SCARED OF GIRLS 'WAIHI BEACH'

Auckland surf party punks Scared of Girls (Angus Blyth) have released summery single ‘Waihi Beach’, right in time for you to take the afternoon off and blast it from your car as you race to soak up the sun at your local sandy shore.

‘Waihi Beach’ is described by the fun-loving four-piece as “a hazy Kiwi take on summer love, like Summer Nights from Grease if Sandy and Danny had both been smashed on Lion Red and were spending New Year’s hiding from cops in the dunes”.

To celebrate the release, Scared of Girls will be taking the stage at Auckland’s Whammy Bar for a release show on Thursday December 21st, supported by Smokefree Rockquest finalists Daffodils, and local alt-punk heroes Shaun’s B’day.

Tickets are available on the door for $10, with presales available on Undertheradar.co.nz.

CHORES 'LOSING YOU'

Kiwi duo Chores (Nicole Thomas & Paula Yeoman) have revealed the video for their latest single ‘Losing You’.

‘Losing You’ debuted on seven New Music Friday playlists on Spotify including NZ and Australia, Philippines and Singapore, clocking up tens of thousands of plays in its first week. It peaked at #12 in the New Zealand viral charts and has landed on some impressive playlists, including New Dance Beats and New Pop Sounds.

The song features Australian singer Jess Pollard (RÜFÜS) and showcases a new side to the Chores sound.

“Although typically a house act, their new single ‘Losing You’ find them throwing some variety into the mix and electing for a more electro-pop sound. Vocals on the tune come from Jess Pollard, whose dark and even-tempered sound balances out the vibrant and poppy production style”  
- Run The Trap

“The electro-pop inspired tune is catchy-AF, featuring a silky smooth vocal melody courtesy of Jess Pollard, and an infectious summery groove that is so very easy to get into and really easy to enjoy”
- Acidstag

Shot and directed in Bali by Kiwi writer, radio host and TV presenter Tim Lambourne the video features Indonesian tattoo artist and model Mayliza Anjelica @mayoanj as she navigates life, love and art in her adopted city of Bali.

It wraps up a highly successful year for the music-making duo (Thommy Simmons and Sam Saunders), whose feel-good, dance-floor fillers have helped to establish Chores as one of the most exciting new electronic acts south of the equator.

Their music has received widespread radio play on NZ’s tastemaker station George FM and in September, they were awarded ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ at the station’s inaugural Georgies.

See Chores live at Rhythm and Vines on December 31 and Homegrown on April 7.

Listen to ‘Losing You’ on HypeMachine HERE

THE MANAGERS SANCTUARY

The AAM (Association of Artist Managers in Australia) have launched an inaugural annual professional development program this month called "The Manager Sanctuary" on Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th December . It will be hosted at AAM Patron, Michael McMartin’s property at Cambewarra on the NSW South Coast, the same week of Fairgrounds Festival 

The concept behind the “Manager Sanctuary” is to build strong peer to peer management networks locally and internationally. The informally structured program will aim to share insights and learnings from a global industry that is constantly shifting. 

The programme is aimed at managers who have helmed or are about to helm a global album release and tour, and work with global label/agents/promoter/publisher teams, but are coming up against common hurdles with taking that first level of achievement, and moving it forward to sustainable careers for the bands and the manager.  

The AAM reserved a spot for a MMF NZ member, and a range of managers who fit the criteria were invited to apply. This year’s participant is Rikihana Douglas from Richmond Music who manages L.A. Woman and SACHI - who have some exciting international plans for 2018.

CIARAN MCMEEKEN 'SPANISH STEPS'

Dunedin born singer-songwriter Ciaran McMeeken’s storytelling journey continues with the release of his stunning new single ’Spanish Steps,’ the third official single from his self-titled album which recently debuted at #14 on the NZ Top 40 albums chart.

Written with Sam Taylor, English folk troubadour from Sheffield in the UK, 'Spanish Steps' is a nostalgic journey through time and captures the essence of what it is to be a child and have dreams about what and who you want to be.

"Sometimes even with the best of intentions things don't always turn out the way you hope," says McMeeken, whose personal and often raw lyrics have captured a wide and constantly growing audience.

The accompanying video for ‘Spanish Steps’, shot by Wade McClelland, captures some of the historic buildings and grand architecture in McMeeken’s hometown of Dunedin as well as a majestic clifftop scene looking out from ‘Lover’s Leap' on the tago Peninsula, showcasing New Zealand’s dramatic landscape.

The stirring visual and accompanying lyrics evoke an antipodean wanderlust: ‘How long does it take to get to Rome, when you’re standing on the other side of the globe, cause even if it takes a lifetime, I swear that I’d still go, when I climb those Spanish Steps I’ll let you know.’

Thoughtful and redolent, ‘Spanish Steps’ is the impressive follow up to ‘#GiveAHome', a charity single for Amnesty International and previous feel-good radio hits ‘That Feeling’ and ‘Which Way Shall We Go’.

