Music 101 Interviews

This week we revisit an interview with Bret McKenzie, one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, to talk about coming out of solitude and writing songs that are not funny.

Chris White played saxophone with Dire Straits on the Brothers in Arms tour on some of the world's biggest stages. Chris shares his experience with Dire Straits with Charlotte Ryan.

Stuart Braithwaite of cult Scottish band Mogwai talks stargazing with his Dad, playing so loud the ceiling caved in, and the making of the band's new documentary.

Kiwi singer Tami Neilson talks to Charlotte Ryan about meeting her country music hero Willie Nelson, and playing his songs in his Texas studio.

Bill Callahan tells Charlotte Ryan about the thrill of improvisation, the "little sparks" which become his songs and rediscovering the glory of Genesis.

In 1988 Rikki Morris was one of our biggest stars, and he's just released a new album. Charlotte asks Rikki why he waited so long, and catches up on Th' Dudes show last weekend.

The Auckland musician speaks to Charlotte Ryan about her beautiful new album, along with Kiwi music icon Shayne Carter who lent a hand as "song doctor".

After years of trying to throw their sound "50 miles down the road", Irish post-punk rockers Fontaine's D.C. crash through a new sonic frontier on their fourth album Romance. Guitarist Conor Curley tells Charlotte Ryan how taking time off for the first time ever led the band into a more fluid and collaborative process.

Ahead of UB40's NZ tour in October we revisit an interview with Robin Campbell who speaks honestly about the departure of the former frontman - his brother Ali.

Award winning local musician Troy Kingi has released a rock album, Leatherman & the Mojave Green. Troy talks to Charlotte about the spiritual and transformative experience of recording music in the desert.

David Lovering started playing drums for the Pixies in 1986. After the bands break up in 1993, he became a magician - true story. Ahead of the Pixies return to New Zealand, we revisit David's 2022 conversation with Charlotte Ryan.

Nathan Haines speaks to Charlotte Ryan about the experience of making his new album Notes - beating throat cancer, becoming a father and losing a great friend.

As we head towards the US election, we revisit a 2020 interview with Run The Jewels' Killer Mike (Michael Render), and EL-P (Jaime Meline) who spoke to Charlotte Ryan about US politics and how their album 4 was the soundtrack for a political uprising.

Gary Hustwit, director of the new Eno documentary, tells Charlotte how he managed to fit over 500 hours of Brian Eno's personal video footage into a film that explores his relentless creativity.

After his death earlier this week, we revisit a special 2021 interview with The Chills' Martin Phillipps, where the artist reflects on life's lessons and faces up to not being around forever.