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Dave Johnston is a Tui-Award winning professional drummer and composer who plays and writes for alternative rock bands The Zoup and Villainy. He is also a freelance mixing engineer and during the day works as Industry Liaison for the SAE Institute. We discuss his beginnings in music, the inner workings of Villainy, his experience being produced by Tom Larkin (Shihad) and his role at SAE. Dave is v...

Alex Leighton & Ryan Cooper are the brains and good looks behind Mukpuddy Animation. Tenacity is an understatement for these guys. Mukpuddy is an independent studio that launched over fifteen years ago and has stubbornly worked through many set backs and false starts before finally getting the green light on their biggest project to date; The Barefoot Bandits (TVNZ) a show they’ve affectionate...

As well as being a musician and luthier, he’s worked at Disney World, on Antartica, as a business mentor and use to sky dive for fun. Talk about an interesting life! American Tomm Stanley now lives in Christchurch, New Zealand and owns Stonefield Music, building top quality, beautifully crafted bass guitars. With lots of experience in marketing and business Tomm is launching his company with an in...

Malika Tirolien is an extraordinary singer and songwriter who gained international acclaim when she sang on Snarky Puppy’s album Family Dinner. She grew up in Guadeloupe before relocating to Montreal. She soon established herself on the local jazz scene and performed with many great bands including Groundfood and The Brooks. Since her performance with Snarky Puppy, Malika has released her own albu...

Keyboardist and vocalist Lucy Graves has played for CeeLo Green, Printz Board, she currently plays for the Black Eyed Peas as well as her new duo Parker Lane. Lucy grew up in west Auckland and attended Avondale College, followed by the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Having relocated to Los Angeles, Lucy is a great example of a dedicated, successful New Zealand musician that you’ve probably ne...

Having started in radio and programme production, including a number of iconic music radio initiatives for NZ on Air, industry insider Peter Dickens went on to become the general manager for The New Zealand Music Foundation. In 2016 The New Zealand Music Foundation conducted their first ‘Wellbeing Survey’ to try and further understand the extent of the mental health issues in the entertainment ind...

Today we release our 40th episode and this is one we can all relate to. Nicole Slater is an L.A. based social media & branding consultant who specialises in the entertainment industry. Her background includes TV and radio work as well as being the marketing and promotions manager for the legendary House of Blues. She now runs her own consultation company and works with a variety of high calibr...

DJ Gene Rivers has been committed to his craft and pursuing his journey from his youngest days. Most known as former DJ on George FM and KFM, Gene has seen many sides of the DJ and radio industries. We discuss the beginnings of hip hop and the way some of New Zealand culture adopted and imitated the emerging American trends. We also discuss George FM and the internal changes that arguably caused t...

Today’s episode is a journey, a rollercoaster of a ride through Pele Nili’s life and mind. His experiences growing up in south Auckland, his ventures in music and eventual achievement in writing and directing the movie Groove City. We talk ghosts, religion, cheese burgers, winning a Tui, sleep paralysis and much more. Strap in for a fascinating conversation. Pele is an individual, a visionary and...

He’s a comic book artist and a professional wrestler! Naturally. Michel Mulipola was quiet kid with a passion who grew up to become a professional who does what he loves. As well as wrestling and releasing his own comic book series, he’s currently working on the U.S comic book Headlocked: The Last Territory. We discuss comic books, wrestling, 13 Reasons Why, Comic-con, punching receipts, killing S...

Actor Stelios Yiakmis has made a name for himself in both New Zealand and Australia playing roles on Shortland Street, McLeod's Daughters, All Saints, Underbelly, Street Legal, The Blue Rose and acclaimed 2006 movie Jindabyne. Does he really believe he’s a lesbian, an embodiment of God and a spectator to the end of the world? We find out! We also speak briefly to Nick Poortman as he waits to...

Yoko-Zuna! Not the Wrestler, not the Mexican metal band… the innovative, highly reputed instrumental New Zealand band who have quickly made a great name for themselves on the local scene. These guys are impressive, not just because of their music, but also because of their attitude and the approach they have taken behind the scenes. Upcoming musicians can learn a lot from these guys and we really...

