WEIRD TOGETHER present ‘FIND OUT’ ft. LIPS

Weird Together return from the wilderness with ‘Find Out’ Ft. LIPS, their first release in nearly four years. ‘Find Out’ is a collaboration with Silver Scroll winners Steph Brown and Fen Ikner aka LIPS and is out today.

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‘Find Out’ is built around an infectious kalimba and bass groove (courtesy of band member Barnie Duncan) that builds throughout the song. Steph from LIPS adds an almost fairytale-like vocal and takes the song on a mysteriously magical journey. The animated music video created by the Makers Initiative is a wonderful journey into the surreal world of frogs, snakes and dancing Lips.

LIPS recently released their Taite Prize nominated debut album ‘I Don’t Know Why I Do Anything’ after a string of critically acclaimed EPs and singles and a stint as musical directors in the stage play and film versions of award winning musical Daffodils.

Also included is a remix from Auckland acid house queens Kédu Carlö who take the track directly to the dance floor with analogue synth lines and cut up vocals.

With a slew of new tracks and an awesome team at Bigpop Records in support, the next 12 months are about to get weird. You can catch Weird Together live this New Years down at the Britomart Block Party.

'Find Out' Ft. LIPS + Kédu Carlö remix is out now via New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.

BANDI 'AIN'T NOBODY'

Kiwi-Brazilian artist ‘Bandi’ was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, from a young age, bounced back and forth between the Foothills of Los Angeles (LaVerne) and a small suburb in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Her music is heavily influenced by her life experiences, merging a sound shaped through her time travelling around Brazil and LA. As a multilingual artist, she integrates aspects of her South American culture into her music, often singing in Portuguese or Spanish.

Garnering comparisons to the likes of Jhené Aiko, Cassie, ABRA, and Doja Cat, her music can be described as a vibrant mix of bubblegum pop and soulful RnB, catching listeners off guard with her powerful range and angelic voice

Drawing inspiration from her South American roots, ‘Aint Nobody’ is an effortless fusion of Afrobeats and Latin American music, mixed with Bandi’s signature sound of bubblegum pop and atmospheric R&B. Produced and co-written by Tom Lee, the track is energetic but smooth, captivating the listener as Bandi professes her all-consuming infatuation for a lost lover.

With a blissful guitar melody and an up tempo South American rhythm, ‘Aint Nobody’ is instantly addicting. Bandi’s polished vocals sail over the head-nodding beat, her natural charisma and charming naivety shining through. As a multilingual artist , Bandi also adds her unique flavor to the track by incorporating hints of Spanish.

Following the track, Bandi is set to release a music video, sponsored by NZ on Air, in collaboration with world-renowned Lego Master Brandon Wike. Filmed by Tom Grut, edited by Jodo Valley and co-directed by Bandi herself, the music video will show Bandi living in a playful world of bright, colorful lego as she lives out her dream life with her significant other

The song serves as the second track from her upcoming debut EP, ‘ Bittersweet’

Yung Maac and RVNNAH collaborate on new track - 'Sideline'

After gaining significant attention online through their first collaborative commercial single ‘4 10 Shawty’, Yung Maac and RVNNAH are back again with another energetic track, ‘Sideline’.

Produced by multi-platinum award winner StardustSzn, the instrumental features eerie samples and a simple lead piano line layered over 808 drums to create the perfect backdrop for the artists to fill in with their energetic delivery and unique cadences. Featuring their signature autotuned vocals and storytelling lyrics, the artists put together a catchy hook that listeners bobbing their heads to, bringing the song to life and capturing the listeners attention.

After teasing this song online through their Instagram and Snapchat stories, Yung Maac and RVNNAH are feeding their evergrowing online fanbase with this song. With anticipation building towards the release of Yung Maac’s debut album, listeners will be able to grasp upon the theme and sound that they can expect from that project in this single.

“To me, the easiest thing to do is to come into the studio and make a song with an artist that I feel can match my energy, and RVNNAH is someone who brings just that to every session. Sideline is a track for us that just tells our story and experiences as young people trying to navigate the world around us.” - Yung Maac, on recording ‘Sideline’ with RVNNAH.

