So What’s Been Happening?

EP216 - So What's Been Happening? - Rachel Lynn

Sofar Sounds Returns: Rachel Lynn’s Unforgettable Night in Melbourne
Episode 216 spotlights the relaunch of Sofar Sounds in Melbourne with organizer Olwen Bell and a standout performance and interview with New York singer-songwriter Rachel Lynn.
Highlights include behind-the-scenes stories of putting on intimate live shows, Rachel’s singles like "Muse" and "Freedom," and the emotional songwriting that connects artists and audiences.
Rachel Lynn - On stage, Rachel is magnetic - effortlessly blending raw vulnerability with confident, powerhouse vocals. She draws audiences in with intimate, soulful moments, then lifts the room with energy, emotion, and a natural, captivating charm that feels both polished and deeply personal - Tune in for a LIVE chat from 8:00pm Thursday 14th May - https://bit.ly/4uw17Jq
For more on Rachel Lynn check out https://www.rachellynnsings.com/

EP215 - So What's Been Happening? - The Smith & Western Jury

Dusty Roads & Lucky Stars: The Smith & Western Jury Live
Episode 215 of So What's Been Happening? features The Smith & Western Jury's Sam Lombardi and Simon Torcasio in a candid live conversation about their festival highlights, new singles (including “Rolling the Dice” and “Lucky Stars”), and the making of their latest album recorded with the full band. The chat revisits Luliepalooza moments, the band’s DIY journey through COVID, and their evolving cinematic, dusty country sound.
Sam Lombardi opens up about health struggles that inspired “Lucky Stars,” while the group discusses recording in Texas and Canada, working with producer Jordan Koop, and keeping performances raw and live. They also share stories about merch, photography, the band name origin, and fan reactions to new material.
Looking ahead, the band teases a spring single, an upcoming tour across Australia, a sold‑out Melbourne show, and plans to release the full album later in the year — promising more live, emotive performances to come.
Watch EP215 So What's Been Happening? - https://bit.ly/4f6pA3t
For more from The Smith & Western Jury check out https://thesmithandwesternjury.com
 

EP214 - So What's Been Happening? - The Quarantined - Sean Martin

The Quarantined: Raw Truths, PTSD & Protest Music
“I don’t write songs to escape reality - I write them to confront it.”
Episode 214 of So What’s Been Happening features Sean Martin of The Quarantine. This conversation covers his musical beginnings, military service and PTSD, the band’s confrontational political and social themes, the creative process behind key songs, and the importance of independent artistry.
Sean reflects on songwriting as therapy and protest, sharing stories behind tracks like "Shadow," "Unspoken," and "Feeding Your Lies," and offers candid advice for musicians navigating the digital music industry.
Tuesday 5th May from 8:00pm AEST LIVE chat with The Quarantined's Sean Martin.
Watch EP214 on YouTube - https://bit.ly/4n2U7kH

EP213 - So What's Been Happening? - Stupid Fuck the Silly Clown

Stupid Fuck the Silly Clown — Greatest Shits, Punk Chaos & Clowning Up Melbourne
Episode 213 features a candid, chaotic interview with Stupid Fuck the Silly Clown, a genre-bending punk clown who's shaking up Melbourne’s live scene. The episode explores his persona, comedic performance style, and how clowning fuels his music and community-focused shows.
We hear about his debut collection Greatest Shits Volume 1 (out 20/4), album launch plans, live-band dynamics and the songs that define his act — from playful skits to provocative tracks like "Sperm Bank" and "Ketamine Dream." The conversation mixes studio stories, on-stage improvisation and the challenges of making it in the music business.
The episode closes with a call to support local live music and upcoming shows, highlighting a May 23 performance at Mama Chen's in Footscray and other launch events. Overall, it’s a raw, entertaining look at a performer turning bold ideas into a growing clown-music movement.
Catch Stupid Fuck the silly clown on EP210 of So What’s Been Happening? A podcast interview you don’t want to miss.

EP212 - So What's Been Happening? - Mow Bros 883

12-Year-Old Lawn Legend: The Story of Mow Bros 883
What happens when a 12‑year‑old believes big and a dad backs him all the way? Join us as we chat with Exodus and his dad Kenny from MOW BROS 883 Lawn Care in South Waikato, New Zealand, talking entrepreneurship, confidence, social media, and what it really means to grow something together as a family. This episode will leave you smiling and seriously inspired
They discuss how the family business began, growing their presence on social media, and the values that drive them. 
The episode covers their viral rise, handling online feedback, community giveaways, lessons in money management and hard work, and their ambitions to expand across New Zealand and to Australia.
Join us for this truly inspiring chat with Mow Bros 883. Watch on YouTube here - https://bit.ly/4ckIrES

