Sound Bites: Matt Okine

Radio host, stand-up comedian, author, podcaster, actor...is there anything Matt Okine can't do?

Well, fans are about to find out this weekend when he and his good mate and co-conspirator Alex Dyson bring their 5 Raves in 5 Days tour back to major cities across the country.

A celebration of their long-running LiSTNR podcast, Matt and Alex, and their love for Aussie music, each rave features the lovable duo spinning their favourite tracks alongside some awesome special guests, including Ball Park Music, Vera Blue, Ladyhawke, Baker Boy, Montaigne, The Tullamarines and more.  

Ahead of their Adelaide rave at Jive on Sunday 1 November, we fired off some questions to Okine and found out his thoughts on UFOs, his go-to karaoke song and his most controversial music opinion.

At the heart of 5 Raves in 5 Days is a celebration of Australian music. What's the best Aussie dance track of all time?

For some reason, the first track that came to mind is Gina G's '(Ooh Aah) Just A Little Bit'. Lol! No, but for real, I'm a big fan of Sonic Animation's 'Theophilus Thistler'.

You and Matt are both 10 years older than the first edition of 5 Raves in 5 Days. What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned over that time?

That stretching MATTERS. Last time we raved this hard, I pulled my groin in the first five minutes and not in a good way!

How should people of similar age to both of you prepare for your upcoming tour?

Plan for the aftermath! Rest up. Take the week off work. Send the kids to the grandparents. Disconnect the modem. Turn off the phone. Watch reruns of Ally McBeal.

What's your favourite podcast besides your own?

Casefile was the first ever podcast I listened to. But it was crazy because I didn't know that I had set it to play at 1.5x speed, so I kept thinking, "Man, this guy sounds like a chipmunk!" Then I figured out what was going on and changed my settings, and I'm still a fan to this day!

What's your go-to karaoke song?

I have been known to perform one of the best renditions of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' of all time. Anyone who was at Casablanca nightclub in Brisbane on Thursday night in 2004 can attest!

Best album of 2026?

Hilltop Hoods – Fall From The Light. I know I'm a little late, but I only joined the party in 2026. Back-to-back bangers!

What's your favourite after-rave snack?

New York Slice. Plain cheese. Two pieces. Lots of napkins.

As a champion of the Australian music scene, which local artist or band is on the cusp of superstardom?

There's an artist I saw at my local markets in Brisbane recently called Ruby Elizabeth. She's still in high school, but the songs she's already making are crazy good. Big things coming for sure!

Do you believe in UFOs?

I don't believe in the moon landing, but I believe in aliens. Does that make sense?

The Rolling Stones or The Beatles?

The Beatles. I'm a boyband fan at heart.

If a movie were made about your life, who would play you and Alex?

They already made a movie about our lives. It's called Rush Hour. But they made Alex Dyson Asian for some reason.

What's the best hangover cure after a night raving?

An ice-cold can of Coke, a bacon and egg roll and a good lie-down. Then a midday beer. Sorted.

READ MORE: Sound Bites: The Rubens

Is AI going to be the end of humanity?

No. AI will save us, and I have never said a bad word about it (I'm assuming AI will read this btw).

What's your guilty pleasure album?

I can never go past listening to Drake's Take Care. 'Over My Dead Body' is one of the best songs of all time, and you can't change my mind!

Weirdest rider request?

Let's just say, I'm very particular about my soy milk.

What's your most controversial music opinion?

I am Australia’s most underrated rapper.

Best live artist you've ever seen?

Hilltop Hoods at Big Day Out in 2005 was absolutely all-time. The promoters had totally underestimated their popularity and put them in a little side tent in the afternoon. The place was absolutely heaving! I've been a fan ever since.

Who are your four dream dinner guests?

My Dad, my daughter, my sister, my partner. But if any of them can't make it, I'll invite Obama.

What album have you listened to the most?

The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come For Free. Was an absolute pleasure to see Mike Skinner perform it from start to finish recently. I could've cried!

What's your favourite movie one-liner?

"Don’t make me laugh… ha ha ha" – Grease. 

Have you ever cried at a gig? If so, what gig and why?

Not quite. But I have been so wasted that I thought the bass was going to make my heart stop. Does that count?

 What's the last great book you read?

I read The Bee Sting while I was filming Mother and Son and was hooked! I couldn’t wrap my head around the ending. I literally gasped!!

What song would you have played at your funeral?

Probably one of my own. I’ll do anything for a few more streams. 

Catch Matt & Alex's 5 Raves in 5 Days at Adelaide's Jive on Sunday 1 November. Tickets on sale at moshtix.com.au.