Take 5 with Zan Rowe

[TV.Cynic]

Episode 4

Gold Logie nominated actor Mark Coles Smith shares his journey from rural Australia to fame through five incredible song choices.

Mark Coles Smith made history as the first Indigenous actor to be nominated for a Gold Logie, for his role in Mystery Road: Origin.

However, Mark has done surprisingly few interviews about his story. Growing up in rural Western Australia and moving from town to town this actor, producer and musician has some amazing tales to tell as he shares the songs that bring him back to earth.

At one point in the interview as Zan places a David Bowie record on the player Mark reveals “Funny bit of trivia. Bowie almost became my grandfather-in-law….it was during his time in Australia, he met my grandmother, she was a beautiful young thing at Bangarra Dance Theatre in Sydney. And they had this three-month long romance.”

This episode is full of dancing, laughs, charm, heartbreak and wisdom. From being discovered at 14 to losing his best friend to suicide and the journey in his 20’s to believe in himself, Mark brings five incredible songs to soundtrack his story.

Mark sums up Take 5 beautifully “Everything that I’ve spoken about, it’s kind of the first time in a way. This is why this is such an amazing exercise to be a part of, because you’ve literally asked me about things that are deeply meaningful to me and that I care about. These are songs that kind of held chapters of my life so far, my journey.”

[JohnsonTV]

Zan Rowe’s Take 5 secret: ‘People forget they’re on television’

[JohnsonTV]

Extended preview of episode 1

'Happy, hedonistic, carefree times': Noel Gallagher on the glory days of...

[TV.Cynic]

Episode 5

Tuesday 14 November 8.00pm

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a master storyteller. As the creator and star of the smash hit Hamilton, he brought musical theatre to a whole new audience. So, what are the 5 songs that tell his story.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a master storyteller. As the creator and star of the smash hit Hamilton, he brought musical theatre to a whole new audience.

Lin-Manuel brings energy to this Take 5 that only a theatre kid could muster. In this episode you will see him belting out lyrics and teaching Zan to salsa. But it quickly becomes apparent that he has come to this conversation at a crossroads in life.

He reveals the story of his relationship with the late Stephen Sondheim, one of the most important figures of 20th century musical theatre.

Lin-Manuel opens up about a chance meeting with Sondheim in his younger days telling him he was writing a musical about Alexander Hamilton. From that day on, Lin would often go to Sondheim for advice. When he passed away towards the end of 2021 the world lost an artist, but Lin-Manuel lost a mentor and friend. As he plays Zan the Sondheim song ‘Move On’ he chokes back tears as he sings along.

In the last few years, Lin-Manuel has been writing chart topping hits that have redefined Disney for a new generation. His revolutionary approach has awarded him Tonys, Grammys, Emmys, and a Pulitzer.

This episode is a masterclass in music, the power of having someone believe in you, and in working hard to share your talent, whatever that may be, with the world.

Production credit: Take 5 is an ABC Production. Created, Hosted and Written by Zan Rowe. Executive Producer, Nikita Agzarian. Series Producer, Josh Schmidt. Director/DOP, Aaron Smith ACS. Producers Zan Rowe, Phoebe Bennett and Tania Doumit.

[JohnsonTV]

Episode 5

Tuesday 7 November 8.00pm

“I was in my bedroom crying… holy shit… I think this is going to work. I think my life is about to change.”

G Flip wasn’t wrong. Spotted on Unearthed and then played on triple j was a dream year in the making. And over 200 million streams and a hit second album later, G Flip is taking on the world.

Since they were a little kid, G Flip’s determination has been the centre of their universe. In their Take 5, we hear the music that propelled them forward. Because G didn’t just step into the industry, they bashed the door down and graffitied ‘G Flip’ on the glass ceiling.

G writes queer love songs, non-binary anthems and straight up bangers making them a role model for people all over the world. Their current album has songs dedicated to their wife, something G only dreamed of when writing secret love songs in their room as a kid.

It’s impossible not to love G. They are honest, vibrant and wear their heart on their sleeve. G tears up when telling Zan about their first drum teacher who taught G the unique skills of being able to drum and sing at the same time. “She passed away. But every show I play, there’s a moment where I look up, and I’m like, “I know you’d be stoked with this.”

