“The blues is one of humanity's great storytelling traditions. It teaches empathy, connects communities and reminds us that joy and hardship are universal experiences. Preserving theblues isn't about preserving history; it's about preserving a timeless way of telling our stories and connecting people across cultures.”
Dennis ‘Salty’ Trevarthen:
Down Under Bohemian Blues & Roots
Dennis ‘Salty’ Trevarthen is one of the most influential figures in the contemporary Australian blues and roots music scene, with a multifaceted career as a radio programmer, musician, and cultural manager. Known to global audiences primarily as "Salty Dog," he is the creator and host of the internationally acclaimedSalty Dog Blues N Rootspodcast. Since its inception in 2005, the show has evolved into a premier platform for the genre, attracting tens of thousands of monthly listeners and broadcasting on radio stations across the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. His contribution to promoting the music community is equally significant through his institutional role. He serves as the President and co-founder of the non-profit organizationBlues Music Victoria(BMV), dedicated to supporting, networking, and developing local artists in the state of Victoria.
Concurrently, he is an active musician, playing harmonica in bands such as theBlow Out Blues BandandKitchen Blues. He has also left a lasting mark as an organizer and host of iconic live sessions, including theElwood Blues Club,Stingo Blues, andMartha Salt Music. His deep expertise and international reach have been repeatedly recognized, leading to invitations to judge the prestigiousEuropean Blues Challenge.
Interview by Michael Limnios
How has the music influenced your views of the world? What drew youinto the blues scene?
My first real exposure to the blues came through John Mayall's The Blues Alone around 1965 when I was about 13 or 14 years old. One track, Brand New Start, completely captivated me. Itwasn't loud or flashy—it was the sparseness and mystery. Lyrics like 'the way she goes on... I've got a brand new start' and 'She's fine with brown people and I love the little things she do' showed me that a handful of words and very little instrumentation could tell an entire story. I realised that sometimes the spaces between the notes tell the real story. From sixteen I played acoustic guitar with harmonica before discovering amplified Chicago blues harp while living in Port Douglas around 2004. Returning to Melbourne I immersed myself in the Victorian blues community. The blues celebrates honesty, resilience and humanity. That's why I still believe:'Blues is the place you go to where other music can't.'
When and how did the idea of Martha Salt Music come about? What characterises the venue's mission and philosophy?
Martha Salt Music grew from a desire to create a boutique listening room on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula where audiences genuinely come to listen. The philosophy is simple: present outstanding Australian musicians professionally, provide excellent sound, pay artists fairly and create an atmosphere where the music always comes first.
Why do you think that the Australian Blues Scene continues to generatesuch a devoted following?
Australian blues has developed its own voice. We inherited traditions from America and Britain, but we tell Australian stories. Audiences value authenticity, musicianship and community, and that sense of belonging keeps people returning.
What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What areyour hopes and fears for the future?
I miss the number of live venues that once existed. Promotion has become relentless because social media messages disappear so quickly. My hope is that younger musicians continue discovering the blues while adding their own voice. My greatest concern isn't the music itself—it's making sure enough venues remain where musicians can learn their craft.
“Australian blues has developed its own voice. We inherited traditions from America and Britain, but we tell Australian stories. Audiences value authenticity, musicianship and community, and that sense of belonging keeps people returning.” (Photo: Dennis ‘Salty’ Trevarthen)
Make an account of the case of the blues in Victoria. Which is themost interesting period in the local blues scene?
Victoria remains one of Australia's strongest blues regions. Jam sessions are essential. Through our weekly Stingo Blues and monthly Kitchen Blues sessions we've watched countless musicians gain confidence, build friendships and develop into performers. I'm equally proud of supporting Women In Blues, helping create more opportunities for female artists. My work through Blues Music Victoria, Martha Salt Music, Stingo Blues, Kitchen Blues, Women In Blues, Blues For ACause and the Salty Dog Blues N Roots podcast connects audiences with Australian blues. The podcast now reaches more than 40,000 listeners each month, mainly in the USA, UK and Europe.
Podcaster, musician, promoter, president, etc. What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the blues world?
Music is always about people. Throughout my career I've worked as a singer, songwriter, harmonica player and blues community advocate, as well as a venue operator, promoter, podcaster and President of Blues Music Victoria. I still perform every Sunday with The Blow Out and continue weekly invited performances. I'm especially proud of our album Version of You which spent six months in Australia's Top Ten Blues Charts and demonstrated that Australian musicians can create authentic original blues without simply copying American traditions. None of us owns the blues—we simply look after it for a while and pass it on stronger than we found it.
What keeps you passionate over the years in blues? How can we bringthe blues of the past into the future?
Authentic performances still give me goosebumps. The future isn't about preserving the bluesexactly as it was. We must preserve its values—honesty, storytelling, musicianship and emotional truth—while investing in live venues, jam sessions and mentoring so the next generation can make the music their own.
What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? Whyis it important we preserve and spread the blues?
The blues is one of humanity's great storytelling traditions. It teaches empathy, connects communities and reminds us that joy and hardship are universal experiences. Preserving theblues isn't about preserving history; it's about preserving a timeless way of telling our stories and connecting people across cultures.
