hayleyjhansell.podOmatic.com

Happy 2009 everyone - I momentarily retired from podcasting but now I'm back! And to start 2009 off with a bang, I've uploaded a short interview I had the pleasure of having with one of the world's best djs and KINGs of the mash-ups, DJ Z-TRIP... When attempting this interview, I was only given a very short amount of time but we still managed to have a chat about politics, artistry and what it is that keeps him at the top of his game... it's worth checking out... ALSO - be sure to head to his website and download his OBAMA MIX for FREE! just got to www.djztrip.com The dude is cool enough to let you download a whole bunch of music frree, so it's worth checking out without a doubt... A special shout out to Kaleidoscopic Ben for helping me with the editing of the interview and you can check his podcast here: http://feedyourrobot.podomatic.com I will be attempting to not only add interviews, but also some music mixes and top track picks too... So stayed tuned as the hayleyjhansell podcast steps up a notch for 09... HAPPY NEW YEAR.... Peace

Every now and then, my producer for my radio show, really steps things up, and on this day, things went next level... i was told, i was about to cross live to speak with TRUCK NORTH... and if you have copped the latest Roots album RISING DOWN (and if you haven't, why are you sleeping!) then you know this guy is making waves... Hailing from Philadelphia PA, for the last seven years Truck North has been apart of some amazing musical projects. A protégé and frequent collaborator of the legendary Roots Crew, has provided an avenue for Truck North to engage in some amazing opportunities, as Truck north has appeared on both The Tipping Point and Game Theory Album, aswell as a mix tape album Northern Exposure and a compilation mix tape album entitled The Antidote... and with an EP on the way, he talks candidily with Hayley J. And I have to say, it was a priviledge and a joy to be able to speak with him! CHECK THIS OUT!!! Also... visit www.myspace.com/trucknorth to see whats up... PEACE

Adele Hunter-Higgins, host of 95bFM's Totally Wired show and also bFM's music director joined Hayley J. for In The Know, and her album of choice -- DOSH "Wolves & Wishes"... Wolves and Wishes, is Martin Dosh's fourth official album, he's been a member of Andrew Bird's band, and is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink virtuoso (composing, improvising, arranging), he is also joined by a fresh cast of collaborators too.... And to think, there's not a single drum machine in the mix...?!?! listen up...

Benett aka Dr Hitchcock, programme director of the Christchurch radio station RDU, talk about the hot new band - Bang Bang Eche! Please forgive the sound quality, the phone line was a bit weird on the day... however, enjoy!

Simon Woods, online editor of Amplifier.co.nz, the premiere online music retailer that specialises in selling 100% NZ music. As part of May New Zealand music month, Simon chose to review a band that features ex-members of The Shocking Pinks and Pig Out - the band is called THE TIGER TONES - if you like early Blondie crossed with a bit of New Order, this is well worth the listen... They were also nominated for Best New Act at the 2007 bNet awards without even releasing a record!

We've heard the first single from this album, "Machine Gun," and needless to say, the wait for Portishead's third studio album (titled THIRD {3}) is well and truly over! Their first release in 10 years, first studio album in 11, there has been quite a lot of hype around this one... Hayley J. talks to Renee Jones, a 95bfm dj herself and also In-The-Know when it comes to NZ music (she is part of the team at IMNZ), as she hits us with her concise opinion about one of the hottest international releases we've seen in a long time... check it....

Personally, I feel Manuel Bundy is one of the best djs there is in NZ. A fixture on the New Zealand dj scene for nearly 20 years, Manuel has toured the world as DJ of choice for artists such as Nathan Haines, Mark De Clive Lowe and OMC, and has also produced his own beats under the Solephonic moniker. He is a long time radio host, and is intergral in breaking the hot track as part of Auckland city's popular monthly party 'The Turnaround'.. all this aswell as being co-creator of Auckland's online gig-guide www.mukuna.co.nz - he most certainly qualifies as being In-The-Know... I am first and foremost a fan of Manuel Bundy, so I was excited as hell! it was a great pleasure to speak to him about Erykah Badu's latest release... ENJOY!

