Getting to Know… Talkradio | Interview 🎤

In the 421^st Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from the Melbourne-based, one-man indie rock band, Talkradio. 

“I’m the only one in this project. I write all the music and lyrics, as well as play all instruments and sing all the vocals in the studio.” Who doesn’t love a one-man band? The Australian-based Talkradio (Alex Papas) characterizes his sound as non-electronic, asserting “For the last 20 years, everything mainstream has sounded so electronic. I still get my inspiration from groups like Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Radiohead.” We get the inside scoop on Talk Radio’s genesis, goals, musical influences, and current, and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know… Talkradio: Interview No. 421!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Talkradio distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

Firstly, I’m [Alex Papas] the only one in this project. I write all the music and lyrics, as well as play all instruments and sing all the vocals in the studio.

Secondly, (I can’t believe I need to say this these days) but I don’t sound electronic. For the last 20 years, everything mainstream has sounded so electronic. Even stuff that’s released as “rock” music is autotuned like crazy and sounds like something done by AI. I still get my inspiration from groups like Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age (I’m so hooked on their new album), Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Radiohead.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Talkradio begin, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

I originally formed it back in 1998 with the guitarist from my gigging cover band. I had recently come out of a prog rock group which had lasted about 5 years, and I wanted to do something different. I’d had enough of writing songs with 5 different time signature changes and wanted to write stuff that people could enjoy singing along to. I had also been heavily influenced by bands like Soundgarden, Radiohead, and Nirvana at that point. By the end of 2001, we had recorded a couple of EPs, with the help of friends who played all the needed instruments in the studio. I had been sending them out to labels hoping we’d get some interest. To my shock, we got a letter from a Sony guy in Sydney asking for our schedule so he could come and see us in Melbourne. Two weeks later my guitarist unexpectedly quit. I told the Sony rep what had happened, and he quickly lost interest. That’s when I decided I’d be doing it alone from then on. It took me a while to shake off the disappointment. It wasn’t until 2006 before I had new songs I’d written and was ready to record. They make up 5 of the songs from my Timewatching album which was released online in 2013. On the subsequent two albums, I performed all the instruments as well as all the vocals.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

They’ve definitely changed. I started out hoping I could do this for a living and ditch my day job. Now, I’d just be happy getting a decent number of monthly listens, even if it’s just to recoup a little bit of the money I’ve spent on all these productions.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

My first big vocal influence as a kid was Bruce Dickinson. After that, I added Ronnie James Dio. Eventually, Chris Cornell came along and he has been my inspiration since. His death actually affected me for a surprising amount of time. From a songwriting perspective, it has to be Foo Fighters and The Beatles. I’m in awe of anyone who can churn out a ton of tunes that are musically interesting while also sticking in my head easily.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

Many years ago, I was performing at a corporate event in front of around 600 people. At one point, one of my bandmates started pulling girls up onto the stage. Rather than just dance around, they decided to start stripping my clothes off while we were in the middle of a song. As hard as it was trying to stop 5 of them with only one hand, I managed to put a stop to it before it got too far.

To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

Most of my songs are lyrically very personal and can bring back memories that aren’t so great. The only song that isn’t is “Golden”. That song came about because someone at work had no volume control over their voice. People could be on the phone, and he would come along chatting to someone at full volume. You could hear him going on about his personal life while he was in the kitchen. The lyrics to the song were just written out of frustration. The music had to match, so it’s a very loud and angry song. Now when I think about it, it actually makes me smile. It has become funny to me. If my songs ever saw a stage, I would say that would be my favorite to play.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about Talkradio? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I’m actually into a lot of stuff, and it always seems to surprise people who ask. I was originally an actor. In my teens, I performed in TV shows, on stage, and even in a film. I’ve trained in martial arts for around 30 years. Three different styles so far. Twenty years ago, I even briefly competed and managed to get a few trophies. For years I also played in pool competitions and managed to win one (since then I’ve just played on my table at home). I’m into mountain bike riding. I love cars and driving. I play golf, and tennis, and used to play badminton when I had friends willing to play (I was even on my high school team). I love a good computer/video game and have a decent film collection (4k/Blu-ray discs). I also love a good novel.

What is Talkradio currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

I’ve already started writing two songs for my next release, which will be a 5 track EP. I’m hoping to be back in the studio next year.

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

Thank you for the opportunity. Much appreciated.

Follow… Talkradio: Facebook • Spotify • YouTube Music • Website

Getting to Know… Talkradio: Interview No. 421 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Talkradio; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]