Neil MacLeod - We Have Known Lost Days

Electronic and alternative pop artist Neil Macleod releases the remixed works of his highly praised EP 'We Have Known Lost Days’, heroically stacked with producers from across Aotearoa and Europe.

Throwing Snow, Second Self, Leaping Tiger, Proteins of Magic, Brainwaltzera, Amamelia and 2XM unite to articulate their takes on a track each, while thoughtfully paying homage to the original.

MacLeod is one to watch as he quickly rises, performing a flurry of sold-out shows in both the North and South Island, opening for acts such as Drax Project and hailing support from BBC Radio 6 Music, DAZED, Dublab, Pilerats and Couvre x Chefs to name a few.

DAZED wrote 'Neil MacLeod articulates a very specific strain of percussive electronic soul music. Set against stuttering backbeats that draw from the LA beats and post-dubstep traditions, he blends tastefully digitally manipulated vocals with electronic textures and melodies. The results are a richly cinematic set of songs that put the darker side of human nature under the microscope’.

His visceral seven-track EP takes listeners on a journey exploring both dark and tender aspects of being human. Released in September, the body of work was accompanied by a “visual EP”, directed by Oscar Keys. The film explores a rich world of lighting, visuals, sound and showmanship, bundling a wealth of creativity into 26 well-spent minutes of screen time.

Nothing short of a stunning extension from this short film, the reworks present an eclectic mix of genres, triumphantly opening with Throwing Snow’s remix of ‘Downwards’. The prolific UK producer showcases his exquisite production on the track with a dramatic build-up of layers and mind-whirling effects. Having previously remixed tracks by Gold Panda, Heathered Pearls and Ital Tek and released on Fabric's imprint Houndstooth, he plays on the powerful and cinematic aspects of MacLeod’s song with a deep warmth and glistening crispness.

The remix by Second Self is the latest twist in the ever-evolving journey of Neil MacLeod. Forged on a stormy evening in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, Second Self emerged as MacLeod's answer to a deep calling to create something dance-worthy.

Winner of Best Electronic Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards 2022, Leaping Tiger gives a Frank Ocean-Esque remix of ‘Openly’, releasing the listener into a lush playful sonic wave, crashing somewhere in a relaxed corner of outer space.

From space to a sonic bed here on earth, the innovative Proteins of Magic’s rework of ‘Mouthshut’ brings forward all earthly delights, be it swinging percussive strikes, piano or the flute.

Brainwaltzera, has been making waves in the IDM sea after releasing music on SoundCloud in 2016 which caught the interest of Aphex Twin and the wider electronic community. Opening with distant cheering and chatter, an imaginary theatre is formed, Brainwaltzera’s skittery downtempo beats build into a bed of electronic revivalism, with Neil MacLeod’s digitally processed vocals singing a duet with a melancholic synthesiser.

Tāmaki Makaurau producer and musician Amamelia, whose ‘Taller Than Trees’ remix is filled to the brim with classic vocoder sounds and effervescent builds, featuring her signature breakbeats and energy-filled production.

To close off the EP, NZ and Australian-based brothers Liam and Ben Murray, 2XM transform ‘Once in Love’ from a largely beatless soundscape to a dance track filled with curious percussive elements.

The seven artists take Neil MacLeod’s natural tendency to push the boundaries of electronic music even further, offering reflections of MacLeod’s artistic integrity while interpreting it in their own styles. All of the reworks balance MacLeod’s vocals lovingly with precision from the artist’s sophomore EP, the first release from label Particle Recordings.

LISTEN HERE

https://lnk.to/WHKLDremixed

MURMUR TOOTH & LARS MOSTON DROP HYPNOTICALLY DARK COVER OF ALICE COOPER CLASSIC "POISON"

What happens when you mix a Metal girl with a House guy?  A transformative cover version of the Alice Cooper classic - this unlikely duo have turned “Poison” into an entirely new beast. Raw and beautiful, the song is a mesmerizingly intimate journey down a dark path. Half-time electronic beats and dirty guitar act as a broken vessel for the somewhat harrowing vocal performance - it’s hard to look, but it’s harder to look away…

 Music video: https://youtu.be/luiSE9HAz2I

 Spotify: http://bit.ly/42CJ331

 Apple Music: https://apple.co/40drODQ

Two moody but very danceable remixes complete the Poison package. Lars Moston turns the song into a minimalistic bass monster, preserving the cover’s special mystique while adding just the right amount of hypnotic looping and tension-building effects to a relentless house beat. JoMinto teams up with Lanigan McAndrew for the second remix, masterfully remoulding the track into a breathtaking piece of breakbeat-driven electronica that is sure to create some unforgettable festival moments.

