13th Floor MusicTalk
13th Floor MusicTalk is a podcast hosted by Marty Duda, an award-winning music journalist from New Zealand and founder of the music and arts website The 13th Floor. Each episode features in-depth conversations with a wide range of musicians, from emerging artists to established veterans. The show covers diverse genres including rock, country, soul, and pop. Listeners get insights into the creative process and stories behind the music.
Episodes
OvO Is Looking For Open Minds and Open Ears
Italian noise/sludge/industrial/punk band OvO are in New Zealand, ready to play their first shows in front of Kiwi audiences with an 8-date tour.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Stefania Pedretti and Bruno Dorella, who were holed up in Tauranga, taking in the sights, the sounds and the smells of New Zealand while looking for music lovers who have open minds and open ears to join them on their
Killswitch Engage Is Bringing Hope To New Zealand
Metalcore pioneers Killswitch Engage are playing not one, but two shows at Auckland's Powerstation this month, with Oct 31st sold out and Oct 30th almost there.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Killswitch Engage front man Jesse Leach about the overwhelming fan reaction to these shows and how they are "finding faith in these dark times" with lyrics that promote positivity, unity and hope. Watch
Heti Hope and Hidden Plains
New Zealand singer-songwriter Heti Hope describes the music she makes with her band as “cosmicfolkjazz”. Their new album, Hidden Plains, is out now.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Heti about making Hidden Plains a collection of nine new and very original songs.
Dummy Is Embracing The New-Ness of Everything
Dummy is about to release their third studio album, do you love the color of the sky? and the Los Angeles-based 5-piece delivers a "breathtaking piece of work that introduces new textures and rhythms to their already varied and refined catalog."The 13th Floor's Marty Duda tracked down Joe Trainer (guitars) and Alex Ewell (percussion and drum sounds) to find out more about the new musical directio
Tori Thom Dissolves Corporeality
Auckland-based artist Tori Thom releases her new EP, Dissolves Corporeality today and Tori is here to tell you all about it. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Tori, who is a classically trained musician and teacher, but is also somewhat trapped in the virtual world due to chronic illness, and trying to make the most of it. Watch and listen as Tori talks about learning to unlearn her classical t
DESTIN: Making Music Out Of Activism and Hope:
DESTIN is a six-member collective based on an eco-village in Arizona where they make music about activism and hope. They have just released their debut album, Place Of My Dreams.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to two of the bandmembers...Mycenay (drums) and Ala'Di (bass & vocals). Ala'Di is one of two songwriters within the group, the other being guitarist and singer Keea...and she is a nati
Air Supply's Russell Hitchcock Reveals Love and Other Bruises
Air Supply is scheduled to celebrate their 50th year of hitmaking with a show at Auckland's Civic Theatre on December 15th. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke with lead singer Russell Hitchcock...the voice behind hits like All Out Of Love, Here I Am and Lost Without Your Love...to talk about the Kiwi producer who helped get the ball rolling. Turns out it was never as easy as Making Love Out Of Noth
Shearwater Is Looking Forward To The New World
Austin-based band Shearwater has just released their new album, The New World and we have founding member Jonathan Meiburg on the line as he prepares to take his band on a long-overdue tour.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke with Jonathan about the reasons for the long break from the road, why he has chosen to crowdfund both the album and the tour and how he got Laurie Anderson to make an appearanc
Agnes Obel Explains The Meaning Of Flowers
Berlin-based, Danish-born singer, songwriter, producer and classically trained pianist Agnes Obel is on her way to New Zealand and she has a new album ready showcase!The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Agnes, who was in Berlin, about what fans can expect when she returns to Auckland and what this new album, The Meaning Of Flowers, is all about.
Hannah Virk Shares Half Of My Cup
Wellington artist Hannah Virk has recorded 12 new songs she collectively calls Half Of My Cup...its her third album, and one we think you should know about. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Hannah just days earlier and asked her if she was a glass half full or half empty type of person.
America's Gerry Beckley Is Making Music Great Again
Gerry Buckley, a founding member of 70's hitmakers America, is out on his own with a new album called Merciful. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Gerry who was at home in Sydney, where he splits his time with Venice, California. Merciful features 11 new songs, a couple of choice covers and a guest appearance by Graham Nash. Here is Gerry to tell us how it all came together.
