KAYLEE BELL – GETTING CLOSER

Kaylee Bell is delighted to release her latest country-pop infused single, Getting Closer – a must-listen for those long roadtrips over summer.

An empowering anthem, Getting Closer is instantly relatable for anyone who has felt trapped in a toxic relationship. The open honest lyrics speak of the importance of relying on your friends to tell you when something isn’t right, and know they have your best interests at heart.

Getting Closer was written in Nashville with her good friend and fellow country artist Morgan Evans and produced by Lindsay Rimes, who most recently had a Billboard #1 charting single with LOCASH.

Already making a name for herself Kaylee Bell has won Best Female Artist at the National Country Music Awards in 2013, and the Tui for Best Country Music Album in 2014.  It’s not just New Zealand where Kaylee has been making waves, enjoying twelve Top 10 Singles on the Australian Country Music Radio Charts as both a performer and songwriter, three of which went to #1.

A prolific live performer, Kaylee has played at some of world’s biggest festivals including three appearances at CMC Rocks, in Nashville at both the Global Artist Showcase and the famous Bluebird Café, and shared stages with the likes of Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban – including joining Keith to perform a duet each night on his last Australian tour.

Following in his country superstar footsteps, Kaylee became the first Kiwi since Keith to win the Toyota Star Maker Australia competition in 2013, and is the only person outside the USA to become the overall winner in the US Unsigned Only songwriting competition in 2015 for her song with Jared Porter, Pieces.

Getting Closer is the first single from Kaylee Bell’s new album, due for release in 2017.

ALBI & THE WOLVES REVEAL 'ONE EYE OPEN'

Auckland folksters Albi & The Wolves (Chris Dent) are pleased to announce the release of their new single 'One Eye Open' from their forthcoming album - out December 9th 2016.

"When we finished this song we felt it had to be out before the album as the dynamic of the song kinda sums the band up." says front man Chris Dent - AKA Albi. " The quick and slow elements represent some of our different styles and we dabble in a few different grooves that fans of ours might recognise".

'One Eye Open' is a song written for an ex-girlfriend. "She was awesome and loads of fun so we made One Eye Openexciting to perform and we hope people have as much fun hearing it".

The accompanying video was created Ian Neilson. Between him as producer and cinematographer, David Peterson, as co- cinematographer, and Nate Dunn, who assisted and edited the video, they have produced a high energy documentary style clip replete with behind the scenes footage, the band's recording process and life on the road.

Albi & The Wolves 'One Eye Open' Tour Dates:

9th December 2016 - Nectar - Album Launch Partyw/ Miller Yule
16th December 2016 - Common Room - Napier w/ Julia Morris
29th December 2016 - Rhythm And Alps Campsite – Wanaka
30th December to 2nd January - Whare Flat Folk Festival - Dunedin
5th January 2017- House Concert - Invercargill
6th January 2017- The Sherwood – Queenstown
7th January 2017- The Grainstore Gallery - Oamaru
8th January 2017 - Alvarados Mexican Cantina – Christchurch
11th January 2017 - House Concert – Nelson Koha
12th January 2017 - East Street – Nelson
13th January 2017 - TBA - Wellington
14th January 2017 - Coro Sonic Lab Fest - Coromandel
19th January 2017 - Nivara Lounge - Hamilton
20th January 2017 - TBA - New Plymouth
21st January 2017 - The Rogue Stage – Rotorua w/ Jim Jones & the People's Temple
22nd January 2017 - The Hop House - Mt Maunganui
26th January 2017 - The Old Stone Butter Factory – Whangarei w/ Otium
27th January 2017 - Rocksalt - Kerikeri
28th January 2017 - Thirty/30 – Paihia

INTRODUCING CIARAN MCMEEKEN

Fresh-faced with a smooth and captivating sound, Kiwi singer song writer Ciaran McKeeken (Greg Haver & Tony Cowper) is set for success, having recently announced he will be opening for Irish sensation Ronan Keating on his New Zealand tour in early November.

Drawing attention with his unique blend of emotive acoustic pop, Ciaran McMeeken’s honest songwriting pairs beautifully with his soaring vocals, making him the perfect fit to open the shows for the international Irish singer/songwriter.

Auckland-based Ciaran has also completed putting the finishing touches on his first full-length album, which he has been working on with acclaimed producer Greg Haver. Recognised for his talent and hard work, Ciaran also received a NZ On Air grant for this new release, complimenting the three NZ On Air funded songs he currently has to his name.

Originally from Dunedin, Ciaran moved to the big smoke to pursue his music career, spending the last couple of years focusing on writing, recording and performing.  With his self released debut EP ‘The Valley’ in 2014, Ciaran caught the attention of producer Greg Haver. The pair released a seven-track EP ‘Screaming Man’ in 2015, before continuing to team up on Ciaran’s new album.

