JENNY MITCHELL 'LET ME BE'

Jenny Mitchell might not be a name you’re familiar with - so let’s remedy that right now. Jenny grew up in the Southern town of Gore - New Zealand’s home of country music. This 18 year old songwriter grew up surrounded by music from Dolly Parton, The Dixie Chicks & Johnny Cash but has now crafted a unique style described as a warm mix of folk & alternative country. At just 14, she was placed 3rd on the 2013 season of New Zealand’s Got Talent & since then this Otago Uni student has independently released a debut album, won a MLT Songwriting Award, the title of Southland Entertainer of the Year & a New Zealand Gold Guitar Award while playing countless shows throughout the country, Australia & most recently - Sweden & Ireland. 

The Gold Guitar win came at the perfect time, providing this travel loving storyteller with an industry based prize pack with a value of $15,000. A highlight of this package was to have a track produced by Nashville based producer Jay Tooke. After months of Skype based production sessions & recording her vocal track in the deep south of Invercargill, thanks to the wonderful team at Little Fire Music, Let Me Be is set to be released on February 29th.  

“It’s a dream come true to be working with a producer in Nashville & to be able to watch this song come to life.” 

Let Me Be is the perfect kiwi summer tune, with lyrics inspired by Jenny’s mum & dad. The chorus speaks of honey in the morning and wine in the evening, a tribute to her dad’s love of honey on toast for breakfast & her mum’s fondness of wine. The track showcases the warmhearted side of Jenny & proves that Nashville would fit this writer like a glove.

“One of my main goals as an artist is for my music to tell stories, I don’t think there’s any point singing if you don’t care what you’re singing about. That’s one of the reasons I’m so proud of this song, it’s catchy & fun - but it also has a story that’s really special to me.” 

Let Me Be is her first release of 2018 & will be followed up by her sophomore album Wildfires, set to be released mid year. Until then, Jenny will be playing at several events around the country including the Chow & Tipple Festival in Cambridge alongside NZ icon Annie Crummer. Alternatively, you’ll find Jenny playing house concerts in predominantly rural spaces around New Zealand. Anyone can apply to host a concert directly through Jenny’s website (http://www.jennymitchell.co.nz/book-a-house-concert.html).  

“I’m on a quest to find audiences who are there to listen & enjoy music. House concerts seem to tick all the boxes for me & I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful country to be their backdrop.” 

Since her debut album, this writer has had the time to grow, to experience & to blossom into an artist who is comfortable in their own musical skin. This is set to be a year of new adventures for Jenny & Let Me Be is just the beginning of that new chapter. 

LEVI 'AWAKENING'

During a 10 year music career playing in different bands, including his main band Tribal State, Levi (Jeanette Bramley) has also pursued a solo career where he can really let loose with his creativity. 

Levi's latest project, Awakening, is centered around self-development, self-awareness and humanitarian compassion, taking inspiration from all that is beautiful and chaotic in this world.  As usual, his songs are unique and diverse but will be performed in a way that you will never have seen before from Levi. This truly is music for enlightenment and the enlightened.  Intrigued?  You should be!  This is one show you do not want to miss!

The first show for the Awakening project is on Saturday 3rd February at Backbeat on K Road.  Doors open at 7.30pm and admission is $10.  Tickets also available at www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/58200/Levi.utr.

Like Levi’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/levisesga/) on order to hear about more gigs coming very soon.

JAS JOSLAND ALBUM RELEASE AND NZ TOUR 2018

Just when you thought no one was looking Jas Joslands Debut Album ' See what you did there' jumps out at you followed by that awkward meeting of the eyes.

Recorded locally in Lyttelton, Christchurch with producer Ben Edwards - the album transforms stories of working on a Super Yacht in Asia - into carefully crafted songs with catchy choruses and a roller coaster of emotions.

The Indie Rocker from Christchurch is excited to trade in her Sea legs for the trusty band van that will take her on an extensive tour of New Zealand with her full band.

iTunes – https://geo.itunes.apple.com/nz/album/id1209878843?at=1l3v9Tx&app=itunes

Deezer – http://www.deezer.com/album/15474050

Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Jas_Josland_Money?id=B3fkltyu5t2vod4rw6vbylj3smu

Spotify – http://open.spotify.com/album/1Eytn8ubhnGLWeVv564vAN

Jas will be performing with her full female line up at venues around the country kicking off and ending the tour in her home town of Christchurch.  

