A new-music podcast, featuring interviews and gig reviews of the hottest Indie & Alternative acts coming out of Australia, and those that make the journey down under on tour. Luke Scanlan is your host...a Brit lost in Melbourne!
Hear the influences and inspirations to each artist's music and what name, dress code, free food and drink and support acts they would pick for their Dream Gig Venue.
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30: Alt. Down Under - These New South Whales - Sleepovers in adult life, new album, advice for upcoming artists (00:41:17)
On this week’s episode of Alt. Down Under, Luke sits down with Jamie and Todd of These New South Whales, one of Australia’s most beloved and brilliantly chaotic guitar bands. With their brand new album GODSPEED dropping at the end of this week, the lads talk origins, instant friendships, adult sleepovers, and why they’ll never listen to a song you send them while they’re “chopping carrots.”
They reflect on the journey from DIY beginnings to building a fiercely loyal fanbase - not just at home, but across the UK, Europe and beyond.
From Bristol accents to golden-era guitar music, to the energy of their live shows and the desire to take the new record overseas, this is a warm, funny and surprisingly wholesome chat with a band who wear their heart (and distortion pedals) on their sleeve.
GODSPEED is out this week!
Plus, Luke's review of THAT free Amyl & The Sniffers show in Melbourne, plus track recommendations from Pointe, Romanie & ELYA.
29: Alt. Down Under - Joy Crookes (00:49:15)
It’s a big one.
One of the UK’s most magnetic voices, Joy Crookes, joins Luke for a deep, funny and honest chat ahead of her set at New Year’s At The Bowl in Melbourne.
Fresh off the release of her stunning second album, Juniper, Joy talks whirlwind love stories, finding romance in the smaller moments, teaming up with Kano on Mathematics, and gives her best crack at an Aussie accent!
She also builds her Dream Gig Venue - The Spot -complete with an army of aunties cooking global cuisine and Maya Jama on the door.
Plus, Luke reviews a BIBLICAL Oasis show in Melbourne and spins tracks from Owelu Dreamhouse, Harper Bloom, Gimme Gimme and Crocodylus.
A big guest. A killer chat. And a seriously good episode.
28: Alt. Down Under - dust (00:36:42)
Kermit The Frog, kebabs, and why saxophones are more than just a sexy instrument... dust are back!
Bassist Liam Smith joins Luke to chat about the band’s explosive new album, Sky Is Falling, from its euphoric highs to its darker lyrical edges. The pair dig into how dust earned their stripes on Australia’s east coast touring scene, the chaos of filming a DIY video above a Thai restaurant, life on the road with Hockey Dad, and why dust's sound is more well-rounded than it's ever been.
Hear the full chat - only on Alt Down Under.
27: Alt. Down Under - Stella Donnelly (00:37:13)
It’s a packed one this week on Alt Down Under!
Luke catches up with the brilliant Stella Donnelly, diving deep into her third album Love and Fortune - out November 7. The pair chat about creative resets, friendship, and finding joy again in song-writing after a much-needed break.
Luke also reviews Wunderhorse’s electric show down at The Forum. Are they the best band out of the UK right now?
Plus, with summer on the horizon, he spins some of the freshest new tracks soundtracking his day-to-day, including the soulful WILSN, the fierce Nancy and the Jam Fancys, Bumpy, Bean Magazine, and Bel Air Lip Bombs.
A big, warm episode full of heart, great tunes, and stellar chat.
26: Alt. Down Under - Ella Thompson (00:29:59)
Soul is having a moment right now.
Acts like Joy Crookes over in the UK, Thee Sacred Souls stateside and right here in Australia, with Ella Thompson.
The Melbourne-born artist drops by for a chat all about her wide-ranging musical career so far… featuring in bands, before going all-out as a solo artist whilst still collaborating
A pretty cool journey for an artist who was in school bands with The Teskey Brothers!
Ella sheds light on her “fascination” with music and, how being a fan and discovering new artists, fizzes her up to keep her love and joy for music on a constant upward swing.
Plus, find out how her parents’ record collection and mentorship from Aussie soul icon, Renee Geyer, helped root her within soul and lead her down a path where her confidence as an artist now places her vocals front and centre.
Turns out Ella was named after soul legend, Ella Fitzgerald. It was destiny!
AND it’s free margaritas on tap as Ella builds her Dream Gig Venue!
