The Assorted Kiwi Show: Recent Episodes
Assorted NZ
The Assorted Kiwi Show builds meaningful connections - one conversation at a time.
Whether it is Kiwis doing good in our hood, homies, entrepreneurs or artists 🙏🏼
In March we travelled outside of Auckland and kicked it in Wellington with an OG of the Wellington music scene - Chris CK (Sorry that this one has been in the tuck for a while)
CK is been doing his damn thing musically for countless years - heavily respected across Aotearoa by the presence and energy he brings to the stage - along with the work he has done with many local acts such as Raw Collective, Richter City Rebels and Tawhiri Funk just to name a few.
We had quite as quite an retrospective chat about his journey to date, process of creating music, the significance/art of the live performance and alot more.
He has been quoted in saying “Knowing that you can keep up with two of the largest bands in the city with just a drum machine….you know you got the juice!” So you know your in for a treat with this one.
Head to his IG page to check out more of @carbonchris and his music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JJjS3R2YDnjDX7XkQ10w4?si=Kouj02QlS6a9gXA57Nskmg
Shoutout to the homies Unwell & Young Gho$t for opening up their flat for this chat to happen.
- CK wanted to make the disclaimer he had caught (the vid) - but had no idea at the time
nz #nzmusic #podcast #nzpodcast #music
Super stoked to have sat down with Dallas Harvey on the ORIGINS pod - SEASON 2 is in full effect!
You will quickly realise when hearing Dallas talk, that he does many things when it comes to his contribution to Aotearoa's music scene and is truely authentic in his delivery in and outside of music!
Was dope to talk with the bro about his journey to date! Many gems in this ORIGINS and exciting to see his plans for 2022 and beyond come to life!
Head to his IG page to check out more of @thedallasharvey and his music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/22lx8qhkNuEl9HkubGesPu?si=j9KPaZctQJGqEIA4d5c5kQ&utm_source=copy-link
nz #nzmusic #podcast #nzpodcast #music
Stoked to have kicked off Season 2 of the Assorted Kiwi: ORIGINS pod with the bro JJ Shadow.
We talked about how it all started for JJ and his journey creatively through different expressions of art!
JJ Shadow has released quite alot of music so far with a number of projects that are currently across SoundCloud and Spotify.
While JJ Shadow has not released a project since 2020's Everything's Alright, I Love You - 2022 is looking to be a big year, with the recent release of his new single "Find Your Wings" - with new releases coming out throughout this year.
This is a great way to kick of Season 2 - with JJ Shadow really showcasing what drives him to do what he does!
Head to his IG page to check out more of @jjshadow47 and his music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5g7GXi7CHCkduMEzqo9WGO?si=kM3M-FgfSFyvhYBBOs2Wzw&utm_source=copy-link
nz #nzmusic #podcast #nzpodcast #music
Was stoked to have both of these gents on the pod! The Ode & JSH. (Cody and Josh)
Both of these bros have been making music for a while and recently dropped a new collaborative album 9 to 4. Check the album out - 7 tracks of hip-hop/r'n'b and all around great music!
We talked about how it all started, from how they both met in 2014, their individual journeys in music and everything leading up to the creation of their joint debut album '9 to 4'. Many gems of insights in this one as both of these boys have greats hearts and passion for what they do individually, together and for others!
Head to both of their IG pages to check out more of them both and check out their music on Spotify
@theode.music https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iTlDERIMqdkrYPqmaldqC?si=pck4i0TbRGSHHmHxNDD3Fg&utm_source=copy-link @jsh.grace https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iY07K6xGjFG6Bc46CdJia?si=ySogw18dQfuqOEUgxXdnXQ&utm_source=copy-link
nz #kiwi #nzmusic #podcast #business #newzealand #music #musician #aotearoa #aotearoamusic #newzealand
Recently I had a really dope chat with Envioso.
Envioso is a producer based in Auckland - having been making music for well over 10 years.
We talk about how it all started for him in making music, his journey to date and the South Sufficient crew
Not one to put himself into one box he dips into many styles and sounds of music.
Outside of producing music he has released two solo projects as an emcee, alongside two collaborative albums with Phulaphekt (@maori_medicine) - Kaupapa Driven 1 & 2.
Envioso is always working with new projects on the horizon.
Head to the @southsufficient IG page and IG hastag #beatsbyenvioso to check out more of Envioso.
nz #nzmusic #podcast #nzpodcast #music
Had an awesome chat with Ren Browning - who is a Female Empowerment Coach.
2021 has been an exciting year for Ren - having transformed her passion for helping others into her own business.
Ren is all about empowering women to grow and heal, by providing tools to enable them to go after what they want and make changes in their lives’.
