So what’s been happening?

Episode 199: Great Australian Bank on Music, Tasmania & 'Leaving' Aaron interviews Tass Coomber from Great Australian Bank in episode 199, covering his Tasmanian upbringing, the band’s name and political roots, musical influences and 80s-inspired sound, plus their video work and recording approach. The episode highlights the new single "Leaving" and it's launch at The Old Bar, tour and album p...

Names Unleashed: Fergus Lawson on Songs, Gigs & Growing Pains Episode 198 features Fergus Lawson from band Names discussing the group's origins on the Mornington Peninsula, the creative songwriting process, and the making of their record and video clips. The chat covers standout tracks like Familiar Stranger, Raindrop and Bygones, memorable gigs at the Tote, album artwork by Luca McGree, and c...

Ramona Sky Unplugged: New Singles, Live Clips & Festival Dreams Episode 197 features a lively chat with up‑and‑coming band Ramona Sky — their origins during COVID, recent singles (“Go”, “10 Seconds”, “Hypnotized”), live clips, music‑video visuals, and the band’s studio and songwriting process. We plug local Melbourne and Sydney gigs (including Bundoora Beats), discuss influences and touring, a...

Relays Unleashed: Shann Lions on Punk and Family Host Aaron sits down with Shann Lions of Relays to discuss the band’s new cover single “Get Free,” upcoming shows and the gritty, high-energy approach to recording and live performance. Shan talks candidly about his neurodivergent diagnoses, bonding with his son through music, DIY touring, funding challenges for live venues, and previews tracks from...

Host Aaron sits down with Tin Town for episode 195 to discuss their album Down in the Dirt, songwriting, harmonies, and standout tracks like "Before We Begin", "Things I Got From You", "Samson" and "These Days". The band talks about recording moments, personal influences, upcoming gigs and touring, and the emotional stories behind the songs, encouraging listeners to support their music and catch t...

From Kiss to The Revolation: Dean Whitman-Lamb's Comeback Host Aaron chats with Dean Whitman-Lamb of The Revolation about his musical journey from early influences like KISS and INXS to his time with Valve and new solo work. They discuss recent recordings — including "Tumblin' the Rough," "Born Again," "Liberty," and "Shattered" — the studio process, music videos, and forming a live band with help...

Maxine Gillon Unveils 'Girl Songs' — Album Launch at The Tramway Episode 193 features a conversation with Maxine Gillon about her debut album, Girl Songs, its recording process, and the upcoming free launch at the Tramway with her band the Blue Jeans. The episode explores the album's lush arrangements and wall-of-sound influences, stripped-back acoustic takes recorded at Avery Studios, songwriting...

Episode 192 — A Man Called Son: Instrumental Calm & Mental Health Host Aaron previews local gigs, announces ticket giveaways and teases the upcoming milestone show 200, then sits down with Simon Pearlman (A Man Called Son) to discuss his new instrumental record, creative process, and mental-health themes. Blending the sun-drenched sounds of classic Australian rock with introspective storytelli...

Trams, Tribute and Tangled Heartstrings - Jules Sheldon Episode 191 features Jules Sheldon and The Boundary Riders discussing the new album Electric Transport, a heartfelt tribute to Spencer P. Jones who this episode is dedicated to the memory of SPJ, which happens to be recorded on the date he was born, and the songs that shaped his sound. Jules talks about his tram obsession, songwriting as cath...

Al Matcott Unveils ‘Fake the Days Away’ — Blue Vinyl, Pedal Steel & Protest Episode 190: Host catches up with Al Matcott about his new album Fake the Days Away — the singles “All Night” and “There Is Much Wrong I Have Done,” the recording process at The Gem with producer Rob, and the band’s new addition Joe on pedal steel. They also discuss the album’s blue recycled vinyl, internet-inspired ar...

Team Love Live: Inside the New Album, Gigs & 10-Year Plans Host Aaron Cusack talks with Team Love members Ruby and Tom about their new album, recent launch shows, and the stories behind singles like "Tomorrow Is a New Day" and "Winter." The conversation covers the band’s origins, recording process, and how life changes — including parenthood — shape their music. The episode also highlights upc...

Alcotomic Unplugged: From 90s Demos to the 8 Second Empire For Fans Of: Ash, The Lemonheads, You Am I, Weezer, Screamfeeder Host Aaron chats with John Freeman Baxter of Alcotomic about his backyard studio, the band’s new album 8 Second Empire, and the 90s Melbourne music scene that shaped their sound. They discuss songwriting rooted in old demos, authentic recording approaches, standout tracks lik...

