After expressing themselves for 48 straight hours, the newly re-branded Double J has launched with an hour-long live broadcast simulcast across both the digital-only channel, as well as parent station Triple J. Station cornerstone Myf Warhurst helmed the historic broadcast, as a new era in Australian radio broadcasting kicked off.
The new Double J promises to play a mix of music that caters to both new and developing sounds, as well as paying homage to Triple J’s halcyon days of yore. Broadcasting live from the Kelvin Club in Melbourne, the station’s first song was, after much debate, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Get Ready For Love. Fitting, given Cave’s status as the most consistently played artist in the history of Double and Triple J.
Myf Warhurst herself will shoulder the bulk of the new station’s schedule, hosting her lunchtime program, “Lunch With Myf” every weekday from 11am until 3. Along with that, the station announced its initial lineup of shows and presenters:
Revelator with Emma Swift, Mondays at 8pm – An alt-country, Americana, folk, roots, rockabilly show hosted by the former voice of Triple J Breakfast’s news bulletins, Emma Swift.
Something More with Tim Shiel, Tuesdays at 8pm – Electronica focused show that promises to delve into the weird and experimental. Tim Shiel has toured with Gotye and produces under the name Faux Pas.
The Beat Eclectic with Karen Leng, Wednesdays at 8pm – Post rock, punk, pop, ambient, acoustic, a little bit of everything. Karen Leng previously worked for Triple J, Triple R and ABC TV.
The J Files, Thursday nights – Returning in August, the legendary radio documentary series is being revived for Double J. Each week a new host shines spotlight on an artist, event or theme. The first episode will showcase the 20th anniversary of Something For Kate.
Saturday Morning with Caz Tran, Saturdays at 9am – The former host of Super Request Lunch and Home & Hosed, Caz Tran, covers the week in music, with new tunes, news and features.
Sky High with Lance Ferguson, Saturdays at 6pm – Helmed by the bandleader of The Bamboos, Lance Ferguson hosts a Saturday night kickstarter program, playing a hot mix of soul, groove and dance.
Double J Artist in Residence, Sundays at 3pm – An ever-changing program curated by an artist from home or abroad. The show kicks off with Robert Forster from The Go-Betweens looking at David Bowie in the 70s. The Cat Empire, Henry Rollins, Adalita, Kevin Mitchell, and the legendary Iggy Pop will all host in the coming months.
For those wondering what to expect musically from the new station, the first hour’s playlist went like this:
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Get Ready For Love
Kelis – Cobbler
Kate Miller-Heidke – O, Vertigo! (Live at the Double J launch)
The Go-Betweens – Spring Rain
The Bamboos – Avenger
Paul Dempsey – Déjà Vu (Live at the Double J launch)
Nikki Lane – Right Time
Damon Albarn – Mr Tempo
Double J is on the air RIGHT BLOODY NOW, and is pumping out some serious jams. You can listen to it via all good digital radio outlets, or stream it from their website, doublej.net.au
Photo: Scott Barbour via Getty Images.