Improvement Movement On The Road To A Perfect Real Life
Improvement Movement is a 4-piece “acoustic grunge” band based in Atlanta, Georgia that has just released its third studio album, Your Perfect Real Life.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda found all four bandmembers stuffed in a van in the middle of Vermont, making their way to Woodstock for a release-day show. Watch and listen as Tony, Clark, Marshall and Zach recount tales of touring with Unknown Mortal
Chris Pierce On Singing Songs For The Heavy Hearted
LA-based singer/songwriter Chris Pierce has just released his 9th studio album, Songs For The Heavy Hearted, a collection of songs he says are, "about our shared humanity". The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Chris on the eve of release day to find out more about these songs and about working with Steve Earle, Allison Russell and Neil Young producer Niko Bo
Kira Roessler Is An Enigma Wrapped In Punk History
Former Black Flag bassist Kira Roessler has just released her second solo album titled Enigma. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to the solo artist and award-winning sound editor....Kira was on the team that won an Oscar for 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road. We found her at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California where she paused from her work on a K-Pop film to talk about making Enigma with her b
Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook Is Still Cool For Cats
Squeeze is coming to New Zealand! The iconic British band bring their Tried, Tested and Trixies Tour to Auckland and Wellington next April.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to founding member/singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Glenn Tilbrook about what we can expect when the band lands in New Zealand….how Trixie came to be and and how he saw David Bowie at Glastonbury in 1971!
Menzies - From Magic To Music
Wellington-based "crooked alt-rockers" Menzies hit the road after the release of their debut album, Holding My Cold Hand, Even Though Yours Is Warm!The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to main Menzie Chris Brown about one of this year's quirkiest records and how it will translate to the stage.
Gin Wigmore Sorts Out Her Beautiful Mess
Gin Wigmore has just released Beautiful Mess. Its the first new album from the Kiwi singer-songwriter in eight years and we think you'll find it was worth waiting for. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Gin on release day about her time living in the USA and why she's back in New Zealand making music once again.
Midge Ure – A Year Late But An Album Richer
Midge Ure is due to tour New Zealand…finally, after having to postpone his Catalogue: The Hits Tour, originally scheduled for 2025.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda found Midge at his “little studio in Portugal” and spoke to the former Ultravox and Visage front man about his first performance in New Zealand in front of a 1982 Sweetwaters Festival crowd and how he creates a setlist that keeps fans from a
The Sixteenth Gets Medieval for Matariki
The Sixteenth is the musical project of Wellington-based composer and producer Richard Walley and the new album is titled Winters In The World.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Richard just ahead of release day to find out how and why this album takes as its subject the Anglo-Saxon year — a calendar in which the pre-Christian seasonal cycle and the Christian liturgical year coexisted, while mak
Macey – Once Again
Auckland singer/songwriter Macey has just released his second album titled Once.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Macey about how his time in London inspired the songs that became Once.
Low Cut Connie On Livin In The USA
We celebrate US Independence Day (#250 if you’re counting) with this conversation with Low Cut Connie about his new album, Livin In The USA.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Connie (aka Adam Weiner) just as release day and Independence Day was upon him. For Connie, Livin In The USA has changed him from being the frontman of a “fun, weird, goofy rock & roll band” into a spokesman for diversi
Keren Mara: Falling... A 7-Song Journey Through Shadow and Light
Keren Mara is a Christchurch-based singer/songwriter who has just released her debut mini-album, Falling.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Keren about the 7 songs that make up Falling, a project that was three years in the making!
Rick Beato Brings His Buzz To New Zealand
With over 5 million followers, Rick Beato is one of the hottest music commentators on YouTube, and for the first time, he’s bringing his live show to New Zealand.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda had a quick word with the very busy Mr. Beato, but covered a lot of ground, including his views on technology vs creativity, breaking down a song without losing its magic, old people making new music and the re
Delaney Davidson and The Fall Of Lucifer
Delaney Davidson has just released his new solo album, Baby Heavyweight, and is about to tour New Zealand in support of this mesmerizing collection of songs. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Delaney on the eve of release day and found out that Baby Heavyweight is something of a concept album and that concept involves the fall of Lucifer. Watch and listen as Delaney explains.
Lee Martin On Marlene, Nikita and Christchurch
Christchurch-based, South African-born singer/songwriter Lee Martin is about to release her 4th album, titled Marlene. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Lee about making Marlene....who Marlene is...and what to expect at her upcoming album release show.
The Veils' Finn Andrews Reveals His Fragile World
The Veils are on the verge of releasing their 8th album, Fragile World, recorded live to tape at Roundhead Studios in Auckland. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Finn Andrews, just days after he became a dad for the second time, about the advantages of recording "live to tape", his relationship with his own father and labouring under the weight of this Fragile World.
