DAVE DOBBYN RELEASES 'NAU MAI RA' - THE TE REO VERSION OF ‘WELCOME HOME’

Dave  Dobbyn’s (Lorraine Barry)  ‘Welcome  Home’,  one  of  New  Zealand's  most  loved  songs,  has beenre released  in  te  reotoday,  to  coincide  with  Māori  Language  Week. 

Often  described  as  ‘the  unofficial  anthem’,  the  song  has  been  translated  by  Te Haumihiata  Mason  as  ‘Nau  Mai  Rā’.      This  new  version  was  recorded  with  backing vocals  from  Maimoa,  who’s  Maori  TV  show  ‘Voices  Of  Our  Future’  sets  out  through music  to  re-­‐engage  youth  in  the  Māori  language.  

Dobbyn  had  no  hesitation  in  embracing  the  collaboration.    “Once  I  read  TeHaumihiata Mason’s  te  reo  translation,  and  her  re-­‐translation  back  into  English,  Iwas  moved  by  the  result.  It’s  such  an  honour  to  sing  in  te  reo,  a  naturally  poetictongue.    

“It’s  quite  a  challenge,  but  Te  Hau  is  a  great  teacher  and  I  was  charmed  by  both  her coaching  and  support  from  Maimoa  .  I’m  proud  of  our  teamwork  .  I  don't  have  anyexcuses  now,  for  not  immersing  myself  in  the  language.  It’s  like  learning  to  play  anew  instrument.”            

KYLIE PRICE 'BONES'

KINGS 'INTERMISSION'

Every Friday this month, kiwi performing artist/producer KINGS (Matt Headland) has shared a new track off his upcoming album Chapter One, revealing the different stories and sides to his debut album.

Today he shares the third new track to be revealed in the album lead up called 'Intermission'. Unique in texture and feel from the previous track 'HYLMN', this smooth rolling new track projects a more ethereal ambiance. It's a slow-burning intermission - a confessional reflection, a break before the almighty storm brewing.

Known as a musical shapeshifter in terms of the styles he fuses together in the studio, Chapter One is a multi-faceted yet cohesive body of work that documents the young kiwi artist, father and producer's steady rise to the top. Completely self-produced by Chapple-Wilson, the 12-track album is his first independent release of which he had to say: 

"I've always encouraged artists and musicians to do things themselves and to study the game thoroughly. It was only right that I do this entire project the way I preach. From directing the music videos to designing the cover art, everything is written, produced, mixed, and mastered the way I intended, with the hope that it encourages YOU to do the same thing." 

Chapple-Wilson appeared through the smokescreen with his chart-topping track 'Don't Worry Bout It' which has now surpassed 6 million streams and over 1 million YouTube views.

See KINGS LIVE at this year's Edgefest (more details here) and on SIX60's recently announced The New Waves World Tour with Nico & Vinz (more details here).

Stay tuned for the release of his hot new track 'We'll Never Know'
available on all DSPs next Friday 8th September

Pre-order 'We'll Never Know' on iTunes here

#ChapterOne

KAYLEE BELL – NEXT SOMEBODY

The brand-new single from Kaylee Bell (Tony Cowper) has arrived  - Next Somebody is released today!

A natural progression for the country-pop artist, Next Somebody follows on beautifully from Bell’s last single, documenting the next stage of freedom after the breakdown of a toxic relationship. An empowering anthem for women everywhere, the rousing new single brims with vitality and positivity, embracing the idea of moving on from someone without feeling bound by the negative impact on your life.

Produced by Sam de Jong, the upbeat track was written on the road of an Australian sold-out tour with The McClymonts, and written with Brooke McClymont herself. An artist who has always been an influence in Kaylee’s career, the pair became very close while touring and are now firm friends.

With its infectious beat and melody, Next Somebody was an instant crowd favourite when Kaylee debuted it with her full band as she opened for The Dixie Chicks at their Mission Estate show in April. The summer anthem is the perfect addition to Kaylee’s already impressive live set as she plans to tour extensively through New Zealand and Australia during the warmer months. Having spent a serious part of 2017 in Nashville writing with the best in the business, Kaylee is looking forward to reconnecting with her roots, and her fans, writing and performing as much as she can.

With a catchy hook Kaylee Bell is becoming known for, this polished pop track is a sign of things to come from a star on the rise. 

