Mel Parsons scores a double whammy in the Aotearoa charts with her new album, CASTLE HILL
Mel Parsons’ new album CASTLE HILL has debuted at #1 in both the Top 40 Albums Chart and the Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart. To celebrate the album’s release, Mel and her band are hitting the road for a nationwide theatre tour.
Mel Parsons’ new album CASTLE HILL has debuted at #1 in both the Top 40 Albums Chart and the Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart.
The award-winning Lyttelton-based singer-songwriter follows in the footsteps of Six60, which is the only other New Zealand act to achieve the double-charting feat in 2026. It’s also the first time Mel has scored a #1 in the Top 40 album chart.
To celebrate the album’s release, Mel and her band are hitting the road for a nationwide theatre tour.
CASTLE HILL is Mel’s seventh studio album and, as well as the incredible chart results, has been met with critical acclaim:
“CASTLE HILL feels both intimate and wide open – a record shaped by place, people, and Parsons’ steady sharpening as a songwriter… It’s warm without being soft, grounded without feeling small, and easily one of her most assured releases yet.” - Muzic.NZ
“Mel Parsons has a back catalogue of important and emotionally raw songs in her quiver and CASTLE HILL takes her up a notch… A courageous and important album enjoying deserved success right out the gate.” - Elsewhere
“A collection that serves to remind us what potency lies within
Mel Parsons’ songwriting craft.” - 13th Floor
Produced by Josh Logan, CASTLE HILL was recorded live in a single room with longtime bandmates Aaron Stewart (bass) and Jed Parsons (drums), alongside guitarist Ben King of Goldenhorse/Grand Rapids.
Plus1 presents: Mel Parsons CASTLE HILL album release tour 2026
Thursday August 27 - Theatre Royal, Nelson
Friday August 28 - Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
Saturday August 29 - Glenroy Auditorium, Dunedin
Thursday September 3 - Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton
Friday September 4 - Rangatira Q Theatre, Auckland *
Saturday September 5 - Opera House, Wellington
Sunday September 6 - Globe Theatre, Palmerston North
* presented by 95bFM
Funded through NZ On Air and supported by the NZ Music Commission
TOM LARK RELEASES ONE-OFF SINGLE, 'SUN'S UP'
Tom Lark – the project of multi-faceted artist and producer Shannon Fowler – has released a one-off single, 'Sun's Up'. The track is the artist's first new solo material since the 2025 release of his sophomore album, Moonlight Hotel.
Tom Lark – the project of multi-faceted artist and producer Shannon Fowler – has released a one-off single, 'Sun's Up'. The track is the artist's first new solo material since the 2025 release of his sophomore album, Moonlight Hotel.
"‘Sun’s Up’ is about exhausting optimism, and feeling drained by constant positive thinking," he reflects. "Sometimes it feels easier to disengage in order to keep things light."
Tom Lark was also nominated for APRA Best Country Song in May, for Moonlight Hotel's title track, and Fowler produced and contributed to Mainard Larkin's recent album Rattlesnake Boy, a concept country album about "a pro-wrestler on the skids."
Steeped in the Tom Lark persona's whimsical yet pragmatic sensibility, 'Sun's Up' continues the Tom Lark beat: sun-soaked odes to taking things as they come, and rolling with the punches.
The track is available across all key streaming platforms, and to purchase via Bandcamp
ARTIST BIO
Tom Lark is the musical project of Shannon Fowler, a Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist and producer from Ōtautahi. Returning from a seven-year hiatus in 2023 with his debut full-length record Brave Star, Fowler returned to his first love – which turns out to be making sunburnt psychedelic folk fit for sensitive cowboys to meander and philosophise to.
Brave Star was a finalist for both the 2024 Taite Music Prize and Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa | Best Folk Artist at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards – also winning the artist an APRA Silver Scroll Award Top 20 nomination in 2023 for 'Live Wires'. The record followed two eponymous Tom Lark EPs, which were released in 2011 and 2015 respectively. Those early tunes found a home locally on the Student Radio Network, and abroad on Australian radio station Triple J – where 'Something To Tell You' reached #1 Most Played.
