HA THE UNCLEAR 'STUCK IN MY HEAD'

Ha the Unclear (Michael Cathro) has shared their brand new track 'Stuck In My Head' from their upcoming album Invisible Lines which is due for physical and digital release on August 3rd, 2018 on Woollen Records via Rhythmethod.  The album release tour is also announced today taking in five cities across the nation.

Ha The Unclear - Invisible Lines Tour

3rd August - Christchurch - New City Hotel (NZ)

4th August -  Dunedin- The Cook (NZ)

11th  August - Wellington - Meow (NZ)

24th August - Auckland - Whammy (NZ)

25th August - Mt. Maunganui - Brew Co. (NZ)

2nd September - Melbourne - Noisy Ritual (AU)

3rd September - Melbourne - Old Bar (AU)
 

NZ Show Tickets available from undertheradar.co.nz
AU tTicket details from hatheunclear.com

In classic Ha the Unclear fashion, this punchy new track evokes nostalgia through New Wave sound sensibilities underneath a singable chorus, jangly guitars and a propulsive bass line. Produced and engineered at Paquin Studios by Tom Healy (Paquin, Tiny Ruins, Jamie McDell), 'Stuck In My Head' is the third single from the much-loved four piece's new record following 'Wallace Line' and 'Big City'.

"When I wrote Stuck In My Head I’d been thinking a lot about empathy, ‘wearing someone else’s shoes’, and subjectivity," says frontman Michael Cathro.

"For a while, I was chewing on this particular thought about what the closest I could ever be to someone else would be, in a shared experience kind of way, and how we are alone in our own minds. 

At the time it was equally funny and lonely, and I had this strange sensation of being constrained by the bounds of my body so that’s what the lyric came out of."

The colourful music video for 'Stuck In My Head', in which the band play a children's TV presenter, a birdwatcher, a teacher, and an infantryman also features fellow Auckland musician Lou'ana Whitney as co-presenter. The video was shot in three long sequences, carefully choreographed by director Alexander Hoyles. Hugs and thanks to NZ On Air.

ALIEN WEAPONRY 'WHISPERS'

Alien Weaponry’s (Niel de Jong) new ‘Whispers’ video a Harsh Commentary on Modern Political Issues

Less than a week after they were awarded the Te Whetū Maiangi Award for Young Achievers at the 2018 Matariki Awards, NZ thrash metal trio Alien Weaponry have released a new music video for the song ‘Whispers,’ off their debut album, Tū.

While previous hits Rū Ana Te Whenua and Kai Tangata have related to historic battles and injustices faced by their ancestors, ‘Whispers’ raises much more recent incidences of conflict – the Foreshore and Seabed Act passed in 2004; and the Trans Pacific Partnership, signed in 2016.

“These are just a couple of examples of the government not respecting the voices of the people, especially Māori,” says guitarist and lead singer, Lewis de Jong. “Even though historic wrongs have supposedly been righted with compensation, when the same thing keeps happening it’s hard to believe there has really been a change.”

The spoken excerpt at the beginning of the song is part of a radio interview by well-known Radio New Zealand journalist Kim Hill with Don Brasch, a former leader of two right wing political parties, and current spokesperson for a lobby group set up to advocate removal of so-called ‘special privileges’ for Māori.

“It’s kind of scary how many people share his views,” says drummer Henry de Jong. “They don’t seem to understand that the current policies are there to help redress the imbalance that was caused after over a hundred years of colonization. During that time, millions of acres of Māori land was stolen, they were excluded from voting and children were punished for speaking Māori in schools, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. That sort of thing can’t be fixed with compensation alone – it takes time and goodwill from both sides.”

The historic film footage in the background to the video features images of the Hikoi (March) against the Foreshore and Seabed Act, which put the foreshore and seabed around the coastline of New Zealand into government ownership, even though it had never been gifted, sold by or confiscated from its traditional Māori owners. Henry and Lewis (then aged 4 and 2 respectively) were among the 40,000 people who marched on parliament to oppose the legislation. 

Also featured in the song and video are Labour MP Tariana Turia, who crossed the floor to vote against her own party on the bill; and well known Tuhoe activist Tame Iti, who was famously charged with treason for shooting the New Zealand flag. 

