Alt Down Under

“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’.

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!

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?!

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!

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!

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.

The fantastic Romanie is the guest artist for Episode 12 of Alt. Down Under.After meeting her in his first week in Australia when she performed alongside Katy J Pearson, Luke finally sits down with the Belgian songwriter to chat through her experiences of moving down to Aus. Romanie explains how stepping out of her comfort zone has shaped her as a person as well as empowering her work as an artist.Making the move has been huge in bringing the best out of Romanie's irresistible talents, with last year's debut album 'Are We There Yet' notching nominations for Australian Music Prize and winning the 2023 Upstart Award.One year on, she opens up on her appetite to get album number two out into the big bad world, off the back of the rollercoaster that was a health scare and misdiagnosis. It's been a one hell of a journey, and here, Romanie bravely opens up on every twist and turn.PLUS - her Dream Gig Venue - how did Romanie end up with gems on her teeth at Coachella and why Bowie needs to come back to life.... A gig review this time out features a look at Confidence Man's fantastically absurd set at The Forum, Melbourne.

Alt. Down Under podcast is back with another slice of Indie chatter!The Paris 2024 Olympics might be in full swing, but Melbourne post-punk/new-wave outfit Radio Free Alice are this year’s real athletes...Fresh from a mammoth 2-month, 24-date stint in the UK and Europe, front-man Noah Learmonth drops by to talk about life on the road and the British food that has fuelled the band. Find out if there have been any holiday romances with Gregg’s sausage rolls or cheap pints at Wetherspoons.Plus, the music industry: hated and adored. It’s a tough nut for a lot of emerging bands, so what drives Radio Free Alice to keep taking a crack at it, as fans await the release of their second EP, Polyester?AND....Noah's Dream Gig Venue... he explains why a shaman is running the front door security and why fellow Melbourne acts Sex Mask & Rain Dogs make the dream line-up.Host Luke Scanlan returns from months in backpacking wilderness – a time when he has been able to catch Royel Otis – and send the Alt. Down Under team to catch The Last Dinner Party playing in Australia. This past year has been a whirlwind for the British band – a year that has seen them crack America. But how did they go down with the Aussie crowds?Loads for ya – don’t miss it!