Ren also has her own podcast "The Authenticity Project" - dedicated to having real and raw conversations. Very much aligned with her approach as an Empowerment Coach.
In this pod we really get to know what Ren is all about and understand the passion she has for others to get the most in their life.
Head to her IG page to check out more of @reannabrowningcoaching and the "The Authenticity Project" podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2OBC3TF9hS4iSGcVoHBsmq?si=uQ9_A6GnSe-gfpk8Edkchg&dl_branch=1
nz #kiwi #selfhelp #podcast #business #newzealand
Was stoked to have chopped it up with legend Big Sima.
Big Sima is a super talented MC hailing from Christchurch. All about speaking his truth and delivering powerful messages on the mic.
We talked about how it all started, from the formative days in the NZ battle rap scene - to the creation of 2019's Underground King EP. He also talked to us about what it was like to have performed alongside Tiki Taane and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra earlier this year.
Throughout this chat we had a solid NZ Hip-Hop chat, which is always appreciated.
Much love to Sima and very much looking forward to the release of his debut album “Stereotypes of A Polynesian Misunderstood”
Head to his IG page to check out more of @bigsima2k21 and his music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/06yXAAEZ8jnYlXF9TdBJIK?si=XRMtwCnYQx2hmEevZNlMZQ&dl_branch=1
nz #kiwi #nzmusic #podcast #business #newzealand
It was a pleasure to sit down with the talented and multi-faceted talent - Ray Leslie. We talked about how it all started for Ray and her journey through music and life to date. Originally from the Philippines, Ray came to NZ at a young age and was extremely motivated to write lyrics and make music. Ray was exposed to the many genres of music but decidedly fell in love with storytelling element of hip-hop. With an EP and an album already out (Demolition, 2019), (Distorted, 2020). Last week Ray dropped a new EP ‘Otis’ showing there is no stop to the songwriting abilities of this artist. Head to her IG page to check out more of @bigbawgray and her music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/7itfKzUAVeKBth9WxcAS1U?si=af480V0rQqCgSa-V0Kh7aQ&dl_branch=1
nz #nzmusic #podcast #nzpodcast #music
It was a pleasure to sit down with the lovely Sophie Gibson, who is a singer/songwriter from Bay of Plenty – now based in Auckland.
We got into how her musical journey all started, the driving force behind the songs Sophie writes and alot more.
Through not only beautiful vocals, but soundscapes of easy listening and acoustic arrangements Sophie delivers powerful and heartfelt messages in her songwriting. Providing a connection to others who may be feeling the same way or have been through similar experiences.
Over the past two years of writing her own songs (Reminiscing, Paper Skin, Parachute), she has also collaborated with overseas artists - Amité and Shivam Bhatia.
A massive congratulations to Sophie for receiving NZ On Air funding for her first music video for the track “Deeper Waters”, which that song along with more music will be released toward the end of the year. There may be a sneaky preview of that track in the pod 😉
Outside of her own music she has been working on her own upcoming podcast – interviewing female identifying, non-binary, gender diverse individuals about their experience being musicians. Shining a light on the talent and understanding challenges within the industry.
Head to her IG page to check out more of @sophiegibsonmusic and her music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5H1RKwFkjWw8lzLohfauLP?si=d7-PclqwS4iLwG0U_LNWHA&utm_source=copy-link&dl_branch=1
A couple of weeks back we sat down with Casper (aka) Young Gho$t.
Young Gho$t is not only a talented MC with a sharp pen, but he also has his hands in DJ'ing and music production. We got into how his journey in making music started and got into how all of these experiences in the past 7 years have been integral to the development of his sound and his skillset as a musician.
Understanding his strength of having a strong live show performance - he also runs many events through his own company Ghost Media – putting on for others and getting his own sound out there.
What a journey it has been so far - with all this leading up to the formation of his new duo/collaborative project with Alphabethead – “Bad Taste” - set to drop before the end of the year. This album sees the sound of Young Gho$t head into a totally new level. Check out the bros tunes on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/64C1h8ZS4TwwOq6vTh5bIU?si=rW9SBRuUSDqizZdXaI9xYA&utm_source=copy-link&dl_branch=1
A couple of weeks back Billy @cix50_ , Zephyr @zerzerzerrrrrr and Johnny @fanta_abuse.co.nz kicked it on the couch for an honest and powerful chat.
This Origins was shot on the day their fallen brother IZAK's birthday and is all about celebrating the impact IZAK him, the impact he made and still has on them.
As well as getting into their own origin stories - the TKM (True King Millanta) brothers talked about how the loss of their bro impacted each of them emotionally and creatively.
