Alt-pop artist Michèle Ducray releases new video for single 'The Night' feat. LA rapper Kevin Posey
Auckland-based, rising dark-pop star Michèle Ducray has released her brilliant new music video for single ‘The Night’ featuring LA rapper Kevin Posey.
Auckland-based, rising dark-pop star Michèle Ducray has released her brilliant new music video for single ‘The Night’ featuring LA rapper Kevin Posey.
Created by celebrated director Shae Sterling (Stan Walker, Teeks, Maisey Rika, L.A.B), the video is about trying to escape intense sleep paralysis. "It's a mind-altering state of consciousness that can be quite scary," explains Michèle.
"The making of the video required a lot of effort and one very long day! I spent all day with an amazing crew who helped make three different looks happen across two different settings. The rapper on the track, Kevin, also recorded his part in Los Angeles, so a lot of work went into this one. We even have a moment where we sussed these black elastic-like bands that I had to fight off semi-hanging from them and pulling on them - only to be thrown back into a bed with a hole in the centre. Luckily, I didn't break it! You can see all these crazy little stunts in the video."
'The Night' is a melancholic, mysterious and reflective dark-pop song, about turning toward an expansive experience when you’re having your lowest point. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Sydney-based producer Liam Quinn, the song came to Michèle while driving down a highway looking into the vast night sky. “It captured me how strangely alluring it was. Dotted with iridescent stars. I started singing the verse melody, and then the chorus. Liam and I weren't really vibing the original bridge, so that’s when I suggested contacting Los Angeles rapper Kevin Posey, who came up with the amazing rap that’s part of the bridge.”
Following on from singles ‘Midnight’ (2021) and ‘Manifesto’ (2022), ‘The Night’ is still in keeping with Michèle’s penchant for creating spellbinding, dark and edgy pop that takes its inspiration from fantasy intertwined with the mystical. “I based a lot of the feeling of the song on "In the Dark of the Night" by Rasputin from the movie Anastasia and I love telling stories and enticing people to really think about the lyricism behind it. All my songs have meaning and I love conveying that through my lyrics, effects and production.”
Raised in South Africa, China and Aotearoa New Zealand, Michèle discovered her affinity for music when she was just a child. Now based in Auckland, over the course of her young music career she’s worked with some of the biggest names in the business, is touted as ‘one to watch’ and will be performing live at Bay Dreams and ZM’s Electric Avenue 2023. She also has an EP in the works - so make sure you don’t miss a beat by following Michèle Ducray!
BORDERLINE DELIVER SUMMER TRACK ‘DIVINE’
Borderline’s latest offering ‘Divine’ arrives just in time for summer and rounds out what has been an exciting first chapter of music from the band.
Borderline’s latest offering ‘Divine’ arrives just in time for summer and rounds out what has been an exciting first chapter of music from the band.
The track depicts a story of unconditional love, and follows the narrative of a couple working through an argument. "It’s about living in the moment and loving somebody even when they get on your nerves,” lead singer Ben explains.
The band worked with producer Christian Tjandrawinata to bring the song to life, stating “there is nothing more exciting for us than sharing new music. This one has a feel good summer vibe and we can’t wait to play it at festivals and shows in the coming months."
It’s been a successful first year on the scene for the teen band, with their debut release having reached number 6 on the NZ Hot Singles chart and their sophomore single ‘Jealous’ already a crowd favourite at live shows. With more to come in 2023, these lads are ones to watch.
‘Divine’ is out Friday, 9th December on all streaming platforms. Plus, see Borderline live at Soundsplash and Festival One in January 2023.
Link to ‘Divine’
https://augustavenue.lnk.to/FslU1o
FIND BORDERLINE
Kate 'Bed Of Roses'
'Bed of Roses' is an exploration of the feelings I experienced when I grew up and realised that life is not at all like what the fairytales I had watched when I was younger had promised it would be. I wanted to create a song that in itself feels like a fairytale going wrong.
Kate is the solo project of Rotorua born singer/songwriter Kate Griffiths. Kate has always had a love for creating a performing music, from playing the drums in a local band at events such as Christmas in the Park and the Bay of Plenty Blues Festival, to now recording her own music and collaborating with some of New Zealand's top artists such as alayna, Noema Te Hau, Michael Barker and Will Henderson. The first single from her upcoming debut EP is called 'Bed of Roses', and will go live on all streaming platforms on Friday the 9th of December.
'Bed of Roses' is an exploration of the feelings I experienced when I grew up and realised that life is not at all like what the fairytales I had watched when I was younger had promised it would be. I wanted to create a song that in itself feels like a fairytale going wrong.
CORRELLA RELEASE NEW SUMMER HIT ‘SKANKIN’
Just in time for summer, popular seven-piece roots-reggae band Corrella have today released their new single ‘Skankin’.
LISTEN HERE
Just in time for summer, popular seven-piece roots-reggae band Corrella have today released their new single ‘Skankin’.
