CRN's HomeBrew program re-launches as Aussie Music Weekly

Focussing on new local and independent Australian music, CRN's HomeBrew progam has been re-launched as Aussie Music Weekly.

We spoke to the show's presenter Jason 'Noddy' Velleley to ask what's in store with this new incarnation of the program, and about the decision to change the show's name and alter the format. 

Why did you decide to change the name of the program? 

The name change came about out for a number of reasons. Firstly, out of respect and courtesy to the program’s founder Phil 'Brommers' Bromley who started (and named) the program, but is no longer involved on the show. Secondly, after over a decade on air and the program having largely remained the same since this time, a change was well overdue. Thirdly and most importantly, the show needed a name that more accurately reflects what it is about. You wouldn’t believe how many times people have assumed that is a show on brewing beer! 

Are you making any format changes to the program? 

Yes, initially just some subtle changes to some of the segments and the presentation style, the latter which up until now always had a brewing theme associated with it, but I’m sure that there will be some more enhancements to come down the track.

Can you please give us some history on HomeBrew, how the program started, how you got started in community radio? 

HomeBrew Radio commenced on community radio station Triple H (Hornsby, NSW) in 2000 and then joined the Community Radio Network in 2004. I personally joined the program in 2009 after having previously presented various music programs on 2MCE (Bathurst, NSW), FBi Radio (Sydney, NSW) and Triple H (Hornsby, NSW).

Who is the rest of the team involved in Aussie Music Weekly? 

The Aussie Music Weekly team is myself (Jason 'Noddy' Velleley) - I present and produce the program each week, Rufus OnFire (also a presenter of The Music Almanac on Triple H, Hornsby, NSW) who presents the Artist Profile segment each month looking at an Australia band in-depth, as well as Paul McQueen (previously presenter of Songwriters Across Australia on Communty Radio Network and TVS) who engineers regular Live Sessions when artists come into the studio to perform.

Do you see Aussie Music Weekly evolving in the future? 

Absolutely! The aim is to grow the team with further contributors who bring their own knowledge and music tastes to the program and with this, will see new segments and a wider focus on Australian music.

Can you tell us about a few new acts that you have been paying attention to lately? 

There is so much great Australian music being made right now, that sometimes it’s hard to keep up with it all! Here’s a few acts that have caught my attention though – Montaigne, Colibrium, Sahara Beck, Tequila Mockingbyrd and Heloise. 

Who are some of your favourite Australian artists of all time? 

I’m showing my age here, but the 90s were certainly the glory days of Australian music, so many of my favourites come from that period. Clouds, Magic Dirt, The Cruel Sea, The Jezabels and Birds Of Tokyo. 

What’s the favourite interview you’ve done? 

It’s difficult to narrow it down to one, but there have certainly been some memorable ones for various reasons, the opportunity to do them face to face with the artist when possible is always a bonus too! Eskimo Joe (lead singer Kav Temperley was one of the nicest blokes you’d ever meet), Karnivool (Hoss and Drew from the band invited us into the back of their touring van to record the interview) and The Beards (they never fail to have you laughing your head off throughout the interview).

What interview would be your holy grail? 

Although I’ve often heard that he doesn’t give interviews, I would love to chat with Michael Gudinski, as I think the contribution he has made to Australian music over the years is outstanding and he would be extremely interesting to talk to.

For CRN subscribers:

• Aussie Music Weekly (55"50) is broadcast/distributed by CRN Mondays from 21:00 to 21:55:50 EST/EDT, Saturdays 23:00 to 23:55:50 and is available for DDN capture
• Begins on CRN 4 July, 2016
• For more information contact CRN staff on 02 9310 2999 or email [email protected]

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