Murmur Tooth (aka Leah Hinton), a multi-instrumentalist and singer from New Zealand (originally from the heavy metal and classical persuasion) teamed up with British-German House DJ and producer Lars Moston during the pandemic. The duo have been exploring how their polar-opposite musical backgrounds clash and combine into a unique flavour of quirky Electronic Pop. May 19 2023 will see the release of 'No Time To Explain’, a full length album of genre-defying songs combining Leah's composition skills and vocal hooks with Lars's production magic. The tracks are dripping with layered harmonies and bursting with the weird and wonderful sounds of half-broken instruments, salvaged childhood toys, and repurposed household appliances. Watch this space...

AfroSoul artist Ch! Nonso pairs ‘Kola Nuts & Chardonnay’ with the release of his debut EP

Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based AfroSoul artist Ch! Nonso is set to release his debut EP ‘Kola Nuts & Chardonnay’ on Friday, 31 March. The seven-track conceptual project seamlessly pulls together different sounds, music traditions and cultures, reflecting the symbolism of kola nuts and chardonnay as the meeting of diverse musical and cultural influences. 

Traditionally, kola nuts are a symbol of hospitality and are the first thing offered to guests as a sign of welcome in Igbo culture. Paired with Chardonnay, Ch! Nonso welcomes listeners to sit in on an intimate conversation about straddling different cultures and the impact that has on the individual and nation’s identity. 

The offering of kola nuts and chardonnay begins with ‘How Many Times’, a track peppered with a hand drum by Mavs Adegbite, a local drummer of Nigerian descent, and rifts of a Ghanaian Highlife style guitar, played by USA based Theophilus Akai.

From ‘How Many Times’ we journey into ‘Site Ta’, a declaration of the urgency to reclaim and embody all of who you are, featuring saxophonist Thabani Gapara. The EP then transitions into ‘Forever O’Clock’, a love letter of sorts to the physical places we might call home and the people there. The theme of home echoes through into ‘Liar’, a glimpse into why people might leave home and flows into ‘Ka Home’, Ch! Nonso’s reflection on the fluidity of home. 

The project concludes with ‘But Do They Know (Remix)’, a track that opens with a blessing of kola nuts by the artist’s uncle. Although the blessing of the kola nuts is usually at the start of the occasion, the blessing concludes the EP signifying what the artist says is a welcome to the beginning of the end. 

Produced by Unchained XL ‘Kola Nuts & Chardonnay’ is Ch! Nonso’s debut release and a homecoming for the artist.  

Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Ch! Nonso is an AfroSoul artist of Igbo descent residing in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand). In releasing his first project as Ch! Nonso, the artist invites us to witness his homecoming and reclamation of the philosophies and stories his name embodies.

Drawing inspiration from sounds that have deep roots in African music traditions, Ch! Nonso’s first foray into music was as a church choir member and later as a member of a boyband in university. Previously he performed under the alias Nuel Nonso as lead vocalist for Ijebu Pleasure Club and has worked with Phodiso, Mazbou Q, New Telepathics and Sola Rosa.

Sonically, Ch! Nonso’s sound is influenced by traditional Igbo rhythms such as Amawbia and Mbaise sounds, Highlife, RnB, Afrobeat, Jazz, Soul and artists such as Femi Kuti, Destiny’s Child, Celestine Ukwu, Plantashun Boiz and Stevie Wonder. 

His reflective lyricism provides commentary on straddling multiple cultural influences and making sense of the awkward space between the jarring union of traditional African and Indigenous cultures, colonial influences and Western culture. 

