Rowena Rasmussen is a super talented director, dancer, actor and singer. Working with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Queen, Kelly Rowland, Ricky Martin and even yours truly. We take a trip down memory lane, from her roles in West Side Story, Fame, We Will Rock You, Miss Siagon… and laugh at the fact we were high school sweet hearts playing in a Christi…

Cisco Tavares is an absolute staple in the Melbourne R&B, Funk and Soul scene. In the way of gigs he's punched his ticket more than any other singer I know. Cisco always brings the disco!! We talk about his latest project with Retro-Electro-Pop-Funk Band Mondo Freaks.By Darius Mendoza

People if you’re into David Bowie and Timothée Chalamet’s talent, look and vibe, you’re going to love my next guest Adam Noviello. This is exactly what Australia needs right now; a progressive, androgynous, authentic, unapologetic diva who has the goods to back it.By Darius Mendoza

Actor, Singer, Dancer - Phoenix Mendoza (interesting last name) is taking Australia by storm. She's gone from back to back musicals such as American Idiot, The Boy From Oz, Bring It On, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and is currently killing it in Six the musical. She stars in the T.V series Dive Club on Netflix and Stories From Oz on ABC. But w…

Dakota East grew up in a log cabin, on a small Island, in Ontario Canada. So Yeah, you can’t grow up in a log cabin and not pick up that old guitar. East’s debut single “Runaway” is a bop with a country pop and she absolutely nails that sound. So pass me that whisky and let’s get to it Nashville style this week on Tight Forty Five.…

I am lost for words when it comes to Aria award winner Mia Dyson. So I’ll quote Pink, “This girl is blowing my mind apart”. She’s opened for the likes of Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt & Joe Cocker and has more accolades than Adelaide Adams. There is nothing more devastating and satisfying than being shot down by a song . Mia shot me down…

Elaura has that soulful, sensual, satisfying sound that is now synonymous with the Melbourne Neo-Soul movement. This young-gun is showing us how it’s done Down Under. If you dig Erykah Badu your gonna dig this Gembrook Chilean Goddess Elaura.

Koolz hails all the way from the Bling Coast of Queensland. With the help of her cohort, Koolz knows how to R&B-Pop in that 90's carefree way. Rhythm, rhyme and tasty melodies is what makes her the coolest on the Coast.

Adam Newling's voice is what we at Tight Forty-Five have coined "nuts on a Choc-Top". The salty and gravelly texture of his pipes gives his original works even more meaning and character. Newling talks candidly of what it means to be half Greek in Australia and what it takes to be an original singer-songwriter in this contemporary world.…

Tight Forty Five’s very first guest from the Netherlands! Pianist-virtuoso and old mate Hue Blanes joins us from The Hague as we take a figurative walk down the streets of Europe and Melbourne's memory lane.

Samuel Gaskin - Singer, Dancer, Actor, Activist and Change Maker. We get into his origin story, what it was like growing up in Australia as a curvaceous, black gay man and what it means for him now. Gaskin is a doer and his work with the indigenous people of Australia and New Zealand is both humbling and admirable.…

Shaun Kirk brings the Blues, the beat and that old school Rock'n'Roll to Tight Forty Five. Kirk's gritty rhythmic sound will have you tapping your toes and missing the days you could dance with a stranger.

Sidney Rose is a contemporary Melbourne pop artist. Her ability to ask questions, learn from her peers and push her ego aside has served her well. Sidney opens up about her streaming success and shares with us how to get your music out into the world where it belongs.

Are you looking for an artist to be part of the Australian soundtrack of your youthful love. Kaitlin Keegan is a great companion when you're driving in your first-secondhand car, punching out cigarettes and regrets. Her songs are sweet yet filled with sorry.

Lamalo; aka Yossi Cascun & Michiya Nagai are classically trained musicians that specialise in creating and producing Electronica & Indie-Pop. With knowledge, talent, passion and youth on their side... these boys have it all.

Timothy Wolf... wowsers, what a voice! Throwing back to the old Soul and Folk singers from yesteryear whilst pushing forward with his own unique vocal stylings and sounds. If you dig Leon Bridges, Jamie Lidell and Smokey Robinson you are going to dig my man Timothy Wolf.

During these Covid times, I think it's appropriate to pop a bottle of bubbly and bring the party and good vibes to lounge room and just freak out. Everybody needs a little Hip Hop, Pop, Raps, Rhymes and Dancey Disco Delights. There is no better person than my next guest to make this all happen. So let yourself go with the multitalented Hugo Bladel.…

At 21 years of age Little Green can do the groove thing, the indie thing, the latin thing, the jazz thing and she plays everything. Have a listen to super talented Amy Nelson blow my mind this week on Tight Forty Five.By Darius Mendoza

Wee is where Folk meets Pop, but in that cool vagabond way. Glenn has been streamed by the hundreds and thousands cause he's the coolest, catchiest, hippest, hippy-Singaporean you'll ever meet. Listen to us talk of the nights we spent in Singapore and of course Glen Wee's undeniable sound.

