Mike Chunn has had many instrumental roles within the New Zealand music industry.
He was a founding member of both Split Enz and Citizen Band, but despite his love of performing, Mike suffered frequent panic attacks and debilitating anxiety which saw him leave both bands. He was later diagnosed with phobic disorder agoraphobia.
Determined to stay in the music industry, Mike has since been general manager at both Mushroom Records and Sony Music Publishing, he’s been the director of New Zealand operations for APRA and was involved in the setting up of New Zealand Music Month.
In 2004 he co-founded Play It Strange, which he remains CEO of today.
His contribution to music and mental health saw with awarded the Companion of the NZ order of Merit in 2013.
Mike has documented his journey in his new book A Sharp Left Turn: Notes on a life in music, from Split Enz to Play It Strange.
He joins Francesca Rudkin in the studio to talk about it.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
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