Best experienced live, don’t miss the chance to see Ciaran McMeeken perform alongside friend and fellow musician Jasper Hawkins on his upcoming ‘Which Way Shall We Go’ New Zealand Summer Tour - 

Jan 5, 2018 The Refinery - Paeroa

Jan 6, 2018 Waihi Beach Hotel - Waihi Beach (Free Entry)

Jan 7, 2018 Lukes Kitchen - Whitianga (Free Entry)

Jan 12, 2018 Old School Arts Centre - Raglan

Jan 14, 2018 Totara St - Mt Maunganui

Jan 18, 2018 The Dome Cinema - Gisborne

Jan 19, 2018 The Common Room - Hastings

Jan 21, 2018 Vine Eatery & Bar - Taupo (Free Entry)

Jan 25, 2018 Nivara Lounge - Hamilton

Jan 27, 2018 Caroline - Wellington

Feb 2, 2018 Mt Eden Village Centre - Auckland

Feb 9, 2018 Dog With Two Tails - Dunedin

Feb 10, 2018 Sherwood - Queenstown

Feb 11, 2018 Village Green - Arrowtown

Feb 15, 2018 Blue Smoke - Christchurch

Feb 25, 2018 The Mussel Inn - Takaka

Limited number of tickets available from -

www.showsnear.by/cm-nz-summer-tour-18

www.ciaranmcmeeken.com

IMAGINE THIS 'WAVES'

Imagine This (Khalid El-Shareif) releases an uplifting new single paired with mesmerising visuals that capture the essence of the kiwi summer. “That Wave” distills the breathless sensation of riding life’s highs and lows, sending the listener into a state of sun drenched grace. 

The song was written sitting in the glittering sand at Piha, under the sheltering majesty of Lion Rock, while watching the local legends rip it up in the surf. Mark Yela at GetHighVisuals delivers a stunning video that will send you out on the road with your mates blasting summer’s new song.   

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.

“THAT WAVE” IS AVAILABLE ONLINE EVERYWHERE NOW

ARIA NICHOLS 'SEE WHERE THIS GOES'

Dubbed the Adele of Trap music, Aria Nichols is an exciting up-and-coming artist, ready to take the Electronic music world by storm. Raised in New Zealand, but based in Dubai, Aria kick-started her musical career during her final year at medical school.  She teamed up with talented producer Don Fuego, forming a solid tandem and fusing deep, authentic songwriting with EDM.

Solid early influences including The Cranberries, Alanis Morissette, The Carpenters, Shakira and more recently Tove Lo, Ellie Goulding and fellow New Zealand star Lorde – Aria has put her signature on Trap, adding Jazzy undertones, unique melodies and soulful, emotive lyrics to the distinct heavyweight drops associated with the genre.

November 2017 marks Aria Nichols’ debut, with her single ‘See Where This Goes’.  A highly-creative burst of contrasting emotions merging together angelic vocal dexterities with a moody Trap instrumental. The emotional lyrical hooks create a dream-like atmosphere that precedes Don Fuego’s devastating drops. The result: a high quality rollercoaster ride of production that will have you hooked from the first play.

‘See Where This Goes’ is the first of a series of breathtaking Aria Nichols creations that will hit the shelves in the months to come – keep an eye out! 

HARD WORK HARD MONEY ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

HARD WORK HARD MONEY is the highly anticipated 2nd studio album from NZ's FIRST and FINEST second line band: Richter City Rebels (Daniel Hayles). Rammed with their signature explosive beats and good-feel vibe, HARD WORK HARD MONEY follows 2016's Live at Tora, another joyful and juicy plate of strong, rich New Orleans fire

The RICHTER CITY REBELS have a sound that blends RnB, soul, hip-hop, jazz and funk with the heart and soul of New Orleans brass band music. Trumpets, trombones, saxes, sousaphone, and percussion bring the ultimate Mardi Gras party to any venue or festival. Incorporating stylish original melodies and shouts, funked-up pop tunes and bouncing hip-hop, the Rebels’ sound embodies the musical melting pot of Louisiana.

‘BEST ROCK ARTIST’ DEVILSKIN BRINGING THE HEAT THIS SUMMER

The exciting news just keeps coming for DEVILSKIN!

DEVILSKIN (James Southgate) were crowned with a TUI for BEST ROCK ARTIST at the NZ Music Awards (VMAS) last week. The band comment “It really is fantastic to be acknowledged with a Tui. It is an honour to be in such esteemed company. This award belongs to our friends and loyal fans just as much as it belongs to us and our crew so we will be celebrating with you on these next live dates!”

DEVILSKIN were also nominated Best Group and delivered an incredible live performance at the VNZMA’s held at Spark Arena 16th November.

This recognition followed Clint Murphy winning the Best Engineer Tui for Devilskin’s Be Like The River at the second annual Artisan Awards in October. 

To support the summer tour playing New Year’s Eve in New Plymouth, January 2 in Wellington and January 3 in Napier, Devilskin have named Skinny Hobos as the main support act and  Seas of Conflict will open at each gig.

Wellington & Napier are PG18 gigs, which means under 18’s are welcome with a parent or guardian. Devilskin share“we are ecstatic to be playing these shows that our younger fans can come along to. It's really going to make the shows special and we are bringing our good friends in Skinny Hobos and the incredible Seas Of Conflict with us to make it insane! We are turning up the heat this summer and we can't wait to see you all. Lets rock! ”

This summer tour follows the hugely successful NZ TOUR 2017. Devilskin sold out 5 of 7 live shows in New Zealand towns this month.  The overwhelming reaction to Devilskin’s Live Shows has led the band to schedule some additional dates to support the towns they didn’t get to.

DEVILSKIN will play:

31st Dec NYE                          The Mayfair                            New Plymouth

2nd January                            Walter Nash Stadium             Hutt Valley Wellington

3rd January                             Pettigrew Green Arena          Taradale, Napier

Tickets available from Eventfinda  www.eventfinda.co.nz

The band share "We had such a great time on this last tour that we don't want the party to stop. We are really stoked to announce a few more dates so we can hit some of the towns we couldn't get to on the last run. A devilish New Year’s Eve party in New Plymouth, a massive show in party central, Lower Hutt, and a return to see our friends in the beautiful Hawkes Bay sounds like a killer way to start 2018! Can't wait to see you all!"