day13n blends Hard-Rock and Spoken Word with his raw, and thoughtful new release: ‘PA1N x SAG3’
day13n’s upcoming single ‘PA1N x SAG3’ is a story of dichotomy. A battle with the subconscious, the track is divided into two halves, and illustrates the realisation that each of us has when we decide to begin the gruelling work it takes to undergo the process of self improvement.
day13n’s upcoming single ‘PA1N x SAG3’ is a story of dichotomy. A battle with the subconscious, the track is divided into two halves, and illustrates the realisation that each of us has when we decide to begin the gruelling work it takes to undergo the process of self improvement.
Andrew Meyer, producer of Nadis’s recent charting hit ‘Auckland to Medellín’, is behind the soulful, guitar driven instrumental on this track, which was created through in depth collaboration, experimentation, and a combination of calculated composition, and freeform improvisation, which furthers the story of dialectics that this song split in two demonstrates. Recorded at the vastly acclaimed Parachute Studios, day13n and Andrew came together with their prepared contributions, and then riffed off of each other, creating two distinct vibes, and modes of production within the track.
The music video, which is day13n’s first dip into the world of videography, uses experimental editing and recording techniques, which create unique visual effects that put the video entirely in a lane of its own. The ethereal, ghostly imagery reinforces the themes of self reflection and soul-searching in the track, and captures the audience's attention with raw vulnerability.
The final single off day13n’s highly anticipated album ‘\7/13\7/’, which has been being teased, and hyped through a series of single releases, and social media marketing campaigns over the past 2 months, PA1N x SAG3 is the title track of the album, and encapsulates the message that it aims to send.
While day13n may be a newcomer to the industry, his highly active release schedule, and social media presence, have kept fans engaged, and resulted in a rapid incline in monthly listeners, and an increasingly widening global audience.
He plans to continue with this active social media presence through the rollout of this next single, which will consist of a series of videos openly discussing his recovery journey, as is outlined in the song. This will lead directly into the marketing campaign for his album release show, taking place on July 7th, which will then carry through to the album release a week later.
Boundaries dissolve, as listeners are asked to look inside of themselves, and are drawn in by the vulnerable storytelling of day13n’s lyrics. The dramatic shift in tone midway through the song will take you by surprise, and leave you wanting more as it lingers in your ears.
Follow day13n’s journey…
The Forest, by the Polly Johnson Set
Wellington's dynamic The Polly Johnson Set have returned with a raucous new single "The Forest" after being absent from the local Wellington scene for three years.
Wellington's dynamic The Polly Johnson Set have returned with a raucous new single "The Forest" after being absent from the local Wellington scene for three years. Forming 10 years ago amidst the dreaded ukulele craze, the PJ's grew a loyal and rabid fan base on the back of combustible live shows, releasing their debut self titled record in 2019.
After a short break, the band came together again at the end of 2022 with fresh enthusiasm which coalesced into their upcoming record "Flamingo", which will be released on Sept 15.
Lead single, The Forest, sees a band back with enthusiasm, energy and passion and showcases the direction of a group of songwriters ready to embrace the new and let go of the old.
Follow the Polly Johnson Set:
ISLA RELEASES BITTER INDIE-POP ANTHEM “BETTER”
Tāmaki Makaurau's ISLA worked with the inimitable Morgan Allen to craft one part inspiring, one part enraging "Better." The bitter anthem is the second single in the lead up to her sophomore EP "Low"
Tāmaki Makaurau's ISLA worked with the inimitable Morgan Allen to craft one part inspiring, one part enraging "Better." The bitter anthem is the second single in the lead up to her sophomore EP "Low"
"I had no idea how much more I deserved when I was younger. I dated a man that ground my self esteem into the pavement because he knew if it lifted I would leave. "Better" is exactly what I needed to hear when I was a teenager. I wrote it to uplift my past self, and give her some of the worth that was clearly missing at the time.
"I wanted to capture the sound of running away; I think we managed to do that with the drop and mega layers of harmonies. In the background you can hear Britomart ambience shifting in and out of earshot; it’s a bus pulling up and footsteps echoing through the CBD; the sounds of leaving."