Rat Scabies of The Damned Can’t Believe It’s Been 50 Years!
The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Damned drummer Rat Scabies who was breakfasting at home. Rat sheds some light on how and why they decided to shake things up 50 years ago…what it was like working with producers Nick Lowe and Shel Talmy…and the significance of their recent headlining show at the OVO Arena at Wembley.
Joan As Police Woman - Revisiting Real Life
Joan As Police Woman is about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album with Real Life Evolution...new versions of old songs, re-imagined and re-recorded.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Joan, who was home in New York City, about how and why she decided to re-make Real Life, including recording one track in New Zealand with Iggy Pop. Joan talks about joining Iggy's band, her upcomin
Silversun Pickup's Brian Aubert Is On Tenterhooks
The founding member and front man for Silversun Pickups is anticipating his first show in New Zealand as the Tenterhooks Tour travels Down Under in July.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Brian Aubert about the band's 25 year career arc...about working with ace producer Butch Vig...and performing at Ringo Starr's birthday party.
Red Rockers Are Back With It's In Our Blood
Red Rockers came to us from New Orleans by way of San Fransisco becoming part of the West Coast punk scene that included The Dead Kennedys, Wire Train, Romeo Void and Translator. Marty Duda spoke to bass player and songwriter Darren Hill about their 2023 reunion that resulted in this new album and concert video titled It's In Our Blood. Darren reveals how he felt about being called the "American C
Peter Case on Being a Full Service Songwriter
Peter Case has released a new live album, My Life To Live: Peter Case at McCabe's. And what a life he's lived!Marty Duda tracked Peter down to his home in San Francisco just as the 72 year-old "song performer" came off the road...but only briefly.Listen and watch as Peter talks about the fine art of talking to an audience, his days with The Nerves and The Plimsouls and how he has become a "full se
The Black Angels – Afraid and Powerful
Austin psych-meisters The Black Angels are heading down under!The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to head Angel Alex Mass about celebrating 20 years of their debut album, Passover, and how they have become both afraid and powerful at the same time.
The National's Matt Berninger- No Earplugs Required
Matt Berninger, the voice of The National, is coming down under, playing solo shows at the Sydney Opera House and Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Matt, who was home in Connecticut, about what National fans can expect, why earplugs will not be necessary and what new songs we might be privy to.
ELskan FLY Talks About Releasing the Lion Den
ELskan FLY is Shelley Wyatt, a Canadian-born singer-songwriter now based in Kirwee, on New Zealand's South Island.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Shelley about making her new album, Lion Den and what brought her from the "prairie seas" of Manitoba to the Canterbury plains.
Teddy Thompson Can Never Be The Same
Teddy Thompson has just released Never Be The Same, his first collection of new, original songs in six years.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda found Teddy at home in Brooklyn just as the new album was about to "drop". Watch and listen as Teddy talks about Crowded House, David Mansfield and...cake.
Suzanne Vega On Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams and Touring Down Under
The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Suzanne about returning to Auckland, where she and her now-ex husband Mitchell Froom spent some quality time with Neil Finn years ago. Mitchell is now a member of Crowded House and Suzanne is preparing to make her way back to New Zealand. Marty touches on a number of topics with Suzanne including the time she was interviewed by Lou Reed on MTV (they talked abou
Public Service Broadcasting Is Heading Down Under
London-based sonic outfit Public Service Broadcasting will enter New Zealand’s orbit, performing music from their latest album The Last Flight at Auckland's Powerstation.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to founding member J. Willgoose, Esq. about the band's exploits since they were last here in 2018 and what they have up their collective sleeves this time around.In this special tour, Public Servi
Leah Blevins Is All Dressed Up And Ready to Roll
Direct from Nashville, by way of Sandy Hook, Kentucky (pop. 641)…here is Leah Blevins to talk about her new, Dan Auerbach-produced album, All Dressed Up.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Leah….who is now based in Nashville…just as All Dressed Up hit the streets. Watch and listen as she tells up about growing up in Sandy Hook, working with The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and opening for The Black C
Gary Klebe of Shoes - Out Loud and On His Own
Gary Klebe is a founding member of power-pop pioneers, Shoes. Forty-nine years after their debut album was released, Gary has finally made his solo debut with a long-player called Out Loud.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda found Gary at home in Zion, Illinois to find out why he went solo after all these years and what is the status of Shoes.
