Alt Down Under

Cut Copy have spent more than two decades blurring the lines between indie rock and dancefloor euphoria. In this episode of Alt. Down Under, bassist Ben Browning reflects on the early 2000s collision of guitars and synths, the so-called Indie Sleaze era, and recording Zonoscope in a cold Melbourne warehouse.We revisit the cultural moment that shaped the band - from The Strokes and bloghouse to Daft Punk and late-night warehouse parties - and explore what it means to see generations of fans now discovering Cut Copy for the first time.Ben also shares his thoughts ahead of Golden Plains Festival, the magic of that Meredith amphitheatre site, and what makes playing at home in Melbourne still feel special all these years on.Recorded during a week immersed in the local scene - Luke popped down to 'Drive Live', run by community radio station PBS. Things we love - live music, community and a platform for the next wave of Australian music.

Melbourne soul artist WILSN joins Luke for a wide-ranging, free-flowing chat on finding your voice, trusting the long game, and why soul music is quietly having a moment in Australia.WILSN talks through recording her latest album Bloom live to tape with the touring band of soul legend Charles Bradley, and how a decade-long relationship finally came full circle in the studio.The conversation digs into falling in love with music at 13-14, shaped by the voices of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and later Alicia Keys, alongside discovering what makes a voice yours rather than perfect.They also explore the Melbourne soul scene and the artists driving it, why soul music doesn’t always get mainstream radio love, and why it’s not worth burning energy fighting that fight.Plus, touring stories with The Teskey Brothers, and what’s next as WILSN heads out on the road supporting Jalen Ngonda.Loose, honest, and full of heart – this one goes everywhere (in the best way).

WE ARE BACK. Kicking off 2026 on Alt Down Under, we’re joined by Maisie Everett, lead singer of The Bel Air Lip Bombs, fresh off the release of their second album 'Again'.In this episode, we get into the making of a record that hits harder, sounds sharper, and feels more confident than ever. Maisie breaks down the shift between album one and two, why she made a conscious decision to change how she uses her voice, and what it was like realising she didn’t even recognise herself on earlier recordings.We talk second-album pressure, pushing back deadlines after signing to Third Man Records, and stepping into a new world of expectations, opinions, and growth. There’s also the surreal story of meeting Jack White, the values behind Third Man, and how alignment matters just as much as opportunity.Plus: the accidental origin of the hat, making your own luck, why success isn’t about numbers, and the feeling of hearing fans scream new lyrics back at you for the first time.With Australian shows locked in and a North American run coming up alongside dust, this is Alt Down Under firing the starter pistol on 2026 with one of the country’s most exciting bands.We’re back. Let’s go. 🔥

On this week’s episode of Alt. Down Under, Luke sits down with Jamie and Todd of These New South Whales, one of Australia’s most beloved and brilliantly chaotic guitar bands. With their brand new album GODSPEED dropping at the end of this week, the lads talk origins, instant friendships, adult sleepovers, and why they’ll never listen to a song you send them while they’re “chopping carrots.” They reflect on the journey from DIY beginnings to building a fiercely loyal fanbase - not just at home, but across the UK, Europe and beyond. From Bristol accents to golden-era guitar music, to the energy of their live shows and the desire to take the new record overseas, this is a warm, funny and surprisingly wholesome chat with a band who wear their heart (and distortion pedals) on their sleeve. GODSPEED is out this week! Plus, Luke's review of THAT free Amyl & The Sniffers show in Melbourne, plus track recommendations from Pointe, Romanie & ELYA.

It’s a big one. One of the UK’s most magnetic voices, Joy Crookes, joins Luke for a deep, funny and honest chat ahead of her set at New Year’s At The Bowl in Melbourne. Fresh off the release of her stunning second album, Juniper, Joy talks whirlwind love stories, finding romance in the smaller moments, teaming up with Kano on Mathematics, and gives her best crack at an Aussie accent! She also builds her Dream Gig Venue - The Spot -complete with an army of aunties cooking global cuisine and Maya Jama on the door. Plus, Luke reviews a BIBLICAL Oasis show in Melbourne and spins tracks from Owelu Dreamhouse, Harper Bloom, Gimme Gimme and Crocodylus. A big guest. A killer chat. And a seriously good episode.