Named one of Rolling Stone's 50 Best New Zealand Albums of 2025, Moonlight Hotel saw Tom Lark return with another watertight collection of folk pop hits with a country bent, through which the artist explores the parallels between his family's historical displacement following the 1929 earthquake that destroyed Murchison – a pioneer town in the upper West Coast of the South Island – and his own following the 2011 earthquakes that levelled much of Ōtautahi.
In August 2026, Fowler released the one-off single 'Sun's Up', having been a finalist for APRA Best Country Song in May 2026, and produced and contributed to Mainard Larkin's acclaimed Rattlesnake Boy – also released in May 2026.
Fowler was born in Ōtautahi and relocated to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2012, after a stint recording in Berlin. He works from his Okie Dokie Studio, situated just off Karangahape Road. There he has produced, co-written and engineered tracks with a delightful collection of collaborators, including Fazerdaze, Georgia Lines, The Fuzzy Robes, Merk, Randa, A.C. Freazy, Belladonna, and the mysterious Rick Shrimp.
LOUIS BAKER ANNOUNCES FULL-LENGTH ALBUM ‘TROUBLE’ + NATIONWIDE NZ TOUR DATES
Following more than a decade at the forefront of Aotearoa's contemporary soul scene, critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, song-writer and producer, Louis Baker announces his second, full-length studio album, Trouble, due for release on 9 October 2026 featuring the recently released title track.
Following more than a decade at the forefront of Aotearoa's contemporary soul scene, critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, song-writer and producer, Louis Baker announces his second, full-length studio album, Trouble, due for release on 9 October 2026 featuring the recently released title track.
To celebrate, Baker will embark on a 9-date nationwide tour across Aotearoa throughout October and November. Performing both intimate solo shows in the South Island plus a string of shows with the band in Christchurch and across the North Island, culminating in a hometown show at Meow Nui, Wellington. Marking his first headline shows since 2021, the tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Baker in his own headline setting.
“I’m super excited to get back out on the road and play these songs live for the first time. There’s nothing quite like sharing that vibe with people in the room, and I can’t wait to connect with everyone through the music.” - Louis
Across nine songs, Trouble unfolds as Baker's most assured work to date. Taking shape during a time of personal growth, it balances social observation with reflections on love, resilience and the work of confronting himself. Written, produced and arranged by Baker across 2024 and 2025 from his studio in Titahi Bay, Wellington, Trouble is rooted in timeless songwriting, blending retro-soul influences with contemporary production. Warm analogue textures, expressive guitar work, lush strings, Wurlitzer keyboards, and understated, head-nod grooves sit beneath Baker's rich, emotionally resonant vocals to create a sound that is organic, expansive and unmistakably Louis Baker.
“I really enjoyed making this album. Trouble encapsulates the highs and lows: the grief of losing loved ones and friends, the love of community, social consciousness, knowledge of self, hope, gratitude and passion for the craft.” says Baker
Baker’s forthcoming second studio album Trouble is due for release on October 9, with his 9-date nationwide tour across Aotearoa throughout October and November, performing songs from the new album, for the first time, alongside favourites from across his catalogue.
Louis Baker ‘Trouble’ Album Release Tour Dates:
15 October – Pearl Diver, Dunedin *solo
16 October – Sherwood, Queenstown *solo
17 October – Rhyme X Reason, Wānaka *solo
22 October – Paisley Stage, Napier
23 October – Totara St, Mount Maunganui
29 October – Double Whammy, Auckland
30 October – Loons, Christchurch
31 October – Meow Nui, Wellington
06 November - Taranaki Arts Festival
EXCEL Open Day Invites Young Creatives to Find Their People, Their Voice and Their Purpose - Tuesday 25 August
On Tuesday, 25 August, EXCEL School of Performing Arts will open its doors to high school students and their whānau for an Open Day featuring workshops, performances and a campus tour. From 11am to 2pm, visitors can meet EXCEL’s tutors and students, explore its Music and Dance programmes and experience the school’s creative culture.