With much hype building around these two bubbling artists as they continue their journey in music, fans and listeners alike can expect more energetic collaborations with them together, as well as solid solo singles to be released from either one of them. With lyrics and storytelling that match the sound of rap that has flown into the soundwaves from overseas, mixed in with their unique Aotearoa centric jargon, these two are solidifying their place as some of the leaders in the new age of rap coming out of New Zealand.

Listen to ‘Sideline’ by Yung Maac and RVNNAH on all streaming platforms. Follow @Yung_Maac on Instagram for all updates.

LOVETA releases new single ‘Nostalgia’ + announces debut EP

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Up-and-coming songstress LOVETA has today released her hypnotic, R&B-infused anthem ‘Nostalgia’.

Listen to Nostalgia HERE

Following on from her nu-disco debut ‘More Than Fun’ and road trip ready ‘Drive’, this new offering is another stunning collaboration with musician/producer Wulfie, and the final release before her debut EP drops November 18. 

“I wrote ‘Nostalgia’ a couple of years ago while working as a vocalist on a cruise ship. It’s about the realisation of how the ups and downs of past experiences have ultimately led to where I am now, and finding gratitude in that journey. I’m a person who is naturally drawn to things that make me feel nostalgic - music, films, scents, and photos - so the song is also a dedication to the part of myself that loves to indulge in sentimentality.

‘Nostalgia’ reflects another side of LOVETA that hasn’t been showcased yet. A lover of soul and R&B first and foremost, it is contrasting in comparison to the high-energy pop songs the artist has released so far, but a taste of the other styles she is exploring in the EP. “It’s still got an uplifting funky flavour, but I enjoy the way ‘Nostalgia’ ebbs and flows in a more laid-back way.”

As is now becoming expected from the talented artist, a cinematic ‘Nostalgia’ video has also been released. Created by Whisko Creative’s Matt Evlampieff, it captures a live performance featuring LOVETA and a band jamming and having a great time. “‘Nostalgia’ is the kind of track that’s all about the organic flow between the musicians and myself,” says LOVETA. “I love the feeling of freedom while performing on stage with a band behind me. The stage really is my first home! It also captures the meaning of ‘Nostalgia’ - being transported into a place inside yourself where you can explore the past and present and connect the two together.”

LOVETA is undoubtedly a star on the rise, and whose journey you want to follow!

Chart climbing rock band Pieces of Molly release debut album + single ‘Banshee’

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They’ve been in the charts with literal bangers, and now Christchurch four-piece Pieces of Molly have today released their long-awaited, self-titled debut album.

Consisting of eight riff-heavy rock n roll tracks, this album is an example of Aotearoa rock at its best. As well as hit singles ‘Don’t Shine A Light Into The Dark’ and ‘I Don’t Wanna’ (10# NZ Hot 20 Singles Chart), the album includes new single ‘Banshee’ - which draws on inspiration from Celtic mythology and creatures who are omens of death - like the ‘Banshee’ and ‘Bean-Nighe’.

“We’re a rock n roll band. We love riffs, we love head banging, we play loud and fast,’ says lead singer Ewen Glasgow. "We really wanted to put out an album that captured our live sound and poured everything into making this album the best thing we've ever put out. We couldn't be happier with the result. It's just primal rock n roll from the moment the needle touches down."

Known for their electric performances, Ōtautahi Christchurch fans are being treated to a special release show at 12 Bar on November 5. Get your tickets HERE.

It’s been a big year for Pieces of Molly. As well as writing, recording, and releasing great tunes, they’ve gone on an Australian/NZ tour with Californian rockers Sasquatch and supported Aotearoa legends Shihad.  Made up of Ewen Glasgow (lead guitar/vocals), Doug Stewart (bass, backing vocals), Sam Kubiak (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Kurt Fleming (drums, percussion, backing vocals), each member is undoubtedly skilled in their craft, and blend brilliantly as a group. Responsible for the slick production are Adam Hogan and Josh Logan from Christchurch’s Loho Studio, and Samuel K Sproull for mastering.