Following on from their NZ Music Chart success (NZ Music Singles, Te Reo Māori Singles), ‘Skankin’ is another exciting feel-good modern roots reggae song from this talented up-and-coming band - and a must for every Aotearoa playlist!
With two band members currently in Te Taua Moana, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and two being former Navy members - it won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that ‘Skankin’ was written in the middle of the ocean somewhere between the Philippines and Australia.
“It was written in the middle of the night while I was having a ‘miss-home’ moment and a ‘want to get back to the band’ moment,” Te Naawe Tupe (Ngāi Tūhoe) - rhythm guitarist and hype man. “The song explains the ‘why’ for us as a band, why we do this, which is to make people move to our music, vibe with us, and to connect with the stories we tell and who we are as individuals, as well as a team. It’s also for our wider Corrella whānau, everyone who has supported us in the past and who will be with us in the future.”
Recorded at Parachute studios, produced by Jimmy Colbert, mixed by Christian Tjandrawinata and mastered by Vivek Gabriel, ‘Skankin’ is the start of the band releasing music from their upcoming 2023 album. “The quality of music is lifting with us as a band and is showcased in these new tracks - including ‘Skankin’ - which is a reflection of who we are as a band, where we started, and where we want to go - the ‘One Love’ stage.”
Corrella formed in 2017 and was named after Corrella Road in Belmont, on Auckland’s North Shore. The group is made up of Te Naawe Tupe (Ngāi Tūhoe) - rhythm guitarist and hype man, Pipiwharauroa Campbell (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti He, Ngāti Pukenga) - lead singer, Codi Wehi-Ngati (Ngāti Maniapoto) - bass guitarist, Rebekah Brady (Te Arawa, Nga puhi) - lead vocalist, Taula Schuster (Samoa, Niue) - piano and keyboard, “Ulu” Tom Scrase – drummer and proud Wellingtonian who creates and play’s Taonga Puōro, and Joshua Faletutulu- lead guitarist.
They released their debut single ‘Summertime in Aotearoa’ in late 2020, which quickly made it onto the NZ Music charts at #14. The single was inspired by the group's unique Aotearoa summer experiences, like “sunshine kissing the water and Pohutukawa blooming to let divers know it’s time to collect Kaimoana.” Corrella went on to release their debut 5-track self-titled EP in 2021, with an impressive three tracks off the EP making it onto the NZ Music Charts. 2021 also saw them receive NZOA funding, which treated the world to 4 more Corrella hit singles across 2021-2022 - ‘Local Stranger’, inspired by the global pandemic; ‘We On’, a feel-good upbeat song; ‘Raumati’, the group’s first full Te Reo Māori Waiata, which featured in Waiata Anthems 2022 and was #4 on the Te Reo Māori Singles Music Chart. Corrella is an exciting Aotearoa band who have much more music and shows in the pipeline, so make sure you’re following!
Album Release for Sing for the Earth ~ Little Wild Animals By Claudia Robin Gunn
Launched with a family show at Uxbridge Arts and Culture last weekend, Claudia Robin Gunn’s latest Creative New Zealand supported album and songbook drops today.
Launched with a family show at Uxbridge Arts and Culture last weekend, Claudia Robin Gunn’s latest Creative New Zealand supported album and songbook drops today.
With 25 songs canvassing animal conservation, biodiversity and climate awareness for kids there has never been a more pressing need for children and their parents to relate, connect with and support all efforts to protect our natural world and the creatures we share this planet with.
As a Tāmaki Makaurau resident frequently haunting the institution of Auckland Zoo with her own kids over the years, it’s no surprise that zoo family favourites like rhino, flamingo, hippo, lovebirds, giraffe, tuatara and kiwi all make an appearance. But there are also songs for extinct animals, creepy crawlies (don’t be scared of bugs), the fascinating monotremes of Australia and the surprisingly smart, but slow moving South American sloth.
Produced by Tom Fox at The Sound Room, Sing for the Earth wraps up a 49 song, two album collaboration begun mid 2021 that progressed steadily despite lockdowns, with a virtual studio approach. Mastering is by Mike Bloemandal.
The accompanying songbook is out everywhere as a digital product, illustrated by Elise De Silva, and with science notes and activity ideas authored by Claudia’s sister Dr Melissa R Gunn.
Featuring on guest vocals are Christchurch’s Itty Bitty Beats and Loopy Tunes Preschool Music, Sydney’s Angie Who and Claudia’s mum and original signing teacher Deni Gunn.
The album and songbook are available on BandCamp as a download bundle or separately on all ebook platforms and music streaming platforms.
https://claudiagunn.bandcamp.com/album/sing-for-the-earth-little-wild-animals
YAHYAH ‘TALK’S IT OUT’ IN LATEST RELEASE
YAHYAH’s next offering ‘Talk It Out,’ featuring Taylor Roche, explores a candid take on the dissolution of a relationship. Produced by Joel Jones, and co-written with Gabe Everett (Foley), the core of the track is an emphatic cry for help, following a narrative that dictates a lack of communication has left both parties feeling tension and desperate to find a solution.
