We kick off 2026 with Charlie Needs Braces. Charlie Needs Braces is a combination of Charlie and her sister, Miri. They are GuriNgai people now living down in Melbourne. The duo released their first EP in 2022, and last year saw them double down with the release of their second full-length album, NYAA WA. They've already won an Upstart Award and the Archie Roach Award, and join Adam today here in sunny Hollywood California.

In this episode, we’re joined by a true icon of Australian rock: Garry Gary Beers. Best known as the founding bassist of the legendary band INXS, Garry’s musical legacy spans decades and continents. These days, he’s based in Southern California and rocking out with his new project, AshenMoon.

From global superstardom with INXS to designing GGB bass guitars and launching new creative ventures, Garry shares his journey to the U.S., what keeps him inspired, and what’s next on the horizon.

Lucy is an emerging singer and songwriter based in Canberra, who joins the Cockatoo from Los Angeles on her way to SXSW in Austin Texas. Lucy shares a bit on her story from her early years and appearing on The Voice, to how she made it on the SXSW bill and the journey so far. She also wrote the artist reviews for this Cockatoo newsletter, so she shares her thoughts on the Aussies playing SXSW this year.