MIDAS MIND delivers his second single ‘NO HAT NO PLAY’ ahead of his debut EP ‘COMING UP ‘
MIDAS MIND has returned with two singles in the lead up to the release of his debut EP - ‘COMING UP’. He’s paired them with his popular ‘AUCKLAND WEATHER FREESTYLE’ video
MIDAS MIND has returned with two singles in the lead up to the release of his debut EP - ‘COMING UP’. He’s paired them with his popular ‘AUCKLAND WEATHER FREESTYLE’ video
The Glen Eden-native gives a taste of what to expect from his upcoming debut EP
with ‘2SICK’ which was released September 23,
followed by ‘NO HAT NO PLAY’ out October 14.
His Westie accent and hyperactive lyricism over bassy, bouncy, EDM-influenced beats creates a one of a kind sound that is as equally suited to an international festival stage, as it is to a local West Auckland garage.
MIDAS MIND first single ‘2SICK’ is a high energy exploration of what makes him unique. Initially flexing his rhyming prowess, the song evolves to reveal the root of his rapping ability to be something less than appealing, and definitely not something you want to catch.
‘NO HAT NO PLAY’ is about unapologetic self-expression, and asks the question “do I have to lie to rap?”, while simultaneously proving that, no, you don’t. And in fact, you can make a whole crowd dance while you’re at it.
Born and raised at the foothills of the Waitākere Ranges, MIDAS MIND lived on the border of two different worlds. The rugged, wild west coast on one side, and the temptations of big city suburbia on the other. From far too young, beach and bush collided with drugs and sex, and Midas gained a lifetime of stories and some pretty harsh lessons by his mid-twenties.
Driven by a focus on mental health and a passion for his community, MIDAS MIND explores the more enjoyable aspects of his journey on his EP ‘COMING UP’.
You can see MIDAS MIND performing LIVE on December 2nd, with more details to be announced soon.
Bird Machine release new single ‘I’m Right Here’ + announces debut EP
Kirikiriroa Hamilton duo Bird Machine (Jenna and Luke Grbin) have today announced the date of their debut EP (November 25) + released their dreamy new single ‘I’m Right Here’.
Kirikiriroa Hamilton duo Bird Machine (Jenna and Luke Grbin) have today announced the date of their debut EP (November 25) + released their dreamy new single ‘I’m Right Here’.
Listen to I’m Right Here’ HERE
Watch visualiser HERE
Following on from their recent releases - indie alt-folk ‘Our Kind’ and shoegaze, dream pop ‘Moneyache’ - this new dream-pop offering ‘I’m Right Here’ is soaked in reverb and laced with dreamy pitch bends. Bird Machine says the song reflects the fragile moments of partner relationships - relinquishing past regrets or feelings of loss and learning to see validity in the present.
It’s a song that the husband and wife duo say wouldn’t have come about if they hadn’t combined their styles - drawing on Jenna’s aptitude for pop melodies and lush vocal harmony arrangements, as well as Luke’s rock influence. The Bird Machine sound has evolved to encompass alt-rock, pop, dream pop and folk - with social commentary being a big part of the pair's music.
Every single released by Bird Machine continues to build excitement for the release of their debut EP - described as a collection of good dreams and bad dreams. The duo have been busy writing, producing rehearsing, gigging and planning! So with much more to come from them, be sure you’re following.
ROONIE announces EP LOVELESS + releases beautiful new single ‘The Way It Should Be’
Ōtautahi Christchurch-based pop songstress ROONIE has today released her beautifully vulnerable new single ‘The Way It Should Be’.
Ōtautahi Christchurch-based pop songstress ROONIE has today released her beautifully vulnerable new single ‘The Way It Should Be’.
This emotive pop ballad is a contrast to the artist’s previously released upbeat pop singles ‘Alibi’ and ‘Something Bout’ You’, showing another side to the artist. All about letting go of a relationship and moving on, ROONIE says there’s a lot of self-reflection in the song. “‘The Way It Should Be’ has some of the most honest lyrics I’ve written and released so far,” she says. “I wrote the lyrics while I was walking home one day, feeling super frustrated and sad about having to let go of this ‘person’. As soon as I got home I jumped straight onto my MIDI keyboard and put down a melody and chords.”
