Take 5

Oasis are undoubtedly the biggest band to rise out of Brit Pop. And it's hard to describe how massive their return is. For years, the public fighting between the Gallagher brothers suggested they'd never come back. And one day, they did.Oasis have been playing all over the world to stadiums of screaming fans, young and old. And as they finally return to Australia, we're celebrating by sharing a Take 5 for the ages from the archives.A couple of years ago Zan Rowe sat down with Noel Gallagher in his own studio, in Kings Cross, London. At this stage, the reformation tour was not on. He was recording and touring with his band the High Flying Birds, and had just released an album called Council Skies. Noel's history is everywhere in his songs. And the songs he loves, too. You'll hear songs you're expecting, but it's the ones you're not that'll pack a real punch. And the stories? All time.Noel Gallagher's song choices:1.Pink Floyd – 'Nobody Home'2.The Smiths – 'Asleep'3.Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – 'This Guy's In Love With You'4.Air – 'All I Need'5.The Beatles – 'I Am The Walrus'00:00 Introduction and Oasis' Impact00:57 Noel Gallagher's Studio and memorabilia from The Haçienda nightclub02:11 SONG 1: Pink Floyd – 'Nobody Home'07:35 Reflecting on life as a rock star & post-fame09:45 SONG 2: The Smiths – 'Asleep'14:55 Growing up in Manchester17:02 SONG 3: Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – 'This Guy's In Love With You'17:11 A Memorable Encounter with Burt Bacharach24:09 Remembering Burt Bacharach25:38 SONG 4: Air – 'All I Need'30:52 The Shift to Digital Music31:30 Wild Times with Oasis35:09 Transition to a Calmer Life36:33 SONG 5: The Beatles – 'I Am The Walrus'39:48 The Night That Changed Everything for Oasis41:37 Reflecting on Oasis' Final Tour42:55 The Joy of Songwriting44:25 Closing Thoughts and Future GuestsWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-roweContains strong language. This episode was originally broadcast in 2023.

Get ready to laugh, cry, and go head-to-head with two of Australia's most loved comedians. Denise Scott and Matt Okine are Mother and Son (the remix). And as the second series comes to a close on ABC TV and ABC iview, I roped them in to Take 5.A bit out of the ordinary, but oh boy, they embraced it. This is beautiful and hilarious Take 5, and you're gonna walk away from it feeling all the richer.Denise Scott and Matt Okine's song choices:1.Neil Young - 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart'2.Bruce Springsteen - 'Thunder Road'3.Jordie Lane - 'New Normal'4.Radiohead - 'Paranoid Android'5.Bag Raiders - 'Shooting Stars'00:00 Introduction and Overview00:14 Denise Scott's Journey in Comedy00:37 Mother and Son Reboot00:55 Personal Stories and Reflections01:25 Behind the Scenes of Mother and Son03:16 The Origin of the Reboot Idea05:29 Musical Memories and Mix Tapes05:36 SONG 1: Neil Young - 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart'09:12 Heartbreak and Humor13:58 SONG 2: Bruce Springsteen - 'Thunder Road'18:19 Family Dynamics and Aging21:07 The Vulnerability of Performing21:36 Denise's Son Jordie Lane and His Music21:42 SONG 3: Jordie Lane - 'New Normal'24:58 Scotty's New Standup Show Tickety Boo27:18 SONG 4: Radiohead - 'Paranoid Android'28:46 The death of Matt's mother33:45 Judith Lucy and Denise's secret - The Power Weep36:16 SONG 5: Bag Raiders - 'Shooting Stars'39:28 Conclusion and Next Episode with Noel GallagherWatch Mother and Son on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/mother-and-son

Paul Kelly is a national treasure, who's written the soundtrack to our lives. Road trips, first loves, heartbreak, our very sense of identity; he's explored it all over more than 40 years and 30 albums. But who are the songwriters that tickle him? And what place do they take him to? That was the theme I gave PK, when I invited him to Take 5. And you're about to dig  into an extraordinary conversation, about place, time, family, and the mystery of song.Paul Kelly's song choices:1.Kinks – 'Waterloo Sunset'2.The Go-Betweens – 'Cattle And Cane'3.Joni Mitchell – 'River'4.Queen Latifah – 'Just Another Day…'5.Archie Roach – 'Charcoal Lane'00:00 Introduction to Paul Kelly's Musical Journey01:40 Paul Kelly's Influences and Visual Songwriting02:59 SONG 1: Kinks – 'Waterloo Sunset'07:13 Paul Kelly's Early Life and Musical Education10:26 Discovering Jazz and the Trumpet13:45 SONG 2: The Go-Betweens – 'Cattle And Cane'16:33 Songwriting Process and Inspirations21:59 SONG 3: Joni Mitchell – 'River'25:35 The Magic of Christmas Songs29:28 The Song's Characters and Their Stories31:12 Writing the Sequel: Unexpected Turns32:32 Exploring the Mystery of Songwriting35:21 SONG 4: Queen Latifah – 'Just Another Day…'35:31 Contrasts in Music: Queen Latifah's 'Just Another Day'37:12 Hip Hop and Folk Music: Unexpected Parallels43:38 The Art of Songwriting: From Poems to Albums47:42 SONG 5: Archie Roach – 'Charcoal Lane'53:08 Final Reflections and Future DirectionsWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

