PACIFIC TALENT CELEBRATED AT THE VODAFONE PACIFIC MUSIC AWARDS
Past winners and rising stars were recognised at tonight’s Vodafone Pacific Music Awards at the Vodafone Event Centre in Manukau, Auckland. Congratulations to MMF artists Tomorrow People (Tana Tupai & Avina Kekekolio), Kings (Matt Headland) and Brooke Fraser (Paul McKessar)
Past winners and rising stars were recognised at tonight’s Vodafone Pacific Music Awards at the Vodafone Event Centre in Manukau, Auckland.
Punialava’a were announced as the 2018 Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and were acknowledged for their widespread influence and significant contribution to Samoan music and culture.
A highlight of the night was their performance of a stunning medley of career-defining hits. The celebrations continue for the group on 9 June, when they celebrate 50 years of Punialava’a music.
Ladi6 was one of the big winners taking home three awards including Best Pacific Female Artist and Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album Tui. Ladi’s producers Parks, Brandan Haru and Julien Dyne took out SIT/MAINZ Best Producer for their work on Royal Blue 3000 EP.
Taking New Zealand by storm in late 2017 was ‘Here To Stay’ by 12-year-old General Fiyah. Tonight the track earned him the APRA Best Pacific Song and helped propel him to the highly coveted Vodafone People’s Choice Award. Samson Rambo was also celebrated for his work on the ‘Here To Stay’ video, receiving the NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video.
Berlin-based musician Noah Slee picked up two awards for NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist and Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Urban Artist, while local reggae group Tomorrow People were acknowledged as the Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Group, as well as Sunpix Best Pacific Language for their songs ‘Lock Me Up’ and ‘Sa’ili Le Alofa’.
Californian Tenelle was recognised for her work on For The Lovers album with the Flava Best International Pacific Artist, while the EFKS Te Atatu Junior Youth received the Auckland Council Best Pacific Gospel Artist.
The inaugural NZ On Air Streaming Award was presented to Kings for his song ‘We’ll Never Know’, while Brooke Fraser received the NZ On Air Radio Airplay for her song ‘Therapy’.
The Special Recognition Award was presented to the Otara Music & Arts Centre (OMAC) for outstanding achievement and service to the community. OMAC has become the cornerstone of the South Auckland community and its influence on artists from its local community, wider New Zealand and around the world, is immeasurable. This award and all the praise is well deserving, especially after 30 years of operation.
Samoan rapper Poetik received the Phillip Fuemana Award for most promising Pacific artist. Through his music he aims to buildup the Polynesian hiphop scene, by influencing the old Pacific Island traditions of love, respect and unity.
Chairman and spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua says: “The Vodafone Pacific Music Awards Fakavikiviki congratulates the outstanding Musika Pasifika achievements of excellence from such a diverse and rich musical expressions from traditional language to cultural contemporary, choral to gospel, hip hop to pop, and critical social commentary to new experimental this bodes well for the wider New Zealand music scene.
“Rev. Iosefa Lale Peteru and Mrs Vini Peteru, the parent pioneers of Punialava’a, have humbly shared their musical passion of faith, songs of hope and a love of Samoa. Their legacy continues with their children and grandchildren, and they are all honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Otara Music & Arts Centre OMAC, we cannot under estimate the historical musical contribution of this Taonga which would give the New Zealand Music scene our historical contribution of the South Auckland sound that is recognised globally today.”
SKINNY HOBOS RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM AND COMMENCE NATIONAL TOUR
Three and a half years of touring blood, sweat and beers have finally come to fruition with the release of Skinny Hobos (Sam Holdom) self-titled debut album. Containing 9 tracks of live set favorites, the album punctuates the end of the first chapter from the Auckland rock and roll 2 piece, and paves the way for new material which lies just around the corner.
Three and a half years of touring blood, sweat and beers have finally come to fruition with the release of Skinny Hobos (Sam Holdom) self-titled debut album, which is out today. Containing 9 tracks of live set favorites, the album punctuates the end of the first chapter from the Auckland rock and roll 2 piece, and paves the way for new material which lies just around the corner.
Alex Elvis, guitar and vocals, states; ”We made this album for all the fans who have been with us since day one, and for everyone who we’ve met along the way. We’re really excited to finally share this collection of tracks before an exciting new chapter for Skinny Hobos begins.”
