A deep dive into one of Australia’s most unique music experiences — a four‑hour rolling roots revue on a heritage steam train. This episode unpacks the Blues Train’s 32‑year evolution, from its boomer‑era beginnings to its modern push toward younger audiences, genre‑diverse programming, and partnerships with local businesses. We explore the artists who shaped its identity, the challenges of performing on a moving carriage, and the strategic shifts keeping this Victorian icon on track.

In this episode of Just Talkin’ Blues, we sit down with Sheyana and members of The Sheyana Band to trace a 12‑plus‑year journey from Tasmania’s blues roots to chart success in Sri Lanka and beyond. They unpack the new compilation album All the Best—a hand‑picked blend of award‑winning tracks from Big Love and Ricochet plus three new songs, including festival anthem “Fourth Valley Blues” and the deeply personal “Ricochet,” dedicated to lost friends.

We talk about the band’s evolving lineup and sound—where blues underpins everything from soul to punk and grunge—and how “simpler” music with space can be the hardest to play. Along the way, Sheyana shares stories of supporting Australian icons like Renee Geyer, Ross Wilson, and The Black Sorrows, the surreal experience of Sri Lankan tours in monsoon rain and tuk‑tuks, and the intensely human songwriting process that turns late‑night voice memos, trauma, and real life into songs that travel the world.

Hosted by: Kelvin Huggins

Presented by: The Blues Hotel Collective - your home for EVERYTHING BLUES.

Website: https://www.theblueshotel.com.au/

Keep the blues alive.

© 2026 The Blues Hotel Collective.

In this episode of Just Talkin’ Blues, we sit down with Victoria Music Hall of Fame inductee Barry Hills and powerhouse vocalist-songwriter Kelly Auty from Pepper Creek Revival to dive deep into their new album, It’s All Been Said. They unpack the band’s “thick salad” of influences—Americana, blues, country, folk, and rock—and how a burst of songwriting turned an unplanned project into a fully formed record where every track stands as a single, from the title track to “Back Glance” and the mandolin-laced “Remember.”

Barry and Kelly reflect on decades in the Melbourne blues scene, the magic of capturing a truly “live” band in the studio, and why they proudly stamp their work as made by human hands—no AI, just blood, sweat, and tears. Along the way, they share candid thoughts on the decline of live music culture, the fragmentation of albums in the streaming era, and what it means to keep making honest, human-centric art in a changing industry.

Hosted by: Kelvin Huggins

Presented by: The Blues Hotel Collective - your home for EVERYTHING BLUES.

Website: https://www.theblueshotel.com.au/

Keep the blues alive.

© 2026 The Blues Hotel Collective.

In this episode we're just talkin' blues with Christina Crofts, one of Australia’s most distinctive blues‑rock artists, a slide‑guitar powerhouse whose latest release Best of Bottleneck hit #1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart. She traces her journey from a musical childhood in Brisbane—accordion in the lounge room, guitar chords from her uncle Stan Coster—to finding her voice on the rockier edge of the blues.

Christina reflects on the profound influence of her late husband and mentor, guitarist Steve Crofts, whose riffs, guitars, and spirit still shape her sound. We explore her heroes David Lindley and Rory Gallagher, the wild energy of her live shows, and the enduring crowd favourite “Midnight Train.”

She also speaks candidly about today’s music industry: the brutal economics of streaming, the decline of physical media, and her concerns about AI’s impact on authentic creativity. Looking ahead, Christina is gearing up for more touring and a new album of original material—determined to keep the flame of real, human-made blues burning bright.

Discover more of Christina and her music at https://www.christinacrofts.com/

© 2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.

In this episode, we’re just talkin’ blues with John Durr, President of the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS)—a group that’s been at the center of Melbourne’s blues scene since 1990. What started as casual Sunday jam sessions at the Station Hotel has grown into a vibrant community that supports artists, welcomes fans, and keeps the spirit of the blues alive.

🗂️ Note: This is an archived conversation from 2024, offering timeless insights into the roots, challenges, and evolution of MBAS and the broader blues community.

We dig into:

• The founding story and mission of MBAS: to support blues musicians and connect them with audiences

• Why traditional memberships are fading, and how MBAS is embracing a supporter-driven model

• The weekly Tuesday night gigs and jam sessions that bring the community together

• The annual Blues Challenge, sending local acts to Memphis and opening doors worldwide

• Youth and Women in Blues programs that spotlight emerging talent

• How MBAS promotes the blues through newsletters, live streaming, and social media

• The evolving sound of blues and why it continues to resonate with younger generations

With candid reflections from John Durr, this episode is a celebration of grassroots music, community spirit, and the enduring power of the blues.

🔗 Learn more or get involved at mbas.org.au

© 2024-2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.

In this episode we’re Just Talkin’ Blues with Renate Bianca — a singer-songwriter whose journey spans the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Tasmania. From a musical family upbringing to a life-changing introduction to jazz, Renate has built a rich catalogue of heartfelt songs exploring humanity, connection, and authenticity.

In this interview, we dive into:

• Her songwriting philosophy — telling raw, honest stories with kindness

• The meaning behind singles like Laat Me Niet Vallen, Gumboots, and The Tracker

• Details on her upcoming album and collaborations with young jazz musicians

• Why she champions imperfection and authenticity in a digital age

• Her vision for music as an act of community and shared experience

• The Blues Hotel Collective - Official website of the Blues Hotel Collective - Home of The Blues Hotel and Just Talkin' Blues. Sign up to our quarterly newsletter and be notified when new episodes drop!
• Renaté Bianca Music - Official artist platform for Renaté Bianca, a songwriter, composer, librettist, and performer based in Southern Tasmania.

▶Chapters:

00:00 Journey Through Music: From the Netherlands to Australia

03:03 The Essence of Songwriting: Humanity and Connection

06:00 Exploring New Horizons: Dutch Music and Cultural Identity

08:57 The Album Journey: Creation and Collaboration

12:09 The Role of Music in Community and Connection

15:13 Navigating the Future: AI, Authenticity, and Artistic Vision

© 2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.

In this episode, we’re just talkin’ blues with Ross Wilson, a true icon of Australian music whose career spans over 60 years—from teenage garage bands to chart-topping success with Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, and now a thriving solo chapter.

Ross dives into the roots of his sound, blending blues, doo-wop, and rock ’n’ roll into hits like “Eagle Rock.” He shares how a love of live performance, a sharp ear for songwriting, and a commitment to artistic integrity have kept him at the top of his game—even at 77, still playing over 100 gigs a year.

We explore the evolution of the music industry, the reality of streaming royalties, and why protecting your songs matters more than ever. Ross also opens up about his creative process, family ties to music, and his latest EP that returns to his blues roots—with harmonica front and centre.

It’s a deep, funny, and honest chat with one of Australia’s most enduring voices. As Ross puts it, “When you’re on stage, that’s what you’re living for.”

© 2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.

In this episode we’re Just Talkin’ Blues with the incredible Judy Mangini of Judy Sings the Blues

At 50, Judy reignited a lifelong dream to perform—and she’s been lighting up stages ever since. In this episode, she shares her powerful story of resilience, passion, and purpose. From her beginnings as a young poet and guitarist to releasing Backstage Pass Live!—an album that landed her on the 2025 Grammy ballot—Judy opens up about her journey, her band, and the deep connection she feels with her audience.

We also dive into the realities of being an original blues artist, the power of live performance, and Judy’s thoughts on the future of music in an AI-driven world.

© 2024-2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.