The Void 333 With Christina

New York hardcore icon John Joseph talks about H.R. from Bad Brains, how he feels about the aftermath of Cro-Mags and his broken relationship with former bandmate Harley Flanagan, transformative moments with Black Sabbath, new ways to spread the word about plant-based life, the return of New York live punk rock at Tompkins Square Park, thinking for yourself & questioning authority, the irritating earnestness of Pearl Jam, the Military Industrial Complex, why it is "We The People" vs. those in power, his new documentary about the Prison Industrial Complex, his relationship with soul music and lots more. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfkn8kCzr_U

Misha Mansoor (Periphery) reflects on his new solo album "Moderately Fast, Adequately Furious," Periphery's transformation into a passion project, how the pandemic sparked ingenuity, Periphery drummer Matt Halpern's phenomenal feel, Nolly's irreplaceable bass, how the new Periphery sessions are progressing and much more.

Rise Against singer Tim McIlrath talks about his new record "Nowhere Generation," what happens when capitalism crumbles, how it will feel to have the pendulum swing back, his first guitar, when drums are the riffs and guitars are the rhythm, how he writes songs and how growing up in Chicago on riot grrl music changed his perspective on punk rock. Tim appears in my recent documentary on women and punk rock which you can watch on YouTube. 

Iconic drummer Iggor Cavalera and electronic artist Aaron Spectre (Drumcorps) discuss the soulful nature of drums, creativity, extreme music, why music the ethos and energy of industrial, hardcore and electronic music, the status of Iggor's many projects (Cavalera Conspiracy, Petbrick, Mixhell, et al), the decision he made when he left Sepultura to only make music with people he loves and lots more.

Vocalist Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage, Times of Grace) talks about mental health and consciousness, the universe, survival mode, losing his voice & finding it again, waking up, what it would sound like if he went solo, goth music & lots more.

Kimbra and Ben Weinman (Dillinger Escape Plan & Kimbra manager) are both wildly adventurous and innovative artists who have redefined the boundaries of pop music and heavy music respectively. They've earned a cult following and a quiet nod of respect from a dizzying array of fellow artists. Here we delve into Kimbra's long-awaited fourth album, the parallels between their musical worlds and beyond.

The mighty Matt Pike of High On Fire dives deep into his new solo record, life during the COVID-era, his early life experiences, his perspective on the world at large, the next High On Fire album and much more.

A deep conversation with Devin Townsend and Plini - two of the most fascinating and innovative artists in the field of creative, heartfelt, original rock music. There is joy and darkness, technical skill and raw talent. They also share one of the most devoted audiences on the planet. Subscribe if you enjoy.  Watch on YouTube

Greg Puciato delves deep into the dark final years singing with Dillinger Escape Plan, the synchronous world of Killer Be Killed, singing the Layne parts with Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, the state of the world and humanity, how psychedelic experiences have shifted his perspective, creating substance and nourishment in a world full of instantly gratifying candy, why drums are everything and so much more. Go deep in the Void.

Donnell Spencer Jr. is a self-taught drummer, singer, songwriter (and photographer) who has been creating modern soul music for decades. He sat down with co-hosts Christina Rowatt and Joshua Watkins to discuss his musical journey, the instinct to create, how the music industry has evolved, Stevie's new socially-conscious direction, his solo career, and much more. What is heavy music? Stevie Wonder's "Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away." Follow Donnell Spencer Jr.: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dsjr Spotify: www.spotify.com/DonnellSpencerJr The Void with Christina on YouTube: www.youtube.com/thevoidwithchristina

Maynard James Keenan of Puscifer and co-vocalist Carina Round talk about their killer new album Existential Reckoning, singing together, what makes Puscifer feel unique, Maynard's early days on the asparagus field, his life as a man of the earth and what it has taught him about the absurdity of the world, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Monty Python, his world view and much more. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tlgAbuBDZ_Q Puscifer Live Stream Replay: https://pusciferlive.com/

This week we pay tribute to dearly departed Van Halen guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, a figurehead who arguably belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Guitarists. Consider it a Josh-led education on his contribution and some rousing discussion. We also dive deep into why there has rarely been an all-female band that has attained huge levels of stardom and chat about Christina's forthcoming documentary, "Her War is Our War."  Follow the Show on Spotify Listen to our Show Soundtrack Playlists Subscribe on YouTube Follow Christina on Instagram

Napalm Death singer Barney Greenway discusses the new record, "The Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism," how Napalm Death invented the word grindcore, the dehumanisation of the planet, playing extreme music (as the first extreme metal band ever booked) at Glastonbury Festival and lots more. Features guest appearances from Napalm Death bassist and songwriter Shane Embury and a brief cameo from Curby of Obscene Extreme Festival.

