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Talkradio is an Australian-based, one-man indie rock band. It all began in 1998…
What are the origins of Talkradio?
I’m [Alex Papas] the only one in “Talkradio”. I play every instrument and sing all the vocals. I started this project back in 1998. Originally I started it with the guitarist who was in my cover band at the time. I used to get other musician friends to record other instruments when we were in the studio. That all ended late 2002 and I’ve been doing it alone ever since.
What should people expect when they check Talkradio out?
It’s alternative rock music, with influences from all kinds of bands like Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Queens of the Stone Age, Placebo, The Beatles etc.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I’m currently writing for my next recording, but given I haven’t finished there is no way to check it out. You can check out my last three albums: Timewatching, Something From Nothing, and Choose (my current one). The last two are indicative of what I sound like as the first one contains songs I didn’t record alone. The first album is like a compilation of songs I recorded with different people at different times.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel Talkradio would be best suited to open for?
Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
I do occasionally hear songs and think “Wow”, then look up the artist, only to find they only have something like a few hundred followers on Spotify. I’m shocked when that happens. The last time that happened was a song called “Lost” by “The Phat Jammerz”. Another one was “Lizard Man” by “Myth of Her”.
What frustrates you about the music business?
Being noticed. You now need to sink more of your own money into promotion than ever before, and most of us can’t afford to keep throwing money into a bottomless pit. I remember seeing an interview not long ago with a music industry professional who summed it up quite effectively. Before streaming services, recording label A&R staff were like a filter. They would pick acts they thought had potential and sign them up. Now, there is no longer a filter. Anyone with money can get themselves published on streaming services, whether good or bad. It’s now an infinite sea of content, and it’s very easy to drown in that sea. You can also become fatigued simply trying to go through what’s out there. Especially if, as my stepson says, most of it is “crap”. This also makes it impossible to know if your own work is any good. Also, the current way that music is consumed means that musicians get paid less than ever before and get taken advantage of more than ever.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I’ve been told I’ve always been musical. I used to drum in time to songs from the age of 3. Even so, music wasn’t my first artistic pursuit. I started as an actor at the age of 12. I did quite a bit of theatre, TV, and even a film over a period of 5 years. When I finished high school and it was time to go to uni, my parents stopped supporting my acting ambitions. They actively blocked my attempts, which was simple for them really. All they had to do was stop driving me around to where I needed to go. By the time I got my licence and was able to get around myself, my acting agency had been sold, I was no longer on their books and my actor’s equity membership had expired. At this stage, I had no drum kit at home either and was relegated to practicing on various pieces of furniture in front of the stereo. At some point, my cousin, who happened to be a great drummer, invited me to watch his band at a rehearsal studio. It turned out they had no singer and insisted I get on the microphone to give them a guide. It took a lot of convincing. They kept asking me back every weekend. I would say that was the lightbulb moment. Not long after that, I joined a band and signed up for singing lessons.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
The Foo Fighters concert in December.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
This question could spawn an essay, but I will just say energy consumption and climate. I do what I can to ensure my home runs off renewables as much as possible.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Oh wow, there would be so many. Let me see. As much as I love grunge and loud rock (and have listened to Iron Maiden all my life), I also have Jamiroquai, Seal, and John Farnham on my shelf.
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
From a singing perspective, Chris Cornell. From a songwriting perspective, Dave Grohl.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
Sadly, I haven’t come across anything that’s grabbed me this year. Being an APRA member, I get the voting form for song of the year every year and usually go through a few hundred new songs. Usually, I bookmark a bunch of new artists to go back and listen to. The last round was disappointing.
What does 2025 hold for Talkradio?
I’ve begun writing for my next recording. I’m hoping to be back in the studio next year.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Fairly active. I’m usually checking my Facebook and Spotify pages on a daily basis. My official website (below) contains a list of all streaming services I can be found on.
www.facebook.com/talkradio.aus
www.talkradioaus.com.au
