Music Managers Forum Aotearoa welcomes new Executive Committee and interim Chair

The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa (MMF Aotearoa) is pleased to announce its new Executive Committee, alongside the appointment of Joost Langeveld as interim Chair.

This year’s election marks a moment of both continuity and renewal for the organisation, with a mix of returning members, newly elected members, and changes in leadership that will continue to help guide MMF Aotearoa through its next phase of governance and strategic development.

MMF Aotearoa acknowledges the significant contribution of outgoing Chair and long term Executive Committee member Cushla Aston, long serving committee member Sarah Owen, and Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau, who all stepped down prior to this year's nomination. Cushla stepped into the role of Chair 3 years ago and has been a steady hand both at a governance level as well as the long term vision for the organisation, and between them have played an important role in strengthening the MMF, supporting its members, and championing a more connected and equitable music management community in Aotearoa. The MMF extends its sincere thanks for their dedication, generosity and leadership, and acknowledges the considerable aroha and energy they have invested in the organisation and the wider industry.

Stepping into the role of interim Chair is current Executive Committee member Joost Langeveld, who will help steer the MMF through the next stage of its governance work and support the ongoing evolution of the organisation.

Following service in casual vacancy roles, Audrey Siataga and Craig Pearce have now been formally voted in by the membership as Executive Committee members. They are joined by newly elected members Cuillin Hearty, Mel Parsons and Mikee Carpinter, bringing fresh perspectives and a wide range of experience into the governance space.

Returning to the Executive Committee are Matt Harvey and Fenella Stratton, who continue to offer valuable insight, industry knowledge and stability as the MMF moves forward.

Together, the new Executive Committee and interim Chair reflect the MMF’s commitment to a diverse, skilled and collaborative board that can advocate for music managers across Aotearoa, support professional development, and help shape a sustainable future for the local music ecosystem.

MMF Aotearoa looks ahead to the coming term with enthusiasm, confident that this combination of fresh faces and experienced voices will continue to build a strong, supportive community for music management across the motu.

---

Hamo Dell Releases Soulful Reo Māori Single “Tā Aroha (Love Letters)”

Aotearoa artist Hamo Dell returns with her warm, soulful new single “Tā Aroha (Love Letters)”, a contemporary R&B track shaped by Māori influences and deep emotional storytelling.

Created in collaboration with acclaimed producer Edy on the Beat, “Tā Aroha” blends smooth modern R&B textures with the lyrical depth of Reo Māori, offering a sound that is both fresh and culturally grounded. The song was written by Sam V, Hamo Dell, and Jay-lee Kwan, with translation and interpretation by Hinetu Dell, ensuring the reo carries its full meaning and wairua throughout the track.

At its heart, “Tā Aroha” speaks to a feeling many recognise — craving presence, not just communication. The waiata explores devotion across distance, holding tight to someone’s aroha even when they’re far away, and longing for the moment you can finally be where they are. It reflects the difference between messages on a screen and the deeper comfort of being physically close to someone you love.

Hamo describes the song as a heartfelt acknowledgment of that emotional pull:

“This waiata is about presence… not just words or letters. It’s about holding onto aroha when distance is part of the journey, trusting that connection remains even when someone isn’t beside you.”

With its warm, soulful tone and deeply grounded reo expression, “Tā Aroha (Love Letters)” continues to shape Hamo Dell’s place as a rising voice in Aotearoa’s contemporary R&B scene — one that honours culture, emotion, and the power of music to connect across any distance.

ABOUT HAMO DELL 

Hamo Dell is a Māori artist from Aotearoa whose music seamlessly blends R&B, reggae, soul, and pop. With more than a decade in the industry, she is known for her powerful stage presence and a distinct vocal tone — a rare balance of strength and sweetness that makes her sound both commanding and tender.

Her journey began with celebrated reggae band Tomorrow People, where her voice quickly resonated with audiences across the motu. She has since collaborated with leading Aotearoa artists including Stan Walker, Kings, and Sammy Johnson, establishing herself as a versatile vocalist able to move confidently across genres.

Proudly Māori, Hamo views her artistry as both expression and representation. With authenticity at the heart of her work and a voice that bridges vulnerability and power, she continues to carve out a space that honours her roots while embracing her evolution as an artist.

You’re Still Here by Blake, out TODAY

One year on from the release of Blake’s poignant ballad The Gift You Gave Me—and one year on from the passing of her aunty. Blake returns with its heartfelt sequel, You’re Still Here. The track captures the familiar warmth, togetherness, and joy of the Christmas season, while also acknowledging the amplified sadness that can accompany the absence of loved ones during this time of year. 