 

'See what you did there' New Zealand tour

12th Jan - Summertimes, Christchurch
13th Jan-  East Street Cafe, Nelson
15th Jan - Mussel Inn, Takaka
18th Jan - Blue Smoke, Christchurch (Supporting Rock Steady)
19th Jan - Interislander Ferry
19th Jan - Caroline, Wellington (With Support)
20th Jan - Smash Palace, Gisborne
24th Jan - Secret Gig, Auckland
26th Jan - Butter Factory, Whangarei
27th Jan - Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi
28th Jan - Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi
2nd  Feb - Nivara Lounge, Hamilton
7th   Feb - Interislander Ferry
7th   Feb - Pataka, Blenhiem
8th   Feb - Le Cafe, Picton
9th   Feb - The Boathouse, Nelson
14th Feb - Cook Saddle Cafe, Fox Glacier
16th Feb - Invercargill Brewery, Invercargill
17th Feb - Penguin Club, Oamaru
22nd Feb- Purple Rain, Dunedin
23rd Feb - Peel Forest, Geraldine
24th Feb - Gin and Raspberry, Wanaka
25th Feb - Sherwood, Queenstown
2nd Mar  - Lyttelton Records, Christchurch

Tickets through www.undertheradar.co.nz

WILDE TAYLOR 'DON'T BLAME IT ON ME'

Wilde Taylor (Jesse Wilde) are thrilled to announce the release of their debut album Don’t’ Blame It On Me.

Wilde Taylor featuring Singer-Songwriter Jesse Wilde and Guitarist Songwriter Ed Taylor with special guest Nick Jones on Violin will be performing at Studio 38, located at 38 Airedale St, Auckland on 16th February at 8:00pm. Doors open 7:30pm.

Come hang with us as we perform a two hour show of originals and covers.
 
Limited seating available, so be quick and grab your ticket!  


*Ticket: $20
*Ticket + CD: $30

https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/wilde-taylor-debut-album-release-party-tickets-42335129512?aff=es2

BAY OF ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The BAY OF ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL is serving up an amazing mix of international and New Zealand roots, soul, funk and blues this Easter. The event takes place on Sat 31 March 2018 at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, a stunning waterfront location adjacent to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The first announcement features roots superstar JIMMY CLIFF (JAMAICA), the Island-style soul of BOBBY ALU (AUSTRALIA) and the absolute cream of Aotearoa roots, soul and funk including KATCHAFIRE, TEEKS, LOUIS BAKER and ROB RUHA. Several more artists will be announced in the coming month.

JIMMY CLIFF is one of the world’s most influential music icons. This Grammy Award winner and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee is credited with bringing reggae to the world with his incredible catalogue of hits including Reggae Nights, The Harder They Come, I Can See Clearly Now, Many Rivers To Cross and Wild World. Jimmy Cliff’s career now spans almost 60 years, an unbelievable achievement made all the more incredible once you have experienced his live performances that burst with energy, passion and high kicks. Don’t miss this chance to see the legend live!

“We are proud to have secured this amazing event” said Andrew Whittaker, General Manager of the Copthorne, Pahia, “Festival-goers can expect world-class music and a taste of our Northland arts and culture in a truly beautiful setting.”

In addition to the musical feast, concert-goers will be able to enjoy gourmet food, local wines and craft beers, as well as arts and cultural activities.

Taking advantage of the hotel setting, one accommodation wing is transformed into a unique Festival VIP Zone. The VIP Rooms all have a balcony or deck over-looking the festival site, with a premium view of the stage and Te Tii Bay. These will be in hot demand and are limited in number.

Earlybird tickets go on sale to Jacman Entertainment and Eventfinda subscribers only this Wednesday, 24 January at 9am.  Tickets will be available to the general public from 9am, Thursday 25 January. Tickets are very limited due to site restrictions, so be quick!

BAY OF ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

COPTHORNE, BAY OF ISLANDS

1 TAU HENARE DR, WAITANGI

SATURDAY 31 MARCH 2018

GATES OPEN 1PM

BOOK AT EVENTFINDA.CO.NZ or 0800 BUY TIX (289 849)

BAKERS EDDY RELEASE VIDEO FOR 'IF YOU SEE KAY'

Melbourne-based Kiwi ex-pats, Bakers Eddy (Claire Gormley), have just released a video for their latest single, ‘If You See Kay’.

The track follows the release of their previous rock anthem, ‘Jack Shit For You’.

‘If You See Kay’ was produced by Tom Larkin and Jon Grace of "The Studios in the City". The track is the second single off the newly-minted Melbournians upcoming EP.

The track is getting great love in Australia with Hysteria Magazine featuring it on their top 20 Chart for the past three weeks, as well as the act being named by Don’t Bore Us as one of their new favourite bands. ‘If You See Kay’ has also been picked up by AAA Backstage.

“’If You See Kay’ is a modern cautionary tale, involving a fictional character and sex drugs and rock and roll,” according to the band.