These 3 brothers are amazing artists across many mediums - talking about how authenticity and expressing ones true emotions through art is strength.
It was an honour for these brothers to have us host this chat!
Had the pleasure of heading down to Cambridge to link up with the lovely Sarah Gurnsey.
The past 12 months have been quite an exciting time for Sarah - having turned her passion for health and wellbeing into a business.
Live Lively started out as a blog, sharing recipes and content inspire others to get the most out of life - in other words Living Lively.
In 2020 Sarah took that to the next level designing and selling stationary products to help you make the most out of everyday, to be intentional with how you spend your precious time, and to encourage you to be continually looking for new ways to improve and make progress on your goals.
Her new venture Now You Can follows the same ethos - all about creating meaningful content and tools to empower women to go after what they want.
In this Origins story we really get to know about what makes Sarah do what she does to inspire others to get the most of their life too.
Stoked to have Bnjmn Canute pull up and spend time having a quality yarn on The Assorted Kiwi Show.
Ben has a huge passion for music and expressing himself creatively. Writing songs with a clear and meaningful message is what Bnjmn is all about. Specifically - chasing the light for everything that we are worth.
Bnjmn is a couple of months away from the release of his upcoming tape ‘Chase the Light’, a body of work which touches on an issue facing our youth and country as a whole – mental health and suicide.
Throughout this chat we talk about his journey and the driving force behind the music he makes and alot more within the world of Bnjmn.
Check out the bros tunes on the links below
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/1Vn7tkjKZ6ibU15rMYhTsF
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mPvww
Tom Grut is a freelance film-maker and photographer, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
He has spent the past five years working on a dynamic range of projects in both the corporate and creative world.
Tom has worked on projects for artists such as BLK CITY, Jess B, Raiza Biza, Mazbou Q, The Leers, Mo Muse, Tom Scott, Pharaoh Swami, Eleven7four, Balu Brigada and Chubby Fly. – just to name a few.
Whether it is capturing pure and meaningful portrait shots or filming incredible visuals for many in the Aotearoa music scene - Tom has a unique and confident eye for story-telling and is always striving to develop as an artist.
Had the pleasure of sitting down with Maddy, the artist behind Kahu Art.
Maddy is currently teaching at an international school in Japan which is a story within itself. After turning down a spot to go to ELAM, a fine arts university in NZ, and instead pursing Health and Physical Education, she thought her artist days were over.
It wasn't till 2018, with the amazing support from her Whanau that she created her first pieces of Kahu Art.
After creating these first pieces, she realized what she was passionate about; nurturing memories, deepening relationships, and celebrating one another by creating meaningful art with a story.
Since then she has created many pieces whether it is for new born babies, anniversaries, special birthdays and big milestones. Each new piece is as special as the last.
Maddy is such a kind and creative individual - whose artistic purpose is such an inspiration!
Liam K. Swiggs is a man who really puts in the Mahi for all he believes in. A jack of all trades and proud Southern gentlemen - who is very passionate about music, authentic design, rugby league (specifically the Warriors) and providing others with a platform to be heard and be themselves.
Being surrounded by music and actively hustling to fill up Gigabytes’ of music whether on the Ipod classic or on the hard drives at a young age – makes it clear to where this passion stems from.
Liam runs The Big Fresh Collective – an independent record label based in Christchurch, NZ and a driving force in bringing attention to the local 160 scene of Footwork, flipping classic iconography and all things Foot Mahi.
___________________________________________________________________________
It was an honour to sit down with this brother when he came up to Auckland to be part of Amamelia’s - 'WOW! The 2021 Remixes' Album Release at Whammy Bar/ Backroom.
Not only did we have the chance to build – but I had the chance to really learn about his passion for everything Foot Mahi, league and just life as a proud Southern Man.
Absolutely stoked to have met and linked on this with him and bring his origin story to you all. Vibes all the way!!!
For many years @latenight_studio been selling customised art prints of many artists such as (Kanye West, J-Cole, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar and many more) – however there is much more to Latenight Studio than just music inspired art.
The founder Jam Andres specialises in many other forms of creative expression which make for a great studio, such as branding, graphic design, video and photography. All of these combined with his passion to assist businesses in delivering their brand purpose to the world – make for a sound work ethic that delivers a meaningful connection to those he deals with.
Music and creativity is at the heart of Jam and Latenight Studio - in delivering meaningful pieces of work whether on your wall at the whare or bringing that flair to your brand. If you do not know much about @latenight_studio I am sure you will after watching / listening to our hui – but check out his page and you will quickly catch the vibe.