Elizabeth Sheperd's blend of jazz-funk, soul, blues and samba reaches far beyond just the jazz massive with this record. Bobby Bazuka, welknown auckland dj and radio host and all-round man about town, discusses why this collection of remixes and bsides has so much appeal... check it... !

Another stunning and informative review by Bryan from Marbecks records. Bryan mentioned a return to form - perhaps this sounds cliche, but it does have to be said that this record surpasses Supergrass's previous effort 'Road to Rouen' which they produced themselves... Nick Launay (Arcade Fire, Nick Cave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) joined Supergrass as a producer of DIAMOND HOO HAA, and it was recorded in Hansa studios in Berlin... now, I could begin to drop all kinds on info on you here....but, it's best to leave that stuff to the experts.. of which Bryan is one! so check his review!

Speaking live from the U.S (Michigan, Detroit), I had the privilege of being joined by the multi-talented hiphop/music activist, radio personality and label owner Robo Robb - his album of choice... THEORY, an MC set to do big things, with the album titled "Homegirls and Handgrenades"...... An artist that walks the walk as well as talks the talk... check out why she's gonna do it big... For more Robo Robb, just check out his myspace: www.myspace.com/roborobb and also just head to WXOU.ORG if you're in the US and need a lil realness... ONE

[NB:- The interview is in two parts with the song placed inbetween] One of the most amazing things about having the privilege of being on 95bFM, is that i get to interview some very inspiring artists... When getting ready for the interview, a close friend of mine said "Do you realise you will be speaking with one of the greatest LIVING contempary artists of all time?" hmmmm.... it is true.... ok, so then i got hella nervous.... BUT, it did put me into the right frame of mind... Think about it... How difficult it is, for an artist to be 'original' and groundbreaking in any day and age...? take a moment, because you'll soon realise that there truly is noone else like her... So personally, i was then incredibly excited, and couldn't wait to talk with her... the outcome, well.. i felt blessed because she exudes 'genius'... we talked about music as a commodity, her views on soveriegnty just to name a few things.. unfortunately her record company overseas timed the interview to the second, there were so many more things we could've talked about... (her NZ label was awesome, i do have to mention that) ....since the interview, people have asked me if she was 'nice'... ?? all i can say is this.. pay her the respect she deserves, and she will be more than 'nice', she'll inspire. So to the auckland photographer, who decided to disrepect her, and made headlines around the world..thanks for reminding me, that 95bfm's role as a player in the New Zealand media is just as important as it ever was... Listen to the interview, and let me know your thoughts... Peace

Second wife to Miles Davis, Davis is often credited (by Miles himself in fact) with steering him toward the sounds that would give rise to his fusion period, and one listen to the the first track, "If I'm in Luck I Might Get Picked Up," you will understand this, no doubt... Such an album can only be reviewed by someone who truly is 'In The Know'... Grant Smithies has written extensively on music, art and popular culture over the last fifteen years for most major magazines and newspapers in New Zealand, including the NZ Herald, the Dominion Post, Pavement and The Listener, and currently writes for the Sunday Star Times, New Zealand's highest circulation weekend newspaper. He also appears as a weekly music commentator on NZ radio network, Radio Live, and on Christchurch bNet station, RDU, and makes regular appearances on TV and Radio New Zealand National. He has become the best known music critic in New Zealand. In 2007 he won 'Best Reviewer in New Zealand' at the Qantas Media Awards. He has just released a book called "SOUNDTRACK - 118 Great New Zealand Albums" and this too, is worth getting!

Blockhead has helped to propel MC talents such as Aesop Rock, Cage, Slug, Murs, etc.with loads of production credits, most notably his work on the Aesop Rock album, None Shall Pass, for Def Jux. Blockhead has decided to self-release his latest collection called Uncle Tony's Coloring Book (in the past he has been part of the Ninja Tune stable). I have to agree with Dylan C, this album is down right HOT! I've had it on my player, the instrumentals are infectious... Dylan C nails this review, so listen up, and head out and order it in!