Kermit The Frog, kebabs, and why saxophones are more than just a sexy instrument... dust are back! Bassist Liam Smith joins Luke to chat about the band’s explosive new album, Sky Is Falling, from its euphoric highs to its darker lyrical edges. The pair dig into how dust earned their stripes on Australia’s east coast touring scene, the chaos of filming a DIY video above a Thai restaurant, life on the road with Hockey Dad, and why dust's sound is more well-rounded than it's ever been. Hear the full chat - only on Alt Down Under.

It’s a packed one this week on Alt Down Under! Luke catches up with the brilliant Stella Donnelly, diving deep into her third album Love and Fortune - out November 7. The pair chat about creative resets, friendship, and finding joy again in song-writing after a much-needed break. Luke also reviews Wunderhorse’s electric show down at The Forum. Are they the best band out of the UK right now? Plus, with summer on the horizon, he spins some of the freshest new tracks soundtracking his day-to-day, including the soulful WILSN, the fierce Nancy and the Jam Fancys, Bumpy, Bean Magazine, and Bel Air Lip Bombs. A big, warm episode full of heart, great tunes, and stellar chat.

Soul is having a moment right now. Acts like Joy Crookes over in the UK, Thee Sacred Souls stateside and right here in Australia, with Ella Thompson. The Melbourne-born artist drops by for a chat all about her wide-ranging musical career so far… featuring in bands, before going all-out as a solo artist whilst still collaborating A pretty cool journey for an artist who was in school bands with The Teskey Brothers!   Ella sheds light on her “fascination” with music and, how being a fan and discovering new artists, fizzes her up to keep her love and joy for music on a constant upward swing.   Plus, find out how her parents’ record collection and mentorship from Aussie soul icon, Renee Geyer, helped root her within soul and lead her down a path where her confidence as an artist now places her vocals front and centre.  Turns out Ella was named after soul legend, Ella Fitzgerald. It was destiny!  AND it’s free margaritas on tap as Ella builds her Dream Gig Venue!

25 EPISODES! A huge landmark for Alt Down Under - thank you to everyone who’s listened along the way. To celebrate, we’re joined by Melbourne’s very own Playlunch. Ozzy, Michael and Liam chat about their early days in folk trios, how they evolved into a 7-piece “bogan funk” outfit, and why their mission is to poke fun at life’s shittier parts - from real estate agents to the cost of living… and even drugs. Luke also discovers the mystery of Harold the giraffe, and we find out how AFL Hall-of-Famer Barry Hall ended up starring in their video for “Keith”. And of course, there’s the Dream Gig Venue - this time it’s a sausage sizzle, and everyone’s invited. Quarter of a century of episodes, and this one’s a banger! 

“You’re gonna have to be more pacific, mate.” This week, Luke is joined in conversation by the absolute dude that is Jack Kay – bassist for the brilliant Pacific Avenue.  2 years on from their critically-acclaimed debut album, 'Flowers', Jack looks back on the journey between now and then and drops hints on when a second album could be on the horizon. It’s been a big couple of years, as the band put their heads together to write countless tunes, with many not making the cut for the upcoming new record. Find out what it’s like to work alongside drummer Dom (Inspired Unemployed) and what bold claim does Jack have about frontman Harry O’Brien’s hair?! Plus, details on all the fun from a trip to SXSW Texas and what Jack takes away from watching other artists perform live. And, of course, Jack builds ‘Club Velvet’, his Dream Gig Venue! AND Luke reviews Bloc Party’s show at John Cain Arena, as part of their 20th anniversary tour for their legendary debut album, ‘Silent Alarm’.