EXCEL OPEN DAY
Tuesday, 25 August 2026 11am–2pm
EXCEL School of Performing Arts
20 Portage Rd, Avondale, Auckland 0600,
Workshops • Performances • Campus Tour
Come and discover where your creativity could take you.
For every young person wondering where they fit, whether their creativity has value or if there is a place where they can truly be themselves, EXCEL has a simple message:
'You matter. Your culture and your story matter. Your creativity has value. You could belong here.'
On Tuesday, 25 August, EXCEL School of Performing Arts will open its doors to high school students and their whānau for an Open Day featuring workshops, performances and a campus tour. From 11am to 2pm, visitors can meet EXCEL’s tutors and students, explore its Music and Dance programmes and experience the school’s creative culture.
For more than 30 years, EXCEL has helped young people from across Aotearoa find their voice, develop their gifts and build confidence through practical, industry-led training. Students gain real experience through rehearsals, collaboration and live performance.
EXCEL Principal Deborah Knight says: “We want every young person who walks through our doors to know that their culture will be respected, their story matters and they will be understood. “They don’t need to have everything figured out. EXCEL is a place where they can find their people and begin building a creative future filled with purpose.”
Whether they already know performing is their path or are still discovering their gifts, EXCEL meets young people where they are and helps them explore where their creativity could take them..
Young people do not need to arrive with their future completely figured out. Some may already know that performing is where they belong, while others may still be discovering their gifts and building the confidence to step forward.
EXCEL meets them where they are and helps them discover where their creativity could take them.
EXCEL offers recognised New Zealand Level 4 Certificate and Level 5 Diploma qualifications, centred on practical learning and performance. Students train with practising industry professionals and gain experience in the classroom, rehearsal room and performance space.
Beyond the Stage: Creating New Possibilities for Asian Communities
Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night, which began as an initiative to connect Asian artists working in New Zealand, has entered a new stage this year after being invited to become part of the official Auckland Asia Festival programme. However, for organiser Han Lee, the longer-term vision goes far beyond creating a larger music event.
Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night, which began as an initiative to connect Asian artists working in New Zealand, has entered a new stage this year after being invited to become part of the official Auckland Asia Festival programme. However, for organiser Han Lee, the longer-term vision goes far beyond creating a larger music event.
Beginning with arts and culture as a way of bringing people together, Han hopes to connect research, education, workshops, community development and social services. The longer-term goal is to build new solutions by recognising and mobilising the strengths, knowledge and resources that already exist within New Zealand’s Asian communities.
As part of this direction, Han recently established the Asia Equity and Development Trust (AEDT). Rather than simply identifying gaps within existing social and community services, AEDT aims to develop and test new programmes and service models that reflect the cultural backgrounds, experiences and strengths of Asian communities.
A Project That Began by Creating Opportunities for Asian Musicians
Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night began with the aim of creating more performance and development opportunities for NZ On Air-supported artists and independent musicians working in New Zealand.
There are many talented Asian musicians producing and releasing music in New Zealand. However, opportunities to connect with new audiences, collaborate with other artists, gain wider exposure, and build relationships with communities and businesses can still be limited.
Han saw a need for something beyond a one-off performance. The idea was to create a platform where artists could meet one another, share their stories, build relationships and potentially turn those connections into future opportunities.
The first Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night was held at The Tuning Fork at Spark Arena in 2025. The inaugural event focused on bringing artists from different Asian cultural backgrounds onto the same stage and creating opportunities for them to connect.
In 2026, the project has taken another step forward. Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night 2026 has been invited to join the official Auckland Asia Festival programme, giving participating artists the opportunity to reach a broader audience and engage with the wider community.