Ali Whitton On Making Music Between The Forest And The Stars
After just entering his 40s, Ali Whitton has released his debut solo album today, titled Between The Forest And The Stars…10 original songs co-produced by Dave Khan and Reb Fountain.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Ali from his home in Wellington, just before the big day, and found out that the Kiwi/Brit was thinking about throwing in the towel and concentrating on gardening. Fortuately for us
Ron Mael - Sparks At Age 8o: Ludicrous and Surreal!
Sparks is coming to New Zealand for the first time in their 55+ year career...how and why have the Mael Brothers covered so much musical territory and managed to remain vital? Ron Mael tells all. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda has been a fan of Sparks since he saw them in concert in 1975. So he had a lot of questions for older Mael brother Ron. At age 80, and with no sign of slowing down, Ron fields
Mike Scott of The Waterboys insists, “We’re A Rock & Roll Band!”
With The Waterboys slated to start touring in May with dates throughout New Zealand and Australia, we figured it was time to catch up with head Waterboy Mike Scott. The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda found Scott in Dublin where he had plenty to say….about Dennis Hopper, Steve Earle, Fisherman’s Blues and trolling through 80 reels of tape. Be sure to catch the band on tour…they are on fire!
Harold Bronson On Mogan David, Rhino Records and Wild Man Fischer
Are you ready for Mogan David and The Winos? The band was formed in LA over 50 years ago by a group of University students who would become movers and shakers and the music biz. Now, their own music is available on Liberation Hall and its called, Savage Young Winos.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Harold Bronson who, in addition to being a founding member of the Winos, co-founded Rhino Records
Matt Sephton – Sound Weaving In Samoa
Coromandel-based electronic artist Matt Sephton has just released a new album titled, Vā, 11 tracks made from field recordings, found sounds, hydrophone experiments, collaborations with the land and people and bass heavy electronic production.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda found Matt at home on the eve of release day and talked to him about how he has become a “sound weaver”.
J Callander - Outlaw Space Rock From Dunedin
Veteran Dunedin artist J Callander (Jeremy to his friends) has just released Shadows In The Shade, an impressive collection of original music he calls, "Outlaw Space Rock".The 13th Floor's Marty Duda found Jeremy in his music room in Dunedin ready to talk about writing and recording Shadows In The Shade and how he turned Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel into Outlaw Space Rock.
Voxtrot - Dreamers Back From Exile
Texas-based band Voxtrot is back with their second album in just two decades. What have they been doing all that time? Bandleader Ramesh Srivastava is here to explain all.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Ramesh just as the new album, Dreamers In Exile, was due to be "dropped". Ramesh was home in Lockhart, Texas, the self-proclaimed "BBQ Capital Of Texas", where he opens up about how this long-
The Long Ryders’ Sid Griffin And His High Noon Hymns
Veteran Americana band The Long Ryders have just released their new studio album, High Noon Hymns.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to founding member Sid Griffin about a range of subjects…everything from politics to mortality to rock & roll cliches to becoming Vanilla Ice.
Em Beihold: Confessions Of A Failed Shapeshifter
Em Beihold is finally about to release her debut album, Tales Of A Failed Shapeshifter, nine long years her debut EP. Along the way there have been some ups and downs.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Em a few days before Tales Of A Failed Shsapeshifter was about to drop. Here she is explaing why the process took so long, how she dealt with writer's block and why she enjoys a bit of monobob.
Iron & Wine – Hen’s Teeth and Grace Notes
Iron & Wine are about to release a new album titled Hen’s Teeth and play dates in Australia and New Zealand.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Sam Beam about making Hen’s Teeth simultaneously with his previous album, about writing Grace Notes and what we can look forward to when the live show comes down under.
Hemi Hemingway Takes Flight on Wings Of Desire
Ex-pat Kiwi singer/songwriter Hemi Hemingway has just released his second album, Wings Of Desire, and moved back to New Zealand after an extended stay in London.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Hemi on release day and asked what brought him back, what inspired his musical evolution and what he plans next.
Bic Runga: Red Sunsets and Apocalyptic Nursery Rhymes
Bic Runga has just released her first new album in 15 years. It's called Red Sunset, and this time around the 20-time Tui Award winner has made a record with "modest expectations".The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Bic on the eve of release day and just after a Lorde concert. Listen as Bic reviews Lorde and tells us about her "new stage in life", her musical beginnings as a drummer and...Alice C
alayna Sends Love Letters To The World
alayna, the critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter who hails from Rotorua, is preparing to release her highly-anticipated second album, Set Her Free.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to alayna in the middle of “Album Week” to find out more about this collection of original songs that she calls, “a series of love letters”.
