In a new series profiling female beat-makers, Melody Thomas talks to Wellington musician Estere.

Ramona Gonzalez is a prolific songwriter from California who makes synth pop (with a dollop of funk), under the name Nite Jewel. Ahead of her first NZ shows, she talked to Tony Stamp about her distrust of technology, and 'updating her inner female dialogue'.

Post punk stalwarts Die! Die! Die! are back with their new album Charm. Offensive. Tony Stamp talked to frontman Andrew Wilson, and new member Rory Atwell (formerly of Test Icicles) about the reception they're getting after a wee bit of time away.

Faris Badwan of The Horrors talks about the constant evolution of the band, and what the producer for Adele brought the the table on their fifth album.

In 2014 Christchurch band Doprah was announced as the "Next Big Sound" on Billboard's website, causing a flurry of international attention. But Doprah wound up calling it a day, leaving the members to pursue other projects. Singer Indira Force has just released her debut solo album Precipice under the name indi, and it has a surprisingly strong classical influence.

The ex-Smashing Pumpkins frontman has just released his second solo album –  OGILALA, and no one (possibly not even him) knows what it means.

Nick Bollinger considers an upbeat pop set by Beck, and wonders if this is his Let's Dance?

Nick Bollinger considers the sensuous voice and aromantic sentiments of Moses Sumney.

Dave Dobbyn speaks from the fields of Passchendaele after performing at the centenary commemorations of the day New Zealand lost 845 soldiers in battle in just a few hours.

Jordan Rakei was born in Tokoroa and raised in Brisbane, but moved to London in his early twenties to combat a lifelong struggle with anxiety. Now twenty five, he's signed to prestigious label Ninja Tune, and has released his second album Wallflower, which chronicles his struggle with mental illness.