When your band name is born out of trying to come up with the worst band name ever – then surely you’re destined to go to the top? That might not have been the thinking at the time, but Canberra’s Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers are now 10 years down the track from that conversation and their 2015 inception. Lead singer - Anna Ryan - stops by on Alt Down Under to look back at the wild times she and the band have enjoyed across the past decade. From opening for bands such as DMAs, The Vaccines, and huge stadium shows alongside Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam… things have been pretty mad for the grunge-punk 4-piece. Are both Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl as nice as everyone makes out? And, fresh off the back of the release of two new singles: BALCONY and UNSCARRED, what next for Teen Jesus?  A decade in, but it seems the journey is in no danger of letting up. All this, plus Anna’s near-heart attack inducing experience whilst building her Dream Gig Venue. A stage on a flying elevator and Jack Black running front-door security? Sure, why not. Apparently, we’ll be hearing from her lawyers….

What do you get if you put two brothers into the same band? Some scraps in the early, pre-band years? Sure. But in the case of Radium Dolls, you end up with an irresistible cocktail of punk, passion and energy that slaps you in the face with the warmest of wake-up calls, right from the first listen. Frontman Will and guitarist Tom sit down with Luke for episode 22 of Alt Down Under.  The boys take a seat - hot off the release of their new single, ‘Scorching Heat’ - which shares its name with their current 9-date tour of Australia that finishes up on July 5th with a hometown show in Brisbane. Will spills about his love of Victoria Bitter and shares why it’s his fuel of choice for the tour…can he and Luke strike up a branding deal with VB?! Growing up in the same house, find out the musical memories Will & Tom have and where their musical awakening began. And, why is recent Jack Della running the front door security at their Dream Gig Venue? All this, plus Luke’s review of Spacey Jane at PICA and Radio Free Alice’s short-term residency at the Night Cat before they set their sights on a big move over the UK. It’s a big episode…tune in now!

How would it feel to be the lead singer of a band who’ve just recorded in the iconic Abbey Road Studios, made famous by The Beatles? Imagine that in doing so, you become the first Aboriginal act to record a full-length album in the studios’ hallowed rooms. That is exactly the journey of Selve, a Queensland outfit, fronted my Loki Liddle. A proud Jabirr Jabirr man, Loki describes how the new single that shares the title of their upcoming second album - Breaking Into Heaven - is a beacon for First Nation Stories.  In recording at Abbey Road, Selve have opened up a space previously only accessible to a select few and have opened up a future of possibility.  Find out which Nina Simone lyrics inspired the messaging behind the new record, the creative drive that Loki has sunken his teeth into during this project, and the grand plans for a huge album-launch party involving lasers, an orchestra and dancers. All this, plus his Dream Gig Venue and host Luke Scanlan offering up the perfect rainy day task for you music geeks out there!

Alt Down Under hits 20 episodes! For this milestone show, Luke catches up with Sonic Reducer, a 4-piece punk group from Canberra. Bassist, Louie Hanna, is on hand to discuss why the band are doing things differently to the generic 4-piece bands that we’ve grown tired of over the years. Find out the impact that the closing of venues in Canberra has had…and the creative workarounds that artists are coming up with. And punk….is it a genre that doesn’t get the respect it deserves? Louie describes how legends of the scene – The Clash and The Buzzcocks – created music with deeper meaning than many give them credit for, and how that depth has etched itself onto the creations of Sonic Reducer, including new single, NEEDLES. Plus, a Dream Gig Venue with free Guinness on tap. What’s not to love?!

This time out, we take a trip west....to see what alternative gems New Zealand has to offer! That comes in the form of episode 19's featured artist, Phoebe Rings. Joining Alt Down Under is lead singer, Crystal Choi.  Native to Korea, Crystal tells all about how moving to The Land of the Long White Cloud has impacted her life and her song-writing. And...is starting a band a few months before the covid pandemic the worst move ever? Find out how Phoebe Rings bounced back with a devotion to collaboration which has helped create their irresistible space-age sound, full of retro synth pop with influences rooted in Korea.  It's a sound that has created a beautifully well rounded record, in their upcoming debut album, Aseurai. All this, plus a Dream Gig Venue where glitter is a big part of the dress code.

