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.comin 2014 Devilskin were riding high on the back of their highly successful debut album "We Rise". (As featured in Studio Stories Season 1)But the pressure to follow up such a huge debut was soon to see the band again recruiting Clint Murphy to start the process of the 2nd album and the band set about writing the songs that would soon be brought to life in Modern World Studios in the village of Tetbury in the UK.The Devils were making inroads into the UK via regular European tours. After sold-out album tour for We Rise and an eight-date 'Summer Surrender' tour in late 2014, Devilskin went offshore to play a series of promotional gigs, where they attracted the attention of international record companies and festival organisers. While in the UK, the band scheduled a pitstop at Modern World with Producer Clint Murphy to record the single Mountains. Following the supporting Mountains and the Moon tour, the band returned to Tetbury to finish fully recording Be Like the River. The album was released on 11 November 2016, and peaked at #1 on the Official New Zealand Music Chart Be Like The River was to win Best Rock Album at the 2017 NZ Music Awards and a nomination for Best Group. Producer Clint Murphy won Best Engineer for his work on the album.Be Like The River is the sound of a band hitting their stride, buoyed by the reception of their debut, a seemingly relentless touring schedule and the kind of magical chemistry a band bounded by family will provide. It's a phenomenally well performed and produced 2nd record, an album which solidified Devilskin as major players in the NZ music scene.Our GuestsJennie SkulanderPaul MartinNic MartinNailClint MurphyBuy or Stream Be Like The RiverSpotifyApple Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.comVillainy, hot off the heels of a stunning debut in "Mode. Set. Clear" - was to waste no time in getting back into the studio for the follow up.But they weren't just content with recording 'the next batch of songs'. Oh no.They were out to make a statement - with one of the most one of a kind sounding albums from a New Zealand band, possibly ever.Dead Sight sets a new bar for intensity, with the band and production team intentionally breaking one of the cardinal sins of recording to give the record a brutal, threatening, and above all else - extremely unique sound. Now for the first time ever, the band goes on record to explain the sound of the album and talk exclusively about its creation in detail.Villainy celebrated the 10th anniversary of Dead Sight in 2025.Listen to the band's 'Lost EP" Dead Sides, featuring previously unreleased tracks from the Dead Sight sessions.Our GuestsNeill FraserThomas WattsDave JohnstonBuy or Stream Dead Sight:SpotifyApple Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.comChristchurch's Pumpkinhead came roaring out of the mainland in the early 90's. The band's 1995 album Sloth was recorded at Phil (AC/DC) Rudd’s rural Mountain Studio, near Tauranga with the band's live engineer David Wernham co-producing with the band. Wernham was also the guitarist/vocalist in the band 147Swordfish. The album yielded hits "I Like", "Third Eye" and the first single "Water".After playing on the Sloth recording sessions, guitarist Jason Harmon left the band in December 1994. When the band played Strawberry Fields Festival in Raglan, February 1995, Dave Hunt proved to be a more than capable replacement on guitar. Pumpkinhead were an absolute force of nature on the live stage with Rip It Up magazine's John Russell wrote of their Strawberry Fields performance: “Every element gelled, all stops were pulled, and the result was the most supreme live performance. Just when you think they are peaking, Brent begins swigging kerosene and blows a series of enormous fireballs that tips the performance over the edge into the realm of something other worldly.”The band imploded in November of 1996, but at the time of this writing are set for a series of reunion shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sloth as well as a remastered vinyl reissue, now expanded with two bonus tracks. Originally recorded at AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd’s Mountain Studio and released in 1995, Sloth climbed the NZ charts and gave us the single 'I Like' earning critical acclaim as one of the wildest debuts of the era. - Flying OutOur GuestsAaron HoggBrent MilliganJason PetersBuy or Stream Sloth:SpotifyApple Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow The Award Winning Studio Stories on Instagram 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.comIn Part 2 of the Season 3 premiere of Studio Stories, Bassist Karl Kippenberger, Producer Gggarth Richardson and special guests talk us though the making of Shihad's "The General Electric."Shihad, in mid 1999 were deep into the sessions for what would become The General Electric at the legendary Factory Studios in Vancouver. In this episode you'll hear about the tracking of the guitars, bass and vocals, the surprising cameo who, thanks to an abscessed tooth had to cancel their participation in the record, The General Electric's greatest unsung hero, working UNDER AC/DC and more.Buy or Stream The General ElectricSpotifyApple MusicSpecial thanks to Karl Kippenberger, Garth Richardson, Fu and Brad King for their contributions to this episode.www.shihad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Studio Stories on instagram 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.comNelson's 'Minuit', 3 friends who - in the early 2000's found their sound and ran with it.Ruth Carr, Paul Dodge and Ryan Beehre started out as a guitar band, but quickly found themselves at the forefront of NZ breakbeat movement with their debut album, The 88. In this season finale of Studio Stories, you'll hear how the