Indie Spotlight Melbourne

Unto the Breach are a four-piece punk rock band from Melbourne, Australia — think Bill Hicks or George Carlin, if either had picked up a guitar. Capturing the rage and rebellion of the OG punk movement, UTB fly the flag for 21st century malcontents everywhere. In late 2024, after 25 years thumping the tubs in various punk rock outfits, guitarist and vocalist Aidan Hogg needed something new to scratch his creative itch. He picked up a guitar and started writing songs inspired by his insatiable appetite for doom scrolling. One thing led to another, and a band formed around these songs, now evolved into fast-paced, catchy anthems built for a beer hall singalong. They released their debut EP Rabbit Trap in April 2026, after picking up the pieces left behind by the passing of lead guitarist Greg Brown in November 2025. It's 6 tracks of dirty riffs and blistering commentary on the world around us, plus a 7th written for and played at Brown's funeral — a mournful dedication capturing the grief felt in the days after his passing. UTB have another EP in the works, but much of 2026 has gone into organising Swampfest, a memorial show and fundraiser for Black Dog Institute featuring 10 of Melbourne's most exciting punk/ska/metal bands. With an east coast tour planned for early 2027, expect big things from this scrappy underdog. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unto_the_breach_band Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntoTheBreachBand

I was supposed to interview a band that came to the studio and ended up being antisemitic so off they went and I was left to do the show, so decided to tell what happened off air while playing artists that have previously been on the show.

For Dr. Mohit R. Pandit, music is more than performance. It is storytelling, philosophy, and emotion brought to life. Rooted deeply in the rich musical traditions of India while inspired by the raw energy and theatrical expression of classic rock, Mohit has spent years crafting a sound that defies conventional genres. The result is what he calls Theatrical Rock, a distinctive fusion of profound poetry, powerful rock arrangements, and melodies drenched in ethnic heritage. His musical identity is built on three foundations. The first is his Indian roots, drawing inspiration from timeless melodic structures, spiritual depth, and the rich storytelling traditions that have shaped Indian music for centuries. The second is the influence of rock music, with its intensity, dynamic instrumentation, and emotional power. The third is an unwavering passion for experimentation, blending contrasting musical worlds to create something entirely original. Mohit's compositions are characterised by deeply poetic lyrics that explore identity, spirituality, love, human struggle, social consciousness, and the search for meaning. Rather than treating lyrics as a supporting element, he places poetry at the heart of every composition, allowing each song to unfold like a theatrical narrative. These stories are amplified through the energy of rock while remaining grounded in melodies inspired by Indian classical and folk traditions. Every performance is designed to be more than a concert. It is an immersive theatrical experience where music, emotion, and storytelling come together. Through expressive arrangements, dramatic musical dynamics, and powerful stage presence, Mohit creates performances that connect with audiences on both an emotional and intellectual level. His vision is to blur the boundaries between theatre, poetry, and rock, transforming every live performance into a compelling artistic journey. Beyond his own music, Mohit is deeply committed to building platforms that unite artists and celebrate cultural diversity. One of his most passionate initiatives is Melody Theatre, a Melbourne-produced collaborative music project that brings together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds to create original works that transcend language and tradition. Conceived as more than a performance platform, Melody Theatre celebrates cultural exchange, encourages artistic collaboration, and demonstrates the power of music to build understanding across communities. Continuing this vision, Mohit is launching the Melbourne Music Festival, an ambitious new festival concept dedicated to celebrating Melbourne's vibrant and multicultural music community. The festival brings together musicians from different cultural backgrounds to collaborate on original compositions that fuse their unique musical traditions into entirely new works. The long-term vision is to produce original collaborative tracks representing ten international languages, showcasing Melbourne as one of the world's great multicultural music capitals. The festival has already taken its first major step with the successful production and release of its inaugural collaboration, bringing together Hindi and Italian musical traditions in a unique cross-cultural composition. This project represents the beginning of a much larger movement that seeks to inspire collaboration between artists, preserve cultural identity through music, and create a new generation of globally inspired Australian music. Alongside his work as a performer, songwriter, producer, and creative director, Mohit continues to champion Australia's multicultural arts sector by mentoring artists, fostering creative partnerships, and developing initiatives that strengthen the local music ecosystem. His work reflects a belief that music has the unique ability to unite people across cultures, languages, and generations. For Mohit, music is a universal language capable of preserving heritage, expressing emotion, provoking thought, and bringing people together. His mission is to pioneer Theatrical Rock, while creating platforms where cultures do not simply coexist but collaborate. Every song, every performance, and every project is part of a larger vision to demonstrate that the future of music lies in celebrating diversity through creativity.

