Explore every episode of the podcast Take 5
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take 5 with David Byrne | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:38:10 | |
David Byrne is a music icon. With Talking Heads, or his many wild collaborations, and as an acclaimed solo artist, he's continually pushed the boundaries of sound, crafting some of the most iconic live performances of our time. Over five decades, he's never stopped asking why. His curiosity has driven an extraordinary creative life that stretches way beyond music: on canvas, in writing, filmmaking, composing musicals. He's even designed bike racks. From hearing Bob Dylan's mysterious words on a tiny radio and discovering James Brown's interlocking grooves, to forming Talking Heads at the Rhode Island School of Design and moving to New York's CBGB scene, Byrne has always followed his curiosity wherever it leads. He wrote his very first song, "Psycho Killer," as a test to see if he could write one at all, and it became an instant classic. His collaborations read like a who's who of music history: Brian Eno, Arthur Russell, Parliament-Funkadelic, and even Celia Cruz. His 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense with Jonathan Demme remains one of the most celebrated live performances ever captured. And decades later, he's still rearranging his classic songs, finding new meaning in them, sometimes discovering, as with "Life During Wartime," that they feel more real and more close than ever. This episode was filmed for Season 5 of Take 5 with Zan Rowe in a recording studio in Sydney while David Byrne was in Australia touring over the 2025/26 summer. He was jubilant, fascinating, and so generous in exploring his huge life across five songs. As a lifelong DB fan, the theme was clear: curiosity. And as David himself says, the answers don't come in the songs. They come in the live shows, in how we perform and how we are with one another. David Byrne's song choices:
00:00 Introduction: A Lifetime of Asking Questions 02:01 Meet David Byrne: Icon, Collaborator, Polymath 02:33 Extended Cut. Watch on ABC iview 02:55 The Theme: Curiosity and the Songs That Spark It 03:25 A Tiny Radio, The Byrds, and the Mysterious Words of Bob Dylan 04:45 James Brown: 'Get On the Good Foot' 05:09 Interlocking Puzzles: "I Treat Every Instrument as a Percussion Instrument" 05:34 The Social Metaphor of Funk. A Penny Drop Moment Decades Later 07:12 First Time Seeing James Brown Live: The Dancing Women Who Weren't Singing 08:37 Art School and Music as a Hobby: "Don't Get Your Hopes Up" 09:23 Rhode Island School of Design: Meeting Chris Frantz 09:52 Putting a Band Together and Writing the First Songs 10:39 Why Write Songs at All? "Just to See If You Could" 11:04 Writing "Psycho Killer" as a Test. And People Liked It 11:31 "Check That Box. I Can Write a Song." 12:12 Influences: James Brown, Disco, Bowie, and the Velvet Underground 12:54 Moving to New York: CBGB, Television, and Patti Smith 13:47 MTV and "Once in a Lifetime": Going Back to Art School for Music Videos 14:26 Joubert Singers: 'Stand On The Word' (Larry Levan mix) 14:53 Gospel in a Disco Club: The Shared Transcendence of Dance and Church 16:31 Hearing Talking Heads in the Clubs: "We've Been Validated" 17:11 My Life in the Bush of Ghosts: When the DJ Picked It 18:00 Losing Yourself: The Body Perceives Music Before the Mind 19:25 Trust and Surrender on the Dance Floor 20:01 Celia Cruz: 'Cucala' 20:41 The Latin Club Down the Street from CBGB 21:06 Dance Music Played Live: Salsa, Hips, and Sensuous Rhythms 21:56 Celia Cruz's Voice: "It Cuts Through Everything" 22:36 A Pinch-Yourself Moment: Recording a Song with Celia Cruz 23:12 Different Worlds: Spangly Outfits, Huge Hairdos, and Skinny Jeans 23:50 Collaborators Expanding: Arthur Russell's Cello Arrangement of "Psycho Killer" 24:44 Adding Parliament-Funkadelic Members: The Universe Keeps Growing 25:23 James Blake: 'The Wilhelm Scream' 26:03 Minimalism: "You Don't Have to Keep Piling Everything On" 26:51 Brian Eno vs. James Blake: Learning to Strip Things Down from a Song 27:18 Seeing James Blake Live and Discovering He's "a Great Singer" 27:43 James Blake the Producer: Pulling Things Apart and Stitching Them Back Together 27:58 Stop Making Sense: Showing the Audience How the Sausage Is Made 28:20 "You're Playing to Tracks, Aren't You?" Proving It's All Live 28:45 Breaking a Song Apart Onstage: One Instrument at a Time 29:09 Wireless Instruments and Witchcraft 29:21 Caetano Veloso: 'Tropicalia' 30:27 Caetano Celebrating Everything: "We Can Say Yes to All These Things" 30:50 A Mentor Who Keeps Evolving: "I Want to Be Able to Do That" 31:59 Political Messages in Flower Language: Getting Ideas Past the Censors 32:35 Learning from Caetano and Celia Cruz: Protest Songs Don't Have to Shout 32:58 "Years Ago, I Was an Angry Man" 33:31 Rearranging the Old Songs: They're Recognisable, But the Meaning Changes 33:57 Playing "Life During Wartime" Today: "It Seems Too Real, Too Close" 34:46 Licensing News Footage: "It Takes Your Breath Away" 35:17 Songs That Evolve Personally and Globally. Communion in Concert 36:32 What an Absolute Joy: David Byrne Across Five Songs 36:56 Next Time: Jacinda Ardern 37:31 Season 5 of Take 5 with Zan Rowe. Stream on ABC iview This episode was filmed for season 5 of Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC TV and ABC iview. You can stream the whole season on ABC iview now. Watch this episode of Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Take 5 with Darren Hayes from Savage Garden | 03 Sep 2026 | 01:00:09 | |
When you look back at the Australian artists who've made their mark internationally, Savage Garden are right up there. Two guys from Brisbane who went Number 1 around the world, cracked the notoriously tough U.S. market and sold nearly 30 million albums with hits like 'I Want You', 'To The Moon And Back', and 'Truly Madly Deeply'. They may have only been together for two albums, but the legacy of their pop breakthrough continues, as does frontman Darren Hayes' incredible story. While he was sailing the highs of global fame, behind the scenes, Darren was dealing with a fractured band relationship, battling depression, and in the closet, unable to be truly himself. As a now proudly out gay man, he continues to sing his stories as a solo artist, but the road hasn't always been smooth sailing. Growing up in Logan, Queensland, the youngest of three in a home shadowed by severe domestic violence, who could have predicted that this sensitive kid who loved to sing would one day stand on the world's biggest stages? Darren's story is extraordinary: 250 rejection letters before anyone would sign Savage Garden, a manager who mortgaged his home to make it happen, and a partnership with Daniel Jones that produced some of the most iconic pop of the '90s before it all came crashing down. There have been plenty of lows too; being told by his own record company to hide who he was, the sudden loss of his mother, and a terrifying accident that shattered his jaw and nearly ended his singing career for good. But Darren Hayes is back, and he's got stories. This episode was captured at Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles, which was the building originally built by Charlie Chaplin, later home to A&M Records, and the exact room where "We Are the World" was recorded (Quincy Jones directing Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, and a room full of legends). It's a space steeped in music history, and if you believe the people who work there, a few ghosts as well. It was the perfect place to sit down with Darren and travel through a life defined by music, survival, and healing. Darren Hayes' song choices:
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene at Chaplin Studios 02:31 The History of Chaplin Studios: From Charlie Chaplin to A&M Records 04:00 Karen Carpenter's Ghost and the Sacred Walls 05:13 The Theme: Songs of Healing and Music Saving a Life 05:41 Growing Up with Domestic Violence in Logan, Queensland 06:05 Music as Escape: AM Radio, The Carpenters, and Auntie Jenny's Records 06:56 Learning to Sing from Diana Ross and His Mother's Voice 08:01 The Dream Academy - 'Life in a Northern Town' 08:50 Catharsis Through Melancholy and the Sentimentality of Childhood 10:52 Transitions: Missing His Siblings and "The Morning Lasted All Day" 12:12 The End of High School and Not Wanting to Grow Up 14:23 Growing Up in Logan: Feeling Like a Prince Despite Poverty 15:12 A Hyper-Masculine World and Making Star Wars Toys Kiss 15:44 Deciding He Was Famous at Age Ten: Protective Armor Against Bullying 16:38 Being Called the F Word by His Father Before He Knew What It Meant 18:05 Either Be Famous and Magical, or Die 18:27 His Job Was to Keep His Mother Alive 19:21 Hockey Sticks and Midnight Escapes: Surviving His Father's Violence 20:15 Haim - 'Hallelujah' 21:02 The Sound of Grace: Guardian Angels and Being Protected 21:58 Being Uninvited from a Party and His Mother's Comfort 23:30 "You've Got a Hallelujah": Surviving Childhood 24:46 When Did Music Become the Path? High School Choir and Musical Theatre 25:50 Feeling the Molecules Change When He Sang 27:57 The First Band: A Death Metal Audition and Joining Red Edge with Daniel Jones 29:26 Throwing Up on the Way to Toowoomba: Playing Aussie Classics He Didn't Know 30:14 Leaving Red Edge and the Beginning of Savage Garden 31:05 The First Song They Wrote Together: A Thousand Words 31:25 The Australian Music Landscape: Grunge vs. Pop and 250 Rejection Letters 33:26 John Woodruff Mortgaged His Home and No One Was Laughing Anymore 33:46 Global Fame, Fans as Mirrors, and the Exhausting Rollercoaster 35:58 Secrets: Being Gay, Depression, and the Record Company Hiding Who He Was 36:45 Young The Giant - 'The Walk Home' 37:24 Why Savage Garden Ended: Daniel's Unhappiness with Fame 37:49 The Sum of the Parts and Beatlesque Chemistry in the Studio 38:32 Touring the World Knowing It Was Over 39:51 His Relationship with Daniel Now: "We Don't Talk Much Anymore" 41:21 Solo Records, Coming Out, and the Album Called Homosexual 42:01 Queer Fans and the First Dapple of Sunlight 42:49 What His Mother Thought of Fame: She Couldn't Have Given a Shit 43:47 Paying Cash for a House So His Mother Could Finally Leave 44:48 Coldplay - 'O' 45:08 Grief, Letting Go, and the Sudden Loss of His Mother 46:43 Choosing This Song for Her Funeral 47:22 The Flock of Birds Metaphor and Cutting the Tether 48:15 "I Had to Let Her Go Like a Beautiful Balloon" 50:18 The Accident: A Vasovagal Syncope Episode That Shattered His Jaw 50:44 Seventeen Teeth Broken, Mouth Wired Shut for Three Months, and Learning to Sing Again 51:02 The Troubadour Comeback: "If I Don't Get Back on Stage, I May Never" 51:51 What It Felt Like: Love 52:18 Carrying His Mother's DNA in His Heart and Vocal Cords 52:49 Maisie Peters - 'Two Weeks Ago' 53:14 In Love: How His Dog Huxley Found Eddie 54:38 Four Blocks Apart for a Decade and Zoom Dates with a New Partner 55:41 Never Spending a Night Apart in Three Years 56:23 2027: The 30th Anniversary of Savage Garden and a New Record 56:48 Writing Melodies with His Mouth Wired Shut 57:39 "I'm Back, Baby" 58:53 Next Time: David Byrne 59:53 Take 5 with Zan Rowe – Stream the Series on ABC iview This episode was filmed for season 5 of Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC TV and ABC iview. You can stream the whole season on ABC iview now. Watch this episode of Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe There are parts of this conversation that explore Darren’s experiences with family violence. It’s a big part of his story, so please be warned. And if you need support, here are some resources who provide it:
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| Take 5 with Shania Twain | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:43:50 | |
Shania Twain holds the record for the biggest selling country album of all time: Come On Over. Growing up poor in a Canadian mining town, who could have foreseen that the woman born Eileen Regina Twain would go on to sell over 100 million records, cross country music into pop, and become one of the most recognisable voices on the planet? Her life has been extraordinary, dotted with hit albums and huge shows, songs known by their opening line worldwide, and fans ranging from country music loyalists to Harry Styles. There've been plenty of lows too, including almost losing her voice completely to Lyme disease. Shania Twain may be a little more raspy, but she's got stories. This episode was captured at the legendary Power Station in Midtown Manhattan (the recording studio where Bruce Springsteen made his biggest albums, where David Bowie recorded Let's Dance, and Madonna crafted Like a Virgin). It was the perfect place to sit down and travel back in time with Shania, as she reflected on the little Miss Twain that became the star. Stick around after the chat for a very funny story about what happened that day at the studio. Let's just say Take 5 alumni Lin-Manuel Miranda may have been involved (and Amanda Seyfried... and Hamilton star Phillipa Soo). Shania Twain's song choices:
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene at the Power Station 01:50 The Legendary Power Station Studio 02:35 Dolly Parton - 'Coat of Many Colors' 03:15 Growing Up Poor and Dolly Parton's Influence 06:45 Reflecting on Childhood and the New Album 'Little Miss Twain' 07:30 Singing in Bars as a Child and Tammy Wynette 09:01 Tanya Tucker - 'Texas (When I Die)' 09:30 Tanya Tucker: A Voice Beyond Her Years 11:00 First on Stage at Eight Years Old 12:45 Singing in the Bars of Timmins, Ontario 15:30 Mother's Dream: The Next Tanya Tucker 16:00 Dreaming of Horses Instead of Fame 17:05 Olivia Newton-John - 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' 17:45 Olivia Newton-John: Crossing Genres and Breaking Boundaries 20:30 Nashville, Crossing Over to Pop, and Doing It Her Way 24:00 The First Video, a Target Budget, and the Belly Button Scandal 27:10 Tina Turner - 'What's Love Got to Do with It' 28:00 The Queen of Comebacks 29:45 A 15-Year Break and Losing Her Voice 30:30 Lyme Disease, Vocal Cord Surgery, and Finding a New Voice 34:20 Aretha Franklin - 'Respect' 35:00 Aretha's Brilliance and Owning the Song 37:30 Respect, Recognition, and Not Feeling Like a Star 38:30 Finding Peace in the Bush 40:00 Full Circle: A Message to Little Miss Twain 41:00 A Surprise Visit from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amanda Seyfried & Phillipa Soo 42:30 Next Time: Darren Hayes 43:30 Double J This episode was filmed for season 5 of Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC TV and ABC iview. You can stream the whole season on ABC iview now. Watch this episode of Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Take 5 with Peter Garrett | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:56:39 | |
Peter Garrett has been an unstoppable force of Australian music for decades. As the iconic frontman of Midnight Oil, a grassroots activist, and a former Federal Parliamentarian, he's spent a lifetime driving change: from the pubs of Sydney to the remote outback communities that reshaped the band's sound, from the floor of Parliament to the world's biggest stages. He's never stopped pushing. But beneath the towering public persona lies something unexpected. When Zan Rowe gave him the theme "Songs of Change," Peter Garrett revealed a softer, surprisingly open side: a man moved to tears by music, still searching for love and meaning, and still driven by hope in a world that often feels hopeless. He traces it all back to a suburban childhood where his parents spun protest records on a gramophone, through the tragic, sudden loss of both parents as a young man, to the formation of Midnight Oil with Rob Hirst and Jim Moginie, a partnership that would define Australian rock for half a century. He recalls the 1986 Blackfella Whitefella tour through remote Indigenous communities with Warumpi Band as the experience that moved him more deeply than playing to 50,000 people in Rio or New York. "Nothing affected me like actually being in that environment," he says. "We were visitors, and we were treated with great generosity." He speaks with raw emotion about the loss of Rob Hirst, his drummer, his sparring partner, his family, and the alchemy that made Midnight Oil undeniable. "If you're gonna die on a hill, die on a hill that's got meaning." On the future of the band without Rob, he's candid but open: "The doors are open. But it may not happen at all." He reflects on his years in federal parliament, the criticism he faced for wearing a suit, and the idea of service that drove him to enter politics in the first place. He connects Bruce Springsteen's live performance of "War" in the Trump era to Australia's own opportunity to be "a different kind of modern nation." And he closes with Sarah Blasko's "Without," landing on a truth that ties everything together: "You can only be a hopeful person if you actually understand what love is." This episode was filmed for the new season of Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC TV and ABC iview. Filmed at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney, Peter Garrett came ready to share, and what unfolded was a conversation about music, loss, service, and love that goes far beyond the public persona. As Peter himself says, the two constants in his life have been music and change. This is the envelope within which he writes all his letters. Peter Garrett's song choices:
00:00 Introduction: A Life Punctuated by Music and Change 01:46 A New Season of Take 5 with Zan Rowe 02:15 The Theme: Songs of Change, and a Softer Side of Peter Garrett 02:55 "The Two Constants in My Life": Music and Change 03:21 Peter, Paul & Mary - 'Go Tell It On The Mountain' 03:30 Growing Up in a Musical Household: Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and a Gramophone 06:40 Hearing Protest Records as a Nine-Year-Old: "I Had No Idea It Was a Protest Song" 09:32 Peter Garrett's First Band: Devil's Breakfast, and How Farm Became Midnight Oil 10:14 Warumpi Band - 'From The Bush' 10:45 "A Very Punk Song": Why This Song Leaves Everything Else in the Dust 12:55 Music That's Self-Absorbed vs. Music That Speaks Directly 15:35 Midnight Oil's 1986 Tour to Remote Indigenous Communities with Warumpi Band 16:30 "Nothing Affected Me Like Being in That Environment": A Sliding Door Moment 18:49 How the Outback Tour Influenced 'Beds Are Burning' and Diesel and Dust 20:45 Returning to Kintore in 2017: "What Took You So Long to Come Back?" 22:33 DOBBY - 'Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya' 23:10 A Butcherbird Call as the Melodic Heart: "He's Done What I've Been Trying For Years" 25:20 "The Most Important and Precious Commodity We Have": Music, Nature, and the Murray-Darling 26:35 Rob Hirst Tribute at the APRA Awards: Six Drummers, The Presets, and a Surprise Reveal 29:51 The Alchemy of Rob Hirst: "I Just Looked at Them and Went, Wow" 31:10 "If You're Gonna Die on a Hill, Die on a Hill That's Got Meaning" 32:20 Losing Rob Hirst: "Physically Not Here, But Essentially? No Way. Still Here." 34:39 The Future of Midnight Oil: "The Doors Are Open. But It May Not Happen at All." 36:18 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - 'War' (Live) 36:50 Springsteen in the Trump Era: "He's Really Risen to the Moment" 39:00 Music and Politics: "You Need Them Both for Change" 41:29 Inside Federal Parliament: Service, Suits, and Being Called Naive 43:23 Hope as the Antidote to Apathy: "It Is People Acting That Makes the Difference" 45:27 Sarah Blasko - 'Without' 46:00 "You Can Only Be a Hopeful Person If You Understand What Love Is" 49:33 Doris: 40 Years of Marriage, Three Daughters, and the Eye of the Cyclone 52:37 Looking Forward, Not Back: "My Most Precious Resource Is Time" 54:24 Zan's Final Reflections: A Stunning and Poetic End 54:55 Next Time: Shania Twain, From Poverty in Timmins to 40 Million Albums This episode was filmed for a new season of Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC TV and ABC iview. You can stream the whole season on ABC iview now. Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| INTRODUCING: Brand new TV episodes of Take 5 with Zan Rowe | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:04:03 | |
Take 5 with Zan Rowe is back on your screens from Thursday August 20, and Season 5 is the biggest yet! What song makes Peter Garrett cry? What was the tune that woke David Byrne up to the full body physicality of music, at Studio 54? And who do you think a teenage Jacinda Ardern was blasting, as she hooned around her hometown in New Zealand? You’re about to find out, as Take 5 returns for a 5th season on ABC TV and ABC iview. For the last 6 months Zan Rowe has been zipping around Australia, to New York City and Los Angeles to capture 8 extraordinary conversations with absolute legends. Like Shania Twain, who revealed a poverty stricken childhood that made her a star. Or Darren Hayes, who laid it all out in a heartbreaking conversation about loss and healing. You’re going fall in love with Lainey Wilson, the singer who’s selling out arenas with her bell-bottom country and southern charm. And you’ll learn more about Genesis Owusu, a visionary doing completely his own thing and winning all the awards, all at just 28 years old. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to adore Vika & Linda Bull even more, their Take 5 will confirm. Fall into the worlds of these 8 incredible guests as they Take 5. You’ll catch all the episodes from Thursday August 20 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 5, there’s plenty to explore. From Paul McCartney to Trent Dalton, Sophie Ellis-Bextor to Lorde – Take 5 has been a radio and podcast favourite for two decades. Dig in! Watch the first 4 seasons of Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Best Bits: Paul McCartney on The Beatles and writing a song | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:12:47 | |
This is one of the best bits from Take 5. One of the greatest songwriters of all time sat down with Zan Rowe to open his songbook and dive deep into the making of five of his greatest. Paul McCartney has provided the soundtrack to billions of lives. His legacy in song is unparalleled; starting with The Beatles, who changed the game forever, he rolled on with his own solo career while building a new band in Wings, and collaborating with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Johnny Cash and Dave Grohl. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/paul-mccartney-take-5/9230996 SONG
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| Best Bits: Kacey Musgraves on Tame Impala and Dolly Parton! | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:07:41 | |
This is one of the best bits from Take 5. Kacey Musgraves is a straight shooter, a woman of conviction. In person and in song, the bridge she creates with her fans is something else, and it’s made her one of the most loved artists around. For Kacey’s Take 5, Zan wanted to find out about the music that brought her to today, and to borrow a title from her own debut album, helped Kacey “follow her arrow”. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/kacey-musgraves-take-5-with-zan-rowe/11122692 | |||
| Best Bits: Blink 182’s Tom DeLonge on the 80’s songs that changed his life | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:09:57 | |
This is one of the best bits from Take 5. Founding member of Blink-182, Angels and Airwaves, and UFO enthusiast, Tom DeLonge hung out with Zan Rowe back in 2012, while in the country to play Soundwave Festival. You don't create a career like that without loving music, so Zan dived into the music that changed his life. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/tom-delonge-take-5/9035742 SONGS
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| Best Bits: The songs that renew Emily Wurramara | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:11:07 | |
This is one of the best bits from Take 5. In 2024 Emily Wurramara released her second album NARA and cemented herself as a powerful indigenous storyteller. The Warnindhilyagwa woman joined Zan Rowe to Take 5 on the same day her second album 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 that year. Listen back to Emily talking about her love of John Fogerty and Cat Power, during her Take 5 on songs of renewal. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/emily-wurramara-take-5-songs-of-renewal/104257048 SONGS
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| Poh Ling Yeow's five sides | 28 May 2026 | 00:40:43 | |
Poh Ling Yeow has been part of our lives for two decades. As a TV chef, a gourmet stall owner, a celebrity in the jungle, and a cookbook author. Poh is a painter and has even popped up an actor, describing herself as having a greed for life experience. Poh is currently hosting and judging on the latest series of Masterchef, and this week she's Taking 5. Fall into the stories and songs that have shaped who Poh has become. Poh's song choices:
00:30 Introduction to Poh Ling Yeow 01:10 Poh's love of being a DJ 03:14 The Bee Gees - 'How Deep Is Your Love' 05:45 Growing up and being unsupervised 12:40 Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams - 'Without Us' 14:07 Wanting to be a popular American teen 21:10 Sade - 'Like a Tattoo' 24:13 Reconstructing how you see the world after religion 29:11 A Tribe Called Quest - 'Electric Relaxation' 31:03 The ending of a shared history 34:23 Masterchef as contestant and host 37:58 Jóhann Jóhannsson - 'A Sparrow Alighted Upon Our Shoulder' Show Notes Watch Poh on Masterchef: https://10.com.au/masterchef Watch Zan on Race Around the World: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/race-around-the-world | |||
| Hot Chip jubilant songs from the archive | 21 May 2026 | 00:33:09 | |
2026 marks 20 years since Hot Chip released The Warning. Their second album leapt from the quiet, reflective electro of their debut and catapulted us all onto the dancefloor. To mark the occasion, we share an episode from 2020 when Joe Goddard and Al Doyle dropped in to Take 5. Their theme? Jubilant songs. Their vibes? Pure joy. From classic to modern gold to deep cuts, settle in with some "heaters" as Hot Chip Take 5! Hot Chip's song choices:
00:06 Hot Chip introduction and anniversary of The Warning 01:08 Using sampels to create joy 04:10 Prince – 'Starfish and Coffee' 06:22 Innocence and joy in music 07:18 Fever Ray – 'To The Moon and Back' 09:27 20 years of Hot Chip 19:07 Teyana Taylor – 'Hurry {Feat. Kanye West}' 20:49 Freedom and joy 21:34 Double Exposure – 'Everyman (Has to Carry His Own Weight)' 23:53 Hot Chip on stage joy 29:45 Hot Chocolate – 'I Just Love What You’re Doing (Kon Edit)' 31:45 Next week's guest! | |||
| Gotye Takes 5 from the archives | 14 May 2026 | 00:27:34 | |
This month, Gotye's breakthrough album Like Drawing Blood, turns 20. It was the record that took him from bedroom producer to Hottest 100 favourite, showcasing his incredible talent at sewing sounds. The man behind Gotye, Wally De Backer, has been keeping a low profile for a while. But back in 2007, after a huge year following this album's release, he joined Zan Rowe to Take 5. This is one of the very first episodes of Take 5, and the first time it's ever appeared on the podcast. So jump in the time machine and travel back to this mid 2000's moment. It was before Gotye released his worldwide smash "Somebody That I Used to Know", Homebake Festival still existed, MySpace was king, and Wally was at a precipice; head spinning from a wild year but with no idea of what was ahead. His theme? His top 5 moments of the last 12 months. His songs, all Australian. Gotye's song choices:
00:17 Gotye introduction and 20th Anniversary of 'Like Drawing Blood' 02:30 The songs that soundtracked Gotye's 2006 breakthrough 02:58 Josh Pyke -'Fill You In' 04:55 Gotye and his love of heavy and progressive music 06:08 Karnivool 'Shutterspeed' 07:52 Bringing Gotye's songs to live with a band 11:59 Drummers who sing 14:28 Faux Pas - 'For The Trees' 17:24 Buying your first iPod 18:39 Emily Ulman - 'Upping The Ante' 20:30 What Gotye was about to embark on in 2007 24:15 The Presets - 'Are You The One?' 26:13 Next weeks guests! | |||
| Tool's unexpected finds in their music library | 07 May 2026 | 00:18:49 | |
This week marks the 20th anniversary of Tool's huge album 10,000 Days. Back in 2013, Tool were in the country playing massive shows when drummer Danny Carey and bass player Justin Chancellor came into the triple j studios to Take 5 with Zan Rowe. As we mark the anniversary of Tool's chart topping album, let's time travel back to a Take 5 classic.The theme? Unexpected finds in their music library. The outcome? Unexpected joy from one of music's heaviest bands. It's Tool time! Tool's song choices:
00:08 Tool anniversary introduction 01:03 Deftones, Chi and ages. 01:35 Deftones - 'Digital Bath' 03:10 Organic technology and Trans Am 04:11 Trans Am - 'Space Dock' 04:28 Downtime for Tool 06:57 Sophia - 'If A Change Is Gonna Come' 08:43 Inspiration in other heavy bands 10:14 Meshuggah - 'The Demon's Name Is Surveillance' 11:40 Surprising music choices for Tool and Neil Diamond 14:45 TV On The Radio -'Halfway Home' 16:52 Next weeks guest! | |||
| Emma Louise Takes 5 with before and after | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:39:42 | |
In the fifteen years since Emma Louise wowed us with her debut single 'Jungle', she’s shown all sides of herself, singing her story with vulnerability and reflection. Last year, Emma released the collaborative album Dumb with producer Flume. But it’s been 8 years since her last solo album, the daring and romantic Lilac Everything. This week, she returns with Sunshine for Happiness, an album that was actually recorded in 2019. Emma Louise joined Zan to talk more about the changes in her life between recording and release and to share her song selections in the theme of 'Before and After'. Emma Louise's song choices:
00:51 Introduction to Emma Louise 05:27 The theme of Before and After 10:15 Paul Simon - 'Still Crazy After All These Years' 11:30 Mexico holiday and Nick Drake 14:35 Nick Drake - 'Pink Moon' 15:45 New album and longlining for things 21:55 How a pricey ride home led to discovering Bruno Mars 25:26 Bruno Mars - 'Versace on the Floor' 27:02 Sneak peak of Djion 29:33 Djion - 'The Dress' 30:45 Suffering, redemption and recognising the good times 37:15 Alice Coltrane – 'Govinda Jai Jai' 38:20 Wrap-up and next weeks guest Show notes: If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Edited by Craig Schuftan. | |||
| Billy Corgan's songs that make him feel good | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:31:13 | |
35 years ago, we met a band called Smashing Pumpkins. Rising in the wave of American grunge, the Chicago band were led by the iconic voice of Billy Corgan and would rise and rise like all their contemporaries, over the coming years. If you know anything about music history, you know the story of the Pumpkins is a tumultuous one. But Billy has continued through it all. Back in 2012, Billy was in Australia to play Splendour in the Grass with the latest incarnation of Smashing Pumpkins. With a new album under their belt, he was in a buoyant mood and up for an epic conversation when he joined Zan to Take 5 Billy is always good chat, but if you've ever wondered about the music that made him, this conversation is a dream. So settle in, don your flanny, and discover the songs that make Billy Corgan feel good. Billy Corgan's song choices:
00:23 Introduction to Billy Corgan 01:43 Creating music during difficult times 04:25 1972 and guitar supergroup Yes 05:50 Yes - 'And You and I' 07:38 When Billy discovered music 11:43 British Hard Rock inspirations 13:08 UFO - 'Love to Love' 14:30 Moving away from mainstream needs 15:23 Neil Young - 'Ambulance Blues' 16:40 Sad music making you feel better 18:50 The definitive anthem of alienation 19:24 David Bowie - 'Space Oddity' 20:40 Technology and disconnection 28:10 Lou Reed - 'Berlin' 29:47 Next weeks guest | |||
| Alexei Toliopoulos shares the soundtrack to his life | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:49:23 | |
Alexei Toliopoulos is a lifelong cinephile. Known for his excellent podcasts including The Last Video Store, he’s a writer, comedian, filmmaker and loves talking about the movies that made us who we are today. The way he speaks about cinema invites everyone into the conversation. But what are the songs that soundtrack his life? And why? Dig into a joyful convo that will have you curating a playlist of songs and movies, for your weekend. Alexei Toliopoulos' song choices:
00:26 Alexei Toliopoulos introduction 01:38 When did Alexei fall in love with movies? 05:29 Francis Ford Coppola deep cuts 13:54 Stewart Copeland - 'Don’t Box Me In' 15:40 Coming of Age and George Dalaras 21:40 George Dalaras - 'Mi Mou Thimonis Matia Mou' 24:05 Mikis and the hero of Greek music 30:02 Mikis Theodorakis - 'Theme from Serpico' 31:15 Seeing the world through cinema 36:41 Buena Vista Social Club - 'Dos Gardenias' 37:36 How cinema helped Alexei with communication 45:20 Grace Jones - 'La Vie En Rose' 47:32 Show notes and next weeks guest! Check out Alexei's podcast and live show details, via his Instagram. | |||
| Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Take 5 with time | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:53:25 | |
Thirty years ago the world met Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Their debut album Revival introduced us to two incredible storytellers, singers and guitarists, and in the three decades since they’ve swept us away in song. It's long been on my bucket list to have them Take 5, and finally here it is. When thinking on a theme, I landed on time. Time, and their ruminations on time, have always swirled in their songs. They love old-time music, and take their time in getting your own songs right. How they responded to the theme, is one for the ages. Settle in for a deep, insightful, and intoxicating conversation with two of music's best. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' song choices:
00:55 Gillian Welch and David Rawlings introduction 01:52 Three decades since the release of 'Revival' 08:44 Choosing Robert Johnson 12:32 Robert Johnson - 'Love in Vain' 13:22 O Brother Where Art Thou 18:07 Working with The Stanley Brothers 17:59 The Stanley Brothers - 'Rank Strangers' 26:13 Raw versions of songs 28:10 Townes Van Zandt - 'Pancho and Lefty (Live at the Old Quarter)' 32:35 Recording things as live 34:32 The Carter Family & Johnny Cash - 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' 40:37 Gillian and David finding their harmony 44:33 Hope for something better 48:48 John Prine - 'Angel From Montgomery' 51:33 Show notes and next weeks guest! | |||
| Ed Le Brocq's songs on the road | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:46:53 | |
Are you ready for some incredible stories? Take 5 always gifts us with some cracking yarns, but this week’s episode takes the cake. In fact, I’ve had more responses to Ed Le Brocq’s Take 5 than any other, in ages. Ed used to be Eddie Ayers, a legendary ABC Classic FM broadcaster who has shared his life of adventure with us over the past two decades. Ed is a cellist, viola, and violin player, and has gifted his talents to others; teaching school kids in Afghanistan, and playing for Uyghurs in the remote deserts of China. We’ll get to those stories soon… but this might give you a sense of why I asked Ed to Take 5. Across four books, Ed has shared his stories of travel and self-discovery with us, and music has always been at his centre. From Joni Mitchell to shredding violas to Ry Cooder, this is an extraordinary conversation about the power of love, self-belief, adventure and of course, music. Ed Le Brocq's song choices:
00:33 Ed Le Brocq introduction 01:52 Having a restless spirit 04:55 Memories of the seventies and Joni Mitchell 07:21 Joni Mitchell - 'A Case of You' 07:55 Ed's love of the Cello 14:30 Travelling the world with music 17:59 Maria Theresia von Paradis – 'Sicilienne' 18:50 Interpreting music in your way 20:20 Listening to music as a musician 28:10 Elton John - 'Your Song' 29:10 Music as the universal language 32:30 Classic music with an edge 35:42 Paul Hindemith - 'Viola Sonata, Op. 25, No. 1: IV. Rasendes Zeitmass' 36:45 Classic FM audience and shredding 42:30 Depression and "the cover of grey silt" 44:08 Ry Cooder and V. M. Bhatt – 'Isa Lei' 44:06 Show notes and next weeks guests! Show notes: If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 | |||
| Tim Rogers Takes 5 with "a living" | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:49:36 | |
Where do you begin with Tim Rogers? For more than 30 years he has been the soundtrack to our lives. As frontman for You Am I, an acclaimed solo artist and keen collaborator, an actor, author and once even a Double J broadcaster. He's made a living in more ways than one, and his approach to living has shifted over the years. A long time coming, I invited Tim to Take 5 and explore this idea of a living; what makes a good life, and what it means to be alive. And he didn't disappoint. Tim Rogers' song choices:
00:39 Tim Rogers introduction 01:30 Memories of watching Magic Dirt on Rage 04:21 Magic Dirt — 'Ice' 07:45 Making a living as an artist & mowing lawns 10:31 Jake Thackray explainer 15:00 Jake Thackray— 'The Bull’ 21:41 Tim’s later in life love of Joni Mitchell 26:07 Joni Mitchell — 'Just Like This Train' 32:08 Rewriting and revisiting your own songs 33:55 NRBQ explainer & Tim’s obsession 36:27 NRBQ — 'I Want You Bad' 39:05 You Am I ‘Hourly Daily’ anniversary and going pop 46:30 Linda Thompson explainer & inspiring songwriting 53:41 Martha Wainwright & Linda Thompson — 'Or Nothing At All' 55:20 Conclusion + next week's guest! Show Notes To see Tim perform live, check out his tour dates here: https://tim-rogers.com.au/ | |||
| Lizzy Hoo's life escapades | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:51:41 | |
Comedian Lizzy Hoo has been everywhere the past few years. When she’s not doing stand up, she’s popping up on Have You Been Paying Attention?, and hosting her own podcast The Lizzy Hoo Show. Lizzy has made travel shows, and is even the voice of an airline. She's one of those people who says YES to life. She also has also got a razor sharp wit, and more than a few adventurous tales which is why I invited her to Take 5. I didn't realise it'd become a beautiful lesson in how to live. Lizzy Hoo's song choices:
00:34 Lizzy Hoo introduction and Take 5 prep 02:40 Music's role in Lizzy's life 04:53 North America adventures in a $500 car 09:23 Arctic Monkeys — 'Dancing Shoes' 10:45 The Hoo's as a family 13:30 Karaoke in Japan ski towns 16:40 Journey — 'Don’t Stop Believin’ 18:13 Music and comedy in Lizzys world 19:50 Moving to Mongolia 26:30 The Lemons — 'Monad' 29:13 Lizzy's many careers & falling into comedy 37:48 Snoop Dogg — 'Who Am I (What’s My Name)?' 39:50 Lizzy's life update and having broad shoulders 43:06 Turning travel into career 48:10 Camille — 'Ta Douleur' 49:50 Conclusion + next week's guest! Show Notes To see Lizzy perform live on her national tour, check out her dates here: https://www.lizzyhoo.com/ | |||
| Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Liberation | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:41:00 | |
Sophie Ellis-Bextor knows how to fill a dancefloor. Across 8 albums, and a double indemnity hit in "Murder on the Dancefloor", she's made a name for herself as a pop-disco queen. When she’s not on stage or in a recording studio, Sophie is throwing a kitchen disco, hosting her Spinning Plates podcast, and publishing books. Sophie’s latest album Perimenopop takes stock of where she is today. The lessons learned, the way love evolves, and the place she finds herself. It's through-line is liberation, so I asked her to choose her favourite songs of freedom. Sophie Ellis-Bextor's song choices:
00:34 Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Musical Journey 02:15 Making new music 25 years after debut 04:55 Disco escapism and the queer community support 09:23 Sylvester – 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' 06:23 Indie rock beginnings and Groovejet 15:40 Obsession with Madonna and pleasure 13:39 Madonna – 'Express Yourself' 19:08 Is it better for women in pop music now? 22:37 Loving completely and opening for George Michael 26:32 George Michael – 'Freedom! '90' 27:18 Writing new album and mid life 29:09 Sigrid – 'Mine Right Now' 29:50 Going through Murder on the Dancefloor resurgence 34:06 The drama of Prince 35:25 Prince & the Revolution – 'Let's Go Crazy' 38:11 Conclusion, Susan Rogers Prince story + next week's guest! Show Notes Check out the Take 5 episode with Prince's sound engineer Susan Rogers! | |||
| Take 5 returns with a bumper new season | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:02:52 | |
From bucket list guests to Australian rock royalty and a disco queen, find out who Zan will be Taking 5 with in 2026. | |||
| A little update for Take 5 | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:01:31 | |
Zan lets you know what's in store for 2026... | |||
| Best of Take 5: Aaron Chen | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:11:45 | |
It's been a stratospheric rise for comedian, Aaron Chen. Getting his start in stand-up, he won a heap of fans starring in Fisk, and his charming stint on Taskmaster. But at the top of his game, he left Australia to start again in New York City. For his Take 5, Aaron shared one song from a pivotal time in his comedy career.
