The Mitchell Twins Release “Reasons”, announce new Tami Neilson produced EP, and first solo tour.
The Mitchell Twins - Maegan and Nicola, release “Reasons”, the first single from the forthcoming EP “Find A River” Produced by Tami Neilson under NZ On Air’s New Music Development Programme, The new EP also features songs they co-wrote with Tami, as she guided them in their craft as songwriters.
The Mitchell Twins - Maegan and Nicola, release “Reasons”,
the first single from the forthcoming EP “Find A River” .
Produced by Tami Neilson under NZ On Air’s New Music Development Programme,
The new EP also features songs they co-wrote with Tami, as she guided them in their craft as songwriters. They recorded it in Tom Broome’s Auckland Studio, with Tom Broome as engineer and drummer, Chip Matthews on bass, Chet O’Connell on guitar. and Dave Khan on Strings.
Reasons, is a punchy guitar and percussion driven track, an open letter to those who make excuses time and time again and is a song dripping in sister harmonies and sass. The video features the fun they had working together with such admired musicians.
In 2022, the Maegan and Nicola released an acoustic version of the title track “Find A River”. They introduced audiences to this track when they performed at “Topp Class: The Topp Twins Tribute Show” in Novemeber 2022, at the Civic Theatre in Auckland.
The EP will now feature the studio version of this song, written about their connection as twins and inspired by the Topp Twins, their battles with cancer and separation over Covid lockdowns. The Topp Twins found strength through connection to each other in water - when one Topp would put her feet in the rivers of her southern home & the other would put hers in the sea up North - and both would feel connected. Find A River
The Mitchell Twins
At just 18, The Mitchell Twins have a clear musical vision; a blend of folk/country music. Raised in a home full of Dolly Parton, Tom T Hall and Kacey Musgraves, Maegan and Nicola have spent years honing their blood harmonies. They've toured through Aotearoa and Australia, supporting and playing with artists including Nadia Reid, Barry Saunders, Delaney Davidson, The Topp Twins, Fanny Lumsden (AU), and their big sis; Jenny Mitchell.
In 2021, they were crowned the Intermediate Duet Winners of the NZ Gold Guitar Awards and one of their proudest musical achievements is their leadership roles in their local Kapa Haka group. The Twins have deep connection with Te Reo Māori and their own family history.
With more than a decade of stages and green rooms already under their belt, Maegan and Nicola have crafted an original body of work; a collection of songs co-written with and produced by, Tami Neilson.
“Reasons” is out March 24th on all Digital Platforms
“Find A River” EP, is out June 16th on all Digital Platforms
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Website | Facebook
The Mitchell Twins. - “ Find A River” Tour
6th May - Wellington Bluegrass Society
31st May - Fanny Lumsden at Tussock Country Music Festival - support
18th June - Dunedin Folk Club
20th August - Christchurch Folk Club
Gore (TBC)
Invercargill (TBC)
Kumeu Live (TBC)
Tickets & info: themitchelltwins.com
YAHYAH TAKES HER POWER BACK IN NEW RELEASE ‘GO’
YAHYAH is back for 2023 with her self-empowering track ‘GO’. Co-written with producer Dan Martin (Ka Hao, Rob Ruha) and Gabe Everett (Foley), ‘GO’ is about taking back the power you've given someone and calling them out on all the games they've played.
YAHYAH is back for 2023 with her self-empowering track ‘GO’. Co-written with producer Dan Martin (Ka Hao, Rob Ruha) and Gabe Everett (Foley), ‘GO’ is about taking back the power you've given someone and calling them out on all the games they've played.
"The song journeys through all the emotions of giving someone up. I find this so difficult! Liking someone, catching a vibe then not being treated correctly so having to cut yourself off from them for your own mental health and sanity. Not an easy thing to do but definitely the right thing to do to protect yourself," YAHYAH explains.
The track’s high-energy is brought to life in the accompanying music video. Directed by Zac Emerson (La Women), the pair worked together with their wider creative team to produce the 90s inspired visual for the track.