Jarvis Cocker has had a dream run. As founding member and lead singer of Pulp, he hit the highest of the highs during Brit Pop in the 90s, before embarking on a solo career that was just as celebrated. A few years ago he published a different kind of memoir called Good Pop, Bad Pop, which visually catalogued his stuff and told his story through its memories. And within that was revealed the Pulp Masterplan, a manifesto by young Jarvis of what a band would look, sound, and be like. Much of it came true.You're about to spend time with one of the most charismatic frontmen I've met. But offstage, Jarvis Cocker is somewhat shy, reserved, and more than a little self-deprecating. It took me by surprise when we sat down in an old theatre in London's Shepherd's Bush. The Jarvis I'd grown up with, was different to the one facing me in Bush Hall. Settle in for a beautiful, funny, and poetic conversation about life, love and and endless obsession with song.Jarvis Cocker's song choices:1.The Cryin' Shames – ‘Please Stay'2.B52s – ‘Dance This Mess Around'3.Scott Walker – ‘It's Raining Today' 4.Judy Dench ‘Send In The Clowns' / Boys Town Gang ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You' Jarvis Cocker Mash-Up [unreleased]5.Bob Dylan – ‘Isis'00:00 Introduction and Memorable Moments00:18 Jarvis Cocker's Career and Memoir01:04 The Charismatic and Shy Jarvis02:02 Music as an Escape03:51 The Take 5 Theme of Love07:12 SONG 1: The Cryin' Shames – ‘Please Stay'10:51 Childhood and Early Influences like The Beatles15:28 Sheffield and Moving to London18:16 SONG 2: B52s – ‘Dance This Mess Around'22:32 The Pulp Master Plan29:41 The Reality of Fame31:03 The Impact of Fame32:13 SONG 3: Scott Walker – ‘It's Raining Today'37:50 Pulp's Reunion and New Beginnings41:25 SONG 4: Judy Dench ‘Send In The Clowns' / Boys Town Gang ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You' Jarvis Cocker Mash-Up [unreleased]42:00 A Unique Wedding Story44:37 Reflections on Love and Relationships46:58 Pulp's 2025 album More48:29 Glastonbury Performance: Then and Now54:06 The Magic of Live Performances55:54 SONG 5: Bob Dylan – ‘Isis'58:29 Final Thoughts and FarewellWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

At the age of 16, Lorde went #1 across the world. She was catapulted from the suburbs of Auckland to the Grammy's stage, winning Song of the Year. 12 years and four albums later, she's continued to defy expectations as a pop artist and is one of the most gifted songwriters of our time. This is an extended edit of a Take 5 that was filmed for the TV series, but this podcast is an extended edit - capturing even more stories, insight, and sounds. It's an incredible conversation with one of the most thoughtful people I've met. Lorde has been going through a massive period of change. A chrysalis, taking new form. So I worked up a Take 5 theme to draw that out. And from Lucinda Williams to Westerman to something very close to home, hearing her speak about the craft of song is a rare treat.Lorde's song choices:Lucinda Williams – 'Fruits of My Labor'Bronski Beat – 'Smalltown Boy'Nina Simone – 'Suzanne'Westerman – 'Confirmation'Charli xcx & Lorde – 'Girl, so confusing featuring lorde'00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:49 Lorde's Early Influences and First Song Choice02:04 Lucinda Williams' Impact on Lorde09:30 Lorde's Childhood and Musical Beginnings12:56 The Mystery of Songwriting14:02 Second Song Choice: Small Town Boy24:10 Reflecting on Teenage Years and Womanhood28:22 Lorde's Relationship with Her Parents30:18 Third Song Choice: Suzanne30:27 Nina Simone's Transformative Cover of 'Suzanne'31:16 Leonard Cohen's Inspiration and Poetic Imagery32:12 Nina Simone's Unique Interpretation35:39 Exploring Gender and Identity in Music36:36 The Impact of Personal Transformation39:48 The Creative Process Behind 'Virgin'46:20 The Emotional Journey of 'Girl So Confusing'50:06 Reflections on Vulnerability and Friendship55:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future PlansWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

You're about to learn a whole lot more about Kevin Bacon. The prolific actor has been on our screens for more than 40 years. It was his breakthrough part as Ren in Footloose that got him attention, but he was just getting started. Acclaimed roles in Apollo 13, A Few Good Men, The River Wild, and Mystic River would follow. In fact his filmography and range is so broad he literally had a game made up about him – Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon – where you could connect any Hollywood actor to him in six or less steps, he's worked with that many stars.But bubbling away in the background, Kevin has always loved music. He played and wrote songs as a kid, joined his brother's band and formed The Bacon Brothers in '95, and shares his love of songs on the regular, across his social media.It was this thread I wanted to pull at, when I asked him to Take 5. But what emerged was a greater sense of the man himself. Deeply empathetic, very grounded, and with his heart in all the right places.Kevin Bacon's song choices:Earth, Wind & Fire – 'Happy Feelin'Spin Doctors – 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong'John Prine & Iris DeMent – 'In Spite of Ourselves'Frank Ocean – 'Thinkin Bout You'Brandi Carlile – 'The Joke'00:00 Introduction to Kevin Bacon's Musical Journey01:00 Kevin Bacon's Love for Music02:19 Kevin Bacon's Acting and Music Synergy04:11 SONG 1: Earth, Wind & Fire – 'Happy Feelin'05:59 The Influence of Philadelphia's Music Scene09:59 Kevin Bacon's Acting Aspirations and Early Career14:38 SONG 2: Spin Doctors – 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong'18:02 The Bacon Brothers and Overcoming Stage Fright22:53 SONG 3: John Prine & Iris DeMent – 'In Spite of Ourselves'23:28 Marriage to Kyra Sedgwick and singing together30:32 SONG 4: Frank Ocean – 'Thinkin Bout You'35:21 Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon and Philanthropy39:51 SONG 5: Brandi Carlile – 'The Joke'44:28 Kevin Bacon's Musical Journey45:57 Upcoming Episodes and Podcast Details46:29 Double J Radio HighlightsWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