In this week's edition of The Void 333 podcast, Converge bassist Nate Newton and Steve Brodsky of Cave In discuss their shared (and untold) history as crucial members of a burgeoning American hardcore scene that flowered in Massachusetts (where they hail from) and continues to thrive and evolve in blistering and emotionally powerful new ways. We also explore the story of Blood Moon, their explosive new band with Chelsea Wolfe, more new music and lots more. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KOYVbLFSGRo

Sam Dillon sings / growls for exceptional Australian bands like Lo! and Hadal Maw. In this week's show we talk about the 18th anniversary of Queens of the Stone Age's seminal Songs for The Deaf, why musicians ARE essential workers, what artists worldwide could learn from Australia's hardiest fauna and lots more. Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/30kEKLG Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2DvdEIK Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PhbgrI Lo! - Vestigial on Spotify Lo! on Instagram: instagram.com/lookandbehold/ Each week we put together a bitchin' Spotify playlist of songs featured / inspired by the show. Nowhere else will you hear Peter Gabriel, Ministry, Lo or Snorlax together. Listen here. 

Iconic director Penelope Spheeris talks to Christina and Josh about secret stories from her historic Decline of Western Civilization punk/heavy metal doco series, creating the first music videos with Parliament Funkadelic and Fleetwood Mac in the early Seventies, the movie with legendary comic Richard Pryor she made that Cosby allegedly won't let you see, why she got fired off the Wayne's World sequel, the origin story of the Wayne's World Bohemian Rhapsody scene and lots more. We also explore Void co-host Josh Watkins' career as a feature film Assistant Director, plus our favourite music documentaries. 

This week Josh and Christina celebrate Guns 'n' Roses' Appetite For Destruction - 33 years on, arguably the most significant example of "all killer, no filler" in rock. We also speak to iconic rock photographer Tony Mott, who started out shooting a school uniform-clad Chrissy Amphlett in the Divinyls during Sydney's thriving rock scene, before spending 40 years shooting every rock star from the Rolling Stones to Midnight Oil. Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/30kEKLG Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2DvdEIK Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PhbgrI  

Welcome to The Void 333, a new weekly show hosted by Christina Rowatt and Josh Watkins, both music lunatics with a deep love for all things heavy and unpopular culture. On this week's show, we have Pantera tour manager Guy Sykes on Pantera live in Moscow 1991 - our first "Great Moment in Rock History," Jordan McDonald of Frankie's Pizza (Sydney's most epic rock dive bar) PLUS Melbourne idiot and Blood Duster legend Jason "PC" Fuller on why live music sucks in our first "I'll Fight You" segment. Yeah, he said it.  Watch on YouTube

Record producer Russ Russell has been working with the endlessly innovative Napalm Death for more than 20 years. He and the band are on the finish line of their first album in 5 years, which features a Sonic Youth cover and drums built from trash cans, an old milk churn and scrap metal beaten with hammers. Russ has been making albums with some of the world's most savage rock bands since he was a teenager and embraced technology years before the world did. In this epic conversation we delve deep into the mystical music world he calls life.

Crowbar's Kirk Windstein talks about the new Crowbar album, the Down NOLA reunion shows and the possibility of a new Down record, when he and Jimmy Bower created the Crowbar sound, working with Philip Anselmo as a producer and skilled arranger and what has kept his rock and roll flame burning for decades. 

Eyehategod's Mike IX Williams talks about their long-awaited next album, their new drummer, why Hurricane Katrina changed everything, his gratitude for the fans that saved his life, his favourite memories of late drummer Joey, the band's notorious reputation and lots more. Watch the YouTube video version.

Singer and songwriter Corinne Gibbons has been living the nomadic travelling artist life since she fell in love with making music as a teenager. We discuss her creative songwriting process, what she has learned from collaborating with talented artists (and children) in Indigenous communities, what the elders can teach us all about time and shares some serendipitous moments working with the world's most brilliant musicians plus some sage advice for musicians looking to live the dream. 

