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This week on Alt. Down Under, Luke is joined by Ben Bray - front man of one of the most exciting bands coming out of Melbourne, Divers! Fresh off the release of their acclaimed debut album, 'Odd Dog In The Capital', Ben chats about the band's evolution from a Covid-era studio project into one of the most exciting and distinctive voices in Australian indie music. The pair dive into the creative process behind the record, the pursuit of "new feelings" through songwriting. Plus, why the band Divers were prepared for the album to completely flop if it meant staying true to their vision. Plus, Ben takes on the Alt. Down Under Dream Gig Venue, featuring Mozart, corsets and one very questionable tavern. All this, plus Luke's review of Thee Sacred Souls at Hamer Hall. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of Alt. Down Under, Luke sits down with Nkechi Anele, the voice behind Owelu Dreamhouse - one of the most exciting projects coming out of Melbourne’s soul scene right now. Having cut her teeth as the frontwoman of beloved Melbourne six-piece, Saskwatch, Nkechi has spent years building her sound and her community.  With Owelu Dreamhouse, she steps into something far more personal - a project shaped by reconnecting with her Nigerian heritage and exploring what it means to exist between cultures. She dives into the story behind the band’s name - inspired by her grandmother - and how that connection to family and identity runs through the music. From stepping away from music entirely to finding her way back with a renewed sense of self, this is a conversation about growth, belonging and creative honesty. Plus… a brief but important debate about foreheads!

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 collaboratingA 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!