You're about to see a side to Aaron Chen you've never seen before. You might know him as George in Fisk, or Guy Montgomery's sidekick on Spelling Bee. Maybe you cheered his win on Taskmaster Australia season 3. He's also an acclaimed stand-up comic. But when I sat down with Aaron in his new home in New York City, I got a totally different sense of what makes him tick.This podcast is a companion to the TV episode you can see now on ABC iview. But here, you're getting a whole lot more. More stories, silliness, and backstory to Aaron Chen. I really loved this conversation, mainly cos I had no idea what to expect. And what I walked away with was a rich portrait of a really beautiful human with his heart in the right place.Aaron Chen's song choices:Arcade Fire – 'Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)'Matt Berry – 'Take My Hand'Vampire Weekend – 'Jerusalem, New York, Berlin'Faye Wong – 'Dreams (夢中人)'Kacey Musgraves – 'Deeper Well'00:00 Introduction to Aaron Chen01:26 Aaron's Move to New York02:49 Comedy and Music04:38 Growing Up in Suburban Sydney12:06 Early Comedy Days16:05 First TV Show Experience20:43 Friendship with Sam Campbell25:38 Journey to America27:49 Auditioning for Fisk29:44 Meeting Kitty Flanagan30:29 Finding My Comedy Voice34:29 Faith and Grounding41:50 Marriage and Moving to New York44:27 American TV and Movie Roles48:36 Final Reflections and Future PlansWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

As one-fifth of the Spice Girls, she's one of the most famous people on the planet. But you wouldn't know it. The Liverpudlian's down to earth beginnings define who Mel C is today.Take 5 is back on your screens for a fourth season on ABC iview, and we kicked off the series with Sporty Spice. In a beautiful HIFI bar in east London, we unpacked her remarkable story… of a kid who daydreamed about the pop stars she'd one day become friends with.This is the story of the Spice Girls you haven't heard, where against all odds they did it their way. It's also the story of Melanie's path to a solo career, and her full circle return to the rave culture she grew up in.Settle in for a fireside chat with an absolute legend, in this extended uncut edition of Melanie C's Take 5.Melanie C's song choices:Stevie Wonder — 'Sir Duke'Wham! — 'Everything She Wants'TLC — 'Waterfalls'Orbital — 'Chime'The Beatles — 'Eleanor Rigby'00:00 Introduction to Mel C and the Spice Girls00:24 Mel C's Musical Beginnings00:36 Take Five Podcast and Mel C's Story01:35 The Power of Music in Mel C's Life02:50 Mel C's First Musical Influences03:38 SONG 1: Stevie Wonder — 'Sir Duke'05:43 Meeting Stevie Wonder09:22 Growing Up in Liverpool11:07 The Birth of Sporty Spice15:37 The Spice Girls' Early Days19:28 Living Together and Early Struggles20:55 Breaking into the Music Industry23:55 SONG 2: Wham! — 'Everything She Wants'30:38 Childhood Memories and First Friendships32:17 SONG 3: TLC — 'Waterfalls'35:59 Going Solo and Collaborations41:12 SONG 4: Orbital — 'Chime'42:23 Rave Culture and DJing51:33 SONG 5: The Beatles — 'Eleanor Rigby'54:44 The Beatles and Liverpool's Influence55:48 Reflecting on Spice Mania58:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWatch Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

The transgressive trailblazer celebrates 25 years since The Teaches of Peaches. A boundary-blurring blend of electroclash, sex-positive feminist themes, and fun. It would become a defining album of the early noughties, and kick off a career that made our heads spin time and time again.Peaches has been pushing the boundaries and conversations around gender and sexuality since the beginning, and she's someone I always relish sitting down with.So I've dug into my Take 5 archives this week to a chat I had with Peaches back in 2018 when I invited her to Take 5 with songs that bite. And oh boy, did she deliver.Peaches' song choices:PJ Harvey - '50ft Queenie [4-Track Demo Version]'Rough Trade - 'High School Confidential'DAF - 'Der Mussolini'Missy Elliott - 'Get Ur Freak On'Diamanda Galás - 'My Love Will Never Die'00:00 Introduction to Peaches and Her Impact00:50 Peaches' Musical Inspirations and Influences like AC/DC04:39 Exploring PJ Harvey's Influence05:06 SONG 1: PJ Harvey - '50ft Queenie [4-Track Demo Version]'07:59 SONG 2: Rough Trade - 'High School Confidential'08:02 Rough Trade and Carol Pope's Legacy13:36 Peaches' Role in Queer Culture and Feminism14:21 Influencing artists like Janelle Monáe17:31 SONG 3: DAF - 'Der Mussolini'18:13 The Power of Minimalist Punk19:32 Peaches' Unique Stage Presence20:51 SONG 4: Missy Elliott - 'Get Ur Freak On'22:33 The Evolution of Peaches' Art23:28 SONG 5: Diamanda Galás - 'My Love Will Never Die'25:15 Upcoming Take Five Episodes and Conclusion

