Trusty Chords

For well over a decade now, Jacob Banks has been enchanting listeners the world over with his immersive blend of soul and R&B. Rising to prominence following his success in a music competition in 2012, Banks quickly became a hot ticket, scoring plenty of airplay thanks to his early singles, including collaborative singles with the likes of Wretch 32 and Chase & Status.Singles soon turned to EPs, and by the end of 2018, he'd released his debut album after signing to Interscope the year prior. Alongside myriad appearances on TV soundtracks and video games, Banks has continued writing, recording, and releasing stellar music at every turn. Last year, he kicked things off with the release of 'Yonder,' a three-part series of EPs that arrived over the coming months and were eventually compiled as a full album just a few months ago.If you've not yet heard Jacob Banks, I recommend giving Yonder a spin so as to allow yourself the chance to witness just what this amazing musician is capable of when operating at his full capability.Next month, Banks will return to Australia for his second solo tour, with shows scheduled for Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and also an appearance at the Wanderer Festival in New South Wales.But before that tour kicks off, this week I was lucky enough to be joined by Jacob Banks for a quick chat about how he's less of a musician and more of a storyteller – regardless of the medium.Anyway, have a listen to Jacob Banks' 'Yonder,' buy a ticket to his upcoming tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For decades now, Dave Graney has been one of the most important names in the world of Australian music.First making his appearance in the music world in the late '70s, the South Australian-born Graney found wider fame as a member of The Moodists with partner Clare Moore, with the group's influential post-punk sound seeing them based in London as their profile grew.Following the band's split, Graney and Moore pivoted by way of forming Dave Graney 'N' The Coral Snakes. An eclectic project which lasted for around a decade, it ended up being one of Graney's most popular undertakings, resulting in myriad acclaimed records and even a famous ARIA Award for Male Artist Of The Year.That win was off the back of the brilliant album, 'The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound,' which – while actually the lowest-charting of all charting Coral Snakes albums – helped mark Graney's name in the history books with indelible ink.Though other projects would follow over the years (including The Dave Graney Show, The Royal Dave Graney Show, The Lurid Yellow Mist, solo work and others), this year, the Coral Snakes are hitting the road to give 'The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound' its well-deserved 30th anniversary treatment. Frankly, I'd be heading along just to hear one of Australia's greatest songs, 'Rock 'N' Roll Is Where I Hide,' in the live setting.This week, I was lucky enough to have a chat with Dave for the podcast. It was actually supposed to be both him and Clare on the call, but she had to pull out at the last minute, so I'll be sure to catch her another time.Anyway, have a listen to Dave Graney 'N' The Coral Snakes' 'The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound,' buy a ticket to their upcoming tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For the past five years now, Los Angeles has been home to the alt-rock/pop-punk outfit Beauty School Dropout. Initially being formed as a solo project from Colie Hutzler while still performing as part of the group Strangefaces, the project soon expanded with the membership of Brent 'Beepus' Burdett and Bardo Novotny. Swiftly, the group found themselves surrounded by a strong stable of supporters, including the likes of Blink-182's Mark Hoppus and Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, who cemented their belief in the group by signing them to the Verswire label.In these past five years, it's been a dizzying rise to fame for the group. Alongside two albums – including 2022's 'We Made Plans & God Laughed' and 2023's 'Ready To Eat' – Beauty School Dropout have been touring relentlessly, playing with a list of bands that any music fan would give their right arm to support.Today, the band release their third album, 'Where Did All The Butterflies Go?.' As you might expect, it's another solid piece of work, capturing their raw energy and inimitable ability to craft some amazing songs that will undoubtedly see them going far.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Beepus, Colie, and Bardo ahead of the new record, while they were out on tour. As a result, the audio quality is a bit rough at some points, but look, if you don't mind, then neither do I.Anyway, have a listen to Beauty School Dropout's 'Where Did All The Butterflies Go?,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

