemons — 'Monad'29:13 Lizzy's many careers & falling into comedy37:48 Snoop Dogg — 'Who Am I (What’s My Name)?'39:50 Lizzy's life update and having broad shoulders43:06 Turning travel into career 48:10 Camille — 'Ta Douleur'49:50 Conclusion + next week's guest!Show NotesTo see Lizzy perform live on her national tour, check out her dates here: https://www.lizzyhoo.com/

Sophie Ellis-Bextor knows how to fill a dancefloor. Across 8 albums, and a double indemnity hit in "Murder on the Dancefloor", she's made a name for herself as a pop-disco queen. When she’s not on stage or in a recording studio, Sophie is throwing a kitchen disco, hosting her Spinning Plates podcast, and publishing books.Sophie’s latest album Perimenopop takes stock of where she is today. The lessons learned, the way love evolves, and the place she finds herself. It's through-line is liberation, so I asked her to choose her favourite songs of freedom.Sophie Ellis-Bextor's song choices:Sylvester — 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)'Madonna — 'Express Yourself'George Michael — 'Freedom 90'Sigrid — 'Mine Right Now'Prince & the Revolution — 'Let's Go Crazy'00:34 Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Musical Journey02:15 Making new music 25 years after debut04:55 Disco escapism and the queer community support09:23 Sylvester – 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)'06:23 Indie rock beginnings and Groovejet 15:40 Obsession with Madonna and pleasure13:39 Madonna – 'Express Yourself'19:08 Is it better for women in pop music now?22:37 Loving completely and opening for George Michael 26:32 George Michael – 'Freedom! '90'27:18 Writing new album and mid life29:09 Sigrid – 'Mine Right Now'29:50 Going through Murder on the Dancefloor resurgence 34:06 The drama of Prince 35:25 Prince & the Revolution – 'Let's Go Crazy'38:11 Conclusion, Susan Rogers Prince story + next week's guest!Show NotesCheck out the Take 5 episode with Prince's sound engineer Susan Rogers!

From bucket list guests to Australian rock royalty and a disco queen, find out who Zan will be Taking 5 with in 2026.

Zan lets you know what's in store for 2026...

It's been a stratospheric rise for comedian, Aaron Chen.Getting his start in stand-up, he won a heap of fans starring in Fisk, and his charming stint on Taskmaster.But at the top of his game, he left Australia to start again in New York City.For his Take 5, Aaron shared one song from a pivotal time in his comedy career.Arcade Fire – 'Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)'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/aaron-chen-take-5/105781008Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

If you grew up in Australia in the 1980s then you probably grew up with Young Talent Time.It was a springboard for so much talent, and one of its biggest stars was Dannii Minogue.For her Take 5, Dannii shared the one song she loves the most from her sister Kylie Minogue's epic catalogue.Robbie Williams & Kylie Minogue – ‘Kids’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/dannii-minogue-take-5-catalyst-songs/104419298Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

What do Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Kendrick Lamar have in common? Jack Antonoff.The decorated producer has made a name for himself shaping some of the biggest albums in the world. For his Take 5, Jack Antonoff shared how he brings an artist's vision to life.Waterboys – The Whole Of The MoonThis 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/jack-antonoff-take-5-turning-points/103591368

