Loopy Tunes collaboration with NZ Children's Author, Peter Millett

Children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, were invited to record a waiata based on lyrics penned by well-known New Zealand children's author, Peter Millett, for his latest book release, "A Kiwi Went To Sea, Sea, Sea".

The book introduces us to New Zealand sea animals in te reo Māori that tamariki may meet while out at sea. The tune is based on the classic, "A Sailor Went To Sea", that has been around for decades, and is often heard in the playground as a well-known (and loved!) clapping game!

This is another ear-worm from the sisters, that features their brother, Massey Williams, on trumpet, and a great hornpipe-like melody on the recorder towards the end of the waiata. Be sure to check out the delightful music video, created by the author himself! Tamariki across Aotearoa are going to love it!

Leah and Siu have been making music for tamariki for nearly 14 years, releasing the first album in their 'Rainbow Collection' of children's waiata, "Kākāriki: Simply Us", in 2019, and their second, "Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi", in 2022. The Tongan-Ngāpuhi sisters have a passion for creating music that encourages tamariki to embrace te reo Māori, as well as songs from the Pacific. The pair collaborated with Whānau Āwhina Plunket NZ and Ministry for Pacific Peoples in 2021 to create 10 Pasifika Beats albums in 10 different pacific languages – the Pasifika Beatz series.

All that they do reflects this kaupapa and the duo hope to inspire even more tamariki through this waiata. 

This song was released on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, 28 April, 2023. Check out the lyric video, here, created by Peter Millett. Peter's book was released on Monday, 1 May, 2023, and can be purchased, here. 

Song release link: https://bfan.link/a-kiwi-went-to-sea-sea-sea

Dillastrate’s epic new single ‘I’m Crazy’ not to be missed this Aotearoa Music Month!

LISTEN HERE

Ōtautahi’s talented duo Dillastrate have today released their epically emotive and absurdly catchy new single ‘I’m Crazy’.

Listen to ‘I’m Crazy’ HERE

Up-tempo, fun and very danceable, ‘I’m Crazy’ has hints of 70s funk, soul and Anderson Paak influence. Drawing the listener in from the first drum fill to the last vocal line and holding them there until the end, the duo says that “every playback in the studio caused us to involuntarily boogie along!”

Made up of music and lyrical talent Henare ‘H’ Kaa (lead vocals/drums) and Tim Driver (keys/bass synth/loops/vocals), this new single is another great addition to the already impressive Dillastrate catalogue - most recently their collaboration with Tiki Taane - ‘Way To Flow’, and their first Waiata Anthems single ‘Taku Aroha’ (#7 RadioScope Te Reo Māori Airplay Chart).  Made with the support of NZOA’s New Music Development Funding, ‘I’m Crazy’ is all about finding peace with people and things that may never change. “Ultimately, it's a positive song that emphasises acceptance of the struggle,” says Dillastrate.

The main recording was completed at FiveAM Music, with the final vocal recording and mix completed at Parachute Studios by Nic Manders. “Back when we were recording our first self-titled album, we heard whispers about this legendary producer Nic Manders. These tales stayed with us and we hoped to be able to work with him at some point in our careers. Now that we’ve progressed to a certain point, we thought we’d approach him to work on this track and, to our surprise, he agreed! We spent several days in the studio being whipped into shape to produce ‘I’m Crazy’ and we think it was absolutely worth the wait.” The pair say that stylistically the song speaks strongly to their influences as musicians. “There’s a lot of the sound of the soul greats in there (Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, etc), but also a modern treatment reminiscent of artists like Anderson Paak, Lizzo or Bruno Mars. It’s also a story that will be familiar to anybody who works in the music industry, so the narrative of this song resonates with us on a personal and professional level.”

This year Dillastrate have been working with some of the best production talent in Aotearoa New Zealand to craft and release a great single like ‘I’m Crazy’, and lots more exciting new music and news to come, make sure you’re following their socials!

Born from the late great Aaron Tokona’s Ahoribuzz, Dillastrate have been making waves since the release of their 2017 EP, BLACK DIAMOND. Their experience as live musicians include extensive festival, headline and support tours - seeing the duo playing repeatedly to crowds of over 20,000. A live Dillastrate performance is a finely-tuned and explosive experience that can transform entire venue crowds from stationery to dancing-their-asses-off in a matter of seconds. They’ve featured on national TV, commercial, iwi and alternative radio, boast a strong digital presence, and have placed in both the Official NZ Top 20 Singles and RadioScope Charts multiple times. In addition, the group have gained traction in their quest to uplift te ao Māori, with their bilingual hit Party In My Head (Tāwara Ana) and waiata ‘Taku Aroha’.