This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5. You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/aaron-chen-take-5/105781008 Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Best of Take 5: Dannii Minogue | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:09:58 | |
If you grew up in Australia in the 1980s then you probably grew up with Young Talent Time. It was a springboard for so much talent, and one of its biggest stars was Dannii Minogue. For her Take 5, Dannii shared the one song she loves the most from her sister Kylie Minogue's epic catalogue.
This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5. You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/dannii-minogue-take-5-catalyst-songs/104419298 Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Best of Take 5: Jack Antonoff | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:10:13 | |
What do Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Kendrick Lamar have in common? Jack Antonoff. The decorated producer has made a name for himself shaping some of the biggest albums in the world. For his Take 5, Jack Antonoff shared how he brings an artist's vision to life.
This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5. You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/jack-antonoff-take-5-turning-points/103591368 | |||
| Best of Take 5: CMAT | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:10:42 | |
Irish artist CMAT has got it all: the voice, the songwriting talent, the charm. Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, (aka CMAT), has been shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize and counts Elton John as a fan. Her Euro-Country songs capture heartbreak with a healthy dose of humour, which is why she gravitated towards country music in the first place.
This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5. You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/cmat-take-5-suckerpunch-songs/104404882 | |||
| Best Of Take 5: Darren Hayes | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:11:25 | |
Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes has lived quite the life. Hitting Number 1 around the world in 1997 with their debut album, he recently shared what was going on behind the scenes at that time, in his beautiful and devastating memoir, Unlovable. When he joined Zan Rowe to Take 5 back in 2024, he shared a whole new side of one of Australia's biggest stars.
This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5. You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/darren-hayes-take-5-love-songs/104604586 | |||
| Best of Take 5: Angie McMahon | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:10:30 | |
Angie McMahon is the kind of songwriter who stops you in your tracks. With two albums under her belt, her most recent record Light, Dark, Light Again is about cycles and the patterns that repeat and renew throughout life. This concept of cycles inspired Angie's Take 5 theme of 'revolution songs' and she responded to it beautifully.
This is one of the Best Bits from Take 5. You can hear the full episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/angie-mcmahon-take-5-revolution-songs/103830806 | |||
| Best of 2025: Lorde, Gordi, Trent Dalton + more | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:55:37 | |
It's not definitive, but here are some of the best moments from Take 5 this year: The legendary Richard Fidler threw back to the early days of the Doug Anthony All Stars. Gordi's brilliant third album Like Plasticine gave us an insight into her experience as a doctor on the frontline during the pandemic. Comedians Matt Okine and Denise Scott celebrated Season 2 of their much-loved TV show Mother and Son. Lorde made a triumphant return with her fourth album Virgin. And best-selling author Trent Dalton (Boy Swallows Universe, Gravity Let Me Go) blew up the Double J textline with his heartfelt stories and deep passion for music. Best of 2025 song choices:
00:00 Introduction and Show Highlights 00:47 Richard Fidler's Journey with Doug Anthony All Stars 03:33 The Magic of Elizabeth Fraser and Cocteau Twins 07:55 Witnessing the Fall of the Berlin Wall 14:00 Gordi's Personal and Musical Journey 17:50 Missy Higgins' Influence on Gordi 23:13 Comedians Share Unexpected Moments 26:10 Matt Okine's Musical Memories 27:35 A Sudden Change: Mum's Illness 28:32 A Life-Altering Event: Mum's Passing 29:42 Coping with Loss: A Birthday to Remember 30:10 Finding Light in Dark Moments 31:18 Music and Memories: Radiohead's Impact 32:22 Take Five: A Star-Studded Season on ABC TV and ABC iview 32:49 Lorde's Journey: Embracing the Mystery 34:41 The Power of Rhythm: Creating Music 35:27 A Special Remix: Girl, So Confusing with Charli xcx 38:15 Emotional Reactions: The Remix's Impact 46:10 Trent Dalton's Take Five: A Heartfelt Story 48:34 Honoring a Hero: Granddad's Legacy 54:37 Looking Ahead: New Seasons and Reflections Listen to the full episodes here: Richard Fidler: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/richard-fidler-take-5-history-songs/105441174 Gordi: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/gordi-take-5-transformation-songs/105598300 Matt Okine & Denise Scott: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/denise-scott-matt-okine-mother-and-son-mixtape-take-5/105932382 Lorde: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/lorde-take-5-songs-of-rebirth/105835080 Trent Dalton: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/trent-dalton-take-5-his-story/106038960 Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Take 5 with TV On The Radio | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:36:28 | |
Hearing TV On The Radio talk about music is as fun as it sounds. When the New York band first emerged they were like nothing we’d heard before. A mash of genres and sounds and for many, the sound of tomorrow, today. 10 years on from their last album, the band are back on the road again. And on their first visit to Australia in a decade, they joined Zan Rowe to Take 5. It’s the only interview they gave while here, and they really went in on the theme of 'future sounds from the past'. Want to dig into the brains of Tunde Adebimpe, Kyp Malone, and Jaleel Bunton? You’re about to fall into a wormhole. This is a wild and wonderful ride with three of the most intriguing and passionate music minds of our time. TVOTR's song choices:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:35 TV on the Radio: A Decade Later 02:07 Reflecting on the Past and Present 04:57 Take 5 theme: Future Sounds from the Past 05:05 SONG 1: Suzanne Vallie – 'River of Angels' Wings' (unreleased) 11:13 The Influence of Pharaoh Sanders 11:33 SONG 2: Pharoah Sanders – 'Izipho Zam' 17:59 Sun City Girls and Their Impact 20:06 SONG 3: Sun City Girls – 'The Flower' 25:15 SONG 4: Hildur Guðnadóttir – 'Melody of Not Knowing' 30:59 SONG 5: Jehovah’s Princess – 'F(X)' 35:18 Conclusion and Farewell | |||
| Alex Kapranos from Franz Ferdinand | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:46:08 | |
Do you remember the first time you heard Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out'? The way it began, then completely flipped less than a minute in? It was such a thrill, one that has never dulled in the two decades since. Six albums later, the Scottish band explore the thrill of living on their latest record, The Human Fear. How human fears drive us on, bolt us into action, give us a thrill. It was ripe for a big convo on Take 5. And frontman Alex Kapranos was up for the challenge. Get ready for a brilliant conversation on the songs that have shaken him in the best of ways, through his life. Alex Kapranos's song choices:
00:00 Introduction and Unusual Party 00:49 Overcoming Fear: A Conversation with Alex Kapranos 02:02 SONG 1: The Turtles — 'You Showed Me' 02:23 The Thrill of Sharing Music 04:37 Musical Influences and Songwriting 10:11 SONG 2: Dory Previn — 'With My Daddy In The Attic' 15:38 Parenthood and Fear 18:17 SONG 3: Adam and The Ants — 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier' 21:56 Embracing Performance and Audience Connection 24:32 SONG 4: Fiery Furnaces — 'Sweet Spots' 25:16 Touring with Fiery Furnaces and Hot Hot Heat 30:36 The Indie Music Scene of the Early 2000s 31:10 The Impact of Digital Music 35:07 The Rise of Franz Ferdinand 37:48 Memorable Moments and Reflections 39:49 SONG 5: Pussy Galore — 'NYC 1999!' 39:51 A Chaotic Memory with Pussy Galore 43:45 Conclusion and Farewell | |||