 A nostalgic pop ballad, You’re Still Here explores the duality of grief and gratitude: the ache of loss alongside the quiet silver linings that reveal themselves when we realise our loved ones continue to live on through family, shared stories, cherished art, and old film and photo memories. Written by Blake and co-produced with Christian Tjandrawinata, the song is rooted in Blake’s love for early-2000s organic pop ballads (The Fray) and coloured with 90s-inspired textures and processing. The track’s artwork is a collage of treasured family memories and objects that represent those who have passed, including a rosemary wreath for Blake’s Grandmother, Rose, and photos of pottery her aunty created and often gifted at Christmas. 

Opening with intimate vocals and piano, the track slowly expands—strings and layered harmonies lift the first chorus, before shoegaze-tinged drums and acoustic guitar introduce fresh momentum in the second verse. Here, Blake paints vivid scenes of Christmas Day: watching old family video tapes and feeling the presence of someone deeply missed through the memories they left behind. The final chorus brings all elements together for a soaring, emotional finale, blending crunchy drums and sweeping strings to create a moment that is both uplifting and beautifully melancholic. 

You’re Still Here marks Blake’s final release of 2025, showcasing her growing confidence in both her songwriting craft and her sonic identity as an artist. She is currently developing a new EP project for 2026.  

YOU, ME, EVERYBODY - Busy Without Me - Single Release and Midnight Album

NZ bluegrass explorers, You, Me, Everybody unveil “Busy Without Me” — a bright, upbeat nod to those of us who spend our lives running the itinerary, only to realise we sometimes need to step off the schedule. Released to announce the band’s forthcoming album Midnight, due out 30 January 2026, “Busy Without Me” adds a playful, free-wheeling spirit to the new record. Pre-saves for Midnight are now available on all platforms, along with pre-sales on Bandcamp.

Written by vocalist and songwriter Kim Bonnington, the track was sparked during a day off in Melbourne, wandering through Fitzroy between tour dates. After months of organising the band’s Australian tour, Bonnington found herself craving a moment without clocks or commitments. Built around the line “I’m slowing you down; but we’ve got such a small time in this town,” the song captures that gently cheeky moment of opting out while everyone else keeps hustling. Musically, “Busy Without Me” weaves playful rhythmic shifts and nimble acoustic interplay that let the melody skip, wander, and shake off the to-do list.

The single is accompanied by a video created by Charlie Higgison of Runner Films, filmed around Hamilton. Leaning into the song’s playful energy, the video features the boys in the band riding kids’ trikes, scooters, and skateboards while Kim stays still — a fun visual twist reflecting the theme of letting everyone else keep moving while you choose your own pace.

The track travelled a long creative road; produced by Rachel Baiman, shaped with engineer Troy Kelly at Armoury Studios in Wellington, mixed by Grammy-winning bluegrass specialist Sean Sullivan in Nashville, and finished with mastering by Bobbi Giel at Welcome to 1979. The single’s cover art comes from artist Andy Knopp while still images of the band come from Ebony Lamb.

Matt Sephton Releases Atmospheric New Single “The Sky”

Building on the momentum of his first single Horizon (released in November), Te Tara o Te Ika/Coromandel artist Matt Sephton releases “The Sky,” a storm-charged electronic piece carrying a sense of lift, movement, and elemental force.

The Sky draws on the energy of a storm rolling in across the Pacific, moving along the charged boundary between natural chaos and electronic momentum. With rich cinematic stabs, spoken word by Ghanaian papermaker Awal Muhammed, a driving pulse and crisp patē drums performed by Ben Percival creating a powerful blend of atmosphere and movement.

Created in Samoa during an artist residency at the Tiapapata Art Centre alongside ceramic artist Caitlin Moloney, The Sky is the second single from Sephton’s forthcoming full-length album Vā: a 12-track collection built from field recordings, found sounds, and sonic explorations across the island of Upolu. The album arrives in March 2026, accompanied by a curated selection of raw field recordings and source material: intimate, unprocessed sound moments that stand on their own without added production.

The Sky is out Friday, December 12 on all streaming platforms, with the full length album - Vā - following in March 2026.

Explore more of Matt Sephton's work here, including bass heavy explorations as Matt Rapid: https://linktr.ee/matt_rapid

Auckland pop-soul artist Verity returns with her boldest statement yet in her new single “Out of My Head.”

Auckland pop-soul artist Verity returns with her boldest statement yet in her new single, “Out of My Head,” a raw and unapologetic story of finally stepping away from chaos and choosing peace. Known for her powerful vocals and honest songwriting, Verity once again brings her heart to the forefront — this time capturing the moment when clarity arrives after a long, toxic relationship has taken too much.

Following the restless tension of her previous release, “Insomnia,” which explored the sleepless nights and emotional turmoil of being caught in someone else’s storm, “Out of My Head” marks the turning point. It is the chapter where everything snaps into focus. The denial is gone.