YAHYAH’s next wave comes with a huge amount of anticipation and promise, with more to come from the Pop artist in 2023. Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘GO’ is out Friday, 24th March on all streaming platforms. Catch the Music Video premiere on YouTube.
InDuna - Dreams 💭 Out Now
Afro-Kiwi singer InDuna has written a song for the documentary film Ink and Gold: An Artist's Journey to Olympic Glory, which has won Best Original Song for 'Dreams’ at the International Online Web Fest (IOWF) where the film is nominated for six awards.
LISTEN TO 'DREAMS' HERE
Afro-Kiwi singer InDuna has written a song for the documentary film Ink and Gold: An Artist's Journey to Olympic Glory, which has won Best Original Song for 'Dreams’ at the International Online Web Fest (IOWF) where the film is nominated for six awards.
The song's theme centres on the hard work and perseverance that often goes unnoticed.
InDuna's latest release is a powerful and uplifting track that tells the story of someone who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, facing countless no's and challenges, but ultimately triumphing in the end.
InDuna’s soulful vocals and powerful lyrics, InDuna's music speaks to the human experience, encouraging listeners to push through the hard times and never give up on their dreams.
This latest single from InDuna is a perfect anthem for both good times and bad, reminding us that the journey may be tough, but the end result is always worth it
“InDuna’s approach to Hip-Hop/Rap is something that listeners should pay
attention to... From the way it is produced, the lyrics, the vocal delivery... there
is a vision heard across his tracks...” - Muzic.net.nz
INDUNA ONLINE
Website / Facebook / Instagram/ YouTube / Spotify / AppleMusic / Bandcamp / Soundcloud
Daring playfulness & vogue theatre! Frau Knotz releases danceable darkwave single + video ‘Runway of Reality’
Taranaki-based electropop artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has today released her sophomore single + video ‘Runway of Reality’.
LISTEN HERE
Taranaki-based electropop artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has today released her sophomore single + video ‘Runway of Reality’.
With an 80s darkwave dance club feel, a super catchy hook, a driving tech house beat with heavily syncopated vocals and a touch of Mulholland Drive. “It’s my hype song,” says Lauren, “the one I blast in the car on a Friday night. I like to call the genre danceable darkwave.” ‘Runway of Reality’ explores the corners of fashion and identity, chronicling the multitude of fads and phases we pass through in our lives. “We as humans are ever-evolving,” says Lauren, “revealing and disguising facets of ourselves through the clothes we wear. I love to play dress-ups. I change the way I look often, and enjoy doing the same with my sound. This tune is theatrical and dramatic with a whole bunch of influences like Kavinsky, Vangelis (Blade Runner soundtrack) and Royksöpp.”
Following her debut ‘Supernova’ (2022), ‘Runway of Reality’ was once again recorded and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studios and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studio.
Accompanying the single release is another exciting video collaboration between Frau Knotz and videographer Ben D’Ath (Drax Project, Coterie). It also features drag queen on the rise, Erika Flash (Daniel Lockett), a regular performer at Auckland’s Caluzzi Cabaret who calls Taranaki home.
“In the video I play the role of a theatre usher and narrator,” explains Lauren, “while the video tracks Daniel as he transforms into his alter ego, drag queen extraordinaire Erika Flash. It takes him 3 hours to get into drag and during the time he spends in front of the mirror applying makeup, putting on a dress, jewellery, heels and a wig, he is both physically and mentally transforming into another part of his identity - a sassy, classy, flamboyant woman full of confidence and poise.”
“We shot it in The King's Theatre in Stratford, which is the first ever movie theatre in the Southern Hemisphere to have screened ‘talkies’ (pictures with sound). I’m really stoked to be able to feature Taranaki with regards to the arts (and history of the arts) in this region. It opened in 1917 and is said to be haunted by a friendly ghost that likes to hang around and watch the movies. Apparently, the ghost is an old projectionist who worked at the theatre who used to wear an anorak to work. Occasionally people have heard a zipper noise, of him zipping up his anorak! I’m planning an event for NZ Music Month to celebrate the release of ‘Runway of Reality’ at The King’s Theatre. I’ll screen the music video then perform a live show with Erika Flash.”
