One of Melbourne’s most loved community radio stations, JOY 94.9 FM is wrapping up its radiothon fundraising drive for 2014. Celebrating 20 years of continuous broadcasting, JOY is one of only four full time radio stations in the world catering to the diverse GLBTIQ market.

As well as being one of the world’s only dedicated gay and lesbian stations, JOY also features some incredible music focussed programs championing undiscovered gems.

To celebrate another year of JOY and another radiothon campaign, we asked a few JOY fm presenters to educate us on what artists they think have been killing it in 2014 and what we should be looking out for during the next half of the year.

If you like what you hear, be sure to consider supporting the station, because with your support JOY fm will be able to continue to do what it does best- program incredible and diverse radio for years to come.

Hannah – Little Fish [Saturdays 4-5pm]

Montaigne – With only two singles out I already know that this girl is something spesh. The first line of ‘I’m a fantastic wreck’ stopped me dead and I loved how dramatically sad it was. When I hear Montaigne’s voice, I want to put on my best clothes and perform a fabulous dance routine to my bedroom wall. I’m itching for an album.

Milwaukee Banks – I normally leave the Aussie hip hop to the Shapow Show, but I’m super excited about these guys. They’re a refreshingly different hip hop act that is more aligned with the American style than the Australian. Their beats are sick and their vocals are rich, and with a couple of singles out now, they haven’t dropped the ball for me at all.

The Preatures – Last year was a big year for The Preatures, but this year is their year. I think these guys are one of the most exciting Aussie acts out at the moment. I love a band that makes me want to jump and these guys are responsible for some ruined shoes.


Jade – Handclaps and Harmonies [Saturdays 4-5pm]

First Aid KitTheir new album isn’t even out yet and I’m so excited about this one. Lead single off the upcoming record ‘My Silver Lining’ is a great taster, but the whole album is amazing. It’s alt country with rich instrumentation, harmonies and honest lyrics. Stay Gold could be the soundtrack to your next road trip.

The Griswolds – Listening to their track ‘Beware The Dog’ I just love the combo of bouncing sounds and handclaps paired with these really aggressive angsty lyrics. It’s a celebratory break up song and we all need more of those in our lives. Just try and not singalong to this chorus it’s so addictive.

Papercuts – The track ‘Still Knocking At The Door’ was my first exposure to Papercuts, but Jason Quever has been recording for 10 years. ‘Still Knocking At The Door’ has a beautifully layered arrangement paired with some really simple dreamy strummy la la vocals. Seriously, I’m daydreaming just thinking about it.


Dylan – Counter Cultured [Saturdays 8 – 10 pm]

Playwrite – This act has an enveloping sound that fluctuates between light and shade with haunting melodies and chants. It’s really hard for me to listen to just one Playwrite song; it always ends up as a Playwrite marathon.

Brody Dalle – I have loved The Distillers since I first heard them back when I was an angst ridden teen. No hetero but I love Brody Dale, tracks like The Hunger, I am Revenant and City of Angels have me jumping.

Virus Syndicate – The dubstep British emcees know how to rock a track – I challenge you to listen to Sick Wid It and not move while you are listening to it.


Conrad – Joy FM’s General Manager

My favourite album for 2014 so far is from a kiwi singer called Tami Nelson with ‘Dynamite!’. It’s a cross between rockabilly, country and old school r’n’b with a nice nod to Amy Winehouse thrown in the mix too.

Richard – A Touch of Pink [Saturdays 6–7pm]

Bright Light Bright Light – BL BL is a gay UK DJ/Producer and singer/songwriter (aka Rod Thomas). His songs are achingly beautiful, very sensitive, and mainly about human emotions. He puts an elegant humanity back into pop music. The first single from the album, I wish we were leaving, is a duet with Elton John, and typifies the quality songs that he writes. There is no bad language, no Pitbull, no sleaze. Just catchy tunes that we can all relate to.

J-Jon – Asian Pop Radio Australia [Tuesdays 11pm – 12am]

My pick of 2014 so far goes to YG Entertainment’s Kpop sensations 2NE1. Known as ‘the female Big Bang’ (fellow label mates and Korea’s most successful male group). 2NE1 recently released the ‘2014 2NE1 World Tour Live CD’. The ladies kicked of their All or Nothing World Tour in Seoul this March and the release features live versions of their biggest tracks since forming back in ’09.

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