All episodes
The Secret Life of Track Lists
Melody Thomas talks to the artists who agonise over song order so that you don't have to, and the critics who've heard it go both ways.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Band Names
The artist currently known as Samuel Scott, Sam Scott, Samuel F. Scott and Samuel Flynn Scott has always struggled with how to represent himself in the music world – and it turns out he’s not alone.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Stolen Instruments
Zac Arnold investigates the alliance musicians have with their instruments and the grim emotional toll when they are forced apart.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Music Collectors
Zac Arnold talks with a range of collectors of musical ephemera.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Music Teachers 2
Melody Thomas – herself a one-time ukulele teacher – speaks to music teachers, students and musicians about what it takes to be a good music teacher, and a good student.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Music Therapists
Yadana Saw explores the power of sound by meeting music therapists and the people they work with. From toddlers with special needs to people overcoming eating disorders and palliative care patients, we learn that music is a powerful medicine in many different worlds.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Karaoke
Music 101’s Zac Arnold investigates how Karaoke has weaved its way from Japan into all corners of the globe, delving into the psychology of why we perform in front of each other, and he takes to the private booths to sing his heart out.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Love Songs
Why are good love songs so difficult to write? Is there such a thing as a pure, untainted love song that won't leave some cringing? Anthonie Tonnon talks with Tami Neilson, Tom Scott, Anika Moa and Great North's Hayden Donnell about committing love to tape.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Instrument Repairers
Like most musicians, The Phoenix Foundation's Samuel Scott has a lot of broken musical equipment. Getting vintage gear fixed (or more broken) can be a long, confusing, heart-breaking journey into the homes of part-time electronics nerds and soldering geniuses.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Music Royalties
Julie Hill looks into music royalties in New Zealand: who gets how much and for what and where the money’s coming from; and investigates alternative systems.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Conductors
The most prestigious and yet misunderstood role in the orchestra must be that of the conductor. Find out about the art of conducting from some of New Zealand’s best-known maestros.
Full episodeWho Polices the Noise Police?
The Phoenix Foundation's Samuel Scott explores the world of sound control, and how inner city apartments have affected the live music scene.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Music Radio
Nick Atkinson investigates how stations here and overseas are adapting to the new digital landscape.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Audiophiles 2
Julie Hill talks to DIY sound system, hi-fi and speaker makers passionate about doing justice to the tunes they love, including the man whose speakers made Rodney Hide cry.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Music Poster Artists
From the psychedelic paintings of the ’60s to the crème of the current digital producers, we delve into The Secret Life of Music Poster Artists
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Sound Systems
Nick Atkinson talks to members of Aotearoa’s Sound System community, who DJ reggae on stacks of enormous speakers.
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Backing Vocalists
Anthonie Tonnon talks to backing singers across different generations and genres to find out what being a pro backing vocalist means, and has meant, to New Zealand music
Full episodeThe Secret Life of Musical Comedy
New Zealand has a long tradition of comedy in song: Peter Cape, Billy T James, Fred Dagg, The Topp Twins, and The Flight Of the Conchords to name several. Kirsten Johnstone goes in search of what's next.
Full episode