“A punk track through and through with dirty drums, fuzzed up gats and rowdy vocals, the track is as subtle as a nail through the foot and as charming as the cheating fuckface that it is about.” 

Having formed in 2009 as an escape from adolescent pressures and career expectations, Bakers Eddy found their sound listening to two and three chorded punk songs.

With the original line-up consisting of vocalist CJ Babbington, drummer Jamie Gordon, and bassist Ian Spagnolo, the band expanded to include Ian’s twin brother Alex Spagnolo two years later.

“We got sick of him playing PS3 in the same room while we rehearsed, so we taught him an A chord and then he was in.” 

For the next two years, the band would go through a few name changes, a few first relationships, and experiment with different genres and substances.

In 2015 the band recorded and released two singles and an EP, as well as touring New Zealand throughout the year, clocking up supports with the likes of Gang of Youths, The Rubens, and US band Highly Suspect – all whilst avoiding going to uni or getting real jobs.

By the end of 2016, they decided to throw themselves well out of their comfort zone and move to Melbourne where they teamed up with producer and drummer of Shihad, Tom Larkin.

KINGS DOUBLE VIDEO SMASH - 'DOMINO' & 'IN THE SUN'

Following the release of his debut album, Kings has shared with fans, two compelling new music videos for Chapter One tracks'Domino' and 'In The Sun'. 

Today, the Aotearoa born singer-songwriter, producer and performer also celebrates clocking up over 1 million Spotify streams of Chapter One just 6 weeks after release, gaining new fans far and wide.

The two uniquely different songs reflect the two sides of Kingdon Chapple-Wilson's songwriting craft, which on the one hand, can be celebratory and light, and on the other, be serious, complex and personal.

Following his independent philosophy of being involved across all aspects of his work, Chapple-Wilson directed the video for 'Domino' and co-directed 'In The Sun' with long-time collaborators, Tom & Fraser Grut of FROG Productions who filmed and co-directed the videos.

Domino

Written as a commentary on the modern age - a time of false Instagram idols, social media providing a vocal platform to all (those who love and those who hate), and of course, Trump-era politics. Created from the ground up at his Awataha marae studio, 'Domino' was written in the heat of the moment by Chapple-Wilson, who felt compelled to speak out against the hate, prejudice and false expectations we are exposed so easily to online through social media channels.

"My Facebook thread was filled with a lot of panic - a lot of fear and negativity - and that's where the line came from. Don't fall for them. Don't fall for everyone else and don't fall for the hate," says Chapple-Wilson.

Today is the day of the follower.

In The Sun

A light, summery celebration track to represent the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another... 'In The Sun' takes on a more personal tone, letting us into the world of Kings through an audio-visual collage featuring his iconic Edgefest performance, this year's Vodafone NZ Music Awards and even Beats 1's Zane Lowe talking about Kings' breakthrough on George FM. 

"Success to me is... I measure it by my family, and if my family is doing good, then I'm doing good."

NATION SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH NEW EP AND NORTH ISLAND TOUR

Wellington based Electro Soul Pop force field, Nation (Jack Williment), burst onto the scene in 2016 with their debut self-titled E.P.

Since then, the band have honed their unique sound, through their sophisticated fusion of genres and concoction of upbeat tunes, giving audiences an exciting, diverse musical experience - guaranteed to get you moving.

Described as New Zealand’s answer to Jamiroquai, the band are pleased to announce the imminent arrival of their explosive sophomore E.P. Pop Vulturein January 2018.

In support of Pop Vulture’s release, the band will be taking their dynamite live show on the road, playing nine shows around New Zealand’s North Island.
 
Catch this fresh and energetic live act in a town near you in January 2018.

Pop Vulture will be available for purchase from all good digital outlets, with physical copies available at live shows.

Nation is comprised of the soaring vocals of Miharo Gregory, the grooving basslines of Dhanesh Parmar, the intricate guitar riffs of Ngarewa ‘Nag’ Reid, bound together by the solid rhythmic foundations of Marcus Gurtner.

Nation 'Pop Vulture' Summer Tour 

Jan 11th  - Whitianga Hotel, Coromandel
Jan 14th  - Astrolabe Brew Bar, Mt Maunganui
Jan 17th  - Neck of the Woods, Auckland
Jan 19th - Nivara Lounge, Hamilton
Jan 20th - Bridge Pa Wine Festival, Hawkes Bay
Jan 24th - Lucky Bar & Kitchen, Whanganui
Jan 25th - The Mayfair, New Plymouth
Jan 26th - Common Room, Napier
Jan 27th - The Dome Room, Gisborne

Tickets and Details available from www.eventfinder.co.nz