VÏKAE first independent release for 2023 brings her new track: PANDORA'S BOX into the ether.

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PANDORA'S BOX HERE

Coming hot off the release of her recent collaboration with Prank Sinatra, 'Answers',  which was released on High Tea Records, VÏKAE has her first independent release for 2023: 'Pandora's Box' (release date 7 July 2023). Produced by long-time collaborator, Abigail Knudson, and mastered by Dan Martin. It's a heavy hitting experimental alt-pop track with dubstep elements. Performing the track for the last three years, VÏKAE had genuine demand to release this track with it popping off at every show she's played at, even having DM's after shows asking where people can find the track. Pandora's Box release date is a 777 date: in numerology this number stands for courage, strength, rejuvenation and healing.

 Pandora's Box originated as a poem. Much like the rest of VÏKAE's catelogue which addresses taboo subjects like mental health and toxic relationships, the song itself focuses on VÏKAE's diagnosis with Bipolar. By addressing the mental healthcare system, VÏKAE believes more can always be done for those who are suffering with their own mind:

 "system keeps us sick, so we depend on it, just a lunatic... bottle top, spinning top, Pandora's Box"

VÏKAE is the moniker of Veronika Bell; a Ukrainian-born, NZ based queer artist and singer, songwriter and classically trained musician; graduating from the University of Otago with an honours Music Degree in Jazz with a minor in Composition and Songwriting.  VÏKAE’s distinctive sound blends the best of emo rebellion and pop sensibilities. Her compelling style of songwriting intertwines with brooding cinematic soundscapes and sits somewhere in the realm of ‘alternative pop’. 

Releasing her debut EP in 2020; Finelines, during the pandemic. It debuted on The NZ Official Music Charts at #5 and the lead single, Finelines was playlisted by Radio One 91FM, The Hits and Radio Active. After a successful tour with kiwi Pop Princess PRINS, VÏKAE began her journey through the New Zealand summer festival circuit with her first festival being Baydreams Nelson. 

As a follow up to VÏKAE’s Finelines EP, she released Love Games which is a 5 track mixtape collection of songs following her heartbreak leaving Dunedin and coming to terms with her sexuality. Working with Kate Orgais from Lil Sister PR, VÏKAE had interviews with Newshub and Women’s Weekly and garnered rotation on radio stations like Radio One 91FM, bFM and The Hits and received 5 star reviews from Music.net and 13th Floor. "Love Games showcases VÏKAE’s  skill in vulnerable story-telling" - MMF (NZ, 2022). Love Games (deluxe) is set to release later this year and features an additional 4 songs. 

Generating honorable mentions in the NZ Hot 20, Top 20 Charts and The SRN Charts; and has performed at some of the country’s biggest music festivals such as Baydreams (Nelson 2020), Mardi Gras (Ohakune 2021 & 2022) , Deep Hard N Funky (2022) , Summer Sounds (2022), AUM (NYE 2022/23) and Soundsplash (2023), Big Gay Out (2023), only solidifying her performative prowess.

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Reiki Ruawai's "Working Title" - A Sonic and Visual Adventure Full of Soul, Humour, and Daydreams

Let's dive into the world of Raglan's own groovy virtuoso, Reiki Ruawai, with his track "Working Title." Released this past March, this gem blends the sultry worlds of R&B, dance, and soul, taking us on a musical journey of romantic pursuits and the art of taking things slow to avoid messing them up.

In the music video, conceptualised alongside a creative director, Reiki sets the stage in a cozy coffee shop, all psyched for a promising date. He's eagerly expecting an immediate connection but gets left cooling his heels - and his coffee - when his date stands him up. But hey, every cloud has a silver lining!

Unfazed, Reiki bounces back, transforming his disappointment into an exciting voyage across the city. His fantasies come alive, painting images of his absent date around every city corner, making the urban landscape an imaginative playground. Keeping it light-hearted, Reiki grins at his fans, saying, "Tell me I'm not the only one who fantasies when sh!+ doesn't go to plan, right?" We're with you there, Reiki!

