PODCAST · music
Music 101 Interviews
by RNZ
The biggest stars & best musicians answer questions you've always wanted to ask.
Episodes
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Mokotron on music's role in decolonisation
Mokotron is a Ngāti Hine music producer based in Tāmaki Auckland, who is part of a Māori electronic music scene that has become a creative force. The man behind Mokotron is Tiopira McDowell - by day a lecturer in Māori Studies, and co-head of the Māori and Pacific Studies at Auckland Uni, and by...
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The game-changing soundtrack to Once Were Warriors returns
Once Were Warriors celebrates its 30th anniversary this month and the legendary soundtrack has been re-released. Based on Alan Duff's novel and directed by Lee Tamahori, the film became the highest-grossing film of all-time in New Zealand and won numerous awards. Tim Moon, who was part of Tangata...
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Fazerdaze on new album: 'People forget there's a human at the heart of it'
After receiving glowing reviews for her earlier releases including her debut album Morningside, Fazerdaze spent years touring throughout the world, resulting in burnout. After taking some time out, she has returned with a new album that represents coming out of the darkness, with a sound that is...
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Moana & The Tribe's journey to capturing indigenous voices
Moana & The Tribe have returned with a concept album project that starts in Aotearoa and travels around the world - encapsulating the voices, language, and culture of six indigenous wāhine. Moana spoke with Music101's Charlotte Ryan. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Moby on getting sober and healthy
We revisit a 2021 interview with Grammy award-winning musician Moby when he opened up to Charlotte Ryan about his career, addiction and regret. And just a heads up - this interview discusses suicide and suicidal ideation Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Salmonella Dub on writing in nature: ‘You could catch a kahawai from the mixing desk’
Salmonella Dub originator Andrew Penman aka DJ Rudeboy talks to Charlotte Ryan about how the community of Whakatu, writer Keri Hulme, and our cultural history, influenced the music. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Horomona Horo on becoming an Arts Laureate: 'As an artist you can feel unseen'
Best known taonga pūoro practitioner Horomona Horo speaks to Charlotte the day after he was announced as an Arts Laureate about the struggle to be seen as an artist. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Biographer on the Prince doco we won’t see
Prince is one of the few remaining 80s superstars whose story remains a mystery, yet their estate is preventing the release of a Netflix documentary. Author Matt Thorne joins Charlotte Ryan to discuss his life-long pursuit of documenting Prince, and why he sides with Prince’s estate over the...
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M. Ward: On the supernatural effect of songs
To celebrate the release M. Ward's 'best of' compilation, 'For Beginners', we revisit an interview from July 2023 where he discusses the supernatural occurrences when music reaches the listener's ear. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Remi Wolf phones in from a bathroom floor in Atlanta
American singer and songwriter Remi Wolf is a headlining artist at Auckland’s Laneway Festival in January next year. Originally from Palo Alto, California, Remi Wolf has come to international attention as the opening act for Lorde, Paramore, Gorillaz, and more recently, Olivia Rodrigo. Charlotte...
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Why Pearl Jam have become such a polarising band?
Seattle band Pearl Jam have recorded 11 studio albums, sold 85 million+ albums, played over 1000 shows and had 5 albums reach number one. But after over thirty years of success, biographer Ronen Givony asks: Why are Pearl Jam not thought of as fondly as other bands like Nirvana? Music 101…
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Jamie xx drops album of anthems: 'I'm so ready to be out there playing again'
It's the album that promises to own the dance floor this summer. Jamie xx talks to Charlotte Ryan about collaborating with some incredible artists, and how time spent in New Zealand influenced his work. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Bret McKenzie: 'I was slightly obsessive about trying not to be funny'
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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‘We’d run across pianos and things like that’: Saxophonist Chris White’s Dire Straits experience
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite: Stargazing, Aliens & Looking back
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Tami Neilson: ‘What’s more joyful than immersing yourself in Willie Nelson songs?’
Tami Neilson talks to Charlotte about joining Willie Nelson's tribe. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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'It's an other-worldly state': Bill Callahan talks songwriting
Bill Callahan tells Charlotte Ryan about the thrill of improvisation, the "little sparks" which become his songs and rediscovering the glory of Genesis. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Rikki Morris on being an 80s popstar
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Louisa Nicklin: Sausages, cicadas & Shayne P Carter
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". Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Fontaines D.C: ‘Romance lives between light and dark’
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...