Alex Nikoloudis is an independent artist born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, with deep Greek roots and a strong cultural background. With a smooth, emotive voice and honest songwriting, he has connected with music lovers both locally and worldwide. After starting out at open mic nights and busking on Melbourne’s streets, he grew into solo performances in local venues. His music, often exploring love and self-discovery, has taken him to perform in Greece, the UK, and Wales. He has also collaborated with artists from America, Liverpool, and New Mexico. Through every performance, Alex’s genuine spirit and passion shine through, leaving a lasting, positive impression on everyone he meets.

Nir Tsfaty is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter and composer whose work moves between alternative songwriting, chamber music and cinematic composition. He was nominated for Best Music for a Short Film at the 2023 APRA Screen Music Awards for his original score to Scorpion Ascent.

Marta Galtseva is a captivating and highly inventive contemporary pianist, arranger, composer, and songwriter originally from Kazan, Russia, who has been living in Melbourne, Australia, since 2007. She achieved remarkable success in contemporary music at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, which inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in 2013. She later completed a Master of Music (Performance Teaching) at the University of Melbourne in 2018. Throughout her academic journey, Marta composed over 15 original works, including the highly acclaimed score for Janos Zoltan's Secret Matters documentary, presented by VCA Film and Television in 2015. Her outstanding achievements in contemporary music earned her the prestigious Will Poskitt Piano Scholarship Award in 2014. Over the past 15 years, Marta has built an extensive and diverse career as a jazz performer and accompanist, collaborating with contemporary vocalists, jazz ensembles, opera singers, and choirs. She has also performed as a contemporary pianist with a range of professional rock and jazz bands, including Decoration Day – A New Musical (2018), The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live (2024–2025) and Chicago (2025). Her performances have graced many of Melbourne's renowned venues, including 303 Bar, Piano on Chapel, The Motley Bauhaus, The Penny Black, Neruda's Brunswick, Club Voltaire, Le Studio Art Gallery, Clocktower Centre, Russian House Melbourne, Northern Arts Hotel, MEMO Music Hall, the Melbourne Performing Arts Centre, Federation Square, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, Trades Hall, Melbourne Museum, as well as various jazz venues across Sydney and Singapore. Most recently, Marta released her debut jazz cover album, Feelings, featuring Alexandra Bronshtein as part of the Las Gatas project. Earlier this year, she was also featured on a vinyl album by the collaborative music project Transmission Control Protocol, led by sound engineer Jay Curtis and funded by the City of Melbourne. Alongside her piano career, Marta has been writing and composing her own original songs since 2016. She released her debut single, Lonely Night, in November 2023 and continues to write and release new music. Most recently, she released her latest single, Falling For You.

Bette Foord is a melodramatic Melbourne musician with a ukulele and some stories to tell: Some haunting, some funny, and some to warm your heart.           

World Caruso is Russ’ Melbourne-based project for singles that travel: each track picks the right genre language — R&B (Facecard), Latin (Lose Your Cool), reggae (Red Light On), acoustic pop (Old Mark), pop/hip hop (One City), and story-led pop (Walk Upon Water) — but the writing stays consistent. The through-line is hook mechanics, lived-in scenes, and an adult, consequence-driven perspective, shaped with radio in mind (clean structure, strong titles, clear identity) and built to translate live. 

Laughing Waters are a Melbourne indie-pop duo made up of Rhys Walshe and Steph McMillan. The duo have released three singles so far in 2026: Nocturnal, Whirlwind and Homebody. Their next release, Survival Horror, arrives on 10 July 2026, continuing a productive year for the Melbourne pair as they further develop the sound established across their recent run of singles.

