HAZ & MILOUX present ‘THREE'
Award winning Aotearoa duo Haz & Miloux release ‘Three’ the debut single from their highly anticipated second EP ‘Brunette’. The song is accompanied by a BTS style video shot and directed by Connor Pritchard and assisted by Hanna Conyash.
Today, award winning Aotearoa duo Haz & Miloux release ‘Three’ the debut single from their highly anticipated second EP ‘Brunette’. The song is accompanied by a BTS style video shot and directed by Connor Pritchard and assisted by Hanna Conyash.
Dream team Haz Beats (Harry Huavi) and Miloux (Rebecca Melrose) come together as Haz & Miloux. Their collaboration is the perfect pairing of two boldly creative artists -award winning Producer Haz creates the mood and drops inspired beats and Miloux creates conscious lyrics, brought to life with her sultry soulful voice and strong female energy.
‘Three’ was inspired by a rebound relationship, “'Three' is about mutually being in a rebound situation and craving the immediate intimacy and closeness of what you've just lost, but ultimately realising you just craved some validation and some escapism” shares Miloux. “It's about knowing that you would always keep this person at arm's length and never truly invest any further (go up then I reach for the fall, soon I'll leave you with nothing at all)”
“Like most of our songs we create it always starts with the loop” says Haz “which for 'Three' was just some nice rhodes chords I processed with some effects. We laid down some demo vocals, structured it a bit & sent it to my bro Frank Keys to add to the bass line. Once that was all done we took it to Bigpop to record & mix everything.”
The result is a stunning new single which showcases the duos individual talents, and combined magic.
'Brunette’ will be the second EP from Haz & Miloux, and is set to release late March 2023. The pair achieved phenomenal success with their 2019 debut EP 'Blonde', winning the 2020 Aotearoa Music Award for Best Soul/RnB Artist, and being shortlisted for the 2020 Silver Scroll Awards. Their songs are a love letter to their influences, experiences and community. 'Brunette EP' is set to release in the first quarter of 2023.
'Three' is out now via New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2022 - Featuring Steffany Beck & Many more
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is returning this year after a two-year break, coming back with an even bigger stage and world class kiwi entertainment. One of the performers that will be lighting up the stage this year is Country Pop singer- songwriter Steffany Beck.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is returning this year after a two-year break, coming back with an even bigger stage and world class kiwi entertainment.
One of the performers that will be lighting up the stage this year is Country Pop singer- songwriter Steffany Beck.
Steffany Beck is originally from Portland, Oregon, USA. Now Christchurch based, the country pop singer-songwriter known for her Taylor Swift-meets-Alanis Morrissette vocals and original heartfelt songs.
Steffany recently released her debut EP, won a national songwriting competition, performed live with Jason Kerrison (lead singer from Opshop) and has been co-writing songs with Bic Runga. Steffany is currently recording and preparing her highly anticipated upcoming sophomore EP scheduled for release in early 2023.
Steffany's powerful voice and feel-good vibe will light up the stage at this year's Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. Says Steffany, “This is the most feel-good event of the year, and one that brings the entire community together. I have dreamed about performing in the show since 2008. It's all about timing and the magical Christmas stars aligning.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park will be held in Christchurch at 7:30pm on Saturday the 26th of November at North Hagley Park. This is a free family event, all are welcome!
For more information on Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park click the link below.
Christmas in the Park Info link:
Rehua Bennett also known as ‘DOITZ’ Single 'Far North’
Emerging from the land of the long white cloud, West Auckland native “DOITZ” is on a journey to represent his culture through the arts of music.
2nd release from the TKT Haumako Wānanga'
Listen Here
Rehua Bennett also known as ‘DOITZ’... Emerging from the land of the long white cloud, West Auckland native “DOITZ” is on a journey to represent his culture through the arts of music. His whole life is based around family, he came here with them so his mission is to take them to the top with him. .
This song is a calling, to return to the place you call home. With roots in the Far north (Ngati Kahungunu ki Whangaroa) and south (Ngati Pikiao, Ngati Porou) DOITZ channels the strength and wisdom of his tupuna not only in the studio, but in his everyday life.
“DOITZ’ Takes his inspiration from the likes of Mac Miller, Joey Bada$$ and Tom Scott, DOITZ creates his own unique sound and continues to progress in the process.
