Inclusive Groove

LEON is a south coast NSW singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who spent years performing and recording as a session musician alongside artists including Charlie Collins, Ben Swissa, Hein Cooper, Billy Otto and Ben Morgan.Now focused on his own project, LEON blends blues, folk, rock and modern indie influences into songwriting that feels both timeless and current.

Mick Thomas is best known as chief songwriter of pub-rock icons Weddings, Parties, Anything. His current band The Roving Commission features old "Weddoes" bandmate Squeezebox Wally on Piano Accordion and a rotating schedule of talented performers to keep the party alive with Mick's unique mix of folk, roots and country. Running along side the Roving Commission is a whole raft of projects such as the magnum opus theatre piece The Vandemonian Lags (featuring Tim Rogers, Brian Nankervis, Liz Stringer, mong others). There's more theatre work in development coupled with the running of a boutique inner city music venue (The Merri Creek Tavern). It would be too easy for Mick to revive and live his life in the shadow of his iconic seemingly never to be forgotten band Weddings, Parties, Anything but more than ever it comes down to the shows he's doing now and the songs he is about to write and record.

Keens Brewer is a 23 year old Indigenous Australian Musician. Living with unilateral deafness, Keens has been playing music since she was 12 years old and has been singing her little head off since words could form in her mouth.Growing up, Keens was heavily inspired by blues and rock music, with herher dad introducing her to Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton, BB king, and Pink Floyd at a young age. Later, she developed her own interest specifically in artists like Nina Simone, Etta James and Bessie Smith.She is currently working on an EP called "not getting better" that's set to be raleased early next year.

Raised in Cronulla by a first-generation Greek mother and an Aussie father, Adam Newling is a singular voice in Australia's alternative music scene. Blending grungy alt-rock and country sensibilities with poetic lyricism and an unruly, heartfelt vocal style. Newling has carved out a sound that feels both nostalgic and entirely his own.Cutting his teeth as the longtime guitarist in Ruby Fields' band (and a featured vocalist on her ARIA #1 debut album Been Doin' It For A Bit) Newling stepped into the spotlight with his own deeply personal songwriting. His 2023 EP Dorothy Painted Portraits landed at #9 on the ARIA Albums Chart and showcased his unique ability to capture the light and the dark in equal measure. This followed 2022's breakthrough EP Half Cut and Dangerous, which has now clocked million streams and featured the triple j Hottest 100 entry "Sweetness" (#98)Newling's music has enjoyed consistent support across triple j, with multiple singles landing in high rotation, including "Barmy." "Singing Blackbird," and "Sweetness." His warm, introspective songwriting has also struck a chord with live audiences across Australia and beyond. He's completed numerous sold-out headline tours and performed on festival stages including Laneway Festival, NYE On The Hill, Yours & Owis, Woodford Folk Festival, and Great SouthernNights.On stage, Newling is a magnetic presence, part country wanderer, part rock 'n' roll poet. He's joined some of Australia's most beloved acts on the road, including Gang of Youths, Amy Shark, King Stingray, Ruby Fields, and The Church, In 2025 he was main support for U.S. indie favourites Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners on their sold-out Australian tour, playing iconic venues like Sydney's Metro Theatre, Melbourne's Corner Hotel, and Brisbane's The Triffid. He also toured the US in 2022 with Skegss, further cementing his international reach.Whether it's on record or in a packed room, Adam Newling continues to build something special, honest songs, loyal fans, and a long road ahead that's completely his own.

Max Carr is an Australian singer-songwriter and frontman of Profannity, whose music blends raw blues, pub rock, and lived experience. As both a solo artist and the driving force behind Wollongong band Profannity, his sound is built on unfiltered storytelling, gritty grooves, and a deep connection to live music.Originally starting as a stripped-back acoustic project, Max's music evolved into Profannity-a hard-hitting rock/grunge outfit featuring Wilson Featherstone (drums), Fergus Bolack (bass), and Reece Thurkettle (guitar). Known for their energetic live shows and powerful sound, the band has become a standout in the Illawarra scene, regularly playing packed rooms across local venues.Profannity have released a string of singles including "Flogged," "Useless C*nt," and "Eye of the Loaded Gun," with their debut record Such Is Life on the way. They've also gained recognition through competitions like New Blood Wednesdays and the Good Things Festival band competition, continuing to build momentum within Australia's grassroots rock community.Alongside the band, Max has returned to releasing music under his own name-coming full circle back to his blues-driven roots. His solo work leans into a more stripped-back, intimate style, shaped by years of gigging and a voice that carries both grit and honesty.After leaving school to focus on songwriting. Max completed a Diploma of Music at TAFE and is now studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music) at the University of Wollongong-reflecting his ongoing dedication to his craft.Whether performing solo or with Profannity. Max Carr's music is grounded in real stories, real energy, and the kind of presence that stays with you long after the show ends.

Chiara Kovac is a Sydney-based musician whose work has grown from early acoustic songwriting into a fuller, heavier live sound shaped by collaboration, instinct and a love of Australian indie music. In this episode, Chiara reflects on learning saxophone, singing from primary school, teaching herself guitar, and developing her sound through recording, performing and working closely with her band. She also shares how songs like “Angry Ghost” marked a turning point in her confidence, musicianship and live energy.

Matt "Chibbsy" Bragg is an Australian musician, producer, and podcaster with deep roots in the South Coast music scene. Over the years, he's played in bands including Trample, Toy Not Suitable, Fires Were Started, and currently performs with Mac Tango and Fat Bald Idiot. Alongside performing, Matt is the host of two podcasts, 1001 Songs That Make You Want To Die and Screech & Roll, the latter focused on the Illawarra Hawks.Previously, Matt ran Bragg Recordings, where he worked closely with a wide range of artists including The Bungalows, Inanimate Objects, Tokyo Spares, and 19-Twenty. Whether on stage, behind the desk, or behind a mic, he brings a practical, artist-first approach shaped by years inside bands, studios, and scenes.

Max Mandile and Baylen Russell are the lead singer and drummer of Indie-Surf band Streless from Dharawal/Wollongong. Despite this label, the South-Coast band come from many different genres and influences. A must-see energetic live act, their recording style is much more reserved as proven by their debut single 'Fourth Wheel!'