Kojey Radical doesn't rush greatness. His debut album, 2022's Reasons to Smile, received a spot on the Mercury Prize shortlist and plenty of critical acclaim to boot. Three years later, he's back with an even better work, Don't Look Down, which develops its predecessor's themes of fatherhood, Blackness, co-parenting, love, success and self-doubt. Seven years since they first met, he opened up to Roisin about why he's struggled to make relationships work and why, despite his fantastic career, he's still hit by feelings of imposter syndrome. They also dived into the making of Don't Look Down, which features an astonishing who's-who of some of the most talented musicians working today.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.
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Episode 17: Jehnny Beth
Jehnny Beth's fearless approach to her art has made her one of the most formidable and daring musicians of her generation. With longtime partner and co-producer Johnny Hostile, she adopted a DIY attitude to new album You Heartbreaker, You, slashing and burning anything that made them feel "bored". She and Roisin talk about the judgement and shame she felt growing up bisexual in Poitiers, France, her evolving attitude to relationships and monogamy, and why she doesn't think humanity is that evolved at all when it comes to love. They also realise that Jehnny was this* close to being Roisin's French teacher while working in Enfield, London, before her music career took off! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 16: Bimini
Musician, DJ, author and Drag Race UK star Bimini was a standout contestant on the 2025 series of Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, taking part in gruelling challenges alongside fellow celebrities such as musician Lucy Spraggan, dancer Louie Spence and former Love Island contestant Adam Collard. Bimini had plenty to reflect on after their time in the show, while also discussing their recent remix of Anastacia's "Left Outside Alone" and the poignant interpretation of it - plus their ADHD diagnosis, views on gender and non-binary identity, and whether they have plans to write another book. Also, the Shakespearean appeal of reality TV.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.
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Episode 15: Caity Baser
Caity Baser is spearheading a new wave of brilliant, bratty Gen-Z pop, but it wasn't an easy journey to get here. Her 2025 EP There, I Said It shows her at her most vulnerable, confessional self, delving into themes of trauma, healing, betrayal and love. In this candid conversation, she opens up to Roisin about how she's perceived by the public... and the side they don't know so well.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.
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Episode 14: Tim Minchin
Tim Minchin is an Australian musician, composer, lyricist, actor, director, writer and comedian. He wrote the lyrics and music to the Tony and Olivier Award-winning stage musical Matilda, as well as for the 2022 film adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Stephen Graham. In 2019, he co-produced, wrote, directed and starred in the comedy drama series Upright with Milly Alcock, returning for a second season in 2022. His latest album, Time Machine, was released in July 2025 to critical praise and a No 11 spot in the UK charts. In this revealing conversation, Tim speaks with Roisin about his fascinating career to date, his opinions on social shaming, religion and celebrity, his conflicted views on arts criticism and how he's depicted by critics, and why he enjoyed the divided reactions to his 2020 single 'I'll Take Lonely Tonight', about choosing fidelity over the opportunity to have sex with someone else.Subscribe to The Independent's music newsletter, Hear This Now here, to get your weekly dose of the news, artists and features 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.
UK