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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

A van-side riff, a dust road memory, and a choice to lean back into the sound that fits—this conversation with Tom Mac moves fast and lands deep.

We open on travel as fuel for songwriting: a winter loop across the NT and WA, a four-wheel drive replacing a faithful van, and the freedom that turns hours into hooks. From there, we trace how Nomadic grew from an Instagram riff by Byron’s Pete McCready into a coastal-outback anthem with a video shot across the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It’s a song that smells like salt and red dust, and it already has the streams to prove it.

We also unpack why Australian country music is surging. Tom lays out the secret: loyalty that spans generations, family-friendly festivals, and a genre that blends pop, Americana, and even hip hop while keeping story at the center. If you’ve wondered why country suddenly feels everywhere, the answer is that it never stopped speaking to the everyday—work, roads, love, and Saturday nights that promise something real. Tom’s journey reflects that pull: a childhood steeped in music thanks to a teacher mum, early gigs that flipped a switch, and a detour into a pop rebrand that taught hard lessons about identity and momentum.

From those lessons came two things: a return to his core as Tom Mac and a booking agency built to protect and empower artists. We talk about turning scars into support and writing with purpose.

Tom performs Play It By Beer live, then turns the spotlight to Nomadic and a full-length album on the way: Dirt Road, named for the long driveway on the family farm and the path that leads back to yourself. If you love country that feels lived-in and modern, you’ll find plenty to hold on to here.

Stream Nomadic, share the episode with a friend who needs a road song.

What has Tom Mac 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

A fearless voice, a late-blooming guitarist, and a family-built record that says the quiet part out loud. We welcome Deborah Conway for an unfiltered tour through four decades of songs, risks, and reinvention, from early band days to a duo and marriage with Willy Zygier that has become one of Australia’s most enduring creative partnerships.

Deborah shares how performing grabbed her long before the guitar did, why her father tried to steer her away from rock and roll, and the moment a gold record changed his mind. We dig into the big swings: Rolling Stone acclaim, recording Pete Townshend’s Iron Man, singing Michael Nyman’s Prospero’s Books, and the Patsy Cline stage show that became a vessel for collective grief the day after 9/11.

The heart of the conversation is the new album, Right Wing Propaganda, a raw, two-voices-and-two-guitars statement shaped by lockdowns, culture wars, and the fraying of civil discourse. Deborah explains why they stripped away drums and keys to let lyrics and harmony carry the weight, and how cancel culture pressures artists to self-censor. Their three daughters join with luminous harmonies, turning family into an instrument and memory into melody.

We even laugh through the AI cover art saga: the software nailed Willy at once but struggled to “find” Deborah, a fitting irony for a project about identity, perception, and truth.

You’ll also hear about the Broad concert series, which brought women singer-songwriters across rock, folk, country, and jazz onto one stage, and the recognition that followed—Member of the Order of Australia, the Victorian Music Hall of Fame, and multiple Archibald portrait finals. We close with two live cuts—Always and the title track Right Wing Propaganda—that showcase warmth, edge, and the space where listeners can step in.

Stream the album, grab the vinyl or CD, and share this conversation with someone who still believes songs can make room for disagreement without losing the tune.

What have Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier 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

The moment the walk-on music hits, you can feel it—the pulse of a country learning to believe in its own sound. We sat with Kate Ceberano to trace how that pulse became a life: from Melbourne’s alternative scene and a pivotal “no” to Stock Aitken Waterman, to I’m Talking, Brave, Jesus Christ Superstar, and a 60th birthday tour that plays like a living mixtape of Australian music history.

Kate brings the stories behind the headlines into sharp focus. She remembers the studio accident that turned into Models anthems, the sunburnt crush of Australian Made crowds, and the stubborn ingenuity of recording Bear Witness on early digital tech with real-time fixes from London. She talks about craft as a calling and a strategy—why songwriting keeps artists afloat, how Pash grew from one perfect memory, and what it means to watch an audience run a thousand private films to the same song. There’s reverence for lineage—Mahalia Barnes seeking her blessing, Michael Paynter’s vocal fire, and the responsibility of honoring a role like Mary Magdalene—and clear-eyed pride in firsts like the Order of Australia and induction into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The conversation also moves into the art of surviving between spotlights. When COVID stopped the wheels, Kate launched Friday streams to raise money for Support Act, painted guitars to keep crews paid, and spent years creating a hand-stitched quilt with master quilters in the Philippines and local artisans—a psychedelic ode to Australian flora that travels as the band’s fourth member. We talk bikes, festivals, and a tiny scoop, but the heart of it is simple: authorship over shortcuts, community over ego, and music as the time capsule that binds us to who we were and who we’re becoming.

If you love Australian music, creative resilience, and stories that make your chest ache with recognition, press play and ride with us. Then share it with a friend, and drop a review with the Kate track that shaped your life.