This year’s theme is “From Many Cultures, One Harmony.”
It reflects the idea that people can maintain their own cultural identities, languages and artistic backgrounds while working together to create something new.
Supporting Artists Through Business and Community Collaboration
Another important feature of this year’s project is the involvement of businesses as collaborative partners in supporting Asian artists.
Through collaborations with BMW MINI and local businesses including Love Asia and Ongi Restaurant, the project has created additional opportunities for artists to present their music and performances beyond the main stage.
Artist Performance MVs have also been produced in collaboration with participating restaurants. These collaborations provide artists with new promotional content and exposure, while giving businesses an opportunity to engage with artists and the wider community through arts and culture.
Rather than viewing businesses simply as sponsors, the project explores a more collaborative model in which businesses, artists and communities can contribute their different strengths and resources to support one another.
Different Asian Cultures and Stories on One Stage
The event will begin with an Artist Panel Discussion from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm. Participating artists will share their music, creative processes, cultural backgrounds and experiences of working as artists in New Zealand.
The main showcase will begin at 1:00 pm, featuring Bharatanatyam alongside performances by Angela, Kevin Kim, One Square, XPLSV, Han Lee & Julia, and K-pop Dance performers.
The event will conclude with the participating artists coming together to perform “Where Is the Love?” The finale represents the theme From Many Cultures, One Harmony: artists with different cultural backgrounds, musical styles and creative disciplines coming together on one stage.
Kevin Kim — A Singer-Songwriter with Decades of Musical Experience
Kevin Kim (Kim Ki-hwan) is a Korean singer-songwriter whose musical career stretches back to the 1990s.
In 1996, he received recognition at the MBC Rock Music Festival as part of the band Freebird. He went on to release his own music in 1997 and continued his creative work through Freebird’s releases and his solo projects, contributing to songwriting and arrangement.
During the 2000s, he also participated in music production for television programmes and has continued releasing music in more recent years.
His participation highlights another aspect of Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night: bringing together artists from different generations and stages of their careers.
Angela — Growing Between Korea and New Zealand
Angela is a New Zealand-based singer-songwriter and performer whose music combines elements of Pop, R&B and Hip-hop with storytelling drawn from her own experiences.
She has developed her vocal and performance experience across both Korea and New Zealand. In Korea, she participated in solo artist development and worked with producers on music projects. She also undertook intensive artist training at Joy Dance Academy and performed at an event attended by representatives from more than 80 entertainment companies.
In 2026, she performed as a Lead Vocalist for the K-POP LIVE New Zealand and Australia Tours under the direction of Rina Chae.
Her music explores themes including resilience, self-discovery and human connection, while her skills across singing, rap and dance reflect her versatility as a performer.
XPLSV — Representing a New Generation of Asian Artists
XPLSV (“Explosive”) is a 15-year-old Japanese-Kiwi musician based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
He began rapping at the age of 12 and uses music as a way of expressing his ideas and communicating his perspective to others.
While Hip-hop remains his primary musical interest, his influences range from Boom Bap to contemporary Melodic Rap, and he does not want to limit himself to a single genre.
XPLSV’s involvement reflects an important part of the project’s purpose: creating opportunities not only for established performers, but also for a new generation of Asian artists who are beginning to develop their own voices and identities.
One Square — An Auckland-Born Independent Band
One Square is an independent band formed in Auckland in 2024, consisting of vocalist Kiki, guitarist Jay, bassist Lemon and drummer Jukka.
Their music draws inspiration from Indie Pop, Indie Rock, City Pop and Contemporary R&B. Their sound combines melody-driven songwriting, warm grooves and contemporary musical textures to create music that can feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Their ability to bring different musical influences together into a distinctive band sound also reflects the wider diversity at the heart of Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night.