SOL3 MIO’s Moses Mackay unveils soulful debut solo album, GRACE

+ shares cinematic lead single ‘Embers Of Fire’

Award-winning Aotearoa artist Moses Mackay has today released his stunning, highly anticipated debut solo album GRACE, along with the breathtaking new single ‘Embers Of Fire’.

Listen to GRACE HERE and purchase on CD and vinyl HERE

Packed with stories, soulful tunes and cinematic ballads, GRACE is a work of art and a place of deep connection to the heart of Moses Mackay. Written entirely by the artist himself, the 10 track album features songs that feel familiar, such as the gorgeously mellow ‘Back To You’, as well as “songs that make you feel like you’re watching a movie,” such as today’s single ‘Embers Of Fire’.

“GRACE is a contrast from SOL3 MIO, as I wanted to show another side of my writing,” reflects Moses. “I still love opera and still sing with SOL3 MIO… but this album was something I had to do. I never thought I’d actually do it!”

Recorded in LA, and mixed and mastered in England, Moses worked with a range of incredible musicians on the album, including Damiano Della Torre, Felipe Milk and Fabián Antonio González. “The album was recorded at Furaha Studios where Bruno Mars used to write, and where Lady Gaga recorded ‘Poker Face’”, says Moses. “It took me 3 months of solid focus to get this album off the ground.”

Also out today is the unifying lead single ‘Embers Of Fire’. Classically driven, the track is a timepiece, swirling with Moses’s impressive vocal range and soaring, emotive melodies. Beginning with just a simple, rich piano, the music expands into a cinematic soundscape of deep feeling.

“‘Embers Of Fire’ was written post the Black Lives Matter movement and a worldwide lockdown, turning countries to chaos”, explains Moses. “What we all saw was fear disguised as anger, frustration and acting out. The single is a cinematic piece that resonates with all of humanity, with the leading chorus line being “an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind...””.

Listen to ‘Embers Of Fire’ HERE

Today’s release follows the recent unveiling of the album’s first single ‘Some Sorta Sensation’. A fun and easy-going song about the infatuation of new love, the track came out alongside a blissful accompanying music video shot in LA. Hitting the ground running, ‘Some Sorta Sensation’ quickly charted in the top 10 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart and received wide-spread support and airplay from The Hits, The Breeze, One News, Breakfast TV and more.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Moses is a multi-instrumentalist with an ear for harmony and composition. A Masters graduate of the Wales International Academy of Voice, he is one third of the world renowned trio SOL3 MIO. Their debut album spent an incredible 16 weeks at #1 and is certified 8x Platinum. They have been awarded the iconic Tui Award twice and Album Of The Year, Best Group and Highest Selling Album at the Aotearoa Music Awards for three consecutive years.

GRACE marks the beginning of an exciting new venture for this beloved Aotearoa artist, with Moses saying “this is the first and I’m so excited for it to be out. To say I did it.. against the odds. I made the album.”

GRACE is available to listen HERE and purchase on CD and vinyl HERE

Applications are now open for the MMF Aotearoa Festival Bookers Speed Networking

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

〰️

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. 〰️

Applications are now open for the 
MMF Aotearoa Festival Bookers Speed Networking

The Music Managers Forum (MMF) Aotearoa is excited to announce that applications are now open for their annual Festival Bookers Speed Networking Sessions, which will take place on Wednesday 24th and Wednesday 31st May from 6pm - 8pm.

This unique event gives MMF members the opportunity to meet virtually with an outstanding line-up of bookers from some of the best music festivals in Aotearoa.  The event is designed to facilitate the booking of artists into festivals, as well as receive first hand advice on how to get their artists booked onto festival line ups.

For 2023 the Virtual Speed Networking Sessions will be held over 2 nights, giving more MMF members the chance to take part. The sessions will be held on line on Wednesday 24th May and Wednesday 31st May. 

Applications for the Festival Bookers Speed Networking sessions are open to MMF members only from today, Monday 1st May, with a limited number of spots available. Applicants will be asked to provide a brief biography of their artist/s, links to their music and past live performances, as well as their preferred festival targets.  