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UB40: 'He left the band to go solo and has never spoken to any of us since'
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Troy Kingi: On his journey into Joshua Tree desert to record latest album
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Pixies: David Lovering on music, touring and his unusual hobbies
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Nathan Haines: 'I’m just amazed I’m still here talking to you’
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Run the Jewels: The soundtrack for a political uprising
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Gary Hustwit: Digging into Brian Eno’s brain
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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R.I.P Martin Phillipps: On Life and Mortality
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Rickie Lee Jones on ADHD: 'I have a terrible time concentrating and staying with anything'
Veteran US singer-songerwriter Rickie Lee Jones spoke to Charlotte Ryan in 2023 about how her neurodiversity feeds her imagination and her music. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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The Jesus and Mary Chain: ‘These days it's Jim and William Reid being themselves’
Following the release of Glasgow Eyes, Charlotte Ryan speaks to The Jesus and Mary Chain founder Jim Reid about the band's infamous 90s shows and mid-career break up, and what got them back together. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Fontaines D.C frontman: 'I have a constant need to create'
In high anticipation of the new Fontaines D.C album out in August, Charlotte Ryan revisits her 2023 interview with the band's frontman Grian Chatten... and wonders if he is in love? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Anna Coddington: Retraining the voice from Long Covid
Despite some serious challenges, Anna Coddington has created a bilingual album for the dancefloor. She celebrates with Charlotte Ryan. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Florence and the Machine: "I feel like I can never quite get it right"
Florence Welch talks to Charlotte Ryan in 2023 about her struggle with perfectionism and the liberation of live music. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Indy Yelich: Your voice has to stand out on its own
She may be Lorde's little sister but Indy Yelich is making music, and living life on her own terms. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: Getting lost in time
Charlotte Ryan revisits a 2021 chat with Alison Krauss and Robert Plant about the joy and friendship of recording their new album. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Tiki Taane and Arli Liberman: Composing emotion
Talented local musicians Tiki Taane and Arli Liberman have composed the score for a new feature film Ka Whawhai (fa fai) Tonu - 'Struggle Without End', directed by Michael Jonathan. They share their unique approach to working together, and Tiki's powerful connection to the film. Go to this…
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Idles' Joe Talbot: On facing pain
Ahead of their January 2025 NZ show, we're revisiting a conversation with Idle's frontman Joe Talbot. He's lived through more grief than most of us, yet in his conversation with Charlotte Ryan he's focused on finding love and joy. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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84-year-old DJ Vika: “Those who dance never grow old”
84-year-old DJ Vika is a star of Warsaw nightclubs - she is a hit with young people and also DJs at a weekly senior citizens club. A new documentary follows Vika on her mission to age on her own terms. Director Agnieszka Zwiefka speaks to Charlotte Ryan. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more...
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The 1975 frontman Matty Healy: On being relevant... but not too relevant
We’re going back to 2019 when Charlotte Ryan interviewed The 1975 frontman, Matty Healy. The band has blown up since then… due to a famous ex-girlfriend and a lot of good music. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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C. Zukey: On creating music from grief
C. Zukey is a Canadian-born New Zealand alternative musician from Auckland with an incredible, heartbreaking story. His new album Stonefruut is inspired by some intense family experiences over the last few years which he shares with Charlotte Ryan. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Neil Finn: On endurance and new Crowded House
Neil Finn shares stories with his old friend Charlotte Ryan about family, lyrics and the new Crowded House album. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Shapeshifter celebrates 25 years: Drama, anxiety, "and a ridiculous amount of good times”
Shapeshifter founding members Sam Trevethick and Nick Robinson reflect on the highs and lows of the band's 25 year career. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Dame Hinewehi Mohi welcomed into the NZ Music Hall of Fame
Dame Hinewehi Mohi has been welcomed into the NZ Music Hall of Fame. She talks to Charlotte Ryan about her remarkable life, and her brave moments that put music in te reo Māori on the world's stage. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Tom Scott on his most political album yet: TREES
In an interview from 2012 Tom Scott speaks to Charlotte Ryan about the influence of nature, spiritual jazz, and new ways of living on the award winning Avantdale Bowling Club album. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Jordan Rakei: On work ethic and selling out
Jordan Rakei hasn't lived in New Zealand since he was four years old, but on his new album the NZ music influence is evident. He talks to Charlotte about becoming a father and the work ethic behind the release of his 5th album by age 31. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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The Nomad: Behind the decks at NZ's famed 90s underground raves
It's New Zealand Music Month and we're revisiting an interview with Damon Schwalger, aka The Nomad, who was behind the decks at NZ's famed 90s underground raves and outdoor dance parties. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Shepherds Reign: Polynesian heavy metal storytellers
The band's Oliver Leupolu and Filiva'a James share the crowd reactions to their first metal gig in Samoa and the influence of church music on their songs. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Delaney Davidson: Gets personal
Delaney Davidson talks honestly about his latest album and how turning 50 has changed his perspective. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Dolly Parton: Fashion, fame and imposter syndrome
Dolly Parton on her first rock album, her love of clothes and the reason she questioned her place in the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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The Topp Twins: On cancer and coming out raging
Jools and Lynda talk about how cancer treatment has brought greater meaning to their music and reflect on a life of political activism. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Stan Walker: On having a purpose
Stan Walker shares how parenting has changed his perspective on life, and why his music holds such deep meaning. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The biggest stars & best musicians answer questions you've always wanted to ask.
HOSTED BY
RNZ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Music 101 Interviews have?
Music 101 Interviews currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Music 101 Interviews about?
The biggest stars & best musicians answer questions you've always wanted to ask.
How often does Music 101 Interviews release new episodes?
Music 101 Interviews has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Music 101 Interviews?
You can listen to Music 101 Interviews on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Music 101 Interviews?
Music 101 Interviews is created and hosted by RNZ.
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