Aotearoa’s alayna announces debut album, SELF-PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN UNRAVELLING, out July 7 + shares reflective new single ‘Arrived’

Aotearoa singer and songwriter alayna today announces her greatly anticipated debut album, SELF-PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN UNRAVELLING; which is set for release on July 7. Along with the announcement is the final single to be unveiled before the album’s release, the personal and reflective track ‘Arrived’.

Listen to ‘Arrived’ HERE

Spacious synths set the soundscape for ‘Arrived’, with alayna’s captivating vocals placed centre stage. An existential undertone creates an initial tension, as alayna’s exquisite songwriting takes her audience on a journey of personal discovery and understanding; the music expanding into a sense of vastness as she realises she “might never ‘arrive’ anywhere”.

“There’s a euphoric release of feeling as I let go of this pressure I’ve put on myself,” explains alayna. “‘Arrived’ is about how I’m feeling like I’m falling behind in life, and that everyone else seems to be doing better. I feel there’s too much noise coming from everywhere, making me think I should be ‘there’ by now. I come to realise that maybe I’ll never truly ‘arrive’ to that place of having it all figured out.”

Written and recorded at Parachute Studios with Josh Naley (Wells*), the single was mixed by award-winning engineer Simon Gooding, and mastered by Joe LaPorta from Sterling Sound.

“I had been having these feelings for a long time, and the day we wrote this, Josh was creating this incredible soundscape” says alayna. “Once I found my melodies I wrote the lyrics very quickly, almost trying to keep up with how fast they were coming. It felt so freeing to finally be able to articulate what I’d been feeling for so long, and I knew it was going to be a very important part of my album journey.”

The accompanying video for ‘Arrived’ will be revealed in coming weeks.

With her debut album SELF-PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN UNRAVELLING announced today for release on July 7, ‘Arrived’ is an “important part of the puzzle that I’ve been piecing together throughout my journey of writing the album.” It follows alayna’s recently released singles ‘Meteors’, ‘Cherry Tree’, ‘If You Want My Love’ and ‘Buckle In Baby’ - most recently ‘Buckle In Baby’ reaching #8 in the Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart. ‘If You Want My Love’ has notably already reached over 500k streams on Spotify alone.

alayna’s new material sees her slowly transition from an R&B and soulful singer to a singer-songwriter where her lyrical skills truly shine. Growing up listening to heavyweights such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, alayna’s songwriting depth can be attributed to these influences and the experiences that shaped her.

Get ready for alayna’s debut album by soaking in the story and atmosphere of today’s single. ‘Arrived’ gives a taste of what’s to come, giving hints at the overarching theme of the album which “ultimately explores the concept of who I am, where I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going.”

Listen to ‘Arrived’ HERE

Find alayna on:

Instagram​ | ​Twitter​ | ​Facebook​ | ​YouTube

Seth Haapu announces forthcoming album, WHAI ORA, out July 14 + releases poly-funk single ‘Tropical’, with stunning accompanying video

Watch the video HERE

Award-winning Aotearoa artist and producer Seth Haapu has today announced his anticipated forthcoming album, WHAI ORA, set for release on July 14. Alongside the announcement comes his latest single, the laid-back poly-funk track ‘Tropical’, which is out today with its stunning black and white accompanying video.

Listen to ‘Tropical’ HERE

There is also an alternative “sped up” version, available HERE

Pacific soul rhythm and a laid-back funk bassline create the foundation for a lush blend of ukulele and mid-70s moog synth. Topped off with Seth’s liquid velvet voice and a hook-laden chorus, ‘Tropical’ will immediately take you to a place of imagining an endless summer in the beautiful Pacific Islands.

“It’s an invitation to relax and enjoy the island way of life, like its rich culture, community, and harmony with nature,” explains Seth. “The experience shows the value of conserving culture, communities, and the environment like the whakataukī, “Manaaki whenua. Manaaki tangata. Haere whakamua” (care for the land, care for people, go forward).”

Co-produced with Kody Nielson from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Seth wrote the single after a visit to his ancestral home of Huahine, Tahiti, for the first time in generations.

“It was tropical paradise and the land and people were healthy and happy,” reflects Seth. “We were adorned with Hei Upo’o (flower crown) that symbolise mana (prestige, respect) and oranga (wellbeing) as the head is sacred. On the cover art and in the music video, I am crowned with Hei Upo’o to honour the ancient values and connections.

Also out today is the sleek black and white accompanying video, featuring stunning wāhine of Ura Tabu. Highlighting the real and natural beauty of Polynesia, “they move with the grace and style of a calming sea.” With Abe Mora and Noah Haapu as Directors of Photography, and Mikey Rockwell on post-production, it was Seth himself who directed and produced the video.

“It was my first time in garments inspired by the traditional wear of my Polynesian ancestors, created by Melita’s Crowns and award-winning designer Vivian Hosking-Aue,” says Seth. “The experience brought me closer to my cultural identity. When I saw my reflection, I could see my ancestors.”

