So What’s Been Happening?

EP200 - So What's Been Happening? - Electric Mary (Rusty Brown)

Electric Mary Rocks: A 200-Episode Celebration with Rusty & Willie J
Episode 200 celebrates Electric Mary’s career, featuring a heartfelt interview with frontman Rusty about the band’s 20+ year journey, memorable gigs (including Hellfest and European shows), and the Croxton farewell concert. Young band Willie J & the 6V6s and special guests (including Knuckles Nelson) join the conversation about rock’s legacy and the sold-out celebration show.
The episode mixes behind-the-scenes stories, recording anecdotes, and reflections on music, aging, and the enduring spirit of rock and roll.
We made it to EP200 and it's a special one for me, getting a chance to interview a SWBH favourite and great mate of mine and Electric Mary's Rusty Brown on the eve of their final ever LIVE show in Melbourne at the Croxton Bandroom.
Join in the chat on Thursday 11th December from 8:00pm AEDT LIVE as we discuss some special moments of the most recent European tour, the favourite moments of 20 years of Electric Mary and preview the week leading up to THE FINAL gig on Saturday 13th December. See you then.

EP199 - So What's Been Happening? - Great Australian Bank

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 plans for 2026, the importance of music communities for connection and mental health, and advice for young bands navigating the current scene.
Great Australian Bank: A Post-Punk Revival from Naarm
Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Naarm (Melbourne), Great Australian Bank is a bastardised Australiana / post-punk quartet redefining the sonic landscape with their angular, melodic, and nostalgic sound.
Drawing inspiration from seminal acts such as The Church, Sonic Youth, Underground Lovers, and The Go-Betweens, the band crafts music that feels both timeless and contemporary - an evocative blend of shimmering guitars, driving rhythms, and lyrical depth. Their sound resonates with fans of Midnight Oil, The Cure, and Underground Lovers, offering a fresh yet familiar take on post-punk and indie traditions.
With a growing reputation for electrifying live performances and a debut release on the horizon, Great Australian Bank is poised to become one of Australia’s most compelling new acts.
Join in the LIVE chat with Tass Coomber from Great Australian Bank from 8:00pm AEDT on Tuesday 9th December.
#PostPunk #Australiana #GreatAustralianBank

EP198 - So What's Been Happening? - Names (Fergus Lawson)

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 conversations about mental health and community in the local scene.
Fergus also previews Bathing in the Creek 2.0 at Archie's Creek on January 25 and reflects on the band's future.
Join in the LIVE chat with Fergus from NAMES from 8:00pm AEDT on Tuesday 2nd December.

EP197 - So What's Been Happening? - Ramona Sky

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, and wrap with the band’s plans for new releases, festival goals, and upcoming headline shows.
Atmospheric, groovy, and effortlessly powerful, Naarm/Melbourne quartet Ramona Sky offer a unique vintage-infused sound and an electrifying performance. Established in late 2020, the band quickly carved a niche in Melbourne’s music scene, inspired by the sounds of 70’s rock ‘n roll with a modern groove-based twist.
Shortly after releasing their debut self-titled EP in 2022, Ramona Sky were nominated for Best Group for the Music Victoria Awards, with recognition for their captivating and theatrical live shows which they have continued to uphold today. Since then, the band have released a string of independently released singles and music videos which have been added to rotation on MTV AU & NZ, as well as gained regular love and airplay on community radio stations. The band have played a countless amount of shows since their arrival, and have supported the likes of You Am I, Pacific Avenue, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, The Terrys and Large Mirage to name a few, and have packed out every one of their anticipated headline shows.
Amongst other achievements, they have also headlined a show for Leaps & Bounds Festival, organised a fundraiser show to help save SYN FM, and helped raise over $3000 for Musicians Making a Difference. Ramona Sky consists of powerhouse lead vocalist Chelsea Sharp, drummer & backing vocalist Jess Maio, guitarist Nick Thorne and bassist Giac Carbone.
Join in the LIVE chat with Ramona Sky from 8:00pm AEDT on Tuesday 25th November.