Take 5 with Zan Rowe is back on your screens from Tuesday 9 September, and Season 4 is our biggest yet.Kevin BaconMelanie C from the Spice GirlsLordePaul KellyComedian Aaron Chen (Fisk, Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee)Pulp's Jarvis CockerAcross this new season, you'll hear revealing, funny, and deeply personal conversations with some of the most fascinating artists around. Each guest takes on a theme and chooses five songs that speak to it, and what unfolds is always unexpected.Like Jarvis Cocker, who didn't say “I love you” until he was 40. Or Aaron Chen, whose wild comedy days led him back to a deep Christian faith.Want a Spice Girls story?Melanie C takes us back to the early days of sharehousing with the band – and spills on who scored the solo room. That chat was filmed at Hidden Grooves, a high-end London hifi bar owned by Richard Branson. The speaker behind us? Worth £55,000. No joke.We also sit down with songwriting legends Paul Kelly and Lorde, diving into the tracks they obsess over and the stories behind them.You'll catch all the episodes from Tuesday September 9 on ABC TV and ABC iview.PLUS: every week, we'll drop extended cuts of these chats right here on the podcast. All the bits we had to leave out of the TV episodes, the stories that didn't make the edit, the moments that stayed with us.So hit follow and get ready for a season of Take 5 that'll shift your perspective, make you laugh, and maybe even make you cry.And while you wait for Season 4, there's plenty to explore. From Eddie Perfect to Meg Washington, Bernard Sumner to Antony Green – Take 5 has been a radio and podcast favourite for years. Dig in.Watch the first 3 seasons of Take 5 on ABC iview:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-roweOther Take 5 episodes you might like:Eddie Perfect https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/eddie-perfect-take-5-source-material-beetlejuice-musical/105463030Bernard Sumner from New Order https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/bernard-sumner-take-5-still-uses-blue-monday-synth-unbeatable/104908428Meg Washington https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/meg-washington-take-5/105628150Antony Green https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/antony-green-take-5-song-preferences/105234670

Mac DeMarco has long been loved for his laid-back guitar noodlings and so called “slacker” rock. He sometimes calls it "jizz jazz", but whatever it is, it's gained him a loving fanbase across the world.For the past few years, Mac has moved away from traditional albums in favour of brain dumping huge swaths of music – a lot of it without lyrics. But now he's returned with an old school album, and for him he says it's capturing the essence of where he's at right now. What matters.On the day he released Guitar, I invited Mac to Take 5. Fall into Mac's world, you'll feel better for it.Mac DeMarco's Take 5 song choices:Martin Kolberger + Ralf Illenburger – 'Waves'Akiko Yano – 'A Worried Girl'Michael Manring – 'Welcoming'Bruce Cockburn – 'You Get Bigger As You Go'Bob Dylan – 'Alberta #1'00:21 Mac DeMarco's Musical Journey01:13 Reflecting on Life and Music03:06 The Essence of Music and Collaboration05:45 Martin Kolberger + Ralf Illenburger – 'Waves'06:23 Philosophical Musings and Personal Anecdotes09:25 Akiko Yano and Musical Inspirations13:39 Akiko Yano – 'A Worried Girl'14:08 Guitars and Their Stories16:37 Canoeing and Nature's Influence on Music19:27 Michael Manring – 'Welcoming'20:18 Exploring Jazz and Its Mystique23:01 Creating Music Independently25:58 Reflecting on Canadian Roots29:39 Bruce Cockburn – 'You Get Bigger As You Go'30:06 Reflecting on new album Guitar and singing falsetto more33:26 The Influence of Bob Dylan37:20 Bob Dylan – 'Alberta #1'38:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsOther Take 5 episodes like this:Flaming Lips' frontman Wayne CoyneLucy DacusSharon Van Etten

Bert McCracken from The Used shares 5 songs that 'got him through'.The frontman and founding member of The Used found his tribe through music, and he's gathered a huge community of fans over the last 25 years.It's the occasion of that quarter century that's taking them around the world, to play out their first three albums in full night after night.It's why I invited Bert to Take 5. His music has helped so many people overcome the hardest of times, you can see people's faces and memories as they sing back the classics to their favourite band… and I wanted to know about the songs that got him through. From the godfathers of emo, to vampire punk, to synth pop, this is a beautiful window into a big-hearted Bert.Sunny Day Real Estate - 'How It Feels To Be Something On'Nirvana - 'Molly's Lips'Ink & Dagger - 'Philapsychosis'Elliott Smith - 'Angeles'Robyn - 'Call Your Girlfriend'