Coast Arcade conjures summer escapism with new single ‘Surf Club’

Catchy new single ‘Surf Club’ from Aotearoa’s indie pop-rock band Coast Arcade is sure to hook all summer escapists!

Listen to ‘Surf Club’ HERE

Becoming known for their fun music and live performances, ‘Surf Club’ does not disappoint. The vibe is fast, upbeat and energetic - but unlike previous singles, it has a more surf-influenced flavour and raw, indie sound.

“‘Surf Club’ has a few different meanings,” says lead singer/guitarist Bella Bavin. “On a surface level, it’s the perfect summer-highlights reel, and I hope that’s what people take away after listening! On a deeper level, and to me personally, it’s about feeling out of place in your life and not having your normal coping mechanisms to deal with a rough time.”

Bella says that the songwriting for ‘Surf Club’ came about when the band were asked to open for a surf band. “I panicked because I didn’t think we were surf-y enough. So I sat down and wrote ‘Surf Club’ that same day. It’s turned out to be one of my favourites that I’ve written.”

Coast Arcade is made up of Bella Bavin (vocals + lead guitar), brothers Chris (rhythm guitar) and Nate Tims (bass), and Thom Boynton (drums + backing vocals).  These Auckland-based up-and-comers have placed in the charts with both their previously released singles - fast-paced ‘Highest Heights’ (Official NZ Charts ‘Ones To Watch’, #2 Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart + #37 Hot 40 Singles, #7 RadioScope Most Added + #24 NZ Airplay) and infectious debut ‘Tattoo’  (#11 Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added).

‘Surf Club’ was recorded at Joel Little's Big Fan studio with engineer Noema Te Hau, then mixed and mastered by Jono Pearce (The Beths). It’s the second single from an upcoming debut EP - so be sure to stay tuned for more!

Having formed in early 2021 at high school, the band have an impressive cv which includes opening for Aussie legends Bootleg Rascals and The Grogans, as well as kiwi icons The Beths and Princess Chelsea. They secured spots on the Rhythm and Vines festival and Spring City festival line-ups - alongside well-established acts such as Groove Armada, Zane Lowe and Ladyhawke.

Coast Arcade are definitely ones to watch!

Corrella release new heartwarming single ‘Little Circles’

Seven-piece roots-reggae band Corrella have today released their new love song ‘Little Circles’.

A song sure to give you butterflies, Corrella dedicate this sweet new single to ‘all the lovers’, while taking listeners to a place of ‘magic’ and ‘wonder’. Following on from their recent charting hits ‘Skankin’, ‘We On (Catch-22 Remix)’, ‘Raumati’ and ‘Raumati (Isdale Remix)’, ‘Little Circles’ is sure to be another hit with fans.

“Everyone can relate to a moment or think of a person when they hear this track,” says Te Naawe Tupe - songwriter and rhythm guitarist. “It’s quite literal in terms of lyrics and feel, but to put a label on it - the song is about the feeling you get when you see that one person who makes you feel something more than anyone else. There's just something about seeing someone you are keen on walk through the doors, and I wanted to portray that in a song.”

‘Little Circles’ has definitely succeeded in capturing these moments with their mellow, laid back reggae and, a first for the group, a female-led vocal - clearly showcasing what an incredible vocal talent Rebekah Brady is.

Recorded at Parachute studios, it was produced by Jimmy Colbert, mixed by Christian Tjandrawinata and mastered by Vivek Gabriel. The band says that ‘Little Circles’ is yet another good taste of what’s to come, as they continue to tease an upcoming album.

Corrella formed in 2017 and 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. Their summer single ‘Skankin’ (released December 2022), has been filling the Aotearoa airwaves, and consistently placing in both RadioScope and Official NZ Charts alongside ‘Raumati’, the group's first full Te Reo Māori Waiata, which featured in Waiata Anthems 2022. They released their debut single ‘Summertime in Aotearoa’ in late 2020, which quickly made it onto the NZ Music charts. They then 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. With much more to come from this rising Aotearoa group, make sure you’re following!

Ella Pollett New Single “When I’m Gone”

Ella Pollett is an emerging singer/songwriter from the Hawke’s Bay.  The 17 year old tells her story of life through her songs and has been described as having a sweet voice with a hint of country. This year marks the official debut of what promises to be an exciting journey ahead, soon performing at the Mission concert alongside Rod Stewart. 

