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What happens when childhood musical bonds evolve into full-blown rock stardom? Alex Laska, founding member and guitarist of Kingswood, takes us behind the scenes of one of Australia's most versatile bands in this captivating conversation.

From surprising beginnings as a classically trained pianist who didn't touch a guitar until after completing his piano degree, to performing alongside Fergus Linacre in primary school covering Aerosmith, Alex reveals the unexpected path that led to Kingswood's formation and success. The band's journey includes supporting rock legends AC/DC and Aerosmith, a full-circle moment that saw Steven Tyler bursting into their dressing room years after they covered his song as children.

With over 90 million streams and six entries in Triple J's Hottest 100, Kingswood has established themselves as genre-defying musical chameleons. Alex discusses their new single "Lovin a Girl" and forthcoming album with ABC Music, offering insights into the storytelling behind their songwriting and the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with the modern streaming landscape. "When you're a musician, the thing you really crave is a journey and experience," he explains, lamenting the shift away from album-oriented listening experiences.

Currently touring with an expanded seven-piece lineup featuring pedal steel and additional vocalists, Kingswood continues pushing boundaries while maintaining the creative spark that's defined them from the beginning. 

Between tales of their record-breaking tour (112 shows in six months) aboard their tour bus "Peggy" and glimpses into Alex's passion for vintage motorcycles and cars, this episode captures the spirit of a band that refuses to be confined by expectations.

Don't miss this intimate look at Australian rock royalty in the making. Check out Kingswood's tour dates at kingswoodband.com and stream their new single "Lovin a Girl" on all platforms now.

What has Kingswood's Alex Laska been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Andrew Swift defies the typical Nashville-to-stardom narrative with his refreshingly authentic journey into country music. The three-time Golden Guitar winner candidly admits he once avoided the "C-word" entirely, having been drafted into a high school pop-punk band simply because he had "a big shed" for rehearsals. This reluctant country convert, who initially played Blink-182 covers despite never having heard them before, found his true voice only after being "dragged" to Tamworth and discovering a musical community that resonated with his natural songwriting style.

Swift's new single "See You at the Bottom" showcases his evolution as an artist—fusing alt-country grit with pop-rock swagger while addressing the deeply personal topic of depression. "Depression isn't something you get over. It still lingers," he shares, explaining how the upbeat track aims to capture the supportive energy needed when helping others through dark times. This balance of serious themes with hopeful delivery perfectly captures Andrew's approach to songwriting that began as personal therapy and evolved into his life's passion.

The upcoming album "Lucky Stars" marks a new chapter for Andrew, with its title drawn from a heartfelt duet with his partner about their two-month-old daughter Valentine. As he prepares for an extensive Australian tour while balancing first-time fatherhood with a newborn and his role as stepdad to two boys, he embodies the modern working musician finding harmony between creative ambition and family life. 

Fans who pre-order the album through andrewswift.com.au enter a draw to win the ultimate prize—a private house concert where this tattooed troubadour will bring drinks, his guitar, and perform an intimate show regardless of your location. 

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the raw storytelling and musical craftsmanship that transformed a reluctant musician into one of Australia's most compelling country voices.

What has Andrew Swift been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Few voices have captured the essence of Australia quite like John Williamson. With his distinctive sound and storytelling prowess, he's spent 55 years painting musical portraits of our sunburnt country. Now, as he approaches his 80th birthday, the man behind "True Blue" and "Old Man Emu" is making one final journey across the nation.

"Everything I'm doing from now on is the last time I'm going to be there," Williamson confides with characteristic frankness. Though careful not to use the word "retirement" (joking that he "can't do a Farnham and keep coming back"), his current "My Travellin' Days Are Done" tour marks the end of an extraordinary touring chapter that began in 1969 when a young farmer won a talent quest with a quirky song about emus.

Our conversation weaves through the rich tapestry of his life – from growing up as one of five sons in Victoria's Mallee district where his father played banjo in the local band, to his seven years working the land before music became his full-time passion. "The farm was plan A. The music was plan B," he reveals with a chuckle. This agricultural background infuses authenticity into every song, creating an unbreakable bond with audiences who've purchased over five million of his albums.

Despite amassing 28 Golden Guitar trophies and three ARIA awards, Williamson remains refreshingly humble, finding more satisfaction in "the sale of CDs and streaming... because it means the general public are approving of my songs" than industry accolades. Even more meaningful? "People crying in the front row of the show."