With an upcoming event, and much more music to come from this exciting up and coming artist, make sure you’re following Frau Knotz and stay tuned!
Maioha Silver Scroll winner AJA releases intimate new single + video ‘Feel It’
Ahead of her Cuba Dupa festival performance, singer and producer AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) has today released her beautiful new single + video ‘Feel It’.
Ahead of her Cuba Dupa festival performance, singer and producer AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) has today released her beautiful new single + video ‘Feel It’.
‘Feel It’ is yet another stunning single from the 2022 APRA Maioha Silver Scroll Award winner, who started composing this track 12 years ago, alongside Te Kawa Herangi, Peter Riley and Sam Notman. Heavily influenced by artists D'angelo and Jill Scott, the vibe of the track is indicative of a real Wellington city sound. The jazz influence. The punchy horn section cajoled by gospel drums. The heavy hip hop RnB, funky backbeat drive - and an intimate, tender and dynamic melody powerfully sung by AJA. This track expands into a bigger sound and brings forth a powerful, trustworthy song journey.
“It speaks about a dream,” says AJA. “A symbol of deep emotion and energy. ‘Feel it’ connects to the constant, to frequent thoughts and feelings of desire. It reveals truth. It’s explosive and passionate. It’s a self revelation.”
‘Feel it’ was recorded live at The Massey Studios in Wellington, by engineers Mike Gibson and Thomas Te Taite. Lucky for fans, the studio and performance magic of ‘Feel It’ was visually captured by DOP Timon Zeiss and editor Tama Kawha. This time was made possible by producer, musician and Massey University Artist in Residence Delaney Davidson, who dedicated a day of his residency to AJA. “The band and film crew had full access to the entire recording space and gear to track and record the new content. It’s a serious and sassy live showcase, with all the instruments on display and me fronting the band and my music.”
AJA is also currently fronting her 12 piece band on her summer tour: a culmination of a life in music and dedication to her people, her vision and future. She recently headlined at Newtown Festival (5 March) and has the final show at Cuba Dupa 2023 coming up on Saturday 25 March.
AJA Ropata (Ngāti Toa rangatira, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou) is an industry professional in both Māori education and music whose talents and influences are to create and produce music in both te reo Māori and Pākehā. In Matariki 2019 AJA released her debut single 'Non-Handler', then in NZ Music Month 2020, her second single 'Kāwai' was released. It explores themes of creation and environmental awareness. AJA was recently presented the esteemed 2022 APRA Maioha Award for collaboration waiata ‘Te Iho’ alongside Byllie-Jean and Chris Wethey. First-time finalist and winners, AJA says it was another proud moment elevating contemporary waiata reo Māori. AJA’s voice and musical arrangements talk intimately to a wide audience luring listeners along a vast musical soundscape. With much-anticipated upcoming performances booked and a debut album being worked on alongside producer, singer and musician, Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle), AJA is an artist you don’t want to miss!
FIND AJA
Turkey The Bird tour continues this weekend, joined by Krissy Jackson on fiddle.
NZ folk trio Turkey The Bird are continuing their tour this weekend with some very special shows around the lower west coast of the North Island.
NZ folk trio Turkey The Bird are continuing their tour this weekend with some very special shows around the lower west coast of the North Island. They are joined by one of New Zealand's best fiddle player Krissy Jackson for 3 shows this weekend. Starting on Friday 24th March they're playing at the Hawera Repertory Society in Hawera followed by an intimate house concert in Whanganui on Saturday 25th March and on Sunday 26th March they will appear at the Marton Harvest Festival in Marton.
