On The Record is a Play It Strange podcast hosted by Iranian/Kiwi artist Chaii, diving deep into the world of Aotearoa’s music industry. Each week, Chaii sits down with artists, producers, and industry professionals to unpack what it really takes to get your music heard, from starting out as an emerging artist to navigating releases, building a team, and understanding the business behind the art. On The Record is your backstage pass to the music industry in Aotearoa.
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.
8 Feb 2026
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.
1 Feb 2026
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.
25 Jan 2026
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.
18 Jan 2026
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.
11 Jan 2026
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.
14 Dec 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.
7 Dec 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!
30 Nov 2025
Six60's journey from bars to stadiums
After 3 years of stadium summer tours, Six60 know a thing or two about life on the road. In this episode, Chaii sits down with Chris Mac of Six60 to talk about the realities of touring.
23 Nov 2025
How to Get Started in Music with Emerson
As an artist wanting to emerge into the music industry, the biggest question is, "Where do I start?" After becoming a Play It Strange winner, landing 4 singles in the TOP 20 hot singles chart, and touring across Aotearoa at just 18 years old, we ask Emerson, "How to get started"
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