From Back Deck Gigs to Toasty Anthems: Plastic Cheeses on Episode 187 This episode of So What’s Been Happening features a lively conversation with indie trio Plastic Cheeses — their origins, new singles, music videos and standout tracks like "Pandemic of Stupid" and "Mid‑Strength Crisis." The show also covers upcoming gigs and festivals around Victoria and NSW, band name stories, mental‑health che...

Dashville Skyline Preview: The Festival Bringing Live Music Home Episode 186 previews Dashville Skyline with an in-depth chat with Matt Johnson of Magpie Diaries and conversations with artists Ben Mastwyk, Joyce Prescher and Meghan Maike. The show covers the festival's grassroots spirit, Magpie Diaries' new album recorded at the Tractor Shed, and highlights from the 11th-year lineup (Oct 3–5, Hunt...

Valerie Trails Unveiled: Inside 'Winter Palace' — New Album & Tour Dates Episode 185 of So What's Been Happening features Andrew Bower of The Valery Trails discussing their new album Winter Palace, the recording at their Buffalo Speedway studio, singles like "Everything Is Temporary" and "First Kiss," and upcoming shows across October. The episode also covers band lineup changes, video visuals...

Crayon Shades Live: Moderate Lovers on Songs, DIY Clips & N.W.A. Surprises Aaron sits down with Mick Wilson of Moderate Lovers to discuss the band’s debut EP Crayon Shades, track-by-track stories (including “Lucy’s Gardening,” “Lost City” and a surprise N.W.A. cover), DIY video-making and songwriting influences. The episode also shares upcoming gig dates, a mental-health shout-out, and a remin...

Ben Mastwyk & His Millions: Let Me At The Night Lights Up Melbourne On this episode Aaron chats with Ben Mastwyk about his new album Let Me At The Night, the creative energy behind The Millions, and the collaborative videos and limited-edition release. Ben explains his festival-ready vision, family-made clips and upcoming shows across Melbourne, Dashville and Tamworth. The episode also highlig...

Behind the Music with Temperate Join us for an electrifying episode as we dive into the world of Temperate, a dynamic band from Coffs Harbour. In this engaging conversation, we explore their upcoming gigs, touring plans, and their exhilarating live performances, including a unique mix of acoustic and rock influences. Meet the band members - Finn, Levi, and Taylor - and learn about their journey, t...

Rock Renaissance with Blackbirds FC: A New Era of Sound Join us for an in-depth conversation on EP181 with Gina and Jeremy from Blackbirds FC as they share their excitement about their upcoming album launch at George Lane. Discover the creative process behind their rockier third album and get a sneak peek into the unique sound that sets this release apart from their previous works. Revisit their j...

Unveiling the Artist: Robert F. Cranny's Music Journey Welcome to Episode 180 of 'So What's Been Happening', where host Aaron Cusack engages in a captivating conversation with musician Robert F. Cranny. Dive into Robert's fascinating musical journey, discover the story behind his intriguing middle name, and explore the formation and evolution of his band, Party Crashers. Enjoy insightful discussio...

"Brian Estepa's Musical Journey: From Manila to Melbourne" Join us for episode 179 of "So What's Been Happening" as we sit down with the talented Brian Estepa to discuss his latest album, "I See It Now." This episode dives into Brian's musical journey, from his early influences in Manila to recording his seventh album across continents. Listen in as we explore the creative process behind his new s...

The Power of Music and Mental Health: A chat with Little Faith's Jon Baxter One not to miss, it's time to "Check In Tuesday" with special guest Jon Baxter from Little Faiths with a purpose to stop the stigma around mental health and normalise discussions about mental health in particular. Join us for an enriching evening episode as we dive into the world of music and mental health with special gue...

In episode 177 of "So What's Been Happening," we dive into the vibrant world of Melbourne's own punk band, Wombat. Join us for an exciting conversation with the band members as they share their experiences, musical influences, and the philosophy behind their energetic performances. From the story behind their EP to their relentless gig schedule and the unique dynamics between the band members, thi...

Celebrate Live Music: A Colourful Journey Through Gigs and Stories Join us for Episode 176 of "So What's Been Happening" as we dive into the vibrant world of music with The Electorate. Recorded on a chilly night in June 2025, this episode brings warmth through lively conversations and upcoming gig highlights that showcase the ever-evolving music landscape. Explore memorable anecdotes about the ban...

Rocking Out with Private Function: A Journey Through Music and Chaos. Join us for an exciting dive into the world of Australia's Punk-pub band Private Function, as we catch up with band members Lauren and Aidan. In this episode, we explore the journey of the band, their new album release ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (SHRUG), and their unique approach to music and live performances. Discover the inside stories behin...