RNZ: Music 101

Chk Chk Chk are a dance- punk outfit who formed in California in 1996. 20 years later they've just released their 7th album Shake The Shudder, which is getting all sorts of love from the music press. Tony Stamp talked to frontman Nic Offer about the 'shakey face' meme that inspired the album, staying positive in dark times, and how they're celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Alt J have announced New Zealand shows to go along with their third album 'Relaxer' out June 2. Gus Unger-Hamilton speaks to Alex Behan about endless press, political protests and the similarites between cooking and being in a band.

Johnny Barker (formerly the 'Ferndale Strangler') has just released his brand new album Sleepwalking. RNZ Music's Alex Behan chats to him about learning new instruments and living in Spain.

Nelson based artist Robinson introduces her debut single "Don't You Forget About Me".

In this week's Music 101 Pocket Edition we talk to Nic from dance-punk pioneers !!! about dancing in turbulent times, gus from alt-J about starting a restaurant in between albums, plus we have new music from Grayson Gilmour, The Bads, and Swet Shop Boys.

In this week's Pocket Edition, we talk to Shihad's Tom Larkin about musicians' mental health, Robert Scott from The Bats, and Cosey Fanni Tutti from English industrial icons Throbbing Gristle.

Music fans around the world are grieving the loss of Soundgarden lead singer Chris Cornell after his sudden death this week. Tributes have been flowing in from Cornell's contemporaries and those who've been inspired by his music and increible talent as a vocalist.

There's a sense of theatre about Party, which subverts the typical notion of the singer-songwriter as confessor and beacon of authenticity. Aldous Harding seems to be giving herself permission to enjoy some of the success her astonishing music has found so far.

With the Nashville Symphony Chorus sounding like they are in Westminster Abbey, and John Darnielle singing about castles and batcaves, the opening track on Goths is gothic by definition, but...

Tiki Taane is this week's mixtape guest. He shares his mix of protest songs and tales of wayward youth with Yadana Saw.