The excuses no longer land. The cycle ends. In this single, Verity takes back her space — physically, mentally, emotionally — and puts a full stop where there used to be fear and hesitation.

From the opening lines, she confronts the truth head-on: the relationship was chaotic, dramatic, and draining. The lyrics read like the final conversation you rehearse a hundred times before you finally say it out loud. “You used all of your chances, I looked past all of your answers.”

There’s no anger left — only honesty. She has moved from confusion to conviction, and the chorus becomes her boundary line drawn in ink:

“I got you out of my bed, so get out of my head.”

What makes “Out of My Head” so gripping is the way Verity transforms emotional exhaustion into power. The song doesn’t just tell the story of leaving; it captures the deeper victory — releasing the grip someone still holds over your mind long after they’re gone. As the track builds, her voice soars with the strength of someone who finally understands her worth. This is not a breakup song. It is a reclamation.

About Verity

Verity is a rising pop-soul artist with bold vocals and deeply honest storytelling. Her blend of pop, soul, and R&B carries emotional depth, delivering a sound that is real, raw, and unmistakably her own.

“Out of My Head” captures Verity at a turning point — drawing a line, reclaiming clarity, and stepping forward with certainty. It’s the feeling of finally exhaling after holding on for too long.

“This song is about the shift from confusion to clarity — that moment you realise you don’t owe someone any more chances. ‘Out of My Head’ is me choosing myself again. I hope it empowers anyone who’s had to walk away from a situation that was draining the life out of them.”  — Verity

With this release, Verity steps into a new era defined by healing, strength, and self-worth — delivering an anthem for anyone ready to do the same.

DIGGY DUPÉ AND CHOICEVAUGHAN JOIN FORCES FOR SUMMER-READY FUNK/HIP-HOP FUSION, BROWN VELVET COLLAB EP

Renowned Grey Lynn, Central Auckland-raised rapper Diggy Dupé has returned with Brown Velvet EP, a new project made in collaboration with producer choicevaughan and arriving just in time for the Aotearoa summer season, out Friday, December 12th via DRM. 

Brown Velvet finds Diggy Dupé reuniting with acclaimed Aotearoa producer choicevaughan, following their collaborative history as the minds behind the Silver Scroll and Aotearoa Music Award-winning The Panthers soundtrack in 2021. The 5-track project marks a shift in sound from the rapid-fire raps, Island drums, and hard-hitting 808’s that defined Dupé’s early projects like 2017’s debut album K.O.T.I.C, and 2020’s That’s Me, That’s Team. Brown Velvet transports listeners to the carefree scenes and mellow sounds of a Central Auckland summer, with Diggy’s smooth bars set against choicevaughan’s nostalgic tapestry of disco, funk, soul, and R&B rhythms. 

Brown Velvet’s lead single, ‘Request Line’, set the mood for the timeless soundscapes of the project upon its release in December 2024, with Dupé embracing melodic-rap cadences blended with sleek basslines and disco-funk atmospheres from choicevaughan, with co-production and co-writing from Grammy Award-winning producer Astro. The project's latest single, ‘Big Dawgs Eat’, is a soulful neo-funk anthem speaking to summertime freedom and family values, arriving with an accompanying music video directed by Doughboy Creative and featuring Māori/Samoan singer-songwriter Jordyn with a Why. “All day, seven days a week, gotta mess around, let the big dogs eat,” Dupé barks over choicevaughan’s grooving instrumental. “Let ‘em free, let him find his peace, gotta let him be, let the big dogs eat, unchain, let him off the leash, gotta mess around, let the big dogs eat.” 

On ‘Anything’, Dupé joins forces with acclaimed Māori musician and close collaborator Troy Kingi, who worked alongside Dupé and choicevaughan under the alias P. Smith for The Panthers soundtrack and recently recruited Dupé as a collaborator on his latest album Night Lords. A 90’s inspired g-funk love song, ‘Anything’ fuses woozy basslines with soulful vocals from Troy Kingi declaring devotion to his partner, while Dupé’s laidback bars paint a lively portrait of his ladies summertime shenanigans out on the town. Dupé also recruits Aotearoa R&B artist Sam V’s silky smooth melodies for the infectious hook on ‘Sicily’, a soaring hip-hop and funk fusion with shades of 80’s R&B.  

"We were influenced by funk records. We started off with our usual process, starting real rap-heavy, but we thought this time we'd shift our approach. I had to scrap half of what I wrote, change my entire view of how to write songs, and start approaching it in a pop sense,” Diggy reveals of the project's creative process. “We figured out less is more so I could let the beat breathe. We went heavy on being more lighthearted."