L.A WOMEN 'CALL ON ME'

“We feature countless artists on this site day-in and day-out, but it takes something special to get us this excited about a new act.” – Indie Current

“If you're looking for an new inspiring act in the vein of a LANY or The 1975, then, you're going to want to get this track in your ears now.” – Hilly Dilly

“The NZ group writing addictive melodies that we'll be keeping a very close eye on.” – SNIFFERS

L.A WOMEN (Rikihana Douglas) have been burrowed away writing since the release of their debut single ‘Hurricane Love’, which has accumulated over 3 Million plays on Spotify. The hours spent in studio allowed the jewels to surface, and anticipated reveal of ‘Call on Me’ - a song that takes you right to the moment. The track is a silky anthem with direct vocals and core-splitting melodies, a seductive rhythm and a knack to ingrain itself quickly in your sub-conscious.

The accompanying visuals feature the 3-piece band driving through an abandoned car park building anticipation for an intimate conclusion. With an infections synth line and resounding 80’s snare, the production is a step forward for the group in this realm. Djeisan Suskov (Leisure, Matthew Young, Maala) added finishing touches to cement the song as a classic ‘rewind and repeat’ track.

L.A WOMEN first appeared in 2016 and quickly captured an audience with ‘Hurricane Love’ which was revered by Indie Current, SNIFFERS, Hilly Dilly, MTV and more. Their debut paved the way, and now at long last they reveal ‘Call on Me’. Working towards the release of their debut EP, we’re sure there’s far more jewels yet to come. 

IMAGINE THIS 'LIKE A GAME'

The electrifying new single and video for “Like A Game” is unveiled today, accompanied by the hotly anticipated stunning video filmed by Mark Yela at GetHighVisuals. The 360° small planet video was filmed using cutting edge technology and features Imagine This and King Kapisi’s spectacular journey through Auckland city.

This original song is about committing to a long game, playing it for the right reasons and enjoying the trip. Fans with 360° headsets will be able to experience the journey in virtual reality on September 15th.

Imagine This is a rapper and songwriter who effortlessly bridges the boundaries between hip-hop, trap, glitch, ghetto funk and house. By staying true to his creative songwriting process and incredible freestyle ability, Imagine This blazes a new trail, masterfully blending electronic melodies and stop-start beats to stay on the bleeding edge of hip-hop. Khalid El-Shareif AKA Imagine This is a Palestinian born in the UAE who grew up in NZ. A true international, Imagine This keeps up a busy touring schedule playing to crowds in the UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Cambodia and Thailand.

THE BLACK SEEDS 'BACK TO YOU'

With their sixth studio album Fabric out next Friday, The Black Seeds (Craig Pearce) have shared a bright and colourful new music video bound to get you feeling good.

Their latest single 'Back To You' is a tribute to old relationships revived and staying true, set over bubbly rhythmic stabs. Made with the support of NZ On Air, the video was created by Connor Pritchard (Director / DOP), Jasper Jay (DOP) and features animation by Ethan Zonneveld. It all unfolds with paint, confetti & yarn coming together in a vibrant visual as co-frontman Daniel Weetman sits down to tell the story.

The Black Seeds will embark on their full NZ tour next month! Make sure to come and experience the new album and the hits with one of New Zealand's most-loved bands when they're in your town! Get tour dates & full ticketing details here.

SAXI & ISINA - GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MENTORS

Saxi (Anna Saxton) has been carefully selected to attend a six week all-expenses-paid mentorship programme with ISINA in Los Angeles to work alongside Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, a 10-time Grammy Award winning composer, producer, songwriter and vocalist who has worked with the world’s top performers including Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande Madonna, Whitney Houston, the late Michael Jackson and many more.

ISINA was established in 2014 by CEO Oleg Shmelev, along with Grammy Award winning songwriter/producer, Walter Afansaieff. The programme is designed to pair undiscovered talent from around the world with celebrity mentors who provide preparation to excel in music through study and practice. ISINA has an extensive list of mentors including Walter Afansaieff, Kenny G, Humberto Gatica, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds,  and Paul Oakenfold.

Saxi received feedback from Babyface on her submitted tracks which were critiqued on artistry, potential and individuality, she receive a rating that determined her position on the ISINA top rated chart and to be chosen to participate in the six-week programme. Saxi will be involved with filming a television show, music video shoots, studio recordings and live performances during the duration of the programme. After completion of the six weeks, the mentors will attempt to select an applicant/s who will receive a record deal and worldwide music distribution by Bungalo/Universal Music Group Distribution.

“Babyface” praised Saxi’s powerful, soaring voice and emotive lyrics. Racking up a total of over 132,000 combined views and likes with ISINA, Saxi is looking forward to working alongside the mentors and other talented musicians from around the globe also selected by Isina.