Ashleigh Watson is an independent retro soul singer/songwriter based in Melbourne Australia.  Whilst many of her peers didn't know what they wanted to do when they grew up, Ashleigh has always known she was destined to be a singer and performer. Ashleigh first showed her deepened interest in music with Show and Tell musical performances for her teacher and fellow students, and later joined the world-renowned girl band SWEETHEARTS at the age of just 14. As one of the youngest members to ever join the band at the time, she quickly discovered her passion for Motown and soul music, having always loved older artists, including Frank Sinatra and Elvis. Unlike other SWEETHEARTS performers, Ashleigh stayed on to perform until she was 22 years old, given the band's continued need for her musical expertise as guided by Director, Ross Lipson. During her time performing with SWEETHEARTS, she travelled twice to Europe to perform lead vocals at the prestigious PORETTA SOUL FESTIVAL in Italy and the MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL in Switzerland. In 2014, she had the pleasure of giving an impromptu performance of her signature song, "Baby I Need Your Loving", to THE FOUR TOPS in their dressing room during the Melbourne leg of their tour. With her diverse musical journey, Ashleigh has showcased her talents across various acts over the past decade. Widely recognised for her contributions, she has been involved in notable projects like ALL STAR, BAMBOOZLE, and THE NEW ORIGINALS. Winning acclaim, her work with CASH UP FRONT even hit No. 1 on the Tasmanian Country Music Charts. Alongside these, she has also shared her skills in THE SPURS, THE BLUETONE ASSEMBLY, and several acoustic duos. More recently, she has become a recurring session vocalist on The Voice Australia, X-Factor and Deakin University graduation ceremonies. Her first single release, "Little Love", also scored a placement on Episode One, Season Two, of the hit ABC TV show Harrow.  Ashleigh's first single "Charlie Brown", is available for streaming and you can watch her full music video on YouTube. Her second single "Is He Looking At Me" is now available to pre-save on all major streaming platforms. ​In collaboration with award-winning singer, songwriter, composer and producer, Michael Cristiano, her debut album "Huntress" is now available on all streaming platforms. You can also buy your own CD or vinyl!

Musician guitarist, bassist, producer and sound engineer with over 18 years of experience.

Kieran J Phillips is a soulful music artist known for his boundary- pushing sound and style. Hailing from Ararat and raised in Bendigo, Kieran’s musical influences are deeply rooted in his surroundings and the legacies of Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley. His eclectic style blends rock, funk, electronic, gospel, and blues, creating a unique sound characterized by powerful guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and innovative synth use. In Recent Times , Kieran has embraced the spirit of transformation by delivering a series of dynamic live performances across Melbourne. This period marked an exciting chapter in his songwriting journey, where he’s exploring new stories and creative directions in his evolution as an artist, forging a deeper connection with his audience and pushing the boundaries of his music.

DL Gade is a Melbourne-based hip hop and R&B artist known as the “Hip Hop Cobber” — an Aussie larrikin whose music combines honest storytelling, catchy melodies and sharp lyricism with a uniquely Australian flavour. Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, his songs explore everything from love and heartbreak to ambition, self-belief and the everyday moments that make us who we are. Whether he’s delivering an emotional ballad or a tongue-in-cheek anthem, authenticity and personality are at the core of his music.  

Joanna Mathers, "Jo" is a 20 year-old Melbourne artist, classically trained and a self-taught producer of nearly a decade. Alongside her own emotionally driven releases, she’s written and produced for other artists, earning recognition, including an award nomination. Jo's sound blends indie-pop, indie-rock, and mainstream pop, pairing polished production with raw emotion. While her upbeat tracks lean into layered guitars and strong melodic hooks, her softer work shifts into indie-folk and piano-led ballads, spotlighting intimate storytelling and vocal honesty.

Markoe is a Melbourne-based soul-pop artist who made a bold leap from primary school teacher and mother of two, into the unpredictable world of music. Her rebrand wasn’t subtle—it was a full transformation. She traded lesson plans for lyrics, left behind a former artist name, and rebuilt from the ground up with a sound that’s raw, ambitious, and emotionally fearless. Markoe is making music that lives in the grey—between motherhood and ambition, desire and duty, past pain and present growth. Drawing influence from like Billie Eilish’s stripped-back vulnerability and Ariana Grande’s Sweetener, Markoe explores mental health, love, trauma, and the emotional weight of everyday life. Her music is raw, reflective, and haunting—written for anyone navigating the quiet in-between spaces of ambition and identity. 

Her Sound Presents… A Night Celebrating Women in Music. Eight incredible singer-songwriters, Shani Weiss, Celeste Kate, Sara Jane, Dragonfly Industri, Kat Greta, Laura Ellen, Brooke Reuss and Alexis Naylor, take the stage for one night only, sharing their love of music through intimate 20-minute sets of original songs. The evening continues with a live Q&A hosted by Gracie Newton-Wordsworth, where you — the audience — can ask questions about their music, creative process, and personal music journeys. To close the night, the artists reunite on stage in a powerful moment of unity, performing a song by a celebrated Australian female artist. A once-off event. A night not to be missed.