Applications close on Tuesday 9th May, with successful applicants notified by Friday 19th May.

Please note that because it is a contestable application process, applying does not guarantee participation in the event.

The Festival Bookers Speed Networking sessions are just one of the events and initiatives that the MMF Aotearoa runs to support the music industry of Aotearoa. To learn more about the MMF Aotearoa and its work, or to join, visit their website at www.mmf.co.nz.

FESTIVAL BOOKERS VIRTUAL SPEED NETWORKING SESSIONS 2023
(MMF MEMBERS ONLY)

Wednesday 24th May & Wednesday 31st May
6pm - 8pm each night

Bookers from the below festivals will be meeting with MMF members

• Bay of Islands Festival/Matariki Pewhairangi & Waitangi Day @ Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Bay of Islands)

• CubaDupa (Wellington)

• Electric Avenue/Nostalgia/ South Island Wine & Food/Live in the Park (Chch) / Great Kiwi Beer Fest (ChCh & Ham)

• Craft Beer & Food Festivals (Auckland and Dunedin) / Universities – Canterbury, Lincoln, Otago

• Homegrown (Wellington) 

• Laneway (Auckland)

• Longline Classic (Gisborne) / Coro Classic (Matarangi)

• Music in Parks (Auckland only)

• Newtown Festival (Wellington)

• Rhythm & Alps (Wanaka)

• Rhythm & Vines  (Gisborne)

• Soundsplash (Raglan) 

• TSB Festival of Lights (New Plymouth)

• WOMAD  (Taranaki) 

The event is open to MMF members only. 
To join please visit www.mmf.co.nz or email lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz

Applications are open from today, Monday 1st May 2023, and will close 5pm on Tuesday 9th May,
or until all slots are taken. 

Rodney Fisher and The Response present 'ICU' single & video

Rodney Fisher is delighted to announce the release of his new single created with The Response, ‘ICU,’ out today, 28 April, 2023.

Fisher and The Response (producers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Victoria and Andy Knopp) have joined forces to create a beautiful and pensive full album Art School Dropout, due for  release in July,  2023.

The first single, ‘ICU,’ heralds in this new, gorgeous body of work. Fisher describes the track as exploring “the inner turmoil from trying to be true to yourself, feeling lost and found at the same time. When you’re in love, but can’t stop sabotaging the relationship, and all the times you hoped things would work out. Perhaps it’s an ode to those who stick by you, through thick and thin.”

‘ICU’ can be read as ‘intensive care unit’ or as the text abbreviation of the song’s lyrics ‘everytime I see you I hide, taking on the world with a thorn in my side.’

The track is accompanied by a simple yet powerful music video, directed by Mike Braid.

Goodshirt frontman Rodney Fisher is an eminent artist in the Aotearoa music scene. He is a talented producer, guitarist, singer and songwriter, a successful musician, serial band former, gig facilitator, passionate music advocate, and mentor. Hell-bent on leaving no creative stone unturned, Fisher is deeply excited for this new collaborative project with such a vibrant alt-pop duo as The Response.

It's evident Fisher lights up when working collaboratively and this energy radiates through the new album. “Connection is at the heart of this album” he shares. “I have made a conscious decision to put these things back into my life, I really wanted to work with a team of people, rather than in isolation. Working with Victoria and Andy Knopp I had realised that the collaborative aspect of creating is something that energises me.”

The collaboration came about when Fisher met the duo after hearing their cover of Goodshirt’s ‘Fiji Baby’. “We got talking, and I made plans to send them a track to get their take on a remix version.  I loved their treatment and new direction. They gave the track so much, it really blew me away,” he exclaims. “They had somehow made it sound more like me, and brought influences I have always had but never explored.”

Art School Dropout is an introspective album unlike any of his previous works. “This album feels intimate and personal, and that has a lot to do with when I was making it.  The feeling of the album is largely a result of the environment it was made in - it was made at home, when the kids were sleeping, and that was my time to really focus on my music. ”

Debut single ‘ICU’ releases today via Aotearoa New Zealand indie music label Bigpop Records.

