RNZ has spoken with some amazing musicians this year. Here is a selection of the best interviews from 2017.

Aldous Harding

Aldous Harding talks to Kathryn Ryan about self-belief, self-preservation and her obsession with live performance.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: RNZ/Richard Tindiller

Mick Fleetwood

Fleetwood Mac co-founder Mick Fleetwood got his first drum kit at 13, then left school at 15 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional drummer.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Supplied

Ria Hall

Tauranga native Ria Hall has used her iwi history as a starting point for her debut album The Rules Of Engagement. Ria shows us around her tūrangawaewae - Tauranga Moana - to tell us the story of her tupuna.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Meek Zuidewyk

Jimmy Barnes

Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes' first memoir recalled a childhood tainted by alcoholism, abuse, violence and poverty. Working Class Man, is the follow-up story, chronicling Barnes' 50 years in music as lead singer in Cold Chisel and as a solo artist.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Supplied

Glenn Hughes

Singer and bass guitarist Glenn Hughes played on three Deep Purple albums. He talks with Wallace Chapman about his time in one of the biggest rock bands of the '70s whose live shows were "pure danger".

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Supplied

Rob Ruha

2017 has been a massive year for self-described 'haka soul' musician Rob Ruha. He was the musical director of the te reo Māori version of the global hit Moana, received a prestigious Arts Laureate award and released a new album Survivance.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly

Justin Hayward

Best known as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer with the Moody Blues, Hayward composed rock standards including 'Nights in White Satin', 'Tuesday Afternoon' and 'Question'.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Supplied

Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens)

Fifty years after his first album, Yusuf Islam – formerly Cat Stevens – brings his career full circle with The Laughing Apple. Islam speaks to Bryan Crump about the new album, his eventful life and his influences over the years.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: supplied

Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams developed a taste for punk rock and began playing electric guitar in his early teens. Kim Hill meets the cat-loving balladeer, who this year released the album Prisoner.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Supplied

David Dallas

David Dallas goes deep with Alex Behan about his new album Hood Country Club - what it's about, how it was crafted, and why it took so long to come out.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Supplied

Lorde

Lorde talks to Kim Hill about feeling free, hearing colours and the oddness of some of her "spicy" fan mail.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: RNZ

Don Henley

Don Henley is a founding member of The Eagles and the man behind powerful pop hits like 'Dirty Laundry', 'The End Of The Innocence' and 'The Boys Of Summer'.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Danny Clinch

Mavis Staples

Civil rights activist and singing legend Mavis Staples chats to Wallace Chapman.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: supplied

Neil Finn

Homegrown hero Neil Finn talks to Wallace Chapman about his love of live-streaming and what makes him proud.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: supplied

Billy Corgan

His band Smashing Pumpkins were at the core of the '90s grunge movement. Corgan's second solo album OGILALA is released under his full given name – William Patrick Corgan.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Paul Elledge

Ruban Nielson

Melody Thomas catches up with Ruban Nielson of Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Courtesy of The Label

Randy Newman

Randy Newman has a new album – and an assignment for Lorde. Nick Bollinger talks to the legendary singer-songwriter and soundtrack composer.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: Pamela Springsteen

Sister Nancy

'Bam Bam' is an iconic dancehall/reggae song recorded in 1982 by ground-breaking MC Sister Nancy. The 55-year-old tells the story of the track's wayward rise from Jamaican obscurity to worldwide dancehall staple.

Listen to the full interview here.

Photo: 2015 WireImage

Lord Echo

The elusive Wellington producer invites Yadana Saw into his home studio for a first listen to his new album Harmonies.

Listen to the full interview here.