Though his touring days may soon conclude, Williamson's creative spirit remains vibrant. His newest single "Born with a Ukulele in My Hand" was inspired by annual trips to Fiji, and he has collaborated with his daughter Ami on beautiful duets. He hints at continuing his annual "Shed Show" at his Queensland property and possibly recording new music, ensuring this national treasure's voice won't fall silent.

Don't miss your final opportunity to experience John Williamson live as he completes his farewell tour through February 2026, including appearances at the Deni Ute Muster and Tamworth Country Music Festival. After 55 remarkable years, these performances promise to be profoundly special celebrations of Australian music's true blue legend.

What has John Williamson been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

When Australian music royalty speaks, we listen. Drummer Lindy Morrison joins us for a captivating conversation that spans her remarkable five-decade journey through music, activism, and community service.

From her unexpected introduction to drumming in a Brisbane share house alongside future Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush to her pivotal role in iconic indie band The Go-Betweens, Lindy's story is one of serendipity and dedication. "I was very lucky," she reflects on finding that first drum kit, which led to her joining the Go-Betweens in 1980 after a string of previous drummers. The band would go on to create Australian classics like "Cattle and Cane" and "Streets of Your Town," both recognized among Australia's greatest songs.

Beyond the drum kit, Lindy's contributions to music run deep. With a background in social work, she spent 25 years helping develop Support Act, Australia's music industry charity that provides crisis relief to music professionals experiencing hardship. Her community work extended to organizing music events across Australia and working with an intellectually disabled band for over two decades. These contributions earned her the Order of Australia Medal in 2013 and numerous industry accolades.

Now, at a stage when most would rest on their laurels, Lindy is embarking on perhaps her most personal musical journey yet. With the Snarky Circus Lindy Band, she's recording her own compositions for the first time. Their debut album "What's Said and What's Left Unsaid" features co-written songs with Rob Snarsky that showcase her songwriting talents with titles as intriguing as "Since I Slept With You, Everybody Wants to Sleep With Me."

Subscribe to hear more conversations with iconic Australian musicians who continue to shape our cultural landscape. Support local music and catch Lindy's new band on tour – her journey from the backbeat to the spotlight is not to be missed.

What has The Go-Betweens Lindy Morrison been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Piet Collins of The Sharp takes us on a musical journey from the band's rockabilly beginnings to their current revival with a fresh lineup and new music that honors their distinctive sound. 

After their 1994 ARIA Top 20 hit "Alone Like Me" cemented their place in Australian music history, The Sharp took a lengthy hiatus, with Piey venturing into television writing (penning 70 episodes of Neighbours), radio work, and ultimately music education.

The conversation reveals a fascinating full-circle moment in Australian rock history. The Sharp has welcomed Scott Owen from The Living End as their new bassist—a band that once supported The Sharp when they were teenagers. "When I asked Scott and he said yes immediately, it just really gave us the energy and the impetus to really have another go at it," Collins explains, highlighting how this connection has reinvigorated the band.

Their debut album "This Is The Sharp" has been released on vinyl for the first time, responding to years of fan requests. Piet eloquently compares the vinyl listening experience to reading a physical book—both requiring active engagement versus the passive consumption of streaming or audiobooks. "It's a much more tactile experience than jumping onto Spotify and just mindlessly surfing. It's more of a journey," he shares.

The band's new EP "4" features three fresh tracks alongside a live recording of their classic "Scratch My Back," demonstrating their collaborative songwriting process where ideas transform through four-way contribution. Fans can catch The Sharp on their Adelaide tour this September, with shows at the Edinburgh Castle, Big Easy Radio and the Wheatsheaf—each offering a unique atmosphere for experiencing their blend of classic hooks and riffs with a contemporary edge.

Want to experience The Sharp's infectious energy and hear both their classics and new material? Check out their upcoming shows and connect with them in person—as Piet says, "We're always happy to meet with friendly faces."

What has The Sharp's Piet Collins been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Joe Camilleri's musical journey reads like a masterclass in Australian rock history. From his humble beginnings as a two-year-old Maltese immigrant arriving in Melbourne to becoming one of Australia's most prolific and respected musicians, Joe's story is one of pure passion and relentless creativity.