Listen to the full Pieces of Molly album HERE

1. Atomic Fuzz

2. Banshee

3. Dead Sky

4. Don't Shine A Light Into The Dark

5. Eyes Of Time

6. I Don't Wana

7. Shake My Brain

8. Subterranean Nightmare

Forming in 2012, they’ve released 2 EPs, 7 singles, and now their debut album - all of which have been blasted on The Rock FM and Radio Hauraki. Alongside their high-energy shows on tours across New Zealand and Australia, the band have played well-known festivals such as River Range, Mojo Burning, and Dead of Winter. They’ve also played support slots for international bands such as Radio Moscow, Anvil, 1000mods, Wo Fat and local legends Head Like A Hole, Beastwars and The Datsuns. Make sure you’re following Pieces of Molly!

Jenny Mitchell ft. The Mitchell Twins release gorgeous single and video ‘The Bush & The Birds’

Tickets to TUG OF WAR
Wellington vinyl release show HERE

Award-winning, alt-country Aotearoa artist, Jenny Mitchell has teamed up with her sisters, The Mitchell Twins, to release the heartfelt single and video ‘The Bush & The Birds’. The track comes with the release of her deluxe edition of her recent album TUG OF WAR.

Listen to the deluxe edition of TUG OF WAR HERE

TUG OF WAR is also now available on vinyl, with Jenny celebrating the vinyl release with a special one-off show in Wellington, at 216 Cuba on Wednesday November 30. The performance is coming at the end of a spectacularly successful year for Jenny, who has also just been named a finalist for the Aotearoa Music Awards, in the Best Country category.

Listen to ‘The Bush & The Birds’ HERE

Driven by acoustic guitar and harmonies, and coloured with cello parts by Monique Clare, ‘The Bush & The Birds’ is about “love and respect for nature that my Grandad Bruce handed down to the many Mitchells who work on/with the land.”

“We always thought this was one we'd keep "just for us", but realised there are a few people out there with loveable, stoic farmers in their lives,” says Jenny.

Accompanying the single is the touchingly personal video, produced by Jenny Mitchell and her Aunty Jill.

“We wanted the video to be a bit of a journey through our childhood,” explained Jenny. “I ended up with hours of home videos to wade through and it was such a nostalgic experience – definitely some tears involved! All the Mitchell cousins grew up really close, we did a lot of growing up by each other’s sides and I think we’ve all loved being reminded of that through this project. If anything, it’s a special little capture of our history for our family.”

Watch the video HERE

Hailing from Southern NZ, and now based in Wellington, Jenny Mitchell has had an impressive career to date. Her 2018 album WILDFIRES, produced by Sydney’s Matt Fell, was awarded the 2019 Tui for Recorded Music NZ Best Country Music Artist. Following her first Tui, the album became the first NZ album to receive a nomination for Alt-Country Album of the Year at the 2020 Australian Golden Guitar Awards. She has now been nominated for an AMA in the Best Country category, for 2022. Make sure to catch her live in Wellington for the vinyl release show on November 30.

MIDWAVE BREAKS RELEASE THOUGHT-PROVOKING VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘IN THE FACE OF ALL WE KNOW’

“Midwave Breaks and the dreamy barrage of heartland rock ‘In the Face of All We Know’ featuring a throttling bass bottom and an inspired vocal countenance.” – American Pancake

“A lot of multifaceted work, with a bright voice, like a thunder among a clear sky, which seems to break out of the vocalist’s chest with an endless stream of positive energy!”- Nagamag.com 

‘In The Face Of All We Know’ is described by the band as “an upbeat track that puts a hopeful twist on the notion that life is not black and white, there’s always an ‘other’ side to any story, and that ultimately, if we can respect each other’s differences, maybe we could all just get along”.

The video itself was self-produced by the band, with the concept and edit by drummer Paul who attentively put it together over a slew of late nights and YouTube instructional videos.

A poignant view on current times, Paul says, “The visuals emphasise key themes of communication, perspective, conflict, but ultimately with a thread of positivity and hope throughout, found in acknowledging the wide range of faces that are not our own.”

With solid support and pick-up across rock radio, Midwave Breaks continue to feel the love for new single ‘In The Face Of All We Know’ by being added to numerous playlists including a choice inclusion on the Zane Lowe curated New Music Daily, on Apple Music.

