So What’s Been Happening?

EP190 - So What's Been Happening? - Al Matcott

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 artwork, and the use of found footage in videos.
Al talks upcoming shows and the album launch at Stay Gold on November 14 (with funds supporting Rising Tide), his plans for quieter songs and a heavier future project, and the everyday realities of life on the road and in the studio.
Join in the LIVE chat with Al from 8:00pm AEST on Thursday 23rd October.
 

EP189 - So What's Been Happening? - Team Love

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 upcoming gigs, the new Coburg venue The Graveyard, festival ambitions, and the band’s plans to celebrate their 10-year anniversary with returning past members and special performances.
Victorian country/folk group Team Love return with their second album, Now Things Ain’t Coloured Rose, out September 12 on vinyl and digital. A follow-up to their acclaimed 2020 debut, the new record is a heartfelt collection for the hopeful and heartworn, blending poetic storytelling with rich harmonies and a distinctly Australian sound. Written during and after the pandemic, the band refined 26 songs down to 11, recorded across suburban Melbourne and rural Coomoora. The album explores themes of aging, shifting relationships, and life’s complexities, with moments of optimism woven through.
Singles like Winter, Tomorrow is a New Day, and No Longer My Birthday showcase their evolving sound - from country-rock to introspective ballads - drawing comparisons to Big Thief, Waxahatchee, and Gillian Welch. Featuring contributions from Jake Holmes (pedal steel) and Christi Hodgkins (harmonica), the album is a raw and resonant journey through folk and country traditions, grounded in the landscapes of Victoria.
Join us for a LIVE chat with Team Love's Ruby McGrath-Lester and Tom Thomas on Thursday 16th October from 8:00pm AEDT.

EP188 - So What's Been Happening? - Alcotomic

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 like "Bridges," "Sunshine," "Tom Lee Park," and "Ruby Shoes," plus video-making, mental health themes, and plans to return to live gigs — with a reminder to support local venues and call a mate.
 "Alcotomic not breaking left or right but enjoying the front-facing fun of singing over the revolutions of spinning guitars ...a ‘90s sound that might have slept under the Glebe Point Bridge." Bernard Zuel Alcotomic formed in Melbourne in 1996 after singer John Freeman Baxter left Holocene. Backed by producers Lindsay Gravina and David Price, the trio developed a distinctive blend of power pop and melodic rock, gaining airplay on triple j and community radio.
Their track Living in Luxury featured on TV shows like Stingers and Good Guys, Bad Guys, and they were offered a record deal with Polygram, which fell through due to restructuring. Despite setbacks, the band continued recording and touring, appearing on ABC’s Recovery, signing with US label Not Lame Records, and showcasing at the 1998 Pacific Circle Music Conference. After disbanding in 2001, Alcotomic returned two decades later, sparked by Baxter rediscovering old demo tapes.
Joined by Doug Lee Robertson (Icecream Hands) and Jay Pinfold (Juke Kartel), the band began recording again, releasing the comeback single Bridges, which gained over 10,000 Spotify plays in six weeks. Their new album, 8 Second Empire, reflects on the short attention spans of modern listeners. Tracks tackle serious themes: Hanging Out explores addiction, Pale & Thin addresses bullying and body image, and Tom Lee Park reflects on teenage struggles. Seventeen and Ruby Shoes showcase their melodic rock roots, while Sunshine—the lead single—deals with mental health and the longing for light. Rejecting AI and overproduction, the band focused on raw, authentic performances. 
Their sound blends 70's influences like Big Star with 90s' acts such as You Am I and Weezer, proving Alcotomic’s enduring relevance in 2025.
Join us for a LIVE chat with John Freeman Baxter on Tuesday 7th October from 8:00pm AEST.