YAHYAH’s next offering ‘Talk It Out,’ featuring Taylor Roche, explores a candid take on the dissolution of a relationship. Produced by Joel Jones, and co-written with Gabe Everett (Foley), the core of the track is an emphatic cry for help, following a narrative that dictates a lack of communication has left both parties feeling tension and desperate to find a solution.
”This song was birthed from feeling frustration in the studio and wanting to articulate how vital communication and loyalty is,” YAHYAH explains. “It came together so beautifully while we danced around melodies and concepts, and was fully brought to life with Joel and Gabe.”
YAHYAH’s music continues to be the friend that everyone needs, with the lyrics also offering the realistic message that many young couples face; it’s okay to say ‘it is what it is’, and do what’s best for each other by moving on. “It's a back and forth journey between two people finally owning up to how they're feeling. I really relate to this, not only in romantic relationships but also in platonic relationships as well. There is angst to it, which I love... which is real to me.”
2022 has been an exciting next chapter of music for the artist, with the release of ‘Thoughts From My Bed’ reaching number 10 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles chart, and becoming a part of Waiata Anthems Week with the stunning Te Reo Maori rendition, ‘Ngā Mahara Moenga.’
YAHYAH’s next wave comes with a huge amount of anticipation and promise, with more to come from the Pop artist in 2023. ‘Talk It Out’ is out Friday, 2nd December on all streaming platforms. Plus, see YAHYAH live at Festival One in January 2023.
Link to ‘Talk It Out’
https://AugustAvenue.lnk.to/4tcZx2
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Estère shares lush, beat-forward summer banger EP 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, Doja Cat and Lous and the Yakuza 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.
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, Doja Cat and Lous and the Yakuza 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 create 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 features beat-forward "BPM" (released 7 Oct) and funky millennial lament "Oh Well" (released 3 Nov), and introduces two new gems, "Conversation With Daddy" and "Melt".
Conversation With Daddyplayfully questions material greed and wealth, andstarted with a chat on the phone between Estère and her father. “My dad will often go into these impassioned dialogues about whatever he’s thinking and I really like the percussive element of his speaking style. His voice over the phone is really alive,” says Estère. “Conversation With Daddy” explores both Estère’s relationship with her upbringing and the pitfalls of capitalist society.
Meltis a beat-driven track which honours long and enduring love, andwas largely composed while on holiday in Rarotonga earlier in 2022. “I think you can hear the summer vibes in it, it’s peppy and sexy with a hint of sadness - it’s for the long-time lovers and especially for the person I’ve been loving for a long time,” says Estère.
Tamaki based Songstress Ema I’u releases music video for her debut single Midnight Mistress
An uplifting R&B soul anthem all about empowering Wahine Toa, breaking cycles, and letting go of toxic relationships and environments.
An uplifting R&B soul anthem all about empowering Wahine Toa, breaking cycles, and letting go of toxic relationships and environments.
“I’m sure many people have found themselves in a situation where they are being hurt, disrespected, kept in the dark or repeating the same old mistakes. I hope this song helps encourage someone to recognise they deserve better and to put themselves first.”
Barton ran a successful boosted.nz campaign to help make the video with upcoming director Sophie Black and DOP Josè Alberto De Hoyos. It stars Tatum Warren-Ngata (Power Of The Dog, The Panthers) as a mesmerising ‘maiden’ and musician Jaqi Taimana Williams as a Matriarch.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are or your background. You can always fall into the role of the ‘Midnight Mistress’ longing for the day. With this video I wanted to show wahine in 3 different stages of life, stuck in this similar uncomfortable limbo - 'waiting for someone' to love or save them. But ultimately they can find strength, joy and fulfilment within themselves. So lessgo and dance it out."
The video has a retro aesthetic and vivid colours shot in a moody motel and bar.
“The motel acts as a metaphor for this lonely place, where you’re not quite at home, which feels like a fantasy. It’s also a stereotypical backdrop for the Mistress trope. The dirty secret, the other woman, the people pleaser or pleasure seeker. The temptress who brings misfortune on herself and others. It’s time She regains her power and autonomy.”
Ema I’u aka Ema Barton is a full-time musician, actor and creative (of Sāmoan/ Pākehā heritage); known as ‘The Queen of Open Mic’ having run multiple events over the last 8 years and performing regularly with her bands Lucky May and Coco-Rocky. She is working on multiple tracks with Producer Nathan Judd (Producer of the Year, Pacific Music Awards 2021) with a NZ on Air New Music Development Grant and a New Music Pasifika Grant for her next single. Midnight Mistress is the first single from this collaboration, with an album in the pipeline for release next year.