Musical Chairs

New Zealand musicians in their own words.

Hosted by Yadana Saw and Trevor Reekie

An illustration of a bright and colourful microphone with a light blue circle behind it placed on a blue background. The words "Musical Chairs" placed at a 90-degree angle relative to each other.

RNZ exclusive

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

Harry Harrison

All episodes:

Harry Harrison

Episode 13
In this episode of Music Chairs Trevor Reekie talks to Christchurch composer, musician and educator Harry Harrison. A teacher with the Bachelor of Music Arts programme at Ara Institute of Canterbury, Harrison has been performing and composing music in Christchurch with some of Aotearoa's favourite artists including Bic Runga, Julia Deans, Midge Marsden and Dave Dobbyn as well as guesting with New Zealands best Orchestras including the CSO, APO and the NZSO.

Nigel Russell

Episode 12
In this episode of Music Chairs Trevor Reekie talks to Auckland musician and self-confessed keyboard addict Nigel Russell. A member of influential 80s bands The Spelling Mistakes, Danse Macabre and Car Crash Set, Russell's passion for synthesizers has been the catalyst for numerous recordings and live performances.

Andrew Clouston

Episode 11
Since the early 80s Andrew Clouston has been one of New Zealand's most in-demand rock'n'roll saxophonists. Originally from Wellington, he was introduced to the saxophone by Rick Bryant and was soon a key member of local band The Rodents.
The Holidaymakers check out the Harbour Lights Motel, Parnell, 1988. From left: Mara Finau, Pati Umaga, Barbara Griffin, Richard Caigou, Peter Marshall, Stephen Jessup, and Andrew Clouston.

BROODS

Episode 10
In this episode of Musical Chairs, BROODS' Caleb and Georgia Nott reflect on their rollercoaster ride in the pop music machine.
BROODS

Stan Walker

Episode 9
In this episode of Musical Chairs Stan Walker talks about his childhood on Tamapahore marae, Australian Idol and his ambition to make a difference
Stan Walker

Ben Howe - The Flying Nun Years

Episode 8
In this episode of Musical Chairs, Ben Howe explains how he came to run New Zealand's most beloved and internationally known record labels. And how his association with Flying Nun harks back to the 1990s as artist in the band Superette.
Ben Howe and Matthew Davis outside the Flying Out Record Store.

Dianne Swann

Episode 7
On the back of her solo album The War on Peace of Mind, Dianne Swann shares tales of her musical adventures as When The Cats Away, singing with Radiohead, and ups and downs of a musical life. She reflects on what still keeps her singing, writing and playing.
Musician Dianne Swann

Delaney Davidson

Episode 6
Delaney Davidson is an award-winning artist best known for his gothic folk country persona and prolific output who has also played an important and influential role in local music as producer, collaborator and catalyst for artists such as Tami Neilson, Marlon Williams, Barry Saunders and Troy Kingi.
Delaney Davidson

Martin Phillipps

Episode 5
Martin Phillipps takes stock and sets his eyes on the future for him and his band The Chills. He fills in the last two decades since his last Musical Chairs appearance in 1998.
Martin Phillipps of The Chills

Sons of Zion

Episode 4
In this Musical Chairs Joel Latimer, Riapo Panapa, Sam Eriwata and Matt Sadgrove reflect on their early days of playing gospel music in the church band to surviving tour fallouts and how they've worked to maintain their musical bond.
Sons of Zion

Dalvanius Prime

Episode 3
Dalvanius Maui Prime was a performer, composer, impresario, strategist, politician, teacher and entrepreneur all wrapped in to one. In this programme from 2000 Dalvanius talks about his life in music.
Dalvanius and the Fascinations with Australian Soul Appreciation Society Awards, Auckland.

Tami Neilson

Episode 1
Tami Neilson, one of the biggest and most acclaimed voices in local music, speaks about her life and career covering gospel belters to classic country. She retells how love led her to New Zealand and away from her native Canada where she grew up as a touring musician in her family band.
Tami Neilson

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