LOUIS BAKER 'GAVE IT ALL AWAY', ANNOUNCES TWO NZ SHOWS

After revealing his hauntingly beautiful single 'Gave It All Away' to the world earlier this year, Wellingtonian singer-songwriter Louis Baker (Cushla Aston) gives us the official music video, and announces two New Zealand show dates this May.

As the video unfolds, we are taken right back to the song's origins - to the night the song came to life in a hotel room on the other side of the world. "I remember feeling the exhaustion starting to set in, after being on the road by myself in the UK for quite some time," Louis reminisces. “The video depicts what actually happened, although the room wasn’t as nice. I got back to my motel room after a show and wrote the song in 15 minutes, it came pouring out of me because I meant every word." 

"The song is about not giving up on your dreams. It's about never giving in. It's about the resolve and determination one must have in order to make these dreams become reality.” 

Louis is set to play two powerful shows next month - one at Auckland's slick downtown venue REC, and one at Wellington's legendary San Fran, backed by full band (Johnny Lawrence - bass / Cory Champion - drums / Dan Hayles - keys).
 

See Louis Baker live in New Zealand:
May 19 - REC, Auckland [Tickets via Dash ticketing here]
May 20 - San Fran, Wellington [Tickets via Dash ticketing here]

ALDOUS HARDING ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

Aldous Harding Announces New Album
4AD/Flying Nun Debut Party Released On May 19, 2017
New Single ‘Imagining My Man’ + video

On 19th May 2017, Aldous Harding (Liv Young) releases her second album, Party. Following the recent single ‘Horizon’ – a lover’s call to arms which also features on her 4AD/Flying Nun debut – her new track 'Imagine' has been released.

Party was produced with the award-winning John Parish (PJ Harvey, Sparklehorse) in Bristol, a world away from Harding’s New Zealand home. As well as contributions from Parish, Perfume Genius’s Mike Hadreas lends vocals to the aforementioned ‘Imagining My Man’ and Party closer ‘Swell Does The Skull’. 

Igniting interest with her eponymous debut album released just two years ago, Aldous Harding quickly became a name murmured on many lips. She’s known for her sinister torch songs, gentle laments and eerie odes delivered with a charismatic combination of hubris, shrewd wit and quiet horror. Party introduces a new talent to the stark and unpopulated dramatic realm where Kate Bush and Scott Walker reside.

‘Imagining My Man’ is an intensely intimate listen as Aldous explores the curiosity of a lover’s idiosyncrasies. The video was created by ‘Horizon’ director and editor Charlotte Evans and once again draws focus on Harding, tracking her movements throughout the city of Auckland.

“It has a fluidity that works nicely. I couldn't think of anything that would work better. I want people to feel calm, I was just trying to look friendly. It was also lovely being driven around Auckland City, I hadn't done that in a while.” says Harding. 

To celebrate the release of Party, Aldous Harding will be performing in Europe. She will play four UK shows in London, Bristol, Glasgow and Manchester during the week of release, before heading to Europe in late May. The New Zealander will also bring her captivating live show to North America in June. 

ALDOUS HARDING TOUR DATES:

May 18-19 - BRIGHTON, UK - The Great Escape

May 20 – PARIS, FR - L’Olympic Café [TICKETS]

May 21 – BRUSSELS, BE - Huis 23 [TICKETS]

May 22 – LONDON, UK - Omeara [TICKETS]

May 23 – BRISTOL, UK - Thekla [TICKETS]

May 24 – MANCHESTER, UK - The Ruby Lounge [TICKETS]

May 25 – GLASGOW, UK - Broadcast [TICKETS]

May 28 – AMSTERDAM, NE - Schellingwouderkerk [TICKETS]

May 29 – HAMBURG, GER - Nochtwache [TICKETS]

May 30 – BERLIN, GER - Auster Club [TICKETS]

