Studio Stories

Donate to Studio Stories for as little as $5 through Buy Me A Coffee! Support the promotion of New Zealand music and keep the lights on at Studio Stories HQFollow us on Instagram for the latest updates: instagram.com/studiostoriespodcast Stream episodes subscribe, review and more at www.studiostoriespodcast.comHead Like A Hole's 3rd album marked a turning point for the band. With the addition of 2nd guitarist Tom Watson, the direction veered away from the noisy chaotic sound of previous albums towards a more bluesy, song-focused approach. Recorded in Melbourne in 1995 at the legendary Sing Sing Studios under the watchful eye of Producer Robbie Rowlands, the band was to face the uphill struggle of bettering the set of demos they created for the record - dubbed "The Stench Electric" and the quick changing musical environment that was the mid-nineties.**Former bassist Andrew Durno declined our invitation to appear on the podcast and former drummer Mark Hamill was approached, but did not return contact in time to be interviewed.Our GuestsBooga BeazleyNigel ReganTom WatsonRobbie RowlandsBuy or Stream Double Your Strength...SpotifyApple Music

Donate to Studio Stories for as little as $5 through Buy Me A Coffee! Support the promotion of New Zealand music and keep the lights on at Studio Stories HQFollow us on Instagram for the latest updates: instagram.com/studiostoriespodcast Stream episodes subscribe, review and more at www.studiostoriespodcast.comSoulstice  - the third album from NZ drum and bass icons Shapeshifter was released in 2006, reaching No. 4 on the New Zealand Album Chart.It's production marked a distinct change in creative direction by the band, as well as being the first record to feature former part-time contributor Paora 'P Digsss' Apera as a permanent feature in the group's line up. As a result - 'Soulstice' features a far heavier vocal focus compared to Shapeshifter's earlier, more traditional work with additional vocal contributions by long time collaborator Ladi 6.in 2005, relocating back home to NZ from Melbourne, the band set about creating a more organic approach to production - seeking out a back to basics 'bach' (a New Zealand holiday home) in the heart of Kaikoura to convert into a studio. The result is a record that showcases their versatility, seamlessly blending elements of soul, drum and bass, funk, reggae and rock, tied together with incredible work from Mix Engineer Evan Short and long time live sound engineer and producer Tiki Taane.Soulstice achieved Gold sales status in New Zealand in just 3 weeks and has since achieved Platinum sales and spawned some of the group's most popular songs, such as fan favourites "Electric Dream", and "Bring Change", "New Day Come" and "One". “Bring Change” received the Tui Award for Best Electronic Release. Our GuestsP DigsssSam TrevethickNick RobinsonEvan ShortBuy or Stream SoulsticeSpotifyApple Music

WE’RE COMING BACK FOR SEASON 5! New episodes coming soon.Donate to Studio Stories for as little as $5 through Buy Me A Coffee! Support the promotion of New Zealand music and keep the lights on at Studio Stories HQFollow us on Instagram for the latest updates: instagram.com/studiostoriespodcast Stream episodes subscribe, review and more at www.studiostoriespodcast.com*Season FinaleWith "On The Sun", Wellington's The Black Seeds circa 2004 found themselves on the cusp of change. Not only were the band embracing a more funk approach with this record, but post release, would see founding members depart with their blessing for the band to continue.The album spawned several huge hits, "So True", "Fire" and "Turn It Around" and It reached number 3 on the New Zealand albums chart.The Black Seeds, of course, have gone on to huge success, and it really began with this - their 3 x Platinum second album, recorded with Lee Prebble at The Surgery Studios in Wellington.THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ON THE SUNTo celebrate 20 years since The Black Seeds released their sophomore album “On The Sun”, they have FINALLY pressed it to vinyl for the very first time.All 11 original Songs have been carefully remastered for this format by Mike Gibson from the original masters by Don Bartley at 301 Sydney way back in 2004, and this delicious NZ made package comes on two 180gm black vinyl with printed inner sleeves.They have included two bonus tracks in this release with the 2023 Waiata Anthems Te Reo version of So True “Koia Ko Koe”, and a previously unreleased track Rogan Josh, which was favourite live tune The Black Seeds would sometimes jam for 8-9 minutes.Limited to 1000 copies world-wide. Includes digital pre-order of On The Sun (20th Anniversary Edition). You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.Our GuestsBarnaby WeirLee PrebbleBuy or Stream On The SunSpotifyApple Music

Buy Me A Coffee support the promotion of New Zealand music and keep the lights on at Studio Stories HQFollow us on Instagram for the latest updates: instagram.com/studiostoriespodcast Stream episodes subscribe, review and more at www.studiostoriespodcast.comSpecial thanks to Carl Thompson for helping make this episode possible.The story of Villainy's debut album Mode. Set. Clear, is the story of a young band, who find the right producer, and set about becoming the band they always wanted to be. The high School band that was "Inverse Order" had to undergo a reset in order to achieve their dreams - and they did just that with Mode. Set. Clear. Mode. Set. Clear was recorded and produced predominantly in Melbourne under the watchful eye of Shihad's Tom Larkin and engineer Ben Ehrenberg.Villainy is Neill Fraser, Thomas Watts, James Dylan and Dave Johnston.Villainy's official website: villainymusic.comSome of the enormous guitar and bass tones on Mode. Set. Clear were created with New Zealand made effect pedals from Red Witch Pedals and Crowther Audio's Prunes and Custard pedal.Buy or Stream Mode. Set. ClearSpotifyApple Music

Buy Me A Coffee support the promotion of New Zealand music and keep the lights on at Studio Stories HQFollow us on Instagram for the latest updates: instagram.com/studiostoriespodcast Stream episodes subscribe, review and more at www.studiostoriespodcast.comTroy Kingi's second album Shake That Skinny Ass All The Way To Zygertron solidified his ambitious plan to record 10 albums in 10 genres over 10 years.The album, recorded at Red Room Studios in Helensville [now rebranded as The Chapel Studio in Puhoi] was Troy at his creative best, weaving an inter-dimensional sci-fi concept into a soul-funk stew, thick with vibe and character.The band features producer Mara TK on vocals, guitar and backing vocals, Trey Liu on Drums, and J Colbert on bass along with Ed Zuccollo on keys.Our GuestsTroy KingiEd ZuccolloMatt TeMatera SmithBuy or Stream Shake That Skinny Ass All The Way To ZygertronSpotifyApple Music

Studio Stories is coming back for season 4! Follow on Instagram for the latest updates: instagram.com/studiostoriespodcast Buy Me A Coffee support the promotion of New Zealand music and keep the lights on at Studio Stories HQStudio Stories is a Rustle Podcasts Production.www.studiostoriespodcast.comStellar* is Boh Runga, Andrew Maclaren, Chris Van de Geer and Kurt Shanks.Stellar* set out to create a statement with their debut album, and they did just that. The making of the acclaimed 5 x platinum album Mix is the story of 6 people - all on the same wavelength, collectively pushing the limits of technology to make an album that in 1999 sounded ahead of its time... and today - sounds like it was recorded yesterday.Released by Sony BMG on 29 July 1999. The album debuted at No. 2 on the RIANZ albums chart, and after seven weeks within the top ten, reached number one. The album was certified 5× platinum, after selling over 75,000 copies in New Zealand.Mix would go on to win Album of The Year at the 2000 NZ Music Awards.Our GuestsAndrew MaclarenChris Van de GeerTom BaileyLuke TomesSpecial thanks to Audioculture.co.nzBuy or Stream MixSpotifyApple Music