Yadana Saw and Kirsten Johnstone witness kapa haka group Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti prepare for Te Matatini - the biggest event in the Māori performing arts calendar.

Jed Town is the saw-toothed musician from gothic experimental band Fetus Productions, post-punk Auckland band The Features and the revived X Features, and now country/psych trio Ghost Town. He's also produced and DJed electronic dance music under the names ICU and Jedeye. Consistently ahead of the trend, Town reflects on the songs that have informed his own work.

Since 1978, Koichi Makigami has been making music with Hikashu, a collective who have taken in post-punk, new wave, krautrock and free jazz. With techniques and sounds borrowed from various indigenous cultures, from nature, and his own imagination, Makigami is a master of his instrument - the voice. In New Zealand for shows, he and bandmate Kazuto Shimizu join Kirsten Johnstone to talk about their art.

Nick Bollinger discusses the solo debut of the black, gay, Mohawk-haired and androgynously named singer-producer Syd.

In the Music 101 Pocket Edition, Tony Stamp meets Beijing indie outfit Birdstriking, and says farewell to local folk duo Great North. Alex Behan makes a defence for life in the super city.

Two time Silver Scroll Nominee Lydia Cole reveals the significance of her latest album 'The Lay of the Land'.

American rock musician Nils Lofgren is currently performing with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and arrives in New Zealand next week. Trevor Reekie speaks to him about his musical journey, which includes stints with Neil Young and Ringo Starr.

It's only seven weeks into 2017, but already we've heard a glut of great music. The RNZ Music team convenes to talk about their favourites, and the zeitgeist of 2017 - protest songs.

Beijing band Birdstriking drop by the RNZ studios while touring the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.

The core duo behind Great North tell Music 101 about the long process recording their new album, why they're leaving New Zealand for Europe, and perform a new song.