The next day ROONIE went into the studio with producer/collaborator Will Henderson, and the pair finished the song. “We didn’t change a single word in the first verse, which has never happened in a writing session for me. I had some really special moments while making ‘The Way It Should Be’ and feel very connected to it.” Will’s vocals also feature on the track, giving it the feeling of a duet. “It adds a deep vulnerability to the song, as if two people are facing each other while the music is playing.”
‘The Way It Should Be’ is the final single to be released before ROONIE drops her four-track LOVELESS EP on November 25. “I really feel like ‘The Way It Should Be’ makes the rest of the EP make ‘sense’,” she says. “It adds a different element to the overall body of work, giving the upbeat dance songs a bit more weight. I’m super excited to share this one!”
ROONIE is the musical moniker of Taupō-raised Michaela Pointon, whose vibrant, self-reflective music is all about expressing strength and confidence through growth. She released her debut single ‘My Heart’ (#15 Official NZ Hot Singles Chart) in 2020, and continues to show that she is an artist to watch - so make sure you’re following her socials!
PASSENGER RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND FOR AUSTRALASIAN TOUR
Hot off his summer European tour, Passenger returns to New Zealand for two shows in Auckland and Wellington this October, with supporting act Hollow Coves.
Passenger, aka Mike Rosenberg, is a multi-award winning, platinum-selling singer-songwriter from Brighton, England. Although still known for his busking, he made the journey from street corners to stadiums with ‘Let Her Go’, which reached number 1 in 19 countries and has now notched more than 2 Billion plays on YouTube. Yet ‘Let Her Go’ is just one song from a catalogue that extends across 14 albums in 15 years.
Hot off his summer European tour, Passenger returns to New Zealand for two shows in Auckland and Wellington this October, with supporting act Hollow Coves. Fans will be treated to a plethora of new music since the artist last visited our country, with albums such as ‘Birds That Flew and Ships That Sailed’ and ‘Songs for the Drunk and Broken Hearted’ having been released in the last two years.
The artist's affinity with New Zealand is a love affair that continues, and started with his 2016 album ‘Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea’ being recorded at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios in Auckland. More recently his track ‘Queenstown’, from his 2020 album ‘Patchwork,’ was inspired by the country's landscape and perfectly encapsulates a soft summer night on the harbour.
Tickets on sale now, from passengermusic.com.
Tour Dates
Auckland - The Powerstation - Friday 21 October
Wellington - The Hunter Lounge - Saturday 22 October
Follow Passenger
Goodnight My Darling announces album + tour + releases dreamy new single ‘The Trees Have Eyes’
Goodnight My Darling (Maxine Macaulay) has today released her new single ‘The Trees Have Eyes’ and announced her debut album comes out on 23 November!
Goodnight My Darling (Maxine Macaulay) has today released her new single ‘The Trees Have Eyes’ and announced her debut album comes out on 23 November!
Listen to ‘The Trees Have Eyes’ HERE
‘The Trees Have Eyes’ is another strong song from this talented Te-Whanganui-a-Tara-based artist. Her distinct vocals float through its dreamy instrumentation and are likely to give you chills and make your hair stand on end. It is a song that could very easily be listened to on a summer's day, on repeat.
The song is about setting boundaries. It references letting go of a past relationship and moving on. “It’s about being held accountable for your actions, even if only by yourself,” says Goodnight My Darling. “It was the last song we recorded for the album and the most difficult. I think as it was coming from a really personal experience, I struggled to get the clarity in voice that I was seeking. But because we grappled with it more than the other tracks, it has ended up being one of my favourites. Funny how that works.”
The music video for ‘The Trees Have Eyes’ was created by Annabelle Gwilliam and William Hadwen. It is based on William’s time-based photographic works, which have been described as seemingly cold, soulless, everyday environments that develop a character all of their own. It features two contemporary dancers - one of which is the artist's sister. “The song was a favourite of theirs from the album, so they were happy to contribute their talent for the video.”