With Aussie winter around the corner, it feels like the time of year where music that warms the soul is on the menu. Step in, Annie-Rose Maloney, the featured artist in episode 18 of Alt. Down Under! The Naarm-based singer-songwriter’s debut album Circle Walking is the perfect antidote to winter blues. With insights into her personal journey to seeking happiness and battling life’s dramas along the way, the record is full of alcoves that invite you in to explore your own journey and to feel the shared experience that Maloney so openly lays down. Listen to how stripping things back, listening to her heart and how adopting the mantra “the law of the least effort” all combine in reaping the best rewards. Plus – how does a day job as a teacher help to connect to childlike wonder and a sense of living in the present. All this plus the creation of the chilliest vibe ever, in Annie-Rose’s Dream Gig Venue!

Slap bang in the middle of their Aus/NZ tour, we caught up with The Murder Capital! Joining Luke Scanlan in conversation is bassist, Gabriel Blake. After waiting years to finally play to fans in the region, Gabriel speaks of what it means to give fans a taste of tunes from across their three albums: When I Have Fears, Gigi’s Recovery and Blindness Plus, why he thinks albums – also referred to as ‘records’ – can be taken as a true record of your life at the time of release. Find out what it was like to step up a gear and work with Grammy-winning producer, John Congleton. The guy has only worked with global names such as Phoebe Bridgers, Nelly Furtado, The War on Drugs, Bono, Sigur Ros, Bombay Bicycle Club… no big deal, right?! Gabriel opens up on the moment that Irish music is having right now, with The Murder Capital and Fontaines DC both touring the APAC region in 2025. Plus, he gives his thoughts on the pride in Irishness emanating from KNEECAP and what it was like to play alongside them at festivals in their early days. And…. The Murder Capital’s early days. What was it like to fly the post-punk flag and burst onto the scene at the same time as Fontaines and shame? A huge episode. One you cannot miss!

This time out, it’s the melodic vocal genius of The Stamps under the spotlight, joining us as our artist in residence! Ahead of a big week of announcements for the Melbourne-based group, singer and songwriter Scarlett Graham drops by for a chat. One third of the vocals behind the band formed after a suggestion from their school music teacher – Scarlett tells all about the story behind new single Jamie’s Song and how ideas for tracks crop up at the most random of times. Jamie’s Song  is released alongside the huge news of the band’s debut album - In All The Ways I Am - which drops on August 8th. Find out how the band feels ahead of that first album release….and why Scarlett wants NO DRESS CODE at her Dream Gig Venue, ‘The Post Office’. All this, plus a review of Kasabian’s foundation-shaking set at The Forum in Melbourne…and why host Luke Scanlan is more pumped than ever for an upcoming Melbourne gig!

James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck, better know as HONNE are this week’s artist in residence on Alt. Down Under. Fresh from the release of their latest album, Ouch, the British electronic duo drop by to talk us through the stories behind the new tunes. From stepping into fatherhood and making sure to squeeze all that you can from life. And of course, the boys build their Dream Gig Venue. How the hell do they aim to remain sexy when free cheese and onion appetisers are on the menu? This comes all before their tour in Australia later in March 2025!

Another fantastic guest artist interview for you in episode 14 of Alt. Down Under... This time out, it's the unreal Girl and Girl. Speaking with Luke is frontman Kai James and drummer, Aunt Liss. They've just caught a breath after an 8-date whistle-stop tour around Australia, bringing the energy to cities up and down the country. It's not every day an aunt ends up being the drummer for her nephew's band - you can hear how the hell that happened, how they operate as a family unit and the pride they feel in each other's contributions to the magic that is Girl and Girl. Kai opens up on using "theatric" elements in the band's debut album Call a Doctor as a means of opening up on his personal battles with mental health, the "beast" that is his vocal range and....all eyes on America! What it means to be heading Stateside and flying the flag for Australian music, whilst supporting Naked Giants. AND....their Dream Gig Venue. The corpse of David Bowie playing at The Armpit? Sure, why not.