Six60 Talks Right Here Right Now
Here is Six60 guitar and bass man Marlon Gerbes to tell us all about their new album, Right Here Right Now and how they are preparing to open Auckland’s newest venue, Te Paepae Theatre/NZICC.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Marlon about how they recorded this new album, “live in the studio” in just three days, while breaking in new drummer Damian Graham. And why they choose to collaborate with
Gary Young & Pavement Were Louder Than You Think
Louder Than You Think: A Lo-Fi History Of Gary Young & Pavement is a documentary film about the band’s “eccentric” first drummer, Gary Young.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to two of the film’s producers, Jeffrey Clark and Brian Thalken, just as the Soundtrack album is released on Independent Project Records.
Natalie Del Carmen Finding Pressure In The Pasture
Her hometown is Los Angeles, but her musical heart is in Nashville...meet Natalie Del Carmen and hear about Pastures, her second album...the one she considers her real debut.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to the young singer/songwriter and talked to her about her great-grandad's banjo, her inability to whistle and her ability to write songs that address the unique trials of finding yourself in
Dani Larkin And Her Next Of Kin
Belfast-based singer-songwriter Dani Larkin is about to release Next Of Kin, an album that blends traditional Irish ballads with a taste of the 21st century.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda found Dani at home in Belfast and they talked about how this album is the culmination of three years’ of work and a lot of passion.
Muroki - Chillin' Under Amber Skies
Berlin-based Kiwi Muroki is about to release his long-awaited debut album, Amber Skies.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda found Muroki holidaying on the Coramandel just ahead of release day and the beginning of his NZ tour. Here he is to tell us how his time in Berlin, New Zealand, Portugal and Kenya influenced what we hear on Amber Skies.
Sophie Gault Is Unhinged
Nashville-based Americana rocker Sophie Gault is about to release her third studio album, titled Unhinged. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Sophie about covering Robert Johnson, recording with Gurf Morlix and sailing the Outlaw Cruise.
Melody Guy Riding That Train To Dreamland
Nashville-based singer/songwriter Melody Guy has just released her new album, Train To Dreamland.Marty Duda spoke to Melody on the eve of release day to find out where that train took her. Turns out its be quite a journey, one that has included domestic abuse, being kidnapped at gunpoint and singing at McDonalds.
Eric Johanson - Live In Mississippi and Living In New Orleans
Blues guitarist Eric Johanson has released Live In Mississippi, where the raucous Friday-night crowd welcomed Eric to the stage at the Ground Zero Club in Biloxi, Mississippi.The 13th Floor's Marty Duda found Eric at home in New Orleans earlier this year and spoke to him about playing at Ground Zero and briefly living in New Zealand.
Pearl Harbour – Still Drivin’, Still Rockin’
This past year saw a host of cool reissues from Liberation Hall including an expanded version of the one and only album by Pearl Harbor & The Explosions.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Pearl who was at home in the desert in Southern California in remission from a recent cancer scare.
Portugal. The Man On Ice
Portugal. The Man have released their 10th studio album, titled Shish, after Shishmaref, Alaska.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to bandleader John Gourley who is a proud Alaskan native. He found John at home in Portland, Oregon and talked about making Shish, growing up in Alaska and being chased by ICE agents in Portland.
Black Lips And The Season Of The Peach
Season Of The Peach is the 10th studio album from Black Lips, a record they call a “rock & roll odyssey”.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to founding member Jared Swilley about a musical odyssey that takes us from punk to doo-wop to gospel to Sardinia.
Juliana Hatfield – Determined To Have Fun
Juliana Hatfield releases her latest solo album, Lightning Might Strike, in just a few days.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Juliana about making a record that, “captures a period of change”. Along the way we discuss the life changes that come with aging and the joys of R.E.M.
Dave McMurray Loves Detroit (Even When He’s Hurting)
Sax man Dave McMurray has just released I Love Life (Even When I’m Hurting) on Blue Note Records.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Dave, who was in his hometown of Detroit, the inspiration for the album and the place where he first met friend, collaborator and, now head of Blue Note, Don Was. Dave recounts those days in Detroit and where he’s at now.
The Blasters – From American Music To Non Fiction
Liberation Hall Music has just reissued American Music and Non Fiction, the first and third albums by The Blasters.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Blasters bass player John Bazz about those heady times in the late 70s and early 80s when he, Phil & Dave Alvin and the rest of the band were crossing Chuck Berry with The Clash t
JJJJJerome Ellis Is Keeping His Eye On A Vesper Sparrow
JJJJJerome Ellis has just released his new album, Vesper Sparrow, an album of very original music that combines “granular synthesis” with jazz and gospel.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to the songwriter, sax player and former Yale lecturer about how he turned his stutter into a musical instrument while, all the time, keeping his eye on the sparrow.