Tickets to the Friday show can be found on eventfinda.co.nz
New Zealand's folk trio "Turkey The Bird" will remind you of the famous Margarita cocktail infused with a hint of "Simon & Garfunkel", 2 ounces of "Mumford and Sons", a splash of banjo and served on ice on a sunny day.
Catchy folk songs with stunning rich melodies and effortless smooth lyrics. Songs that tell uplifting stories about love and life.
Hailing from the New Zealand left coast town New Plymouth, this uplifting band will hit you with beautiful three part harmonies and toe tapping rhythms.
The bearded trio features Andre Manella from Switzerland on guitar, bass and percussion, Adrian Whelan from Ireland on guitar, mandolin, bass and spoons,
and Sol Bear Coulton, the token kiwi, on Banjo and slide guitar.
"injects hoedown-showdown fun, fun, fun and the harmonies shine like diamonds." (Paul Cook, Joyzine UK)
“cruise along and let the harmonies wash over you like the warm waves of the Bahamas”
(Paul Cook, Joyzine UK)
"and this is plain brilliant." (Kev Rowland, Muzic.net.nz)
“I am not going to lie, this is my new favourite band of 2021. (Chris Chick, Muzic.net.nz)
“That’s Turkey The Bird, great band, just love them” (Jesse Mulligan RNZ)
BORDERLINE ANNOUNCE ‘THE GOING HOME RELEASE TOUR’
Indie-pop band Borderline have announced they’re hitting the road, and travelling the North Island for their ‘Going Home Release Tour’.
Indie-pop band Borderline have announced they’re hitting the road, and travelling the North Island for their ‘Going Home Release Tour’.
The tour is in support of their recently announced next single ‘Going Home (bitter)’, which drops Friday 7 April. “We can’t wait to see everyone on the ‘Going Home’ release tour, and share the rest of what’s to come this year,” says drummer Jackson Boswell.
Borderline made a splash in 2022 with their debut release ‘Spinning’ charting on the Hot Singles, Hot NZ Singles and RadioScope Most Added charts. With an innate sense of musicality and melody, the group is building a catalogue of smooth, upbeat original songs with wide appeal.
Engaging live performances secured Borderline festival slots at Soundsplash and Festival One (which was unfortunately cancelled on the weekend) in January 2023. Their following is growing with their songs delivering hooks that keep their live audiences singing along. Now, with high school behind them, they are focussed on taking things up a notch.
With the tour kicking off in April, Borderline will be joined by local support acts, which are to be announced. Tickets are on sale now and available through eventfinda.co.nz and totarastreet.co.nz
TOUR DATES
Wellington - Thistle Hall - 12 April
Tauranga - Totara Street - 13 April*
Hamilton - Zeal - 14 April
Auckland - Big Fan - 15 April
*Supervised event
FIND BORDERLINE
Jordyn With A Why’s new single ‘Seen To-night’
Samoan/Māori artist and social media influencer ‘Jordyn with a Why’ releases her latest single ‘Seen Tonight.’ After the success of ‘Raumati,’ this new single offers an English restyling in ‘Seen Tonight’. Jordyn says it’s not a translation, rather, its own version. If ‘Raumati’ made you feel the sunshine, ‘Seen Tonight’ will get you vibing in the moonlight.
Samoan/Māori artist and social media influencer ‘Jordyn with a Why’ releases her latest single ‘Seen Tonight.’
After the success of ‘Raumati,’ this new single offers an English restyling in ‘Seen Tonight’. Jordyn says it’s not a translation, rather, its own version. If ‘Raumati’ made you feel the sunshine, ‘Seen Tonight’ will get you vibing in the moonlight.
“Seen Tonight offers another personality, or another face to the same arrangement that accompanies ‘Raumati’ - a moment to just have a cheeky bevy and dance with your besties.
“It’s about having fun, dressing up and having a good time.”
The release of ‘Seen Tonight’ marks Jordyn’s first release for 2023 - a fun start to many more coming.