Han Lee — Connecting Music and Community
The project’s organiser, Han Lee, will also perform at the showcase. Alongside his music, Han has developed projects connecting culture, migration, belonging and community participation.
Through K-pop Culture Night, delivered as part of Auckland Council’s World of Cultures programme, he explored how music and performance could create conversations around cultural identity and belonging. His work subsequently expanded into wider community initiatives, including events bringing Korean political representatives and community members together.
For this year’s showcase, Han is also preparing a collaborative performance with dancer Julia, combining music and movement. Han will communicate the emotion and story through song, while Julia interprets those ideas through dance. The performance is intended to demonstrate how different artistic disciplines can respond to one another and create a single work together.
Beyond Cultural Events: Establishing a New NGO
Through his experience organising cultural and community projects, Han came to believe that one-off events alone have limitations in creating sustainable social change.
He also believes that while existing social and community services play an important role, there remain areas where the cultural backgrounds, migration experiences, family relationships, languages, identities and sense of belonging experienced by Asian communities could be better reflected.
This led to the establishment of the Asia Equity and Development Trust (AEDT).
AEDT is a Pan-Asian organisation working collaboratively with diverse Asian communities. Its long-term direction is to connect innovation, research, education and workshops, community development, cultural events and social services to advance Asian equity in New Zealand.
Moving from a Deficit Model to a Strengths-Based Approach
One of the ideas Han hopes to challenge through AEDT is the reliance on a deficit model — an approach that primarily asks what is lacking or what is wrong with individuals and communities.
Identifying problems and unmet needs remains important. However, Han argues that concentrating only on problems can mean overlooking the strengths and resources that Asian communities already possess, including cultural diversity, professional expertise, creativity, multilingual abilities, international networks and human capital.
Alongside asking, “What does this community lack?”, he believes there should also be questions such as: “What does this community already have?” and “How can those strengths be used to develop new solutions?”
This represents a different way of viewing Asian communities — not simply as populations requiring assistance or social services, but as social partners with the knowledge, resources and capabilities to participate in solving problems and contributing to New Zealand society.
Connecting Research, Workshops and Social Services
For AEDT, innovation does not simply mean introducing new technology.
Instead, the organisation aims to move beyond a fragmented model in which research ends with research, cultural events end with the event, and social services operate separately.
The proposed model is to connect research → education → community engagement → programme development → social services → evaluation and improvement.
Some of this work is already beginning. Han is working with the University of Auckland on workshops and programmes related to Asian equity, while also seeking to collaborate with community-based organisations to develop new social service models that better reflect the experiences and cultural contexts of Asian communities.
Over time, the aim is to expand collaboration with universities, NGOs and community organisations both within New Zealand and internationally, bringing together academic research and expertise, community-based experience and the voices of community members themselves.
From Advocacy That Identifies Problems to Advocacy That Creates Solutions
Han describes this approach as another way of thinking about advocacy.
Raising awareness of the challenges experienced by Asian communities and ensuring their voices are heard remains important. But he believes advocacy can go one step further.
When a gap in the existing system is identified, designing, testing and delivering a new programme or service that provides a practical alternative can itself become a form of advocacy.
Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night can be seen as one starting point for this philosophy. Music connects artists; collaboration brings in businesses and communities; and the relationships created through cultural activities can then potentially develop into education, workshops, leadership development and wider community programmes.
Through AEDT, Han hopes to extend this approach beyond arts and culture by connecting research, education, community development and innovative social services, while drawing on the existing strengths of Asian communities to develop practical solutions.
“I don’t want Asian communities to be seen simply as people who need help. We already have significant cultural knowledge, professional expertise, creativity, experience and networks. Alongside talking about what is missing, I think we should talk much more about how we can connect the strengths we already have and use them to contribute to New Zealand society.”
If Pan-Asian Music Showcase Night connects different cultures through music on one stage, AEDT represents the next step: extending those connections beyond arts and culture into broader social change.
