Podcast · Arts & Books

Roisin O'Connor's Good Vibrations

by The Independent · English · Arts & Books

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 aca

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 43 min
Latest: 2 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 11 min

Episode 42: Will Young

Can you believe it's been almost 25 years since Will Young triumphed in the inaugural series of Pop Idol? In this episode, Will opens up to Roisin about the circus that was his battle against fellow contestant Gareth Gates, navigating fame and scrutiny into his personal life, and the failed attempt by the tabloids to "out" him as a gay man. They also chatted about his passion for gardening, modern dating and their mutual experiences of being in unhealthy relationship patterns, Will's experiences of being single in his forties and the wonderful relationship he's in now. Hosted on Acast. See…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E41 · 28 Aug 2026 · 43 min
Episode 41: Nectar Woode
Rising soul singer Nectar Woode has already been championed by Sir Elton John and collaborated with the legendary singer-songwriter on her latest project, Naturally. She and Roisin chat about her whirlwind summer, her musical influences, the Mercury Prize shortlist and today's soul scene, as well as a huge milestone with her biggest headline show to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E40 · 21 Aug 2026 · 46 min
Episode 40: J Mascis
Dinosaur Jr have a new album - There Near - and it's brilliant. An unusually talkative J Mascis dives into everything from his love of skiing to getting into the straight edge subculture of punk in the Eighties, playing on the same stage with GG Allin and his favourite films, not least the 1971 classic Harold and Maude. Also, an unexpected and transcendental moment he had while on a spiritual journey, the boredom he experienced living in New York, and the unusual way he met his wife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E39 · 24 Jul 2026 · 59 min
Episode 39: Baby Queen
Roisin and pop singer Baby Queen become fast friends as they dive into the South African-born British pop singer's new album, I Hope You Don't Remember Me, and its themes of heartbreak, anger and confusion. They also chat about her being mentored by Courtney Love, the weirdness of rom-coms, partying in LA and the perils of modern dating! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E38 · 23 Jul 2026 · 44 min
Episode 38: Paris Paloma and Deep Purple's Ian Gillan
The Independent returned to Montreux Jazz Festival for its 60th edition and conversations with some of the incredible lineup. In this double episode, Roisin speaks with Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan about the band’s fantastic new album Splat!, their extraordinary history with Montreux, and why they have no plans of retiring any time soon. She then sits down with Paris Paloma to discuss why her viral song Labour feels sadly more pertinent than ever, amid the rise of trad wives and right-wing views of women and their place in the world. The singer-songwriter also dives into the themes behind…
S1 · E37 · 12 Jun 2026 · 41 min
Episode 37: Peaches and ILĀ at The Great Escape - live recording
A special live recording of a keynote conversation with Canadian pop provocateur Peaches and UK artist and creator ILĀ at The Great Escape festival in Brighton, delving into the themes behind Peaches' latest album No Lube So Rude and their thoughts on the body, aging, fashion, womanhood, AI and art. Both artists also answered some brilliant questions from the audience on representation and breaking into the music industry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E36 · 22 May 2026 · 37 min
Episode 36: Bebe Rexha
Roisin finally gets (jet-lagged) pop star Bebe Rexha in the studio to talk about her new album Dirty Blonde. Having parted ways with her major label, the newly independent Rexha found herself club-hopping around the world. This in turn inspired the songs on the new record, from dance banger "New Religion" to the pulsating "Hysteria" and brooding, grunge-influenced "I Like You Better Than Me". Rexha opens up to Roisin about the scrutiny in recent years over her body, her perfect "Eurosummer", dealing with unrequited love, and what she makes of those "Khia Asylum" memes. Hosted on Acast. See…
S1 · E35 · 8 May 2026 · 41 min
Episode 35: Rostam
Rostam is the musician, producer and multi-instrumentalist formerly of Vampire Weekend, who has worked on critically adored albums by artists such as Haim, Carly Rae Jepsen, Clairo and Frank Ocean. Now back with his latest solo record, American Stories , he speaks to Roisin about incorporating his Persian heritage into these new songs, his Iranian parents and their influence, and how he approaches producing for other musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E34 · 24 Apr 2026 · 36 min
Episode 34: Courtney Barnett
Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett was in the desert in Joshua Tree creating her fantastic fourth studio album, Creature of Habit, with songs about breaking unhealthy patterns and uprooting her life to move from Melbourne to Los Angeles. She tells Roisin about the creative process behind the record, the importance of giving yourself time to learn from the past, and how the artist Georgia O'Keefe inspired her in more ways than one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E33 · 10 Apr 2026 · 42 min
Episode 33: The Snuts' Jack Cochrane
Scottish rock band The Snuts are back with their best new music to date. Frontman Jack Cochrane catches up with Roisin about fatherhood and making the decision to move out of the city and back to their hometown in West Lothian, plus the highs and lows of being an independent act, the toxic culture of comparison in the music industry, and founding their own record label to help champion future generations of talent. 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.…
S1 · E32 · 27 Mar 2026 · 42 min
Episode 32: Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks immersed herself in the club scenes of New York, LA and London while working on her third album, Ambigious Desire, crafting songs about yearning, anonymity, exploring, chemistry and the "spaces in between". She and Roisin first met seven years ago when Parks was just 18 and releasing early singles such as "Cola", "Eugene" and "Black Dog", before she went on to win the Mercury Prize with her debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams when she was just 21 years old. So there's plenty to catch up on, from the books, music and films she's been devouring to her songwriting process, life in LA…
S1 · E31 · 20 Mar 2026 · 36 min
Episode 31: Guy Garvey