25: Alt. Down Under - Playlunch (00:29:52)
25 EPISODES!
A huge landmark for Alt Down Under - thank you to everyone who’s listened along the way.
To celebrate, we’re joined by Melbourne’s very own Playlunch.
Ozzy, Michael and Liam chat about their early days in folk trios, how they evolved into a 7-piece “bogan funk” outfit, and why their mission is to poke fun at life’s shittier parts - from real estate agents to the cost of living… and even drugs.
Luke also discovers the mystery of Harold the giraffe, and we find out how AFL Hall-of-Famer Barry Hall ended up starring in their video for “Keith”.
And of course, there’s the Dream Gig Venue - this time it’s a sausage sizzle, and everyone’s invited.
Quarter of a century of episodes, and this one’s a banger!
24: Alt. Down Under - Pacific Avenue (00:38:57)
“You’re gonna have to be more pacific, mate.”
This week, Luke is joined in conversation by the absolute dude that is Jack Kay – bassist for the brilliant Pacific Avenue.
2 years on from their critically-acclaimed debut album, 'Flowers', Jack looks back on the journey between now and then and drops hints on when a second album could be on the horizon.
It’s been a big couple of years, as the band put their heads together to write countless tunes, with many not making the cut for the upcoming new record.
Find out what it’s like to work alongside drummer Dom (Inspired Unemployed) and what bold claim does Jack have about frontman Harry O’Brien’s hair?!
Plus, details on all the fun from a trip to SXSW Texas and what Jack takes away from watching other artists perform live. And, of course, Jack builds ‘Club Velvet’, his Dream Gig Venue!
AND Luke reviews Bloc Party’s show at John Cain Arena, as part of their 20th anniversary tour for their legendary debut album, ‘Silent Alarm’.
23: Alt. Down Under - Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers (00:36:05)
When your band name is born out of trying to come up with the worst band name ever – then surely you’re destined to go to the top?
That might not have been the thinking at the time, but Canberra’s Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers are now 10 years down the track from that conversation and their 2015 inception.
Lead singer - Anna Ryan - stops by on Alt Down Under to look back at the wild times she and the band have enjoyed across the past decade.
From opening for bands such as DMAs, The Vaccines, and huge stadium shows alongside Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam… things have been pretty mad for the grunge-punk 4-piece.
Are both Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl as nice as everyone makes out?
And, fresh off the back of the release of two new singles: BALCONY and UNSCARRED, what next for Teen Jesus?
A decade in, but it seems the journey is in no danger of letting up.
All this, plus Anna’s near-heart attack inducing experience whilst building her Dream Gig Venue.
A stage on a flying elevator and Jack Black running front-door security? Sure, why not.
Apparently, we’ll be hearing from her lawyers….
22: Alt. Down Under - Radium Dolls (00:29:58)
What do you get if you put two brothers into the same band?
Some scraps in the early, pre-band years? Sure.
But in the case of Radium Dolls, you end up with an irresistible cocktail of punk, passion and energy that slaps you in the face with the warmest of wake-up calls, right from the first listen.
Frontman Will and guitarist Tom sit down with Luke for episode 22 of Alt Down Under.
The boys take a seat - hot off the release of their new single, ‘Scorching Heat’ - which shares its name with their current 9-date tour of Australia that finishes up on July 5th with a hometown show in Brisbane.
Will spills about his love of Victoria Bitter and shares why it’s his fuel of choice for the tour…can he and Luke strike up a branding deal with VB?!
Growing up in the same house, find out the musical memories Will & Tom have and where their musical awakening began. And, why is recent Jack Della running the front door security at their Dream Gig Venue?
All this, plus Luke’s review of Spacey Jane at PICA and Radio Free Alice’s short-term residency at the Night Cat before they set their sights on a big move over the UK.
It’s a big episode…tune in now!
21: Alt. Down Under - Selve (00:33:29)
How would it feel to be the lead singer of a band who’ve just recorded in the iconic Abbey Road Studios, made famous by The Beatles?
Imagine that in doing so, you become the first Aboriginal act to record a full-length album in the studios’ hallowed rooms.
That is exactly the journey of Selve, a Queensland outfit, fronted my Loki Liddle.
A proud Jabirr Jabirr man, Loki describes how the new single that shares the title of their upcoming second album - Breaking Into Heaven - is a beacon for First Nation Stories.
