Off The Record

Empire of the Sun are heading back to New Zealand in February to play at Spark Arena. Their singer Luke Steele called up to chat about bringing the complete Empire of the Sun live experience here, why their shows are built to be seen in the dark, and what’s next for the band. He also shared a brilliant story about Daniel Johns from Silverchair, a stash of unreleased music, and a record that may still be buried somewhere near Windsor Castle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goodnight Nurse are back together and playing The Always and Never (Again!) tour in November, celebrating twenty years since their debut album Always and Never, in the process reuniting original members Joel Little, Jaden Parkes and Paul Taite to play in Auckland, Wellington and Chch. Joel popped in for a chat about what's changed in the last 20 years and what sparked the reunion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Ash’s return to New Zealand to celebrate 30 years of their album 1977, frontman Tim Wheeler called up to chat about the band’s incredible journey from teenage schoolmates in Downpatrick, Ireland, to international success; the songs and influences that shaped their sound, and what’s kept the original trio together all these years. They also talked about revisiting 1977 three decades on; the joy of still creating new music, and why Ash continue to love coming back to play for Kiwi fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of their joint show at Christchurch’s Space Academy on September 19, Andy from The Response and Aaron from Slim called in to talk about the journey of their bands, what they’ve been working on and what audiences can expect when they come together on stageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mudhoney guitarist and founding member Steve Turner called up ahead of the band’s return to New Zealand this October, to talk about Mudhoney’s beginnings in Seattle, the scene that spawned bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana and Pearl Jam, why the band eventually embraced the “grunge” label, his love of New Zealand music and what fans can expect when Mudhoney hit the stage here for the first time in 12 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Perfect Circle return to New Zealand this December for the first time in more than 20 years, joining Puscifer for a special double bill. Their guitarist Billy Howerdel called up for a chat about how A Perfect Circle began, working with Maynard James Keenan, what he learned from years behind the scenes with some of rock’s biggest names, and what Kiwi fans can expect from the upcoming tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Toogood popped in for a chat about his new book Home Again, summing up his life with Shihad and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synthony 2027 is going to be awesome, but don't just take our word for it - Joel from LAB called in to share in the excitement of the first line up announcement, which includes them sharing the stages with some incredible performers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While on the road supporting his new album Baby Heavyweight, Delaney Davidson called up for a chat about the title track of his eleventh collection; contacting dearly departed via his merch and the inspiration he got from SwitzerlandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queens Of The Stone Age are coming back to New Zealand in December, their bass player Mike Shuman called up to reminisce about previous trips to Aotearoa, the bands that made him want to make music and what it was like auditioning for Josh HommeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miss June's lead singer Annabel called up to explain the balloon popping metaphor in their latest single PPD, plus we chatted about them playing big shows with Foo Fighters and My Chemical RomanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the day they released their new song Hiasom, Midwave Breaks lead singer Bruce called up to explain what those letter stand for, and give us a bit of a rural round up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Puscifer’s Mat Mitchell and Carina Round called up to talk about the band’s darker, more aggressive new album, Normal Isn’t, and their upcoming Auckland double bill with A Perfect Circle at Spark Arena on December 13.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milan from Pluto called in to our Day In Loo up the top of the SkyTower in Auckland to talk about some shows he has coming up, plus he shared stories from his acting days in lieu of our guest theme Legends Of The Telly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Greer from The Temper Trap called in ahead of the release of the band's new album Sungazer. From growing up on Auckland's North Shore to the global success of Sweet Disposition, Joseph reflected on the highs, challenges and lessons of life in one of Australia's biggest indie rock bands, plus what fans can expect when they hit the road with Muse across the US of A.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Lee from Evanescence called up to chat about opening for Metallica on their recent stadium tour, their new album Sanctuary, and how they collaborated with artists including Jordan Fish and Spiritbox to help to evolve the Evanescence sound more than 20 years on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi musicians Miriam Clancy and Dion Lunadon (The D4) have teamed up in Brooklyn, New York to record a heartfelt new version of The Chills classic I Love My Leather Jacket, following the passing of frontman Martin Phillipps. Miriam called up from New York to chat about the making of their version of the song and update us on her upcoming album.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Veils have a new album coming out this winter, and a tour to suit. Their singer Finn Andrews popped in for a chat about what it'll sound like and where they're going - it could be to a town near you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussie rockers the DMAs have a self-titled album coming out this winter, their guitarist Johnny called up for a chat about their travels around the world (including Auckland) and where on the planet Heatin Park is locatedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid way through their first ever tour of New Zealand, Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers called up for a chat about their brilliant name, music and first impressions of AotearoaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old mate from Opshop Jason Kerrison called up to chat about Amplify Aotearoa: Take It To The Bridge, a project pairing iconic Kiwi musicians with rangatahi artists to reinterpret classic New Zealand songs. Jase opens up about his own struggles with shyness as a kid, the teachers who changed his life through music, and why creating safe, welcoming spaces for young artists matters so much.