The video was released this morning on the eve of Alien Weaponry’s first show in Europe as part of a tour that spans seven festivals and 12 club shows in six countries over two months.

The tour follows the release of the band’s debut album, Tū, in June – which has been getting rave reviews internationally.

“Taking the tribal exuberance of early Sepultura and giving it a distinctly Kiwi spin … making brave, innovative metal that bodes of a bright future for heavy music.” – Brandon Geist, revolver.com (25 Best Albums of 2018 So Far)

“Tū, establishes Alien Weaponry on the global music stage … perhaps the best metal debut since Conjurer’s acclaimed Mire.” – whatculture.com (5 Best Metal Albums of June 2018)

“This album is nuts … these guys hit it out of the park … as a debut album, this is extremely impressive.” – Two Toe Tags Metal Reviews, YouTube

“It’s a beast ... takes you to a place rarely visited … it’s easy to forget that this trio aren’t even out of their teens yet.” – Jenni McCarthy, Mayhem Radio UK

“A landmark album and a stake driven into the ground.” – Graham Reid, elsewhere.co.nz

“This is one of the best albums of the year, so far. When you don’t understand 90% of the language spoken, but you can still feel emotion, that f***in good.” – McCoy DS, Facebook top fan

PHIL JOHNS 'CHANGE MY BONES'

After three years in-the-making, German-based artist Phil Johns is launching his new album Change My Bones on July 27, in Heidelberg @ the Karlstorbahnhof... and it will be a truly international affair.

Phil Johns returned to his native New Zealand to record what will be his second album at 'Sitting Room Studios' in Lyttelton - a beautiful harbour town on the south island. Change My Boneswas produced by Ben Edwards (NZ Awards 'Producer of The Year' 2017) whose credits also include heavyweight “Downunder” folk-inspired artists Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding, Nadia Read and Julia Jacklin. The music itself is characterised by Phil Johns' distinctive voice and rich harmonies laid over lush instrumentation. As a listener you can simply let the album wash over you with effortless calm. Hungrier, more attentive, ears can feast on the musical density and surprises that Change My Bonessonic journey presents. The fruits of three years of crafting, Change My Boneshas something for everyone and will stand up to repeated listening.

Joining him on stage for the launch show will be musicians from all over the world Alex Auer (Xavier Naidoo), Stewart Taylor (Worldfly, Australia), Jochen Seiterle (The Busters) and Boris Angst (Do.Do). Please come along for what promises to be a memorable musical celebration.

THEIA 'BAD IDEA'

Theia’s new single, ‘Bad Idea’ is released today.

‘Bad Idea’ delivers a powerful and poignant message. It’s emotive and honest; at times raw and hard-hitting. But ultimately it is a song of strength and hope.

Theia wrote the song when contemplating her own ups and downs, and when reflecting on the times fans have contacted her to say how much her music has helped them.

The song was produced in New York by Sean Turk - an artist in his own right - who Theia first came across when he remixed her song ‘Treat You’ in 2017. Vocal production was done by Josh Fountain at Golden Age Studios in New Zealand. 

JED PARSONS 'MIDNIGHT FEAST'

Jed Parsons has today released his highly-anticipated debut album, MIDNIGHT FEAST, which he’s taking to the masses this month with an Album Release Tour. 

Tender and delicate in places; raucous and rollicking in others, MIDNIGHT FEAST is a 10-track indie-pop gem containing the already released singles ‘Get Lost’, ‘Everybody’s Stupid’ and ‘Time’, which have received radio play on New Zealand’s premier indie-rock station Hauraki.

The MIDNIGHT FEAST Album Release Tour kicks off on Friday, July 20 in Auckland at Neck of the Woods, with support from October. 

It’s followed by a show at San Fran in Wellington on Saturday, July 21 with support from Hans Pucket. It picks up again in Christchurch at Blue Smoke on Friday, July 27, with support from Sunset Synth, before finishing in Dunedin on Saturday, July 28 at The Cook with Marlin’s Dreaming as support.

CATHERINE TUNKS AT PAH HOMESTEAD

Wallace Arts Trust is proud to present Catherine Tunks live in the
Ballroom at the Historic Pah Homestead, Auckland, this Sunday July 15th

Tickets $15/$25 available via Eventbrite 

The Genre-defying songwriter and songstress will fill the Pah’s galleries with live music during Matariki fused with influences of alt-country, jazz, soul and blues.

