Stories by Hussein Moses

Katie and Hussein pick the tracks that made Kiwi music what it was in 2017.

Katie and Hussein go back and forth on a strange and frustrating year in Kiwi music.

Six60 are the perfect band to argue about. So let's do some arguing.

A VNZMAs post-mortem.

The VNMZAs are upon us again, ready to light up our lives with music, mischief and glamorous celebrities.

Can New Zealand’s king of arty pop turn a breakup into a breakthrough?

Are the lucky few up to the task?

If you wanted more proof that pop music in NZ is in a good place, look no further.

With a co-sign from David Dallas and a promising debut single, Abdul Kay is a name you need to know.

She’s back with a hot new single, a Skrillex collab and a very different sound. So what is Kimbra trying to tell us?

It’s time to overhaul “New Zealand’s most prestigious songwriting award”, writes Hussein Moses.

Let the Silver Scrolls speculation begin.

In these trying times, political music feels like it would be more vital than ever - so where is it? Has political engagement in music disappeared? Or is something else going on?

It’s not too often that a reality TV talent show contestant is able to shake off the cringe factor, but MAALA seems to have made the leap.

Max Key still remains the symbol of cocky and rich Parnell boyhood that we all just love to hate. Katie and Hussein watch his new video and learn a thing or two.

Openside’s ‘I Feel Nothing’ is one of the catchiest Kiwi pop anthems this year. Katie and Hussein discuss what makes it so damn good.

Christchurch's Pickle Darling seems about as twee as it gets - but does cute still cut it in 2017?

Featuring two Checks alums, Auckland band Racing are taking on rock and roll in 2017. It has us wondering: is ‘shorecore’ back from the dead?

Is Mitch James worth the hype? Katie and Hussein have some reservations.

Avondale emcee MeloDownz is making waves with tales of the suburb he knows best. Katie and Hussein talk about why setting the scene is essential for the stories Kiwi artists have to tell.

Haven’t heard of SWIDT? We can barely contain our pity. With their new album out this week, there has never been a better time to get acquainted with the guys Aaradhna called “the future of hip hop”.

Has Lorde's success changed the New Zealand pop landscape for women as much as we hoped? We talk the post-Lorde pop-scape and what this means for a rising star like Theia.

Bachelor NZ babe Naz was always destined for greater things and her latest project is no exception - though at first glance it does raise some questions.

With an incredible voice and some pretty nice hair, Teeks has seemingly all he needs to succeed. But where is this soul sensation headed?

Gin Wigmore is back and she’s also fed up with an industry that, once fawning, has grown frigid. Can Gin carve her own path?