Episode 63: John Busby – Halfway

For well over a decade now, Jacob Banks has been enchanting listeners the world over with his immersive blend of soul and R&B. Rising to prominence following his success in a music competition in 2012, Banks quickly became a hot ticket, scoring plenty of airplay thanks to his early singles, including collaborative singles with the likes of Wretch 32 and Chase & Status.Singles soon turned to EPs, and by the end of 2018, he'd released his debut album after signing to Interscope the year prior. Alongside myriad appearances on TV soundtracks and video games, Banks has continued writing, recording, and releasing stellar music at every turn. Last year, he kicked things off with the release of 'Yonder,' a three-part series of EPs that arrived over the coming months and were eventually compiled as a full album just a few months ago.If you've not yet heard Jacob Banks, I recommend giving Yonder a spin so as to allow yourself the chance to witness just what this amazing musician is capable of when operating at his full capability.Next month, Banks will return to Australia for his second solo tour, with shows scheduled for Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and also an appearance at the Wanderer Festival in New South Wales.But before that tour kicks off, this week I was lucky enough to be joined by Jacob Banks for a quick chat about how he's less of a musician and more of a storyteller – regardless of the medium.Anyway, have a listen to Jacob Banks' 'Yonder,' buy a ticket to his upcoming tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

For the past five years now, Los Angeles has been home to the alt-rock/pop-punk outfit Beauty School Dropout. Initially being formed as a solo project from Colie Hutzler while still performing as part of the group Strangefaces, the project soon expanded with the membership of Brent 'Beepus' Burdett and Bardo Novotny. Swiftly, the group found themselves surrounded by a strong stable of supporters, including the likes of Blink-182's Mark Hoppus and Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, who cemented their belief in the group by signing them to the Verswire label.In these past five years, it's been a dizzying rise to fame for the group. Alongside two albums – including 2022's 'We Made Plans & God Laughed' and 2023's 'Ready To Eat' – Beauty School Dropout have been touring relentlessly, playing with a list of bands that any music fan would give their right arm to support.Today, the band release their third album, 'Where Did All The Butterflies Go?.' As you might expect, it's another solid piece of work, capturing their raw energy and inimitable ability to craft some amazing songs that will undoubtedly see them going far.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Beepus, Colie, and Bardo ahead of the new record, while they were out on tour. As a result, the audio quality is a bit rough at some points, but look, if you don't mind, then neither do I.Anyway, have a listen to Beauty School Dropout's 'Where Did All The Butterflies Go?,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

If you've been listening to this podcast over the last year and a half, then you'd probably be aware of how much I love to shine a light on artists from Adelaide.Maybe it's my biased nature due to being from Adelaide, or maybe there's something in the water there, but whatever the case, I reckon one Adelaide act you need to hear right now is none other than Kurralta Park.Named for the Adelaide suburb of the same name, Kurralta Park are an impressive mix of indie-rock and emo that is wholly unique in the way that it captures emotion and filters it through a lens of true sincerity in how the music is crafted and performed.Initially beginning as a solo project for Bindi McCallum, Kurralta Park has since expanded into a three-piece, and just a matter of days ago, they released their debut album, 'Powell Place.'If you're someone who enjoys music with raw power, honest songwriting, and an impassioned delivery, then I think you need to find yourself listening to Kurralta Park right away.This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Bindi about the project's launch and its journey to now. Anyway, have a listen to Kurralta Park's 'Powell Place,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For a few decades now, one of Australia's greatest unsung musical heroes has been none other than Bryan Estepa. Born in the Philippines before moving to Australia as a child, Bryan has had a storied career as a musician, performing in bands such as Swivel and Hazey Jane before turning his attention toward solo gear. That solo gear first took form under the moniker Adeline before he decided to use his real name around 20 years ago.Since then, he's been a prolific artist, writing and recording frequently, and releasing myriad albums in recent decades.For those playing at home, the last time Bryan released a full-length album was back in 2019, with 'Sometimes I Just Don't Know' arriving before an EP called 'Back To The Middle' in 2021. But fast-forward to this year, and Bryan is back with another record called 'I See It Now.'It's an exceptional piece of work, drenched with clever songwriting, power-pop sensibilities, and an immense sense of passion. Truly, it's something worth your time.I've been following Bryan for many years now, but this week, I was lucky enough to finally have a chat with the great man about his musical career and that new album of his.Anyway, have a listen to Bryan Estepa's 'I See It Now,' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Cast your mind back 20 years and you might be taken right back to a moment in time where one of the most exciting Australian bands out there on the scene was none other than End Of Fashion.Formed in Perth by Justin Burford, who was at the time a member of The Sleepy Jackson, End Of Fashion found itself slowly finding fame thanks to constant airplay on triple j, and by the time 2005 rolled around, the group were readying their debut album.I can speak from experience when I tell you that it was pretty hard to ignore the stark black and yellow colour scheme of the band's debut album and singles, and equally hard was it to overlook singles such as 'O Yeah' and 'The Game.'ARIA Award winners with loads of potential, End Of Fashion unveiled a few new albums over the coming years, but ultimately went a bit silent in the following years. However, there have been a few singles since 2020, and this year, the group will be putting out their self-titled debut on vinyl and hitting the road for a national headline tour.Speaking as someone who actually saw End Of Fashion back in 2006 as part of my first 'real' concert experience, I can't tell you how excited this makes folks like myself.As you might be able to gather by this point, I was lucky enough to be joined by the musical mastermind that is End Of Fashion's Justin Burford this week. And yes, I certainly did ask if he remembers that 2006 gig.Anyway, have a listen to End Of Fashion's back catalogue (and their self-titled debut), buy a ticket to their upcoming tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.