The Sunday Concert Series is presented In celebration of Auckland’s status as an official UNESCO City of Music

Accompanied with special guests Renee Cosio (piano) and Gavin Dowling (guitar), as well as brother BJ Tunks (slide) audiences will be treated to songs from both her early Black Sand Diva album releases, and her later alt country/blues from The Beautiful Dreamers and new material
from her current recording project "Be Like Water'.

With a start at 5.30pm, patrons are invited to browse the galleries or enjoy a drink at the Homestead Eatery before the concert.

More information contact Wallace Arts Trust

https://tsbbankwallaceartscentre.org.nz/event/sunday-concert-series-catherine-tunks/
http://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/2018/sunday-concert-series-catherine-tunks/category/performance-2/

HELEN CORRY 'THE POWER'

Helen Corry (Fenella Stratton) returns with a soaring love song, ‘The Power’. 

Brutal and beautiful; honest and dreamy, ‘The Power’is about being loved by someone. “A love so big, that it makes you feel strong and powerful - like you have a secret weapon, and like you might actually be able to survive it all,” explains Corry.

A consummate performer, with one of the most distinctive voices in New Zealand music, Corry’s flair as a songwriter also shines through on ‘The Power’. She captures an honest and emotive take on love, which simply soars with the golden touch of Kiwi production royalty, Rory Noble, who has worked with the likes of heavyweights such as DJ Mustard, Tinashe,Parris Goebel and Stan Walker.

‘The Power’ follows Corry’s last single ‘La femme’ - a politically-charged anthem, which draw inspiration from the #metoo movement. 

‘La femme’ received widespread radio play on George FMand sparked media headlines when the video, featuring dancers wearing body paint, saw the Kiwi artist banned from Facebook. It triggered an avalanche of support from around the world for Corry, with Facebook eventually reinstating her artist page.

Corrytold the New Zealand Herald she was thrilled that so many people had understood the message behind the song and the video: “I feel really proud. The response… from people messaging me and agreeing with me, it felt like a really powerful weekend.”

In keeping with Corry’s modus operandi ofpairing her songs with thought-provoking and beautifully shot imagery, the video for ‘The Power’ is moving and poignant. 

Made by Auckland-based Fish N Clips, with support from NZ on Air, and with “not a nipple in sight”, laughs Corry, the video is out now. 

The video’s director Petra Cibilichsays: “‘The Power’ depicts an illusive world of dance and human connection across changing times and spaces”.

Corry has featured on countless chart-topping tunes, such as Jetski Safari’s ‘Like A Lie’ and Jupiter Project’s ‘With You’. 

She’s also a force to be reckoned with in her own right, with recent singles ‘Strike’ and ‘La femme’ clocking up close to 150,000 plays on Spotify and receiving radio love from NZ’s #1 tastemaker station, George FM.

Corry has also maintained a constant presence on the live circuit, performing at New Zealand’s biggest festivals and events, from Rhythm N’ Vines and Homegrown, to Synthony and Deep Hard ‘N’ Funky.

Upcoming live gigs include George FM’s Snowballin Ohakune on August 4 and Synthonyin Auckland on September 14 and15

TEMPIST FUJIT SINGLE RELEASE TOUR

Sat 7th July – Nivara Lounge - Hamilton - 8-12pm -Special Guests Rebel Sound Radio

Sat 14th July – Ding Dong Lounge – Auckland – 8-12pm – Special Guests Tribal State and Glow Becky

Sat 21st July – Butter Factory – Whangarei – 8-12pm – Special Guests Monkey Assassins

Tempist Fujit hit the road again this July to promote the release of their 2nd single Daynes Song. They'll be hitting three centres, Hamilton, Auckland and hometown Whangarei.

They'll be joined on the way by special guests Rebel Sound Radio(Hamilton Nivara Lounge 7th) Glow Becky and Tribal State(Auckland Ding Dong lounge 14th) and Monkey Assassins (Whangarei Butter Factory 21st) Tickets to the shows are available from www.eventfinda.co.nz

Tickets $10 from www.eventfinda.co.nz