Also set loose today is the video for new single ‘Jacked like the Ripper’ - the fourth and final installation of the Stefan Coetzee directed series, co-directed with Alani Lewis. Wrapping up a perilous ride which has seen the twosome combat music critics, repo men, hobo gangs, evil doppelgangers and a giant lizard, the final act comes to a close with the inclusion of ghosts, zombies and a fierce battle of Mario Cart in space – all on a NZ On Air funding budget.
In celebration of their debut release, Skinny Hobos launch into their 12 date national tour with support from His Masters Voice and Coridian in the North Island and Pieces of Molly and No Broadcast in the South. The tour begins in Taupo tonight with support from Silence the City, If He Dies He Dies and Shaken and Stirred. Tickets available on the door.
The Rock presents Skinny Hobos Release Tour
Friday 18 May Taupo, The Great Lakes Centre
Friday 25 May Auckland, Galatos
Saturday 26 May Whangarei, Old Stone Butter Factory
Friday 1 June Hamilton, Altitude
Saturday 2 June Napier, The Cabana
Friday 8 June New Plymouth, Treehouse Bar
Saturday 9 June Wellington, San Fran
Friday 15 June Tauranga, Totara St
Wednesday 20 June Invercargill, Southland Musician’s Club
Thursday 21 June Dunedin, The Captain Cook Hotel
Friday 22 June Queenstown, Yonder (free entry)
Saturday 23rd June Christchurch, ‘Winter Party 2018’, The Embankment
Tickets for Friday 25 May dates onward are available through www.undertheradar.co.nz
Skinny Hobos self-titled debut is recorded at Roundhead Studios NZ by Nick Poortman and mastered at Kog Studios by Chris Chetland. Available now through Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and JB Hi-Fi.
THA MOVEMENT 'GRADUATED'
Growing up in urban Aotearoa, for some of our New Zealand born Pacific youngsters, it was common practice for parents to threaten to send their children back to the islands. “Graduated” is the true story of what happened to a young south Auckland Sāmoan boy when the threat became a reality and he was sent to his parents birth place without a return ticket.
Growing up in urban Aotearoa, for some of our New Zealand born Pacific youngsters, it was common practice for parents to threaten to send their children “back to the islands” if they got themselves into any serious trouble.
“Graduated” is the true story of what happened to a young south Auckland Sāmoan boy when the threat became a reality and he was sent to his parents birth place without a return ticket.
Graduated is track 1 on Tha Movement’s “The Undisciplined Son EP” produced by Anonymouz, who is a finalist for Best Producer Award at this week’s Pacific Music Awards.
NEW ZEALAND MUSICIANS AT THE GREAT ESCAPE
This May four bands and artists from New Zealand will be making their way to the south of England to perform at the annual music festival, The Great Escape. This year MMF artists Louis Baker (Cushla Aston), and Teeks (Cilla Ruha), as well as Delaney Davidson and Yukon Era will be making the trip appearing at their own showcases as well as the ‘NZ @ The Great Escape’ day party.
THURSDAY 17TH MAY 12-4PM - ONE CHURCH, GLOUCESTER PLACE
12.30pm – TEEKS
1.30pm – Yukon Era
2.30pm – Delaney Davidson
3.30pm – Louis Baker
This May four bands and artists from New Zealand will be making their way to the south of England to perform at the annual music festival, The Great Escape. This year Louis Baker, Delaney Davidson, Yukon Era and Teeks will be making the trip appearing at their own showcases as well as the ‘NZ @ The Great Escape’ day party which will be taking place on Thursday 18h of May, 12pm – 4pm at One Church, Gloucester Place.
TEEKS (real name Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi) grew up surrounded by music and performance with strong Kapa Haka influences. His debut EP The Grapefruit Skies, recorded both in New York and in New Zealand, makes a powerful statement that boldly introduces a young artist, who is unequivocally one of Aotearoa’s next great talents. Steeped in old-school soul and shimmering with golden moments that capture TEEKS’ strength of youth, the songs that make up The Grapefruit Skies are no short of stunning - from its velvety smooth lead single ‘If Only’ to the simmering soulful ‘Wash Over Me’. TEEKS is represented by 13 Artists.