The retro feel of the video is brought to life by the fantastic Crystal Chen and Nick Alexander, whose love for film lends a distinct, authentic quality to the video. The raw, tactile aesthetics of film have created a visual narrative that's as captivating as the soundtrack, a result that has left Reiki completely stoked.

With "Working Title," Reiki Ruawai takes us along on a delightful journey of love, dreams, and resilience. This track and its accompanying video is a party for the senses, serving up infectious beats and vivid imagery that make us want to dance and daydream all at once. Prepare to be swept off your feet and into the streets by the soulful tunes of our very own, Reiki Ruawai.

BIO

Saturate yourself in the musical universe of Reiki Ruawai, a bona fide talent emerging from the vibrant West Coast of Raglan. With his enchanting vocals and soul-drenched melodies, Reiki casts a hypnotic spell, leaving listeners entranced. His music, a mesmerising fusion of R&B, dance, and soul, pulses with raw emotion and an infectious rhythm that speaks directly to the heart.

Reiki's voice is a magical conduit, seamlessly transporting audiences to a realm where every beat is a heartfelt connection, and each groove is an irresistible call to move. His unique vocal artistry and compelling musical narratives make every song an adventure, encapsulating an intoxicating blend of heartfelt sentiments and body-moving rhythms.

Reiki Ruawai isn't just a singer; he's a musical journeyman, guiding listeners on an unforgettable voyage through a soundscape marked by captivating melodies, potent emotions, and grooves that simply can't be ignored. Dive in, and let the magic of Reiki's music whisk you away on a sonic journey like no other.

Set 4 Life (S4L) Music Presents Bad1's Latest Release "Hotbox Freestyle"

Set 4 Life (S4L) Music is excited to unveil "Hotbox Freestyle," the latest single from talented artist Bad1. Produced by Sprout, this captivating track showcases Bad1's storytelling abilities and further establishes his presence in the music industry.

"Hotbox Freestyle" combines a dark, piano-driven drill beat with Bad1's catchy freestyle delivery. The song takes listeners on a journey through the realities of street life that is lived by young people, offering a raw and authentic perspective.

Bad1's unique storytelling and distinct delivery make "Hotbox Freestyle" an engaging track that resonates with fans of drill music and authentic rap. The collaboration with Sprout demonstrates the synergy between the producer's exceptional skills and Bad1's undeniable talent that have been seen in previous releases.

This release follows Bad1's previous singles “No Statements” and “Caught In The Mix”, which have garnered attention and praise from music critics and listeners. Each release showcases Bad1's growth as an artist and his commitment to crafting impactful music that tells the real story of young people from South Auckland’s neighbourhoods.

"Hotbox Freestyle" is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

Set 4 Life (S4L) Music is proud to support Bad1 and provide him with a platform to share his talent. As a collective, we are dedicated to nurturing the growth and success of emerging artists, enabling them to express their stories through their unique musical styles, with our roster of Bad1, Nola, YoungM and 20th Boys.

Stray Dogs 'Stray Dogs'

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Stray Dogs, the dynamic and energetic pop-punk band hailing from Auckland, has unleashed their much-awaited single, aptly titled "Stray Dogs”. This release is anticipated to captivate listeners with its infectious hooks, powerful lyrics, and the band's signature nostalgia-fueled energy.

Stray Dogs has been making waves in the local music scene for over a decade under the name Fire For Glory, before seeing fit for a rebranding that fit their growth as a band and as human beings. Gaining a loyal fanbase with their distinctive blend of catchy pop melodies, punk rock riffs, and relatable, heartfelt lyrics. Comprised of vocalist Josh Pinho, guitarist Cam Brookes, bassist Steve Shyu, and drummer Grant Kirkpatrick, the band looks forward to sharing what has been 18 months of polished studio work to deliver “Stray Dogs” the debut single from their upcoming full-length record on AAA Records, more on the album coming soon. 

