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 episode over on our Instagram @awkwardtalksnz
You can follow Issy @isobellewalker__
and of course, you better be following RIIKI REID @riikireid
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 the blow-up of their hit song Woke Up Late featuring Hailey Steinfeld. Today the band has a HEALTHY international fanbase and tour globally, sharing their music and electric energy with the world.
We were lucky to be invited into Shaan's home to get to know more about his and the band's journey to their version of success. This episode is full of hot takes and laughter. Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this episode it would mean so much if you were to leave a review and hit the download button on whatever platform you are listening to us on. We are an independent podcast and this is a quick way you can support us to keep having these meaningful conversations.
Be sure to follow us on our social media platforms to keep in the know about who we're getting Awkward with next.
You can follow Issy your host on
Catch you in the next episode!
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 latest release Mauri Tau HERE
Let us know what you think of this episode whānau in the Q&A box, or leave a review as it really helps us out.
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
You can find Nikau HERE & HERE
You can find Issy HERE
You can find Cae HERE
A huge thank you also to Matrix Digital for making us look and sound crispy in their state-of-the-art podcasting studio that makes us feel super profesh! Find out more about their high-quality Audio & Visual Production services HERE
Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission for making this possible. Produced & Mastered by: @robbiemulligan
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 the next guest announcement??
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.
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
You can find Will HERE
You can find Issy HERE
You can find Cae HERE
A huge thank you also to Matrix Digital for making us look and sound crispy in their state-of-the-art podcasting studio that makes us feel super profesh! Find out more about their high-quality Audio & Visual Production services HERE
Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission for making this possible. Produced & Mastered by: @robbiemulligan
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 podcasting studio that makes us feel super profesh! Find out more about their high-quality Audio & Visual Production services HERE
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
You can find Polly HERE You can find Issy HERE You can find Cae HERE Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission for making this possible. Produced & Mastered by: @robbiemulligan
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, we cover
1) Harry’s journey to being one of the most seasoned young bass players in Pōneke
2) What even is a session musician
3) How to balance studying your passion and keeping the spark alive…
4) Tips ‘n’ tricks on learning music quickly and navigating the session musician life.
5) We also get to hear some of Harry’s favourite performing stories.
6) A new segment we like to call ‘industea’
Thank you so much Harry for joining us for this weeks episode of awkward talks. It was a pleasure getting to speak with you and get to know your journey.
And to the listeners! Thank you so much for your constant support. Let us know what you thought about this episode via our Instagram, or leave a comment in the Q&A section below the episode on Spotify, or leave a review on Apple podcasts.
A huge thank you also to Matrix Digital for making us look and sound crispy in their state-of-the-art podcasting studio that makes us feel super profesh! Find out more about their high-quality Audio & Visual Production services HERE
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
You can find Harry HERE
You can find Issy HERE
You can find Cae HERE
Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission for making this possible. Produced & Mastered by: @robbiemulligan
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. What it means to do many things in this industry and be a ‘multi-hyphenate’ The modern relationship between music and media. Recognising the many different roles that musicians have to play Going through the motions and realising your value Working in teams and with other people Leadership in teams with friends TBH some of the most inspirational shi* we’ve heard on the poddy so far. A huge thank you has to go to Tash. Tasha if you are reading this, you are a golden light of a human being and we know that each and every listener is going to come away from this episode feeling just as special and hyped up as we did. Thank you for your presence in this industry. We need more people like you. Aroha nui xox And to the listeners! Thank you so much for your constant support. Let us know what you thought about this episode via our Instagram, or leave a comment in the Q&A section below the episode on Spotify, or leave a review on Apple podcasts. A huge thank you also to Matrix Digital for making us look and sound crispy in their state-of-the-art podcasting studio that makes us feel super profesh! Find out more about their high-quality Audio & Visual Production services HERE You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and TikTok HERE - we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks. You can find Tash HERE You can find Issy HERE You can find Cae HERE Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission for making this possible. Produced & Mastered by: @robbiemulligan
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 industry as we UNPACK the IMPACT that perpetuated poor behaviour has on our tight community. AND this conversation is also full of wholesome Mel stories, laughs and moments that make your heart MELt.
On this weeks Episode of Awkward Talks we cover….
The most sincere thank you goes to the team at Soundcheck Aotearoa, Anna, Mel, and those supporting our mahi. This was Mel’s first podcast and public media appearance as the SHAPRA and she was an absolute star. We love you Mel!
A huge thank you also to Matrix Digital for making us look and sound crispy in their state-of-the-art podcasting studio that made us feel super profesh! Find out more about their high quality Audio & Visual Production services HERE
You can find and contact soundcheck/ SHAPRA on
Contact Mel directly: shapra@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz
Or anonymously: 021 222 9169
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and TikTok HERE - we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
Also, join our Facebook group! A private group where we discuss each episode, release exclusive content and keep the vibes high! Join HERE
You can find Issy HERE
You can find Cae HERE
Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission for making this possible.