Michael Gira of Swans is a truly iconoclastic musician that has created music that hits the extremes of the spectrum - the darkest, the most abrasive and explosive sounds you can imagine, through to the most ethereal otherworldly music. Swans cuts through all your blood and gristle to your heart and bones. Their new album Leaving Meaning leans to the light; a super cinematic piece that you can feel on a visceral level. The record is a shining example of why SWANS have remained a vital evolving animal.  Watch my video interviews: https://www.youtube.com/thevoidwithchristina

Apocalyptica is a band from Finland featuring classically trained musicians which started out covering Metallica songs, reimagined on cellos. Over the last few years they've moved into creating their own symphonic heavy metal music and have collaborated with an insane range of singers. I spoke to them before their show at the Opera House. You can watch the video version of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUfV6vpZBso  

Prolific Canadian musician Devin Townsend shares the story of his new solo album "Empath," the killer touring band he's put together to share it with the world, the difference between Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, the darkness of being a human, the function of being an artist, the creative experience, the fundamental differences between men and women, his career evolution from his wild and aggressive Strapping Young Lad material to the far dreamier Empath, and lots more. 

Gang of Four's Andy Gill is an iconic guitarist and acclaimed record producer who has carved out a unique (and often imitated) guitar sound. We discuss the New York trip that preceded their mega influential first album Entertainment!, the history of Gang Of Four, Andy's brand new approach to their latest album, producing Killing Joke's epic self-titled record, left and right in the dark days of capitalism and more. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Entertainment!, they return to Australia in November.

​Andrew "Party" W.K. is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and badass keyboardist that is best known for his diehard commitment to PARTYING and the concept of PARTY. Here we talk about fearless expression, the emotion he wants to create every single show, the spice he seeks with his soulmates (the fans) and who is more culturally significant: My Little Pony or Hello Kitty.

Primitive Man is a band that savages ears like a concrete sledge of granite-tipped sonic violence that intensifies gravity. Their latest album is called "Caustic" and it isn't just a clever name. It is caustic. Founding member Ethan McCarthy is quite the opposite. This lively conversation goes deep into the Denver, Colorado world he hails from, his real feelings on the grind bands of his past and where the music should ideally be experienced: in a crypt. Note: sailor-level swearing from all involved throughout the show. 

Andy Sneap and Mike Exeter have produced records for heavy metal's most significant artists including Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. In this special episode we explore Andy Sneap's trajectory from musician to acclaimed heavy metal record producer, their shared experience co-producing Judas Priest's Firepower, and some awesome Black Sabbath and Rick Rubin stories. 

Steve Hughes is an Australian comic known for his acerbic style, heavy metal affiliations and controversial comedy. He speaks about why having a nervous breakdown was NOT the best thing that ever happened, being the Venom of the anti-political correctness movement and lots more.

Dave "Oderus Urungus" Brockie of GWAR was a badass space lizard from another planet who took real things seriously but never took himself too seriously. Mike from Bongzilla has been writing songs exclusively about weed for the last 25 years. Both of these rad musicians feature on this week's episode, which explores everything from Gandhi to Hendrix to the war on weed. Check out the video interviews on The Void with Christina YouTube channel. 

Nate Newton of Converge and Old Man Gloom is an essential musical and human element of some of the most iconic American hardcore bands to ever rattle speakers, sear through pits, scream, squall and soothe hearts with their serrated edges and rough-hewn soul. He and his merry bands of riff-wielding musical animals joined forces in the fertile Massachusetts hardcore scene which birthed and cross-pollinated a slew of bands who continue to drive hooks into new listeners. Here we delve into the rich history of Nate's musical trajectory and the underground scene that made these bands, the real story behind some of their most significant records, their spirit animals, their creative journey and the loss of talented and beloved Old Man Gloom bandmate (and Cave In legend) Caleb Scofield and what made him such a special human being. 

Lindsay McDougall started playing guitar with Frenzal Rhomb way back in 1996 and has gracefully assaulted stages around the world with the band's potent cocktail of rock and roll good times and utter silliness ever since. He's also burned up the airwaves with his dulcet tones on Triple J and now the ABC for many years. We discuss his upcoming show at Download Festival, the Australian experience, the next Frenzal Rhomb album and much more. 

Shawna Potter of Baltimore's War on Women is a welcome revelation, a powerful voice equal parts savage, full-bodied and soulful. Hitting peak notes hard and striking violently through the real things that matter means something, onstage and on record. Especially from a band that is as excellent as a David Lee Roth star jump. In this extended conversation, Shawna Potter speaks to host Christina Rowatt about music, creativity, punk rock and using your voice as a weapon. 

