Music Industry News

Play It Strange is thrilled to announce a second season of their podcast for the next generation of musicians in Aotearoa: ‘On The Record with Chaii’, hosted by artist, producer and Play It Strange alumni Chaii.

The 10-episode podcast season launches on all podcast platforms from November 24 with new episodes every Monday.

On The Record with Chaii speaks on different perspectives of the music industry and aims to educate and entertain, acting as a resource for emerging musicians, helping them navigate the industry and their careers – from songwriting tips to live performance to how to getting your songs on streaming. Guest and topics include:

1. How To Get Started in Music with Emerson
2. Six60’s journey from Bars to Stadiums with Chris Mac
3. How to Get Your Music on Streaming Platforms with DRM
4. The Science of Rap & Hip Hop with Mazbou-Q
5. Music Publishing Explained with Concord Music Publishing
6. The Pillars of Songwriting with Alayna
7. The Beauty of Waiata Reo with Hana Mereraiha
8. Protecting the Wellbeing of Creatives with Carmel Bennett
9. Owning the Stage with Jess B
10. Artist Branding with WHOSHOTSCOTT

Founded in 2003 by Mike Chunn of Split Enz, Play It Strange has been supporting young songwriters for more than two decades. They run national youth songwriting competitions, with over 200 finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their winning tracks in 2025. Play It Strange release these songs on digital albums, provide performance opportunities, and take alumni backstage to major concerts and festivals to experience the industry firsthand.

Their next frontier is being able to provide more pastoral care around entering the music industry – hence, this podcast. Season One was launched earlier this year ‘On The Record with Rei’, hosted by Play It Strange alumni Rei.

Stephanie Brown, CEO of Play It Strange says:

“Season 2 feels like a true evolution for On The Record. This time around we’ve gone even deeper into what it really means to build a career in music in Aotearoa: from creativity and identity to the reality of sustaining yourself as an artist. Our aim with this season is to keep breaking down the barriers of the industry for emerging artists, and help educate, motivate, and inspire them to keep going.”

For each season of On The Record, Play It Strange aims to have a host that has shared experience of being an artist navigating the music industry who can have like-minded conversations with our guests. We have Chaii on as our host for Season 2. Chaii is not only an artist, producer, creative director and Play It Strange Alumni, but sonically stays authentic to her Persian roots inviting listeners into a world of colour. Chaii makes a great kaitiaki for our rangatahi wanting to dive into the music industry!

Podcast host Chaii says:
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“I was so excited to host On the Record this season! I love to help develop new artists and watch them grow, and this Podcast completely aligns with everything I believe in.”

Both seasons of On The Record have been filmed and recorded at Bigpop Studios in Auckland.

Bigpop’s mission is to support artists to realise their vision and to create a pathway to share music with the world. Here’s what BigPop Studios Co-Founder Chris Van De Geer has to say about Season 2:

“It was fantastic to see the great response to the Play It Strange On The Record Season 1 podcast — both from listeners and within the wider music community. The enthusiasm at the release event spoke volumes, as did the excitement around the talented interviewees featured by Play It Strange. That momentum really helped cement the podcast as a valuable and trusted resource for artists at every stage of their journey — not just those directly involved with Play It Strange.

Season 2 has built on this, offering fresh insights and compelling conversations that continue to resonate. The Bigpop team thoroughly enjoyed hosting Play It Strange at our Drake Street Studios again, and it’s been a real pleasure to see such inspiring stories come to life in our space.’

Play It Strange prides itself on building a community of industry leaders and artists dedicated to supporting young and emerging talent across Aotearoa. We’re thrilled to announce that Kiwi pop artist, and Play It Strange Marketing Manager, Paige is producing Season 2 of On The Record. A platinum-certified recording artist from South Tāmaki Makaurau, having an artist behind the podcast production has been the perfect way to guide On The Record into its next chapter.

On The Record producer Paige says:

“I’m so passionate about taking what I’ve learnt from the music industry and instilling that knowledge into our new upcoming artists and that’s exactly what this podcast is doing for our young people. After 7 years in the music industry I’ve learnt so much from listening to these episodes. On The Record is a resource I wish I had when I was starting out, but also a resource I’m now grateful to take from as an artist. Creating tools like this will make a stronger and richer music industry and I’m all about that!”

On The Record with Chaii launched Monday 24 on podcast platforms Spotify, Rova, YouTube and online on Instagram and Tiktok. Follow the journey and see exclusive sneak peek clips on their Instagram at @playitstrange.pod!

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Established in 2003, Play it Strange runs annual national songwriting competitions, with finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their songs. Play it Strange then mentors many students and helps provide them with performance opportunities to launch their career. Our alumni list includes Kimbra, Georgia Nott of Broods, Liz Stokes of The Beths, Annah Mac, Louis Baker, CHAII, Luca George, Ratbag and so many more. While many alumni have turned that passion into full-time music careers, we hear inspiring stories every day from past alumni who now have careers as music teachers, in music therapy, and even teaching music in prisons.

Extensive research highlights the positive impact of music and the arts on emotional well-being, personal development, and cognitive skills in young people. Studies show music education improves academic performance, self-esteem, and social engagement. Our competitions provide young people with this opportunity.