EP196 - So What's Been Happening? - Relays (Shann Lions)

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 their forthcoming album.
Formed in late 2023 on Djaara Country (Bendigo/Castlemaine), Relays are an unapologetically raw punk trio shaking up the Australian underground. Fronted by neurodivergent producer/guitarist Shann Lions, with Mik Weird on drums and El Wellard on bass, the band has built a reputation for chaotic, high-energy performances and fiercely DIY releases. Their self-titled debut album, recorded live to tape with Finn Keane (Wilco, Courtney Barnett), dropped in October 2024 to critical acclaim, international airplay, and a slot at Chopped Festival alongside Cosmic Psychos.
Since then, Relays have completed a 23-date national tour, supported You Am I, and wrapped their second album — funded by Creative Victoria’s New Music Works — due mid-2026. With over 30,000 Spotify streams and a growing cult following, Relays continue to push boundaries. Their feral cover of The Vines’ “Get Free” (out October 30, 2025) and upcoming shows with The Meanies and The Smith Street Band cement their place as one of punk’s most vital voices. Relays are loud, relentless, and impossible to ignore.
Join in the LIVE chat with Relay's Shann Lions from 8:00pm AEST on Thursday 20th November.

EP195 - So What's Been Happening? - Tin Town

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 them live.
in Town isn’t just a band — it’s a heartbeat.Born from the dust and corrugated iron of Port Adelaide’s Wool Stores Precinct, this wife-and-husband duo — Courtney Robb and Snooks La Vie — craft songs that cut deep and linger long. Their sound? Raw folk-country with a blues backbone.No gloss. No gimmicks. Just stripped-back storytelling and melodies that feel lived-in. Robb’s vocals are all grit and grace — honest, textured, and heavy with meaning.La Vie’s harmonica? It doesn’t just play — it haunts. One minute it’s aching, the next it’s slicing through the silence like a switchblade.
After years of playing side by side, they’ve made it official: Tin Town is here.Inspired by the streets they walk and the stories they carry, their debut album Down in the Dirt is twelve tracks of unfiltered truth — recorded with Ryan Martin John at Cactus Cactus Sound. Think folk, country, and blues in equal measure.Best served with a glass of red, a quiet room, and nothing to prove. Tin Town sounds like real life — weathered, tender, and unapologetically authentic.
🎙️ LIVE chat with Tin Town — Tuesday 18th November, 8:00pm AEDT.Tune in. Strip it back. Feel every word.
Check out Tin Town at https://www.tintown.com.au/
Watch the episode - https://bit.ly/47UqVoN
 

EP194 - So What's Been Happening? - The Revolation (Dean Whittman-Lamb)

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 from friends like Rusty Brown from Electric Mary.
The episode also touches on personal moments, including Dean's family struggles and his son Xander's cancer diagnosis and recovery, plus local gig recommendations, Electric Mary shout-outs, and encouragement to support live music and local artists.
Melbourne’s own Dean Wittmann-Lamb isn’t just a singer/songwriter — he’s a rock survivor. Back in 2000, his band Valve got snapped up by the legendary Alberts label, signed by none other than Vanda & Young — the gods behind Aussie rock royalty. Fast-forward to the chaos of 2020.
While Melbourne was locked down and the world hit pause, Dean hit record. With a little firepower from Rusty Brown of Electric Mary, the two laid down tracks that oozed soul and swagger — gritty rock anthems inspired by the likes of The Black Crowes, Free, Humble Pie, and Faces.
By 2021, Dean was back in the studio, launching his new project: The Revolation. Three singles turned into ten. Acoustic sets turned into full-blown gigs. Raw. Real. Relentless. Since then, The Revolation has dropped 10 singles, 4 video clips, and smashed out 16 full-band gigs — plus 6 stripped-back acoustic shows where Dean bared the songs as they were born: raw, soulful, and unapologetically rock.
They’ve shared the stage with Candlebox (USA) at The Corner Hotel, Electric Mary at Musicland, and Sisters Doll at Northcote Social Club. No fluff. Just amps, sweat, and soul. Now, The Revolation is heading back into the studio in Feb 2026 — with Rusty Brown once again behind the boards. “The soul of rock is not lost.” It’s alive. It’s loud. And it’s coming for you. 🔥
Join the LIVE chat with Dean — Thursday 13th November, 8:00pm AEDT. Plug in. Tune in. Feel it. Video episode - https://bit.ly/47I6WJX

