Michael Krilich

Michael's musical journey began in his early teenage years when he started buying and collecting records. Not satisfied with merely listening, he delved into research about everything he heard, uncovering the identities of the musicians, the producers of the tracks, and the histories of the record labels. This acquired knowledge opened doors for him to become a published writer in various music magazines and to be invited to write liner notes for multiple releases. His contributions have established him as a musicologist, historian, and blogger.

During the 1980s, Michael served as a columnist and occasionally contributed to several street press publications, including On the Street, T.A.G.G, Noises and Happenings, and Byron Beats. In 1979, he co-hosted The New Music Show on 2NCR-FM.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Michael shifted his focus to electronic music. Influenced by artists such as Kraftwerk, Eno, and Jean Michel Jarre, he amassed a collection of synthesizers, electronic instruments, and tape machines. He is often credited as the first to merge samples of Australian Indigenous music with electronica in his independent cassette release, Thematic Variations, which was featured on the Australian national radio program 2JJJ’s Demo Show and enjoyed some regular airplay. Years later, Michael’s innovative ‘sample’ composition Arnhem Land was acquired by Left Ear Records based in Melbourne, Australia, and in January 2025, the label released it both digitally and on 12” vinyl. Following its release, Arnhem Land was chosen by the The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia for preservation in perpetuity.

For many years, Michael has envisioned sharing his extensive knowledge of the New Wave and Post-Punk era with the world. To realize this vision, he established the Facebook group 70s & 80s New Wave and Post-Punk (& Sub-Genres) History & Music. This group focuses on the themes of his book and is now nearing 50,000 members from around the globe. In this space, he shares daily trivia about musicians’ birthdays, album releases, and significant events. It has evolved into a gathering spot not only for fans but also for prominent musicians from all over the world.

The inspiration for his book, The 70s & 80s New Wave & Post-Punk Almanac, originated from this Facebook group.