The Sampler

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

Tony Stamp reviews a lengthy new album by prolific folk-rockers Big Thief, an experimental set from Mutton Bird-turned-screen-composer David Long, and takes a look back at the second album by… Audio

Matt Berninger finally released his highly anticipated solo project Serpentine Prison earlier this year. Nick Bollinger reviews the new solo venture on this episode of The Sampler. Audio

Grammy award-winning American singer, author, and record producer Jeff Tweedy has been making the most of isolation. Opening up his domestic life, he's been posting nightly updates of  'The Jon Tweedy… Audio

Another artist making the most of lockdown is Columbian born Brooklyn based electronic soloist Ela Minus. Starting her musical career as a drummer in a punk band, she's now releasing modern electronic… Audio

If ever there was a band who could credibly bring a note to class excusing them from making another album it's ACDC. In the last few years, they've had a singer turn deaf, a guitarist locked up in New… Audio

Glass Vaults was formed in Wellington in 2010 by Richard Larsen, Bevan Smith, and Rowan Pierce. The trio, who now live in three different cities - Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, come together… Audio

Bruce Springsteen Bruce's new album, Letter to You, is his 20th studio album and he told RNZ's Charlotte Ryan on Music 101 that the initial inspiration came from the death of an old friend. Using a… Audio

Ian Morris Ian Morris, a founding member of 1970s New Zealand rock band Th' Dudes, died ten years ago this month. Morris was at school with other well known New Zealand musicians Dave Dobbyn and Peter… Audio

America electric pop duo Sylvan Esso released their new album Free Love last month. Made up of singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn, the pair joined forces musically in 2013.  Audio

Icelandic musician Jónsi is best known as the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for post-rock band Sigur Rós. Jónsi also performs together with his partner Alex Somers as an art collaboration called… Audio

New Zealand indie-pop band Dead Famous People debuted in the 1980s. After a couple of releases, including an EP on Flying Nun Records, the band relocated to London. They signed a deal with Billy… Audio

American singer-songwriter and guitarist Bill Callahan has been making music for 30 years. From 1990 - 2005 he released music under the name Smog, but since 2007 has been releasing music under real… Audio

This week's edition of the sampler Nick Bollinger reviews recent releases from Gillian Welsh. Audio