Trusty Chords

• Episode 67: Sean Thompson – MUDRAT

  If you're looking for an artist to give your attention to this year, I humbly and assertively request that it be MUDRAT.MUDRAT is a project that has been going officially since December 2023, with a string of releases arriving in that first year, including the likes of 'I HATE RICH CUNTS,' 'WE DESPISE THE BOURGEOISIE,' and 'YEAR OF THE RAT.'Judging by the titles alone, you can probably ascertain that social justice is a key component to the MUDRAT experience, with tracks such as 'YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT POOR PEOPLE' helping to cement that notion.Following an impressive rise to fame, including plenty of live shows and even a support for the likes of Denzel Curry, this month sees MUDRAT releasing the 'Social Cohesion' album. A brilliant and vital piece of music that speaks to contemporary topics ranging from Indigenous rights, race, social injustice, war, and myriad other matters, I'm of the belief it's one of the best Australian releases you will hear this year.This week, I was lucky enough to be joined by Sean Thompson for a chat about the MUDRAT project, how it came to be, and the importance of speaking when you know your voice will add something to the wider conversation.Anyway, have a listen to MUDRAT's 'Social Cohesion,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Episode 66: Anthony Gesa & Chris Teti – The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die

  For over 15 years now, the worlds of emo, indie, and post-hardcore have been home to the ever-enjoyable The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die.If you're anything like me, you might have been intrigued by the group's often unmanageable name, but once you checked them out, you were struck by their inimitable approach to music, with an expertly-crafted blending of power, emotion, and technical prowess.An eclectic band whose surprises are as plentiful as their talents, they've undergone a number of lineup changes over the years, releasing myriad EPs and splits alongside a modest collection of albums.Their fourth record, 'Illusory Walls,' arrived in 2021 and after four long years of waiting, fans have this week received a new LP by way of the brilliant 'Dreams Of Being Dust.'As always, it's immersive and impactful, pairing raw emotion with blistering works of musical brilliance that leave you feeling a little bit stunned. In case you can't tell, I really liked this album.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with guitarists Chris Teti and Anthony Gesa ahead of the new record's arrival.Anyway, have a listen to The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die's 'Dreams Of Being Dust,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Episode 65: Cherie Currie – The Runaways

  It's probably fair to say that the world of rock music wouldn't look how it does today without a band like The Runaways.Formed in 1975, the group's all-female lineup was a breath of fresh air on the male-dominated scene, with debut single "Cherry Bomb" and their self-titled album arriving in 1976 to strong acclaim, despite not being a smash on the charts.Ultimately, The Runaways only existed for a few short years, but their influence was immense, informing countless other bands in the genre, and serving as proof that the music scene need not be filled with the same male performers.For half of The Runaways' life, vocalist Cherie Currie was up the front. Having joined the group at just 15, it was her iconic voice that helped lead the charge and cemented The Runaways' place in history.But her career doesn't start and end with The Runaways, she's been a solo musician, an actress, and for the past 25 years, a chainsaw artist. To say she's a woman of many talents is putting it lightly.This year, Cherie visits Australia for her second tour of the country, with this visit also set to be her last, having announced a decision to retire from the world of touring.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Cherie about her influence, legacy, and her upcoming tour.Anyway, have a listen to The Runaways' brilliant discography, buy a ticket to Cherie's tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Episode 64: Davey Lane – You Am I

  When you think about Australian music, it's a little hard not to think about Davey Lane. That might sound grandiose, but given he's spent more than 25 years as a guitarist for local legends You Am I, it's hard to classify him any other way.Joining the already-established outfit at just the age of 18, Lane swiftly found himself as part of Aussie music royalty, eventually going on to be part of ARIA Award-winning releases and countless revered live shows.He's also stretched his musical wings with his other band, The Pictures, and since 2013, he's been releasing solo gear as well. While last year's brilliantly-titled cover album, 'How To Make Davey, Vol. 1,' was one of my favourite records of 2024, this year, Lane is back with another album, this time called 'Finally, A Party Record.'Feeling like a love letter to classic '70s rock, it's a testament to his anachronistic place within the world of Australian music, but for those listening close, it's not exactly a party record in the strictest sense. It's a little bit deep, it's a little bit powerful, and it's a great example of Lane's many and varied talents.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Davey Lane about his musical journey, and his latest record. Just a quick warning, Davey was out and about when we had the chat, so there's a couple of audio drop-outs here and there, but if you don't mind, then neither do I.Anyway, have a listen to Davey Lane's 'Finally, A Party Record' when it arrives next week, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Episode 63: John Busby – Halfway

  Hello and welcome to Trusty Chords, the podcast which aims to celebrate music and those that create it.For the past 25 years, Brisbane's Halfway have operated as one of those well-kept secrets that often feels as though only a select few know about.Of course, with ARIA, APRA, and AIR Award nominations (and a win the latter category), along with three Queensland Music Awards, it's fair to say that their reputation and creativity has managed to transcend the categorisation of well-kept secret and become one of those groups with a passionate fanbase.Formed out of the likes of Queensland outfit St. Jude, Halfway emerged in 2000 and swiftly became a band who demanded your attention. With immersive musicianship and arresting songwriting, it didn't take long for their profile to grow and for the albums to emerge.This year, Halfway returned with their first new album in three years, 'The Styx.' Once again, it's a stellar release from the sprawling outfit, with the record's lyrical themes serving as something of a concept album. Along with repeated tales of characters often overlooked by the wider world, and a luscious musical backing, it's a record that I really recommend you spend some time with – both passively and actively, so as to get the full experience.This week, I was lucky enough to chat with Halfway's John Busby about his musical journey, and the story of the group's latest record.Anyway, have a listen to Halfway's 'The Styx,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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