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the eve of releasing their new song Falling Into You, Tadpole called in for an exclusive preview of the track, including their singer Lauren who'd just flown in from Christchurch with some exciting news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of his New Zealand return this November, Jack Johnson called up talk surf trips, life on the road with mates and what to expect when he hits Aotearoa with Ben Harper and John Butler for the Surfilmusic tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch rockers The Response have just released their new song Hollow Hour, their singer Andy called up for a chat about their recent tour of Australia, the anthropocene and the merch item that keeps on giving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland rockers Clap Clap Riot are touring New Zealand in May and June, playing songs from their upcoming album including the latest single Like A Lover. Their guitarist Dave popped in for a chat about life on the road, hanging with the Pixies his new hatred of bananas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix called in ahead of their Auckland show at Spark Arena for a conversation that went well beyond the usual tour chat. From early internet days and the reality of doom scrolling to the importance of staying connected in the real world, Jacoby reflected on how music still cuts through in a noisy, digital age. He opened up about the true story behind Last Resort, and shared the deeply personal journey behind Scars, touching on sobriety, guilt and confronting the person he used to be. It’s an honest, grounded conversation about using music to process life, grow, and connect with others in a meaningful way as you approach your 50th birthday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mint Chicks’ landmark album, Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! is being honoured at this year's Taite Music awards with the Independent Music NZ Classic Record. Now 20 years old, the album was made by brothers Kody and Ruban Nielson, with drummer Paul Roper and bassist Michael Logie, who became renowned for their punk‑infused, unpredictable sound and fearless DIY ethos. Ruban called up from the states for a chat about the album's affect on him and what it means to get this award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Villainy have unleashed a big new tune called Happy Waste, their singer Neill called in for a chat about Homegrown moving from Wellington to the Tron and some of the random gigs they've had this year including playing under a bridge (ala RHCP) in Tauranga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After playing in Christchurch, Jakob from Sublime called in on his way to their Auckland show, ahead of their Brewtown appearance in Upper Hutt. He chatted about loving G Love, intergenerational music and answered some questions from Radio Hauraki listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since he was a young lad growing up in the northeast of England, Coast Arcade's drummer Thom has memorised the music of Biffy Clyro. Thanks to Radio Hauraki, he got to meet them back in 2016 when he had just moved to NZ with his parents. Now, his band is opening for them. How excited is he? Take a listen.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of their return to New Zealand in September, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale called up to talk about the band’s journeys over the years, their heavier modern sound, and what fans can expect from their upcoming tour. He reflects on life on the road, the creative process behind writing music, his time with David Bowie and what he loves about performing live. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shapeshifter are touring New Zealand this May, June and July, their bass/synth player Nick called up for a chat about where they're going and how they're celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Soulstice album. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne based bogan funk band Playlunch are touring New Zealand at the end of May, their singer Liam called up for a chat about the locations they'll grace in the North and South Islands and the story behind the hilarious music video to their song Keith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Split Enz are back on the road again, Neil Fin called up to chat about getting the band back together, how the dynamics have changed over the years; the recent Christchurch show and the ones still to come.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz called in ahead of the band’s return to New Zealand for two Auckland shows. Adam talked about why he loves coming to New Zealand early to explore places like the Coromandel, the stories behind songs from the new album Butter Miracle, The Complete Suites!, and how songwriting often starts with the people and experiences that have shaped his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan from The Black Seeds called in to talk about waking a celebrity, their summer tour with UB40 and the upcoming performance at Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival, which returns to the Auckland Domain on Saturday 21 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington rockers Dropper have had a busy summer, and they're finishing it off with a run of shows opening for Transvision Vamp. Their singer Jude called up for a chat about touring the country, the possibility of doing a stage dive at Meow Nui or The Powerstation, plus getting mistaken for Oasis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Yellowcard’s long awaited return to New Zealand, Sean Mackin called up to talk about the band’s resurgence, the legacy of Ocean Avenue, and why Better Days feels like a new chapter rather than a nostalgia lap. From skate punk roots to violin powered anthems, Sean reflects on 20 plus years of music, growth, and what it means to play these songs all over again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric Six are coming to New Zealand soon, their singer Dick Valentine called up for a chat about the staying power of Electric Six, Detroit’s fiercely supportive ‘90s scene, the MTV explosion of Gay Bar and how their cult status has kept them touring decades after their first hit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of performing at Electric Ave in Christchurch and at Meow Nui in Wellington on May 1, Bret McKenzie called in for a chat about his latest solo album Freak Out City and the enduring friendship with Jermaine Clement that's seeing them do Flight Of The Conchords again in May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals are heading back to New Zealand for shows in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington this March, and they’re amped to be making the long trip back. They called up for a chat about the realities of touring the world, how their signature genre-mashing sound came from growing up in New York club culture, and why the new album A Matter of Time still sounds unmistakably like them - Fun Lovin' Criminals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before The Beths tour Japan, New Zealand and America this year, they popped in for a chat with us about life on the road, the Obama list and other highlights from the last twelve monthsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 8 years since Biffy Clyro last toured NZ and they're back in April 2026 to tour their new album Futique.We caught up with drummer Ben - one third of the band to chat about the tour, getting ripped as a drummer and new spots to check out in NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Counting Crows are coming round here in 2026, their lead singer Adam Duritz called up for a chat about “The Complete Sweets! Tour” - bringing decades of sing-along moments, deep cuts, and fresh energy to iconic theatres across both countries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Push Push are touring the North Island in February, their enigmatic and heroic frontman Mikey Havoc popped in for a chat about the songs that people still tell him they love from A Trillion Shades Of Happy, and the new music they'll be releasing in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zed frontman Nathan King popped in to reflect on new music, the Christchurch band scene that shaped them in the ’90s, and the rush of playing to big crowds 25 years later as the band gear up for the Greenstone Summer Concert Series alongside Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, and Hoodoo GurusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.