Q&A with Dennis Trevarthen, one of the most influential figures in the contemporary Australian blues and roots scene
by Music Network by Michael Limnios
Aug 1
“The blues is one of humanity's great storytelling traditions. It teaches empathy, connects communities and reminds us that joy and hardship are universal experiences. Preserving theblues isn't about preserving history; it's about preserving a timeless way of telling our stories and connecting people across cultures.”
Dennis ‘Salty’ Trevarthen:
Down Under Bohemian Blues & Roots
Dennis ‘Salty’ Trevarthen is one of the most influential figures in the contemporary Australian blues and roots music scene, with a multifaceted career as a radio programmer, musician, and cultural manager. Known to global audiences primarily as "Salty Dog," he is the creator and host of the internationally acclaimed Salty Dog Blues N Roots podcast. Since its inception in 2005, the show has evolved into a premier platform for the genre, attracting tens of thousands of monthly listeners and broadcasting on radio stations across the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. His contribution to promoting the music community is equally significant through his institutional role. He serves as the President and co-founder of the non-profit organization Blues Music Victoria (BMV), dedicated to supporting, networking, and developing local artists in the state of Victoria.
Concurrently, he is an active musician, playing harmonica in bands such as the Blow Out Blues Band and Kitchen Blues. He has also left a lasting mark as an organizer and host of iconic live sessions, including the Elwood Blues Club, Stingo Blues, and Martha Salt Music. His deep expertise and international reach have been repeatedly recognized, leading to invitations to judge the prestigious European Blues Challenge.
Interview by Michael Limnios
How has the music influenced your views of the world? What drew youinto the blues scene?
My first real exposure to the blues came through John Mayall's The Blues Alone around 1965 when I was about 13 or 14 years old. One track, Brand New Start, completely captivated me. Itwasn't loud or flashy—it was the sparseness and mystery. Lyrics like 'the way she goes on... I've got a brand new start' and 'She's fine with brown people and I love the little things she do' showed me that a handful of words and very little instrumentation could tell an entire story. I realised that sometimes the spaces between the notes tell the real story. From sixteen I played acoustic guitar with harmonica before discovering amplified Chicago blues harp while living in Port Douglas around 2004. Returning to Melbourne I immersed myself in the Victorian blues community. The blues celebrates honesty, resilience and humanity. That's why I still believe: 'Blues is the place you go to where other music can't.'
When and how did the idea of Martha Salt Music come about? What characterises the venue's mission and philosophy?
Martha Salt Music grew from a desire to create a boutique listening room on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula where audiences genuinely come to listen. The philosophy is simple: present outstanding Australian musicians professionally, provide excellent sound, pay artists fairly and create an atmosphere where the music always comes first.
Why do you think that the Australian Blues Scene continues to generatesuch a devoted following?
Australian blues has developed its own voice. We inherited traditions from America and Britain, but we tell Australian stories. Audiences value authenticity, musicianship and community, and that sense of belonging keeps people returning.
What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What areyour hopes and fears for the future?
I miss the number of live venues that once existed. Promotion has become relentless because social media messages disappear so quickly. My hope is that younger musicians continue discovering the blues while adding their own voice. My greatest concern isn't the music itself—it's making sure enough venues remain where musicians can learn their craft.
“Australian blues has developed its own voice. We inherited traditions from America and Britain, but we tell Australian stories. Audiences value authenticity, musicianship and community, and that sense of belonging keeps people returning.” (Photo: Dennis ‘Salty’ Trevarthen)
Make an account of the case of the blues in Victoria. Which is themost interesting period in the local blues scene?
Victoria remains one of Australia's strongest blues regions. Jam sessions are essential. Through our weekly Stingo Blues and monthly Kitchen Blues sessions we've watched countless musicians gain confidence, build friendships and develop into performers. I'm equally proud of supporting Women In Blues, helping create more opportunities for female artists. My work through Blues Music Victoria, Martha Salt Music, Stingo Blues, Kitchen Blues, Women In Blues, Blues For ACause and the Salty Dog Blues N Roots podcast connects audiences with Australian blues. The podcast now reaches more than 40,000 listeners each month, mainly in the USA, UK and Europe.
Podcaster, musician, promoter, president, etc. What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the blues world?
Music is always about people. Throughout my career I've worked as a singer, songwriter, harmonica player and blues community advocate, as well as a venue operator, promoter, podcaster and President of Blues Music Victoria. I still perform every Sunday with The Blow Out and continue weekly invited performances. I'm especially proud of our album Version of You which spent six months in Australia's Top Ten Blues Charts and demonstrated that Australian musicians can create authentic original blues without simply copying American traditions. None of us owns the blues—we simply look after it for a while and pass it on stronger than we found it.
What keeps you passionate over the years in blues? How can we bringthe blues of the past into the future?
Authentic performances still give me goosebumps. The future isn't about preserving the bluesexactly as it was. We must preserve its values—honesty, storytelling, musicianship and emotional truth—while investing in live venues, jam sessions and mentoring so the next generation can make the music their own.
What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? Whyis it important we preserve and spread the blues?
The blues is one of humanity's great storytelling traditions. It teaches empathy, connects communities and reminds us that joy and hardship are universal experiences. Preserving theblues isn't about preserving history; it's about preserving a timeless way of telling our stories and connecting people across cultures.
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(Photo: Dennis ‘Salty’ Trevarthen)