Nath Core has an epic expanse of musical knowledge and has created the digital worlds of many iconic heavy bands including Baroness,  Napalm Death and Neurosis. We discuss his experiences travelling from the cultural desert of Australia to America, building great relationships with excellent bands, the history of grindcore, seeing Guns N Roses alongside the legendary Del James, Ross Halfin's photography, some fun anecdotes from the proverbial Encyclopaedia Metallica and what it was like to interview Scott Kelly of Neurosis on a picturesque mountaintop. 

Australian fashion model Tiah Eckhardt is the writer/creator of lauded lingerie blog "The Daily Knicker," a blog showcasing a lingerie collection that rivals John Peel's record collection. Her carefully curated lingerie recommendations have introduced thousands around the world to artistic, sexy and womanly designs with a rare level of editorial insight. In this in-depth conversation she speaks to host Christina Rowatt about her lifelong love affair with lingerie, her experiences as a high fashion, runway and lingerie model from the age of fourteen, her wildest and most glamorous modelling adventures, falling in love, this immense moment of cultural transformation as the multi-faceted experience of being a woman is starting to be reflected in a more nuanced way, embracing bisexuality, the difference between Australian men and British/American men (and the lack of chivalry in Australian male culture), weird parallels between music and fashion post-GFC, capitalism versus self-love, sex and romance in the digital age and lots more. 

Recording engineer and record producer Mike Exeter talks to Christina Rowatt about working with longtime studio collaborator Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi, engineering on the final Black Sabbath record with producer Rick Rubin, recording some of rock's most magnificent voices including Judas Priest singer Rob Halford and the iconic Ronnie James Dio, making Judas Priest's 2018 album alongside Andy Sneap and his intuitive approach to make any artist feel comfortable enough in the studio to give their best performance. 

Corey Glover as Living Colour's vocal heart is a soulful, powerful and critical musical element of the band's unique sound and their ability to transcend genre and time; equally at home at a funk show as a stadium metal festival. Corey joins The Void for a fast conversation about communicating via the most primal channel we have: music, and the five songs that changed his life. In the second half of the show, Australian composer, filmmaker and musician Paul Dawkins joins us to talk ancient instruments, growing up in the music business, his experiences as a young musician with rock and roll hitmaker producer and industry legend Peter Dawkins as a father, what really happened at the birth of the compact disc and 21st century survival as a musician. 

Sunny Singh has been capturing the live hardcore music experience on film for over a decade with Hate5Six. With an arsenal of over two thousand high quality live performance videos online, Sunny has invested thousands of hours in shooting, editing and broadcasting killer hardcore bands in their element - live and dangerous. In this in-depth conversation, we explore his history, tech, hardcore music, transformative shows, Rage Against The Machine, art as a defiant response to the corrupt systems of late capitalism, the emotional feedback loop of live music and the decision to launch his Patreon in 2018, which has allowed him to make Hate5Six a full time job.  Watch Hate5Six YouTube channel  Join the Hate5Six Patreon Watch The Void with Christina YouTube channel

Pagan frontwoman Nikki Brumen chats to Christina about recording vocals for the Melbourne band's killer debut album "Black Wash" in one day and their combustible and original sound which she describes as the lovechild of French pop, Italian disco, Norwegian black metal and a demonic Karen O. We also discuss ridiculous and inappropriate Norwegian black metal stories, her previous life in a band with her talented artist twin sister, the heavy frontwomen she loves to share a stage with and the healthy and supportive Melbourne rock and roll scene.

In this week's episode, The Void host Christina Rowatt is joined by the iconic Nergal of Polish blackened death metal band Behemoth for a brief yet informative conversation on the release day of Behemoth's new record, "I Loved You At Your Darkest." Beyond the Behemoth interview, Christina has a rousing discussion with local Satanist and good human Esial about his experience at the Burning Seed Festival, the Satanic approach to life and an exploration of the Church of Satan's Eleven Satanic Rules of The Earth.  The Void with Christina is also a YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/thevoidwithchristina  

Aaron Spectre / Drumcorps is an American musician who creates electronic music across the emotional, sonic and instrumental spectrum, from dancefloor-slaying ragga jungle and breakcore to finely crafted grind/industrial/vocal music that he performs with guitar, synths and records everywhere from raves to grindcore festivals. Aaron's work transcends genres and could be described as what aliens would assemble from relics found after the dark side of the musical apocalypse. His most recent full-length Drumcorps release, "Falling Forward" is a masterful slab of songs that I liken to a rowdy pirate ship in the spirit of a cathedral like Nine Inch Nail's "The Fragile" which features a guest appearance from legendary drummer Iggor Cavalera. In this expansive podcast episode, host Christina Rowatt and Aaron Spectre discuss his history, music around the world (born and raised in the Massachusetts hardcore scene, he has also lived in Berlin, Switzerland, New York and is currently based in Amsterdam), art, evolution and the usual rambling adventures through the creative process. Enter the Void. The Void is also Christina's YouTube channel. Watch here: youtube.com/thevoidwithchristina