Scapegoat MERCY is a multi faceted artist, whose music soundscapes provide an introspective and melancholic atmosphere. Never one to be put into one box – consistently pushing his art to new places and angles – someone who embraces the diversity and wide of influences across genres.
A huge thanks to my bro Hamish for coming through to the crib and being on the show.
I have known Hamish for a long time (25 years to be exact) – the thing that I respect the most about the bro is his ability to speak his truth while doing it in such a wavy way which is unique to him. Whether on the mic, behind the beat or on the couch – the words and feelings are real!
@quinn.wav
"I don't really say I have fans - I have family. My main goal is to help the youth who struggle with mental health. We all have demons in our head and for me personally music is the best bet to get rid of or lessen the demons from taking the aroma and aura // escaping people who often said I could never do this. Here I am - I'm a bad boy"
_____________________________________
Huge thanks to the bro @quinn.wav for having me in his space and making history in being the first Assorted Kiwi episode on the road!
I admire the drive and purpose of this brother! Not only is he a wavy man, but he has a clear purpose and understanding on what he wants to achieve and message he wants to communicate to the world.
I have a huge amount of respect in him finding his process and harnessing the energy which drives him in staying true to his purpose and wav.
By the time this Assorted Kiwi episode drops – his new track ‘Bad Boy’ will be available.
If you are not familiar with this Bad Boy – head to his IG page and Spotify to check out his music and check out Bad Boy when it drops April 5th. I am super excited for what this year has in store for the bro!
Much love from one Assorted Kiwi to another!
newzealand #nzmusic #badboy
Names Taiotims.
Born and raised in Grey Lynn - Central Auckland and Waterview. Samoan/Niuean. Was a footy dream chaser since yay high until I met someone who changed my whole perspective on life with just one question. After that I just wanted to be “that” person for those who were in the same position as myself. In all honesty I just want to be a friend to those who need it the most. I never understood life prior to finishing school. I had to learn the hard way as quick as possible. So music was one thing that helped me through a lot of dark times. Both listening and song writing.
Recently I decided to take this music journey serious and I needed something as my foundation that kept me going. So I created Soulview. Soulview was created as my “Why” not a “what”. It’s not a representation of a place or a group, but of my own inner thoughts and feelings that I keep locked up for various reasons I.e fear, shame, pride etc. Everything I do/say comes from the “Soul” and so I wanted to show the world through music & apparel its point of “View” in hopes that it can heal others and give them something bigger to represent like themselves, because at the end of the day, no one cares about your life more than you do.
Music is a powerful thing, and the beauty of it all is that I’m able to heal and help myself as well as others at the same time. ___________________________________________________A massive thanks to the bro @taiotims for coming through to the crib for an amazing chat!!!
It is amazing the power of just one song – after hearing Taio’s first official track “My Soulview” (released in Feb 2021) it really motivated me to link up with him - to hear his story, truth and Soulview! This Assorted Kiwi episode is a special one for me as it is not just an interview – but it was all the right vibes for the right reasons and really is our first brick in our homie-ship.
If you are not familiar with the bro - head to Spotify and search for Taiotims – My Soulview – regardless if you just check out that track or this episode alone, I guarantee that you will connect with this brother and resonate with his purpose and the path that he is paving out for himself and those he reaches.
Much love from one Assorted Kiwi to another! X
The OneUp Project is a podcast aimed at getting young people excited about sorting out the traditionally boring stuff! Financial literacy and self development is the main focus but without the serious crap.
Hosted by Sarah Kelsey who has interviewed over 40 industry experts, leaders, creatives and professionals in their various fields. These leaders have some great insight with unique stories!
Too many people leave school not knowing many of life’s basic and necessary skills. We are lacking education in money, mental health & personal/professional development which is exactly why Sarah focuses on all the things we were never taught in school but should’ve been! https://www.theoneupproject.nz/
@chequeredpatterns prides himself for his genre diversity. As a producer, he caters to the artist's needs but an underlying hip-hop sampling style is evident in every track. In recent years, he has DJed at many popular clubs in Auckland with his trademark checkered clothing. In 2019, his first placement hit over 100k views on the song Chasing The Bag - @emmanz1 & @wildkid_xo getting air-time on @mai_fm As a result of the lockdowns in 2020, Chequered Pattern$ found himself working with more artists than ever with help from the Te Karanga Trust program run by @churchxleon (@churchandap). This drove his motivation to share upcoming kiwi artists with the world. Near the end of the year, he was selected for the New Zealand Producer Series at @roundheadstudios , allowing him to learn from the best: @p_money, @sggooding, @surgerystudios and more. Since then, he has been working with @chhristabel , getting recognition from @basefm, @juicetvnz Muzik.net and @nzmusician.