Inclusive Groove

Ky and Tom are members of ONIERA, an indie rock band based in Engadine on Dharawal Country. Formed in 2023, ONIERA blends dreamy, jangly guitars with jagged grooves and soaring R&B-inspired harmonies, creating a dynamic live sound that moves through a wide range of moods and emotions.

Since forming, the band has sold out shows in both Sydney and Wollongong, toured the East Coast twice, and supported artists including Pacific Avenue, Letters to Lions, Salarymen and Vlads.

ONIERA is currently preparing to release their second EP at the end of the year. Ky and Tom are both guitarists and two of the band’s four songwriters, playing key roles in shaping the sound and songwriting of the upcoming release.

Outside of the band, Ky also runs a bookings and promotions company in the Sutherland Shire, focused on giving local artists opportunities to perform in their hometown while helping strengthen the local music scene by welcoming artists from across the country.

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Dean Nash (he/him) is a singer-songwriter, actor, writer and award-winning theatre maker.

He co-wrote the 2021 concept musical The Breaths in Between and was the recipient of the Commitment and Innovation in Accessibility Award at Sydney Fringe 2025 for his most recent work, Dean, Don’t Dance! - a Creative Access cabaret blending Dean’s love of storytelling, soaring melodies, tongue-in-cheek lyricism and accessibility-driven art into one bubbling musical pot.

Dean’s EP In the Autumn and most recent single, Leather Wallet, are available on all streaming platforms.

Dean studied a Bachelor of Music at WU in 2011, completed a Musical Theatre residency at NIDA in 2016, and is an alumnus of the 2021 AFTRS Talent Camp for emerging writers.

Dean is a sought-after vocal coach and Creative Access consultant, and currently works as the Access Coordinator at multi-arts not-for-profit organisation Brand X.

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Benja Roberts is a Wayway musician and songwriter whose music is shaped by culture, identity and lived experience.

Proudly identifying as Widjabul, Wiabul and Githabul, Benja creates music that reflects who they are and the stories they want to share.

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Frog Soup are a 5 piece jazz fusion instrumental band.

They started jamming at the Austinmer Beach change sheds and haven't stopped since!

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Little Girl Likes Her Brain are a four piece, all femme band formed on Dharawal Country in 2024 by drummer Samantha and singer/guitarist Nadia and filled out by Tilly on bass and later Ruthii on keys.

They have played a steady string of shows since forming as well as having a self recorded and released EP which was well received on the local scene.

Blending sincerity, toung in cheek humour and a healthy does of Simpsons references they bring a unique presence to the stage as they perform songs channeling the energy of grunge bands from the 90's but putting a modern spin on things.

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Hailing from Wollongong in the Illawarra of NSW, Tyler Hauptberger is a singer/songwriter and guitarist who blends Blues/Rock, Alternative/Indie and Country sounds into Australiana story-telling.

Tyler's voice and musical talents have graced many stages across Australia over the past 12 years. From his captivating solo acoustic performances, gigs with the Tyler Hauptberger Trio, drumming for Bad Girls Burlesque Club and supporting established artists including Steve Kilbey, Diesel and Frenzal Rhomb.

With the release of his debut EP 24+4 in August 2024, alongside a packed out EP release show at Jamberoo Pub, then 'Three Trees' in November 2025 and an epic single launch show at The Vault, along with his latest single No One Woman Woman's and an awesome single launch at Seeker Brewing, the trajectory is only upwards from here...

Jamal Salem is a professional Australian drummer, music educator, and singer-songwriter based in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, near Woonona. He has over 20 years of performance experience, notably touring as the opening act for Sir Elton John's 2020 Australian tour.

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Zoey, Chad, Louis and Pauly are The Huneez - Wollongong's definitive pop powerhouse!

Playing some of the sweetest beats and juiciest jams around, this indie four-piece blend soulful melodies, funky rhythms, and some pleasantly piquant grooves into a dynamic show full of synergy, energy, and all-around good vibes.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by benchwarmers, an alt-rock trio from Wollongong/Dharrawal made up of Cole Park, Victor Strange and Will Coleman.

Blending deeply personal, confessional lyricism with elements of emo, slacker rock, shoegaze and noise pop, benchwarmers create music that feels nostalgic and fresh, energetic and soothing, funny and tragic - often all at once. Their sound sits somewhere between the guitar music of the late ’90s and early 2000s and the DIY indie-pop world of today.

The trio first met at university, bonding over a shared obsession with music as performers, songwriters and avid listeners. Drawing inspiration from artists including Alex G, beabadoobee, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr. and Elliott Smith, benchwarmers have carved out a sound that feels distinctly their own.

We chat about the band’s beginnings, their influences, songwriting and the music that continues to shape them.

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Hailing from the South coast of NSW, The Chordroys distinct sound of refreshing indie rock is one not to miss. The Chordroys pull inspiration from all corners of the music world, with music styles similar to the likes of The Vanns, Mumford and Sons, The Rions, Plini, Gang of Youths, Tame Impala, Boy and Bear and an endless list of others.

The South Coast gents bring a unique mix of psychedelic guitar hooks, engaging choruses, harmonious ballads and tasteful rhythms that guarantee the listener to be left with their jaw dropped.

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