The Sampler

Tony Stamp delves into the latest album releases, looks back at past classics, and speaks with a range of people on the pop cultural landscape.

Hosted by Tony Stamp

Birds-eye-view of an illustrated black vinyl record with a yellow centre and red tonearm, on a blue insert and a red background. The text 'Sampler' reads in white on the right hand side from bottom to top.

RNZ exclusive

This podcast is only available on the RNZ website and apps, ad‑free and uninterrupted.

Songs of a Lost World by The Cure

All episodes:

The best singles of 2023

Tony Stamp reflects on ten of his favourite singles from the past year, including London RnB, local folk, African dub, and American indie.
George Riley

The best local albums of 2023

Tony Stamp looks back at some of his favourite local releases of 2023, including club cuts, Western ballads, Afro-centric jazz, and Pacific pop.
Vera Ellen

The otherworldly music of US singer-songwriter Julie Byrne

Tony Stamp talks to US singer-songwriter Julia Byrne about her acclaimed second album The Greater Wings ahead of her New Zealand performances in January.
Julie Byrne

Review: i/o by Peter Gabriel

Tony Stamp looks into the Genesis founder's first album of original material in over twenty years.
Peter Gabriel i/o cover

Idiot Check by Iti Bubbas

Tony Stamp checks out the debut EP from an upcoming local hip-hop outfit.
Iti Bubbas

Run It Back by Home Brew

Tony Stamp reviews a reflective selection from the acclaimed local hip-hop duo.
Home Brew

In the End I Won't Be Coming Home by French For Rabbits

Tony Stamp reviews a string-laden set from the Wellington band.
French For Rabbits

Motorcycle Madness by Damien Jurado

Tony Stamp reviews a mysterious collection of retro jams by the American singer-songwriter.
Damien Jurado

Hadsel by Beirut

Zach Condon returns with a frosty collection from Norway.
Zach Condon

A Host for All Kinds of Life by Green-House

The LA duo present an ambient record to connect you to the natural world.
Green-House

Aquaries by PollyHill & Samara Alofa

The Tāmaki Makaurau pair reveal a sonic landscape that alternates between spiky and smooth.
PollyHill & Samara Alofa

Lovage by Timber Timbre

Tony Stamp reviews a new instalment of spooky ballads from the Canadian outfit.
Taylor Kirk

New Blue Sun by André 3000

Tony Stamp reviews the first solo album from one of the world's best MC's... featuring no rapping, and a lot of flute.
André 3000

Quaranta by Danny Brown

Tony Stamp reviews a reflective collection that muses on middle age.
Danny Brown

Interview: Dale Kerrigan

Tony Stamp meets one of the country's most exciting bands, to discuss their boundary-breaking 2022 album The Water.
Dale Kerrigan performing at Dive, Dunedin

Other podcasts
like this one

More podcasts with similar themes or ideas that you might enjoy.

  • Test reads "The detail" where the dot on the "I" is highlighted.

    The Detail

    Get the skinny on the big news with the country’s best journalists & experts.

  • Podcast Title 'The House' set in a bold font on an outside wall, with a image of the parliament house seen through a window

    The House

    Legislation, issues and insights from Parliament.

  • Charlotte Ryan smiles wearing bright red lipstick and a Kate Sylvester T-shirt, text reads "Music 101 Interviews". Bright blue background.

    Music 101 Interviews

    The biggest stars & best musicians answer questions you've always wanted to ask.

  • Round image of the "Split Enz" band on a blue background. Text reads Enzology.

    Enzology

    The story of New Zealand's most iconic band - Split Enz.

  • A podcast cover for "At the Movies" with an abstract cinema screen with a big title.

    At The Movies

    Wondering what movies are worth it? We review the latest releases for you.