Velvet Bloom. Yes it’s Neo Soul, but it still gives you something to hold onto other than a tasty groove. Yes it’s Jazz-Rock - a dangerous game to play and hard to pull off but these cats do more than just pull it off, they are off the hook cool! So please welcome my next guest with the velvet voice Maddy Herbert.…

Seb Szabo is a goulash of Indie, pop, rock goodness. We talk to the Hungarian Hunk about a plethora of things like his writing process, his influences and how from a family of awesome but geeky scientists a musician came to be.

Jasmyne Middleton is an absolutely tasty treat for the ears. She's got a stellar clear vocal that'll haunt, taunt and flaunt through your cerebellum long after the song is done. Middleton puts the poetry back into songwriting whilst keeping it fresh, sexy and mysterious.By Darius Mendoza

In this episode, Part 2, we get into all of it. His music, the industry, where it all began, where it is now and where it's all going. Phil Ceberano is a testament to the old and the new. He has seen the Australian music industry change and evolve. Don't miss this week's episode of Tight Forty Five.By Darius Mendoza

Phil Ceberano and Darius Mendoza go head to head. This Flip is regarded as one of Australia's greatest guitarists. In 85 this Axe Slayer went triple platinum! Phil puts the Rock in your Roll. Check him out on part 1 of this week's episode of Tight Forty Five.By Darius Mendoza

My next original guest's country rhythm comes at you like a freight-train! Strong, steady and with purpose. Just like Dolly she manages to be quirky, smart and sentimental all in the space of three minutes and thirty seconds. If Joan Baez and Chris Isaak had a musical love child, it's name would be Brooke Taylor.…

Delsinki beats to the rhythm of his own tribal drum. A true artisan, Delsinki can go from acoustic driven kicks to the Hullabaloo of Red Hot Chilli Peppers with the flip of his magical musical coin. If you love folky Irish steam-punk, littered with tribal urban grooves, Delsinki is right up your bowling alley.…

Bianca Ivorie is an original singer-songwriter who fills the Melbourne city streets with beautiful melodic stories. Busking her way to the top as many greats, such as Tash Sultana and Ed Sheeran have before her. Somber, sweet, folky, pop; Ivorie will strike your emotions as you walk away.

Robert Grenville, ain’t so green. He’s been busting out O.G’s from the time I was born. Jazz, Blues, Honky-Tonk or Roots he’s got you covered. If you dig Boz Scaggs, Van Morrison, Lou Rawls, Vince Jones, Micheal Franks and Tom Waits you’re gonna dig Robert Grenville.They don’t make’em like they used to, nothing swings like an old schooler……

Kerryn Fields is a Folk Singer-Songwriter with a thick dark tone that only ever seems to want to tell the truth. Kerryn's earthy timbre vibrates to the point where you're not sure if she's gonna break which makes it all the more beautiful.By Darius Mendoza

The prodigal son has returned with a phat sound and a whole lotta expansive undertones. Bradley J Price, aka Tall Teeth & Sevenoak seduces us with his undeniable sound. With each guise servicing a different timbre Brad can go from Folk Singer-Songwriter to UK House with the change of a hat. I have the privilege to drop a track I wrote for Tall Teet…

Alright Master Blasters, we going back to our roots. Jamie McDowell my very first guest on Tight Forty Five has returned with a new sound and I’m into it! Challenging yet digestible is our mantra for this week’s episode and Jamie achieves this LIVE with the aid of his trigger happy MPC. Check him out he’s got my Muso vote, a true creative… my man J…

Alanna Cherote; a guitar, a woman and a story to tell…sometimes that’s all you need. If there was a swingers party and the keys in the infamous bowl belonged to Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow, Bic Runga and Alanis Morissette the by-product of that would be the cool vocal stylings of Ms Cherote.By Darius Mendoza

All the way from Nashville Tennessee, Tight Forty Five brings you an absolutely undeniable talent that is Keaton Simons. He’s played with the likes of Chris Cornell, Gnarls Barkley and Snoop Dog. Not only has he backed these amazing artists but is a true artist in his own right. He’s had his songs played on shows like Suits and is an accomplished F…

Matt Hetherington… is it just me or does everybody want to eat sushi off his naked body whilst he serenades you with Michael McDonald tunes. He’s a Matt of all trades and a master of all and he’s got 2 Green Room Awards and a Helpmann to prove it. Matt has starred in The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Next To Normal, Hair, North By Northwest,…