Through five songs that show G’s insatiable drive and love of drumming, we hear stories about what it takes to make it in music and to succeed in the journey to being 100 percent yourself.

Production credit: Take 5 is an ABC Production. Created, Hosted and Written by Zan Rowe. Executive Producer, Nikita Agzarian. Series Producer, Josh Schmidt. Director/DOP, Aaron Smith ACS. Producers Zan Rowe, Phoebe Bennett and Tania Doumit.

Preview

The 'cheeky' move G Flip pulled to get record labels listening to their music

[TV.Cynic]

Season 3

Take 5 with Zan Rowe is back on ABC TV and ABC iview, following two critically acclaimed seasons. Music is memory. Hearing a song can take you back to a place, a feeling, singular time in your life. It unlocks us and has the power to reunite us.

You can learn a lot about someone from their mixtape. Join Zan Rowe as she asks extraordinary people to share the 5 songs that made them who they are today.

Come along for the journey, and let’s Take 5! ABOUT TAKE 5

Take 5 is Zan Rowe’s popular award-winning Double J radio segment and podcast turned critically acclaimed television series. Across six episodes, renowned figures in music and screen join Zan to delve into some of the most personal moments of their lives. They share five songs that have soundtracked their journey through life and invite us to think about our own.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Take 5 is an ABC Production. Created, Hosted and Written by Zan Rowe. Executive Producer Nikita Agzarian. Series Producer Josh Schmidt.

Director/DOP Aaron Smith ACS. Producers Zan Rowe, Phoebe Bennett and Tania Doumit. ABC Head Arts, Music and Events Kath Earle.

[TV.Cynic]

Premiere Special

Tuesday 19 December 8:00 PM

You can learn a lot about someone from their mixtape. Icons in music and screen join Zan Rowe to delve deep into intimate moments in their lives, sharing songs that have made them who they are today.

[TV.Cynic]

Unlock musical memories when Take 5 with Zan Rowe returns in October.

- YouTube

Get ready to drop the needle and let the music transport you when Take 5 with Zan Rowe returns on Tuesday 1 October at 8.30pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.

Music is memory. Hearing a song can take us back to a place, a feeling, a moment. Join music expert and celebrity-whisperer Zan Rowe as she invites her guests to dig into their record collections and unpack their lives.

Season three features wall-to-wall entertainment industry icons like you’ve never seen before. Sharing intimate stories are the one and only Dannii Minogue, global comic star Bill Bailey, beloved actor Claudia Karvan, rock legends Neil Finn and Bernard Fanning and music sensation Casey Donovan.

Be transported to the incredible moment when Neil Finn realised the importance of his musical legacy. To a vulnerable space with Dannii Minogue and her sister Kylie as she battled cancer. To the deeply personal event that defined how Bernard Fanning would begin every album, song and gig for the rest of his life. Bill Bailey takes us to the special place where he keeps the memory of his best friend alive. Casey Donovan is an open book on finding real love. And Claudia Karvan shares how she leans right into heartbreak to push through to the other side.

This series is jam packed with incredible music, deeply personal stories and powerful insights into the human condition. With Zan guiding the way, watch as people play a song that really means something to them, drop their walls and share.

Based on Zan’s popular Double J podcast, Take 5 with Zan Rowe invites viewers on a journey from London to Auckland and back here to Australia, and encourages us all to reminisce on the songs that shaped our own lives.

Series Three Episodes:

Episode 1: Dannii Minogue

Episode 2: Bill Bailey

Episode 3 Claudia Karvan

Episode 4: Neil Finn

Episode 5: Bernard Fanning

Episode 6: Casey Donovan

For audiences who want even more Take 5 with Zan Rowe, hear extended conversations featured in season three from Tuesday October 1 on the ABC listen app.

Always free and Always entertaining, catch up on seasons one and two of Take 5 With Zan Rowe now on ABC iview.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Take 5 with Zan Rowe is an ABC Production. Created, hosted and written by Zan Rowe. Executive Producers, Nikita Agzarian and Josh Schmidt. Series Producer and Director/DOP, Aaron Smith ACS. Associate Producer, Katie Ring. Head Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle.

[TV.Cynic]

Season 3 Episode 1 Dannii Minogue.