If you're looking for an artist to give your attention to this year, I humbly and assertively request that it be MUDRAT.MUDRAT is a project that has been going officially since December 2023, with a string of releases arriving in that first year, including the likes of 'I HATE RICH CUNTS,' 'WE DESPISE THE BOURGEOISIE,' and 'YEAR OF THE RAT.'Judging by the titles alone, you can probably ascertain that social justice is a key component to the MUDRAT experience, with tracks such as 'YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT POOR PEOPLE' helping to cement that notion.Following an impressive rise to fame, including plenty of live shows and even a support for the likes of Denzel Curry, this month sees MUDRAT releasing the 'Social Cohesion' album. A brilliant and vital piece of music that speaks to contemporary topics ranging from Indigenous rights, race, social injustice, war, and myriad other matters, I'm of the belief it's one of the best Australian releases you will hear this year.This week, I was lucky enough to be joined by Sean Thompson for a chat about the MUDRAT project, how it came to be, and the importance of speaking when you know your voice will add something to the wider conversation.Anyway, have a listen to MUDRAT's 'Social Cohesion,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For over 15 years now, the worlds of emo, indie, and post-hardcore have been home to the ever-enjoyable The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die.If you're anything like me, you might have been intrigued by the group's often unmanageable name, but once you checked them out, you were struck by their inimitable approach to music, with an expertly-crafted blending of power, emotion, and technical prowess.An eclectic band whose surprises are as plentiful as their talents, they've undergone a number of lineup changes over the years, releasing myriad EPs and splits alongside a modest collection of albums.Their fourth record, 'Illusory Walls,' arrived in 2021 and after four long years of waiting, fans have this week received a new LP by way of the brilliant 'Dreams Of Being Dust.'As always, it's immersive and impactful, pairing raw emotion with blistering works of musical brilliance that leave you feeling a little bit stunned. In case you can't tell, I really liked this album.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with guitarists Chris Teti and Anthony Gesa ahead of the new record's arrival.Anyway, have a listen to The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die's 'Dreams Of Being Dust,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

It's probably fair to say that the world of rock music wouldn't look how it does today without a band like The Runaways.Formed in 1975, the group's all-female lineup was a breath of fresh air on the male-dominated scene, with debut single "Cherry Bomb" and their self-titled album arriving in 1976 to strong acclaim, despite not being a smash on the charts.Ultimately, The Runaways only existed for a few short years, but their influence was immense, informing countless other bands in the genre, and serving as proof that the music scene need not be filled with the same male performers.For half of The Runaways' life, vocalist Cherie Currie was up the front. Having joined the group at just 15, it was her iconic voice that helped lead the charge and cemented The Runaways' place in history.But her career doesn't start and end with The Runaways, she's been a solo musician, an actress, and for the past 25 years, a chainsaw artist. To say she's a woman of many talents is putting it lightly.This year, Cherie visits Australia for her second tour of the country, with this visit also set to be her last, having announced a decision to retire from the world of touring.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Cherie about her influence, legacy, and her upcoming tour.Anyway, have a listen to The Runaways' brilliant discography, buy a ticket to Cherie's tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

When you think about Australian music, it's a little hard not to think about Davey Lane. That might sound grandiose, but given he's spent more than 25 years as a guitarist for local legends You Am I, it's hard to classify him any other way.Joining the already-established outfit at just the age of 18, Lane swiftly found himself as part of Aussie music royalty, eventually going on to be part of ARIA Award-winning releases and countless revered live shows.He's also stretched his musical wings with his other band, The Pictures, and since 2013, he's been releasing solo gear as well. While last year's brilliantly-titled cover album, 'How To Make Davey, Vol. 1,' was one of my favourite records of 2024, this year, Lane is back with another album, this time called 'Finally, A Party Record.'Feeling like a love letter to classic '70s rock, it's a testament to his anachronistic place within the world of Australian music, but for those listening close, it's not exactly a party record in the strictest sense. It's a little bit deep, it's a little bit powerful, and it's a great example of Lane's many and varied talents.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Davey Lane about his musical journey, and his latest record. Just a quick warning, Davey was out and about when we had the chat, so there's a couple of audio drop-outs here and there, but if you don't mind, then neither do I.Anyway, have a listen to Davey Lane's 'Finally, A Party Record' when it arrives next week, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Hello and welcome to Trusty Chords, the podcast which aims to celebrate music and those that create it.For the past 25 years, Brisbane's Halfway have operated as one of those well-kept secrets that often feels as though only a select few know about.Of course, with ARIA, APRA, and AIR Award nominations (and a win the latter category), along with three Queensland Music Awards, it's fair to say that their reputation and creativity has managed to transcend the categorisation of well-kept secret and become one of those groups with a passionate fanbase.Formed out of the likes of Queensland outfit St. Jude, Halfway emerged in 2000 and swiftly became a band who demanded your attention. With immersive musicianship and arresting songwriting, it didn't take long for their profile to grow and for the albums to emerge.This year, Halfway returned with their first new album in three years, 'The Styx.' Once again, it's a stellar release from the sprawling outfit, with the record's lyrical themes serving as something of a concept album. Along with repeated tales of characters often overlooked