Inclusive Groove

Loose Surface are a Wollongong-based alt-rock band known for explosively loud shows, outrageous nights and an arena-rock attitude. Formed in late 2023, the band have quickly built a reputation as one of the Illawarra's hardest-working live acts, playing more than 90 shows across NSW, QLD, the ACT and Victoria. They've taken their music on two east coast tours and shared stages with FANGZ, Dune Rats, The Pingers and DZ Deathrays. Drawing from alt-rock, punk and riot gril influences, Loose Surface combine big guitars, catchy hooks and a raw, unapologetic edge. There's plenty of fun in what they do, but they're not afraid to get a little heavier when there's something worth pushing back against. With a growing catalogue of original music and a live show built for loud rooms, Loose Surface are continuing to push themselves beyond Wollongong and onto bigger stages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

Frog Soup are a 5 piece jazz fusion instrumental band. They started jamming at the Austinmer Beach change sheds and haven't stopped since! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

Halen Ryan is a multi instrumentalist from Kiama, playing in pubs since he was 14 his Influences stem from the early British Invasion such as The Beatles, kinks and the who to Aussie classics like cold chisel and midnight oil. Halen has been in local bands The saltwater criminals from 2023 and is now in Wollongong bands Buzzwagon and good for nothing He has worked alongside artists such as Ross Wilson, Bret Mkenzie, Toto and George Thorogood aswell as meeting some of musics top artists such as Nick Cave, Bob Geldof and New order 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Cooper Smart and Harry Leighton are two members of local band Dirty Merchants who formed in late 2023 when the four of them found themselves jamming in a garage after previous bands had fallen apart. Made up of three brothers and a best mate, the band has quickly developed a loud, energetic sound built for live shows. After winning the opening slot at Changing Tides Festival in 2024, they've been busy playing wherever we can and working on new music. They've recently released their debut EP ' Waste the Day ' and are super stoked for what's to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renzo, Lincoln and Lana are members of High Catz, an emerging punk-rock band from Wollongong. Having already headlined their own shows and shared the stage with local acts including Earl Gray and Dead Nettles, the band are quickly building a name for themselves within the region’s lively punk and alternative music scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Composed of lead vocalist Jack Clare, drummer Jarrah Henderson-Jackson, guitarist Harvey Jakubiw, bassist Jye Gibson and keyboardist Martin Sholl, giraffeHead are creating a unique combination of Jazz, RnB, Funk and Soul, with a distinctive and direct goal of creating the most enjoyable, crowd-pleasing, funky music audiences have ever heard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Greene is an ARIA Finalist Songwriter, Producer and performer based on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. His music has been difficult to define, melding elements of folk, roots, soul and Americana, but his new work is at home in 'country". He is also the founder of Sounds Delicious, which is many things: 1: Recording Studio: making music sound good, refining and developing artists and creating music since 2001 also creating high quality video and photography 2: A record Label: helping artists maintain a sustainable career in the music industry, consulting and managing artists towards their goals 3: Events space: to show case top touring artists combining music and cuisine to create the perfect combination for both artist and performer. Greene is currently working on his 12th Album. The new record ' Get Loved ' is maybe the first for Greene that fits nicely into a genre - something that he has so far cleverly avoided. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally from Batemans Bay, Lizzie Jack is a singer songwriter based in Wollongong. She fronts the local band The Beanstalks, a folk-rock four piece based in the gong whose music blends Noah Kahan lyricism over Aussie pub rock musicality. Alex Fordyce is a founding member of The Beanstalks, starting as the bassist and later switching to lead guitar. As one of the main songwriters in the band, he brings the riffs and rock influence to the bands music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan Neville is the primary songwriter for the band Dribs - who have been playing in sheds, odds and ends since 2017. We've been in love with being silly our whole lives and see the band as an expression of what we felt was a huge amount of overly seriousness particularly in music. We aspire to ensure our live performances are real and an opportunity to feel as if you were just watching us play in our loungeroom - you can say what you feel and we're happy to just hang out rather than being behind some mystical curtain. We make music for people to have fun to in whatever way they seem fit my personal favourite is loud in a car but we've been told it's great to mow the lawn to, my dad said our song 'something' should have gotten on the radio and my mum says we're a good band; trust her! She comes to as many shows as she can. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max Reuben is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi- instrumentalist from Wollongong, Australia, whose music refuses to stay confined to a single genre. Blending elements of indie, psychedelic pop, alternative rock and metal, his work is driven by a curiosity for experimentation while remaining grounded in honest, introspective songwriting. Rather than settling into one lane, Max sees every project as an opportunity to explore a different side of himself. Max first emerged in 2015 as a founding member of the rock band Left Lane, where he co-wrote, recorded and performed original music, releasing several singles and an EP before departing the group in 2020 to pursue his own creative vision. Later that year, he released his debut solo album, Abstraction-a synth-pop and psychedelic-inspired record exploring themes of change, self-discovery and moving forward. Since then, he has continued to evolve as both a songwriter and producer, releasing a series of singles, collaborating with fellow artists, and refusing to be defined by one particular sound. Alongside his solo work, Max co-founded Business Doing Pleasure in 2022 with vocalist and guitarist Zach Vella, creating another outlet for his ever-evolving songwriting. The duo blend indie funk, pop, soul and groove into a vibrant, tongue-in-cheek sound powered by infectious hooks, tight musicianship and high-energy live performances. Drawing comparisons to Lime Cordiale and Parcels while taking inspiration from Anderson.Paak and classic soul artists, Business Doing Pleasure have built a reputation for effortless jams and feel-good shows, sharing stages with CHEEKY LEASH, smartcasual, Clay Western and Aodhan. Whether writing for his solo project or Business Doing Pleasure, Max's focus has always remained the same: creating music that feels genuine, emotionally resonant and sonically adventurous. Now entering his next chapter, he is preparing to release his latest solo project, with another already underway. Drawing inspiration from alternative rock and metal while retaining the melodic sensibilities that have shaped his earlier work, these releases mark his most ambitious and authentic music to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Logan Ritchie and Harry Dawkins are the lead singer and lead guitarist from Roommates which is a pop rock band hailing from Wollongong, NSW, known for their catchy, energetic, and poetic sound that instantly pulls listeners in. Blending infectious hooks with raw emotion, Roomates craft a unique brand of rock that captures the heart of their coastal city and beyond. Their music draws inspiration from the highs and lows of life, with lyrics that are as introspective as they are anthemic. The band's electrifying live performances and tight-knit chemistry create an atmosphere where fans can't help but move to the rhythm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australian trio Necko draw on the sounds of 1970s stadium rock: atmosphere, catchy hooks and extended guitar solos. The three Sydney boys go from a whisper to a roar with Alek Necko's delicate R&B-flavoured falsetto and vintage wail, Reno Torrisi's explosive drumming and Alex Damon's dextrous bass and keys tap-dance. Their eponymous debut EP launched the band into over two years of touring across Australia, including support slots for The Radiators and a finals appearance at Bluesfest Byron Bay's Busking Competition. And now, the fanbase that's been built as a result sees the group release the eagerly anticipated 'You've Got What I Want': the lead single from Necko II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.