It's been five years since Meg Washington released an album of original songs, but that time hasn't been wasted. Starring in Bluey as Calypso, and co-writing the Paul Kelly inspired film How To Make Gravy have dominated her last little while. But now she's back with GEM, and it's a welcome return.When talking about the album, Meg said she conjured a treasure island while writing these songs, finding music as an oasis, and that was the catalyst for her Take 5. What she revealed, was a deep love of songwriting in an age where being a musician is harder than ever. And the music that has been a refuge, and inspiration, for her.Sade - 'No Ordinary Love'The Bangles - 'Eternal Flame'Kevin Morby - 'Harlem River'Eugenio Bennato - 'Ogni uno'The Roches - 'Hammond Song'

Sophie Payten has had a wild five years. Better known as Gordi, she's been living all over, put music on hold to work her day job as a doctor during the pandemic, and has been reassessing her place and space in the world through it all.It's been that long too, since her last album, and she's captured the intensity, beauty, and whirlwind of her experiences on Like Plasticine.Ahead of her third album dropping, I invited Gordi to Take 5. I was thinking it'd be a lil album preview, what I got was something a lot deeper. This is a special conversation, full of deep reflection and beautiful music.Missy Higgins - 'Any Day Now'MUNA - 'I Know a Place'Big Red Machine - 'Forest Green'Taylor Swift - 'epiphany'S. Carey - 'Take It With Me'

Patience Hodgson is no stranger to the Hottest 100. As lead singer of The Grates, she is certified alumni – with 8 entries and plenty of memories with her beloved band. And as we celebrate a special Hottest 100 of Australian songs, who better to wear their love of local on their sleeve. I roped Pae in for a pre-party and she delivered; not just with incredible songs but a peek behind the curtain of the beautiful community in the Australian music scene.The Mavis's – 'Cry'Violent Soho – 'Covered In Chrome'WAAX – 'Labrador'Sekiden – 'Up In The Air'Regurgitator - '! (The Song Formerly Known As)'

Howlin' Pelle is a joy to be around. As the longtime lead singer for Swedish garage rock legends The Hives, he brings big energy on stage and off. The band are known for their live shows, and their forthcoming new album is one they wrote with a stadium sensibility in mind. So when The Hives returned to Australia for the first time in 10 years, I asked him to choose his blockbuster songs. From AC/DC to Outkast to Billie Eilish, this is a fist pumping, heart filling conversation about music's power.AC/DC - Thunderstruck OutKast - Hey Ya Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have FunBillie Eilish - Bad Guy Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit

Yorta Yorta man Tom Forrest knows how to spin a yarn. Better known as Outback Tom, he's amassed hundreds of thousands of fans on social media with his bush recipes and know how. Often joined by his Grandad, he shows his beautiful backyard of the Kimberley, while entertaining us with his charm and smarts.Tom's a real renaissance man, he's one of those people who tries his hand at everything… curiosity and drive are the cornerstones of his life. And whenever I cross paths with him, he lights up my day. I knew I wanted him to Take 5. I gave Tom the theme of generations, tapping into the theme of NAIDOC week this year – the next generation - and celebrating those who have come before, and those who are leading us into the future. Across five songs Tom shared the stories of his life, and the people who had guided him through his extraordinary path so far.Moby – PorcelainNgaiire – OnceJem Cassar-Daley - Big ContainerPaul Kelly - How to Make GravyGurrumul – Wiyathul

This week, I've pulled out a special Take 5 from the archives, when Ngaiire joined me to explore songs without boundaries.Ngaiire has long been one of Australian music's most treasured voices.Having lived and travelled across many places, she draws on these experiences to shape her distinctive sound.Music has always been a big part of Ngaiire's life. As a child of the 90's, she grew up listening to pop songs in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, then Australia. She would find a connection particularly to Janet Jackson and Talib Kweli; a brown woman in song in an overwhelmingly white Australia.In this Take 5,  Ngaiire guides us through the music that reflects a life lived across cultures, sounds, and borders.

Eddie Perfect has been entertaining us for years. A star of stage and screen, he's a writer of Broadway musicals, played Mick Holland on Offspring, and once composed a musical about Shane Warne. Eddie's currently starring in the titular role for another musical he wrote – Beetlejuice - and he nails it. But for someone with such a varied life in song, I was curious about the inspirations he drew from. Strap in for his source material, and some truly beautiful nerding out on music.The Beach Boys - 'I Get Around'Lauryn Hill - 'Ex-Factor'Rage Against The Machine - 'Killing In The Name'Ella Fitzgerald - 'Fascinating Rhythm'Joni Mitchell - 'Both Sides, Now' 

If you're an avid podcast listener, you've likely heard one of Richard Fidler's Conversations. For 20 years he's been chatting with people from all walks of life, making the Conversations podcast one of the most popular in Australia. So as they mark this big 20th birthday, I thought it'd be fun to flip the mic on Richard. Because his story begins long ago, as a founding member of the Doug Anthony Allstars, and host of Race Around the World. In 2016 Richard published his first non fiction book Ghost Empire, and since then has written three more (Saga Land, Golden Maze, and The Book of Roads and Kingdoms).He is a curious soul, a master storyteller, and you're about to relish in his tales.T. Rex – Get It OnJoy Division – InterzoneThe Violent Femmes – Blister in the SunCocteau Twins – Carolyn's FingersBig Star – Kanga Roo