“Once you hear his voice, it's so ridiculously good all you have is clichés to reach for: Jaw-dropping. Goosebumps. Velvety. Heavenly.” - Frances Morton, Noisey, VICE
YUKON ERA: These indie post-punkers occupy a unique, small territory; they’re young enough to have avoided succumbing to industry weariness or scene categorisation, yet old enough to have spent money on a decent amplifier. They occupy a space in time where Metz are a click away from Black Sabbath, where you can mention Mac DeMarco & Metallica in the same breath and no one gives you a funny look. And you can hear it. As soon as the playful vocals of Christian Dimick lull you into an “indie throwback” mood, the band deftly changes tack, using rhythm & dynamics as integral songwriting tools to create something both fervently modern, and stubbornly classic.
Forming in June 2015, already the boys have caught the attention of The New Zealand Herald, Impose Mag, Vice's Noisey, Under The Radar and Radio New Zealand, and have supported international acts such as The Cult, The Reubens, Mac Demarco, Viet Cong, and Mini Mansions. After releasing two EP’s, the boys are set to release their debut full-length album, recorded at Red Bull Studios in Auckland, in 2018.
DELANEY DAVIDSON: From Lyttleton, Christchurch. Over a series of solo albums including his latest, Shining Day (released April 20 on UK label, Glass redux) and over thirteen years of tirelessly delivering compelling live performances around the world, Delaney has presented his often jarring yet beautiful songs that some would call “Country-Noir” or “Gothic Americana” and established himself as one of the most distinctive figures in the NZ musical landscape. Reveling in the darker side of things, Davidson’s lyrical content dredges up classic murder ballads, songs with a deep insight into the human condition, and hypnotic trance takes on old blues classics. All liberally laced with an abiding sympathy for human quirks, failure, foibles and triumphs. His rumpled stage persona combines an unconventional and unforgettable voice with a wry and twisted sense of humor.
“Sublime, raw and original” - Blues and Soul Magazine
LOUIS BAKER: The soulful singer-songwriter works with the bare essentials and crafting his work with a deep artistic integrity. He has gathered a loyal following that spans the world over and in 2013 he was selected to attend the prestigious annual Red Bull Music Academy in New York. He then went on to London and recorded his self-titled EP which debuted at #3 on the NZ Album Chart, and was a top five finalist for the 2014 APRA Silver Scroll Award for his song Back On My Feet. With that and four new singles under his belt, Baker has independently built up over 9 million Spotify streams from fans across the world alike and performed at festivals across the world, including Field Days, Sziget Festival, Sonar Festival, Berlin Festival, The Great Escape, and Splendor in the Grass, building an appetite for bigger crowds as well as more intimate spaces.
“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.
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/playlist/nz-the-great-escape-2018/pl.u-qxylEeDu2AVRdky
Additional London Showcases:
Yukon Era
Monday 21st May Venue: The Old Blue Last 8.00pm
TEEKS
Wednesday 23rd May Venue: St Pancras Old Church 7.30pm
Delaney Davidson
Thursday 24th May Venue: Servants Jazz Quarters 7.30pm
Louis Baker
Thursday 24th May Venue: The Islington 8.00pm
More information on the New Zealand artists performing The Great Escape 2018 can be found at the artist’s websites.
RANEA - AIO
New Zealand Music Month 2018 sees the release of a new Māori language music video by RANEA (Teresa McGregor). Last year facebook fans voted for the song “ĀIO” to be RANEA’s next music video, and a successful funding application to Te Māngai Pāho enabled a video to be produced by Fiona Apanui-Kupenga of Te Amokura Productions.
New Zealand Music Month 2018 sees the release of a new Māori language music video by RANEA (Teresa McGregor). Last year facebook fans voted for the song “ĀIO” to be RANEA’s next music video, and a successful funding application to Te Māngai Pāho enabled a video to be produced by Fiona Apanui-Kupenga of Te Amokura Productions.
“ĀIO” is an original composition from Ranea’s award-winning album “TIHEI MAURI ORA” produced by Maaka Phat. The song conveys the parallel and corresponding life between nature and human-being, peace and war, light and darkness, innocence and corruption. Both ‘entities’ are interconnected, they co-exist. Hāhā te whenua, hāhā te tangata. If land is desolate, so too will man
RANEA’s “TIHEI MAURI ORA” album including “ĀIO” is available online on all major digital platforms including iTunes and Spotify.