Coridian NEW SINGLE 'State of Mind'
State of Mind punches heavy from the first snare hit, with layers of offbeat guitar riffage, driving drum and bass groove & massive hooky vocals. It will lead you into moody verses before exploding into Coridian’s trademark epic & soaring choruses.
State of Mind punches heavy from the first snare hit, with layers of offbeat guitar riffage, driving drum and bass groove & massive hooky vocals. It will lead you into moody verses before exploding into Coridian’s trademark epic & soaring choruses.
Thematically, State of Mind places you into the mind of someone trying to control their anger, their frustrations and ultimately their steps to find peace. However musically, State of Mind will leave you head banging and hitting that repeat button.
Delve into Coridian’s latest single from their much anticipated album “Hava” as the band ramps up to share some of their many creative nuances which they’ve honed over the past 7 years.
For fans of hard rock, progressive rock & modern alternative metal
State of Mind is available on
ALL major streaming platforms November 25th 2022
Nick Burson Bands new single “Best Dreams” featuring Steffany Beck
Best Dreams is the third single off Nick Burson Band’s Sophomore album Hindsight featuring country pop artist Steffany Beck. Nick’s upcoming album was written during the 2020 lockdowns and is scheduled for release in early 2023.
Best Dreams is the third single off Nick Burson Band’s Sophomore album Hindsight featuring country pop artist Steffany Beck. Nick’s upcoming album was written during the 2020 lockdowns and is scheduled for release in early 2023.
This new single paints a picture of unrequited love and a relationship gone bad. Says Nick Burson,”the true inspiration behind this song, is actually about a friend who was going through a hard time. No matter how hard I tried, all she could see was everything falling apart.” Reflecting on this time inspired the chorus line, “I’ve been saving all my best dreams for you and you just watch them slip right through.”
Nick delves deeper into his singer-songwriter play book producing a heartfelt song with a unique melody and of course a solid guitar focus. With the addition of Steffany Beck’'s soulful voice lifts the song to a whole new level in expressing the complexities of relationships in a beautiful, edgy duet.
Nick first teamed up with Stef as her lead guitarist in the Steffany Beck Band for multiple Christchurch based events. Their complementary country sounds, mutual love for denim and overall good nature made working together on this project a no brainer.
Following the release of Best Dreams Nick and Stef will be performing in upcoming summer festivals and both artists will be releasing new music in early 2023.
Available from 22nd of November for Purchase and Download:
Spotify/Itunes/ Apple Music - https://li.sten.to/bestdreams
Follow Nick Burson:
https://www.nickbursonmusic.com/
https://z-p42.www.instagram.com/nickbursonmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/NickBursonMusic
Follow Steffany Beck
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5DGFzvDaHg7TduMVD3Um6R
https://www.instagram.com/steffany_beck/?hl=en
Play It Strange announces annual prizegiving ceremony and digital album
The Play It Strange Trust will hold it’s annual awards event at Tuning Fork, Auckland on Wednesday 30 November. The celebration is a coming together to acknowledge and tautoko the achievements of these talented award winners throughout the year, from across Aotearoa.
The Play It Strange Trust will hold it’s annual awards event at Tuning Fork, Auckland on Wednesday 30 November. The celebration is a coming together to acknowledge and tautoko the achievements of these talented award winners throughout the year, from across Aotearoa.
Eleven awards will be presented to secondary school students, by special guest presenters including Don McGlashan, multi-instrumentalist Jol Mulholland and CEO Mike Chunn, alongside performances by this years talented winners.
Play It Strange CEO and co-founder Mike Chunn says “Coming together to celebrate the exceptional work of these rangatahi shines a light on their achievements and inspires other to follow their lead. We are proud to have been able to mentor and nurture these young creatives through the trust and provide the platform for them to record and have their ideas become reality. Songs are the very foundation of the world of music that surrounds us every day”.
Tairāwhiti region continues to be the capital of creativity taking home four awards. Led by 2021 Aotearoa Music Award winner for Best Music Teacher Jane Egan from Gisborne Girls High School, the students are being honoured with three awards including School of the Year for the sixth time, Peace Song Award and Junior Maioha Award, recognising rangatahi telling their stories in the language of Te Ao Māori. Neighbouring Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Horouta Wānanga students will be recognised for the composition Ka Hoki Nei Au as this years Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa regional winners.