Watch the video HERE

Today’s release is the second single to be unveiled from Seth’s upcoming album WHAI ORA, following the meditative waiata aroha ‘Rongoā’ which received widespread support from radio and TV across the country.

Set for release on July 14, the album WHAI ORA is “a journey of wellbeing. This is the heart of today’s release ‘Tropical’, and a theme that pulses through the upcoming album, WHAI ORA. The songs on the album convey the essence of life when there is balance in the interconnectedness of all things.”

Pre-save WHAI ORA HERE

Listen to ‘Tropical’ HERE / Watch the video HERE

Zoé Mugasa releases debut single 'One More Time'

Emerging pop artist Zoé Mugasa is thrilled to announce the release of her debut single, "One More Time” set to release 19 May. "One More Time," is an introduction to her sound and gives a glimpse into her upcoming debut EP,"Healing" coming out later this year. Reflecting on lost love, "One More Time" delves into the bittersweet flashbacks of cherished moments that make the process of letting go difficult. 

The artist shares, ‘One More Time’ was written from a place of reminiscing about the good memories that made it difficult to move on from someone. “After relationships or friendships end, we still remain attached and crave being with them for even just a day, regardless of how things ended. It's the lingering scent, the echoes of their laughter, and the emotions they evoked that make us want to experience them just One More Time."

Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical icons including Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Ciara, Beyoncé, Missy Elliot, Nas, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Diamond Platnumz, and Kidimu, Zoé Mugasa infuses a unique style into her pop sound. While paying homage to the pop genre, she seamlessly incorporates Afro-pop elements, creating a captivating sonic experience.

Zoé Mugasa (she/her) is a debut pop artist and songwriter based in Tāmaki Makaurau, captivating listeners with her hypnotic fusion of pop, Afro-pop, and modern influences. 

Drawing inspiration from a diverse pool of musical icons including Bob Marley, Luke Dube, Ciara, Missy Elliot, Nas, Yemi Alade, and Diamond Platnumz, she infuses a captivating style into her sound. With mesmerising vocals and emotive storytelling, Zoé Mugasa is an artist to watch closely.

Her debut single, "One More Time," is an introduction to her artistry and gives a glimpse into her upcoming debut EP "Healing." Set to release at the end of this year, the EP promises a collection of pop and Afro-pop tracks that delve deep into Zoé's personal world, inviting listeners on a captivating musical journey.

Freddy Reynold presents 'SILVER GREEN AND GOLD' single & video

Tāmaki Makauraru based Samoan rapper and artist Freddy Reynold is amped to announce his electric new single ‘SILVER GREEN AND GOLD,’ out 19 May, 2023.

The single is his first release since his outstanding EP Southside Run It from October 2021.

Where Southside Run It paid tribute to the culture of where Reynold grew up in South Auckland, he describes ‘SILVER GREEN AND GOLD’ as “straight energy” which embodies the “sport of hip hop and spirit of rap.”

Reynold’s sound is continuously evolving, with this release drawing inspiration from the 2010 UK grime scene and artists such as Skepta.

After teaming up in 2019 for Freddy’s EP Pre Party, Reynold joined forces again with producer powerhouse Abraham Kunin.

“Abe has this super power where he is able to really tap in with any artist he works with to create something special. This track was one of those moments for sure. I wanted something heavy, grimey and ‘in your face,’ and Abe understood the assignment.”

The music video for ‘SILVER,’ directed by Studio Butter’s Andy Day, is just as high energy.

Reynold describes the shoot as “hectic, raw and thrilling. We decided to throw a gig down at Karangahape Road’s legendary Neck of the Woods as a live show so nothing in the video was scripted.

The energy of ‘Silver Green and Gold’ translated so well through the lens onto the screen. I’m so happy Studio Butter was able to capture the energy, high frequencies and love that was shown.

Reynold also works with the collective Southern Safari, consisting of hip hop recording artist Vos Carter, R&B and hip hop recording artist TheWesternGuide, hip hop music producer MilliMelvz and Reynold himself.

“Southern Safari began with the four of us and other artists from the Southern area linking up at MilliMelvz home studio to record, share and indulge in our love for hip hop and music,” says Reynold. “These Friday nights snowballed into the idea of the four of us collaborating as a group outside of our respective solo lanes.

Southern Safari’s first single ‘Behaving Bad’ released in 2021, with another banger ‘RUN IT UP’ in 2022.

“2023 is looking like a solid and promising year for everyone in the collective,” says Reynold. “It’s all good manifestations and preparation.”

Reynold’s latest drop ‘SILVER GREEN AND GOLD’ releases 19 May, 2023 via New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.

Follow Freddy Reynolds

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An ocean of covers returns a successful NZ/AUS tour & One Love Festival announcement for TJ & Huri

TJ & Huri (Kris Bryant - New Zealous Music) continue to capture fans and embrace new listeners at every turn. Recently completing a successful independent 23 show tour across NZ and Australia solely on the back of singing popular songs that people love but with a TJ & Huri twist of melody and humour.