Tuesday 1 October 8.30pm

With a career spanning decades, it’s easy to feel we know Dannii Minogue. In this revealing episode she takes us behind the headlines.

Her warmth and authenticity shine through as she shares deeply personal songs from her collection. And how did it all begin? “Dad opens the Yellow Pages, and there was a big square that said the Johnny Young Talent School… my life has never been the same since.”

In a particularly touching moment, Dannii shares the story of what was going on behind the scenes as her sister Kylie privately battled cancer, and the victorious moment they shared together on stage.

Through a club classic, she remembers her best friend who died soon after. That time was one of the toughest of her life. “I thought only crazy people went to psychiatrists… I was like ‘I’m not a crazy. I’m broken’. We didn’t get any support like that growing up. I didn’t know anything about anything.”

From child star to a confident, empowered woman, Dannii has given the world hit singles, a fashion range, spent countless hours entertaining us on the X Factor and Masked Singer and now hosts the groundbreaking BBC show “I Kissed a Boy”. She continues to inspire with her journey of self-discovery, advocacy and strength.

So, what does success look like today? “Devoting time to being in my family and being a mum is success for me, the little things I love.”

It’s impossible not to love Dannii in an emotional and unguarded interview spanning an extraordinary life, with one heck of a soundtrack.

[TV.Cynic]

Episode 2

Tuesday 8 October 8.30pm

Bill Bailey is one of the world’s most beloved comedians on stage and screen. He’s not only hilarious, he’s also a one-man band whose sellout shows explore what it means to be human.

With his intoxicating humour, razor sharp intellect and delightfully whimsical side, Bill has a thought-provoking conversation with Zan, celebrating songs reflecting humanity.

Bill brings an open heart to the chat which covers his deep love of music, eccentric career path and some of the hardest moments of his life. “People want to be part of a group, to share in a music show or whatever it is – there’s something ancient about that which will never be replaced.”

Soundtracked by The Kinks, Bill treats us to some magnificent air guitar shredding and shares a story from high school days of playing his first ever guitar solo.

Through Johnny Cash, Bill tells the story of a dear friend, recently passed. He reflects on the conversations they shared on hikes and the small but profound ways he honours him to this day. It’s a poignant insight into male friendship.

He recalls the first time he ever made people laugh (at a wake of all places!) a joyous reminder of the power of comedy in the darkest moments.

In a quintessential Bill Bailey move, his final pick is a song he has chosen for his own funeral. Belly laughs and deep reflections ensue as Bill and Zan ruminate on life, death and all the silly things we do in between.
This is an episode about comedy, risk taking, friendship and the unending power of music.

[TV.Cynic]

Episode 3 Claudia Karvan

Tuesday 15 October 8.30pm

For more than 30 years Claudia Karvan has captivated audiences, breathing life into some of the most intriguing characters and compelling stories to grace our screens.

From The Heartbreak Kid and The Secret Life of Us to Love My Way and Bump, her brilliant performances and signature down to earth nature have earned her a global following.

Join Claudia and Zan for a beautiful, optimistic episode centring on songs of hope. Claudia’s gift for storytelling is on full display as her song choices come joyously alive on screen.

Set against the backdrop of her parent’s Kings Cross nightclub, Claudia’s unconventional childhood featured a school-free year in Bali. These formative years were shaped by a unique and dynamic culture, a cast of colourful characters and a single cassette that never left the tape deck.

You can’t help but shimmy your shoulders as Claudia and Zan salsa dance to a Cuban classic as Claudia explains she never wants to stop delighting in play.

“I’m just going to keep doing that for the rest of my life. I don’t want to get to a point where I’m not making a fool of myself.”

Brimming with hope and resilience, Claudia fires straight for the heart when she chooses her favourite artist.
“There’s a lot of different heartbreaks, but when you do survive them, you feel really strong.”

We’re at home with Claudia’s conversational humour, generous warmth and celebrated pragmatism.

“Am I successful at life? Depends how long I can stay in my pyjamas and how late I get to leave my house.”

[TV.Cynic]

Episode 4 Neil Finn

Tuesday 22 October 8.30pm

Neil Finn has gifted us with songs that have become the fabric of our lives. In this episode, Zan sits down with the prolific and acclaimed songwriter to hear the songs that have woven through his.

