After they hit the road with our local lord Remi back in 2014, we were convinced that Haitus Kaiyote are the most exciting group to hit Australia in a little while. They’ve just proven that with their admirably ambitious album Choose Your Weapon.

We caught up with frontwoman Nai Palm when she was in Sydney to promote the excellent full-length. See how it went down below:

We meet up with Nai from Hiatus Kaiyote before getting cultured and culinary at Zushi. Have you ever eaten a wasabi sorbet? Maybe this should be the next flavour tackled by Gelato Messina. If you didn’t already know, all food becomes more of an adult experience when served on a wooden board.

We head to the Entertainment Quarter aka my favourite hangout in 2005 for some interviews. In the elevator with sunglasses on. Sass levels = Dangerous.

Throwing some banter with Billboard.

At 2SER things are a little more relaxed – host Briony Mercuri (coolest name ever) knows a fair bit about sub-Saharan African music, which is Nai’s jam right now. This is a topic we revisited when we discovered a mutual love for Ali Farka Toure, who’s name sake designed her shirt.

Heading to ABC studios to meet local legend Miff, and getting the brollies out to hide from the raindrops.

My mum is going to be so excited that I met Miff. #MIFFFORPRIMEMINISTER #ALLHAILMIFF

We don’t know who this guy is, but it’s the only photo Nai took all day. He kind of looks like Kanye West with a mullet? Are we showing how clueless we art about #ART? Okay, we’ll be quiet.

Nai during soundcheck for tonight’s sneaky solo set. She meticulously tunes her guitar, and works with the sound engineer to create her ideal sound. She really shows her musicality, engaging with the engineer on a pretty complex level. It’s not a Slayer solo, but Nai is shredding in her own unique way.

Earring game = Very strong.

“Can you just photoshop the audience in?”

Ordering dinner before the show. Nai wants duck, but gets beef instead. She takes this crushing decision on the chin though. What a champ!

Fringe game = Meticulous.

Nai loves finding very rare gems while thrift shopping, and there’s a story hiding behind everything she owns. Her wardrobe is as much a narrative as a style choice, her threads are nothing short of fascinating. Her watch doesn’t actually work, but who needs to know the time when your swag is everlasting?

The annoyingly close paparazzi shot.

Wrist accessories that probably weigh more than a small child. Nai explains her tattoos to me, the sumi-esque line drawing is from Picasso’s blue period. Salute to Picasso for his unquestionable grasp on the painting and sculpting game.

Nai talking the audience through her music during the listening party for Haitus Kaiyote’s last album, the ever-adventurous Choose Your Weapon.

Members of the #industry looking very professional and bobbing along to the tunes. #INDUSTRYSECRETS

The kora extraordinnaire – he actually has the crowd dancing and screaming. Turn up!

Best mates now. :’)

A sore throat before the performance? Nothing a little Alka-Seltzer and honey won’t fix.

Distorted reflections.

Photo of a photo, oldest trick in the book.

Nai isn’t just up there posing with world music players, she was able to engage with them on a really deep level about their music, the music they listen to, and what makes a good kora player. New life goal: Become an expert at playing the kora.

All the emotions. Thanks to Nai for her time, and make sure you catch Haitus Kaiyote this August!