ISLA is a sleepy singer-songwriter based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She found her feet as a performer when she attended an open mic hosted in a sea cave, and was inspired by the overwhelming talent the city has to offer. ISLA formed a band of cave people, and brought her ideas to life with the help of new friends.
Supported by "band of sisters" The Kindred, ISLA is releasing her sophomore EP "Low" in 2023. The dream-folk collection marks a new sound for ISLA. "Low" explores seasonal depression and the memories that drift by in winter.
Folk Alliance International Online Showcasing Opportunity
Ready to showcase your music to the global music community? Official Showcase applications for the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference are now open!
FOLK Alliance International
February 21 to 25, 2024
Ready to showcase your music to the global music community? Official Showcase applications for the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference are now open!
Official Showcases are an excellent way for tour-ready artists to perform their music in front of festival bookers, agents, venues, record labels, DJs, and more. Folk Alliance International (FAI) is the largest and leading non-profit organization for folk music representing the global community of artists, agents, managers, labels, publicists, arts administrators, venues, festivals, and concert series presenters.
FAI defines folk broadly as “the music of the people” and supports a diverse array of subgenres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various fusions.
FAI’s annual conference is the leading booking event for the folk music industry (with an average of 2900 attendees!). Official showcases are selected through a competitive jury process weighing artistic quality, national/tour career readiness, and national/stylistic/cultural diversity. As a result, artists often book national or international engagements, meet professionals to join their teams, and catch the interest of media based on these performances.
Official Showcases will be performed in person at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, MO, USA, from February 21 to 25, 2024. Each Official Showcase set is 30 minutes on a professionally produced stage with full backline, lighting, and sound support.
There were 200+ presenters/buyers at the 2023 conference, found here, including : Calgary Folk Music Festival (CA), Shambala Festival (UK), Telluride Bluegrass Festival (USA), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), MerleFest (USA), Levitt Foundation Venues (across the USA), Swallow Hill (USA), Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (USA), and University of Vermont Lane Series (USA). Initiatives are in place to invite even more presenters/buyers in 2024!
Previous New Zealand artists include Mel Parsons, Anika Moa, Delaney Davidson, Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikura, Marlon Williams, Graeme James and Albi & The Wolves.
Applications close July 17th 2023
https://folk.org/programs/conference/perform/official-showcase-application/
MOUNTAIN BOY DELIVERS HIS THIRD CHAPTER ‘NOOM’
Written a few years back, ‘Noom’ underwent many iterations before becoming what it is today. The Waikato based artist explains, “throughout its life cycle I scrapped and revisited the song a number of times, using it as a sort of experiment to try new sounds and recording styles.”
Following the release of ‘Let It Lie’ and ‘Lucky’, Mountain Boy delivers his next offering ‘Noom.’
Written a few years back, ‘Noom’ underwent many iterations before becoming what it is today. The Waikato based artist explains, “throughout its life cycle I scrapped and revisited the song a number of times, using it as a sort of experiment to try new sounds and recording styles.” The result is a song that harkens back to his older writing style, but clearly sits in a sonic space we haven’t heard from him before. The piano and the lap steel in particular reveal an almost Americana-inspired tilt in the production.
‘Noom’ is the third chapter in a series of songs that Mountain Boy has been releasing over the past few months and sets an exciting precedent for what’s to come. In a recurring fashion, video content will compliment the single. This time the artist showcases his skill as a multi-instrumentalist, performing ‘Noom’ as the official video for this release.
Borderline to Enchant Fans with New Single ‘Cinderella’
Drawing inspiration from the iconic fairy tale character as a symbol of perfection, Borderline explores the complexities of perceiving others as flawless while grappling with the fear of inadequacy.
Indie-Pop/Rock band Borderline are on the rise and thrilled to announce the release of their stunning new single, ‘Cinderella,’ this Friday. Drawing inspiration from the iconic fairy tale character as a symbol of perfection, Borderline explores the complexities of perceiving others as flawless while grappling with the fear of inadequacy.