Dylan C joins me, and dirties up the airwaves with this soon to be classic drum and bass album... The album is by Calibre and it is called shelflife for a reason. Some of the tunes featured were in fact written years ago but yet they stand up completely alongside his more recent tracks which Calibre has also included... Check it!

Graham Reid is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most respected music and travel writers. His columns, interviews and essays in the New Zealand Herald, the Listener and other magazines, also made him one of the most widely read journalists in the country. His travel and political writing have won him numerous awards. In 2003, he received the prestigious Media Peace Award for his articles on the volatile politics of the Solomon Islands. His book Postcards From Elsewhere won the Whitcoulls Travel Book of the Year in 2006. Having just come back from his latest trip overseas, he found time to join me and talk about an album he picked up along the way... CASH, the soundtrack!

Alt-country king Steve Earle presents WASHINGTON SQUARE SERENADE. The album turns a bit away from his usual old-school production techniques enlisting L.A.'s Dust Brothers (of Beastie Boys and Beck fame) to help update his methods. However it is far from hip-hop, but there are quite stunning electronic touches and gusto to the arrangements. Roger Little is very much one of New Zealand's foremost country music experts, and he gives a thorough rundown on the latest Steve Earl offering...

English singer-songwriter Richard Hawley is notorious for his smart, contemporary pop-rock, for example has previously been nomintated for Britain's Mercury Prize. The feedback I recieved from Bryan's review was great... have a listen, you can hear Bryan's enthusiasm for this album is rather amazing - one person said to me, they didn't like Richard Hawley, but after listening to this review, they headed to the store, and bought it! Big shout out to Bryan, listen to this review!

Where can you even begin when speaking of an artist such as Mavis Staples, one of soul and gospel's most revered singers... You can start by saying a 5minute review is hardly enough! This album was produced by Ry Cooder, the concept built around freedom songs of the civil rights movement--some are traditional, while others are originals ("I'll Be Rested"). The album features vocals from both Ladysmith Black Mombazo and original members of the SNCC Freedom Singers. Buyer for JB-HiFi and radio host Johanna chose to discuss WE'LL NEVER TURN BACK with me...

Bryan from Marbecks Records reviews the 2007 album from the eccentric Britpoppers. The album was produced by Craig Silvey (The Magic Numbers) and The Coral are one of the UK’s most successful bands with eight Top 40 singles since their debut in 2001... Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys invited the band to support them on their European tour this year and Bryan discusses how influential they have been on a generation of bands, something rather astounding considering the lead singer is merely 26! Not a band to be ignored, however often they are, but shall I just let Bryan do the talking?!... listen up!

Kia ora people... Just days before the news hit worldwide that a politician wanted to stop his show from happening here in New Zealand, I had the great privilege of interviewing one of the most influential artists of our time, Ice Cube. ....Having done it.. all I can say is, I walked away from the experience truly inspired by him.. yet again, reminded of why I loved his music in the first place.... I think that, no matter how much money he might make, no matter how 'big' he gets, or how many nominations or awards he receives, whether 'mainstream' accept or understand him or not.. I think the fact remains, he's always going to be fearless in representing his community... A true artist, he continues to speak loudly on issues which stir many of us... He will always represent independent thinking... thus giving a 'voice to the voiceless'... what an amazing role model to say the least... It isn't right that a mayoral candidate gets to use the mass media as a forum to assert his assumptions about Ice Cube's music with such ignorance, and the views in defense of this don't even get a look in.. but if you are reading this, I am no doubt preaching to the converted... Thing is, communities in NZ have many issues to address, noone is saying that we don't..... but "putting a freeze on Ice Cube" (and might I say, the speech writer who came up with that one should go back to script writing for the wiggles) by trying to ban his show?! ... it's not going to help anyone at this time... get real... surely more positive things can be done, rather than singling out a cultural icon... ? anyway people.... as I said before, no doubt I'm preaching to the converted... I hope you like the interview, it is broken into 2 parts with a song in between... feel free to drop me a message too, anything and everything is up for discussion... So listen up... PEACE Hayley J.