"If you've got something you love doing, it's a joy and I think it keeps you healthy," Joe reflects, perhaps revealing the secret to his extraordinary longevity in an industry that often burns out its brightest stars. With over 50 albums to his name and counting, Joe shows no signs of slowing down, joking that he's "still trying to write a good one."

Growing up in a crowded Melbourne household as one of ten children, Joe's musical education came first from the radio and later from the streets after leaving school at age 12. His path through Australian music reads like a who's who of influential bands – from his early days with the Drollies and King Bees to being famously expelled from the Adderley Smith Blues Band for being "too flamboyant" and not adhering to their strict triple denim dress code. Joe's trajectory through Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons (now ARIA Hall of Fame inductees) to founding The Black Sorrows in 1983 has cemented his legendary status.

Beyond his performing prowess, Joe's production credits include work with The Sports, Ross Wilson, Paul Kelly, and Renee Geyer – helping shape the sound of Australian rock across generations. Yet despite these achievements, Joe remains remarkably humble, attributing his success to being in the right place at the right time: "I got to do all the things that I thought I'd be able to do with the talent that I had, which was almost zero."

Now collaborating with The Fabulous Caprettos while simultaneously preparing "The Quintessential Black Sorrows" greatest hits collection and tour, plus a forthcoming album titled "Old Friends and New Companions," Joe embodies his own philosophy that "it's not just about the past, it's about the future." 

For fans of authentic Australian music delivered with passion and soul, Joe Camilleri remains the gold standard – the GOAT with a goatee who refuses to even consider retirement.

Catch Joe on tour soon and witness firsthand why, after five decades in music, he's still at the top of his game, creating music that matters. As he puts it simply: "I come to play."

What has Joe Camilleri been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Ashley Naylor defies expectations. With a musical résumé spanning decades and featuring collaborations with Australian music royalty, he somehow manages to be both ubiquitous and humble in equal measure. In this intimate conversation, we discover how one of rock's busiest guitarists balances his creative life.

When scrolling through Ashley's social media, the sheer volume of his musical commitments is exhausting—Hendrix tributes at Cherry Bar, Bowie celebrations at the Odeon, performances with The Church, Paul Kelly tours, and the list goes on. "I have to keep playing, otherwise you'll lose your touch," he explains with characteristic understatement, revealing the disciplined professional beneath the laid-back demeanor. Recently serving as music director for the John Lennon tribute "Give Peace a Chance," Ashley brings the same meticulous attention to coordinating others that he applies to his own musical endeavors.

The most exciting revelation comes with discussion of "Alexandria Sunset," Ashley's first solo album in over a decade, where he plays and sings every note himself. "While I've got my faculties, I'll do a record where I can play everything on it," he says, explaining his approach to capturing songs when they're fresh rather than creating separate demos. 

Drawing inspiration from 60s and 70s rock, especially evident in his Donovan-influenced dreamy tracks, Ashley continues crafting music that feels simultaneously nostalgic and relevant. And in true Ashley Naylor fashion, he's simultaneously working on three separate album projects.

Discover the music, methodology, and mindset of a guitarist whose relentless creativity and humble approach to collaboration have made him one of Australia's most respected musicians. 

Follow Ashley on social media and pre-order his new album through Bandcamp now.

What has Ash Naylor been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

What happens when you gather some of Australia's most celebrated musicians into one supergroup? The Fabulous Caprettos showcase exactly that magic, and founding member Rai Thistlethwayte joins us for an intimate conversation about the band's evolution, creative resilience, and the pure joy of collaboration.

Rai shares exciting updates about the group's changing lineup, including the addition of the incredible Wendy Matthews, whose presence has transformed their performances and given Rai the opportunity to play piano for her iconic hit "The Day You Went Away." We also learn about Joe Camilleri joining the ranks, bringing his extraordinary saxophone skills and vibrant energy to the shows despite recently suffering a devastating theft of his prized guitars and personal effects.

With characteristic thoughtfulness, Rai reflects on his own musical journey spanning over two decades – from his early musical foundations with piano-teacher mother and rock-musician father to the challenges of navigating an ever-changing industry landscape. "I still haven't had to have a real job yet," he jokes, while acknowledging the hard work, creative reinventions, and occasional heartbreak that comes with a lifelong commitment to music. Particularly moving is his candid discussion of the tragic road accident that affected Thirsty Merc, demonstrating how musicians process grief while continuing to create.

