Rhythms Magazine

Mary Coughlan - Headed For Port Fairy With A New Project Underway

Mary Coughlan began her recording career in 1985 with the acclaimed album Tired & Emotional. Since then Mary has released another fifteen studio and live albums and has become one of Ireland’s most celebrated vocalists. Mary’s life – turbulent at times - has been chronicled in the stage play Woman Undone and also in her latest studio album Life Stories, which she will no doubt showcase in her forthcoming appearance at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and other dates, But she is also working on a fascinating new project that she will talk about in this podcast. 

Billy Bragg: The Million Little Things That Didn’t Happen

Billy Bragg, the Bard from Barking, is a singer-songwriter and activist renowned for his politically charged lyrics and social commentary. Billy began his career in the early 1980s with the release of his debut album, Life's A Riot with Spy Vs Spy, which featured the hit song "A New England" and established what was to become an abiding interest in politics.

Over the years, Billy has released a dozen studio albums, several live albums, and has collaborated with other artists such as Wilco and Joe Henry. He is also a published author with books on Skiffle and politics. In addition to his music career, Bragg has been involved in various political campaigns and social issues. He is known for his passionate performances and dedication to using his platform to promote social justice. 

Brian Wise caught up with Billy Bragg to talk about his latest album, recorded and released during the pandemic, The Million Things That Never Happened. (Brian and Billy first spoke in 1984 not long after the release of that first album!).

Billy Bragg will be back in Australia in March/April 2023 for a series of special shows including a headline appearance at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

This episode of the Rhythms Podcast is sponsored by The Port Fairy Folk Festival. 

Eric Bibb discusses his new album and forthcoming tour to Australia

Eric Bibb has the perfect background for a folk/blues musician. His father was the renowned singer Leon Bibb which enabled Eric to mix with some of music's greats - including Bob Dylan - in New York's Greenwich Village scene of the 1960s. Eric has been recording and touring since 1972 but for many years has lived in Sweden which gives him a different perspective on his homeland. His last studio album was Dear America, released in 2021.

Eric will be appearing at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, March 10-13, 2023 (portfairyfolkfestival.com) and doing other dates. Check out his touring schedule at . 

This Rhythms Podcast is made possible by the Port Fairy Folk Festival - www.portfairyfolkfestival.com.

Michael Goldberg On James Calvin Wilsey

Guitarist James Calvin Wilsey was   responsible for one of the most memorable song intros of all time on 'Wicked Game' by Chris Isaak; yet Wilsey remains largely unknown. Michael Goldberg sets out to rectify that with his book Wicked Game: The True Story of Guitarist James Calvin Wilsey. In this Rhythms podcast, Goldberg talks to Brian Wise about the book.

Bonnie Raitt : Just Like That

Bonnie Raitt talks to Brian Wise about her latest album Just Like That. Bonnie was on the cover of the very first Rhythms magazine back in April 1992 and appeared on the cover of the 30th anniversary edition in May/June 2022. For more information check out rhythms.com.au

Girl From The North Country

Brian Wise talks to Terence Crawford, narrator of the acclaimed play Girl From The North Country, written by Conor McPherson, which opens at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne on April 29 and runs through to June 4. The play, which has already had a season in Sydney, will also be in Canberra from August 25. and in Brisbane at QPAC from September 8.

William Crighton Opens Up ABout his Latest Album

WILLIAM CRIGHTON discusses his new album, Water & Dust, with Rhythms editor Brian Wise.  

Celebrating The 50th Anniversary of the Sunbury Pop Festival

Brian Wise talks to musician Kerry Tolhurst who played at Sunbury 1972 and 1973 with Greg Quill's Country Radio and then with The Dingoes. Brian also talks to Ken McLeish who attended the first two Sunbury festivals as a punter. We also hear music from SCRA, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, Greg Quill and Country Radio and Spectrum.

Elvis Costello: The Boy Named If

Elvis Costello talks to Rhythms Editor Brian Wise about his new album The Boy Named If (And Other Children's Stories). The album, recorded with members of The Imposters, also comes with an 88-page book of stories and illustrations.

This podcast also includes selections of songs from the new album and, at the end, a rarity recorded by a young DP McManus. 

In Conversation - Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly, who has already written one of the great Christmas-related songs with ‘How To Make Gravy’ - talks to Rhythms Editor Brian Wise about his new album Christmas Train - an eclectic mix that includes guests such as Vika and Linda Bull, Dan Kelly, Alice Keath, Lior, Kasey Chambers, Emma Donovan, Marlon Williams, Waleed Aly and more.