SURVIVR6, Mazbou Q, xJ-Will Bring Trailer Hip Hop to Life with their debut EP METAHUMAN

Fusing the epic sounds of movie trailer music with modern Hip hop, Tamaki Makaurau based artist and producer Mazbou Q and Kansas City Missouri based producer xJ-Will set a new standard for Hip hop with the release of their revolutionary debut EP, ‘METAHUMAN’. Naming themselves SURVIVR6, the dynamic duo drop five bold tracks characterised by their infectious melodies, massive orchestration and contemporary rhythms that will make any head bop.

Recently featured in a promotional campaign for hit movie Creed III, the hard hitting and emotionally engaging second single off the EP ‘Lucky All Day' sets the pace for the rest of METAHUMAN. Led by a barrage of roaring synths, grandiose horns and tension-building orchestral drums, Lucky All Day creatively narrates the story of hard work done behind closed doors producing a level of success that appears as luck to the lazy. In the chorus Mazbou Q sings “Well if I’m lucky, guess I’m lucky all day”, leaning into the irony with playful sarcasm, providing a contrast to the overall aura of seriousness and intensity carried by the song.

The specialness of METAHUMAN is in the broadness of its applicability, according to the duo. “There is such a potential to expand into so many different territories. And I think it’s quite unique - this blend of big powerful trailer sounds and real commercial Hip hop” says Mazbou Q. Aimed primarily at sync opportunities, each of the songs provide many moments that would elevate the explosive on-screen action reminiscent of films like Fast and the Furious, Avengers or Transformers. However, the smoothness of both production and vocals equally suit it for mainstream Hip hop playlists. As a testament to this, ’Simply Superior’, the first single off the EP, was snapped up by viral YouTuber Ovik6280 and used as a soundtrack for dedication to Magneto of X-men, whilst simultaneously debuting on Spotify’s editorial playlist ’The Drip’ in August of 2022.

Also featured on the EP is a “trailerized” remix of Mazbou Q’s hit single ‘Beat Up, Bullied and Dunked On’, which sees the already bodacious track made even larger and refitted with sounds and textures that would place it aptly at the half time shows of the NBA or NFL.

Both prolific content creators on TikTok and Instagram, the pair connected over their love for music production and music education. Specialising in music for sync placements, platinum selling producer xJ-Will saw an opportunity and reached out to Hip hop educator Mazbou Q, a.k.a The Rap Scientist. “The versatility demonstrated by Maz’ rap teaching was extremely evident - I knew we had to work together, and that we could create something groundbreaking” says xJ-Will. Mazbou Q said it was the answer to his search for something new. “I was ready for a new challenge. Meeting xJ-Will and hearing his style of production lit a fire inside of me. It was all go from there”. Since the trans-pacific connection, Mazbou Q has since visited xJ-Will’s hometown in Kansas City where they were able to collaborate on content and promo material for METAHUMAN.

Lucky All Day and the METAHUMAN EP are a must-listen for anyone looking for a uniquely energising and unforgettable musical experience. Stretching and pushing the boundaries of Hip hop in an unapologetic fashion, the music likewise motivates the listener to push through their own challenges and overcome their fears. Constituting a bold expansion of horizons for the genre, METAHUMAN belongs everywhere from big screen to the headphones.

REB FOUNTAIN RELEASES ETHEREAL NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘FAITHLESS LOVER’ + ANNOUNCES ONE OFF SHOW AT THE POWERSTATION HER ONLY AUCKLAND SHOW FOR 2023

Tāmaki Makaurau based noire folk artist Reb Fountain today shares her new captivating single ‘Faithless Lover’, the first new music from Reb Fountain since her 2021 album Iris. 

Released on Flying Nun Records, ‘Faithless Lover’ is Reb Fountain at her mesmerizing best. Produced by frequent collaborator and band mate Dave Khan, the song is a dream-like journey with sparse instrumentation and a lingering melody sparking the listener’s imagination. In true understated heroine form, ‘Faithless Lover’ is an epic retelling of transcendent love. Hauntingly intimate yet steeped in cinematic grandeur, Reb Fountain renders the deeply personal as a mythic parable, welcoming a state of transformation. 

“We are close; so close to ourselves it’s uncomfortable. Falling in love with illusions that serve the ego but not the heart. Faithless Lover tells a tale of mutiny; coming alive to oneself - one’s place in the story – in vulnerability and beyond fear. I want that; to transform the stories that bind us and to wake up in rebellion.” – Reb Fountain

In addition to the new single, Reb Fountain has announced a one off show at The Powerstation on Saturday June 3. Playing with her full band of Dave Khan, Karin Canzek and Earl Robertson, this will be their only Auckland show of 2023 and the first time they have played the iconic venue. 