EP211 - So What's Been Happening? - Destrends

Destrends Celebrate Vinyl Debut: Off With The Fairies Live Launch
Episode 211 features an in-depth chat with Matt Savage of Destrends about their debut album Off With The Fairies, now pressed on vinyl, and the energy of capturing songs fans already sing back live.
The episode covers upcoming gigs (including the The Curtain gig in a Melbourne 11th April homecoming), the band’s DIY approach, songwriting influences, themes of mindfulness and connection, and plans to tour the U.S.
Melbourne’s theatrical post‑punk powerhouse for an unmissable deep dive into their music, stories, and the energy behind their latest era of OFF WITH THE FAIRIES. Expect sharp guitars, anxious grooves, and a band that thrives on intensity both on record and on stage.
We’ll be talking songwriting, live chaos, and what’s next for one of Australia’s most compelling rock acts.
Thursday 9 April from 8:00pm AEDTStreaming Live on YOUTUBE - https://bit.ly/3P6JpwR
Set your reminder and tune in — this one’s loud, honest, and full of grit.
#DESTRENDS #PodcastInterview #AustralianMusic #PostPunk #MelbourneMusic #NewMusic #LiveRadio
 

EP210 - So What's Been Happening? - Purple Disturbance

Purple Disturbance: Punk Fury from Coffs Harbour
Episode 210 features an energetic interview with Thomas Downes of Purple Disturbance, a four-piece punk band from Coffs Harbour. They discuss DIY music videos, standout tracks like "Millie and Gus," "Juice Stick" and "Bloody Racket," influences from classic punk acts, songwriting, touring and the band's chaotic live shows. Purple Disturbance blend gritty riffs, raw attitude and explosive energy. Equal parts chaos and precision, their sound channels classic punk icons like The Ramones, Black Flag and The Stooges, with modern fire from Amyl and the Sniffers and IDLES.
The episode also covers recent gigs, festival plays, the band’s signing with New World Artists, upcoming dates and the group's blend of social commentary and wild stage presence. 
Having shared stages with Grinspoon, Spiderbait, Dune Rats, British India and many more, Purple Disturbance are loud, authentic, relentless — and they’re only getting started. Catch Purple Disturbance on EP210 of So What’s Been Happening?- Tuesday 31st March from 8:00pm AEDT- A live podcast interview you don’t want to miss. Tune in for lively stories and raw punk energy.
Watch the Ep210 interview on YouTube - https://bit.ly/4dbzccl

EP209 - So What's Been Happening? - The Ians

The Ians Unshackled: Lemons, Pirates & Screaming Guitars
Episode 209 of What's Been Happening sits down with Aussie rockers The Ians to explore their lemon logo, pirate philosophy, stage personas (Red Jacket Rick and Black Jacket Red), and their DIY music videos and single-release approach.
The interview covers live energy, songwriting and recording methods, international collaborations (including Turkey), recent tracks like Elephant Fresh and AK-47 and a Dream, and the band’s plans for gigs and future releases.
Check out the video version of EP209 - https://bit.ly/4sxv37q

EP208 - So What's Been Happening? - Budd

Budd Unleashed: Fuzz, Speedway and Vinyl Revival
Episode 208 features Jeremy 'Jez' Finlayson from Budd discussing the band’s 90s roots, their vinyl OVIT reissue, pedalboard setup, and the lifelong influence of speedway on their signature fuzz sound.
They also talk upcoming shows, lineup changes, and plans for new recordings and further vinyl releases.
BUDD is firing back with full-force ferocity - a Melbourne-based sonic wrecking crew led by founding guitarist Jeremy Finlayson, whose signature speedway‑fuelled guitar roar drives the band’s modern incarnation with drummer Cris Wilson and bassist Kez locking in behind him. Born from gritty Brisbane porch jams and shaped by the rawness of early ’90s grunge heavyweights like Tad, The Melvins and Mudhoney,
BUDD has transformed decades of underground grit into a relentless, fuzz‑dripping assault that refuses to fade. With deep roots in alternative culture and a sound built on engine‑revving intensity, BUDD isn’t just back - they’re roaring louder than ever.
Originally released in 1996 on CD, Ovit has been reissued for the first time on vinyl. The songs on Ovit still sound fresh and visceral, a thunderous wall of guitars - all blistering distortion, effects pedals for days, and a rhythm section that never lets up. Electrically-charged superfuzz that melts your speaker cones and your brain. It is available on Cheersquad Records & Tapes.
If you crave raw grunge energy … buckle up. BUDD is here to blow the doors off 2026. Tap in and join us on Tuesday 17th March for this LIVE chat from 8:00pm AEDT. Turn up. Hold on. Watch on YouTube here - https://bit.ly/4uJobWf

EP207 - So What's Been Happening? - The Petrov Affair

Men Are a Luxury Item — Inside Petrov Affair’s Haunting New Album
Episode 207 with host Aaron features Murray and Bruce of The Petrov Affair discussing their new album Men Are a Luxury Item. They talk songwriting, recording choices, and reworking tracks to achieve the final sound.
The conversation covers standout songs (including "Men Are a Luxury Item," "Back on Top," and "Ballerina"), visual concepts like mannequin imagery and archival ballet footage, and anecdotes from recording in snowfields and working with guest musicians.
The episode closes with upcoming gig details (including a March 27 show at the Mosh Pit, Newtown), encouragement to support live music, and hints about the band’s next, more synth-forward project.
Tune in for an inside look at the band’s evolution, the making of the album, and what’s next for The Petrov Affair. Join us on the streamed LIVE chat on Facebook and YouTube - Tuesday 10th March from 8:00pm AEDT - https://bit.ly/4ucEJFO
 
For more on The Petrov Affair - https://thepetrovaffair.bandcamp.com/