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Music 101 for Saturday 19 April 2025

1:30 Mokotron and Byllie-Jean win big at the Taites

The Taite Music Prize, established in 2010 by Independent Music New Zealand in honour of the late music journalist Dylan Taite, recognises the most creative and original album released in the previous year — judged on artistry, innovation, and musicianship, regardless of genre or commercial success.

This year’s winner, Mokotron (Tiopira McDowell), took out the top prize for his album Waerea, while Byllie-Jean won Best Independent Debut for her album Filter.

Kara Rickard caught up with both Mokotron and Byllie-Jean after the ceremony to talk about their groundbreaking albums, the significance of their wins, and how their Māoritanga shapes their work.

Electronic music producer and academic Tiopira McDowell (Ngāti Hine) is the artist behind the music venture MOKOTRON

Electronic music producer and academic Tiopira McDowell (Ngāti Hine) is the artist behind the music venture MOKOTRON Photo: Ngaru Garland

2:15 Louisa Williamson on her sophomore album ‘Groundwork’

Louisa Williamson is the Pōneke music scene’s secret weapon.

The saxophonist, composer and arranger has performed with everyone from L.A.B., Trinity Roots, Bret McKenzie Band and MĀ to more traditional jazz ensembles like The Rodger Fox Big Band.

This week she’s taking centre stage with the release of her sophomore album ‘Groundwork’.

Louisa speaks to Kara Rickard about her epic second outing.

Saxophonist Louisa Williamson releases her second LP, 'Groundwork'.

Saxophonist Louisa Williamson releases her second LP, 'Groundwork'. Photo: SUPPLIED

2:45 The Sampler: ‘Slipper Imp and shakaerator’ by Babe Rainbow

There's a touch of larrikinism to the sixth album by Aussie psych rockers Babe Rainbow, but some beaut tunes as well, incorporating everything from dub to ‘60s spy flicks.

Babe Rainbow

Photo: Bandcamp

3:15 Essential Album: ‘Killjoy’ by Shihad

Shihad, New Zealand’s best-known hard-rock band, made 10 albums during a 37-year career, but ‘Killjoy’ stands out amongst them.

Nick Bollinger explores the reasons why in a special episode of Essential New Zealand Albums.

Shihad in 1995

Shihad in 1995 Photo: Supplied

4:00 The Mixtape: Adam Holt

Trevor Reekie talks to his guest Adam Holt who has just announced his retirement from a long career in music and his last position as MD of Universal Music Group NZ.

Adam Holt (left), former chairman of Universal Music New Zealand, with Myra Hemara and Matt Kidd.

Adam Holt (left), former chairman of Universal Music New Zealand, with Myra Hemara and Matt Kidd. Photo: SUPPLIED

Songs Played on the Show

1-2pm

Uphill (Instrumental) - Avantdale Bowling Club
Spike Island - Pulp
See You in Jupiter - Imani-J
Heck - Byllie-jean
Kotahitanga (Union) [7" Mix] - Hinewehi Mohi & Jaz Coleman
Highly Medicated - Mara TK
I'm A Boxer - Brad Cox
Share Your Luv - Fly My Pretties & RIIKI REID
Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks
Spirits - Lola 

2-3pm

Isle of Light - Kenny Sterling
Bashville on the Sugar - Yumi Zouma
In Tune (feat. Mā) - Louisa Williamson
Water the Good Seed (feat. The Hongi Slicker) - Casual Healing
Cotton Mouth - There’s a Tuesday
She's Always In My Hair - Prince
Sweet Thing - Rufus and Chaka Khan
Kōrero Māori - Marlon Williams

3-4pm

I Wanna Tell Somebody - Chaos in the CBD
Lest We Forget - TOI
Cypress Tree (feat. Akosia) - Sola Rosa
Picture Window - Japanese Breakfast
Glory Box - Portishead
The World is Yours - Nas

4-5pm

I Fell - The Beatles
White Man in Hammersmith Palais - The Clash
Till I Die - The Screaming MeeMees
This Charming Man - The Smiths
Ribs - Lorde