TJ & Huri have also been named as performing at One Love Festival 2024 alongside a stellar line up of international and local artists.

For more information or to hear TJ & Huri check out their socials and Spotify

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjandhuri
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Md1YtR
Management: New Zealous Music (Kris Bryant
Email: wearenzm@gmail.com

KING CASS signs artist management deal with NEW ZEALOUS MUSIC

Christchurch Hip hop artist KING CASS has joined New Zealous Music’s (Kris Bryant) management roster in a newly inked agreement.

The signing comes ahead of a 6 month behind the scene mentorship to cover some ground work. “Working with Hunter (King Cass) has been a good place to build those foundations, his ambition, drive and sheer sense of knowing what he wants to achieve was a real drawing card when looking to sign this new artist. Our goals align and I look forward to what magic we can achieve as a team” Kris says.

No stranger to the grind and hustle King Cass has grown his loyal #cassfam fan base through social networking & positive engagement. Known for creating catchy, high energy lyrical content King Cass has a few exciting music releases across 2023 and a calendar of shows up his sleeve.

With a heavy focus on connecting with people through his self-discovery journey The Awakening (From Dark To Light). Hunter Wilson presents a one man multimedia show focused on mental health awareness with a powerful message of hope that aims to bring unity, inspire change & raise awareness around topics at the forefront of the community.

New Zealous Music artist management roster currently includes TJ & Huri, BLKLIST, Teina Mamaori. Their services expand into Booking Agent, Tour & Event Management, Tour Logistics, Music Consulting and PR

Luke Whaanga releases his next single “Miracles”

Luke Whaanga is excited to release his next single “Miracles” tomorrow 19 May 2023.  He was thrilled to work with renowned producer Greg Haver who, after a mentoring session, agreed to produce his songs because of his boundless enthusiasm and unique voice.   Luke jumped at the opportunity to work with Greg, his team of talented musicians and engineer extraordinaire Scott Seabright.  They spent two days together working on several songs and according to Greg “The whole studio team had an incredible time working with Luke on his songs”.

Luke is well known for his powerhouse vocals and kiwi classics such as Souljah Feeling and Irie Music and his time on NZ Idol.  His more recent release success was Ūkaipō/Home in 2019 which has well over 1.5 million streams on Spotify.  Ūkaipō/Home” is also the One NZ Warriors launch waiata for 2023.

“Miracles is about appreciating all the miracles around us every day” says Luke, when speaking about the inspiration of Miracles.

Luke continues, “In each moment we are given an opportunity to see every day as more than what we see on the surface level. We are all miracles in our own right, along with the experience of life.   To see everything as a miracle makes you appreciate everything, and to see everything in its miraculous nature is to experience miracles in the most unsuspecting ways.

 Miracles are in the eyes of the beholder.”

This is the first of many more to come in the coming months.  Luke is thankful for the support of his little team and his loyal fans.

Social media links

·       Youtube www.youtube.com/@lukewhaanga

·       Facebook www.facebook.com/lukewhaangaartist

·       Instagram www.instagram.com/luke.whaanga/

·       Tiktok  www.tiktok.com/@lukewhaanga

·       Website: www.lukewhaanga.co.nz  

AROHA AND JOY TO HIT THE HAWKES BAY ‘WHEN THE GRIT HITS THE FAN’

What do you do when the ‘Grit’ literally ‘Hits the Fan’ – You rally the Troops quick and you get stuck in!

That's exactly what Pea-Knuckle Productions and Radio Hawkes Bay have done.

They’ve managed to bring 3 of NZ’s top Family entertainers and two of Hawke's Bay's finest bands together for two massive free family variety shows in a region hard hit by Cyclone Gabrielle.

In under 3 weeks they managed to raise all production costs needed to produce and present these two shows which fall right in the middle of NZ Music Month.

Napier Municipal Theatre, Saturday, May 20th, 1pm

Toitoi Opera House, Sunday, May 21st, 1pm

Captain Festus McBoyle’s Travellin’ Variety Show, Guest MC - Suzy Cato, Le Cirque de JP, Naked Gun plus Power – the band. Both shows will be opened by Local Kaumātua and feature Kapa Haka Performances from The Kahurangi New Zealand Maori Dance Company. These shows will be epic!

This is what happens when a hair brained scheme is brought to the table of a tight and talented team of determined creatives.

Aroha and Joy will be returned to the Hawkes. All moneys raised above production costs will now go straight back into the community to help with Mental health and Well-being.

This is how you can help – get on to the ‘Give a Little’ campaign and give what you can. If you can't give then please share the link far and wide - Your Change Makes Change!

Give a Little Link-

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/when-the-grit-hits-the-fan-music-and-laughter

Toitoi Opera House tickets from eventfinder, Napier Municipal Theatre tickets from their Box Office.