band forged their sound with gear they initially had no idea how to operate, why singer Ruth Carr doesn't actually consider herself a singer, their approach to songwriting, how they recorded their debut album themselves, and where the name "The 88" comes from.Buy or stream the album:Apple MusicSpotifyhttp://www.minuit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Memory of Aaron Tokona, 1975-2020Follow Studio Stories on Instagraminstagram.com/studiostoriespodcastwww.studiostoriespodcast.comWelcome to Studio Stories. This is part 2 of our deep dive into the making of Weta's album Geographica.In this episode you'll hear breakdowns of the recording of 'Got The Ju', 'Hole' and the emotional black-story behind the writing and recording of 'Conversations' as well as Aaron's struggles with mental health and his decision to leave the band shortly after the album's release. You'll also hear how the band, in Memory of Aaron, remastered the album for it's 20th Anniversary.Featuring exclusive interviews with Drummer Clinton Den Heyer, Guitarist Gabriel Atkinson, Bassist Clinton 'Tookie' Tokona, Producer Steve James. Additional interview content from Phil Knight. Huge thanks to Lewis Tennant for archival interview content of Aaron Tokona. Check out Lewis' "Verbal Highs" Podcast. www.verbalhighs.com.Additional interview content of Tom Larkin courtesy of The Rock FMFollow Weta on Instagram: @wetarockPurchase or Stream GeographicaFlying Out [Vinyl]: https://flyingout.co.nz/products/weta-geographicaMarbecks [CD] https://www.marbecks.co.nz/detail/106141/GeographicaSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7M20SITvbU2h7UlicNwWnZ?autoplay=trueApple Music: https://music.apple.com/nz/album/geographica/294434006YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n9TC0pACpV6vMJyVgGIuwpQJXBbHbeuG8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Studio Stories on instagram 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.comIn this season finale of Studio Stories - Auckland’s Dead Flowers formed at a 21st over a bag of magic mushrooms and shot to prominence in 1992 with the release of their first single, “Lisa” which reached number 27 on the national charts. In October of that year, the band set about recording their debut album. In this episode, you’ll hear how the band found working with AC/DC’s legendary drummer Phil Rudd, and how they had no idea what they were doing.These are the Studio Stories from the sessions for Dead Flowers “Skin of a Stone”.Buy or Stream Skin of a Stone:Apple MusicSpotifyOur Guests.Riqi Harawira Riqi is the former lead guitarist for Dead Flowers and now a successful Singer/Songwriter.Buy/Stream Riqi’s Music:AppleSpotifyFollow Riqi on Social Media and online:https://www.facebook.com/riqiharawiracreativenativehttps://www.instagram.com/riqi_harawira_creativ_native/Bryan BellBryan is the former vocalist/Songwriter for Dead Flowers, now a founding member of The Jordan Luck Band. http://www.jordanluckband.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks for checking out this episode of Studio Stories.Follow Studio Stories on instagram 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.comSupergroove’s “Traction” is one of the most successful New Zealand albums of all time. Released in 1994, the album shipped Platinum and debuted at #1 on the National Album Charts, holding on to the top spot for over a month.'Traction' remained in the Top 15 for over 3 months and has now sold well over 5 times platinum. In this episode, you’ll hear the surprisingly ‘heavy’ influence behind the album, why Che’ had to stand on a chair during the recording of one song, overdubbed foot tapping, crowd noises and who the ‘Having an abundance of platonic relationships reminiscent of my man Mike Plato’ guy is,and there's a crap load of nerdy audio production talk as well. These are the Studio Stories from the sessions for Supergroove - “Traction”BUY OR STREAM TRACTIONSpotifyApple MusicOur Guests.Karl StevenKarl is Supergroove’s Singer/Songwriter Producer and now a multi award winning composer.All info at www.karlsteven.com Follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlssteven/Tim StewartTim is Supergroove’s trumpet player as well as the man behind “Tibor” a musical divergence from the rootsy soul sounds of Tim’s other band Hopetoun Brown and finds him heading deep into the possibilities of analogue synthesis, 808 drum machines and the joys of a well-placed ribbon microphone. Tibor is also a three piece band helmed by Stewart on lead vocals and bass guitar.Buy or Stream Tim’s project “Tibor” Spotify Follow Tim on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tiborinoMalcolm WelsfordMalcolm is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated music producers and co-founder of the now defunct, but legendary York Street Studios. These days, Malcolm is the man behind Drum and Bass act Mac Summer.https://macsummermusic.comhttps://welsfordmusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Studio Stories, a podcast that exposes the creative process of artists, engineers and producers to reveal the stories behind some of New Zealand's best known albums.Starting November 2nd, 2022, you'll hear how some classic New Zealand records came to life.How these albums were initially conceived while sweeping bakery floors, or sweating it out on stages across the country.How they were recorded in brand new studios with internationally recognised rock stars and producers.And how they were received. Debuting at number 1 on the national charts, a gold record... 5 times platinum sales and multiple New Zealand Music Awards.Follow Studio Stories on instagram instagram.com/studiostoriespodcast Studio Stories is a Rustle Podcasts Production.Take Your Podcast Production To The Next Level!www.rustlepodcasts.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.