“When I’m gone” is the third single that Ella has released. In 2022, she performed this song at the prestigious Rockquest competition and won first place, representing Hawke’s Bay in the solo/duo category. “When I'm gone” tells the story of having someone important in your life that means the world to you, but this person doesn't feel the same way - maybe they will realise this once you have gone. 

Ella hopes that her songs will connect with her listeners and they can relate to this in their own lives. 

Facebook or Instagram - Ella Pollett Music.

Ella Pollett spotify

Afro-Kiwi artist, adv is releasing his new single 🛁 Bubblebath 🛁

"I cry in the shower so as not to feel my tears” 

- adv

Who is adv?

It’s chill, it’s vibes, it’s sadboi - and adv (Alex de Vries) is the saddest boy of them all. Inspired by the likes of Leo Bhanji, Rainy Miller, Teyana Taylor, Easy Life and Matt Corby, adv’s style is eclectic yet melancholic, perfectly capturing the malaise of the times. His previous release Take Me For A Ride saw adv explore his sexuality as a queer Afro-Kiwi navigating liminal space. After being nominated for an LGBTI award, sharing the stage with Parson James, performing internationally in both South Africa and the United States, and breaking through in the worlds of film and theatre, adv is back and more vulnerable than ever. 

About Bubblebath

Bubblebath is the debut single from adv’s upcoming album Trust Issues. A catchy but raw alternative RnB sound, Bubblebathis about the immeasurable hurt of being cheated on. Bubblebath emulates a Manchester/Preston underground sonic aesthetic, and represents a moment of anger, weakness and defeat. Trust Issues is vulnerable, visceral and violent, but progresses to become an ode to finding beauty in the messiness.

Troy Kingi releases video for “Elephant In the Room”

Troy Kingi releases new video for “Elephant In the Room”, from his current album, “Year Of The Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”.

“This song talks about the current state of attention spans - my children with their heads buried in the aluminated glass screen, it’s worrying, I’m not exempt from its addictive glow either.”

Troy King’s sixth album, “Year Of The Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”, is an 80’s Synth Pop instalment, in his 1O 1O 1O Series, (10 albums in 10 years in 10 genres)

“Year of the Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”, finds Troy Jumping in the Delorian and taking us back to 84, the year of his birth.

Inspired by television theme songs and the superstars of the period such as Prince & Talking Heads, even the radio friendly sound of bands such as Tears for Fears, The Human League and Duran Duran ….. Troy’s main goal with ‘Ratbags’ was to hit a nostalgic nerve for those  born belonging to the era and for those who are true aficionados of 80s pop culture. 

 An album drenched in synths and bad hair - Each engineering technique, amplifier, instrument used to create it was sourced solely from the period, leaving no stone unturned in the quest for authenticity in one of history’s most colourful musical eras.

 There is a hidden underlying theme that intertwines each song, connecting them all through one common thread - Troy has chosen to withhold this information leaving  the albums meaning up to the ear of the beholder, although he did say, if you look close enough the clues are in plain sight.

Produced by Troy Kingi, long-time collaborator TeMatera Smith, and this time Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers Super Furry Animals, Catatonia, Lost Prophets, Bullet For My Valentine and Spice Girl Melanie C), to get the full 80’s vibe dialled up to 100%.

“Year of the Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”, is available as  Digital / Cassette/ LP through Border and available on all digital platforms.

See Troy Perform with the APO: 

KBB Music Presents
Matariki with Troy Kingi

7.30pm, Thursday 13 July
Auckland Town Hall

Featuring Troy Kingi with Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Ma-nawatia a Matarik In 2023 we come together again to celebrate Matariki with an inspiring night of musical fusion.

Expect the unexpected as Kingi and the APO perform a wide-ranging setlist from Kingi’s eclectic catalogue. With lush orchestral arrangements by composer Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper this will be an amazing night of creativity and collaboration. 

Tickets:  apo.co.nz  

TROY KINGI

Listen: Spotify / Apple Music  / Bandcamp

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