With a career spanning almost 50 years with Split Enz, Crowded House, solo, and a spell with Fleetwood Mac, this is a heartfelt conversation about the music that lifts him up.

A conversation filled with his signature Kiwi humour; Neil even playfully admits he took liberal inspiration from an iconic Beatles lyric. His fingers dance across an invisible piano as muscle memory kicks in when hearing a Beethoven classic. And family is at his centre, as he speaks of the joys of collaborating with his sons and the deep connection, he found in his dad’s record collection after he passed away.

Famously calling time with Crowded House on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in 1996, the band would return a decade later before going on hiatus once again. While touring with Fleetwood Mac in 2018, Neil decided to start up his old band once again, this time featuring his sons Liam and Elroy.

As a master songwriter, hearing Neil Finn celebrate everything from Bowie to Ella Fitzgerald to Beethoven is a singular gift.

“The ultimate reward would be to think that a song was getting played in 100 year’s time and nobody remembers who wrote it, and they’ve got the words wrong, and the tune’s just living still. So, it’s like this little living creature that’s going off and having a life and it exists forever.”

[TV.Cynic]

Episode 5 - Bernard Fanning

Tuesday 29 October 8.30pm

Music is memory. Hearing a song can take you to a place, a feeling, a moment. Guided by one of Australia’s most charming and experienced interviewers Zan Rowe, our guests reveal a side to themselves you have never seen before.

Bernard Fanning is no stranger to the limelight. From the record-breaking highs of Powderfinger to his chart-topping solo endeavours and his recent collaboration with Paul Dempsey, he knows what it takes to be a frontman.

A deeply personal chat, Bernard shares the lessons he’s learned in becoming more open. “Showing vulnerability and being able to be comfortable with it is really important. It’s important to realise that there’s nothing wrong with showing your emotions.”

Powderfinger firmly cemented their place in the Australian music scene from the mid 90’s, but it took five albums before Bernard felt comfortable in the spotlight. A year before the release of Vulture Street, the untimely death of his brother John changed his perspective on where he was heading.

The band had seven number one records, won 23 ARIA Awards and played to 300,000 people on their farewell tour. Staunchly democratic, every decision in the band was made by every member, including the one to end it.
“That was a really hard one, but 15 years later we’re still really good friends.”

Bernard reveals a catalyst for stepping away from Powderfinger was when his wife had to undergo sudden heart surgery in her native Spain. It was a song from Bob Dylan playing on repeat, that helped him through.

Walking the tightrope of vulnerability and bravado with songs from AC/DC, Nina Simone, and Prince, this episode is as much a blueprint of one of our most loved rock stars, as a rare peek into the life of Bernard Fanning.

[TV.Cynic]

Series 3, Episode 6 Casey Donovan Final Episode

Tuesday 5 November 8.30pm

Music is memory. Hearing a song can take you to a place, a feeling, a moment. Guided by one of Australia’s most charming and experienced interviewers Zan Rowe, our guests reveal a side to themselves you have never seen before.

Casey Donovan is a powerhouse performer who brings joy to every stage and screen she graces. It’s impossible not to smile in her presence. Growing up in the public eye, hers is a story of resilience, vulnerability and finding her place.

Music was a constant companion as she rode the highs and lows, and in this episode Zan asks Casey to share her sanctuary songs. The result? Front row seats to the story of Casey’s life, laid out on a lyric sheet.
Casey captured our hearts two decades ago at the age of just 16, when she was thrust into the spotlight on Australian Idol. A reluctant entrant to the competition, Casey’s win would broadcast to 3.5 million people. Life would never be the same.

Casey is unwaveringly generous in this conversation, sharing the heartbreaking experience of being catfished and the whiplash of instant reality fame. She tells Zan how trauma has shrouded much of her childhood in a haze.

Now a shining star of the musical theatre scene, and deeply in love with her fiancé Renee, Casey’s journey is one of enormous personal growth against the odds.

Picking a tune about queer awakening she says, “I just could see 16-year-old Casey saying, where was this song when I needed it?” She breaks into tears as Maddie Zahm hits a particular lyric.

This episode of Take 5 is about discovering the meaning of love, the relentless pursuit of authenticity and the strength that has made Casey Donovan a leading lady; not only to the Australian public but more importantly, in her own life.

[TV.Cynic]