Ross Irwin gives one of the most epic podcasts to date. Trumpeter, Arranger, Composer and Singer/Song-Writer for acts such as The Bamboo’s, The Cat Empire, Tin Pan Orange, Megan Washington, Julia Stone and Electric Empire just to name a few. Ross drops some killer arrangements in multiple genres. There isn’t much that this guy can’t do, In my book …

Lead singer and guitarist Christian Robert from The Slingers has restored my faith in Australian Rock’n’Roll. If you like Bob Dylan, The Boss, Paul Kelly and Elvis you’re gonna love Christian Robert and The Slingers.By Darius Mendoza

Carmen Smith is the woman you call when you need a killer female vocal on your track. Or when you need a solid singer backing you up. She's a soul singing, writing mother-funker and has worked with some of the best in the business. It doesn't get much easier than this when interviewing a funny and awesomely talented artist like Carmen Smith.…

Alinta Chidzey is an Australian icon when it comes to musical theatre. You’d be hard pressed to meet anyone who hasn’t seen her in something. Velma Kelly in Chicago, Anita in Westside Story, Kathy Selden in Singin’ In the Rain. Alinta has performed alongside Hugh Jackman in his Broadway to Oz tour. When she’s not rubbing shoulders with the Wolverin…

Indie Aussie Punk Rock Rules!!! Yeap you're preaching to the converted...when it comes to Picket Palace. My prediction is post Covid 19 these boys are gonna be the next big thing. Lead singer Seamus O'Connell joins me on this week's episode of TFF and let's me know that bands are still grown from the ground up. These guys started off going to their…

Bass player to the stars (Angus and Julia Stone, Meg Mac, Megan Washington and Goyte), Luke Hodgson and I talk about the best era of music ever 1975 to 1985. Where Luke draws inspiration for his Funk/Disco Band Mondo Freaks. He invites us to listen to a number of diverse tracks that he's played on, Love Rain Down - Mondo Freaks, Voyage To The Futur…

Rita Satch WOW, what a voice. In this interview we retrace her steps all the way back from Uzbekistan; to hanging with Mos Def in London, chill’n backstage with D’Angelo & hearing Mary J. Blige in wings of the serendipitous summer she played Glastonbury. Rita cross-pollinates Jazz & Soul, pepper’s it with Pop and Folk and the results… salted carame…

This is a special episode, my first ever Mendoza sibling interview, Phew! First Corona Teléfona interview and first time recording in the Corona Isolation Studio. My sister Rebecca Mendoza was the first of us kids to let Australia know that these flips weren’t messing around. From singing in piano bars with my old man to being known as a force to b…

Ivan Gomez has worked with just about everyone doing just about everything. A stylist for Jamiroquai & Prodigy, creator of content for Oprah and working for a medicinal marijuana company. Ivan got Heath Ledger into his designer Jeans (Vicious Threads) and even breeds Welsh Ponies. Gomez lives a colourful life and I’ve been lucky enough to witness i…

From meat trays to the Matrix, Clayton Watson tells us what it’s like acting with Keanu Reeves. Even more impressive than that was going toe to toe with Filipino Thespian Darius Mendoza on High Flyers in the late 90’s on Aussie daytime T.V…true story.By Darius Mendoza

Marcel Yammouni is one of the most respected guitarists on the Melbourne music scene. Darius and Marcel cover hot topics like Gig-Butt, Daryl Somers and the inevitable question; will there ever be another Toto?By Darius Mendoza

Mykel Dixon is an award winning speaker, author, musician and recognised authority of Creativity...He's also my mate, former band member and my brother in the dark and light. If Dixon doesn't get you wet and or hard for life, call the morgue cause you're already dead.By Darius Mendoza

3 generations of Hip-Hop artists all rolled into one. Melbourne rap crew Cerberus III are in it for the long haul. Listen to Donny, Dante and Jase talk about the game, why they decided to join forces and how they help hero the young. Now of course no conversation with 3 male rappers is complete without an in-depth discussion on ball-sweat and fores…

Joseph Vincent Camilleri - Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons, The Black Sorrows, 24 Albums in the bag, over 2 million records sold and still going strong. Elvis Costello and John Denver covered his songs... from working at the slaughterhouse at the age of 13 the only way was up and Joe Camilleri showed us exactly how that's done.…

This Bromley Boy is the real deal!! Producer, actor and entrepreneur. TJ Herbert and I discuss the making and breaking of his first feature film "The Bromley Boys". Having a yarn with T.J Herbert, or as I like to say Orange Sherbet being behind and in front of a camera for 20 years, discussing our common thread of having underwear models as wives a…

This woman of soul now fronts one of Melbourne’s leading funk/soul bands Mayfield, who have released their album in July 2017, with production by Aria award nominated artist ‘Ivan Khachoyan’. It is commonly known that all good things come in small packages, and that most definitely includes this dazzling pocket-rocket from Melbourne, Carla Troiano.…