Mt Noise Podcast

The Return Of The King
After our first conversation, which I published yesterday but recorded over a year ago, Chris and I got back together over the phone earlier this year* to discuss the state of journalism through the lens of someone who has been a mainstay since the early 2000’s.
Chris traces the changes in the industry from when he started, straight out of school and into the North Shore Times Advertiser, to live blogging the Big Day Out, joining the Time Out section of The Herald, through COVID and into the publication of his own independent newsletter Boiler Room.
Honestly, some of what he describes from his past sounds like a unbelievable fantasy world to me.
Chris is an award-winning Journalist and a real legend, check out his Substack and subscribe if you haven’t already and enjoy the conversation!
*note this conversation was recorded in March 2026.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mtnoise.substack.com

Surprise! A Podcast!
This conversation was recorded many moons ago, with life getting in the way of releasing it into the wild.
However, the intersection of Music & Media and many of the challenges facing Journalism are still as relevant today as when it was recorded.
Make of that what you will.
A big thanks to Chris for taking the time to talk with me. He’s a total legend and I will happily admit to being a bit star struck.
Read his latest piece on Reb Fountain below


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mtnoise.substack.com

I’ve always loved the Directors Commentary. I’ve also always loved the Liner Notes on vinyl records. What would happen if you smashed those two concepts together? You’d get this podcast!
Featuring Adam Hattaway & Elmore Jones who comprise the principal songwriters for Adam Hattaway & The Haunters discussing their latest record ‘Hot Variety’ as we listen to the record track by track, telling stories about the writing, recording and enjoying of the record from their personal points of view.
This episode is a bit experimental I guess so make sure if you have thoughts on it to let me know!
You can also watch the entire episode (as well as previous episodes) on the Mt Noise Podcast YouTube channel.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mtnoise.substack.com

Soft Bait (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland) make groove forward post-punk infused rock with droll and often hilarious lyrics about the absurdity of everyday life in the modern age.
I caught the band on tour in Ōtautahi Christchurch supporting their new album ‘Life Advice’ out now on Flying Nun Records and had a chat about how it feels to be Soft Bait two albums in.
Thanks to Soft Bait for the time and thanks to you for listening! You can watch the interview below if that’s more your vibe on the Mt Noise Podcast YouTube channel.
Mt. Noise is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thanks for reading Mt. Noise! This post is public so feel free to share it.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mtnoise.substack.com

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!
Gremlins are currently running a Boosted campaign for funding this September as part of the Boost Ōtautahi push currently happening. Here are two reasons you should donate right now:
* Gremlins does great work by highlighting art & culture that is community first and profit second. Its one of the only platforms doing this work.
* Every dollar donated is being matched - so if you donate $5 you’re actually donating $10.
Please forego a coffee, a beer or cook instead of ordering Uber Eats and put those savings into this cause instead. Every little tiny itty bit counts which means YOU COUNT!
I will be pledging $20 each week of September, what can you pledge? And remember I can see exactly who clicks that button and who doesn’t 👀
Thanks for reading Mt. Noise! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Mt. Noise is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mtnoise.substack.com