In recording at Abbey Road, Selve have opened up a space previously only accessible to a select few and have opened up a future of possibility.
Find out which Nina Simone lyrics inspired the messaging behind the new record, the creative drive that Loki has sunken his teeth into during this project, and the grand plans for a huge album-launch party involving lasers, an orchestra and dancers.
All this, plus his Dream Gig Venue and host Luke Scanlan offering up the perfect rainy day task for you music geeks out there!
20: Alt. Down Under - Sonic Reducer (00:24:41)
Alt Down Under hits 20 episodes!
For this milestone show, Luke catches up with Sonic Reducer, a 4-piece punk group from Canberra.
Bassist, Louie Hanna, is on hand to discuss why the band are doing things differently to the generic 4-piece bands that we’ve grown tired of over the years.
Find out the impact that the closing of venues in Canberra has had…and the creative workarounds that artists are coming up with.
And punk….is it a genre that doesn’t get the respect it deserves? Louie describes how legends of the scene – The Clash and The Buzzcocks – created music with deeper meaning than many give them credit for, and how that depth has etched itself onto the creations of Sonic Reducer, including new single, NEEDLES.
Plus, a Dream Gig Venue with free Guinness on tap. What’s not to love?!
19: Alt. Down Under - Phoebe Rings (00:24:59)
This time out, we take a trip west....to see what alternative gems New Zealand has to offer!
That comes in the form of episode 19's featured artist, Phoebe Rings.
Joining Alt Down Under is lead singer, Crystal Choi.
Native to Korea, Crystal tells all about how moving to The Land of the Long White Cloud has impacted her life and her song-writing.
And...is starting a band a few months before the covid pandemic the worst move ever? Find out how Phoebe Rings bounced back with a devotion to collaboration which has helped create their irresistible space-age sound, full of retro synth pop with influences rooted in Korea.
It's a sound that has created a beautifully well rounded record, in their upcoming debut album, Aseurai.
All this, plus a Dream Gig Venue where glitter is a big part of the dress code.
18: Alt Down Under - Annie-Rose Maloney (00:30:36)
With Aussie winter around the corner, it feels like the time of year where music that warms the soul is on the menu.
Step in, Annie-Rose Maloney, the featured artist in episode 18 of Alt. Down Under!
The Naarm-based singer-songwriter’s debut album Circle Walking is the perfect antidote to winter blues. With insights into her personal journey to seeking happiness and battling life’s dramas along the way, the record is full of alcoves that invite you in to explore your own journey and to feel the shared experience that Maloney so openly lays down.
Listen to how stripping things back, listening to her heart and how adopting the mantra “the law of the least effort” all combine in reaping the best rewards.
Plus – how does a day job as a teacher help to connect to childlike wonder and a sense of living in the present.
All this plus the creation of the chilliest vibe ever, in Annie-Rose’s Dream Gig Venue!
17: Alt. Down Under - The Murder Capital (00:34:17)
Slap bang in the middle of their Aus/NZ tour, we caught up with The Murder Capital!
Joining Luke Scanlan in conversation is bassist, Gabriel Blake.
After waiting years to finally play to fans in the region, Gabriel speaks of what it means to give fans a taste of tunes from across their three albums: When I Have Fears, Gigi’s Recovery and Blindness
Plus, why he thinks albums – also referred to as ‘records’ – can be taken as a true record of your life at the time of release.
Find out what it was like to step up a gear and work with Grammy-winning producer, John Congleton. The guy has only worked with global names such as Phoebe Bridgers, Nelly Furtado, The War on Drugs, Bono, Sigur Ros, Bombay Bicycle Club… no big deal, right?!
Gabriel opens up on the moment that Irish music is having right now, with The Murder Capital and Fontaines DC both touring the APAC region in 2025. Plus, he gives his thoughts on the pride in Irishness emanating from KNEECAP and what it was like to play alongside them at festivals in their early days.
And…. The Murder Capital’s early days. What was it like to fly the post-punk flag and burst onto the scene at the same time as Fontaines and shame?
A huge episode. One you cannot miss!
16: Alt. Down Under - The Stamps (00:23:58)
This time out, it’s the melodic vocal genius of The Stamps under the spotlight, joining us as our artist in residence!