Han also hopes more people will become part of that process. Individuals who share AEDT’s vision, people who would like to contribute their experience or expertise, and organisations and communities interested in collaborating on new programmes and social services are invited to become involved.
From Many Cultures, One Harmony.
When people from different backgrounds bring their strengths together, diversity can become not only something to celebrate, but also a resource for creating new possibilities for New Zealand society.
NOPILOT - The Line
NOPILOT’s third single “The Line” draws inspiration from uplifting, anthemic pop-rock songs, akin to The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Sam Fender. This track gestures a softer tone to NOPILOT’s previous releases, emphasising lyrics and storytelling, as well as emotion through soaring choruses.
NOPILOT is an alternative rock band hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand. They boast a charismatic, high energy and genuine live performance. NOPILOT have seen success with their previous 2 releases, “The Middle” and “What Am I Doing Here?”, steadily gaining traction locally and internationally.
NOPILOT’s third single “The Line” draws inspiration from uplifting, anthemic pop-rock songs, akin to The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Sam Fender. This track gestures a softer tone to NOPILOT’s previous releases, emphasising lyrics and storytelling, as well as emotion through soaring choruses.
“The Line” explores themes of change and maturity. Finding the ability to look inward at oneself to see the bigger picture. The Line is about understanding that while bad things may happen, life will inevitably move on with or without you, so you need to make the decision to give up or push through.
Breakdown of the song
“The Line” beckons the listener, with a gentle, melancholic phrase played on the guitar. The piece then erupts as the band joins in, filling the stereo space with an uptempo, driving groove and ear-catching guitar melody.
The verse breaks up this wall of sound, introducing space for Regan’s lead vocals to take precedence. The band’s dynamic shifts, pulling back to a simmer as the storytelling begins.
The Chorus hits the listener with a wall of sound, introducing a catchy melody over a wide open musical arrangement.
The bridge marks a shift in texture and feel, changing the harmony and drum groove.
The energy then shifts, with Regan’s vocals being the main event in the down chorus and a change to the familiar vocal melody. This melancholic moment is then built up with an open, rhythmic and melodic drum pattern which builds tension into the final chorus.
The final chorus introduces new vocal textures, a driving drum groove and the familiar guitar melody from the intro. This chaos is then resolved over a short slowdown and held vocal note.
POWERHOUSE BLUES-ROCK TRIO BB & THE BULLETS DROP NEW SINGLE
Fresh off a meteoric rise that has cemented their status as Aotearoa's hardest-working blues-band, electrifying trio BB & THE BULLETS are thrilled to announce the global release of “Wild Honey” from their sophomore album “Wrong Side Of The River”.
Fresh off a meteoric rise that has cemented their status as Aotearoa's hardest-working blues-band, electrifying trio BB & THE BULLETS are thrilled to announce the global release of “Wild Honey” from their sophomore album “Wrong Side Of The River”.
Recently signed to Memphis label Overton Music, BB & THE BULLETS continue to build on the runaway success of their acclaimed debut album High Tide – which was released last year via iconic French blues label Dixiefrog Records.
Wrong Side Of The River hit #4 on the Aotearoa Music Charts in their home country of New Zealand when it was released there in April and now singles are being rolled out to support the international release of the album on October 2nd.
“Wild Honey” is a groovy r&b track with a definite tip of the hat towards the great James Brown. A favourite for dancing at live shows, drummer Brad McMillan absolutely nails the feel here and the band deliver this sun soaked uplifting track with aplomb. The perfect spring into spring song! The guys have shot a video to support the songs release here.
Since bursting onto the scene, BB & THE BULLETS - guitarist/vocalist Brian Baker, bassist Stu “The Glue” Duncan, and drummer Brad MacMillan – have earned a reputation for blistering live performances and tireless touring. From intimate blues clubs in Raglan and Wellington to packed gigs in Dannevirke, Paihia, Milford Beach, Hamilton, and beyond, the band has played to enthusiastic crowds across the country, leaving fans hungry for more.
