Kirsten Zemke

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke looks at science fiction theme music and plays a selection of some of the biggest hits of the 20th century. Audio

Kirsten brings us some "swamp rock" - a genre that emerged in the American South, particularly Louisiana and Mississippi in the early 70s. Audio

Music reviewer Kirsten Zemke looks at the latest crop of successful young female pop stars, including Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish. Audio

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke looks at the composition of famous cartoon tunes - some with some surprising inspiration! 

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Kirsten joins Kathryn to talk about how siblings have capitalised on their music upbringing and created some famous collaborations and great tracks.  Audio

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke explores how German Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D has been used in modern music.  Audio

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to share a little cosmic love - songs that talk about trying to find a connection with whoever or whatever might be found in space.  Audio

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke is along to look at why whistling is such a popular inclusion in songs. Audio

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke looks at why non-lexical vocables or nonsense syllables are used in a variety of music genres.  Audio

Music commentator Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to explore instrumental pop and rock hits over the decades. Audio

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to talk about what turns a tune into a dance craze.  Audio

Music commentator Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to look at which cities have inspired songs of their own - including perhaps, a surprising New Zealand contribution. Kirsten Zemke is an ethnomusicologist… Audio

Music commentator Kirsten Zemke looks at bossa nova, literally "new trend" in Portuguese.  Audio

Music commentator Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to talk about how the flute can be used to maximum effect within songs. Audio

Music commentator Kirsten Zemke asks the question - why do people write songs about food? It's a surprising phenomenon, and once you start looking you find so many Audio

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to share some songs that are having a big birthday this year - including some massive power ballads and songs that became an instant classic. Audio

Wellington chamber choir Nota Bene sing Chrismas songs, and - Te Radar, Irene Pink, Kennedy Warne, Sam Ackerman and Kirsten Zemke bid farewell to 2024. Audio