Alba Rose returns with her new authentic and electrifying indie-electronica single ‘Mountains’
Coming home from climbing Spanish mountains with her family and frolicking across British meadows, Alba Rose is back with her new raw, indie-pop dance track ‘Mountains’, a snap shot of vulnerability with its intimacies sung in a free-spirited blend of care, passion, openness and charm.
Coming home from climbing Spanish mountains with her family and frolicking across British meadows, Alba Rose is back with her new raw, indie-pop dance track ‘Mountains’, a snap shot of vulnerability with its intimacies sung in a free-spirited blend of care, passion, openness and charm. A track with singer-songwriter, soul and electronica textures and grooving, dynamic percussion, we find the artist at her most raw and honest, yet equally inspired and electrified, creating a piece rich in depth and emotion.
Following on from a trip connecting with her Spanish heritage and exploring the European lands, Alba Rose is home and ready to share a personal story. With lyrics embracing the bittersweetness of diving into love you know is soon to end, expressing that you have to risk heartbreak to experience deep connection.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Maggie Rogers, Lianne La Havas, Alice Phoebe Lou, Maribu State and Julia Jacklin, Alba’s previous success includes A-rotation and music chart placements on SNR NZ, features on national and international press (Sniffers, Backseat Mafia, Undertheradar + more) and live performance features at leading festivals such as Rhythm & Vines (2019,2020), Bay Dreams (2021), Le Currants (2022) and Tora Bombora Festival (2022).
Supporting the release of the new single, Alba Rose will be headlining release shows across the country, performing live with her band in Nelson (1st October), Wellington (13th October) and Christchurch (14th October). Limited tickets available from Undertheradar.
Alba Rose is also playing gigs in Christchurch and Wellington
SanFran: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/80720/Alba-Rose-Mountains-Release-Show.utr
Wunderbar (Chch): https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/80721/Alba-Rose-Mountains-Release-Show.utr
Estère drops "BPM" mesmerising beat-laden track off new EP Mākara Peak
Estère's new single BPM is an aural masterclass in found sound production, the first release off Estère's new Mākara Peak EP. BPM's foray into rhythm and texture incorporates lyrics that are playful yet poignant, capturing the wanderlüst and sentiments of a musician/producer/performer stuck inside during various lockdown stages in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Estère's new single "BPM" is a vibe.
Estère's new single BPM is an aural masterclass in found sound production, the first release off Estère's new Mākara Peak EP. BPM's foray into rhythm and texture incorporates lyrics that are playful yet poignant, capturing the wanderlüst and sentiments of a musician/producer/performer stuck inside during various lockdown stages in Aotearoa New Zealand.
BPM transports the listener to a distant land. Close your eyes and you're in a Mediterranean port on a steamy summer's night, in a dimly-lit venue swirling in shisha smoke and the urgency and abandon of an ephemeral moment.
Estère says, “BPM is all about liberation and freedom of movement. In the clubs where people are sweating, dancing and feeling free with each other; that’s what I was channeling when I wrote it.”
BPM was born of a sampling exercise in which Estère recorded the sounds of assembling and smoking a hookah pipe (watch here). Laced with ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) and mukbang (performance eating) samples, BPM is an alluring and sexy song celebrating the feeling of liberation through dance and movement of the body.
Trailblazing director and DJ Shaquille Wasasala, also known as Halfqueen, brings the song to life with an accompanying music video shot entirely on film by DOP Ezra Simmons in the iconic Civic Theater in Auckland, New Zealand. The film quantity was finite, meaning every section of the video could only have one take. The lighting, timing, dance moves and camera work needed to be perfect with each shot, requiring many rehearsals, light metering, etc. “The stakes were high; it just made it more exhilarating,” says Estère. The result is a gorgeous and richly textured dance takeover of the Civic, perfectly channeling the energy and mood of the track into a visual feast.
Estère says "It was awesome working with Shaq, and her crew were really good at fostering an inspiring and fun environment. Timēna Apa, the editor, and Shaq did an incredible job of piecing together those 20 minutes."
