Awkward Talks

Welcome back whānau! We are so excited to be bringing you this episode of Awkward Talks featuring the beautiful RIIKI REID! In this episode, we get to know the different eras of Riiki's journey and her advice for emerging artists when it comes to releasing your first project, choosing a team to work with, and navigating touring with a huge name like LORDE. Let us know what you thought of this...

Nau mai, hoki mai, and welcome back to the Awkward Talks podcast. We are stoked to be kicking off this epic season with the man who puts the SAX in DRAX... Shaan Singh. Shaan is the lead singer of Drax Project, the iconic Kiwi band that started out like many of us; busking on the streets of their hometown, Pōneke Wellington. The band went on to open for the likes of Ed Sheeran and Lorde, following...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. For the LAST EPISODE of season one. We welcome you back to our studio with the delicately soulful Zoe Moon. In this episode we chat about.. The culture shock that is rural NZ The culture HIVE that is Pōneke How Zoe found music The inside gossip of WOW 2023 The real 'day in the life' of an independent artist And how being human weaves into your journey as an ar...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. In this episode of Awkward Talks the energy was "perfect" like Milk 'n' Honey with our guest Nikau Te Huki AKA Casual Healing. We got to know Nikau's journey like we do with all of our fabulous guests and it was an honour to host his energy in this kōrero. Thank you Nikau for being such an open guest. Go an stream Casual Healing's lat...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. On this episode of Awkward Talks, we had the pleasure of hosting another great Pōneke legend Will McClean. We got to know Will and his journey, diving deep into his creative process, learning to freestyle, and the origin story of his incredible album Don't Forget to Breath. Thank you Will for sharing your time and energy with us.... also....did you catch t...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. On this lucky episode 13 we get to talk to the Electric Lady herself Maddy Taylor. It's always extra special when we host a guest who has never shared their story publicly. Huge shout out to Maddy for her courage and authenticity during this kōrero. In this episode we talk all about Maddy's journey to become the boss as$ bit#$ that she is in this industry. Lea...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. On this episode of Awkward Talks, we had an inspiring Kōrero with the multitalented Jackie of all trades Paloma Schneiderman AKA Polly Hill. Let us know what you thought of this episode whānau in the Q&A box, or leave a review as it really helps us out. A huge thank you also to Matrix Digital for making us look and sound crispy in their state-of-the-art po...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. On this episode of Awkward Talks we had the most beautiful conversation with the exceptionally talented Vera Ellen. In this episode, we talk with Vera about.... 1) Her journey navigating the industry from a young age. 2) The differences between the industry in NZ and LA. 3) The raw reality of trying to get home from overseas during COVID. 4) How your mental he...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. This week we chat with Harry Scholes about the life of a session musician. Just like we love showcasing all areas of the Aotearoa music scene we loved having this kōrero with Harry. Definition of this episode = chill yarns.  So whether you’re cooking, going for a walk, or a drive, or working at the same time, this episode is perfect for you! In today’s episode...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. This week we are feeling pretty proud, and not just because we have Proud Dad in the Studio! We are feeling proud because this is the sort of conversation that we strive to share with you all. Speaking honest words from an open heart, Taylor Nixon shares his story for the first time. In todays episode Issy & Cae talk to Taylor Nixon about... 1) His journey to...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. On this week's episode, we are fangirling just a lil bit as we have an Awkward Talk with none other than Pōneke legend Tasha Tziakis. Grab a tea, and some headphones and get ready for a fiery episode full of good yarns and a healthy helping of motivation.  In today’s episode Issy & Cae talk to Tasha Tziakis about…… Finding her love for working in media...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. On this week's episode we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mel, the new Sexual Harm Prevention And Response Advisor for Soundcheck Aotearoa. Not only is she serving the music industry in her incredibly important role, but she’s also ‘serving’ as the industry Aunty that we all need. This episode is packed with really important kōrero around our industr...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. In today’s episode Issy & Cae talk to Clara Van Wel about...... Creativity and identity. The aftermath of fame at a young age.  Labels and being frozen in others perception of you. The commodification of self in the music industry. What it’s like to grow up in the public eye.  Recording this ep with Clara was such a treat. Neatly woven between some pretty...

Surprise! This week we have a very special EXTRA episode for you all! After our conversation with Toby last week we felt called to create a meditation that you have free access to! This is a super easy beginner meditation, so if you've never tried to meditate before, and you want to deepen your relationship with yourself, your mind & your creativity, give this a go! Some Helpful tips: - Fi...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. In today’s episode Issy & Cae talk to Toby Lloyd about...... 1. Toby's Journey working on some of the biggest global films. 2. Choosing your version of success. 3. Taking action and moving past the fear of failure. 4. Mindfulness & Meditation. 5. The benefits of having a mindfulness practice. 6. Honouring the integrity of your work. 7. Working with...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. In today’s episode, Issy chat’s to WALLACE about…… Her journey as a vocalist and musician growing up in Pōneke.  The influence that growing up in such an open and vibrant music scene had on her.  Early performance stories. The very honest financial reality of being an artist and how we can empower ourselves to change the narrative of being a ‘broke artist’.  T...

Nau Mai hoki mai ki the Awkward Talks. In today’s episode, we talk to Naki AKA NahBo about…. The privilege of being a musician and the musician's mystique.  How to keep an audience safe from a performer's perspective.  Authenticity, intention, & KNOWING YOUR WHY. The duality of love & critique.  The ins ’n’ outs of having a persona.  How to show up with integrity and intention in t...

In today’s episode, we chat with Bianca Bailey ( aka Wiri Donna) about….. 1. Growing up as a rock kid, her passion for rock music and journey to becoming ‘Wiri Donna’ 2. What it’s like working for festivals in NZ and how she got into the professional scene. As well as a few insider tips on how to get booked for a festival. 3. Bianca opens up about some of the barriers she has faced in the workplac...

So what the fu#$ is Awkward Talks anyway? We are so excited to be bringing you our first episode of season one of Awkward Talks. But you didn’t think we weren’t going to take you on a wild ride without introducing you to your drivers….did you?  Issy WALKER and Cae are two musicians, artists, and all-round creative wahine from Wellington New Zealand. In this episode, they both talk awkwardly, and o...

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Awkward Talks. A series focused on harnessing vulnerability, authenticity, and a touch of awkwardness, to build connection and manaaki within the Wellington music community. Hosted by Tahini Bikini’s CAE (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) and solo artist Issy WALKER, each episode they interview a locally and nationally renowned artist to speak on the opportunities and adversities that esta...