Their upcoming single, "Stray Dogs," is a testament to the band's growth and evolution. The track is a sonic love letter to the pop punk and emo anthems of the mid-2000s, while boasting high-end modern production and songwriting that reimagines the sound in exciting new ways.  The track explores themes of loyalty and the concept of a chosen or found family. With its anthemic chorus and powerful instrumentation, "Stray Dogs" promises to resonate deeply with fans of multiple genres. 

"Stray Dogs" will be accompanied by a must-see music video, directed by vocalist Josh Pinho. 

For more information about Stray Dogs, their music, and upcoming shows, fans can follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.

Introducing Emperor C : 24K Legacy Music’s latest signee

Emperor C, the exciting new addition to 24K Legacy Music’s roster, has unveiled his debut single under the independent label, "chrome," making an indelible mark on the music scene. With his unique blend of new-age internet beats and infectious melodies, Emperor C is poised to revolutionize the sound of Aotearoa.

Since his debut in 2020, Emperor C has showcased an unparalleled level of consistency in building his musical catalog, solidifying his reputation as an artist committed to his craft. Continuously releasing singles and crafting captivating EPs and albums throughout 2021 and 2022, he has captivated audiences with his creative prowess.

Emperor C's music has already reached a wide audience, as exemplified by the success of his single "Watch Ya Step!" and its accompanying 24K Jodo Valley music video, which garnered thousands of views. Now, as he joins the esteemed 24K Legacy Music family in 2023, Emperor C embarks on a new chapter of his journey, pushing the boundaries of his sound and taking his artistic expression to unprecedented heights.

With an inherent knack for combining new age internet beats and infectious melodies, Emperor C's music resonates with listeners on multiple levels. His lyricism delves into high fashion and the aspirational lifestyle he leads, providing a glimpse into a world of sophistication and allure.

As Emperor C continues to evolve as an artist and captivate audiences with his unique sonic palette, he represents the vanguard of New Zealand's vibrant music scene. With his unwavering dedication to his craft and a vision that transcends boundaries, Emperor C is set to make a lasting impact on the global stage.

"chrome," Emperor C's debut single, is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

YoungM Releases Debut Solo Single "Out The Mud" - A Compelling Story of Struggle, Survival, and Inspiration.

Rising artist YoungM, a talented member of the renowned Set 4 Life (S4L), announces the highly anticipated release of his debut solo single, "Out The Mud." Produced by the platinum award-winning duo Sprout and NT, this melodic trap anthem delivers a powerful and emotional narrative through its captivating piano-led melody and hard-hitting 808 drums.

"Out The Mud" is more than just a song; it is a personal reflection of YoungM's upbringing and the challenging experiences he endured. In this thought-provoking track, YoungM dives deep into the struggles, pain, and loss that many young individuals face growing up in poverty-stricken environments. The relatable and heartfelt lyrics shed light on the resilience and determination required to survive and support loved ones in such circumstances.

YoungM aims to leverage the power of music to create a platform where he can share his personal journey and inspire others facing similar challenges. Through tracks like "Out The Mud," he seeks to empower young individuals to rise above their circumstances and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

With his distinctive style and introspective storytelling, YoungM is honing his craft alongside the rest of talented artists on the S4L and 24K Legacy Music roster, garnering attention for their raw talent, authentic lyrics, and captivating performances.

"Out The Mud" is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

YoungM encourages his fans, music enthusiasts, and those who resonate with his message to support him by sharing the single on social media and adding it to their playlists.

LOUIS BAKER shares empowering new single 'Been and Gone' ft Wallace

Today, New Zealand artist / producer, Louis Baker releases anthemic indie soul duet, 'Been and Gone' ft Wallace.

Joining forces with long-time friend Wallace, 'Been and Gone' seamlessly merges a laid-back drum groove, Motown-inspired bass lines, Wurlitzer keyboards and retro-sounding wah-wah guitars. The song is further elevated by its honest and compelling lyrical content with the sultry vocals of both artists.

Reflecting on the song's concept, Baker explains, "The themes of empowerment, self-knowledge, and knowing your worth were at the forefront of our minds during the writing process". 

