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Trusty Chords, Melbourne (2025)

09/10/2025

Episode 72: Evan Dando – The Lemonheads

If you're a fan of music from the '90s, or just the indie-rock genre in general, then the chances are probably pretty much perfect that you're aware of The Lemonheads .

First formed in Boston back in 1986, the group has been fronted by Evan Dando since its earliest days, with Dando being the driving force (and only original remember) since 1989.

The Lemonheads rose to widespread prominence in the early '90s thanks to records like 'It's A Shame About Ray' and 'Come On Feel The Lemonheads,' with the former being largely written in Australia when Dando became good friends with Smudge's Tom Morgan.

Though The Lemonheads would split back in 1997, they've been an active presence again since 2005, with a self-titled record arriving in 2006. Since then, there's been a few archival releases and reissues, while the brilliant 'Varshons' cover albums arrived in 2009 and 2019.

However, earlier this year, it was announced that The Lemonheads would finally be releasing their first new record of original material since 2006. Titled 'Love Chant,' it's a brilliant record that any self-respecting music fan needs to listen to immediately.

News of the record also brought with it a return to Australia for The Lemonheads, who played their first local shows in the country since 2019 back in May. A massive return for a group who are effectively honorary Australians these days, I was lucky enough to get the chance to catch up with Dando while he was in the country, visiting him in his hotel room for his first local interview, just hours after he landed in the country.

If you know me, then you'd likely know how stoked I was to have this opportunity to chat to a figure in the musical world whose legacy has been immensely impactful. But as expected, it was a bit of a wildcard experience, with Dando also giving this podcast its first live performance of… well, anything to date. We also had a couple of technical issues but it works out fairly well, I feel.

Anyway, have a listen to The Lemonheads' 'Love Chant,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

02/10/2025

Episode 71: Tom Partington & Harley Wilson – The Rions

Since 2021, New South Wales quartet The Rions have been rising stars in Australia's eclectic music scene.

First forming in year seven back in 2016 and releasing a few singles at the start of this decade, The Rions rose to fame four years ago when they were announced as the winners of triple j's Unearthed High competition.

Winning the esteemed prize despite being unable to promote their work too strongly thanks to the ongoing pandemic, the group remained determined to keep on creating, releasing further singles and then a pair of EPs across 2023 and 2024.

Now, we come to 2025 where they've finally arrived at the release of their debut album, 'Everything Every Single Day.' A stellar release from the (still comparatively) young group, it shows The Rions operating at their best, forging ahead as they continue to craft enticing music and bring it around the world.

Oh, and I say the world given that their profile has risen so dramatically that they've now been performing an impressive run of dates throughout the UK and Europe alongside Australia, with further shows in these regions set to take place very soon.

This week, I was lucky enough to have a chat with drummer Tom Partington and guitarist Harley Wilson for the podcast.

Anyway, have a listen to The Rions' 'Everything Every Single Day,' 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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

18/09/2025

Episode 70: Dave Graney

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

11/09/2025

Episode 69: Jacob Banks

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

04/09/2025

Episode 68: Beepus Burdett, Colie Hutzler & Bardo Novotny – Beauty School Dropout

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

01/09/2025

Bonus Episode 5: Bindi McCallum – Kurralta Park

If you've been listening to this podcast over the last year and a half, then you'd probably be aware of how much I love to shine a light on artists from Adelaide.

Maybe it's my biased nature due to being from Adelaide, or maybe there's something in the water there, but whatever the case, I reckon one Adelaide act you need to hear right now is none other than Kurralta Park.

Named for the Adelaide suburb of the same name, Kurralta Park are an impressive mix of indie-rock and emo that is wholly unique in the way that it captures emotion and filters it through a lens of true sincerity in how the music is crafted and performed.

Initially beginning as a solo project for Bindi McCallum, Kurralta Park has since expanded into a three-piece, and just a matter of days ago, they released their debut album, 'Powell Place.'

If you're someone who enjoys music with raw power, honest songwriting, and an impassioned delivery, then I think you need to find yourself listening to Kurralta Park right away.

This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Bindi about the project's launch and its journey to now.

Anyway, have a listen to Kurralta Park's 'Powell Place,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

28/08/2025

Episode 67: Sean Thompson – MUDRAT

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 C***S,' '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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

21/08/2025

Episode 66: Anthony Gesa & Chris Teti – The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

14/08/2025

Episode 65: Cherie Currie – The Runaways

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

07/08/2025

Episode 64: Davey Lane – You Am I

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

24/07/2025

Episode 63: John Busby – Halfway

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

17/07/2025

Episode 62: Bryan Estepa

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.

Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/trustychordspodcast

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