Katy Steele has always been surrounded by music. Her brothers came up with the Sleepy Jackson and Empire of the Sun, and her dad Rick Steele was a legendary blues guitarist around Perth. But Katy made her own mark more than 20 years ago, when she burst out as the songwriter and frontwoman of Little Birdy. With her soaring voice and knack for writing catchy pop songs, their debut album BigBigLove made a huge mark on Australian music. And now the band are reuniting to play that record in full for the first time in years. Good reason to invite her in to Take 5, and trek through some of the musical moments that have helped her break out as a songwriter.Odetta – Gallows Pole (Live)Peter Gabriel – The Book of Love (Live)Adrianne Lenker – Sadness As A GiftRick Steele – DianellaJanis Ian – Stars

It's been a big year for Sam Cromack and his band Ball Park Music. A sold out tour, a #1 album, and a step away from their jaunty indie tunes into a more heartfelt, reflective moment. Like Love has solidified their place and one of Australia's most loved bands.It got me thinking about other artist's departures; when they shifted the needle on their sound and surprised us all (for the better). Dive into a gloriously nerdy and warm convo with one of Australia's best songwriters, as we explore his favourite departures in song.Big Thief - 'Spud Infinity'Beck - 'Paper Tiger'Julia Jacklin - 'Body'King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - 'Planet B'Radiohead - 'Idioteque'

Isabella 'Izzi' Manfredi was born to be a frontwoman. As lead singer for The Preatures, she brought rock n roll swagger and brilliant pop songwriting to the scene, when they arrived in the 2010's. They called it a day in 2020, but recently decided to reform and celebrate that brilliant debut album Blue Planet Eyes. It was the catalyst to invite Izzi in to Take 5, and hear about the music that had been the foundations and moulded around her ever-evolving existence.Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)Cat Power - RuinThe Angels  - Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again (live) Christine Anu - Island HomeCharli xcx & Bon Iver - I think about it all the time featuring bon iver

Kumi Taguchi is freshly minted author. Long known to us as a journo with ABC News and the current host of Insight on SBS, she's just put out a beautiful memoir titled The Good Daughter.Kumi has always had that perfect blend of curiosity and empathy, it's what makes her a great journo. She's also got a strong grounding in music, having trained in violin as a child and even winning a scholarship to study music. So when I asked her to Take 5, I knew she'd have stories. Settle in for a beautiful convo about connection with the world, and finding yourself (with one helluva soundtrack).Deep Forest - Sweet LullabyJamiroquai - Too Young To DieThe Presets - PromisesL'Impératrice - Agitations TropicalesDaft Punk - Beyond

Tim Carroll has got stories. One half of Holy Holy, he's been adventuring around the world for most of his adult life, and place is key to his story with bandmate Oscar Dawson.As Holy Holy get ready to wrap it up for a while, I grabbed Tim on the way out of the door, to Take 5. His great sense of adventure and exceptional music taste locked this one in as a highlight, so go for a journey of sound and story with Tim.Ennio Morricone - ‘Ave Maria Guarani'Sinéad O'Connor - ‘Nothing Compares 2 U'Courtney Barnett - ‘Avant Gardener'CocoRosie - ‘By Your Side'The Knife - ‘Heartbeats' 

It was 2006 when UK band The Kooks burst onto the scene with their debut record Inside In / Inside Out.Six albums later, they're returning to the same raw energy that captured their beginnings, and a nod in the album title too.On the day Never/Know comes out, frontman Luke Pritchard joined Zan to Take 5, and celebrate the songs that capture that same energy. From Lykke Li to David Bowie to The Police, this is a joyful chat about inspiration, indie-sleaze, and how music forms the foundations of our shared memories.Bob Dylan - 'Like a Rolling Stone'Lykke Li - 'Complaint Department'David Bowie - 'Oh! You Pretty Things' The Strokes - 'Under Control'The Police - 'Walking On The Moon'

You're about to hear a side of Antony Green you've never heard before. The longtime Chief Election Analyst for the ABC is about to hang up his boots, after calling close to 100 elections in his time. He's the guy we look to as the polling booths close, crunching the numbers, understanding the swings, and with a brain and knowledge bank that would rival the best computers. Antony is an icon, and arguably the most trusted person in Australia.But who is he behind the numbers? Get ready to find out, as we Take 5 and analyse the man himself across five songs.Traffic – 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys'Pretenders – 'Up The Neck'Pete Shelley – 'Telephone Operator'Simple Minds – 'I Travel'D:Ream – 'Things Can Only Get Better'

Ahead of the dreamy indie icons' return to Australia, founding member and vocalist Rachel Goswell shares songs by performers who have inspired her to take to the stage, from ABBA to Joni Mitchell.

The talented solo artist and boygenius collaborator has just released her fourth album Forever is a Feeling, but back in 2019 Dacus was in Australia touring her second record Historian, and dropped by Double J to Take 5 with her dream covers.

Zan Rowe speaks with Justin Vernon in his only Australian interview about Bon Iver's first new album in 6 years, SABLE, fABLE.

The acclaimed rapper, actor, poet and activist joined Zan for a joyous Take 5 at the end of a tumultuous 2020.

As the oldest child of Jimmy and Jane Barnes, music has always been in Mahalia Barnes' blood, so it was no surprise that she inherited her dad's extraordinary set of pipes, and set off on her own path.

Mel Buttle first thought Future Islands had a, "dumb name". Watching them at Splendour In The Grass changed that.