Professional singer, vocal coach, producer and entrepreneur Cherie Mathieson is our latest guest and we were thrilled to have her on the show. She’s collaborated with a long list of great artists including a very successful album with with Mark de Clive Lowe. She regularly tours with Sola Rosa, does session work and directs high profile shows like the APRA Silver Scroll Awards and Christmas In The...

Paddy Milner is a world class piano player who’s worked with Tom Jones, Jack Bruce, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) Eric Burdon (The Animals) Van Morrison, Joss Stone and many more. He was recently in New Zealand touring with The Last Waltz show and kindly made time to chat to us. Great guy, great player, great chat! Do it.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this special two-guest episode, UK producers Dave Eringa & Guy Massey join us for a fascinating conversation about making records and a lot more. Dave Eringa has worked with Manic Street Preachers, The Who, Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones & The Proclaimers. Guy Massey worked at Abbey Road and his resume includes The Beatles Remasters, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt and Paul McCartney. Get into it!  S...

In our very first episode we talked about our own beginnings in music. To kick off 2017 we thought we would pick up where we left off. In Part 2 we discuss conspiracy theories, music funding, perceived success and we both continue talking about our own stories and experiences in music. We’ve got some great guests coming up this year so stay tuned! http://www.dontgiveupyourdayjob.co.nz Send us Fan...

This is our Christmas Special! It’s a two-part double episode with several great guests, snippets from previous episodes and more of our highly intelligent and enlightening banter. In PART 1 we speak to Matt Bizzle, a saxophonist who’s currently making the transition to full time musician. Nick Poortman returns to talk about social dynamics within the music industry and Bobby chats to Opetaia Foa&...

This is our Christmas Special! It’s a two-part double episode with several great guests, snippets from previous episodes and more of our highly intelligent and enlightening banter. In PART 1 we speak to Matt Bizzle, a saxophonist who’s currently making the transition to full time musician. Nick Poortman returns to talk about social dynamics within the music industry and Bobby chats to Opetaia Foa&...

This week Dave Baxter from Avalanche City has been the centre of a big media story after he won a court case against his ex-manager. The judge ordered the now infamous Matt Coleman to pay back $307,287.27 and though it’s not clear if Dave will ever see the money, this verdict is a win for us all. We chat about his career, how his first single Love Love Love took off and Dave’s account of the recen...

We all know him as one of New Zealand’s favourite stand up comedians and from the television shows 7Days and Pulp Comedy. Jeremy Elwood is the real deal, a seasoned performer and an all round good guy. We discuss the rules of comedy, censorship, Brian Tamaki, Donald Trump, The Temple Bar and the best ever heckler come back! Get on it! Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Alice Brine is a rising star in the NZ comedy scene. Nominated for a Billy T James Award and winner at the Wellington Comedy Awards, she recently gained notoriety when one her reactive and poignant Facebook posts went viral. Our fast and furious conversation touches on sexism, racism, stealing jokes, hecklers and Opshop’s bunker. Hold on to your hats.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show

He’s a world class saxophonist. He plays for artists like Snarky Puppy, John Mayer and Usher. His own albums are extraordinary… and he’s a good guy! In this episode we are excited, humbled and grateful to talk to Bob Reynolds. We discuss, meeting and playing with John Mayer, touring, the inner workings of Snarky Puppy, the brilliant Michael League and a lot more. Enjoy!  Send us Fan Mail Support t...

Today our guest is Monique Powell from US band Save Ferris. Most known for their hit single Come On Eileen, we discuss how they got started, the resurgence of the band, their upcoming EP and the time Conan growled affectionately in her ear. There’s even a brief guest appearance by John Avila from Oingo Boingo. Get on it! Send us Fan Mail Support the show

New Zealand actor, director and playwright Alison Quigan is a class act and an absolute professional. Best known for her seven years playing Shortland Street receptionist Yvonne Jeffries, Allison has an impressive and varied career and we had an immensely enjoyable conversation with her. This is a good one! Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Michael Bennett is a writer and director who’s work includes Matariki, Outrageous Fortune, The Lost Children, Kerosene Creek, Cow and Street Legal. We discuss his approach to his craft, his early years as well as his involvement with wrongly convicted Teina Pora. This was a really interesting conversation. Enjoy! Send us Fan Mail Support the show