EP187 - So What's Been Happening? - Plastic Cheeses

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 check‑ins, record‑collecting anecdotes and a call to support local live music and venues.
Since deciding to try and be a real band, Plastic Cheeses have played a bunch of gigs in the big smoke and regionally, released four singles, put out a couple of homemade DIY film clips, had a few spins on community radio both locally and interstate, sold a few t-shirts and stubby holders and far outweighed their initial goal of playing one gig on the back deck for a party.
Plastic Cheeses’ chiming guitars, jangling riffs, bouncing basslines, laidback rhythms and sunshiny vocal harmonies are the perfect soundtrack for easing into a few quiet ones at your local. Lethargic and cathartic - they write simple, catchy songs about the happenings and observations of everyday life with a distinct tinge of Australiana. Getting older sucks. You wake up one morning and everything hurts - your neck, your back, your… you get the picture. You find it harder to stand up for long periods of time. You find it harder to stay awake. You’ve lost your piss fitness. Hangovers hurt waaaay more than they used to. Some begin to experience these pitfalls of aging, admit defeat and settle into getting old and boring without much of a fight. Some decide to still try and party like they’re in their 20s and age disgracefully. Plastic Cheeses are from the latter school of thinking.
Plastic Cheeses’ latest single, ‘Mid Strength Crisis’ is an ode to being okay with getting older, but not being okay with some of the stereotypical behaviours that are meant to come with it (i.e. sitting at home alone drinking mid strength beer).
Join us for a LIVE chat and a few tunes on Thursday 2nd October from 8:00pm AEST.

EP186 - So What's Been Happening? - Dashville Skyline (Festival Preview)

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, Hunter Valley).
The episode blends interviews, live clips and festival-ready updates — celebrating community-driven music, emerging talent, and the intimate boutique vibe that makes Dashville Skyline a must-attend event.
Dashville is a secluded bushland venue and campground, located at Lower Belford in the Hunter Valley, Wonnarua, NSW. It’s also a grass roots cultural enterprise, embracing, connecting and inspiring a community through music, art and events. A number of annual festivals and smaller events are held at the unique purpose built site, added with a wonderful wide community of people who come to enjoy, embrace, perform, create, learn and grow from them.
Dashville curate and promote a number of boutique music, art and food festivals annually, along with various one off concerts and events throughout the year. Dashville Skyline is a favourite for those who like a bit of cool oozed over their country, with a myriad of artistic collaborations, family activities & laid back old-school country-inspired fun. Tickets to the festival - https://www.dashville.com.au/
 

EP185 - So What's Been Happening? - The Valery Trails

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, influences and plans for U.S. radio, plus a round-up of local gigs and festival news — a concise look at the band’s creative process and live plans.
For Fans Of: R.E.M, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, The Hold Steady The Valery Trails (Brisbane, QLD) return with their first new music since the release of their fourth album, The Sky Is Blue, in 2022.
On the back of the album's strong airplay and positive reviews, the band toured the east coast of Australia, with new guitar recruit Tim Steward (Screamfeeder) along for the ride. Previously, as a trio, Andrew Bower (vocals/guitars), Sean Bower (bass), and Dan McNaulty (drums), released their debut album Ghosts and Gravity (2012), Buffalo Speedway (2014), and Chameleon Bones (2016).
The three albums’ melodic and atmospheric indie rock received college and specialty airplay in the US, strong community radio support in Australia, and critical acclaim from outlets such as PopMatters, The Big Takeover, and many other international websites. On the new album, Winter Palace, there’s plenty of The Valery Trails’ trademark guitar jangle and crunch, but they also explore some diverse styles and genres, including synth-pop stylings, horn-driven retro flavours, and some straight-up rock and roll, across the 13 songs.
Heading into the band’s second decade, The Valery Trails continue to strive towards their goal to build a body of work on their own terms. With Andrew at the helm, and through their collective experiences, influences, and musicianship, they've created another gem of an Australian indie rock album. Great to get the chance to chat to Andrew Bower from The Valery Trails LIVE on Tuesday 23rd September from 8:00pm AEST, join in the chat anytime.