June 3 – NELSONVILLE, OH, Nelsonville Music Festival 

June 4 – NELSONVILLE, OH, Nelsonville Music Festival 

June 5 – WASHINGTON, DC, DC9

June 6 – PHILADELPHIA, PA, Johnny Brenda’s

June 7 – ALLSTON, MA, Great Scott

June 11 – MONTREAL, QC, Le Divan Orange

June 12 – TORONTO, ON, Velvet Underground 

June 13 – DETROIT, MI, El Club

June 14 – CHICAGO, IL, Empty Bottle

June 16 – ATLANTA, GA, The Earl

June 17 – NEW ORLEANS, LA, Gasa Gasa

June 19 – AUSTIN, TX, The Mohawk (Inside)

June 20 – EL PASO, TX, The Monarch

June 21 – TUCSON, AZ, Hotel Congress

June 22 – LOS ANGELES, CA, The Echo

June 23 – SAN DIEGO, CA, Soda Bar

June 24 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Swedish American Hall

July 28  - SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Kilby Court

July 29 – BOISE, ID, The Olympic

July 30 – SEATTLE, WA, Tractor Tavern

July 31 – VANCOUVER, BC, The Biltmore

August 2 – CALGARY, AB, The Palomino

August 3 - SPOKANE, WA - The Bartlett

August 13 -PALERMO, IT, Ypsigrock 

August 17-20 – BRECON BEACONS, UK - Green Man Festival

August 25-27 – DEVON, UK - Sea Change Festival

September 1 - WILTSHIRE, UK - End Of The Road Festival

September 1-2 – SCOTLAND, UK - Electric Fields Festival

ALAE 'THINGS CHANGE'

Following their acclaimed self-titled debut in November last year, New Zealand’s promising duo Alae (Mikee Carpinter and Matiu Sadd) have now returned with what is their boldest release yet.
 
Gaining support and funding from NZ On Air, ‘Things Change’ shows there is more than meets the ear to this Auckland based two-piece.  Best known for their stripped back and spacious acoustic style, Things Change maintains Alae’s signature emotive content and heartfelt delivery, while showcasing their evolving pop sensibility and full band arrangements.
 
Vocalist Alex Farrell-Davey explains the story behind the track, “Things Change is a song that revolves around the monotonous melancholy that surrounds the buildup to a break up. The crux of the piece being learn, don’t wallow.” 
 
The Commotion directed clip takes the viewer on a desperate chase from underwater to land, and back again. Conceptualized over a few beers and shot at Auckland’s iconic Point Erin Baths, the clip quickly took shape over the course of a week.
 
“Allister and I have been really curious to see what might be involved with shooting a video underwater for some time now, and this track felt like the perfect opportunity to give it a go. It also gave Allister the opportunity to vent any frustration he’s ever felt at me through one or two key scenes. We are really stoked with the way the video has turned out,” Alex explains.

The release of ‘Things Change’ adds to what is already an exciting start to 2017. Breaking new international ground, their track All Gived Up made Spotifys Discover Weekly playlist, and since amassed over 120,000 streams in the last 3 weeks alone.
 
With a raft of successful summer gigs under their belt, including the captivation of the R&V main stage crowd over New Year’s, a slot alongside NZ music legends Don McGlashan and SJD at Auckland’s Silo Park, and support for Lake Street Dive’s sell-out gig at Auckland’s Tuning Fork, Alae continue to take their music through NZ and beyond.

CIARAN MCMEEKEN 'WHICH WAY SHALL WE GO?'

Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper and Greg Haver) is proud to release Which Way Shall We Go? - the first single from his forthcoming full length album.

Infusing the sounds of a quintessential kiwi summer, the track is grounded by a nostalgic, iconic guitar riff that features throughout.

Written by Ciaran McMeeken and Sam Craven (Rough Trade - London), Which Way Shall We Go? has lyrical content to match the riff - encapsulating what it is to be a young, wild and free. 

With it's clear context, the song explores the emotions that come with discovering what the gorgeous backyard of Aotearoa has to offer while falling heart first into a new relationship. 

Recorded at Roundhead Studios, acclaimed producer Greg Haver once again worked his magic to produce a track that allows Ciaran’s warm clean vocals to shine through.

Resoundingly positive, the track is a sign of things to come from the Dunedin-born singer-songwriter. 