by the wider world, and a luscious musical backing, it's a record that I really recommend you spend some time with – both passively and actively, so as to get the full experience.This week, I was lucky enough to chat with Halfway's John Busby about his musical journey, and the story of the group's latest record.Anyway, have a listen to Halfway's 'The Styx,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For a few decades now, one of Australia's greatest unsung musical heroes has been none other than Bryan Estepa. Born in the Philippines before moving to Australia as a child, Bryan has had a storied career as a musician, performing in bands such as Swivel and Hazey Jane before turning his attention toward solo gear. That solo gear first took form under the moniker Adeline before he decided to use his real name around 20 years ago.Since then, he's been a prolific artist, writing and recording frequently, and releasing myriad albums in recent decades.For those playing at home, the last time Bryan released a full-length album was back in 2019, with 'Sometimes I Just Don't Know' arriving before an EP called 'Back To The Middle' in 2021. But fast-forward to this year, and Bryan is back with another record called 'I See It Now.'It's an exceptional piece of work, drenched with clever songwriting, power-pop sensibilities, and an immense sense of passion. Truly, it's something worth your time.I've been following Bryan for many years now, but this week, I was lucky enough to finally have a chat with the great man about his musical career and that new album of his.Anyway, have a listen to Bryan Estepa's 'I See It Now,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Cast your mind back 20 years and you might be taken right back to a moment in time where one of the most exciting Australian bands out there on the scene was none other than End Of Fashion.Formed in Perth by Justin Burford, who was at the time a member of The Sleepy Jackson, End Of Fashion found itself slowly finding fame thanks to constant airplay on triple j, and by the time 2005 rolled around, the group were readying their debut album.I can speak from experience when I tell you that it was pretty hard to ignore the stark black and yellow colour scheme of the band's debut album and singles, and equally hard was it to overlook singles such as 'O Yeah' and 'The Game.'ARIA Award winners with loads of potential, End Of Fashion unveiled a few new albums over the coming years, but ultimately went a bit silent in the following years. However, there have been a few singles since 2020, and this year, the group will be putting out their self-titled debut on vinyl and hitting the road for a national headline tour.Speaking as someone who actually saw End Of Fashion back in 2006 as part of my first 'real' concert experience, I can't tell you how excited this makes folks like myself.As you might be able to gather by this point, I was lucky enough to be joined by the musical mastermind that is End Of Fashion's Justin Burford this week. And yes, I certainly did ask if he remembers that 2006 gig.Anyway, have a listen to End Of Fashion's back catalogue (and their self-titled debut), buy a ticket to their upcoming tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

If you know me (or simply listen to the podcast – both are very good options), then you'd likely know how much I like to surround myself with musicians I both enjoy and respect. Frankly, with that in mind, I reckon you can't go past someone like Ashlea Jaye.A lifelong lover of music and a self-described theatre kid, Ashlea has been a supporter of music for as long as I've known her. If you're from Adelaide, you might know her from her time hosting the Peripheral Noise show on Three D Radio, or you might know her from musical groups such as Twin Decoy or Left On Seen.It's the latter which might jog your memory the most, with the duo (which also comprises Will Adam) releasing some stellar music in recent years. Whether it's the killer debut single "Life Support," their cover of SZA's "Kill Bill," or their brilliant 'Wilted' EP from this year, you can't go wrong.Alongside that though, Ashlea is also a huge supporter and advocate for those with disabilities both in and out of the music scene. An AuDHD, disabled artist, creative, musician, singer, and writer who juggles so much in her day to day, the fact that July was Disability Pride Month felt like an immensely fitting time for us to speak.Also, because it's the month in which Left On Seen will play a stellar hometown show as part of Fangz' album launch tour. It's also going to be a special one, but I'll let Ashlea tell you why that is…Oh, in case you couldn't tell, Ashlea is my guest on this week's podcast! Needless to say, I'm always happy to use this podcast to showcase musicians who I call friends, and this was a great opportunity for Ashlea and myself to just nerd out for… a long time.Anyway, have a listen to Left On Seen's back catalogue, buy a ticket to their upcoming show, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Ever since they released their debut single back in 2019, Queensland alt-rockers Cardboard Cutouts have been determined to keep themselves moving. Whether it's trying new things on the writing or recording front, or simply looking towards myriad artists for inspiration, it's easy to see they're a group who aren't happy to stay in one lane.Indeed, these past few years have seen the group slowly grow and evolve with each and every release, with EPs such as 'Weekends' and 'Patchwork' now giving way to their debut album, 'Politics & Footy Tips.'An impressive piece of work for the group, it's a record built upon combined decades of musical appreciation, and clearly focused on the shuffle feature. With each and every track