Grace Lawrence, Year 13 student and head girl from St Andrews College in Christchurch receives the 2022 Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition First Place Award after being a four-time finalist. Her song ‘Differently Now’ explores how time and distance from an impactful event allows us to observe it in different lights. With the introduction to recording provided by Play It Strange, next year Grace heads off to Victoria University of Wellington to study music technology to continue learning about producing and mixing.
The Youthtown Songwriting Competition is especially for students years 9-11 and this years winners include Leigh Edmeades from Albany Senior High School for ‘Streetlights’ (Auckland/Northland region) and Jenny Petegem-Thach and Jazz Mackie from Taieri College for ‘Endless Time’ (South Island). Naimah Manchanda from Lynfield College won the national award for ‘Sugar And Spice’.
Chris Rowe from Kaipara College will be presented with the David Richwhite Lyric Award for ‘Drowning In The Stars’ while the inaugural Strange Art Award goes to Alia Cauty from Long Bay College, Auckland with their work ‘Conspiranoid’ for the ‘Play It Strange Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition’ album artwork.
It’s no secret that Play It Strange nurtures, encourages and provides the platform for students to embrace and foresee a real future as a songwriter, giving them the opportunity to write, record and perform their own songs. With former award winners including Elizabeth Stokes of The Beths, Georgia Nott from Broods, Kimbra, CHAII and Louis Baker, this years award winners are the future of songwriting in Aotearoa.
Play It Strange will also release digital albums from each competition of all the finalists songs professionally recorded in studios throughout Aotearoa.
2022 Play It Strange Award winners
2022 Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition – First Place Award
Grace Lawrence from St Andrews College, Christchurch for ‘Differently Now’
David Richwhite Lyric Award
Chris Rowe from Kaipara College, Auckland for ‘Drowning In The Stars’
Junior Maioha Award
Taniko Rangihau from Gisborne Girls’ High School for ‘Te Rewanga o Matariki’
School of the Year Award – for the most finalist songs
Gisborne Girls’ High School
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa
Naimah Manchanda from Lynfield College, Auckland for ‘Sugar And Spice’
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa, Auckland/Northland Region
Leigh Edmeades from Albany Senior High School for ‘Streetlights’
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa, Rest Of North Island Region
Arohea Pewhairangi, Omaio Waititi, Mahara Kururangi, Honore Ingle, Ihaka Hongara, Whaiururangi Maxwell from Horouta Wananga, Gisborne for ‘Ka Hoki Nei Au’
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa, South Island Region
Jenny Petegem-Thach and Jazz Mackie from Taieri College for ‘Endless Time’
Peace Song Competition Winner
Tetini Pokoati and Ripeka Akurangi from Gisborne Girls High School for ‘Te Aroha’
Strange Art Award Winner
Alia Cauty from Long Bay College, Auckland with their work ‘Conspiranoid’ for ‘Play It Strange Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition’ album artwork
Play It Strange was established in 2003 to provide opportunities in songwriting, recording and performance for secondary school students and songwriters across Aotearoa. Neil Finn was the trust’s settlor and it is run by CEO, Mike Chunn
In 2022 they have had 619 songs entered from 993 songwriters from secondary schools across the country. They have professionally recorded 151 winning finalist songs to go on digital competition albums across all platforms for free download. They are listened to and celebrated by whanau, peers, schools and wider communitites.
All awards will be presented at Tuning Fork, Auckland on Wednesday 30 November. The awards are proudly supported by The Tuning Fork and The Rockshop
www.playitstrange.org.nz
RIQI HARAWIRA ‘Creative Native’ releases his new waiata and music video November 25 ‘E rere ai (fly away)’.
Riqi’s new Single ‘E rere ai' is a song which originally came from a poem written by Riqi and his partner Floss, which touches on love, hopes, and dreams.