Produced & Mastered by:
Nau Mai hoki mai ki te Awkward Talks. In today’s episode Issy & Cae talk to Clara Van Wel about......
Recording this ep with Clara was such a treat. Neatly woven between some pretty hearty topics is a good amount of laughter. Clara kept Issy & Cae on their toes and saved the interview many many times! A huge thank you to Clara for trusting us with their time and their story.
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and TikTok HERE - we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
Also, join our Facebook group! A private group where we discuss each episode, release exclusive content and keep the vibes high! Join HERE
You can find Clara HERE
You can find Rocketberry HERE
You can find Issy HERE
You can find Cae HERE
Also check out that crisp sound! Another massive thank you goes to @matrix_digital for their support, and for letting us use their studio. A fantastic team that does incredibly professional work.
Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission
Produced & Mastered by:
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:
- Find a space that you feel comfortable in where you won't be disturbed.
- Grab a pillow to sit on, a blanket to cover you, a warm drink, or anything that makes you feel calm and cozy.
- Pop on some headphones and listen to the guided meditation.
- Be kind to yourself, don't get disheartened.
- If you have to stop early, that's ok, come back to it when you are ready.
A huge thank you to the incredible Toby from @tinytriumphrecordings for this gift.
We hope you enjoy it!
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and TikTok HERE - we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
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 others.
8. Toxic Masculinity in the industry.
This episode was truly special. It was an honour to interview someone that takes such immense pride in their work and is an expert in their field. This may not be the last time that you hear from Toby here on Awkward Talks so keep watching our socials for more updates.
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and TikTok HERE - we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
Also, join our Facebook group! A private group where we discuss each episode, release exclusive content and keep the vibes high! Join HERE
You can find Toby HERE
You can find Issy HERE
You can find Cae HERE
Also check out that crisp sound! Another massive thank you goes to @matrix_digital for their support, and for letting us use their studio. A fantastic team that does incredibly professional work.
Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission
Produced & Mastered by:
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’.
The importance of being an active member of the community.
Navigating jealousy in a such a small industry.
How you can support your fellow artists/friend….FOR FREE!!
The art of networking.
This episode has all the best vibes of a wholesome catch up with your bestie. Packed with some big sister industry advice there’s something in here for everyone, no matter where you are on your journey. A massive thank you to @wa_ll_ace for your time and kōrero. WALLACE has been here since day one of Awkward Talks so it was a truly special moment to be able to record an episode with her.
You can Follow us on Instagram HERE and TikTok HERE - we have an awesome community and would love for you to join for access to BTS content, resources, tips ‘n’ tricks.
You can find WALLACE HERE
You can find Issy HERE
You can find Cae HERE
Also check out that crisp sound! Another massive thank you goes to @matrix_digital for their support, and for letting us use their studio. A fantastic team that does incredibly professional work.
Also a big thank you to @nzmusicommission
Nau Mai hoki mai ki the Awkward Talks. In today’s episode, we talk to Naki AKA NahBo about….
This is an hour of pure gold, make sure you have this one downloaded to come back to and re-listen in order to absorb the amazing insight.
Huge thank you to @nahbo.is.here for their time and kōrero. They had such an incredible wairua in the studio, let us know if you want to hear more from them in the future....
Follow us on Instagram HERE and TikTok HERE - we have an awesome community and would love for you to join us for BTS, resources, and tips n tricks.
You can find more about our Kaupapa and our supporters on our website www.awkwardtalks.co.nz
You can follow Issy & Cae here:
Thank you to our supporters:
Produced & Mastered by:
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 workplace and along with Issy & Cae they explore how the industry could be bettering their response to sexual harm, in the workplace.
4. And of course we wrap up with Kōrero Cue
Huge thank you to @wiri.donna for sharing her time and journey with us. It was a pleasure and a privilege 💕✨
If you or someone you know is struggling in the industry or is experiencing harassment in any way, know that you are not alone and there are people there to help musicians specifically. You can find the link to more resources in our Instagram bio. Organisations such as Music Helps Nz & Soundcheck Aotearoa are here to help.
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok! @awkwardtalksnz
You can find more about our kaupapa on our website www.awkwardtalks.co.nz
You can follow Issy & Cae here:
Thank you to our supporters:
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 openly, about their journey’s in the Aoteroa music industry so far, what they are most passionate about, and some of the hurdles they have had to overcome to get where they are today.
They also uncover the truth behind Awkward Talks, how this project was crafted into the podcast it is today and the people who have been involved in the process.
This is a platform for conversation, NOT cancellation.
If you’re curious about what small actions you could be taking to create a wave of positive growth in the NZ music industry, then this episode is for you!
Welcome to….Awkward Talks!
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok! @awkwardtalksnz
You can find more about our kaupapa on our website www.awkwardtalks.co.nz
Shoutouts mentioned in this episode:
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 established and up-and-coming musicians face daily.