Personally, I have read and followed Kerry Buchannan's reviews for years. Writing for all the top music magazines in New Zealand, he is very much 'In The Know' when it comes to hip-hop in my books. As a buyer for specialty vinyl&cd retail store "Real Groovy Records" too, needless to say, respect! So when Kerry says that his pick for the moment is Common's 'Finding Forever', you wanna know why? right?.... of course you do :) We had a bit of a laugh discussing Len Brown wanting to ban Ice Cube too, so go ahead, check his review!

Dubhead ('Beat Merchants' reggae/dub buyer & host of 95bfm's Rhythm Selection) can't stress enough how much he digs this one. Unity Pacific:- Into the Dread, the latest offering from Tigilau Ness and Unity Pacific. It carries a message with it, with deep, powerful and compelling reggae rhythms. This could possibly be one of Aotearoa's best reggae releases of 2007.. Hayley J & Dubhead discuss why.... listen on people.......

Bryan from Marbecks said that he doubts there will be an album to come out in 2007 to top this one... MAPS is Northampton, U.K. wunderkind, James Chapman and the album is called 'We Can Create'. Bryan is one of the most renown retail specialists in NZ and he talks candidly about the album recorded on a 16-track in James Chapman's tiny bedroom. Heard to be believed, MAPS are even more amazing for the fact he recorded the whole album without computers, preferring the process of splicing sounds together. Check out Bryan's in depth review....

Host of the 'Rhythm Selection' on 95bfm & Reggae music buyer for specialty vinyl & CD store 'Beat Merchants', DUBHEAD reviews this 2005 Trojan Records compilation.. you just gotta dig out this compilation and add it to your collection, because it's a classic!... It's a damn fine compilation of reggae versions of funk songs, such as James Brown's Make It Funky which is performed by Shark Wilson & The Basement Heaters all twisted to 'Make it Reggae'.. not to mention James Brown's "Soul Power" get reworked by Nicky Thomas too... plus there's a cover version of Issac Haye's Shaft performed by The Chosen Few & an amazing Kool and The Gang track "Funky Stuff" gets revisited in reggae style by Matumbi and that's just to name a few!!!.... If you like Funk, if you like Reggae.. then you will most definitely be feeling this one... I loved this album so it gets a five star from Hayley J too :)

SMD's debut album, "Attack Decay Sustain Release" on Wichita Recordings includes the tracks "Hustler", "Tits and Acid", "I Believe", "Hot Dog" and lead single "It's the Beat", which features Ninja from UK indie band The Go! Team on vocals. Definitely a solid party feel good album, Gin from Marbecks Records does a track by track album review... check it

Stars Of The Lid, originally from Texas, now residing in Belgium, aren't following any trends, just making superb ambient styled music, so no beats here...just stunning guitar loops, strings, and experienced production. Dylan C from Real Groovy records and host of Loop Sessions at Rakinos, discusses the latest album from Stars of the Lid "And Their Refinement of the Decline", a 3 piece vinyl or 3CD set. Over time you find your way through this music, if you are a fan of Boards of Canada, chances are you will enjoy this album too... check out the review!

Roger Little from Real Groovy Records & also Elite (music distribution) chooses Jackie Leven to review. One of the most knowledgeable country/blues and jazz specialists in New Zealand, Roger discusses the album "Oh What A Blow That Phantom Dealt Me". Jackie Leven is a Scottish artist, prolific in the sense that this is his 13th album & he has been releasing albums since '95 & Roger is heard here describing him as a "Celtic Bob Dylan"... If you are a fan of country music with a bit of edge, check this out. If you haven't been exposed to much country, this will surprise you, in a good way! I had a few enlightened listeners call me up at the show about this one too...

