On The Record with Play It Strange

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On The Record with Play It Strange is a podcast for emerging artists in Aotearoa. Each season features a new local artist as host, interviewing music industry professionals to help you grow and elevate your music career.

  1. Artist Branding

    5D AGO

    Artist Branding

    It can be hard finding your identity as an artist and knowing how to best represent yourself. Zaidoon Nasit, aka alternative hip hop artist WHOSHOTSCOTT, sits down with Chaii to speak about building your artist brand.

    48 min
  2. Owning the Stage with Jess B

    FEB 8

    Owning the Stage with Jess B

    From performing at New Zealand's biggest music festivals, supporting Kehlani on her NZ/Australia arena tour, to performing her song "Power" on stage with Coldplay last year, Jess B knows a thing or two about live performances. Our host Chaii sits down with Jess B to talk about the journey so far.

    39 min
  3. Protecting the Wellbeing of Creatives with MusicHelps

    FEB 1

    Protecting the Wellbeing of Creatives with MusicHelps

    Being in the creative industry can be hard on the mind and heart. Chaii sits down with Carmel Bennett from MusicHelps to speak about resources accessible to artists & workers in the creative industry on how to support their wellbeing.

    1h 2m
  4. The Beauty of Waiata Reo

    JAN 25

    The Beauty of Waiata Reo

    Chaii learns about the world of Waiata reo with Hana Mereraiha. From working alongside Dame Hinewehi Mohi to rewrite chart-topping songs in Te reo Māori to translating Disney Pixar's te reo versions of Moana 2, The Lion King, Coco, and Encanto, Hana is a Taonga in the Waiata Reo space.

    53 min
  5. The Pillars of Songwriting with Alayna

    JAN 18

    The Pillars of Songwriting with Alayna

    In this episode, Chaii sits down with Alayna, a singer-songwriter and Play It Strange alumni whose music has amassed over 70 million streams worldwide. Having collaborated with some of the industry's leading songwriters, Alayna shares her advice on honing your craft and taking your songwriting to the next level.

    48 min
  6. Music Publishing explained with Concord Music Publishing

    JAN 11

    Music Publishing explained with Concord Music Publishing

    Chaii sits down with Pennie Black, Director of Concord NZ, to unpack everything you need to know about music publishing. What is music publishing? Why is it important to protect your rights? How can you get your music synced? All your questions answered.

    53 min
  7. The Science of Rap and Hip-Hop with Mazbou Q

    12/14/2025

    The Science of Rap and Hip-Hop with Mazbou Q

    In this episode, our guest, Mazbou Q, is both an educator and practitioner of "rap science." He has guest lectured at Harvard University, Berklee College of Music, Louisiana State University, and other leading institutions. Chaii sits down with The Rap Scientist himself to talk flow, polyrhythms, lyricism, and how to elevate your music within the rap and hip-hop genre.

    23 min
  8. How to Get Your Music on Streaming Platforms with DRM

    12/07/2025

    How to Get Your Music on Streaming Platforms with DRM

    Wondering how to get your music onto streaming platforms? DRM is New Zealand's leading digital rights management and music distribution specialist. Director of DRM Jody Garrett chats with Chaii about everything distribution and how to elevate your music releases!

    34 min
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On The Record with Play It Strange is a podcast for emerging artists in Aotearoa. Each season features a new local artist as host, interviewing music industry professionals to help you grow and elevate your music career.

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