Ciaran will be joining Ronan Keating on stage for shows at Auckland’s Vector Arena on Friday, November 4 and at The Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday November 6.

With a promising new release on the horizon, an ever-growing fanbase and genuine raw talent, Ciaran McMeeken is one to watch.

MEL PARSONS VIDEO PREMIERE & WOOLSHED TOUR

Touring artist and singer songwriter Mel Parsons has just released a new music video for ‘Don’t Wait’ feat. Ron Sexsmith, which was shot earlier this year on the South Island leg of her NZ Woolshed Tour. The video is being premiered via Australian blog themusic.com.au

Parsons is currently half way through the North Island leg of the tour as a double-bill show with comedy duo The Bitches’ Box (who are performing their new show Sons of a Bitch). The trio have already sold out 8 of 20 the shows ahead of time, and have added an extra date to Hastings on Nov 7th. BUY TICKETS HERE

Upcoming tour dates: 

Nov 2 - Rotorua 

Nov 3 - Gisborne

Nov 4 - Wairoa 

Nov 5 - Patoka 

Nov 6 - Hastings SOLD OUT

Nov 7 - Hastings 2nd show added

Nov 9 - Wanstead SOLD OUT 

Nov 10 - Hunterville SOLD OUT

Nov 11 - Alfredton

Nov 12 - Martinborough SOLD OUT

Nov 13 - Hutt Valley

MMF ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL CONTROL APPLICANTS

CONTROL: The Business of Music Management
Fifteen Music Managers from Australia and New Zealand
ready to take CONTROL

Successful applicants for the professional development programme CONTROL: The Business of Music Management, were announced today. Fifteen music managers have been selected to participate in the six month programme; twelve from Australia and three from New Zealand.

The three managers from New Zealand taking part in the programme are Dylan Keating, Fenella Stratton, and Manu Taylor. Not only will CONTROL have a huge impact on the artists they manage, which include the likes of Hollie Smith, Mice on Stilts, Laughton Kora, Bailey Wiley, Lontalius, and Race Banyon, but the knowledge they take away will also help inform the business of management on a nationwide level.

Chief Executive of the New Zealand Music Commission Cath Andersen said “There is a great tradition of entrepreneurial music companieson both sides of the Tasman. This program will not only foster stronger music businesses, but even stronger trans-Tasman networks that will benefit artists and managers alike.”

Joining them will be Australians from all over the country. Five Victorians will take part: Shaun Adams, Pete Sofo, Carolyn Logan, Lorrae Therese McKenna, and Jill Shelton. Joining them will be four managers from New South Wales: Andrew Boon, Luke Girgis, Regan Lethbridge and Narayan Wallace. The remaining places in the programme will be taken by Nicola Pitt from Alice Springs, Dominic Miller from Brisbane and Rachel Davison from Perth.

“What an impressive line-up of music managers from across Australia and New Zealand,” said Patrick Donovan, Chair, Australian Music Industry Network “They represent some of our most loved artists including Archie Roach, Frank Yamma and hot up and comers like Tash Sultana. CONTROL will help take them from strength to strength”

CONTROL will feature respected music industry advisers and business specialists. Mentors in the program will include New Zealand’s own Teresa Patterson as well as leading Canadian music manager Terry McBride, Australia’s Tom Larkin, and entertainment lawyer Julia Kosky from Los Angeles.

CONTROL incorporates two residential workshops. The first will be held in Hepburn Springs near Melbourne in late November, the second at the end of the program in April 2017.

The program is presented by the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN), supported by the Music Managers Forum of New Zealand (MMF NZ) and the Australian Association of Artist Managers (AAM). Funding has been provided by the Australian Government and the New Zealand Music Commission, supported by a grant from Recorded Music NZ.

LOUIS BAKER 'FADE'

Following on from his breathtakingly beautiful single “Rainbow”, 27-year old singer songwriter, Louis Baker (Cushla Aston) shares “Fade”: another leaf out of his anticipated songbook of forthcoming music. The new song, co-written with Bradford Ellis and Jemma Cooke, is a modern throwback to the golden era of Motown balladeering, Fade is a slow-burn soul number that first sets Louis Baker’s rich, resonant voice to sparse piano, before layers of guitar, drums, keys and warm backing vocals weigh in to support his sentimental tribute to long-distance love.

The journey of “Fade” as a song began in Albert Einstein's first home in Bern, Switzerland. “After playing a small and intimate set at this apartment, and being encored 3 times, I ran out of songs so decided to make one up on the spot,” says Louis. “Perhaps his creativity sparked something in me. The following week I travelled to London and “Fade” was born.” 

