Song Navigator
Song Navigator is an RNZ podcast that journeys across the many styles of music made in New Zealand, from pop songs and symphonies to haka and hip-hop. Each episode takes a single theme and traces how New Zealand songwriters and composers have interpreted it over the past century. By pairing a broad range of genres with focused themes, the show highlights the depth and diversity of the country's musical heritage. It is produced by Radio New Zealand (RNZ).
Episodes
Loneliness
Loneliness is one of the universal themes of popular song. But do New Zealanders have their own variety of loneliness? This episode compares a 19th century waiata aroha – addressed to an absent whaler – to a Dave Dobbyn hit.
Featuring Tiny Ruins, Princess Chelsea and Don McGlashan expressing their own varieties of loneliness. Chelsea Nikkel talks about how loneliness informs her songwriting, and w
Journeys and Arrivals
Anyone coming to this country has made a journey – for some, a journey to the unknown. This episode compares journeys and arrivals, and different types of song they inspired. Featuring compositions by Tipene, Naked Spots Dance and Douglas Lilburn. Interviews with rapper Tipene Harmer, music professor Robert Hoskins and members of 80s post-punk group Naked Spots Dance. By Nick Bollinger.Podcast mad
Heroes and Villians
Every country has its heroes and villains. Who are ours? What can our songs tell us about them – and ourselves? Featuring songs by Trillion, the Howard Morrison Quartet, Dudley Benson, Helen Henderson, and Sven Olsen’s Brutal Canadian Love Saga. Interviews with songwriters Helen Henderson and Nigel Beckford. By Nick Bollinger.Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ so
On the Land
The land means different things to different songwriters. In this episode we hear songs about rivers, mountains, famous streets, and the spirit of the land itself. Songs by The Warratahs, Anthonie Tonnon, Te Kaahu and the New Zealand Youth Choir, plus interview with composer Tuirina Wehi. By Nick Bollinger.Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.Episode im
Utopian Dreams
Aotearoa has a long history of people arriving in search of a better life. This episode examines songs inspired by utopian dreams. Featuring songs by OMC, Dave Dobbyn, The Kini Quartet, and Crowded House, plus an interview with Ryan Raggett. By Nick Bollinger.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Introducing: Song Navigator
Join Nick Bollinger as he takes an elemental New Zealand theme and examines the ways different songwriters and composers have interpreted it over the past century. Part music discovery, part social history, Song Navigator crisscrosses decades and styles from pop songs to symphonies, haka to hip-hop and more.Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.Go to thi