The Transits – Bleed Hope
Kiwi-South Africa trio The Transits have just released their second album, titled Bleed Hope.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to vocalist and bass player Dom Antelm from his home in Auckland to find out how they keep a band, separated by thousands of miles, productive and creative.
Troy Kingi – Night Lords, Hip Hop & Soul
Troy Kingi has just released his 9th album in his 10/10/10 series and Night Lords finds him collaborating with 14 of his favourite rappers.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Troy about his unique mix of hip hop and r&b, resulting in a soulful blend that will leave listeners floating on a sea of possibilities.
The Saints Take A Long March Through The Jazz Age
Aussie punk pioneers The Saints, led by vocalist Chris Bailey, recorded one last album before his death in 2022, now titled, Long March Through The Jazz Age.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to late-era Saints drummer Peter Wilkinson about the making of this poignant final album and what his friend, Chris Bailey would make of all this.
Kirsten Morrell Is Hoping & Wishing
Kirsten Morrell releases her new single, Hoping & Wishing (Robin’s Song)…with an album in the works and a show coming up at Big Fan.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda invited the former Goldenhorse vocalist to The 13th Floor to talk about her new music, her return to New Zealand and what to expect at her solo shows.
Hail, Meteor! Get Nearer To The New Album
Weaving post-rock, dream pop and indie rock, Wellington’s Hail, Meteor! have released Nearer, an album of delicate vastness.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to guitarist David Coventry and John Kingston to find out exactly what that means.
Rhett Miller Spends A Lifetime Of Riding By Night
Rhett Miller, founding member and front man for The Old 97’s, has released his 10th solo album, A Lifetime Of Riding By Night.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Rhett who had vocal chord surgery immediately after recording his vocals for the album. Rhett’s recovered and singing better than ever! So we talk about making this very personal album as he takes a day off from touri
Dropper Adds A Little Sugar To The Wellington Scene
Wellington band Dropper has just released their debut album, Be A Little Kinder, borne out of frontman Jude Savage’s previous band, Bleeding Star.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Jude just before release day and his 20th birthday and found out how a new collaboration with River Hann-Ellen of Debt Club reignited his creative spark.
A Brief History Of The Salt Collective
The Salt Collective is a collaborative musical project led by French songwriter-guitarist Stéphane Schück.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Stéphane about how and why he travelled from Normandy to North Carolina to work with his heroes from The dBs along with a cast of collaborators that includes Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Andy Partridge (XTC), Amiee Mann (Til Tuesday),
Erase Everything Expose Their Glass Souls
Erase Everything features members of Pluto, Bleeders, Shitripper, Fever Lake & Crap Date and their new EP is called Glass Souls. The 13th Floor's Marty Duda spoke to Angelo Munro (also of The Bleeders) about how he and his new bandmates reconnected with their formative years, being "Children of the '90s". Erase Everything is: Angelo Munro, Mil
The Besnard Lakes Are The Ghost Nation
With their neighbour to the South threatening to turn them into the 51st State, Canadian band The Besnard Lakes have good reason to feel like they live in a ghost nation.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to bandleader Jace Lasek about making a more “playful yet thoughtful” record in these uncertain times.
The New Existentialists And Bad Astrology
George D Henderson, the driving force behind 90s Dunedin icons The Puddle, celebrates 50 years of underground rock with the vinyl debut of his latest project, The New Existentialists.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to George about making his new album, Bad Astrology and his formative years with Shayne P. Carter in The Puddle.
John McFee on Jackdawg and Music Without Any Rules
John McFee has played with everyone from Van Morrison to Elvis Costello to Rick James…but have you heard of Jackdawg?Jackdawg was the band John formed in 1990 along with fellow ex-Doobie Brother Keith Knudsen and former CCR-man Stu Cook. Their one album sank without a trace in 1990, but know its got a second life after a reissue…on vinyl for the first t
Dick Move Wants You To Dream, Believe, Achieve
Auckland punk band Dick Move has just released their third album, Dream, Believe, Achieve, 13 songs in 25 minutes recorded at Roundhead Studios.The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to lead singer Lucy Suttor about their duty to respond to the social and political landscape and, at the same time, offer a glimmer of hope.