Mākara Peak
Named after the statuesque hilltop outside of Estère’s studio window, Mākara Peak is a self-produced EP that combines beat-pop, RnB and ASMR, creating an upbeat hypnotic dancefloor tracklist. Citing Burna Boy, Lido Pimienta, Lous and the Yakuza and Doja Cat as some of the main inspirations for the EP - Mākara Peak explores Estère’s love of dance rhythm, and her sonic identity rooted in her Cameroonian/ Kiwi ancestry.
Produced at home during lockdown in a humble study-cum-studio she fondly dubs ‘Le Petit’, Estère says “I just wanted to make something unapologetic and honest, that represents where I’m currently at as a human and artist - I never want to feel pressure to stick to who I once was or what I’ve done before.”
Mākara Peak is slated for release on Friday 18 November through all good streaming platforms. Hang tight!
Volts – When You Go
Ōtautahi rock outfit Volts release a scorching new single! As a follow up to the band’s highly successful Wolves EP, Volts are set to drop a brand new song titled When You Go.
Ōtautahi rock outfit Volts release a scorching new single!
As a follow up to the band’s highly successful Wolves EP, Volts are set to drop a brand new song titled When You Go.
The track was recently awarded New Music Single funding by NZ On Air.
When You Go was written around losing someone or something you love and feeling like life is spiralling out of control. The track showcases the bands heavier side, merging melody, urgency and energy, delivering another signature, riff driven rock song.
When You Go will be officially released on all streaming platforms through DRM on Friday 7th October, with a video to follow soon after. The song has already gained radio attention, playing loud across the airwaves on The Rock and Radio Hauraki this month.
Volts have had an action packed few months, with shows in the north island including a support for rock internationals You Am I and a run of festival appearances in the south.
https://on.soundcloud.com/Yc8Gh
MILLER YULE TURNS UP THE HEAT WITH DEBUT ALBUM LET IT BURN
Rising Americana singer-songwriter Miller Yule delivers an explosive debut album in LET IT BURN – a cathartic and revealing musical narrative through ten strong tracks that vividly capture his life through his tempestuous twenties.
Rising Americana singer-songwriter Miller Yule delivers an explosive debut album in LET IT BURN – a cathartic and revealing musical narrative through ten strong tracks that vividly capture his life through his tempestuous twenties.
Miller explains the story of LET IT BURN:
"Let It Burn is explosive, emotive, invasive, passionate, and fiery! It will give you that pumping, kickstart, upbeat vibe as well as those slow-burning, passionate and reflective feels. Let It Burn covers the journey of fire. From the spark to the flame, becoming engulfed to dying out, smouldering smokey embers to ash and dust.
It's a body of work that captures my life in my twenties. The good, the bad, the highs, the lows, the falling in love, the heartbreak, the regrets, the depression, the fulfilment and the emptiness, being lost to being exactly where I was meant to be all along! Simultaneously exciting and terrifying, this was my twenties…along with everyone else!
Releasing this album is the final cathartic act of letting go of these experiences and letting it all burn away. You can't erase the past but you can let go, let it be and let it burn. You can accept everything for what it was, who you were and who you’ve become from the experience, the struggle and the transformation. This is life and this is Let It Burn!"
Opening track, the heart-felt and enduring ‘Dynamite’, lights the fuse and explodes into Miller’s latest body of work that perfectly captures his continuing development into a musically and lyrically strong, contemporary songwriter.
Following on from earlier singles off the new album 'Tangled Up', 'Lock Me Up', and ‘Evergreen’, Miller’s work continues to demonstrate his ability to deliver strong hook-driven melodies, insightful and personal lyricism, a talent for excellent arrangements and musicality.
Recorded at Auckland’s Roundhead Studio A, with additional recording done at Big Pop Studios by Scott Seabright, ‘Dynamite’ and the Let It Burn album was mixed by Clint Murphy at Roundmead Studios, UK, mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound Mastering, Nashville and produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Melanie C, Opshop).
It’s been a long time coming for Miller, and now he and his band will finally gather together with friends, family, and fans to celebrate the completion and release of his first studio album with a party and show in two weeks. Diary the date, round up your friends and take the opportunity to experience the new album live and loud!