Ahead of a big week of announcements for the Melbourne-based group, singer and songwriter Scarlett Graham drops by for a chat.
One third of the vocals behind the band formed after a suggestion from their school music teacher – Scarlett tells all about the story behind new single Jamie’s Song and how ideas for tracks crop up at the most random of times.
Jamie’s Song is released alongside the huge news of the band’s debut album - In All The Ways I Am - which drops on August 8th.
Find out how the band feels ahead of that first album release….and why Scarlett wants NO DRESS CODE at her Dream Gig Venue, ‘The Post Office’.
All this, plus a review of Kasabian’s foundation-shaking set at The Forum in Melbourne…and why host Luke Scanlan is more pumped than ever for an upcoming Melbourne gig!
15: Alt Down Under - HONNE (00:24:24)
James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck, better know as HONNE are this week’s artist in residence on Alt. Down Under.
Fresh from the release of their latest album, Ouch, the British electronic duo drop by to talk us through the stories behind the new tunes. From stepping into fatherhood and making sure to squeeze all that you can from life.
And of course, the boys build their Dream Gig Venue. How the hell do they aim to remain sexy when free cheese and onion appetisers are on the menu?
This comes all before their tour in Australia later in March 2025!
14: Alt. Down Under - Girl and Girl (00:31:45)
Another fantastic guest artist interview for you in episode 14 of Alt. Down Under...
This time out, it's the unreal Girl and Girl.
Speaking with Luke is frontman Kai James and drummer, Aunt Liss.
They've just caught a breath after an 8-date whistle-stop tour around Australia, bringing the energy to cities up and down the country.
It's not every day an aunt ends up being the drummer for her nephew's band - you can hear how the hell that happened, how they operate as a family unit and the pride they feel in each other's contributions to the magic that is Girl and Girl.
Kai opens up on using "theatric" elements in the band's debut album Call a Doctor as a means of opening up on his personal battles with mental health, the "beast" that is his vocal range and....all eyes on America! What it means to be heading Stateside and flying the flag for Australian music, whilst supporting Naked Giants.
AND....their Dream Gig Venue. The corpse of David Bowie playing at The Armpit? Sure, why not.
13: Alt. Down Under - Salarymen (00:35:39)
Don't they say "never work with a partner"?
It might be a disaster for some, but Sydney duo Salarymen have found the magic formula...and we are here for it.
Thom Eagleton and Renee de la Motte sit down for a chat off the back of their latest EP release, Day By Day.
Why is being honest with each other so crucial to the way they operate as a couple and as artists?
PLUS - social media - love it or loathe it, it's something any musician has to have some kind of relationship with. Thom and Renee discuss their experiences of it and take some suggestions from Luke for future posts!
AND they look back on tours with Royel Otis and San Cisco as well as the time they learnt a Japanese song whilst touring the Land of The Rising Sun...all before putting together their Dream Gig Venue, The Extra-terrestrial Disco Club. Anyone for a slug-slime martini?
12: Alt. Down Under - Romanie (00:36:07)
The fantastic Romanie is the guest artist for Episode 12 of Alt. Down Under.
After meeting her in his first week in Australia when she performed alongside Katy J Pearson, Luke finally sits down with the Belgian songwriter to chat through her experiences of moving down to Aus. Romanie explains how stepping out of her comfort zone has shaped her as a person as well as empowering her work as an artist.
Making the move has been huge in bringing the best out of Romanie's irresistible talents, with last year's debut album 'Are We There Yet' notching nominations for Australian Music Prize and winning the 2023 Upstart Award.
One year on, she opens up on her appetite to get album number two out into the big bad world, off the back of the rollercoaster that was a health scare and misdiagnosis.
It's been a one hell of a journey, and here, Romanie bravely opens up on every twist and turn.
PLUS - her Dream Gig Venue - how did Romanie end up with gems on her teeth at Coachella and why Bowie needs to come back to life....
A gig review this time out features a look at Confidence Man's fantastically absurd set at The Forum, Melbourne.
11: Alt. Down Under - Lotte Gallagher (00:31:40)
Lotte Gallagher is Episode 11’s featured artist for Alt. Down Under!
The rising star of Melbourne’s Indie & Alternative scene drops by for a chat all about her debut EP, A Better Feeling – which landed earlier this month.
The Naarm-based singer opens up on how she was able to find her feet as a songwriter in her early teens, why family has been so important to her journey so far and how music has been a huge help with her mental health.