Julia Stone is one of Australia's most successful musicians.With her brother Angus, she's topped the Hottest 100 and sold-out massive shows across the world. As a solo artist, Julia has worked with some amazing collaborators.Back in 2021 Julia joined me to Take 5. It was right after she'd released her solo album Sixty Summers, which was a sonic shift from anything we'd heard from Julia Stone before.Björk – 'Hyperballad'James Blake – 'Barefoot in the Park [Ft. Rosalia]'Fiona Apple – 'Fetch the Bolt Cutters'David Bowie – 'Let's Dance'Robyn – 'Honey'

Kristin Hersh is a singular artist. For almost 40 years she's been writing and performing songs. She may have gotten her start as a kid in Throwing Muses, but her creative life has expanded to other bands, solo work, critically acclaimed books, and iconic collaborations.Even if you're not across Kristin's work, you're going to love the conversation you're about to hear. About the magic of song, how music industry gets in the way of art, and the deep friendships she's formed across her life.From Vic Chesnutt to Sam Cooke to X, this is one of my favourite conversations about music, muses, and creativity.Violent Femmes - 'Kiss Off'X - 'White Girl'Vic Chesnutt – 'Bakersfield'Tendon Levey - 'Tendril'Sam Cooke - 'Nothing Can Change This Love'

Over the years of I've chatted with many incredible people from the LGBTQIA+ community. Artists, comedians, musicians, singers; and a common thread through all these conversations is how much music has meant to them. How it's been a place of joy and solace, love and healing.As we celebrate the annual Mardi Gras parade, I dug into the archives to pull out some of my favourite moments on Take 5.All of these stories come from the heart, but they also show just how much music is a map for all of us. How it can be a home, a salve, a lightbulb moment, and a community.Scissor Sisters - 'Running Out'David Bowie - 'Boys Keep Swinging'Maddie Zahm - 'You Might Not Like Her'Ry Cooder & V. M. Bhatt - 'Isa Lei'N-Joi - 'Anthem'Listen to the full episodes here:Rhys Nicholson Takes 5 with the unexpected https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/rhys-nicholson-take-unexpected/103148616Jake Shears' boundary pushing songs https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/jake-shears-take-5/10905602Casey Donovan's sanctuary songs https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/casey-donovan-take-5-sanctuary-songs/104562904Ed Le Brocq's songs on the road https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/ed-le-brocq-take-5-on-the-road/102427136HAAi's pride songs https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/double-j-take-5-zan-rowe-haai/102019612Lifeline: 13 11 14

For more than 15 years, Sharon Van Etten has worn her heart on her sleeve. Over 7 albums she's processed the raw emotions of life through some incredible songs, and continued to evolve her sound with every album.From early days playing indie folk and Americana, to big anthems, incorporating synths, and now collaborating with her band for the first time on the writing of an album. With The Attachment Theory on deck for her latest, I invited her to Take 5 with her songs of metamorphosis, and what she revealed was the very blueprint of her musical heart.Jethro Tull - 'We Used To Know' Mary Chapin Carpenter - 'Passionate Kisses'The Lemonheads - 'Ever' Nine Inch Nails - 'Terrible Lie' Portishead - 'Only You'

New Zealand band Shihad are calling it a day. Over almost 4 decades they've torn up stages around the world, proving themselves one of the best live bands around. As they hang up the guitar leads, what better time to ask them to Take 5 and share some of their best memories?This is a blueprint for how Shihad came to be. It's also the story of a friendship that began in a schoolyard in Wellington and lives strong between lead singer Jon Toogood and drummer Tom Larkin, to this day.From Killing Joke to AC/DC to Metallica, horns up for a helluva farewell.AC/DC – 'Back In Black'Headless Chickens – 'Gaskrankinstation'David Bowie – 'Let's Dance'Killing Joke – 'Love Like Blood'Metallica – 'Master Of Puppets'

One of the most influential bands of our time are coming back to Australia. To celebrate New Order's return, I'm dusting off a cracking Take 5 from 2020 with the one and only Bernard Sumner. The frontman joined me to share the songs that made him, which was a real treat given his blueprint has changed the course of modern music.Dive into the Haçienda, and hear some incredible stories with this Mancunian legend.Iggy Pop - 'Shades' Joe Smooth - 'Promised Land'Electronic - 'Twisted Tenderness'Arcade Fire - 'Ready To Start'David Morales - Hideaway [Ft. Blondewearingblack] [Classic Mix]Listen to Peter Hook's Take 5 here

What do you say about Wayne Coyne? The legendary frontman of Flaming Lips has been bringing us joy for more than four decades. Their live shows are the stuff of legend; wild visuals, confetti, balloons, furry animal costumes and giant plastic balls rolling across the crowd. And then there's their music, strange and uplifting pop songs that have become the soundtrack to our own lives.As they visit Australia to play Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in full, Wayne opens up his record box and shares the very foundations of who he is today.The Beatles – 'Strawberry Fields Forever' Billie Eilish – 'BIRDS OF A FEATHER' Nancy Sinatra – 'You Only Live Twice'Julee Cruise – 'Falling'Aphex Twin – 'Flim'Listen to why comedian Adam Hills picks a classic Flaming Lips song in his Take 5 here

This is one of the best bits from Take 5.Aussie hip-hop royalty Hilltop Hoods had me in stitches when they came in to Take 5 in 2022. Like many of you, I've grown up with the Hoods, and had plenty of fun at festivals and shows with them too. It was such a buzz to finally Take 5 with them and travel through some of the highlights of an extraordinary career.Def Wish Cast - 'Rappin In My Sleep'Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/hilltop-hoods-take-5/101350034

