On Monday July 21, Play It Strange is launching an ’emerging musicians toolkit’ podcast series, hosted by award-winning Kiwi artist and Play It Strange alumni Rei.

Called On The Record with Rei, over 10 episodes the popular bilingual urban and
electronic musician talks with an array of artists, producers and industry insiders about breaking into the music industry in Aotearoa. His guests include musicians Don McGlashan, Paige, Hollie Smith and Dave Johnston (n1ghtmar3cat); studio specialists Emily Wheatcroft-Snape and Chris van de Geer and industry insiders including music publicist Heidi Ettema; 95bFM programme director Aneeka Moheed; Mike Hall of APRA AMCOS member services and NZ On Air’s Head of Music, Teresa Patterson.

The 10-episode podcast will be on on podcast platforms Spotify, Rova, Youtube and online on Instagram and Tiktok. It acts as as a ‘toolkit’ for emerging musicians, helping them navigate the industry and their careers – from songwriting tips to publicity, to how to apply for funding and secure radio play. 

Recently taking over the reins as CEO of the charitable trust from founder Mike Chunn, Stephanie Brown says that the need for this podcast is vital to continue pushing the mahi that Play It Strange deliver.

“Every week, we’re asked the same questions by emerging artists, their parents, and their music teachers – about publicity, radio play, rights and royalties, music funding, and so much more.That’s what sparked this podcast: how can we share this information far and wide, in a way that’s accessible to emerging musicians across the motu?”

For his part Rei says he’s super stoked to host On the Record with Rei.

“Play It Strange’s kaupapa totally aligns with my own, so getting the opportunity to have some deep kōrero with some of Aotearoa’s top artists, and helping empower the next generation of Aotearoa songwriters at the same time!? That’s dream mahi right there. I wish there was a poddy like this out there when I was getting
started in the industry.”