Music

Music 101

Music interviews, live performances, behind the scenes, industry issues, profiles, back catalogue, undiscovered, greatest hits, tall tales and true… all from an Aotearoa perspective.

Latest Episodes:

The Sampler: Chills, snow, and the creative thawing of Martin Phillipps Sep 18, 2018

Show notes

Despite struggles with health and technology, Martin Phillipps has consolidated the return of his iconic band The Chills with a timely and topical new album. Nick Bollinger talks to the big Chill.

The Mixtape: 30 Years of Rockquest Sep 15, 2018

Show notes

Glen Common and Pete Rainey founded the Smokefree Rockquest in Christchurch in 1989. Now in its 30th year, the competition is still going strong with over 800 bands entering in 2018. In this RNZ Music Mixtape, they share some of their favourite artists from the competition, and discuss why Rockquest is still thriving.

Mitch James Sep 15, 2018

Show notes

Its been a big 2018 for Mitch James. After opening for Ed Sheeran earlier this year he has now released his debut album but he speaks to Alex Behan about how it hasn't all been rosy.

Introducing: Marlin's Dreaming Sep 15, 2018

Show notes

Dunedin band Marlin's Dreaming introduce their song 'I'll Stick By You'.

Headquarters: The Beths Sep 15, 2018

Show notes

The Beths scored a Silver Scroll nomination for their song ‘Future Me Hates Me’, the title track of an album which has earned them rave reviews at home and abroad. We visited the band at their Auckland studio.

The Manurewa High band heading to the national finals of Smokefree Rockquest and Tangata Beats Sep 15, 2018

Show notes

We visit Manurewa High School to meet the talented young musicians from Mit Eldnar - an 11-piece band headed for the national finals of both Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats.

Rob Ruha, Ria Hall and Alien Weaponry among winners at the Waiata Māori Music Awards Sep 14, 2018

Show notes

Rob Ruha won four awards, Ria Hall was named Best Female Artist, Alien Weaponry took out Best Music Video, Troy Kingi won Best Pop Album, and Seth Haapu won Best Songwriter at the 11th Annual Waiata Māori Music Awards in Hastings.

Alayna Powley on her new EP Sweet Soul Sep 14, 2018

Show notes

You might not have heard of Rotorua-born musician Alayna Powley, but the rest of the world has. At just 25, she’s worked with some of the world’s biggest pop producers and clocked up over nine million streams on Spotify.

Introducing: Fables Sep 12, 2018

Show notes

Fables introduce their song 'Where You Are, I Am'.

The Sampler: Negro Swan by Blood Orange Sep 11, 2018

Show notes

British-born, New York-based Devonte Hynes explores his sense of dislocation in an uneasy new album. Nick Bollinger has a listen.