Looking forward, Rai teases upcoming international touring plans, potential new solo material, and exclusive merchandise available only at Fabulous Caprettos shows. The conversation culminates with Rai introducing his deeply personal composition "Always Dreamed of You," a contemplative piano ballad exploring childhood connections and lifelong aspirations. This revealing glimpse into Rai's creative process perfectly captures why he remains such a vital force in Australian music.

Don't miss The Fabulous Caprettos on their current Australian tour – check their schedule to experience these legendary performers bringing decades of hits to stages nationwide. As Rai says, these aren't just any musicians – they're truly "the greatest of all time."

What has The Fabulous Caprettos' Rai Thistlethwayte been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Ever wondered what happens when skilled musicians throw away the sheet music and just play? Step into the world of Blues Roulette with Jimi "The Human" Hocking, guitarist for the Screaming Jets and internationally acclaimed blues artist.

Blues Roulette isn't your typical performance—it's musical improvisation at its finest. Founded by bassist Ben Wicks at Melbourne's Catfish venue, these shows feature a rhythm section backing guest artists with absolutely no rehearsal. "There's no charts, it's just get in and play," explains Jimi, whose relief was visible during his first performance when he realized the backing musicians could truly play.

Jimi shares his remarkable journey as a blues musician parallel to his rock career with the Screaming Jets. In 2005, he became only the second non-American to win the prestigious Memphis International Blues Challenge—an extraordinary achievement considering hundreds of acts from around the world compete annually. Most fascinating is that all three non-American winners in the competition's history have been Australian, highlighting our country's unexpected prowess in this traditionally American art form.

Beyond technical proficiency, Jimi's approach to blues balances traditional elements with humor. "I like to write from a fun aspect," he says, comparing his style to Buddy Guy's more upbeat take on potentially gloomy subject matter. The Blues Roulette recordings capture these genuine moments—including musicians learning songs on the fly—preserving the raw, authentic spirit of true blues jamming.

For blues enthusiasts or anyone seeking an unfiltered musical experience, Blues Roulette delivers something increasingly rare: skilled musicians taking risks together in real-time, creating unique moments that will never be exactly replicated. 

Check out their performances in Adelaide this weekend or discover their recordings at bluesroulette.com to experience this special musical phenomenon for yourself.

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Fifty years after they first plugged in, The Angels continue to electrify Australian music with an undeniable energy that spans generations. Bass player Sam Brewster—son of founding member John—takes us deep into the band's remarkable evolution and enduring legacy.

The Brewster musical DNA runs deeper than most realize. Sam reveals how his family's artistic roots stretch back to his great-grandfather who performed in the first Australian Symphony Orchestra, his grandfather who conducted for the ABC, and now continues through a third generation with Sam on bass and brother Tom recently joining on drums. This musical heritage creates a powerful through-line in The Angels' sound—authentic rock that honors tradition while embracing fresh creative directions.

Sam offers fascinating insights into the band's current chapter, including their lineup changes, with drummer Nick Norton stepping into the frontman role and the release of their latest album "Ninety Nine." He shares the technical challenges of balancing parenthood with rock stardom, the complex process of modernizing their stage technology, and his personal musical inspirations ranging from Jeff Buckley to AC/DC. The conversation weaves through five decades of Angels history, from their humble beginnings as the Moonshine Jug and String Band to becoming one of Australia's most influential rock acts—a band Axl Rose credits as a primary inspiration for forming Guns N' Roses.

The Angels' Go For Broke tour represents everything this iconic band stands for—honoring their classic hits while showcasing new material that proves their creative fire burns as bright as ever. With 13 studio albums, 8 top 10 albums, and 17 top 40 singles behind them, The Angels remain a vital force in Australian music. 

Experience their electrifying live show in a city near you and witness firsthand why Jimmy Barnes called them "a band that changed Australian music forever."

Follow The Angels at theangels.com.au and catch their nationwide tour to hear Sam's picks from the new album—"Heartbeats" and "Little Lies"—alongside the classics that shaped Australian rock.

Go For Broke tour tickets here: https://theangels.com.au/

What Sam Brewster from The Angels been up to lately?  Let's find out!

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