The Sampler

Tony Stamp reviews the latest album releases. Find out what's hot and get the dibs on your next favourite music crush.

Presented 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.

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O & The Mo on life in Nelson and their new single, ‘Make Way For The Sun’

All episodes:

O & The Mo on life in Nelson and their new single, ‘Make Way For The Sun’

Maggie Tweedie speaks to O & The Mo about their new single- Make Way For The Sun.
New episode
O & The Mo

Review: Passage du Desir by Johnny Blue Skies

Sturgill Simpson's first release under a pseudonym is more of a progression than a reinvention.
Sturgill Simpson / Johnny Blue Skies

1994 part 4: Supergroove, Strawpeople, The Mutton Birds, Dave Dobbyn

Tony Stamp looks back at four local albums turning 30 this year, in the fourth of a six-part series.
Supergroove

Laurie Anderson pays tribute to an aviation pioneer on Amelia

The legendary avant-garde artist's latest release is a musical retelling of Amelia Earhart's final flight.
Laurie Anderson

Okay Kaya explores Norwegian roots with her quirky record Oh My God—That’s So Me

Okay Kaya continues to captivate with her eclectic and introspective new album, Oh My God- That's So Me
Okay Kaya

1994 part 3: Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy

Tony Stamp looks back at three albums turning 30 this year, in the third of a six-part series.
Beastie Boys

Fred Again’s Ten Days Delivers Joy, But Lacks Impact

Review: While Fred Again’s new album Ten Days does uplift the spirit, it may not be the game-changer some anticipated.
Fred Again at Wellington's Waitangi Park

Review: R&B Star Ravyn Lenae delves deep in soulful new album - Birds Eye

Ravyn Lenae's distinct falsetto and eclectic mix of R&B and pop styles blossom on her new record Bird’s Eye.
Musician Ravyn Lenae

Review: Artisans of anguish Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds soar with new album Wild God

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds storied 18th record, Wild God, arrives as a pleasantly uplifting surprise, in contrast with the sombre and sobering tone of its predecessor, Ghosteen.
Nick Cave

Review: Jack White's – No Name

Elliott Childs reviews Jack White's latest album, No-Name, noting that it marks a return to the bluesy rock sound that originally endeared him to fans of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather.
Jack White

1994 part 2: R.E.M., Weezer, Blur

Tony Stamp looks back at three albums turning 30 this year, in the second of a six-part series.
R.E.M.

Review: The Great American Bar Scene by Zach Bryan

So'omālō Schwalger revisits memories conjured up by the latest Zach Bryan release.
Zach Bryan

Review: Japes blossoms with new EP Omen, illuminating a gothic electronic landscape

Maggie Tweedie reviews Omen, the EP by Melbourne-based producer, musician, and songwriter Mia Kelly, also known as Japes. Hailing from Alexandra, Japes offers a distinctive mix of gothic electronic music.
Aotearoa born, Melbourne based songwriter, producer and DJ Japes

Review: Taking Care of Business by SWIDT

So'omālō Schwalger give his verdict on the latest from SWIDT.
SWIDT

Elisa's melodic therapy: How songwriting became her cathartic outlet

Bahamian New Zealander Elisa shares the inspiration behind her new musical project with Maggie Tweedie and introduces her latest single.
Tāmaki Makaurau artist Elisa releases her sophomore single ‘What am I’.

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