EP184 - So What's Been Happening? - Moderate Lovers

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 reminder to support indie music via Bandcamp Friday.
For Fans Of: Pavement, Screamfeeder, Dinosaur Jr, Swervedriver
Moderate Lovers are an indie pop/rock three-piece band from Sydney who write skewed melodic tunes with a pinch of jangle, a dash of distortion, and a healthy serving of observational dry wit. Alongside musical touchstones such as Pavement and Dinosaur Jr, you can hear the rich lineage of Australian indie music, as well as various bands from Flying Nun Records, in their sonic DNA. Indeed, their own musical resume includes time spent treading the boards with local bands such as Soap Star Joe, Starky, Restless Leg, and Froggy Prinze. Forming in 2024 after a few drinks at the Townie (aka The Town Hall Hotel, Newtown), Mick Wilson, Saul Foster, and Adam Taylor began crafting Wilson's musical sketches into a full set of indie rock earworms. In short time, they started taking those songs to live stages and appreciative audiences across the inner west of Sydney.
The band’s first single, ‘Lost City’, burst onto Australian community radio sounding like Swervedriver fronted by Robert Pollard of Guided By Voices, with a brilliant 'lost Sydney music scene' video in tow. They quickly followed it up with 'Lucy's Gardening Again', a song overflowing with sweet harmonies and jangly guitars reminiscent of the '60s British Invasion sound and modern exponents such as Teenage Fanclub.
“Firmly grounded in a nineties-style velvet glove over a steel fist, with a sound redolent of fellow compatriots You Am I or, from further afield, Dinosaur Jnr or Pavement, ‘Lost City’ hides within its impassioned melodic delivery and wall of sound a glimmer of hope and resilience.” - Backseat Mafia
We get a chance to chat to Mick Wilson from Moderate Lovers LIVE on Tuesday 16th September from 8:00pm AEST, join in the chat anytime.

EP183 - So What's Been Happening? - Ben Mastwyk

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 highlights local gigs (Sweet Talk at Howler, Bernadette Novembre supporting a Black Dog Institute benefit), the busy music week and a heartfelt reminder to check in on someone — ask “Are you okay?” and really listen.
Let Me At The Night is a bit of a fantasy record for Ben Mastwyk – the Australian cosmic cowboy and interstellar troubadour. He really discovered the DNA of his band The Millions over the last few records, and this time, they all wanted to push the boundaries. Mastwyk was lucky enough to receive funding through a Creative Victoria Creative Works grant, which allowed him to really lean in and record the album he wanted to make, without cutting corners. Working with producer Michael Hubbard at The Shrimp Shack studio in Melbourne, Mastwyk initially set out to make a ‘90s country-inspired record—and in a way, he did. But instead of sticking strictly to that particular sonic palette, he found himself leaning back into the genre-bending, experimental approach he first explored with his original band in the actual ‘90s. "It’s still a country record in my eyes: narrative-based songs that explore the themes I’ve been circling in my writing for years," he says. "But we’ve really dialled up the experimentalism - pushed our sonic palette further than we ever have before!"
We get a chance to chat to Ben LIVE about his new release LET ME AT THE NIGHT on Thursday 11th September from 8:00pm AEST, join in the chat anytime.

EP182 - So What's Been Happening? - Temperate

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, the creative process, and how Taylor's powerful voice has added a new dimension to their sound. Discover the challenges and joys of band life, from crafting memorable music videos to the thrill of live gigs.
Don't miss this inside look at what makes Temperate stand out in the Australian music scene, and get ready to rock with them on their upcoming tour!
Full video episode available to watch - https://bit.ly/4lVrTXp

EP181 - So What's Been Happening? - BlackbirdsFC

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 journey from an impromptu Zoom chat during the dark days of COVID to hitting the stage with electrifying energy and passion.
Explore their collaborative efforts with producer Cameron McKenzie and the addition of guitarist Jeff Baker, which has introduced an invigorating new dynamic to their music. Hear about the joys and challenges of crafting music that resonates locally while drawing influences from iconic bands like Midnight Oil and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
As they prepare for a special launch event featuring the Penny Hewson Band, you won't want to miss this opportunity to experience the magic of live performances that bring their music to life. Tune in to hear more about their aspirations for future tours and recordings, their reflections on the Melbourne music scene post-COVID, and their plans to keep the spirit of live music thriving. Don’t miss their heartfelt discussion about the joy of creating music that continues to inspire and entertain.
Loved this episode recorded on 16th July 2024. Enjoy
if you would like to watch the video version, its available here - https://bit.ly/3TTqViB
More on Blackbirds FC check out - https://blackbirdsfc.com
LAUNCH TICKETS - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1412604