With the exception of the drums being recorded at The Surgery in Wellington, ‘The Trees Have Eyes’ was recorded & mixed by Toby Lloyd at Tiny Triumph Recordings, then mastered by Robin Schmidt @ 24-96 Mastering in Berlin. Goodnight My Darling’s band includes Ingrid Saker (Lead Guitar), Kim Andrews (drums), Connor Taumoepeau (synths) & Mitch Kirk (bass). With release of her stunning debut album and tour coming up, make sure you’re following Goodnight My Darling!
Goodnight My Darling Album Tour
November 10th - Whammy Bar, Auckland
November 24th - Porridge Watson, Whanganui
November 25th - The Last Place, Hamilton
November 26th - Firebird Cafe, Levin
December 2nd - Moon Bar, Wellington
December 3rd - Raumati Social Club, Kapiti
Mo Etc. releases breathtaking new single + video ‘Underwater’
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara-based artist/producer Mo Etc. has today released her stunning alt-soul single + video ‘Underwater’.
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara-based artist/producer Mo Etc. has today released her stunning alt-soul single + video ‘Underwater’.
Listen to ‘Underwater’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
‘Underwater’ is a collaboration with A Girl Named Mo (Mo’s former band and handle) producer Slade Butler and is a beautifully-crafted song that fills one’s wairua, as it speaks about overcoming feelings of uncertainty and loneliness. “Ultimately, it’s about resilience,” says Mo Etc. “That there are always higher forces at play, willing you to win and to overcome. It’s also a reminder to look around and really see others - because when you do, you realize that people you love and admire are often wading the same waters.”
Accompanying the release is the breathtaking video for ‘Underwater’ - which was impressively written/directed/produced/edited and graded by Mo Etc. - along with her production company Ohokomo and in association with Kororātahi Creative. It also features the familiar face of Coming Home in the Dark actor Matthias Luafutu. “I was really nervous about asking him,” says Mo Etc. “When he replied ‘I’m in’ I happy danced all around my house. I KNEW he would be perfect and he really was. A consummate pro, absolute sweetheart and absolutely deadly on screen.”
Filmed in the majestic Te Waipoumanu, it tells the story of a well-to-do Arts Academic arriving in her hometown, dejected and disconnected, until she connects with a friend of a friend (played by Matthias) who ignites a light within the academic and reconnects her to land, to sky, to sea. “The video was shot where I whakapapa to - Te Waipounamu, Ngāti Wheke, Ngai Tahu. It’s a beautiful magical place where I know I’m home. To go there and to embody a lost soul on a mission to reconnect was pretty ‘in line’ however, in truth, I don’t ever feel lost because I always know where home is.”
‘Underwater’ follows on from Mo Etc.’s self-produced album OCEANBED - a sonic journey through love, loss and self-discovery. Described as Alternative-Soul, Mo's sound is rooted in Neo-soul and flowers indie-alternative sensibilities allowing it to reach epic proportions while maintaining a quality of intimacy as Mo indulges in her gift for shaping narrative as a multidisciplinary storyteller.
LISA GRACE 'STAY'
Aiming for honesty at the fore this song depicts Lisa’s own inertia, a bittersweet blend of delicate moments and energetic soundscapes, vocally driven with the desire to engage the listener in the complexities of failure, culminating in a powerful ending, as a reminder to push forward honouring every victory along the way.
Emerging Pop/Soul Artist Lisa Grace is excited to announce the release of her debut single ‘Stay’ out on the 14th of October. Aiming for honesty at the fore this song depicts Lisa’s own inertia, a bittersweet blend of delicate moments and energetic soundscapes, vocally driven with the desire to engage the listener in the complexities of failure, culminating in a powerful ending, as a reminder to push forward honouring every victory along the way.
Lisa Grace writes anthems for the wounded heart - whether it be at the hands of unrequited love, a long term relationship or even the human condition. It’s clear that her writing draws on genuine emotion, and her tongue-in-cheek attitude towards heartbreak makes for some serious sad-girl-bangers.
A compelling lyricist, Lisa manages to weave stories through her work in a way that is both intriguing and relatable, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. Moved by the power of old soul singers, the crisp directness of pop and the adventurous production of hip hop, Lisa has never been afraid to draw from different genres to create music that is dynamic and true to her message.