MILLER YULE – LET IT BURN – ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER GALATOS AUCKLAND
Tickets on sale now from galatos.co.nz
LISTEN / PURCHASE ‘LET IT BURN’ HERE
Olivia Foa’i is Releasing her intimately reflective single Myriagon (No Photos Please)
Olivia Foa'i, known for her joyful pan-pacific music and dance (Moana soundtrack, Te Vaka, Candid), She takes a big step closer to the listener with her upcoming, intimately reflective single, Myriagon (No Photos Please).
Olivia Foa'i, known for her joyful pan-pacific music and dance (Moana soundtrack, Te Vaka, Candid), She takes a big step closer to the listener with her upcoming, intimately reflective single, Myriagon (No Photos Please).
The song is being released on September 29, immediately followed by a short film-style music video with a thought-provoking storyline written by Olivia. She hopes that the track and visuals will spark questions and conversation regarding human connection, social media, and our ever-fading grip on the present moment.
Made with the support of NZ On Air, Myriagon will be the first single from Olivia’s 2023 sophomore album and follows the success of her debut album, Candid, which earned her the Tui for Best Pacific Album in 2020 and Best Female Artist in the Pacific Music Awards of the same year.
Follow Olivia Foa’i: Spotify / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram
Pop powerhouse PRINS continues her winning streak with the release of impressive new EP, LIFE IS BETTER NOW
She’s a triple threat with a background in acting, dancing and modeling. Now after releasing a winning streak of killer tunes, Christchurch-based artist PRINS has firmed up her place as one of New Zealand pop’s most exciting new acts with the release of her impressive new EP, LIFE IS BETTER NOW.
She’s a triple threat with a background in acting, dancing and modeling. Now after releasing a winning streak of killer tunes, Christchurch-based artist PRINS has firmed up her place as one of New Zealand pop’s most exciting new acts with the release of her impressive new EP, LIFE IS BETTER NOW.
Listen to LIFE IS BETTER NOW HERE
LIFE IS BETTER NOW features the recently released single ‘Hazardous’ and bangers ‘Better Now’; ‘On the low (shh!)’ and ‘That’s the thing x’, which hit #3 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart and secured rotation on all three of the country’s largest commercial radio stations, while simultaneously taking streaming platforms by storm. Combined, the singles garnered the attention of major labels around the world and saw PRINS sign New York-based AntiFragile.
On the five-track EP, the multi-talented PRINS worked with an array of exceptional songwriters, producers and engineers, including Drax Project, Marlon Gerbes (SIX60), award-winning engineer Pierre-Olivier Couturier, LA-based House of Wolf (Carlie Hanson), John-Adam Howard, Shawn Platzker, Jillian Slade, and Grammy recipient Chris Gehringer (Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga and Lil Nas X).
It makes for a tight collection of solid pop songs that stand out in their own right, but fit together seamlessly and showcase PRINS’ signature alt-pop sound - with a dose of sass and euphoric electronica, producing radio-ready dancefloor anthems sure to shake the crowd.
“This EP has felt like the start of what PRINS truly reflects,” explains PRINS. “I’ve had an incredible amount of support around me which has allowed me to be more vulnerable in my songwriting this year. It still has its sassy, empowering, badass tracks but I’ve been able to combine it with my softer side which equally represents me just as much,” she says.
“The experience I’ve gained from working with New Zealand’s very own Marlon Gerbes (Six60) and Drax Project who helped kick off the first two singles from the EP, has been invaluable,” says PRINS. “The same goes for my Canadian production team, 'House Of Wolf' who have helped me push the boundaries and develop my songwriting to an international level. I am excited to continue to develop these relationships and am already working on my next project for 2023.”
With millions of streams and numerous achievements now under her belt, the pop powerhouse has well and truly found her place. PRINS is a firm fixture on the festival circuit, having secured coveted slots at the likes of Bay Dreams South, The Edge NYE Festival, Highlife's Sunsetters Festival, Electric Ave, RNV, Soundsplash and Go Live Festival.