| Trent Dalton's own story in five songs | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:54:49 | |
Trent Dalton is a master storyteller. His debut novel Boy Swallows Universe is an international bestseller, it was turned into a Netflix series and recently voted as Australia’s #1 read of the last quarter century, in Radio National's Top 100 books. A Walkley Award winning journalist, Trent followed this stunning debut with several other works of fiction, and a collection of Love Stories from the streets of Brisbane. And now he has a new novel, Gravity Let Me Go, for us to sink our teeth into. You’re about to hear an incredible conversation; some big yarns and the music that has shaped Trent Dalton’s whole life story. If you know him, you know he’s a massive music fan, and I’ve been wanting to have him Take 5 for yonks. I soon found out the feeling was mutual. Trent Dalton's song choices:
00:00 Introduction and Opening Anecdote 00:19 Meet Trent Dalton: A Master Storyteller 01:40 The Power of Music in Writing 03:00 SONG 1: Vera Lynn - '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover' 03:26 Family War Story and the Ultimate Sacrifice 08:48 Love Stories and Personal Reflections 14:29 SONG 2: Melanie - 'Ruby Tuesday' 14:46 A Tale of Two Parents 24:05 Pearl Jam: A Lifelong Influence 27:22 Reflecting on Pearl Jam's Influence 28:28 A Memorable Graduation Night 29:58 Meeting Eddie Vedder 31:37 SONG 3: Pearl Jam - 'Alive' 34:58 The Impact of Boy Swallows Universe 37:24 The Love Story with Fiona 39:32 Powderfinger and Bernard Fanning 42:33 SONG 4: Powderfinger - 'These Days' 45:26 Writing About Long-Term Relationships 48:44 SONG 5: Taylor Swift - 'Out Of The Woods' 52:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| Stella Donnelly's radical honesty | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:37:45 | |
If you’ve ever lost touch with a friend or been heartbroken by a platonic breakup, Stella Donnelly’s new album is for you. Documenting the end of a friendship, it’s a brutally honest, heartbreaking, and hopeful record so many of us can relate to. And Zan couldn’t wait to talk with her all about it. Stella is one of the best songwriters around today. She has always shot from the hip, told it like it is, and been unafraid to share the truth. Hearing her speak about the songwriters who do the same is a masterclass in the power of song, and the influence of these incredible songwriters on us all. Stella Donnelly's song choices:
00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - The relief of releasing Love & Fortune as a whole album 03:38 - SONG 1 : Billy Bragg - 'The Short Answer' 06:40 - Stella on Billy Bragg and the token record of her childhood 08:58 - Radical honesty in songwriting 12:12 - SONG 2 : Kev Carmody & Paul Kelly - 'From Little Things Big Things Grow' 15:30 - Looping mantras & the difficulty of being honest 19:01 - SONG 3 : Sharon van Etten - 'Every Time The Sun Comes Up' 23:44 - Making the album in a homemade cocoon 26:03 - SONG 4 : Big Thief - 'Mythological Beauty' 28:22 - Self critiques & hope for the future 33:50 - SONG 5 : Lily Allen - 'Relapse' 36:23 - Closing thoughts and next weeks guest! Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Justine Clarke's Australian songbook | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:37:21 | |
Justine Clarke is a legend. For most of her life she’s been in ours; as a child actor who graduated to a lifelong career on the big and small screen and into an acclaimed theatre actor. For the last 20 years she’s probably been entertaining your kids, as a regular on Play School and ARIA winning singer of many children’s albums. But running parallel to all of this, has been music. Way before she stepped into roles on Mad Max and Home and Away, music was her lifeblood. With our annual Ausmusic Month kicking off, Justine Clarke shares her Australian songbook. Justine Clarke's song choices:
00:00 Introduction and Early Career 00:50 Justine Clarke's Musical Journey 03:02 Influence of Family and Early Music Exposure 04:53 Jazz and Live Music Experiences 05:00 SONG 1: Vince Jones – 'Jettison' 10:06 Paul Kelly and Iconic Collaborations 12:30 SONG 2: Paul Kelly – 'From St Kilda To Kings Cross' 16:44 Exploring Australian Country Music & ABC's Going Country 19:03 SONG 3: Lisa Miller – 'Eleven' 20:02 Reflecting on a Classic Australian Film 20:44 The Power of Music and Grief 22:33 Creating Music for Play School 23:29 Unexpected Career as a Children's Performer 25:53 Collaborations and Live Performances 26:16 SONG 4: You Am I – 'Purple Sneakers' 29:51 Memories of Tina Turner 33:17 SONG 5: Angie McMahon – 'Slow Mover' 35:58 Wrapping Up and What's Next Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Noel Gallagher's 'escape' songs | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:46:11 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction and Oasis' Impact 00:57 Noel Gallagher's Studio and memorabilia from The Haçienda nightclub 02:11 SONG 1: Pink Floyd – 'Nobody Home' 07:35 Reflecting on life as a rock star & post-fame 09:45 SONG 2: The Smiths – 'Asleep' 14:55 Growing up in Manchester 17:02 SONG 3: Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – 'This Guy's In Love With You' 17:11 A Memorable Encounter with Burt Bacharach 24:09 Remembering Burt Bacharach 25:38 SONG 4: Air – 'All I Need' 30:52 The Shift to Digital Music 31:30 Wild Times with Oasis 35:09 Transition to a Calmer Life 36:33 SONG 5: The Beatles – 'I Am The Walrus' 39:48 The Night That Changed Everything for Oasis 41:37 Reflecting on Oasis' Final Tour 42:55 The Joy of Songwriting 44:25 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests Watch 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. | |||
| Mother and Son: Denise Scott and Matt Okine | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:40:49 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:14 Denise Scott's Journey in Comedy 00:37 Mother and Son Reboot 00:55 Personal Stories and Reflections 01:25 Behind the Scenes of Mother and Son 03:16 The Origin of the Reboot Idea 05:29 Musical Memories and Mix Tapes 05:36 SONG 1: Neil Young - 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' 09:12 Heartbreak and Humor 13:58 SONG 2: Bruce Springsteen - 'Thunder Road' 18:19 Family Dynamics and Aging 21:07 The Vulnerability of Performing 21:36 Denise's Son Jordie Lane and His Music 21:42 SONG 3: Jordie Lane - 'New Normal' 24:58 Scotty's New Standup Show Tickety Boo 27:18 SONG 4: Radiohead - 'Paranoid Android' 28:46 The death of Matt's mother 33:45 Judith Lucy and Denise's secret - The Power Weep 36:16 SONG 5: Bag Raiders - 'Shooting Stars' 39:28 Conclusion and Next Episode with Noel Gallagher Watch Mother and Son on ABC iview: | |||
| Paul Kelly's songs of 'place' | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:57:59 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction to Paul Kelly's Musical Journey 01:40 Paul Kelly's Influences and Visual Songwriting 02:59 SONG 1: Kinks – 'Waterloo Sunset' 07:13 Paul Kelly's Early Life and Musical Education 10:26 Discovering Jazz and the Trumpet 13:45 SONG 2: The Go-Betweens – 'Cattle And Cane' 16:33 Songwriting Process and Inspirations 21:59 SONG 3: Joni Mitchell – 'River' 25:35 The Magic of Christmas Songs 29:28 The Song's Characters and Their Stories 31:12 Writing the Sequel: Unexpected Turns 32:32 Exploring the Mystery of Songwriting 35:21 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 Parallels 43:38 The Art of Songwriting: From Poems to Albums 47:42 SONG 5: Archie Roach – 'Charcoal Lane' 53:08 Final Reflections and Future Directions Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Jarvis Cocker from Pulp | 07 Oct 2025 | 01:02:59 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction and Memorable Moments 00:18 Jarvis Cocker's Career and Memoir 01:04 The Charismatic and Shy Jarvis 02:02 Music as an Escape 03:51 The Take 5 Theme of Love 07:12 SONG 1: The Cryin’ Shames – ‘Please Stay’ 10:51 Childhood and Early Influences like The Beatles 15:28 Sheffield and Moving to London 18:16 SONG 2: B52s – ‘Dance This Mess Around’ 22:32 The Pulp Master Plan 29:41 The Reality of Fame 31:03 The Impact of Fame 32:13 SONG 3: Scott Walker – ‘It’s Raining Today’ 37:50 Pulp's Reunion and New Beginnings 41:25 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 Story 44:37 Reflections on Love and Relationships 46:58 Pulp's 2025 album More 48:29 Glastonbury Performance: Then and Now 54:06 The Magic of Live Performances 55:54 SONG 5: Bob Dylan – ‘Isis’ 58:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Take 5 with Lorde | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:59:38 | |