Watch Which Way Shall We Go? on YouTube

Buy Which Way Shall We Go? on iTunes
Stream Which Way Shall We Go? on Spotify and Apple Music

ALAE DEBUTS BRAND NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FOR ‘THINGS CHANGE’

Alae (Matiu Sadd & Mikee Carpinter) release their new single ‘Things Change’ to iTunes and Spotify, along with the accompanying new video

‘Things Change’ is the first new track to be revealed since the debut of their 6 song, self-titled EP in November 2016. With the single gaining support and video funding from NZ On Air, this track shows that there is more than meets the ear to this Auckland based two piece, who are best known for their stripped back and spacious acoustic style. While showcasing alae’s evolving pop sensibilities and full band song arrangements, the track maintains alae’s signature emotive content and heartfelt delivery at its core. Vocalist Alex Farrell-Davey explains the story behind the track; “Things Change is a song that revolves around the monotonous melancholy that surrounds the build-up to a break up. The crux of the piece being learn, don’t wallow."

The Commotion directed clip for ‘Things Change’ takes the viewer on a desperate chase from underwater to land and back again. Conceptualized over a few beers and shot at Auckland’s iconic Point Erin Baths, the clip quickly took shape over the course of a week. Alex says, “Allister and I have been really curious to see what might be involved with shooting a video underwater for some time now, and this track felt like the perfect opportunity to give it a go. It also gave Allister the opportunity to vent any frustration he’s ever felt at me through one or two key scenes. We are really stoked with the way the video has turned out.”

The release of 'Things Change' adds to an already exciting start to 2017 for Auckland based Alex Farrell-Davey and Allister Meffan, who together form alae. Breaking new international ground, their track ‘All Gived Up’ has been added to Spotify UK’s Discover Weekly playlist with over 70,000 streams amassed in the last 2 weeks alone. With a raft of successful summer gigs under their belt, including the captivation of the R&V main stage crowd over New Year’s, a slot alongside NZ music legends Don McGlashan and SJD at Auckland’s Silo Park and support for Lake Street Dive’s sell-out gig at Auckland’s Tuning Fork, alae continue to take their music through NZ and beyond with gigs tonight and Saturday in Christchurch, followed by an evening performance at Auckland Museum on February 26th as part of the Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa Exhibition.

‘Things Change’ is available now through iTunes and Spotify.

For alae’s live dates check http://alae.band

TONI HUATA RELEASES NEW VIDEO & CD CELEBRATING TE MATATINI 2017

Toni Huata takes you back to her roots and her core love for her family and Iwi

'MOHAKA' - a stunning new music video from Māori songstress Toni Huata, explores reconnection and family ties. Set against the spectacular landscape of Mohaka, Ngāti Kahungunu – Hawkes Bay, the NZ on Air funded video follows a developing friendship of two pre-teens.

Hot on the heels of Toni’s award winning music video Hopukia te tao (best Māori music video 2016) 'MOHAKA' has a country feel, stirring fond memories of a childhood free from the urban pressures. Toni Huata and Penn Productions are proud to premier 'MOHAKA' the music video at Waipapa a Iwi Mohaka Marae with a concert at 5pm on Saturday 4th March 2017.

“Toni Huata has nailed what is good in music. Sing what you know, blend it in with the right instruments and harmonies, but most importantly, when you sing from your roots your message transcends beyond what you could ever imagine”.

Toni Huata’s beautiful harmonies and arrangements of these songs written by her forefathers, are an ode to tīpuna, whānau and Iwi within the spirit of love and their legacy, all penned by Toni's grandfather Te Okanga Kahutapere (Aussie) Huata.

Uplifting and full of heart, the new recordings 'Mohaka', 'Ō Tākitimu' and 'Ngā Rori', tell stories of this poignant area and of sweet loving memories for land, family, Mohaka, Ngāti Kahungunu and to all those that connect to Tākitimu canoe.

Well known favourites from Toni's previous albums add to this delightful package.

K'o Wai Ka Hua' - a love jazz ballad written for Toni's grandmother Ngaro Rangi and the 28th Māori Battalion, 'Te Māori e' - commemorating the Te Māori exhibition journey to the USA in the 1980's, 'Whakarongo a tai' - celebrating connections to Pacific origins, 'Ngā Tukemata' - inspiring unity and strength, performed by Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and 'Te Hokinga Mai' with Toni's heartfelt version with Karl Teariki, by Max Mariu, Tom Higgins and Te Taite Cooper.