ALIEN WEAPONRY PREMIERE BRUTAL NEW VIDEO FOR ‘KAI TANGATA' AS THEY GEAR UP FOR ALBUM LAUNCH
In 1820, the great Northern War Chief Hongi Hika departed New Zealand for England. On his return, he brought with him the word of God and hundreds of muskets. Things would never be the same again… and so begins the video for Alien Weaponry’s (Niel de Jong) new single, ‘Kai Tangata’.
“In 1820, the great Northern War Chief Hongi Hika departed New Zealand for England. On his return, he brought with him the word of God and hundreds of muskets. Things would never be the same again …”
… so begins the video for Alien Weaponry’s new single, ‘Kai Tangata’.
The title literally translates to ‘Eat People’; and refers to the ancient Māori tradition of eating the flesh of their enemies after battle in order to insult them. It is also a traditional term for a war party on the move.
In their epic six and a half minute song, the thrash metal trio recreates the memory of the early 19th Century musket wars, where Ngapuhi (Northern) tribes, newly armed with muskets, attacked and decimated the de Jong brothers’ Te Arawa (Central North Island) ancestors, who at that time were still using traditional weaponry.
The driving riff that carries the song echoes the pounding footsteps of the war party, while the chorus traces the parts of the full body moko (tattoo) traditionally worn by Māori warriors. The images are of brutal hand-to-hand combat and the taking of slaves, with flashes of white teeth reminding us of the eventual fate of those unfortunate captives.
“Some people might find it a bit grisly,” says singer and lead guitarist Lewis de Jong. “But it’s stuff that actually happened and nobody ever talks about it. We’re not saying it’s right or wrong, it’s just a part of our history.”
The song refers to ‘nga tohu a Tūmatauenga’ (the symbols of Tūmatauenga – the Māori god of war), and it is from this deity that the band’s debut album, Tū, takes its name.
“Quite a few of the songs on the album are about battles or conflict,” says drummer Henry de Jong, who was largely responsible for the lyrics of Kai Tangata. “So we thought it was appropriate to name the album after Tūmatauenga. Tū also means to stand strong and proud, to stand for something; which we think is important as a band and as people.”
The video has special significance for the band due to the locations and people involved. Parts of the clip were filmed at the Waipu Caves, not far from where the band members live. The rest was filmed in the de Jong brothers’ Te Arawa tribal territory; and many of the people featured – including the kapa haka group Te Matarae i Orehu – are members of their Ngati Pikiao whanau and their wider Te Arawa iwi.
Alien Weaponry’s debut album, Tū, is due for release on 1 June 2018 and the band are playing one New Zealand show at Galatos Ballroom in Auckland June 2 the celebrate the release - Tickets available through Eventfinda
JULIA DEANS 'WE LIGHT FIRE'
Following the release of singles Walking In The Sun, Clandestine, and most recently The Panic, Julia Deans is proud to announce today the release of her second solo album We Light Fire.
Following the release of singles Walking In The Sun, Clandestine, and most recently The Panic, Julia Deans is proud to announce today the release of her second solo album We Light Fire.
It has been seven years since her first acclaimed solo effort Modern Fables was released – an album that earned her a Taite Music Prize nomination and a Silver Scroll finalist spot for the single ‘A New Dialogue’, heralding her transition from iconic rock chick (as the front woman for Fur Patrol), to nuanced storytelling chanteuse. It has not been a quiet time between albums for Deans, who has immersed herself in various musical projects while slowly creating a new raft of songs.
Inspired by world events, friends, and family, We Light Fire is an album that examines both what it means to be human, and our spectrum of strength and vulnerability.
Says Julia: “We Light Fire is about being human, and the things that we have in common – the desires and emotions that connect us even when we think we’re divided or different or alone. It carries a sense of hope and optimism; the idea that there’s a better world, a better way out there for us if we would just look up & see each other.”