Bianca Camiolo is a Melbourne-born artist bringing bold personality and high energy into the world of dance music. Blending pop vocals with EDM, house and techno influences, her sound captures the spirit of late nights, crowded dance floors and the freedom that comes from losing yourself in music. Raised in Melbourne and performing across the city, Bianca has been immersing herself in the local club scene, collaborating with DJs and producers while developing a sound that bridges emotional songwriting with upbeat electronic production. Her music is driven by nightlife culture, pop influences and a desire to create songs people can dance to while still connecting with the story behind them. Known for her authentic and energetic stage presence, she’s often told her performances feel as much like a conversation as a show. Bianca’s humour and unfiltered personality naturally come through on stage, making audiences laugh and feel comfortable letting go. With a growing catalogue of dance-driven tracks and a passion for collaboration within the Australian music scene, Bianca Camiolo is carving out a space where honest songwriting meets the energy of the club.

Blissful Melancholy is a duo based in Melbourne known for their melodic original compositions.  Formed in 2025, the band consists of Freya on lead and harmony vocals and Sam on guitar, bass and keyboards. The duo blends rock and pop sensibilities with folky/alternative elements to create songs with strong hooks, catchy melodies and relatable lyrics that represent ‘slice of life’ and emotional beats. Blissful Melancholy spent 2025 writing songs and performing in bars across Melbourne to road test their songs with the odd covers thrown in for good measure. With a lot of material already written and having established their sound, the duo is intending to record and release their first EP in 2026 to solidify their reputation as a must see act in the Melbourne music scene.

Melbourne based Roots Rocker Joshua Batten is a genuine performer, with a rare ability to truly connect with his audience. Based on his own insights from living with neurodiversity, his original songs offer authentic reflections of introspective moments, humbly presented as universally relatable experiences. Joshua creates a full-band sound in his one-man show, with passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, inspirational lyrics and layered arrangements through intricate live looping. With over ten years’ experience as a full-time musician, Joshua has recorded and released three studio albums and performed at major events including the Australian Open and Grand Prix. His live shows have resonated with audiences and garnered him a dedicated following, with extensive appearances at folk and blues festivals across Australia. Joshua is a proud endorser of Cole Clark guitars, and has been a finalist multiple times in both the Melbourne Blues Challenge and the Roddy Read Songwriting Award at Maldon Folk Festival. 

Noy Ben Ami is a phenomenal guitarist and vocalist who performs Soul, Funk, Blues, Country, and Rock hits with a unique twist. Fluent in Jewish and Israeli music, Noy also specializes in providing memorable performances for weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Utilizing his virtuoso solo guitar skills alongside a looper, Noy captivates audiences with his distinctive voice and impressive high-range beltings. Additionally, Noy is a also an original songwriter who gladly showcases his originals upon request.

Combining Afro, Middle Eastern and Celtic musical elements with unashamed rock vocals, this track is pure LAZR BEES madness. Soaring vocals, dark funky bass lines, and dance-oriented horns will get you moving.

Melbourne-based cultural bearer and singer- songwriter, Ymma Tierra (Samantha Levy) has captivated audiences at some of Australia’s most respected festivals and venues; including Dragon Dreaming, FRL, Warburton Arts Centre and Memo Music Hall - sharing festivals and the stage with acclaimed artists such as Rebecca Barnard, Tanya-Lee Davies, Kucha Edwards, Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project.  Her mission is to weave a "three-strand cord" between ancestral memory and the modern world. With a professional background as both an architect and the founder of a Nature School (Bush Kinder), Samantha brings a unique structural and ecological depth to her artistry. She lifts Hebrew scripture off the parchment and places it alongside the storytelling of the Australian bush, bridging the sacred space between the Mediterranean, the Hebrew scroll, and the Eucalyptus.  Currently recording her debut album for release in late 2026, Ymma Tierra uses acoustic vocals, loop pedals, and natural ambient sounds to create a "sonic ritual" of resilience. Her music reflects the vast green plains of the Australian Eucalyptus and Fern, she calls home, offering an invocation that serves as a bridge between the visible and the invisible, the architectural past and the wild, rooted present. By reclaiming her voice after years of silence, Ymma Tierra empowers her audience to reconnect with their own diaspora hearts and the sacred energies of the Earth. 

Charlie & Co is a neo soul and funk group from Melbourne, fronted by vocalist Charlotte Glover. Known for her powerhouse voice and easy, feel-good stage presence, Charlotte leads the band with a mix of musical talent and a genuine love of getting people on their feet. Her journey into music didn’t start on stage, it began at home, dancing around the living room with a mop in hand and a funky playlist blasting through the speakers.