Other notable accolades include 2021’s ‘Follow Me’ rising to #8 on the Hot New Zealand Singles Chart; the ‘Midnight Calling’ Remix (2021) featuring on the largest DJ promo pool in Europe, and charting in the UK Club Top 30 for 5 weeks - peaking at #11. PRINS was also interviewed by Rio Fredrika, the host of the widely popular UK music station Capital FM, on the CBBC program 'The Ultimate Playlist' - and subsequently landed a feature in the international pop culture magazine, Wonderland.
It’s all topped off with the triumphant release of LIFE IS BETTER NOW, which has not only cemented PRINS’ status as New Zealand's resident pop princess, but established herself as an international force to be reckoned with.
The LIFE IS BETTER NOW EP is available worldwide today. Listen HERE
Don McGlashan NZ Tour Supports Announced + 2nd Wellington Date Added!
Today, Don McGlashan is elated to reveal the impressive roster of locally-sourced support acts for his upcoming Aotearoa tour dates to celebrate his number one album, Bright November Morning. Due to high demand, a second Wellington date has also been added for Friday, October 28 at Old St Pauls.
Today, Don McGlashan is elated to reveal the impressive roster of locally-sourced support acts for his upcoming Aotearoa tour dates to celebrate his number one album, Bright November Morning. Due to high demand, a second Wellington date has also been added for Friday, October 28 at Old St Pauls.
The tour will have the full band that recorded the album with Don, including; Shayne P Carter (Straitjacket Fits, Dimmer), Chris O’Connor (SJD, Phoenix Foundation) and James Duncan (SJD, Dimmer) and joining them will be multi-instrumentalist Anita Clark (Motte).
Kicking off the tour at Queenstown's Sherwood, Don and the band are joined by young guitarist and Play It Strange Youthtown Songwriting finalist Jack Speedy. In Christchurch, rock n roll group Adam Hattaway and The Haunters are set to perform, in addition to a second date on the tour in Leigh.
Those in Akaroa will be treated to the bewitching alt-folk music of songwriter Emily Fairlight, and Wellington offers the superb talents of local musician Michael James Keane, along with Jazz vocalist and composer Jess Deacon (Play On Words) in Paekakariki.
The grand finale show at Auckland’s Powerstation will see a special duo performance from prolific Tāmaki-based singer/guitarist Dianne Swann (The Bads) and Otis Mace.
Don McGlashan - Bright November Morning Tour
All tickets can be purchased via - www.donmcglashan.com
Thursday, Oct 20 - Queenstown, Sherwood w/ Jack Speedy
Friday, Oct 21 - Dunedin
Saturday, Oct 22 - Christchurch, James Hay Theatre w/ Adam Hattaway
Sun Oct 23 - Akaroa, Gaiety Hall w/ Emily Fairlight
Wed Oct 26 - Hastings
Thu Oct 27 - Wellington, Old St Pauls w/ Michael James Keane
*NEW DATE ADDED* Fri Oct 28 - Wellington, Old St Pauls w/ Michael James Keane
*SOLD OUT* Sat Oct 29 - Paekakariki, St Peters Hall w/ Jess Deacon
Sun Oct 30 - Nelson
Thu Nov 3 - Leigh, Sawmill Cafe w/ Adam Hattaway
Sat Nov 5 - Auckland, Powerstation w/ Dianne Swann & Otis Mace (presented by 95bFM)
Don McGlashan released his new album, Bright November Morning, following the release of three singles; ‘Now’s The Place’, ‘Go Back In’ and ‘All The Goodbyes In The World’. The glowing reviews and accolades have been rolling in and the audience have spoken by buying up large with sales pushing Don McGlashan’s album to Number 1 on the New Zealand Recorded Music Album Charts.
