The Mixtape

The beloved broadcaster and Fulbright Scholar talks to Tony Stamp about her various artistic pursuits - theatre, singing, photography - and her years spent in New York City, as well as various stints at RNZ in different roles, and seven songs that have been meaningful along the way.

The author of five non fiction books about music and creativity in Aotearoa, Gareth Shute's latest is called Songs From the Shaky Isles: A Short History of Popular Music in New Zealand. He also writes for music history website Audioculture, and has played in bands like The Brunettes, and more recently Thee Golden Geese. He joins us to share seven favourite songs.

Lukas Mayo has released four albums of bedroom pop under the name Pickle Darling. Working from a home studio in Ōtautahi Christchurch, they've received increasing critical acclaim, from local outlets as well as international. Lukas joins Tony Stamp to share some songs that influenced Pickle Darling's latest, Bots.

New Zealand-born Samoan tenor Ipu Laga'aia has been immersed in music his whole life. He studied classical voice at the University of Auckland and performed alongside Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at the gala for the theatre that now bears her name.

Christchurch-born drummer, singer, and songwriter Nick Gaffaney honed his craft at jazz school before becoming one of New Zealand's most in-demand drummers. Over the years, he's played with iconic Kiwi acts including Anika Moa, Fat Freddy's Drop, Goldenhorse, Dimmer, Hollie Smith, and his band Cairo Knife Fight. Nick joins Kara to share six favourite tunes.

Our guest on the mixtape today is the co-founder of kiwi fashion label Harris Tapper, which she started alongside her creative partner, Sarah Harris Gould in 2017. It's been praised for its "sculptural minimalism and subversive femininity". Lauren joins Kara to share some favourite tracks.

After her band Handsome Jeffrey won the Smokefree Rockquest back in 1998, our Mixtape guest this week moved into acting, appearing in a long list of well-known TV shows and films. She's also a multiple award-winning director, helming music videos for artists such as Crowded House and Benee.

The host of RNZ100: A Century of Stories joins us to share six favourite songs, and reflect on 40 years of broadcasting, from leading RNZ's sports department aged 24, to reporting from warzones and hosting the 6pm news at Newshub.

Ahead of their feature The Weed Eaters premiering at this year's International Film Festival, Annabel Kean and Callum Devlin from filmmaking collective Sports Team share some of their favourite songs, and discuss their journey to the silver screen.

Selecting the songs on the RNZ Mixtape is photographer Frances Carter. Frances has made a name for herself as a music photographer and director, capturing the essence of Aotearoa artists with photos that cut through the online noise and help build their artistic worlds.

Grant Gillanders is a collector of local music and has found some rare and historic recordings in unexpected places. He’s this week’s guest on The Mixtape and he’ll be talking to Nick Bollinger about his life and work, as well as playing us a few of his musical discoveries.

Khan is an unsung hero in our New Zealand music community, a sought-after session and touring musician, often recognized for his virtuosic violin and guitar playing. Dave has and has collaborated with many prominent NZ musicians, including Marlon Williams, Reb Fountain, Tami Neilson, and The Bads. He has also released solo work, showcasing his own songwriting and instrumental skills. Dave’s Mixtape reflects the many artists he makes beautiful music with.

DJ Manuel Bundy, a prominent DJ based in Auckland, picks the tunes ahead of his show with Black Grace Dance Company, This Is Not A Retrospective, the ultimate interactive dance party at the Auckland Town Hall, Saturday March 22.

This week’s guest on the Mixtape is long-time RNZ studio engineer Jeremy Ansell. Not only an audio operator and team leader at RNZ, but equally a much-respected music researcher Over the years Jeremy has quietly and methodically researched Crowded House, courtesy of Neil Finn. He is blessed with music knowledge that he shares on his Mixtape with Trevor Reekie.

From reimagining the Four Square man to exploring Māori iconography in a pop-art style, Dick Frizzell's work is bold, playful, and deeply embedded in New Zealand’s visual culture. He has just released new work with the Icons collection and has also been writing his memoir Hastings. Dick Frizzell shares the songs from his early life.