Michael Macri is a renowned singer/songwriter in the Melbourne music scene. With his band “The Michael Macri band” his original songs cross a number of genre from classic rock to pop and soul, music that has influences of the past through to the sounds of today. His distinctive voice captures the best of these influences and transforms them into his own unique style. For many years he has been generating a loyal following of dedicated music lovers. Recordings of his original music reflect the flavour and the style of Melbourne. His original music is performed by a high energy rhythm section and complemented by a unique 3 or 4 piece horn section,that once seen and heard will leave a positive and lasting impression.

Naïve Atom is a Melbourne-based electronic duo featuring vocalist Amutha and producer Dave. Their sound merges Amutha’s distinctive rap style and exotic scales with Dave’s passion for experimental bass music. Together, they craft music on their own terms, seeking out spaces where the right energy connects them with their audience.

In the two years since stepping out as a solo artist and releasing his debut album Passing Strangers, Phillip Island troubadour Mark Howard has been chasing the same dream that first took hold in childhood… to travel, make music, and pass those stories down to his family. Largely overlooked by the commercial end of the Australian music industry, Howard has instead built his own road, gig by gig, train by train, touring across Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the UK, earning listeners the hard way: one room at a time. His sound drifts between worlds, a cinematic mix of alt-rock, folky blues and a touch of alt-country, all tied together by a swampy groove and a voice that sounds like it’s been places. In 2024, three singles from Deep Dark Blue climbed into the AMRAP Top 10, and in 2025, two went all the way to Number 1. He’s shared stages with the likes of Tash Sultana, Tim Rogers, The Whitlams and Alex Lloyd, and his music has found a home on ABC Radio, proof that persistence and passion still count for something. A wanderer at heart, Howard’s songs are shaped by the grit of forty-five countries’ worth of stages. He’s a dusk-lit storyteller, part dreamer, part drifter and walking the line between rock, folk and country. Recognised by festivals such as the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe, Mark Howard remains a voice from the edge of the map, restless and quietly determined to keep the dream alive.

Shani and Jo met up to talk about Shani's EP Launch, All About Life and about Jo's upcoming singles, being muso mums and how to survive in th music industry.

Daarsya is a Melbourne-based pop/soul singer-songwriter whose music blends soft melodies with delicate strums, soulful vocals, and gentle beats. From the age of eight, her lyrical journey began, words flowing effortlessly from her pen like poetry in motion. It was in the embrace of Tasmania, where her musical spirit found true nourishment as a result producing her first two singles in 2021 - ‘Maybe it’s just the rain’ and ‘Stimulation therapy’. Since then she has released an Album called ‘IIWII’ - short for ‘it is what it is’, in 2023 and a single called ‘Easy’, September this year (2025).  Driven by passion, her intention transcends mere melodies. She aspires to create an atmosphere of love and support, where the barriers of emotional vulnerability dissolve. Through her heartfelt compositions, she continues to construct a sanctuary for connection and for those who seek solace in her music.

Xinyu Ye an influencer and activist that advocates for the hostage families/

Melbourne based original rock band formed in 2024. JULIUS comprises of 5 seasoned musicians who bring their unique influence, style, passion and life story. We look forward to seeing you at our shows and hope you follow our journey.Emerging from the music capital of Australia (Melbourne) and with the shared vision of storytelling, we create music that resonates with both nostalgia and fresh energy. We have evolved over time, stemming from jam sessions to recording an EP and becoming a complete rock band in this current chapter. Our sound is a powerful mix of memorable guitar riffs, soulful lyrics and melodies that stay with you long after the final chord. Drawing inspiration from rock legends, JULIUS is here to reignite the raw energy and emotion that makes rock music unforgettable.

 Michael Kay – R&B innovator bringing genre-bending vibes and addictive hooks.  HAZE – Soulful storyteller with international acclaim and TikTok buzz.

Matt Cynner is a Singer/Songwriter and performer based in Melbourne, Victoria.  Performing his own originals and various covers at some of Melbourne's bars and cafe's. Matt Cynner connects with audiences by delivering a powerful performance, and successfully playing popular and nostalgic covers that engages the crowd. Solo sets and collaborating with other local artists. Participating and organising urban events and local gigs. And to highlight some of his many talents by recording and editing his own music videos, Matt Cynner also records, mix and masters his own material which is available to listen on all streaming platforms.