On support for the show is trailblazing artist Arahi. Heralding the winds of change, Arahi creates soulful, heart wrenching music infused with melancholy, evoking a nostalgia so potent you can taste it. Having played stages throughout Aotearoa, he is a welcome addition to The Powerstation stage on Saturday 3 June. 

As well as the New Zealand headline date, the band will also play a three date UK tour including respected music discovery festival The Great Escape and a headline show at The Brunswick Ballroom in Melbourne on July 13.  

To accompany the release of ‘Faithless Lover’ Reb Fountain has also released a video for the song, directed and edited by Lola Fountain-Best. Shot on super 8 film, the video feels like an ethereal dream complimenting the tracks' very essence and transporting viewers to another world, of the video, Reb says:

“Lola and I had been plotting on how to best use expired Kodak 16mm film offered to us by cinematographer Ian Powell.  We were inspired by narrative and filmic techniques of Ingmar Bergman and Jean Cocteau, in particular using fantasy to explore the philosophical.  We created an archetypal fairy tale that explores the desire to attain the ideal in hopes of achieving the benefits of this fictitious nonpareil, when in fact that which we seek upholds the very captivity we are trying to escape.” 

REB FOUNTAIN with special guest Arahi
AUCKLAND, JUNE 2023
Presented by Eccles Entertainment, Undertheradar and 95bFM

SAT 3 JUNE
The Powerstation | Auckland
ticketmaster.co.nz

Global Tour Dates

10-13 May
The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, UK
Sat 13 May
Little Rabbit Barn, Colchester, UK

Sun 14 May
The Lexington, London, UK

Thu 13 July
Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne, Australia
tickets at rebfountain.co.nz

LOVETA unveils powerful new rock-ballad ‘Take it Slow’

Rising singer-songwriter LOVETA has today released her heartfelt new rock-ballad ‘Take It Slow’.

LISTEN HERE

An unapologetic love song, with a slight vintage-rock edge, ‘Take It Slow’ is the first single to be released after LOVETA’s debut EP MORE THAN FUN (2022), which features single ‘All We Got’ (#25 Official NZ Music Hot 40 Singles Chart, #7 Hot 20 Singles Chart, #15 RadioScope Most Added). 

This standout artist has once again stepped it up in both songwriting and performance, exploring a more vulnerable side - saying that it’s very much a moment of her “wearing my heart on my sleeve.”

“In addition to my up-tempo dance tracks, it was important for me to begin sharing this side of me. I’m a human being with feelings just like everyone else.” Inspired by personal experience, LOVETA wrote ‘Take It Slow’ in 2021. “I was going through a confusing time in my personal relationships where I felt very unheard and misunderstood. I wanted to capture the complicated nature of love and relationships and how it’s not always a straightforward journey. Sometimes you have to go backwards to move forwards. Writing ‘Take It Slow’ was a cathartic way to make sense of my own feelings. I also listened to a tonne of Lana Del Rey, The Neighbourhood, and Led Zeppelin for inspiration!”  ‘Take It Slow’ is yet another successful collaboration with musician/producer Wulfie (Tim Heeringa). It was recorded and mixed at his Christchurch studio, then mastered at Auckland’s KOG Studios.

To celebrate the release, LOVETA is headlining a show at Christchurch’s 12 Bar on May 5. For more information and tickets, head to Under The Radar HERE

Ōtautahi-based LOVETA (Lauren Marshall) was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2021 she first collaborated with Wulfie, featuring on his synth-heavy electronic love ballad, ‘Love Won’t Run Away’ - her official introduction into the recorded music world. She then received NZ On Air music development funding, which led to the release of her popular debut single ‘More Than Fun’ in 2022 - a nu-disco track that gained the attention of fans, radio, media and playlists. The excitement continued around her next releases ‘Nostalgia’, ‘Drive’ and ‘All We Got’ - which placed #25 Official NZ Music Hot 40 Singles Chart, #7 Hot 20 Singles Chart and #15 on the RadioScope Most Added. All singles feature on her celebrated debut EP MORE THAN FUN. Lauren boasts an extremely diverse creative resume - having spent many years of her career on stage, in front of the camera, and performing all over the world. LOVETA is definitely an artist to watch, so be sure you’re following!