“The whole writing process was very collaborative,” choicevaughan adds. “We approached it more like a traditional funk/soul/rnb/pop project rather than "producer makes the beats, rapper writes the raps", and decisions were made due to what’s best for the song as a whole. We just wanted to make a project people could boogie to over the summer. My summer playlist is almost always funk heavy.” 

Almost a decade on from his 2017 debut project K.O.T.I.C, Brown Velvet EP is an exciting evolution for one of Aotearoa’s most respected rappers, proving Dupé’s ability to sonically shapeshift while always keeping his Central Auckland roots, Niuean culture, and community values at the core of his artistry. As smooth as Brown Velvet, Diggy Dupé and choicevaughan’s latest Summer masterpiece is available Friday, December 12th on all digital streaming services. 

Caru and Brandn Shiraz go Two for Two to close out the year

Caru and Brandn Shiraz return with 'Two for Two', closing out the year with their finest work yet. Recently praised by Rolling Stone as “one of the best EPs of the year”. This new sharp dual-sided release pairs Caru’s slick production alongside Brandn Shiraz’s unmistakable and raw MC energy. Designed as a vinyl-style Side A/B with a mid-track beat switch, it also features synthesizer and Rhodes from jazz pianist and arranger Joe Kaptein to tie it all together.

Taking inspiration from Broken Beat and UK Garage, ‘Two for Two’ carves out a sharp spot in the Aotearoa music scene, built for both club DJs and the dancers who join them. Caru and Brandn Shiraz ditch the contemporary pop-leaning UKG formulas for a slick take that nods to the genre’s underground roots.

Producer Caru says, “We always planned to follow up our first project ‘Back 2 Back’, so it’s definitely come naturally. We’ve taken our time with it to really try to expand and develop on everything we did with the first project. It’s feeling like it’s a step up in every way.”

Brandn’s reputation has been built through key industry moments, including showcases at SXSW Sydney and Going Global, along with a strong run of summer performances at Cross Street Festival, Cuba Dupa, The Others Way and opening for Wax Mustang. He now heads into a milestone 2025/26 Aotearoa summer festival run, featuring sets with Caru at Northern Bass, Matakanarama, Twisted Frequency and Island Time, where they will showcase their MC/DJ dynamic, and play out their dual EPs.

The single pays homage to DJ culture itself - by going back-to-back, trading two-for-two, to keep the dance floor moving. The ‘Two for Two’ single release is paired with a limited edition run of 7 inch vinyl records pressed by Zenith Records, only 50 available. Buy it on Bandcamp here and releasing on all digital streaming platforms on Friday 12 December.

Caru & Brandn Shiraz Tour Dates

Wed 31 Dec 2025 - Matakanarama - Matakana

Wed 31 Dec 2025 - Northern Bass - Mangawhai

Thurs 1 Jan 2026 - Twisted Frequency - Upper Tākaka

Sat 24 Jan 2026 - Island Time Festival - Waiheke Island

Saturday 31 Jan 2026 - TBA

About Caru

Carl has been performing in Aotearoa's electronic music scene since 2017, as one half of the synth-pop duo Imugi 이무기. In 2022, Carl adopted the moniker 'Caru', channeling his creative energies towards the dance floor. This new direction resulted in a prolific output of tracks influenced by UK Garage, Breakbeat, Jungle, and Electro.

With releases ranging from remixes of '90s and Y2K classics to underground club bangers, Caru's tracks regularly feature in the sets of DJs worldwide - notably Lady Shaka's Berlin Boiler Room. He has released music through UK dance music labels such as IN THE HOUSE Records, Belters, EC2A and Profound Sound Records, as well as local imprints The Big Fresh Collective and Redline Records.

In addition to his original productions, Caru has remixed tracks from local artists including MOKOTRON, Aroha, Young Gho$t, MELODOWNZ and Bavhu.

Recent highlights include a summer DJ residency on George FM, sold-out show at the internationally renowned Boiler Room Aotearoa, Rhythm and Vines, and an Aotearoa tour with Yung Singh. Caru's creative momentum shows no signs of slowing down - with a steady stream of shows, new releases and exciting local and international collaborations on the horizon.

About Brandn Shiraz

Cook Island native and Tāmaki Makaurau based artist Brandn Shiraz is a prominent figure in the local community. Hailed by Sniffers as a leading force in Aotearoa’s hip-hop scene, Shiraz's commitment to pushing creative boundaries is evident in his captivating sound, with many inspirations stemming from his roots in the Cook Islands. He has a number of notable collaborations under his belt, including features on the Home Brew, Troy Kingi and MOKOMOKAI albums. In previous years, he featured on rap projects Shiraz & LSJ and Risera, and also garnered recognition in Redbull’s' 64 Bars series. Brandn Shiraz is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the New Zealand scene, with only more heat to come.