The Production Line

It’s been while between drinks but we’re back for our final episode of the second series. We have the wonderful WHO SHOT SCOTT (Zaidoon ’Zee’ Nasir) in to chat about his production philosophies, creative tips and all things music. Known for self producing all his own music as well as his production for the likes of BLKCITY and Phodiso, WSS is making a name for himself as one to watch (literally stated by Rolling Stone Australia recently). His hard hitting hip-hop infused production and simple approach of getting the most from what you have provides the always timely reminder that it’s not what you've got but how you use it. This is a special one and definitely worth tuning in for. P.S apologies for the audio quality drop near the end due to some Zoom issues!

It's our penultimate episode for season 2 and we're chatting with award winning engineer/producer/studio owner Dr. Lee Prebble! He clarifies early on that he isn't actually a doctor just a nickname given for his abilities to fix almost any issue in the studio. Now running the aptly named Surgery Studios in Newtown, Wellington, Lee has worked with a long list of collaborators from likes of  L.A.B, The Black Seeds, The Phoenix Foundation, and many more. Today we have a great chat talking through his early experiences in developing with artists such as Trinity Roots, running a recording studio and finally get a look into his session for 'Miserable Meal' by The Phoenix Foundation. Big thank you to everyone who's been listening with us through season 2, this is a great episode especially for lovers of analog!

After what we'll call a mid-season break 'The Production Line' is returning with the wonderful Noema Te Hau! Noema is an Auckland based producer/writer/artist/guitarist and bandleader known for his work with the likes of Alayna, REED, NEVERKNOWN and Paige. He met the Paige whilst teaching at MAINZ and has since become and integral part of her team as bandleader. Noema is a connector at the heart of the Auckland music scene, now the studio manager at Joel Little's recently opened Big Fan Studios. We had a great conversation discussing his love for pop god Max Martin,  vulnerability in songwriting and get the breakdown on Alayna's new song 'Cheery Trees' produced by Noema. As always... an unmissable one.

It's a new week with The Production Line and I must say this was definitely a blast to record! Rose aka Hybrid Rose aka VALENTINA is one of Wellington's producers of the moment with her flair for theatrics and hard hitting sonics. Since her first release in 2016 Rose has released a whopping 5 albums under Hybrid Rose and one with VALENTINA. Currently working in the space of hyper pop, pop and other electronic sounds, Rose has been producing and mixing for a range of artists all over the world through platforms such as SoundBetter. In this episode we discuss online collaboration, building your community, have an in-depth look into her song "Dial Tone" and of course discuss her love for Lady Gaga! Don't miss this one.

Another new week and this time we've got the amazing, Toby Lloyd, one of Wellington’s most in demand producer/mixers to to talk to us about his career. This is a great episode discussing getting the best from artists, why lyrics are the key and also gain insight into sound in the film industry. We get a detailed look into Toby’s session for artist Ezra Pheonix with the track “Love My Brain, Boy" and quiz him on his knowledge of some of the tracks he’s worked on over the years!

We're back! Here is the first episode of Season 2 of 'The Production Line'. It's absolutely awesome to have producer/writer/artist Devin Abrams aka Pacific Heights on to discuss his productions. In this one we go through everything from how to develop your production taste, the cheat codes of music and get an exclusive in depth look into his recent release "We'll Never Have Tomorrow" featuring Lepani. Devin is a founding member of Shapeshifter, has had hit records with Drax Project including "Woke Up Late" and "Catching Feelings". It's an episode filled with helpful hints, this is not one you want to miss!

For the final week of season 1 of the podcast I chat to Wellington based producer, artist, songwriter, Anna Edgington. Otherwise known by her artist alias EDIE, Anna has been in the heart of the music production scene in Wellington with her expressive electronic production. Having collaborated with the likes of Pacific Heights, Neil Macleod, Riki Gooch and more, Anna has recently been moving more into the world of producing for artists. She's recently started a label with friend Estere called 'Blue Riot Records', which looks to highlight talents that would otherwise not see the spotlight and is also working on her PhD in gender diversity in the music industry.  Today we get the inside scoop into an unreleased track with the artist Erith and look at how Anna creates interesting sonic palettes for an artist. 

This week I chat to producer Josh Fountain. Coming off a year of huge successes, producing Benee's  lockdown smash "Supalonely", Josh has been kept busy working with an array of amazing artists. This includes producing Benee's debut record "Hey u x", production work on Teeks' album and his work as a member of Leisure.  He's won several accolades for himself including best producer in 2019. In this episode we chat about how he got into music production with the help of the playstation, some of his favourite production gear and how to keep the enjoyment in music as a job. We get an inside look into the Benee track "Happen to Me" and how the lead guitar is in fact a Kontakt sample guitar!

This week I chat to producer, artist, songwriter, Abigail Knudson. We discuss her journey through music from her initial biases against pop music, an eye opening moment  hearing “Jesus Walks” by Kanye West and how she likes to produce. Also known by her artist name MISSY, Abigail has worked with artists such as Bic Runga, Mazbou Q, Vikae and more. She’s recently released a new album entitled “Major Arcana” and we get an inside look at how she created one of the lead singles, “Quarter Life Crisis” talking about how sometimes stock plug-ins are the key to creativity.

This week I chat with Welsh producer Greg Haver. Greg's worked with a huge array of artists, most notably acts like The Manic Street Preachers, Op Shop, Mel C.  and even working on The Simpsons 'Yellow Album'. In the episode we chat about his career, discuss some of his favourite studio moments and what he’s been up to since moving to New Zealand. Now a leading figure in the New Zealand music industry, Greg has started initiatives such as Song Hubs, The Producers Guild, and the New Music Development Fund in the hopes to bolster New Zealand's production scene.  At the end of the episode we get the inside scoop on a track he produced for the metal band Devil Skin called ‘All Fall Down’,  learning how to get the best from a band in the studio.

This week I chat to award winning mixer, producer, and engineer Simon Gooding. Having been recognised as the best producer at the Aotearoa Music Awards in 2018 and best engineer in 2018 and 2020, Simon has worked with some of Pop’s biggest names as well as some of NZ’s top artists. Recently producing Teeks’ latest record, we have a look into the track “Remember Me” which he produced alongside Teeks as well as mixed. We deconstruct the production and recording process as well as gaining insight into how Simon has become NZ’s go to mix engineer. Finally, we learn a bit about his collaborations with P!nk, as well as working with Ed Sheeran and learn how to keep your vocalist happy.

This week I chat to Auckland producer, songwriter and artist Josh Naley, also known by his artist alias Wells*. Josh has been making hits for some of New Zealand’s most exciting rising artists, working with the likes of Paige, Foley and Thomston. In this episode we discuss everything music, from working with Frank Oceans’ mix engineer, to playing keys for the artist Robinson. In the second half we get a glimpse into his session for the song ‘Make Room’, which he co-wrote and produced with Paige, sharing the samples, recording techniques and laughs that went into creating the song. 

Conversations with some of New Zealand's leading music producers. We chat careers, production tips and also break down one of their favourite sessions. Tune in weekly and follow on Instagram for exclusive peeks into the interviews.