Recorded in a farmhouse in rural New Zealand, ‘In The Face Of All We Know’ was mixed in the U.S. by Grammy Award Winning Engineer Mark Needham, most notable for his work with The Killers and Imagine Dragons. The final touches were applied in New York at renowned mastering facility The Lodge, with the end result being a hook-laden alt-rock-pop tune poised to light up the airwaves.

A powerhouse of song-writing, production, musicianship, and live performance, the potent pairing of singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Bruce Conlon and exemplary drummer Paul Russell is driven by the energy of the creative process. With each player displaying an innate ability to craft songs that capture a feeling and a moment, the two effortlessly combine a melting pot of musical influences from past to present, delivering a modern take on the soundtrack of their youth.

Bringing a heart-felt authenticity and musical versatility to the stage with their performances, the duo recently made the live connection to their audience with a sold-out debut headline concert, followed by a successful string of support shows nationwide around New Zealand.

Fans can expect more shows to be announced as we head into summer, stay tuned!

"Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree" - New Bilingual Christmas Song for Kids!

Children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes Music, are excited to release four new Christmas songs for kids that will be added to their very first Loopy Tunes Christmas album - "Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi". 

Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree is the first of the four new releases. The waiata was welcomed into the world on Wednesday, 26 November, and is a great rock 'n roll vibing song that puts our beautiful homegrown Christmas Tree in the limelight! It celebrates the pōhutukawa's uniquely festive qualities while paying homage to its significance i te ao Māori (in the Māori world), with a reference to ‘Te Rerenga Wairua’, the leaping place of spirits, in the bridge.  

The pair were able to work with producer Thom O’Connor once again, who includes an awesome electric organ accompaniment throughout! They are also excited for the animated music video that is on its way - currently under construction by animator extraordinaire, Ross Payne. 

The new Christmas songs include elements of the sisters’ Māori and Tongan cultures, and they all have a uniquely Aotearoa flavour, that will be enjoyed by all tamariki/children in many different settings. They have been created with the support of funding from NZ on Air Music. 

As mentioned, the four new releases will be added to a compilation of already released Loopy Tunes Christmas songs, to become their first Christmas album. The album has a fantastic mix of songs that reflect New Zealand’s cultural diversity well. Entitled, “Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi” (whero being red, in Māori; with Kirihimete and Kilisimasi being Christmas in the Māori and Tongan languages, respectively), it is the second in the Loopy Tunes ‘Rainbow Collection’ of children’s music albums, following on from their debut album, “Kākāriki: Simply Us” (kākāriki meaning green, in Māori).  

These Christmas songs are guaranteed to become new favourites in so many kiwi kids’ households and will be the new Christmas anthems for the coming festive season! 

A quick intro to the other new releases:

• Muimui Ki He Fetu’u is a sweet Tongan Christmas lullaby. It translates to ‘Follow The Star’ and is the duo’s first original full Tongan language song, collaboratively penned by Siu and their mother. The lullaby is sung by Leah’s eldest daughter, Olive, and Siu’s youngest child, ‘Ilaisaane. The girls’ gorgeous vocals are beautifully captured in this song, accompanied by the lovely harmony of their mothers. The guitar work of Toa Siulangapo is effortlessly stunning and complements the soft harmonic tones of the song superbly.

• Christmas Dance is an upbeat and super catchy song that will absolutely have all children and adults alike on their dancing feet! This fun song encourages everybody to try out four different dance moves inspired by the different Christmas characters in the song, including a donkey. Giggles will be shared when they try to figure out how to dance like a Christmas tree?! Haha!
  This song was also produced by Thom O’Connor, who had a lot of fun putting this one together!

• We Jingle is a simple jingle bell song that is perfect for use in preschool music sessions. It assists in the development of children motor skills through interactive movement with real jingle bells! It will be a total hit in preschools everywhere with its jazzy Christmas beat!

Song Release Dates:  

Wed, 26 Oct - Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree  (hit the link to have a listen on your favourite streaming platform)

Wed, 2 Nov - Muimui Ki He Fetu'u 

Wed, 9 Nov - Christmas Dance 

Wed, 16 Nov - We Jingle 

Fri, 18 Nov – “Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi” album