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 Highlights00:47 Richard Fidler's Journey with Doug Anthony All Stars03:33 The Magic of Elizabeth Fraser and Cocteau Twins07:55 Witnessing the Fall of the Berlin Wall14:00 Gordi's Personal and Musical Journey17:50 Missy Higgins' Influence on Gordi23:13 Comedians Share Unexpected Moments26:10 Matt Okine's Musical Memories27:35 A Sudden Change: Mum's Illness28:32 A Life-Altering Event: Mum's Passing29:42 Coping with Loss: A Birthday to Remember30:10 Finding Light in Dark Moments31:18 Music and Memories: Radiohead's Impact32:22 Take Five: A Star-Studded Season on ABC TV and ABC iview32:49 Lorde's Journey: Embracing the Mystery34:41 The Power of Rhythm: Creating Music35:27 A Special Remix: Girl, So Confusing with Charli xcx38:15 Emotional Reactions: The Remix's Impact46:10 Trent Dalton's Take Five: A Heartfelt Story48:34 Honoring a Hero: Granddad's Legacy54:37 Looking Ahead: New Seasons and ReflectionsListen to the full episodes here:Richard Fidler: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/richard-fidler-take-5-history-songs/105441174Gordi: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/gordi-take-5-transformation-songs/105598300Matt Okine & Denise Scott: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/denise-scott-matt-okine-mother-and-son-mixtape-take-5/105932382Lorde: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/lorde-take-5-songs-of-rebirth/105835080Trent Dalton: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/trent-dalton-take-5-his-story/106038960Watch 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 Podcast00:35 TV on the Radio: A Decade Later02:07 Reflecting on the Past and Present04:57 Take 5 theme: Future Sounds from the Past05:05 SONG 1: Suzanne Vallie – 'River of Angels' Wings' (unreleased)11:13 The Influence of Pharaoh Sanders11:33 SONG 2: Pharoah Sanders – 'Izipho Zam'17:59 Sun City Girls and Their Impact20:06 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 Party00:49 Overcoming Fear: A Conversation with Alex Kapranos02:02 SONG 1: The Turtles — 'You Showed Me'02:23 The Thrill of Sharing Music04:37 Musical Influences and Songwriting10:11 SONG 2: Dory Previn — 'With My Daddy In The Attic'15:38 Parenthood and Fear18:17 SONG 3: Adam and The Ants — 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier'21:56 Embracing Performance and Audience Connection24:32 SONG 4: Fiery Furnaces — 'Sweet Spots'25:16 Touring with Fiery Furnaces and Hot Hot Heat30:36 The Indie Music Scene of the Early 2000s31:10 The Impact of Digital Music35:07 The Rise of Franz Ferdinand37:48 Memorable Moments and Reflections39:49 SONG 5: Pussy Galore — 'NYC 1999!'39:51 A Chaotic Memory with Pussy Galore43:45 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 Anecdote00:19 Meet Trent Dalton: A Master Storyteller01:40 The Power of Music in Writing03:00 SONG 1: Vera Lynn - '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover'03:26 Family War Story and the Ultimate Sacrifice08:48 Love Stories and Personal Reflections14:29 SONG 2: Melanie - 'Ruby Tuesday'14:46 A Tale of Two Parents24:05 Pearl Jam: A Lifelong Influence27:22 Reflecting on Pearl Jam's Influence28:28 A Memorable Graduation Night29:58 Meeting Eddie Vedder31:37 SONG 3: Pearl Jam - 'Alive'34:58 The Impact of Boy Swallows Universe37:24 The Love Story with Fiona39:32 Powderfinger and Bernard Fanning42:33 SONG 4: Powderfinger - 'These Days'45:26 Writing About Long-Term Relationships48:44 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.Stella is one of the best songwriters around today. She has always shot from the hip, told it like it is, and been unafraid to share the truth.Hearing her speak about the songwriters who do the same is a masterclass in the power of song, and the influence of these incredible songwriters on us all.Stella Donnelly's song choices:Billy Bragg — The Short Answer Kev Carmody + Paul Kelly — From Little Things Big Things Grow Sharon van Etten — Every Time the Sun Comes Up Big Thief — Mythological BeautyLily Allen — Relapse 00:00 - Introduction01:11 - The relief of releasing Love & Fortune as a whole album03:38 - SONG 1 : Billy Bragg - 'The Short Answer'06:40 - Stella on Billy Bragg and the token record of her childhood08:58 - Radical honesty in songwriting12:12 - SONG 2 : Kev Carmody & Paul Kelly - 'From Little Things Big Things Grow'15:30 - Looping mantras & the difficulty of being honest19:01 - SONG 3 : Sharon van Etten - 'Every Time The Sun Comes Up'23:44 - Making the album in a homemade cocoon26:03 - SONG 4 : Big Thief - 'Mythological Beauty'28:22 - Self critiques & hope for the future33:50 - SONG 5 : Lily Allen - 'Relapse'36:23 - Closing thoughts and next weeks guest!Watch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

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 Career00:50 Justine Clarke's Musical Journey03:02 Influence of Family and Early Music Exposure04:53 Jazz and Live Music Experiences05:00 SONG 1: Vince Jones – 'Jettison'10:06 Paul Kelly and Iconic Collaborations12:30 SONG 2: Paul Kelly – 'From St Kilda To Kings Cross'16:44 Exploring Australian Country Music & ABC's Going Country19:03 SONG 3: Lisa Miller – 'Eleven'20:02 Reflecting on a Classic Australian Film20:44 The Power of Music and Grief22:33 Creating Music for Play School23:29 Unexpected Career as a Children's Performer25:53 Collaborations and Live Performances26:16 SONG 4: You Am I – 'Purple Sneakers'29:51 Memories of Tina Turner33:17 SONG 5: Angie McMahon – 'Slow Mover'35:58 Wrapping Up and What's NextWatch 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:1.Pink Floyd – 'Nobody Home'2.The Smiths – 'Asleep'3.Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – 'This Guy's In Love With You'4.Air – 'All I Need'5.The Beatles – 'I Am The Walrus'00:00 Introduction and Oasis' Impact00:57 Noel Gallagher's Studio and memorabilia from The Haçienda nightclub02:11 SONG 1: Pink Floyd – 'Nobody Home'07:35 Reflecting on life as a rock star & post-fame09:45 SONG 2: The Smiths – 'Asleep'14:55 Growing up in Manchester17:02 SONG 3: Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – 'This Guy's In Love With You'17:11 A Memorable Encounter with Burt Bacharach24:09 Remembering Burt Bacharach25:38 SONG 4: Air – 'All I Need'30:52 The Shift to Digital Music31:30 Wild Times with Oasis35:09 Transition to a Calmer Life36:33 SONG 5: The Beatles – 'I Am The Walrus'39:48 The Night That Changed Everything for Oasis41:37 Reflecting on Oasis' Final Tour42:55 The Joy of Songwriting44:25 Closing Thoughts and Future GuestsWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-roweContains strong language. This episode was originally broadcast in 2023.