feeling like its own little world, so too does the music ebb and flow, showcasing their varying musical approaches and their associated talent.What I'm trying to say is that it's a corker of a record that's worth your time.This week, Eliot Argus of Cardboard Cutouts was kind enough to join me for a far-reaching chat where we discussed everything from rockabilly bands to Norwegian black metal (though the latter one might have been me).Anyway, have a listen to Cardboard Cutouts' 'Politics & Footy Tips,' buy a ticket to their tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For a few years now, the Australian music industry has been home to a band whose current iteration has roots spanning back decades.In the early '90s, the Sydney scene featured an indie-rock trio dubbed The Templebears. Issuing three releases across as many years, the group never released a debut album, ultimately splitting around 1992.Its members would soon find themselves playing in bands such as Big Heavy Stuff and Atticus, before eventually re-emerging as The Templebears around 15 years ago.Fast-forward to 2019, and those same members were still playing together, but this time they'd adopted the name The Electorate to represent their new sonic focus. That trio would release their debut album, 'You Don't Have Time To Stay Lost', in 2020, and I highly recommend it if you've got the time.Now in 2025, they're back once again with a second record, this time called 'By Design'. Like its predecessor, it's exceptional, with a bit of growth and musical evolution on display.This week, I was lucky enough to chat to Josh Morris of The Electorate to discuss the band's history and its journey from conception to dissolution, and from reformation onwards to rebirth.Anyway, have a listen to The Electorate's 'By Design', have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

If you're someone who likes their music a little bit dreamy, a little bit hazy, and a whole lot of brilliant, then you need to point your peepers toward New Zealand, where Auckland's Phoebe Rings have been providing just that for some years now. Initially beginning as something of a solo project for Crystal Choi, it swiftly expanded, bringing together a group of stellar artists to form what we now know today as Phoebe Rings.Of course, if you look a bit closely, you might recognise some of the artists in the mix. While Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent has performed with Princess Chelsea, Alex Freer has served as a member of Tiny Ruins, and Benjamin Locke's name can be found over myriad New Zealand releases.After releasing a debut EP a few years back, the group slowly worked toward the next logical step, debut album 'Aseurai.' If you've listened to it, then you'd already know just how amazing it is, and if you've not listened to it, then maybe check it out before you listen to me ramble for the next hour.Either way, Crystal and Simeon were kind enough to join me for a chat this week, and I can't thank them enough for their time and their wonderful insights. Anyway, have a listen to Phoebe Rings' 'Aseurai', have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Are you someone who likes their music with a bit of energy and a bit of fun? Then let me point you towards Bakers Eddy.Formed in Wellington, New Zealand when its members were still quite young, the group found itself crafting a pop-punk sound and issuing a few tracks and an EP before heading west and relocating to Melbourne, Australia.Since 2017, Bakers Eddy have been an Australian band in location only, with the group's profile consistently rising ahead of their debut album, 'Love Boredom Bicycles,' in 2022. And rightly so – it's a solid record and one that definitely shows the level of passion and skill they bring to their craft.Since then though, things had been a bit quiet, with the group largely remaining silent on the recording front until this year. That's not to say they've been taking it easy – with appearances both at home and abroad, there's been plenty of activity, but we didn't get new music until the singles from their latest EP, 'I'm Doing Better.'A solid release that really captures the band's maturity and their growth as songwriters and people, it's a record that's certainly worth your time.To celebrate its release, I was lucky enough to have a chat with Ciarann Babbington from the band about their history, and everything that has led up to the new EP.Anyway, have a listen to Bakers Eddy's 'I'm Doing Better,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For over 20 years now, music-lovers of the world have been lucky enough to exist within the same timeline as The Spill Canvas.Formed by Nick Thomas back in 2001, the group rose to fame throughout the decade, with their work equally being categorised as alternative rock, emo, pop rock, and more. Thanks to releases like the 'Denial Feels So Good' EP, 'One Fell Swoop,' and 'No Really, I'm Fine,' the group managed to make a name for themselves as one of the finest groups in the genre.Of course, they've never exactly had the mainstream success that some of their counterparts have had, but I'll be damned if they don't deserve as much – if not more – kudos than many other of their contemporaries.This July, The Spill Canvas make their way down to Australia for the first time, touring in support of the 20th anniversary of 'One Fell Swoop.' They'll also be joined by The Juliana Theory, who are themselves celebrating 25 years of the 'Emotion Is Dead' album.No matter how you slice it, a good time will be had by all.This week, I was lucky enough to be joined by Nick Thomas, who was kind enough to put up with my fanaticism of the band while I asked some probing questions.Anyway, have a listen to The Spill Canvas' 'One Fell Swoop,' buy a ticket to their tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