Lead vocalist Ben Glanfield sheds light on the tracks conception, stating, "The concept for this song came from the story of Cinderella and the idea that she represents the image of a perfect person with the thought that although nobody is perfect, you sometimes see others that way and in turn are afraid they are too perfect for you." The song invites listeners to reflect on the nuances of human connections and the quest for self-acceptance.
Borderline worked with producer Christian Tjandrawinata on ‘Cinderella’ to create a catchy and upbeat sonic listening experience, incorporating elements of indie pop, synth-pop, and alternative rock with mixing by Nic Manders and mastering by Vivek Gabriel.
The release of ‘Cinderella’ promises to be another milestone in this young band's upward trajectory, authentically reflecting their artistic growth while captivating listeners with an engaging and relatable narrative. In support of the new single Borderline will be playing a release show at The Tuning Fork on July 1st.
Nola Unveils Follow-Up Single "All In" After Highly Acclaimed Debut EP.
Rising star Nola returns with a captivating new single that showcases his evolution as an artist and solidifies his position in the music industry. Titled "All In," this highly anticipated release is the follow-up single from Nola's critically acclaimed debut EP 'SFTLO,' which debuted at number 15 on the top NZ Albums charts.
Rising star Nola returns with a captivating new single that showcases his evolution as an artist and solidifies his position in the music industry. Titled "All In," this highly anticipated release is the follow-up single from Nola's critically acclaimed debut EP 'SFTLO,' which debuted at number 15 on the top NZ Albums charts.
Produced by the platinum award-winning duo Sprout and NT, known for their exceptional work in South Auckland's music scene, "All In" is a testament to Nola's dedication to creating compelling and authentic rap music. The collaboration between Nola and the renowned producers has resulted in a track that effortlessly blends infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and innovative production, showcasing the new sound coming out of South Auckland.
Building upon the success of his debut EP, which garnered widespread praise for its refreshing sound and introspective themes, Nola continues to push boundaries and showcase his unique artistry with "All In." The single captures Nola's growth as an artist, showcasing his versatility and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
With the success of his previous releases, including the breakthrough singles ‘Die For You’ and ‘One Shot’, Nola has garnered attention from music critics and industry professionals alike. his distinctive sound, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic performances have positioned them as one of the most promising artists in the New Zealand music scene.
"All In" is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms. Nola encourages fans and music enthusiasts to show his support by sharing the single on social media, adding it to his playlists, and engaging with the artist's online presence.
RESHMA presents 'Where My Asians At?!' single & video
Alt-Pop New Zealand-based Malaysian pop star Reshma is excited to announce the release of her upcoming single and music video titled ‘Where My Asians At?!’ The bold single is a call to action to shed light on the lack of representation of marginalised communities in the local commercial music and arts scenes, alongside prejudices she has encountered from her own community.
Alt-Pop New Zealand-based Malaysian pop star Reshma is excited to announce the release of her upcoming single and music video titled ‘Where My Asians At?!’ The bold single is a call to action to shed light on the lack of representation of marginalised communities in the local commercial music and arts scenes, alongside prejudices she has encountered from her own community.
"It's still important to ask questions and spark discussions about representation, what community means for those who come from different backgrounds, and how to bridge that gap to connect with everyone equally,” says Reshma.
‘Where My Asians At?!’ is a reflection of Reshma's personal experiences as a woman navigating the music industry and her search for community after relocating back to Aotearoa New Zealand.
"There's a line in the song where I mention the personal stereotypes people have placed against me, specifically the assumption that I’m Gujarati, which I’m not. I was nervous about putting it in the track in case it got misunderstood," she says. "The idea behind that lyric is to challenge the mistaken stereotypes people put on us based on how we might look."
The track is paired with a bold music video directed by Jolin Lee, a writer-director based in Auckland. The choreography for the video was done by well-known K-Pop dancer and choreographer Rina Chae. The Auckland City of Music, Boosted, and the POC community provided support for the production, both in front of and behind the camera.
Reshma thinks of 'Where My Asians At?!' as "a fun, upbeat, feminine rage song, perfect for a gym session or walking into a job interview thinking yeah, I got this!" She emphasises you don't have to be Asian to appreciate the track, and hopes that it inspires questions about representation and inclusion for all communities.