Plus….with Oasis coming to Australia next year – is Melbourne really big enough for THREE Gallaghers?! Lotte gives the lowdown, before building her Dream Gig Venue…The Blasé Vengeance.
All this plus gig reviews from Luke after recent shows watching Radio Free Alice & Gut Health.
BOOM!
10: Alt. Down Under - Radio Free Alice (00:29:25)
Alt. Down Under podcast is back with another slice of Indie chatter!
The Paris 2024 Olympics might be in full swing, but Melbourne post-punk/new-wave outfit Radio Free Alice are this year’s real athletes...
Fresh from a mammoth 2-month, 24-date stint in the UK and Europe, front-man Noah Learmonth drops by to talk about life on the road and the British food that has fuelled the band. Find out if there have been any holiday romances with Gregg’s sausage rolls or cheap pints at Wetherspoons.
Plus, the music industry: hated and adored. It’s a tough nut for a lot of emerging bands, so what drives Radio Free Alice to keep taking a crack at it, as fans await the release of their second EP, Polyester?
AND....Noah's Dream Gig Venue... he explains why a shaman is running the front door security and why fellow Melbourne acts Sex Mask & Rain Dogs make the dream line-up.
Host Luke Scanlan returns from months in backpacking wilderness – a time when he has been able to catch Royel Otis – and send the Alt. Down Under team to catch The Last Dinner Party playing in Australia. This past year has been a whirlwind for the British band – a year that has seen them crack America. But how did they go down with the Aussie crowds?
Loads for ya – don’t miss it!
9: Alt. Down Under - Jacob Fitzgerald (00:27:32)
This week, a Melbourne Rock n Roller…. Jacob Fitzgerald!
He’s had a recent support slot with UK outfit Sea Girls and is opening for Pacific Avenue in Sydney next month.
Jacob takes us through his love of Bruce Springsteen, old school rock and his band, The Electric City. Find out about the labour of love that is living - and creating music - with lead guitarist, Rick Hollywood.
PLUS
His new track, Sophia, which drops on Valentine’s Day.
AND
Jacob’s Dream Gig Venue, The Heartbreaker Club. Find out why people will be breakin’ hearts and wearing PJs whilst having a boogie to Jacob and Huey Lewis.
8: Alt. Down Under - The Vanns (00:30:04)
Lead guitarist. Vocalist. Master on the keys.
There's not much The Vanns' Cameron Little can't do.
Here, he drops in for a chat with Luke Scanlan to chat through his experience of the music biz and how The Vanns have developed such widespread appeal - all ahead of the band's huge regional tour across Australia across the next few months!
As for his Dream Gig Venue? Well...this week, we are heading to Cameron's Thunder Dome!
Plus - Luke explains the mad 5 minutes that led to him getting inked for the first time!
AND...
A review of Sea Girls and Jacob Fitzgerald at The Corner in Melbourne!
7: Alt. Down Under - Masego (00:24:38)
Masego.
The artist carving out a whole genre of his own.
TrapHouseJazz with splices of R&B, Soul and Rap. This guy isn’t afraid to express – isn’t afraid to experiment.
On this episode of Alt. Down Under, the US star runs us through the brilliance of his band Sax Fifth Avenue, the fluid jazz style in his live shows and why he is dead-set on pulling people together by being truly present whenever taking to the stage (all whilst killing it on his sax [AKA '"Thor's Hammer"])
Over 7 million streams per month on Spotify and Grammy nominations under his belt, Masego is a force to be reckoned with and this is where you can hear about his Dream Gig Venue. Fruit platters and Caipirinhas on tap? Yes please.
If you haven’t heard of Masego before….you’re welcome.
6: Alt. Down Under - Ruby Cannon (00:32:13)
Time for an episode of Alt. Down Under with an artist with a real exciting future ahead of them…
It’s Melbourne’s Ruby Cannon!
Ruby drops by for a chat about her retro-inspired tunes that are based on her love of music that runs deep through both her life and her work as an artist.
She also opens up on the challenges facing artists that are trying to break through right now. In the age of streaming, social media and having to churn out content… do musicians have to jump on the bandwagon or get left behind?
Plus – how does London’s gig scene compare to Melbourne? Ruby shares her thoughts, having had a taste of the UK last year!