Surprisingly, this was the first number one album for Aotearoa’s songwriter-storyteller, Don McGlashan. And he was thrilled. “I’m somewhat overwhelmed that the album went straight into the NZ charts at No. 1…. That’s a first for me. I’ve had, I think, 5 top-5 albums over the course of a 40 year career in various collaborations and solo, but never the top spot ‘til now. Huge thanks to all of you for listening, being supportive, and being part of the team.” - Don McGlashan
Bright November Morning, is McGlashan’s fourth solo album, and is an essential addition to his remarkable output. It has all the glittering McGlashan touches in place: from the detail-perfect narratives of local life (the neighbours looking in when we take the curtains down, swimming and seeing Russian container ships on the horizon) to the strummy melodicism with detours into something noisier, and on to those welcome and welcoming choruses.
The new album was recorded in Lyttelton, Auckland and Vancouver, and full of inspired playing from Shayne P Carter (Straitjacket Fits, Dimmer), Chris O’Connor (SJD, Phoenix Foundation) and James Duncan (SJD, Dimmer), Bright November Morning marks a new stage in Don McGlashan’s generous and humane songbook.
Old Salts new single: ‘Casual Smoker’ and debut EP ‘Stories Told by the Sea
Northland Alt rockers Old Salts will release their debut EP ‘Stories Told by the Sea’ on Friday September 30th. The release will feature four tracks including the new single ‘Casual Smoker’ and loaded with three previously released singles… the angst filled rock anthem Itchy Feet, 'Stories told by the Sea' a moody ballad, and their debut release 'Take a Breather' which also has a Music Video.
Northland Alt rockers Old Salts will release their debut EP ‘Stories Told by the Sea’ on Friday September 30th. The release will feature four tracks including the new single ‘Casual Smoker’ and loaded with three previously released singles… the angst filled rock anthem Itchy Feet, 'Stories told by the Sea' a moody ballad, and their debut release 'Take a Breather' which also has a Music Video.
“Citing influences such as Primus and Them Crooked Vultures, you can definitely hear this in the way the song, not only sounds but how it is written and arranged. It is raw. It is real.” Ben Ruegg from Muzicnet (Review of Take a Breather)
‘Casual Smoker’ will be the fourth and final track to complete the Old Salts debut EP ‘Stories told by the Sea’ due to be released Friday 30th September. Musically ‘Casual Smoker’ is reminiscent of Barry Manilow meets RHCP. The quirkiness is prominent in the lyrics, musicianship and the mix itself. ‘Casual Smoker’ features a unique Caribbean twist with a Steelpan instrumental and percussion.
‘Casual Smoker’ is a scene which any kiwi bar goer would have seen play out in front of them… the tale of a persistent punter trying to woo a love interest using exaggerated truths such as…
“A no brainer for the scoundrel, to say that he’s a dolphin trainer for the council”...
“During a time when live performances were either restricted or shrouded in uncertainty we decided to put our energy into writing and recording music. We wanted to celebrate each work by releasing them individually and as an EP which also gave the creative opportunity for each song to have its own artwork.”
- Scott Brown, lead guitarist and increasingly infrequent recreational fisherman
Each song brings its own vibe to the EP while still falling within the parameters of alt rock. From serious to satire, moody rock ballads to angsty rock anthems – it's a four-flavour taster pack which packs a punch. To celebrate, Old Salts are releasing a limited run of promotional beer coasters which conveniently also function as a coaster for the majority of other beverage receptacles. These will be equipped with QR codes linked to the EP and distributed in gorilla style to establishments where refreshments of any sort are consumed, saving drink rings on tables on sip at a time.
“I think ‘Take a Breather’ is refreshing. It’s a song you can drink to. A true crate day anthem.” - Straker Jackson, Geologist.
Alt rockers Old Salts hail from the shores of Bream Bay, Northland. An "old salt" is defined as an old sailor or mariner who tells oral history and sea stories. While these boys don’t claim to be old salty sea dogs they all love spinning a yarn and share a connection with the ocean whether it's surfing, fishing or diving. They are brought together with a passion for playing music and want to create something a bit different. Old Salts are made up of members
John Buckle (Lead Vocals / Guitar) Scott Brown ( Lead Guitar / BV) Marcus Jones (Bass / BV) Lucas Hargreaves (Drums / BV)
“They are actually pretty good!” - Olly Buckle
NSTAGRAM I FACEBOOK I LINKTREE I YOUTUBE I SPOTIFY I APPLE MUSIC