'It’s Hard To Push Back The Fear': Jay Watson Steps Into The Light As GUM

Anthony Carew, Journalist

Anthony Carew is a Melbourne-based critic, writer and broadcaster. He presents The International Pop Underground on RRR FM. For almost two decades, he wrote the scathing film review column Film Carew for The Music.

Reviews / Album
Mitski press image
Album Review: On 'Nothing's About To Happen To Me', Mitski Delivers A Dark, Unsettling Character Study Filled With Familiar Obsessions
The 8th LP for the 35-year-old indie icon details the life of a "reclusive woman in an unkempt house" with a tense mix of noisy indie-rock and grand orchestration.
Features / Interviews
Telenova
'Everything Fell Off': The Struggles That Birthed Telenova's New Album, 'The Warning'
After serendipitous beginnings and a rapid ascent, Melbourne trio Telenova had to navigate dark times and personal struggles when making their second LP.
Reviews / Live
Cameron Winter
Live Review: Cameron Winter @ The Forum, Melbourne
In his first-ever Australian show, the Geese frontman unites a crowd of true believers with a set of strange, singular songs and a voice he wields like a weapon.
Features / Interviews
Bleak Squad
With 'Supergroup' Bleak Squad, Adalita Is Starting Over: 'We’re These Old Showgirls, But We’re A Baby Band'
Ahead of a highly anticipated set at Perth Festival, Adalita explains how what began as a jam between herself, Mick Harvey, Mick Turner and Marty Brown became the brooding, beautiful Bleak Squad.
Features / Interviews
Blondshell
As Blondshell, Nothing Is Too Personal for Sabrina Teitelbaum
Returning to Australia with the buzzy If You Asked for a Picture LP, Blondshell's leader opens up about her confessional songs: "I've been through a lot."
Features / Music
Hatchie
‘It’s Different This Time Around’: Hatchie Resets And Revitalises For New Album, ‘Liquorice’
“I wrote this album while living my life, rather than putting my life on hold to do the album," Hatchie says of life's changing priorities.
Features / Interviews
Momma
Momma On How Their Musical Journey 'Feels Like A New Incarnation Of The Band Every Single Time'
Ahead of their 2026 Australian tour, American rock band Momma reflect on the process behind their latest album, 'Welcome To My Blue Sky.'
Features / Music
Bon Iver
On 'SABLE, fABLE', Bon Iver Discovers A Sense Of 'Happy-To-Be-Alive Joy'
'SABLE, fABLE' is a record which, in many ways, draws connections to all of the Bon Iver back catalogue to create something filled with light.
Features / Interviews
Band Of Horses
Band Of Horses: 'Freedom Brings Something Spectacular Out Of Us'
Ahead of Band Of Horses' first Australian tour dates since 2016, singer Ben Bridwell gets reflective: "It's been way too long. We’ve missed you terribly."
Features / Music
Pond
Pond’s Nick Allbrook: ‘I Feel Pretty Soppy About Live Music At The Moment’
Nick Allbrook says of Pond's brand-new album 'Stung!', "It’s got some kind of hue. But I don't think I’m bold enough a music critic to try and lock it down."
Features / Interviews
Tim Hecker
Tim Hecker's Songs Aren't About Anything, 'I Just Make Music That's Evocative'
Ahead of Tim Hecker's return to Australia for the ΩHM Festival of Other Music, The Music caught up with the Canadian musician for a chat about inspiration.
Features / Interviews
Alvvays On Their 'Coveted Memories' With Aus Act That They'll Treasure Forever
As Canadian indie rock band Alvvays make their way across Australia, lead singer Molly Rankin reflects on their previous trips down under and the impact of their 2022 album, 'Blue Rev'.
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