Beautiful artwork, a unique sound that still is difficult to describe, Johanna from JB-HIFI reviews the album by New Yorkers BATTLES, the album is called Mirrored.. "progressive jam band" ,"kinda Gentle Giants, Beastie Boys and T-Rex", "if chipmonks tried to play Tool" and "beautifully confusing music"... Sounds interesting huh? and it's taken BATTLES four years to get this album out... listen to more from Johanna!

Listen to Bryan review The Manic Street Preachers.. most definitely one of my favourite reviewers, Bryan from Marbecks Records never disappoints. World famous in New Zealand... check the review to see why!

Featuring collaborations with Timbaland, Antony Hegarty, Brian Chippendale and an all-female Icelandic brass section, "Volta" has now arrived - And to review Bjork's latest album, Hayley J invites none other than independent recording artist Dudley Benson (retailer from Marbecks Records) for another episode of "In The Know". The internet has been going crazy with mp3's and video clips, accompany that with record company embargoes, needless to say, there's a bit of "HYPE" about this one... try to put all this aside and have a listen to someone who really knows what he's talking about - listen to a very passionate, well informed review from a highly regarded retail specialist. Visit Dudley's myspace also if you have time: www.myspace.com/dudleybenson Dudley opens his review saying he has waited 2 years for this album; so join me for another "In The Know" to hear why! Check It!

You can't escape the hype regarding this one & Johanna from JB-HiFi reviews it for the latest "In The Know". Covering everything from the Smiths, to RadioHead to Brtiney's 'Toxic'-- Mark Ronson has said: "With my first album, I had all these people like Mos Def and M.O.P guesting. This time it's not about that. Despite the big names, it's about the songs…the songs here are the guest stars... I've taken these songs that I love and turned them into Motown/Stax 70's versions. I keep the utmost respect and appreciation for the original versions of songs I use. ..it's more like it's a great song and I'm now going to make it bounce." check out the review... let me know what you think! -peace Hayley J.

Hayley J speaks with Marbecks Records buyer & longtime retail specialist "Gin" Halligan for the latest "In The Know" session. Gin chose to review "Kitsune Maison Compilation 3", where the French label once again comes up with the goods, hosting some of the hottest songs from the hottest bands of the moment... check it!

'In The Know' is a segment Hayley J presents each week on her radio show, speaking with those amongst the NZ music retail community, considered experts in their field & asked to give us the dilly on an album of their choice... This podcast has FOUR reviews for you, from different schools of music. The first review is from Cian of Conch Records, an institution as a Dj & owner operator of one of Auckland's most successful Vinyl stores, talks candidly about a hot instrumental hiphop album he's enjoying by "TrackNField"... The second, is from Bryan of Marbecks Records, senior music specialist & well known amongst everyone 'in the know', one just has to listen to know he is one guy who knows his stuff. He reviews 'CAPTAIN'. Next Johanna, now the senior dance specialist at JB Hi-Fi, talks about the next-big-thing "MSTRKRFT", you'll be YouTubing after this one... THEN last but not least, we get dark and dirty with some UK Dub-step with Dylan C from Real Groovy Records & host of the 'Loop Sessions', DJ nite at Rakinos, he reviews "DISTANCE".... Lots of variety here for the listeners... enjoy your latest session on podomatic.com with Hayley J.

Kerry Buchannan joins Hayley J for her segment called "In The Know" where frontline music retail folks considered experts amongst the new zealand music community, give the dilly on an album of their choice... This is a review by Kerry Buchannan from Real Groovy Records of the Album "OMARION"- 21" Kerry is one of New Zealands most well known music reviewers & you can find Kerry's reviews amongst ellite magazines such as Real Groove & also Back2Basics. He has one of the biggest followings as a reviewer in New Zealand aswell as being part of the specialist buying team at Real Groovy Records, New Zealand's largest speciality Vinyl&CD store. Many dj's presently & from back-in-the-day hold him responsible for the Soul & hiphop getting into NZ & the vinyls literally making it into their crates. Highly respected amongst those In The Know, Hayley J discusses with Kerry his opinions on R&B sensation Omarion..... check it....