Accompanying the release is a feel good music video, shot by Director / DOP Tom Grut featuring the duo spending the day together in their beloved hometown of Wellington.

"Louis and I have known each other since we were teenagers, and were in the same year at jazz school.  We've been following and supporting each other's music since day 1 so it's been lovely to finally combine our powers and write something together", shares Wallace.

'Been and Gone' is the second self-produced release from Louis in 2023, following the soul-infused boom bap track 'Misty in Matakana', which was released earlier this month.   The songs mark the beginning of a new era, reaffirming the proof of his versatility as an artist.

In July, Louis sets off to tour with one of the world's finest live draws, Fat Freddy's Drop on their nineteen date European Summer roady.

Been and Gone is available now on all major streaming outlets via his independent label, Ngākau Records.

ABOUT LOUIS BAKER
Louis Baker is undoubtedly one of the most soulful voices to emerge from New Zealand’s fertile musical landscape. With a powerhouse voice that’s capable of a primal RnB scream or tear-inducing plea, and a love for soul, hiphop, and jazz music, Louis has gathered a loyal following that spans the world over.

From his self-titled first EP, all the way to his widely acclaimed 2019 debut album 'Open', and his most recent EP, Love Levitates - described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “luxurious funk-soul”, Baker has toured the globe, gathering fans and tastemakers along the way - resulting in over 38 million Spotify streams, sold out shows and nominations for prestigious music awards including the APRA Silver Scroll Award, Taite Music Prize and Aotearoa Music Awards.

ABOUT WALLACE

Wallace’s music has been described as a vibrant mosaic of soul, hip-hop and pop, her trademark jazz-influenced vocals and magnetic presence demonstrating her evolution as a songwriter to watch.

Her refreshing talent has granted her the opportunity to work in the studio with Dutch legends Kraak & Smaak, Australian hip-hop staples Thundamentals, Botswana-raised, Melbourne-based rapper Sampa The Great, laying vocals over beats by Godriguez, and working closely with producer Simon Cohen (behind Justin Bieber's global #1 song “Love Yourself”). 

Neo-soul artist ASHA revels in self-acceptance with debut release ‘Too Bright’’

Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based neo-soul artist ASHA has today released her debut single ‘Too Bright’. The track is an affirmation to self and revelling in the feeling of self-acceptance. 

Beginning with gentle melodic keyboard strokes, the song kicks off with a rhythmic pause that invites listeners to enter the dreamscape where ASHA creates her music. This mid-tempo meditative lull is joined by a drumbeat and the singer/songwriter’s sultry vocals as she lists everything she had tried to be on her journey to owning her full essence. 

Reflecting on the experiences of being othered, the chorus bursts into a declaration from the artist that she “is too bright for the colours that you paint me”. ASHA’s honey cadence layered with softness and warmth breaks into a carefree verse where she offers an ode to black girl magic and the ways she is limitless beyond the gaze projected on her as a Black Femme. 

Produced by Unchained XL, ‘Too Bright’ is ASHA’s debut single and an embodiment of the powerful transformative energy of embracing who you are.  

Born and raised in the UK, ASHA is an Afro-Caribbean singer/song-writer residing in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand).

Embodied in the acronym ASHA, As a Star Hovers Above, the neo-soul artist’s sound is an invitation to the bridge that flows in the space between the dream world and reality. Through storytelling, ASHA’s sultry vocals usher listeners to a soundscape where she explores the spectrum of human emotions. 

Centring truth telling, rawness and fun in her creation process, the composer embraces the fluidity of change and transformation in life and allows it to trickle into a free flowing creative container that isn’t restrained by categories and genres. 

Beginning her musical journey as a ‘band kid’, ASHA started with classical training learning how to read and write music and played the clarinet, saxophone and wind instruments. At home, she was surrounded by a family that loved soul, jazz and music, including a karaoke machine that belonged to her parents. 

Worshipping at the altar of Nina Simone, Erykah Badu and Pip Millet, ASHA connects with how powerful music can be as a conduit to see things in a different way and to speak your truth including how good you might be feeling. 

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