‘Kahungunu Maranga’ is available in store and online from Feb 23rd 2017, distributed by DRM and ODE Records.  Also available for sale from Huia Publishers in the Whānau Village, Shop 38 at Te Matatini, Feb 23 - 26 2017.

Toni will also MC at this prestigious event and during the Kahungunu Festival. Toni also performs live in various venues in Napier during the Kahungunu Festival and Te Matatini. 

• 24 February, 8:30pm, A Night of Drag, Bar 2013 Karamu Rd, Hastings. Tickets $25.00
• 24 - 26 February, 8am - 8pm, Te Matatini 2017, HB Sports Park, Hastings, Toni MC
• 25 February, 6 - 9pm, (Toni 8pm) FREE Kahungunu Beach Party, Marine Parade, Napier 
• 24 - 26 February, 10am - 2pm, Kahungunu Pavillion, HB Sports Park, Hastings, Toni MC 
• 4 March, 5 - 7pm, Concert & Mohaka music video launch, Waipapa a Iwi Marae in Mohaka, with Toni Huata, Brannigan Kaa, AdrianTangaroa Wagner, Peter & Noeline Hawkins and many more.

KENINGTON 'DOLLAR FOR MY DAYDREAM'

UK born, Auckland based singer-songwriter Kenington is pleased to release his debut single 'Dollar For My Daydream' - a precursor to his debut album Going Nowhere (Faster Than You) - out later this year. 

Mark Kenington writes honest, reflective songs of a timeless nature wrapped in lush, catchy melodies. Songs that often mix a positive vibe with a darker and deeper lyrical message.

'Dollar For My Daydream’ is a track inspired by the exchange between Mark and a café waitress...and the fantasy that ensued.

Punchy electric guitar and memorable melodies punctuated by Mark’s distinctive voice evoke the likes of Brit pop/ indie rock bands such as Supergrass and Blur.

The forthcoming album was recorded by award winning producer and engineer Andrew Buckton (Midnight Youth,The D4, Sommerest, Ekko Park) and is a collection of highly crafted, insightful catchy songs translated into beautifully sonic guitar pop soundscapes.

The accompanying video for 'Dollar For My Daydream' was a collective effort. Shot in Muriwai and directed in part by Josh Thom and Lucy Timmins, the video brings Kenington's fantasy to life.

‘Dollar For My Daydream’ is available from iTunes, Deezer, Spotify and all good digital service providers.

ALIEN WEAPONRY RELEASE THUNDEROUS NEW SINGLE

New Zealand’s youngest thrash metallers, Alien Weaponry (Hammerhead), are kicking off 2017 with a thunderous new single, ‘Raupatu’.

Staying true to Alien Weaponry’s modus operandi - to make and play loud, in-your-face, hard-core rock - ‘Raupatu’ follows on from the success of last year’s epic single, ‘Urutaa’. 

Funded by NZ on Air as part of the band’s prize pack for winning last year’s Smokefree Pacifica Beats, ‘Raupatu’ is further proof that the teenage three-piece from Northland are a fierce force to be reckoned with.

Consisting of 14-year-old Lewis de Jong, his 16-year-old brother Henry and 14-year-old Ethan Trembath, Alien Weaponry have not only taken the New Zealand rock scene by storm, they’ve impressed critics and fans alike with their use of Te Reo Māori in their music and their focus on socio-political issues.

The new single ‘Raupatu’ centres around the Government confiscation of Maori land in the 1800s - specifically on three significant confiscations in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki - and the prominent chiefs who resisted.

Appropriately, it will be released on Waitangi Day, Monday, February 6. Alien Weaponry will also play a free gig in Auckland’s Aotea Square this Waitangi weekend, on Sunday, February 5, at 12:30pm.

Alien Weaponry have gone from strength-to-strength since bursting onto the local music scene last year. 

They made New Zealand music history when they won both the 2016 Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats competitions.