Artist of the Month

  • Dr Gumbo: 100% Home-Grown

    Welcome to Highland FM’s 100% Home-Grown, a platform dedicated to giving a voice to the rich diversity of contemporary Australian musicians and songwriters.

    Each month Highland FM will feature a selected artist from our region, including live interviews, performances, new releases and more.

    100% Home-Grown Promo

    100% Home-Grown is the heartbeat of Australian music. Access the freshest tunes of 2025, an eclectic mix of genres to introduce you to the very best in new sounds.


    February Artist of the Month: Dr Gumbo

    A Spicy Mix of Groove, Grit & Good Times, Served 100% Home-Grown

    If James Brown and Jimmy Cliff threw a party in a smokey New Orleans bar, Dr Gumbo would be the band shaking the walls. This gang of seasoned musicians brings serious heat to every stage they hit, serving up a wild, foot stomping blend of Cajun, zydeco, blues and jazz. They don’t just play music; they throw it down, mixing bayou swagger with deep cut grooves and a dash of European spice.

    Throughout February on Highland FM 107.1, get a taste of Dr Gumbo’s latest drop, served fresh and straight from the simmer of the studio, recorded at the Old Binda Road Sessions with Stephen Lindsay. Eight tracks of raw energy and pure groove, tight rhythms, soulful sax and that gritty guitar…make it feel like you’re right there, stirring the gumbo. No frills, just the good stuff.

    The Gumbo Pot:

    Richelle ‘Bootsie’ Booth Sax, Flute, Vocals, Percussion.
    Bootsie’s been everywhere, Europe, America, the South Pacific, tearing up stages with blues, soul, jazz, reggae and whatever else people throw at her. She’s got chops, style and a jazz pedigree straight from Galapagos Duck, so when that sax starts wailing, you listen.

    Stefan Sernek (Dr Gumbo himself) – Accordion, Vocals.
    Stefan’s the real deal, he’s toured Europe and Australia with Psycho Zydeco, shaking up festival crowds with that spicy Louisiana sound. But don’t box him in, his Slovenian roots let him flip from a swampy zydeco jam to an old school polka without breaking a sweat. 

    James KellyGuitar, Vocals.
    James is the band’s secret weapon. With a sultry growl in his voice that could melt butter, he’s the kind of singer who makes you lean in. He’s played all over Australia and Europe, bringing a raw, soulful edge to every note…and when he shreds on that guitar, you feel it creeping up your spine.

    Adam BarnardDrums, Washboard, Vocals.
    The engine of Dr Gumbo, Adam is all about feel-deep, rolling grooves, second line swagger and just enough grit to keep things raw. Coming from a family of Australian jazz legends, he’s toured the world, played the clubs and honed a style that keeps the band locked in and the crowd bouncing. Whether he’s behind the kit or tearing it up on washboard, the man drives the party.

    What’s Cookin’?

    Dr Gumbo isn’t just a band; it’s an experience. One minute you’re two stepping to a swampy zydeco groove, the next you’re lost in a bluesy guitar solo or a jazzy horn breakdown. So tune in to Highland FM, help yourself, grab a drink, get your groove on and let these hip shakers take you straight to the heart of the French Quarter… no passport required.

    RECORDED: Old Binda Road Studios

    Audio Engineer: Stephen Lindsay
    Mastered: Warren ‘Wazz’ Barnett
    Produced: Adam Stokeld

    Dr. Gumbo – Junko Partner

    Dr. Gumbo – Cold In The City

    Dr. Gumbo – Working Man Blues

    Dr. Gumbo – Cruisin’

    Dr. Gumbo – Hold You

    Dr. Gumbo – I’m Coming Home

    Dr. Gumbo – Hound Dog

    Dr. Gumbo – Watching The Rain Blues


If you like what you hear, you can discover more about our 100% Home-Grown feature artists on this page, find out how they got into music, what makes them tick and listen to their latest releases on demand.

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Previous Featured Artists of the Month