What has Kate Ceberano 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

A dobro lick that ended up in a feature film. A blue-tinted photo above the bar at the Gov. A midnight residency that turned into decades of collaborations. Charlie Owen joins us for a warm, unscripted tour through the songs, friendships, and stages that shaped his life in Australian music.

We trade the mythology for the moments: meeting Don Walker in the small hours, saying yes to Tex Perkins for Triple J’s Unplugged, and learning how a Working Class Ringos ballad could hush an arena full of Chisel fans. Charlie opens up about his long run with the Divinyls and the bond with Chrissy Amphlett, the quiet pride of being named among Australia’s best guitarists, and the surprise of discovering that Midnight Rain with Lewis Tillett topped Rolling Stone critics’ list years after the fact. The thread is always the same—collaboration, taste, and putting the song first.

We get into the set he’s bringing to South Australia: a solo, guitar-forward celebration with dobro, electric, acoustic, and a light touch of keys—no loops, no samplers. He explains why he sings now, how certain tracks like Spencer P. Jones’s The New Day of the Dead feel eerily current, and why some songs are too heavy to carry on stage. It’s a candid look at legacy, grief, and the craft of making a room go quiet without turning up the volume. If you care about Australian rock history, storytelling through strings, and the way music keeps our people close, this conversation will stay with you.

Join us, then share the song that changed you. If you enjoy the show, follow, rate, and leave a review—then pass it to a friend who knows every line to a Tex, Don & Charlie record.

What has Charlie Owen 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

Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup doesn't just tell stories—he's lived them. As the drumming powerhouse behind iconic Australian bands The Angels, Gang Gajang, and The Party Boys, Buzz takes us on an unforgettable journey through the electrifying pub rock scene of the 70s and 80s where the air was "thick with the unmistakable scent of beer, sweat, and pot."

Born into a musical Adelaide family in 1952, Buzz's path to rock stardom began with a father who could have been a concert pianist (before WWII trauma silenced his playing) and a mother who sang with gusto in church. This foundation, combined with exposure to seminal artists through his older brother, set the stage for his remarkable career. With characteristic humility and humor, Buzz reveals how he transformed The Angels by suggesting Doc Neeson move from bass to frontman—a decision that created magic. "You couldn't take your eyes off him on stage," Buzz explains about the charismatic Neeson, whom he considers the greatest frontman he's ever worked with.

Beyond the music that defined a generation, Buzz's story takes unexpected turns. His unique upside-down guitar playing created GangGajang's distinctive sound. His work with the Jimmy Little Foundation, promoting healthy eating among indigenous children for 25 years, reveals the depth of his character. "That's what I get up in the morning for," he shares, demonstrating how music can be a vehicle for meaningful change. Still active at 73, Buzz continues mentoring young artists as an APRA ambassador while passing his musical genes to his producer son Maxwell.

Whether you're a die-hard Angels fan or simply appreciate authentic Australian stories, Buzz's memoir "No Secrets" delivers raw insights into a musical life fully lived. The book is available now at Woolworths for $24—grab your copy and discover the stories behind the soundtrack of Australian rock.

What has Buzz Bidstrup 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

Sarah Buckley's effervescent energy radiates through every moment of our conversation about The Buckleys, the dynamic sibling band that's breathing fresh life into Australian country music. Growing up in the Byron hinterland with a father who drummed for The Radiators before exploring big band, rockabilly, and boogie-woogie piano, music was always destined to be their path.

"Dad was always playing," Sarah reminisces, explaining how their father deliberately steered them toward country music as a more wholesome alternative to the rock world he knew. This musical upbringing included learning guitar from James T of Canned Heat fame and performing at local festivals from a young age. The journey from competing in the BluesFest busking competition as children to returning as official performers years later represents a full-circle moment that clearly still resonates with Sarah.

The conversation takes an exciting turn when Sarah details her songwriting collaboration with Alexander Lasker from Kingswood. Unlike the structured Nashville writing sessions she was accustomed to, their creative process flowed organically into the early morning hours after breaks for dinner and drinks. This rock and roll approach yielded their previous single "See You Folks Again" and their new release "What Were Your Dreams Made Of" during one particularly inspired night. The latter track showcases Sarah's powerful vocals alongside a fierce mandolin solo in what she describes as "a high energy anthem built for dance floors, festival stages, and country playlists alike."

The family dynamic adds another fascinating layer to The Buckleys' story. Recently, youngest brother Dylan has joined the band after earning his stripes and completing his "band probation," as Sarah jokingly puts it. When asked about playing with siblings, she candidly admits it's "a mixed bag" with moments that are "explosive and very short" before everyone moves on professionally.

This authenticity extends to their annual "Buckleys and Friends" jam session at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, where they strip back to the spontaneous energy of their musical upbringing.

Discover the infectious blend of honky-tonk heart and rockabilly rebellion that's made The Buckleys one of Australia's most exciting young bands. From their #1 debut single to festival stages across two continents, they're proving country music's resurgence is in capable hands. Give their new single a listen and experience pure Buckley magic for yourself!

What have The Buckleys 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 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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