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 episode of 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:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:49 Lorde's Early Influences and First Song Choice 02:03 SONG 1: Lucinda Williams – 'Fruits of My Labor' 02:33 Lucinda Williams' Impact on Lorde 09:30 Lorde's Childhood and Musical Beginnings 12:56 The Mystery of Songwriting 14:02 SONG 2: Bronski Beat – 'Smalltown Boy' 18:55 Writing songs about life experiences 21:05 Reflecting on the huge success of 'Royals', The Love Club EP and being world famous at 16 24:10 Reflecting on Teenage Years and Womanhood 28:22 Lorde's Relationship with Her Parents 30:18 SONG 3: Nina Simone – 'Suzanne' 30:27 Nina Simone's Transformative Cover of 'Suzanne' 31:16 Leonard Cohen's Inspiration and Poetic Imagery 32:12 Nina Simone's Unique Interpretation 35:39 Exploring Gender and Identity in Music 36:36 Relationship break-up and personal transformation 39:47 SONG 4: Westerman – 'Confirmation' 42:01 The Creative Process Behind 'Virgin' 44:55 Physical reactions to music 46:15 SONG 5: Charli xcx & Lorde – 'Girl, so confusing featuring lorde' 46:44 Charli xcx releasing 'Girl, so confusing' about Lorde 48:04 Lorde's verse and working it out in the remix 49:08 Articulating the complexity of female friendships 54:02 Lorde reflecting on her friendship with Charli xcx 55:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Kevin Bacon Takes 5 with songs of joy | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:47:11 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction to Kevin Bacon's Musical Journey 01:00 Kevin Bacon's Love for Music 02:19 Kevin Bacon's Acting and Music Synergy 04:11 SONG 1: Earth, Wind & Fire – 'Happy Feelin' 05:59 The Influence of Philadelphia's Music Scene 09:59 Kevin Bacon's Acting Aspirations and Early Career 14:38 SONG 2: Spin Doctors – 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong' 18:02 The Bacon Brothers and Overcoming Stage Fright 22:53 SONG 3: John Prine & Iris DeMent – 'In Spite of Ourselves' 23:28 Marriage to Kyra Sedgwick and singing together 30:32 SONG 4: Frank Ocean – 'Thinkin Bout You' 35:21 Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon and Philanthropy 39:51 SONG 5: Brandi Carlile – 'The Joke' 44:28 Kevin Bacon's Musical Journey 45:57 Upcoming Episodes and Podcast Details 46:29 Double J Radio Highlights Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Take 5 with comedian and TV star Aaron Chen | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:55:54 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction to Aaron Chen 01:26 Aaron's Move to New York 02:49 Comedy and Music 03:57 SONG 1: Arcade Fire – 'Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)' 04:38 Growing Up in Suburban Sydney 12:06 Early Comedy Days 15:29 SONG 2: Matt Berry – 'Take My Hand' 16:05 First TV Show Experience 20:43 Friendship with Sam Campbell 25:16 SONG 3: Vampire Weekend – 'Jerusalem, New York, Berlin' 25:38 Journey to America 27:49 Auditioning for Fisk 29:44 Meeting Kitty Flanagan 30:29 Finding My Comedy Voice 34:29 Faith and Grounding 37:09 SONG 4: Faye Wong – 'Dreams (夢中人)' 41:50 Marriage and Moving to New York 44:27 American TV and Movie Roles 48:30 SONG 5: Kacey Musgraves – 'Deeper Well' 48:36 Final Reflections and Future Plans Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Melanie C's songs she 'feels in her bones' | 09 Sep 2025 | 01:00:42 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction to Mel C and the Spice Girls 00:24 Mel C's Musical Beginnings 00:36 Take Five Podcast and Mel C's Story 01:35 The Power of Music in Mel C's Life 02:50 Mel C's First Musical Influences 03:38 SONG 1: Stevie Wonder — 'Sir Duke' 05:43 Meeting Stevie Wonder 09:22 Growing Up in Liverpool 11:07 The Birth of Sporty Spice 15:37 The Spice Girls' Early Days 19:28 Living Together and Early Struggles 20:55 Breaking into the Music Industry 23:55 SONG 2: Wham! — 'Everything She Wants' 30:38 Childhood Memories and First Friendships 32:17 SONG 3: TLC — 'Waterfalls' 35:59 Going Solo and Collaborations 41:12 SONG 4: Orbital — 'Chime' 42:23 Rave Culture and DJing 51:33 SONG 5: The Beatles — 'Eleanor Rigby' 54:44 The Beatles and Liverpool's Influence 55:48 Reflecting on Spice Mania 58:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Watch Take 5 on ABC iview: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe | |||
| Take 5 with Peaches | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:28:13 | |
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:
00:00 Introduction to Peaches and Her Impact 00:50 Peaches' Musical Inspirations and Influences like AC/DC 04:39 Exploring PJ Harvey's Influence 05:06 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 Legacy 13:36 Peaches' Role in Queer Culture and Feminism 14:21 Influencing artists like Janelle Monáe 17:31 SONG 3: DAF - 'Der Mussolini' 18:13 The Power of Minimalist Punk 19:32 Peaches' Unique Stage Presence 20:51 SONG 4: Missy Elliott - 'Get Ur Freak On' 22:33 The Evolution of Peaches' Art 23:28 SONG 5: Diamanda Galás - 'My Love Will Never Die' 25:15 Upcoming Take Five Episodes and Conclusion | |||
| INTRODUCING: Brand new TV episodes of Take 5 with Zan Rowe | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:05:01 | |
Take 5 with Zan Rowe is back on your screens from Tuesday 9 September, and Season 4 is our biggest yet.
Across 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-rowe Other 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/105463030 Bernard Sumner from New Order https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/bernard-sumner-take-5-still-uses-blue-monday-synth-unbeatable/104908428 Meg Washington https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/meg-washington-take-5/105628150 Antony Green https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/take-5/antony-green-take-5-song-preferences/105234670 | |||
| Mac DeMarco shares 5 essential songs | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:39:15 | |
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:
00:21 Mac DeMarco's Musical Journey 01:13 Reflecting on Life and Music 03:06 The Essence of Music and Collaboration 05:45 Martin Kolberger + Ralf Illenburger – 'Waves' 06:23 Philosophical Musings and Personal Anecdotes 09:25 Akiko Yano and Musical Inspirations 13:39 Akiko Yano – 'A Worried Girl' 14:08 Guitars and Their Stories 16:37 Canoeing and Nature's Influence on Music 19:27 Michael Manring – 'Welcoming' 20:18 Exploring Jazz and Its Mystique 23:01 Creating Music Independently 25:58 Reflecting on Canadian Roots 29:39 Bruce Cockburn – 'You Get Bigger As You Go' 30:06 Reflecting on new album Guitar and singing falsetto more 33:26 The Influence of Bob Dylan 37:20 Bob Dylan – 'Alberta #1' 38:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Other Take 5 episodes like this: Flaming Lips' frontman Wayne CoyneLucy DacusSharon Van Etten | |||
| Bert McCracken from The Used | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:36:30 | |
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.
Bert McCracken's Take 5 song choices:
01:33 Bert McCracken's Musical Journey 02:08 Life in Australia and Citizenship 04:03 SONG 1: Sunny Day Real Estate 'How It Feels To Be Something On' 09:52 SONG 2: Nirvana 'Molly’s Lips' 11:47 Impact of Kurt Cobain and Growing Up Mormon 15:49 Band Beginnings and Personal Struggles 16:58 The Brotherhood with Jeff 19:02 SONG 3: Ink & Dagger - 'Philapsychosis' 22:04 Memories of Ozzy Osbourne 24:01 Connecting with Fans Through Music 26:53 SONG 4: Elliott Smith - 'Angeles' 30:04 Performing Nostalgic Songs 32:57 SONG 5: Robyn - 'Call Your Girlfriend' 34:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser | |||
| Meg Washington's 'oasis' songs | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:35:43 | |
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.
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| Gordi Takes 5 with 'transformation' songs | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:42:44 | |
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.
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| Patience Hodgson's Hottest 100 pre-party songs | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:38:48 | |
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.
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