EP193 - So What's Been Happening? - Maxine Gillon

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 themes of desire and vulnerability, and Maxine's artistic influences and live approach.
Maxine Gillon proves she’s a talented songwriting force to be reckoned with on her debut album ‘Girl Songs’ Melbourne solo artist Maxine Gillon announces her debut album ‘Girl Songs’. The album is written, arranged, performed, recorded and produced by herself, is mixed by Wade Keighran (Dust), John Lee (Laura Jean) and Paul Annison (Flyying Colours) and is mastered by William Bowden (Gotye).
The album itself takes Australian indie-rock to expansive and majestic new territory with production and sonics inspired by 60’s Wall-of-sound, 80’s ethereal glitz and modern dream-pop. The lyrics throughout are unconventionally exceptional, and reflect her imaginative, queer, poetic and witty vocabulary.
Maxine Gillon is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter whose cerebral and intelligent approach to music sets her apart in the indie rock scene. Her compositions are rich in lyrical depth and musical complexity, drawing listeners into a world of introspective exploration. – Deb Pelser, Backseat Mafia (on ‘Lipstick’)
Upcoming gig - November 14th, Tramway Hotel, Fitzroy (‘Girl Songs’ album launch w/ Mystery Shopper) (free), For kore on Maxine check out - https://maxinegillon.bandcamp.com/
Join in the LIVE chat with Maxine from 8:00pm AEST on Tuesday 11th November.

EP192 - So What's Been Happening? - A Man Called Son

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 storytelling, A Man Called Son, the project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Simon Pearlman continues to evolve. Drawing comparisons to Hoodoo Gurus, The Go-Betweens, and The Church, the music is rich with intricate guitar work, heartfelt vocals, and a uniquely atmospheric style rooted in Australian isolation.
Simon talks about the making of Instrumental Health, his recording approach, shoegaze and ambient influences, and the forthcoming vocal album AutoTraumatic with singles like “Meds” and “No Time Like the Present,” plus livestream and Bandcamp recommendations.
Join in the LIVE chat with Simon from 8:00pm AEST on Thursday 6th November.
 

EP191 - So What's Been Happening? - Jules Sheldon & The Boundary Riders

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 catharsis, favourite guitars, and upcoming tour dates while performing tracks like "Tramways in My Mind," "Uncles," and "When I’m Old."
Jules Sheldon & The Boundary Riders Release New Album Electric Transport featuring Lead Single ‘Tramways In My Mind’ Melbourne alt-country artist Jules Sheldon returns with his fourth studio album, Electric Transport, backed by his new band The Boundary Riders. The album showcases Sheldon’s signature storytelling, blending jangly rock with punk-infused country, and draws inspiration from icons like Paul Kelly, John Prine, and R.E.M. The lead single, Tramways In My Mind, is a deeply personal track written during a difficult overseas tour, reflecting Sheldon’s connection to Melbourne’s trams and themes of comfort and nostalgia. Electric Transport explores themes of grief, memory, and resilience, with standout tracks including: ‘The Uncles’ – a tribute to mentors Spencer P. Jones and Brian Henry Hooper ‘Got Myself A Shadow’ – a love song to a family pet ‘When I’m Old’ – a poignant reflection on memory and identity Praised by peers like Kim Salmon and Mick Thomas, the album captures the raw energy of the band’s live performances and marks a triumphant return for Sheldon. Electric Transport is available now on CD, digital via Bandcamp, and streaming platforms.
https://julessheldonmusic.bandcamp.com/
Join in the LIVE chat with Jules from 8:00pm AEST on Tuesday 28th October.