Debut album High Tide stormed the charts, hitting #12 on the Aotearoa Music Charts, #5 on the IMNZ Independent Music NZ Chart, and claiming the #1 spot on the Roots Music Report’s Australian Album Chart for 20 weeks. It continues to sell strongly in stores and at shows – with signed vinyl editions proving especially popular among devoted fans. Globally, the album is currently sitting at #16 on the Roots Music Report’s Blues Rock Album Chart and hit #29 on the NACC (North American College and Community) chart.
Critics worldwide have hailed the band’s raw energy and virtuosity:
Paris Move Magazine: “With High Tide…BB & The Bullets make a resounding entrance into the contemporary blues-rock landscape. This album proves to be a declaration of love to the roots of the blues, driven by striking live energy and unabashed virtuosity.”
Zicazic Magazine: “An authentic, powerful and generous album, which will undoubtedly place BB & The Bullets among the blues rock revelations of the year.”
Their debut album High Tide earned international acclaim and chart success, and their new studio album Wrong Side Of The River promises to be a landmark release for the band – a bold, confident step forward that solidifies their place as one of the most exciting blues-rock acts to emerge from New Zealand in years.
It is clearly evident that the blues scene is alive and vibrant on Antipodean shores, so blues fans, buckle-up, grab your mates and tickets - don’t miss your chance to check out an epic blues-rock experience like no other with BB & The Bullets!
dān dān’s debut ep - songs about food
Tāmaki Makaurau-based soul-food singer-songwriter dān dān's debut EP songs about food is out now. songs about food is a bilingual English and Mandarin EP about family, identity, and growing up between cultures, with food doing the heavy lifting as the medium of storytelling.
Tāmaki Makaurau-based soul-food singer-songwriter dān dān's debut EP songs about food is out now.
songs about food is a bilingual English and Mandarin EP about family, identity, and growing up between cultures, with food doing the heavy lifting as the medium of storytelling. Across seven tracks, dān dān (she/ they) traces food as culture, family, whakapapa, and the quiet language of love: the story of ancestry that survived on very little, and a generation that gets to make art in abundance.
The EP gathers the singles that built dān dān's solo chapter: pressure cooker, end of august (hand-pulled noodles), songs about u, and (cookie) crumble, alongside three new songs: sunshine (bag of rice), cigarette breakfast, and baijiu 白酒.
songs about food as a body of work features production from Dan Martin, Sam Nakamura, Christian Tjandrawinata, and Devin Abrams (Pacific Heights), with mastering by Chris Chetland and Benny Tones (Organik Muzik Workz), recording with sound engineer Jess Haugh, and violin from sibling Tee Hao-Aickin.
The songs pressure cooker and cigarette breakfast were made with the support of New Zealand On Air. The EP was made with the support of the Asian Artists Fund.
Lead single - cigarette breakfast
Co-written with Jefferson Chen and Christian Tjandrawinata, cigarette breakfast is about supporting your loved ones even when you don't understand them.
“It's about taking a seat at the table without expectations, and holding space without presumptions. Or at least, attempting to.”
The accompanying music video, shot on Kodak 200T 16mm film, was directed/DOP by Flora Xie (pressure cooker) and produced by Natasha Skuljan, and camera operated by Dylan Poihipi. It features co-writer Jefferson Chen, and was made with the support of New Zealand On Air's New Music Pan-Asian fund.
cigarette breakfast (the Official Music Video) will premiere at the EP release party on Saturday 22 August.
dān dān has been cooking up a debut EP and you're invited for dinner. Except there's no dinner. There's a seven-piece all-wāhine band on keys, guitar, cello, violin, bass, flute, and yangqin, poetry, improv dance, interactive light/sound installations, a zine, crocheted food, a laundry machine installation playing dān dān's music videos, a film photo gallery... and you, hopefully (please and thank you) dressed inspired by food.