When it comes to explaining Private Function in just a few short paragraphs, there's a lot of difficulty at play. After all, they're a Melbourne punk outfit who have been around for close to a decade now, pumping out blistering tunes while employing a visceral sense of humour as they use their platform to succeed in the rock world while simultaneously turning the genre back on itself and laughing at it.Over the years, they've released albums like their Metallica-referencing debut 'St. Anger' and '370HSSV 0773H,' which was banned in South Australia due to its scratch-off competition cover. Alongside that, they've released myriad vinyl variants and even issued records filled with bags of speed and members' own urine. Needless to say, they don't do things by halves.This month, they release their fourth album, which is titled '¯\_(ツ)_/¯.' In an effort to make life difficult for folks like me, that's the shrug emoji and it's pretty much unpronounceable. However, it does come with an official title, but that title is included within the thousands of individual album covers included on the album artwork.I've interviewed Private Function numerous times over the years, but to get to the bottom of this new record, I decided to call up vocalist Chris Penney and catch up with him to record an episode of the podcast. As always, it's a little bit intriguing, a little bit weird, and a little bit on-brand for fans of Private Function.Anyway, I strongly urge you to check out Private Function's new album '¯\_(ツ)_/¯,' and once you’re done giving that a spin, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good lyricist, and then that means you should definitely know the great Craig Finn.For the uninitiated, Craig was the man behind the likes of Lifter Puller, and following their split in 2000, he moved from Minneapolis to New York City and, well, didn't do much. That was, until he formed The Hold Steady after being inspired by the likes of Drive-By Truckers.If you've not yet listened to The Hold Steady, then you need to do me a favour – turn off this podcast and go and listen to them right now. Of course, if you're already across their stellar discography you'd know the sort of power and impact that their performance style, and Craig's stunning lyricism, brings to the table.While it's just been a couple of years between records for The Hold Steady, Craig has remained active as ever, issuing the exceptional 'Always Been' album only a few weeks ago. It's certainly one that you need to hear right away.This week, I was lucky enough to be joined by Craig for a wonderful chat about his musical history and latest solo record.Anyway, have a listen to Craig Finn's 'Always Been,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

If you're someone who hasn't yet listened to Propagandhi, then I'm sure you're about to have the time of your life as you discover their eclectic and celebrated discography.Forming in Canada back in 1986, they've been a going concern for close to four decades now, though it wasn't until 1993 that they released their first album. After a few years, they released 2001's 'Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes,' which is often considered to be a seminal record in the world of political punk music. Personally, it's an album that I fell in love with thanks to its lyrical focus and high-energy intensity, and I've been a fan ever since. But that's not the peak of their career, by far, because as the years have gone on, Propagandhi have occasionally returned with a new record, reminding us of just how amazing and important their work is. This year, they returned with 'At Peace,' their eighth record and their first in as many years. Needless to say, it's a special moment for punk fans the world over when Propagandhi returns.This week, I was lucky enough to have a wonderful chat with the group's vocalist and guitarist, the legendary Chris Hannah. For someone as ferocious as Chris is on the live stage, it's hard to imagine someone as reserved, thoughtful, and wonderful as a guest, and I'm truly grateful for him to join the podcast.Anyway, have a listen to Propagandhi's 'At Peace,' cross your fingers for their live return, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For 15 years now, Canadian outfit PUP have been defying the concept that their name stands for a Pathetic Use of Potential and have been proving all and sundry wrong as they travel around the world with their unique blend of alt-rock and punk.Formed in 2010 as Topanga, PUP issued their self-titled album in 2013, with 'The Dream Is Over' following just a few years later. Records like 'Morbid Stuff' and 'The Unravelling Of PUPTheBand' have since cemented their status as consistent, reliable purveyors of stellar music, and their live shows have cemented them as favourites amongst lovers of the genre.This year, May 2nd, to be precise, PUP release their fifth album, 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?'. As I usually say, it's a brilliant record, and it's one that is undeniably worth your time. Things get even better too, because in just a few short months, they'll be back visiting Australia as part of their global tour plans.This week, I was lucky enough to be joined by PUP guitarist Steve Sladkowski, who was kind enough to talk about music for far longer than we were supposed to. In honour of his appearance, we're also briefly rebranding the podcast in honour of PUP's 2022 song 'Four Chords.' (Not really, but hey, I'd be remiss not to take the opportunity!)Anyway, I strongly urge you to check out PUP's 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?', and once you’re done doing that, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.