Christian Peters of German stoner rock band Samsara Blues Experiment speaks to Christina Rowatt about growing up during the fall of the Berlin Wall, his latest record One with The Universe, the history of the band, psychedelic music, his solo project, the stoner rock renaissance and lots more. Watch the interview on The Void with Christina YouTube channel. Follow Christina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/xtina_rowatt

Michele and Christina discuss this week's concert, embracing the fourth wall, what makes for healthy human interactions and Michele's very first album.  Watch Christina's YouTube channel: youtube.com/thevoidwithchristina

Christina Rowatt and Michele Madden discuss Michele's upcoming return to the stage, her new chapter in Bob Dylan anthology "Tarantula Revisited," being electric, aural romance, going green and all the regular innuendo and silliness you've come to expect from the Sisters of Eternal Belligerence.  Follow us on Instagram at xtina_rowatt and homicidegirl7. Watch Christina's YouTube interviews: youtube.com/thevoidwithchristina

Ryan Martin and Gibby Miller run Dais Records, an experimental record label that specialises in adventurous new artists and releasing rare and resurrected recordings. Launched in 2007 with Throbbing Gristle legend Genesis P-Orridge's never before heard 1968 record, the label operates out of New York and Los Angeles. Ryan and Gibby joined The Void hosts Christina Rowatt and Michele Madden to discuss music, art, ridiculous cult films and running an independent label in the 21st century. Plus all the regular Madden-led tangents down rock and roll memory lane.

Christina and Michele are joined by Leeroy, a fluent speaker in boy language (and Michele's personal translator) to discuss love, romance and our wildly different perspectives on 21st century relationships of all persuasions. We conclude that being curious, kind and quick with the truth are qualities that are appealing for every kind of human entanglement.

Peter "Blackie" Black and his legendary band The Hard-Ons have been making Australian punk rock proud for 40 years. In this special episode we explore his colourful history, from ingesting incredible 70's rock to falling in love with punk, forming the band as kids, their wild and wonderful experiences around the world and country through to releasing a song a day (for a year) four decades later. Humble, funny and super dedicated to his craft and a lifelong quest to learn more, Blackie is also Void co-host Michele Madden's (Tourettes, Meldrum) musical big brother and we learn a lot about their relationship and their mutual musical respect. Michele has appeared onstage and on record with the Hard-Ons many times over the years (their memorable first studio session is shared in detail here) and her stagecraft still leaves Blackie in awe to the same degree his musicianship and passionate commitment to hard work and creative evolution informs little sister Michele's own relationship with the artform. This episode provides a real insight into the experience of the Australian musician.

Lo! is a wildly creative sludge metal band from Australia. Singer Sam Dillon contributes raw, savage death metal vocals and some undeniably reptilian stage presence. In this interview with Christina Rowatt, we discuss their killer record "Vestigial," how he evolved from wandering the Australian wilderness looking for snakes to making rock and roll, the deep and viscous excellence of sludge in general, and what Peter Gabriel and Al Jourgensen from Ministry share.

Christina Rowatt and Michele Madden pay tribute to two icons of heavy metal and the driving force behind legendary groove metal band Pantera - Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. This week, Vinnie tragically passed away and joins brother Dime in rock and roll heaven. We talk about Michele's teenage words of support from Dime, the sibling-like relationship that can develop when you're fellow musicians and what made Vinnie so exceptional and unique as a drummer. No one hits harder than Vinnie Paul, and no one riffs harder than metal's Jimi Hendrix, the one and only Dimebag Darrell. Check out Chistina's Vinnie Paul YouTube tribute here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA-XML_GmF4

In this week's episode, we celebrate the incredible life of Anthony Bourdain, who's bold and gentle spirit shone brightly on the screen and on the page. We also explore suicide, anxiety, how to stoke the burning fire of self love within that is necessary before romantic love and platonic love is possible, the profound impact of gratitude according to leading neuroscientists, what the ninja chefs Bourdain was surrounded by shared with rock stars, and lots more rambling from your regular neighbourhood rock and roll nuns.  Follow Christina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/xtina_rowatt/ Follow Michele on Instagram: www.instagram.com/homicidegirl7/ Watch Christina's video interviews on YouTube: www.youtube.com/thevoidwithchristina