Are Elbow the UK's most dependable band? With 10 critically adored albums (including four UK number ones and a Mercury Prize winner), sold-out shows and without a blemish to their name, it certainly seems that way. Frontman Guy Garvey opens up to Roisin about marriage, fatherhood, his antics with the band and being hand-picked by The Cure's Robert Smith to headline the Royal Albert Hall as part of the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust shows. Also, his NSFW advice for life! Subscribe to The Independent's music newsletter, Now Hear This here , to get your weekly dose of the latest news, music and…
S1 · E30 · 13 Mar 2026 · 36 min
Episode 30: Zach Top
He's one of the biggest breakthroughs in country music right now, but Zach Top isn't letting it go to his head. In just a few years, the Washington-born musician has won over millions of fans with songs such as "I Never Lie" and "Sounds Like the Radio", aided by his signature sense of humour, arresting voice and deft guitar-playing. Inspired by country legends such as George Strait, Top got his start in Nashville writing songs with other artists before releasing his breakthrough album Cold Beer & Country Music, followed by his Grammy-winning 2025 record Ain't In It For My Health. Ahead of a…
S1 · E29 · 27 Feb 2026 · 52 min
Episode 29: Producer Craig Leon
Legendary producer Craig Leon is the man behind some of the most influential albums in punk, rock and new wave, working with bands including the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, Suicide, The Fall and The Pogues. It's unsurprising, then, that he has some brilliant stories to share, from the time he saw Talking Heads play CBGB for the first time, to trying to sign Patti Smith, and watching the Ramones beat each other up onstage. 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…
S1 · E28 · 13 Feb 2026 · 44 min
Episode 28: Heated Rivalry special ft Jacob Tierney and Peter Peter
Heated Rivalry, the Canadian show about the romantic relationship between rival ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, has become a bonafide TV phenomenon, making stars of its formerly unknown lead actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, as well as generating discussions on everything from how sex is depicted onscreen to homophobia in sport. It's also got a killer soundtrack thanks to creator and director Jacob Tierney's excellent music taste - from Feist to Wolf Parade and that iconic club scene using t.A.T.u's 2002 hit "All the Things She Said" - and original score…
S1 · E27 · 6 Feb 2026 · 17 min
Episode 27: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine
Legendary metal band Megadeth are bowing out with their final album, the self-titled Megadeth, and a huge farewell tour. Frontman Dave Mustaine speaks with Roisin about why now was the right time to say goodbye and why he still wanted to have fun with this record. He also reflects on his colourful life, from his many health issues to the themes that informed some of the songs on the album, as well as explaining why he hates the perception of him as a "right-winger". It's a shorter-than-usual episode as Dave unfortunately ran out of time, but he and Roisin still got through plenty of…
S1 · E26 · 23 Jan 2026 · 49 min
Episode 26: Jill Scott
Legendary Grammy-winning US artist Jill Scott returns with her first album in a decade, the extraordinary To Whom This May Concern. She and Roisin dive into the themes that informed the record, their mutual experiences in relationships, and Scott's efforts in raising her son as a single parent. She also reminisces about the times she spent dancing with Prince, her acting career, and owning her power as a woman. 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…
S1 · E25 · 19 Dec 2025 · 50 min
Episode 25: KT Tunstall
In the last episode of Good Vibrations for 2025, Roisin chats with Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall about the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough album Eye to the Telescope, which propelled her to international fame back in 2005. They dive into the stories behind hit singles such as "Silent Sea" and, of course, "Suddenly I See", which provided the soundtrack for the opening credits of The Devil Wears Prada. KT also opens up about her famous Jools Holland appearance, her many years as a starving artist, and her uncomfortable feelings around her odd status as a "pop star" during the…
S1 · E24 · 5 Dec 2025 · 32 min
Episode 24: Flipturn
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…
S1 · E23 · 28 Nov 2025 · 50 min
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…
S1 · E22 · 14 Nov 2025 · 26 min
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…
S1 · E21 · 31 Oct 2025 · 45 min
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…
S1 · E20 · 17 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
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…
S1 · E18 · 3 Oct 2025 · 59 min
Episode 19: Taylor Swift special ft Professor Stephanie Burt
Professor Stephanie Burt is described by The New York Times as "one of the most influential poetry critics of [her] generation", and in 2024 made headlines around the world when she offered a class at Harvard University titled "Taylor Swift and Her World". Her new book, Taylor's Version, is inspired by that course and offers in-depth critical studies of Swift's body of work for a wider audience. As the pop star releases her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, Professor Burt tells Roisin about how she first became drawn to Swift's songwriting and why she believes it's possible to make…
S1 · E18 · 19 Sep 2025 · 57 min
Episode 18: Kojey Radical
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,…
S1 · E17 · 12 Sep 2025 · 39 min
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…
S1 · E16 · 29 Aug 2025 · 39 min
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…
S1 · E15 · 22 Aug 2025 · 23 min
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…
S1 · E14 · 8 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
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…
S1 · E13 · 25 Jul 2025 · 27 min
JADE at Montreux Jazz Festival
In this special one-off episode filmed at Montreux Jazz Festival, pop star JADE sat down with Roisin to speak about her thriving solo career, the pop icons who have inspired some of her recent singles, the place of politics at music festivals, her first dates with boyfriend Jordan Stephens, and her upcoming debut solo album, That's Showbiz Baby. 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.

About Roisin O'Connor's Good Vibrations

Roisin O'Connor's Good Vibrations is a English arts & books podcast from The Independent. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Independent
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 43 min
Latest episode: 2 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1792821914
Rights: The Independent

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