Formed at high-school in Florida, Flipturn are the fast-rising indie-rock band causing a storm on both sides of the Atlantic. Their second album, Burnout Days, stars songwriting that oscillates between abstract and diaristic, bolstered by tight, prodigious musicianship and a chemistry between members that shines through on record. In the penultimate Good Vibrations episode of 2025, frontman Dillon and bassist Maddy tell Roisin about growing up in their small town and life on the road. Dillon also opens up about how his partner inspires his most romantic songwriting, and his experiences dealing with addiction in his family. Subscribe to The Independent's music newsletter, Now Hear This here, to get your weekly dose of the latest news, music and artists grabbing Roisin's attention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
31:55
--------
31:55
Episode 23: Ella Eyre
British pop singer Ella Eyre returned in 2025 with her first new album in a decade, Everything, in Time. She and Roisin chat about the record's themes of love and self-worth, her newfound confidence, and why she feels "sad" about her rise to fame as a teenager with her No 1 UK hit with Rudimental, "Waiting All Night". She also opens up about why her plans to be single after ending a seven-year relationship were scuppered, her positive experiences of therapy, and the vocal surgery that left her "learning how to speak again". Subscribe to The Independent's music newsletter, Now Hear This here, to get your weekly dose of the latest news, music and artists grabbing Roisin's attention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
49:35
--------
49:35
Episode 22: Jon Bon Jovi
New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi thought his touring days could be over as he struggled to recover from a crucial but risky vocal surgery. Now he and his band are back and preparing to head out on their first major tour in four years, including a residency at New York's Madison Square Garden and three nights at Wembley Stadium in London. He and Roisin discuss how he felt opening up about such a tricky time in the band's documentary, 'Thank You, Goodnight', their recent album 'Forever (Legendary Edition)', and his joy over his growing family. Also, his views on today's new music (a Chappell Roan fan, it turns out) and what he made of the Oasis reunion, and the moment he finally teamed up on record with his childhood hero, Bruce Springsteen!Subscribe to The Independent's music newsletter, Now Hear This here, to get your weekly dose of the latest news, music and artists grabbing Roisin's attention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
25:39
--------
25:39
Episode 21: Zara Larsson
Zara Larsson has entered a new era. The Swedish pop star got her first taste of fame when she was just 10 years old, after winning the Swedish version of Got Talent back in 2008. Her single “Lush Life” catapulted her to international attention aged 17, the first of a series of hit singles including “Ain’t My Fault”, “Girls Like” with Tinie Tempah and “Ruin My Life”. Her fifth studio album, the dazzling Midnight Sun, was released in September 2025 ahead of her spot opening for Tate McRae on her Miss Possessive Tour. Still riding that high, she chats with Roisin about her pop girl status, the support she’s received from her peers and why she can’t help but fire back at the haters.Subscribe to The Independent's music newsletter, Now Hear This here, to get your weekly dose of the latest news, music and artists grabbing Roisin's attention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
44:41
--------
44:41
Episode 20: Bret McKenzie
Bret. Brit? Britney? Oscar and Grammy-winning Flight of the Conchords star, composer, musician and actor Bret McKenzie is back with his new album Freak Out City, a lush, psychedelic trip of a record that takes its cues from The Beatles and ELO. In this episode, he regales Roisin with tales of his touring misadventures (heard the one about the tour manager who misplaced $5,000?), explains why bakeries are dangerous territory for a Conchord ("baguette?") and reveals how a mischievous Sir Ian McKellen got him scolded by Peter Jackson on the set of The Hobbit. He and Roisin also discuss the perils of dating in a small town, the weird briefs he gets while composing music for Hollywood blockbusters, and whether he and Jemaine Clement are working on a FOTC reunion...Subscribe to The Independent's music newsletter, Now Hear This here, to get your weekly dose of the latest news, music and artists grabbing Roisin's attention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Independent’s music editor Roisin O’Connor invites musicians, producers and songwriters from all genres and walks of life into the studio, where her lively, engaging and warm interview style allows them to open up like never before. Episodes delivered fortnightly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.