This is one of the best bits from Take 5.Angel Olsen did a stunning Take 5 in early 2023. It came after a period of massive upheaval for Angel—the death of her parents, coming out as queer, and all the joy and grief that circled around it. She came to the conversation with a new perspective, and a beautiful collection of songs that captured the full spectrum.Chris Bell - 'I Am The Cosmos'Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/double-j-take-5-zan-rowe-angel-olsen-full-spctrum/102075744

This is one of the best bits from Take 5.Fatboy Slim was in Australia in January 2020, right before the world locked down.He came in to Take 5, and took us all on a thrilling journey through his crate digging collection and remarkable history.Donna Summer – ‘I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley remix)'Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/fatboy-slim-dancefloor-evergreens/11918368

This is one of the best bits from Take 5.Caroline Polachek had a huge 2023, and at the end of it she joined Zan Rowe to Take 5. The energy of her most recent album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You had been replicated with a volcano at her live shows, so her theme was centred around explosive songs of release (i.e. 'volcano' songs). It wasn't the first time she'd done Take 5, but more than a decade had passed, so we caught up on her own musical evolution too.Pink Floyd – 'The Great Gig in the Sky'Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/double-j-take-5-zan-rowe-caroline-polachek/103233714

This is one of the best bits from Take 5.Comedian and much loved TV host Adam Hills got a huge reaction when he joined Zan Rowe to Take 5 with his Hall of Fame songs.There were laughs, tears, and plenty of wild stories. Elbow - 'One Day Like This'Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/adam-hills-take-5-hall-of-fame-songs/103979338

This is one of the best bits from Take 5.Emily Wurramara had a remarkable year in 2024. She won an ARIA, was nominated for Double J Artist of the Year, and she toured all over the country. Emily joined Zan Rowe to Take 5 on the same day her second album NARA was released and the energy in the studio was pumping. It's very much a record of renewal, and one of Double J's 50 Best Albums of 2024.Brandy – ‘Sittin' Up In My Room'Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/emily-wurramara-take-5-songs-of-renewal/104257048

Fontaines D.C. are in a real purple patch. Over the last few years, they've become one of the most compelling bands around, and their latest album Romance topped our list at Double J of the 50 Best Albums of 2024.Back in 2023, lead singer Grian joined Zan to Take 5. He doesn't do a whole lot of interviews, but he really embraced this one. Maybe because it was all about poetry, which is the very foundations of Fontaines DC.Sinéad O'Connor – Troy Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/double-j-zan-rowe-take-5-fontaines-dc-verse/101926856

2024 was a massive year for Take 5.We reached all over the world to chat with extraordinary people about the music that's shaped their lives.Some of the best moments from Take 5 in 2024 include (but are not limited to!): Beth Ditto's triumphant return with a new Gossip album, Bill Bailey's take on the future of humanity and Artificial Intelligence, Angie McMahon's stand-out year, DOBBY's brilliant debut record, and in a true bucket-list moment, Zan welcomed the legendary Laurie Anderson to Take 5.Beth Ditto: Bikini Kill – 'Rebel Girl'Bill Bailey: Johnny Cash – ‘Hurt'Angie McMahon: Joni Mitchell - 'Circle Game [Live at Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles 1974]'DOBBY: No Fixed Address - 'We Have Survived'Laurie Anderson: Lou Reed – 'Magic And Loss (The Summation)'Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe

We're winding out 2024 with a beautiful Take 5. Jamie xx is one of my favourite producers, so it's really special to cap off what's been a big year, with the man himself. Looking back the last couple of years, the final Take 5 has been really reflective. Caroline Polachek was poetic at the end of a huge 2023, and he year before Jon Hopkins gifted us a transcendent set of songs. All three artists came to that conversation at the top of their game, but with a wisdom and calm that comes with age, with experience, and freedom.For Jamie, I asked him to choose songs of surrender. He embraced the theme and then some, and his songs confirmed why music is such a beautiful language for him. From vintage surf movies, to legendary Brazilian music, deep house cuts and Jonathan Richman, this is a beautiful meditation on life, and a life in sound.G. Wayne Thomas – Morning of the Earth Phillip Glass – The Grid Milton Nascimento – Um Gosto De Sol Marshall Jefferson vs. Noosa Heads – Mushrooms (Justin Martin remix) Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers – The Morning Of Our Lives 

Katie Crutchfield has been making music as Waxahatchee for almost 15 years. In the early days she self-released on cassette, lo-fi indie music that would blossom into Americana around a decade later. That foray, with her acclaimed album Saint Cloud, brought her a whole new audience. But she has always been a brilliant songwriter. Katie doesn't waste a word, which is why I love chatting with her about songs. And why I asked her to Take 5. From classic country to the heavenly voice of Michael Stipe, let Waxahatchee take you into her record collection and foundations.Rilo Kiley – Portions For FoxesTrisha Yearwood – She's In Love With The BoyFleetwood Mac – LandslideR.E.M. – Sweetness FollowsLady Wray – Guilty

10 years ago, a fellow called Nick Murphy put out his debut album. The Melbournian traded on the name Chet Faker, buzz was building, but when Built on Glass was released, no one knew how big it would become.