Lisa grew up on a farm just out of Morrinsville and has been surrounded by music most of her life, growing up on 70’s rock and roll, country music of the 90’s and the powerhouse females of the 2000’s. After beginning guitar lessons as a kid Lisa would spend hours playing and singing, and performed her first completed original in her year 10 talent show.
Her debut single ‘Stay’ produced by Abigail Knudson is delicate and emotive but strong, with her trademark power vocals and energetic soundscapes breathing life into the track. She writes of the conflict between progression and disappointment, and the difficulty of honouring your accomplishments when all you can see is your failures. It serves as an introspective look at the inability to change when stuck in a paralysing cycle of fear.
Lisa is currently working on her catalogue of music that she is excited to share in the near future, and is ready to give Stay to listeners after having it with her since the first lockdown of 2020.
Sam Heselwood continues his glistening run of form with the awe-inspiring EP, ‘Bloodline’.
Ōtautahi-based singer/songwriter Sam Heselwood announces himself to the world with the enthralling new EP, ‘Bloodline’.
Ōtautahi-based singer/songwriter Sam Heselwood announces himself to the world with the enthralling new EP, ‘Bloodline’.
Across six tracks, Heselwood takes us on an intimate journey through his life. Heselwood explores topics surrounding family, love, and mental health as he details highs, lows and everything in between. On ‘Bloodline’, Heselwood isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve as the singer boldly unpacks stories of growing up.
Listen to Bloodline here Privately stream ‘Bloodline’ here.
‘Bloodline’ features stripped-back and minimalist production by Will McGillivray and Josh Logan, allowing the platform for Heselwood’s soothing vocal delivery. Throughout the project, Heselwood showcases a refreshingly authentic sense of vulnerability. ‘Bloodline’ is an ode to family. Throughout the project, Heselwood explores the often turbulent nature of family relationships and the unconditional love it brings. Each song on ‘Bloodline’ relates to a family member. Such as on ‘Four’, where Heselwood explores growing up through his parent's divorce, or ‘Don’t Speak’, which explores Heselwood’s relationship with his dad after the passing of his Grandad. ‘Closer Now’ is a song about realising the bond you have with your sister as you grow up.
‘Bloodline’ reflects a journey of growth and learning for Sam Heselwood. Originally planning to follow his dreams of becoming a professional Rugby player, Heselwood suffered a debilitating neck injury, meaning he will never be able to play the sport he loves again. Rather than letting this setback get him down, the rising singer turned his focus toward music, with the help of SOLE Music Academy. This move has led to a blossoming career. ‘Bloodline’ is a testament to this journey and sees Heselwood put his best foot forward as he embarks towards stardom.
Building on his fantastic run of form, ‘Bloodline’ includes Heselwood’s breakout singles ‘18’, ‘Outside Kinda Kids’ and ‘Don’t Speak’. ‘Bloodline’ is a statement of intent for Sam Heselwood as he looks to take on the world.
Sam Heselwood has been busy leading up to the release of ‘Bloodline’. The emerging artist's previous singles charted at No.4 on NZ hot single charts, received airtime on ‘ZM’s Local’s Only’ show and major playlist additions on Spotify, including landing on the cover of ‘Fresh Finds Pop’ and an interview on Stuff. Heselwood remains humble about this recognition, as he explains “it’s pretty awesome because you put so much personal stuff into those songs. Eventually, they get put out into the public and it’s up to them to decide if they’re any good or not. Seeing that reception and getting the reviews has been awesome.”
‘Bloodline’ is a testament to Heselwood’s openness, as he seeks to use his experiences to encourage people to speak about mental health. Speaking on this idea he explains, “guys in general, we don’t really get the stuff on our mind out there all the time. It’s a cool way for people to relate. At the end of the day, by being vulnerable, people don’t have to listen to your music, if they don’t like it they can move on to the next thing. I’m trying to write for people who can relate, and I think a lot of people can.”
‘Bloodline’ is a story of perseverance for Sam Heselwood. Unpacking family trauma and overcoming setbacks, Heselwood reminds us to treasure the little things in life and to speak our minds.
‘Bloodline’ is just the start of things to come for Sam Heselwood. Sam Heselwood will be celebrating the release of 'Bloodline' on Saturday, October 15 at Space Academy.
Tickets to show here
‘Bloodline’ will be released on all streaming platforms on 7th October 2022