LISTEN - Here
2020 nominee Best Māori Male solo artist (Maori music awards) Riqi Harawira (Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) has shared stages with some of the world’s biggest acts, Guns N Roses & Pearl Jam to name a few. The former lead guitarist and co-songwriter for popular 90’s grunge band Dead Flowers has collaborated with numerous kiwi artists across his career such as Kings, stellar*, DLT, Che Fu and Dam Native. Riqi Harawira is a Kaupapa Māori fusion artist and a guitar virtuoso who is passionate about telling stories about Aotearoa through his guitar driven original music.
Riqi’s new Single ‘E rere ai' is a song which originally came from a poem written by Riqi and his partner Floss, which touches on love, hopes, and dreams.
WATCH ‘E rere ai - MUSIC VIDEO’ - Here
E rere ai (fly away) is a soft rock song which easily switches between English and Te reo Māori. It is 70’s style American in flavour with some nice Hammond organ supporting Riqi’s clean lead lines on his Fender Stratocaster. A song about a culturally blended couple who are flying away above the noise and opinions and doing their own thing. Inspiring others to find their wings too.
Riqi says .. “Our song about Flying Away above the noise… to a quiet place where the voices of opinions can’t be heard. We have learnt to fly and blend our family together, which has not always been socially accepted. But we endure because we row in our waka together and love each other through the noise. We hope our song Fly Away helps others in culturally blended relationships find their wings to Fly Away too.”
‘The lyrics are incredibly important’, says Riqi, and this Waiata is dedicated to interracial couples who have the courage to embrace each other, who understand the cultural differences, racial disparities, inequities, cultural history of violence and trauma. Despite these differences develop a respect and love for each other to counter racial prejudice, systemic racism, and the oppression of specific racial groups.
What they are saying around the world about E rere ai (Fly away)
Ukraine: Hello! Wow! I like this track! Welcome to my playlist! Svetlana Svetlana
Brazil:Good news I would like to share E rere ai (fly away) to our Radio show Rock'n'Roll Vibration | Alternativa Rock
United Kingdom: Good news! I would like to share E rere ai (fly away)as part of our radio show & on rotation, An enjoyable sound, modern and well made. Can't wait to play. The Sound Lab
Hawkes Bay Radio: This song is beautiful! Video is so relaxing!
Single/Video Review Review: E rere ai - Fly Away -Kev Rowland - NZ Muzic Net
‘ powerful message, all wrapped in a very enjoyable song and lovely video.’
Māori Soul, Pop and Jazz artist MOHI takes us back in time with his debut E.P ‘Moments'
Following the release of his chart hitting singles ‘Te Aroha Mauroa’ and ‘Jasmine’, MOHI (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) is set to release his debut EP ‘Moments’.
Following the release of his chart hitting singles ‘Te Aroha Mauroa’ and ‘Jasmine’, MOHI (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) is set to release his debut EP ‘Moments’.
Bursting onto the music scene with his captivating voice and incredible compositions, MOHI’s latest project takes us all back down memory lane.
‘Moments’ is an organic, heartstring tugging, soulful project that speaks of love and loss with the support and guidance of producer Dan Martin, MOHIs guitar playing is part of the track itself. It also focuses on bringing his exceptional voice and his lyrical talents to the forefront to showcase a very special emerging talent.
“This project means a lot to me. These songs trace back to my yesterday’s, written for those special people that I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with in my life.”
“I hope that when people listen to this project, it takes them back to a memory - of childhood sweethearts, or even a more recent love. To those special moments with those special people. I hope that people really feel this EP.”
The eight-track EP called 'Moments' features aspects of Soul, Pop and Gospel, genres that MOHI was raised listening to.
"I grew up in a strong Māori whānau, so soul and gospel music were the staple in our household. Artists such as The Temptations, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin and Sam Cooke - the feeling and finesse, the character and authenticity in their voices and musicality.”
The EP is MOHI’s first full project as an independent artist, along with the musical guidance of Dan Martin.
Dan Martin says that the EP is just the beginning for up and coming artist MOHI, the project takes each listener on a journey of pop, gospel/soul influenced sound.
“I’m hoping the new EP establishes MOHI as one of the most watched upcoming Māori talents in Aotearoa and helps catapult his career. We want each song to resonate with people sonically as Māori music becomes more prominent in the mainstream space. I hope MOHI’s music can be part of this driving force" says Martin.
EP ‘Moments’ is now available on all streaming platforms.