Reflecting on the creation process of the song, producer and co-writer, Bradford Ellis says: “It was brilliant collaborating with Louis on “Fade”. He has a timeless and extremely versatile voice and is a bloody good bloke. NZ has a habit of producing great soulful artists. Louis feels like the next.”

Praise for Louis:

 “A glorious song this – sad and sparse, wise and true, with a restraint to the vocal that suits the vulnerability of the love-lorn lyric. Recorded in London with Big Brad from The Nextmen, it’s the best thing Baker has done to date, as raw and tender as a fresh wound, and when his voice swoops up to falsetto over a tangle of slowly unspooling guitar…well, no, those are not tears. I think I just got something in my eye.” – Grant Smithies, Sunday Star Times [“Rainbow”]

"To crafted songs like Birds, Back on my Feet and now his new single Rainbow, Louis Baker has brought a rare sense of persuasive intimacy and a soulful conviction where you believe every syllable he sings  . . . because you know he does too. And although there is a confidence to his vocal range he also offers an emotional fragility in songs that speak to the heart. He stops me every time and makes me listen, and that is a gift." – Graham Reid, Elsewhere [“Rainbow”]

“Many soul singers might wishfully compare themselves to Marvin Gaye or Otis Redding, but for Louis Baker, the comparison is truly deserved.” – Lydia Jenkin, New Zealand Herald

Louis has been away from home over the last few months, spending considerable time in Los Angeles for writing sessions with fellow songwriters, and more recently attending ASCAP’s Songwriter Retreat – a prestigious songwriting camp held at the Château Marouatte castle in Southern France during the latter half of September. Previous attendees have included Ellie Goulding, James Bay, Mika, Mike Posner, Dougy Mandagi (The Temper Trap) and Tom Higgenson (Plain White T’s) to name a few. The remainder of the year is looking bright for the young singer songwriter, as he plans to release more fresh material into the new year.

CATHERINE TUNKS 'THE BEAUTIFUL DREAMERS' (PART 1)

Think 70’s folk rock, Country vibes, a smooth Gospel Soul feel and you have the sound of “The Beautiful Dreamers” (Part1). Catherine Tunks is a diverse artist that doesn’t feel a need to conform into any genre and her elegant rootsy E.P. showcases this brilliantly.

In ʻThe Beautiful Dreamersʻ (part 1) she connects deeper into her heritage and country church upbringing. Drawing on her Irish and NZ Māori lineage gives her that undeniable South Pacific groove, and now, weaving in the new threads of Americana sound. Forming a rare songwriting partnership with German musician Thomas Koenig (Solid Brew), after meeting at Auckland’s Waiheke Jazz Festival in 2015, discovered a similar love of the old school gospel blues & darker country styles began this cross cultural music exchange.

ʻThe Beautiful Dreamersʻ (part 1) is the first in a trilogy of EP’s – a working concept for these two songwriters separated by masses of ocean and land.  Looking ahead to 2017, the duo will be embarking on a 6 weeks musical journey, touring with the full band throughout NZ in March, then enjoying a seasonal change with a parellel tour in Germany in September.

Mix in a host of experienced musicians into each continents touring schedule, its a global ʻFly My Prettiesʻ of all genres – a wonderful world exchange. Catherine Tunks has a stellar live band with the sweet Southern sound of pedal and lap steel that is way more dark distortion than California cute, merging along Hammond organ and slide guitar.  Fillled with her intimate stories, ʻThe Beautiful Dreamersʻ is here.

Catherine Tunks has travelled the globe, and released 2 acclaimed albums, but ʻThe Beautiful Dreamersʻ(part one) E.P. is is truly personal, full of heart and raw emotion. Although she is well known as her ʻBlack Sand Divaʻ persona, she is gently leaving this behind with the ʻThe Beautiful Dreamersʻ a new release that creates and explores passionate musical boundaries.

Listen to preview tracks on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/catherinetunks

STONEHURST ON THE ROCK'S 'SOUNDCHECK'

Christchurch rock band STONEHURST (Angie - Third Eye Music Management) have just had the second single 'Step Outside' off their new album on The Rock FM's Kiwi rock sound check.

They are back up in Auckland in November to record the second half of the new album  'Strange Urge'  with producer Greg Haver due for release 2017.

Stonehurst spent last weekend filming a video for 'Step Outside' to be released before they head off to tour the South Island  with Devilskin, City Of Souls and Halestorm, This is super exciting as the Christchurch show will be in the Cathedral Square, the first big gig held there since before the earthquakes.  Following this they will be performing at the Electric Avenue Festival in Christchurch as well as headlining  Groovefest V.

'Strange Urge' is an album that will blow people's minds, and Stonehurst will be announcing the album release NZ tour for this early 2017.