Alt Down Under

This week on Alt. Down Under, Luke is joined by Ben Bray - front man of one of the most exciting bands coming out of Melbourne, Divers!

Fresh off the release of their acclaimed debut album, 'Odd Dog In The Capital', Ben chats about the band's evolution from a Covid-era studio project into one of the most exciting and distinctive voices in Australian indie music. The pair dive into the creative process behind the record, the pursuit of "new feelings" through songwriting.

Plus, why the band Divers were prepared for the album to completely flop if it meant staying true to their vision.

Plus, Ben takes on the Alt. Down Under Dream Gig Venue, featuring Mozart, corsets and one very questionable tavern.

All this, plus Luke's review of Thee Sacred Souls at Hamer Hall.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of Alt. Down Under, Luke sits down with Nkechi Anele, the voice behind Owelu Dreamhouse - one of the most exciting projects coming out of Melbourne’s soul scene right now.

Having cut her teeth as the frontwoman of beloved Melbourne six-piece, Saskwatch, Nkechi has spent years building her sound and her community. 

With Owelu Dreamhouse, she steps into something far more personal - a project shaped by reconnecting with her Nigerian heritage and exploring what it means to exist between cultures.

She dives into the story behind the band’s name - inspired by her grandmother - and how that connection to family and identity runs through the music. From stepping away from music entirely to finding her way back with a renewed sense of self, this is a conversation about growth, belonging and creative honesty.

Plus… a brief but important debate about foreheads!

Cut Copy have spent more than two decades blurring the lines between indie rock and dancefloor euphoria. In this episode of Alt. Down Under, bassist Ben Browning reflects on the early 2000s collision of guitars and synths, the so-called Indie Sleaze era, and recording Zonoscope in a cold Melbourne warehouse.

We revisit the cultural moment that shaped the band - from The Strokes and bloghouse to Daft Punk and late-night warehouse parties - and explore what it means to see generations of fans now discovering Cut Copy for the first time.

Ben also shares his thoughts ahead of Golden Plains Festival, the magic of that Meredith amphitheatre site, and what makes playing at home in Melbourne still feel special all these years on.

Recorded during a week immersed in the local scene - Luke popped down to 'Drive Live', run by community radio station PBS. Things we love - live music, community and a platform for the next wave of Australian music.

Melbourne soul artist WILSN joins Luke for a wide-ranging, free-flowing chat on finding your voice, trusting the long game, and why soul music is quietly having a moment in Australia.

WILSN talks through recording her latest album Bloom live to tape with the touring band of soul legend Charles Bradley, and how a decade-long relationship finally came full circle in the studio.

The conversation digs into falling in love with music at 13-14, shaped by the voices of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and later Alicia Keys, alongside discovering what makes a voice yours rather than perfect.

They also explore the Melbourne soul scene and the artists driving it, why soul music doesn’t always get mainstream radio love, and why it’s not worth burning energy fighting that fight.

Plus, touring stories with The Teskey Brothers, and what’s next as WILSN heads out on the road supporting Jalen Ngonda.

Loose, honest, and full of heart – this one goes everywhere (in the best way).

WE ARE BACK.
Kicking off 2026 on Alt Down Under, we’re joined by Maisie Everett, lead singer of The Bel Air Lip Bombs, fresh off the release of their second album 'Again'.

In this episode, we get into the making of a record that hits harder, sounds sharper, and feels more confident than ever. Maisie breaks down the shift between album one and two, why she made a conscious decision to change how she uses her voice, and what it was like realising she didn’t even recognise herself on earlier recordings.

We talk second-album pressure, pushing back deadlines after signing to Third Man Records, and stepping into a new world of expectations, opinions, and growth. There’s also the surreal story of meeting Jack White, the values behind Third Man, and how alignment matters just as much as opportunity.

Plus: the accidental origin of the hat, making your own luck, why success isn’t about numbers, and the feeling of hearing fans scream new lyrics back at you for the first time.

With Australian shows locked in and a North American run coming up alongside dust, this is Alt Down Under firing the starter pistol on 2026 with one of the country’s most exciting bands.

We’re back. Let’s go. 🔥