While writing the songs was a very solo pursuit, the recording of them was less so with Deans working alongside her partner and co-producer David Wernham, “pulling the musical story together”. And though Deans plays many of the instruments on the record herself, she also roped in an impressive list of friends to sprinkle their abilities across the tracks too: Nick Gaffaney (Cairo Knife Fight), Steve Bremner (The Adults), Richie Pickard (Nadia Reid), Mareea Patterson (Veruca Salt), Anna Coddington, Annie Crummer, Tama Waipara, Sean Donnelly (aka SJD), Tom Broome, Louis Baker and Anika Moa.
New Zealand will soon have the opportunity to hear the beautiful songs from We Light Fire and a handful of retrospective hits live, as Julia embarks on a seven-date tour supporting Marlon Williams later this month.
WE LIGHT FIRE
Buy We Light Fire on iTunes
Stream We Light Fire on Spotify and Apple Music
Her delivery throughout is breathtaking, and We Light Fire is a masterful showcase of her abilities. She drifts effortlessly between styles and beams with confidence. This is a singer/songwriter at the height of their craft. – ★★★★ 1/2 Sunday Star Times
We Light Fire is a set of songs soaked in self-analysis and pleas for understanding, forgiveness and honesty. Yep, she can sing, and when she soars it’s a spine-tingling thing because it’s all real. – ★★★★ Metro
MARLON WILLIAMS NZ TOUR with support from Julia Deans
Sat. May 19 | Wellington @ Hunter Lounge | SOLD OUT
Sun. May 20 | Wellington @ Hunter Lounge | SOLD OUT
Mon. May 21 | Christchurch @ Foundry | ticketmaster.co.nz
Tue. May 22 | Dunedin @ Dunedin Town Hall | ticketmaster.co.nz
Wed. May 23 | Christchurch @ Foundry | SOLD OUT
Fri. May 25 | Auckland @ Auckland Town Hall | SOLD OUT
Sat. May 26 | Auckland @ Auckland Town Hall | ticketmaster.co.nz
KINGS 'TWO'
Kings (Matt Headland) has today shared the second chapter to an evergrowing musical catalogue with his brand new, self-produced album Two.
Kings (Matt Headland) has today shared the second chapter to an evergrowing musical catalogue with his brand new, self-produced album Two. Following the release of his debut album Chapter One in November last year, Kingdon Chapple-Wilson is now excited to present 12 new tracks to the world, which will be available on digital services from tomorrow morning.
Created from Kingdon's own Awataha marae studio (also known as Arch Angel Studios), Two was inspired by the energy of the live audiences he encountered while on tour over the last few months with Six60 / Nico & Vinz, and festival spots at Jim Beam Homegrown, KFC Edge Fest and ZM's Flochella. This time he wanted to create something that made people move.
Where his debut shared parts of Kingdon's personal story, Two is about letting go and having fun.
Earlier in March this year, Kings teamed up with Super Rugby to release the upbeat anthem 'Play The Game', which was followed up by the first Two single 'You Do' which has seen over 350,000 cross-platform streams since late March.
Since Kings first caught the attention of New Zealanders during the summer of 2015 with his omnipresent chart-topper 'Don't Worry Bout It', the young producer, singer-songwriter and performing artist has solidified his place in the New Zealand music scene as a hitmaker.
As he rose further through the ranks with his debut release Kings EP, he showed us his skills as a producer and songwriter, presenting the broad musical influences that inspire him. This led to Kingdon's very first Vodafone New Zealand Music Award for New Zealand Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2016, and several Vodafone Pacific Music Awards including Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist and NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award) in 2017.
Last year at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, Kings took home 2 Tuis for Highest Selling Single of 2017 and the Radio Airplay Record of the Year for his chart-topping breakout single 'Don't Worry Bout It' released through Warner Music.
Most recently, Kings debuted his first full-length album Chapter One which shone a light on more personal stories and produced hit single 'We'll Never Know' along with other fan favourites 'Domino', 'Kush Rolled x Cup Filled', 'In The Sun' and more.
Chapter One has now surpassed over 3 million cross-platform streams since its release in November 2017.
Released independently on his personal label Arch Angel Records via digital music distributors DRM NZ, Kings hoped to inspire and encourage others to do the same.
Kings is up again for two Vodafone Pacific Music Awards (NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist and SIT/MAINZ Best Producer) for the 2018 ceremony later this month.