BRIAN BAKER RELEASES NEW SINGLE - “BELLY”

New Zealand singer-songwriter BRIAN BAKER celebrates the release of his latest single, “BELLY”,  produced and recorded at his Kaipara based studio facility.

Northland guitarist/producer Brian Baker has delivered a Kiwi rock track that knocks you down and lifts you up. Think Foo Fighters, think Shihad - energetic rock, guitars that shred and a chorus your Gran can whistle. “Belly” is a message from a dark place - All this will change!

From Brian; “I was listening to a podcast about Joseph Cambell's “The Hero’s Journey” and was really feeling that mid winter greyness. I was struck with the idea of isolation and focus, where the hero is stuck in a dark place and has only their calling to focus on and lead them out. Plus the knowledge that all things are constantly changing. Hence a message from the belly of the whale - all this will change. So a song of hope from a dark place that we all go through at some stage or another. I also felt the need to rock out a bit so ended up with this fast paced, guitar driven thing. Hope you enjoy!”

“Belly” is released through AAA Records on August 11th 2023, just when Brian performs a series of shows at The Bay Of Island Jazz ands Blues Festival. There’ll be a full length vinyl LP released in November to coincide with a North Island tour.

ABOUT BRIAN BAKER

The consummate journeyman musician is also a laid-back bohemian life-styler, living off-the-grid on his permaculture farm in the picturesque heart of the Kaipara. It’s a busy combination, as Baker balances life between running the farm with using his considerable musical talents recording and producing his own music, plus other artists in his production studio, ‘The Bakery’.

A naturally gifted musician, Baker can lay claim to a catalogue of songs sure to warm the musical soul of any audience member. Now he’s made a return to performing live in support of it. He’s created a fantastic live show highlighting his uplifting vocals and amazing guitar skills, so keep a look out for his tour dates and make sure you check out this talented guitarist/singer-songwriter.

YAHYAH DELIVERS ‘SAD GIRL’ ANTHEM WITH NEW RELEASE

Following a string of successful releases with ‘GO’ and ‘How I’m Feeling RN’, YAHYAH’s next offering, ‘Sad Girl,’ is an electro-pop anthem for everyone going through heartbreak.

Written about a ‘situationship’, the honest lyrics navigate when the relationship comes to an end. YAHYAH explains, “I wrote this song after feeling so down about a certain person. The feelings weren’t reciprocated and yet I still wanted them as a part of my life. Sometimes, you have to scream at the top of your lungs how you’re feeling. This is Sad Girl!”

Produced by Ben Hollamby (Pirapus), Joel Jones (Dallas James, IPSY), and Will Henderson (CHAII, Janine), the dance driven feel to the track sonically represents the build up and mix of feelings that the lyrics discuss, “This song has helped me express the angst of wanting this person to wake up and realise what they are missing.” Accompanying the track is a visually stunning music video, directed by Connor Lambert, due to be released next week.

King Cass releases Old Days EP 1.0 as part of 2 piece EP series

King Cass's 'Olds Days EP' 1.0 is just one part of a multi series EP drop from King Cass which will see another release across 2023 still to come.

Describing the art cover is like watching a lonely boy who once stood uncertain of the circles he kept, the adventures his mind traveled

and the paths he walked to get to where he is today. ‘Old Days’ EP 1.0 features 5 tracks that are like a time capsule of adventures, pain & trauma all turned around by acknowledging self worth, friendships and allowing the misconceptions of others to be out of your control.

NZ Music Reviewer Jack Grabham said in recent review "What I really love about Christchurch’s King Cass is his rap is observant, cutting, witty and with heart and a bittersweet empathy for something he knows, deep down, isn’t going to end with the good guys (us) winning this game. I’ve given the whole of his new E.P, also titled Old Days 1.0, a good listen, and he’s bringing a subjective barb to a number of topics. King Cass brings an air of depth and, yes, wisdom. I am particularly pleased that the Kiwi accent is audible. Nobody said one has to sound American; after all".
Refering to the ;Old Days' single from the EP Jack went on to say "To have a song like this released, from a Hip-Hop artist who could stand his ground with that other famous Pakeha (person of European descent, to anyone not from these shores) star of the genre, the one from south of the Eight Mile Road, I am proud to be reviewing this song. It’s got a message that we all should pay attention to. True friendships, supporting one another’s aspirations and having the confidence to believe in yourself. Delivered to a slick mix, excellent mastering, and orchestration that’s clever, commercially astute and very 2023, all topped off with a vocal that was born to do this, give Old Days 1.0 a listen. It’s a great representation of the E.P. and stands way up top of the list as single of the year for the Hip-Hop genre in this humble reviewer's opinion".

About the songs:

‘Who Dat’ draws on trend setting, and just being comfortable within yourself and not worrying

about how others or your inner critic might portray your character. ‘Most High’ jumps on a

spiritual journey of manifestation and giving thanks to others without judgement. You ever heard the saying ‘Hat Trick’ well this is all about success, this track is a collaboration with Jordan Henare punching at the grind

‘private jets, no baggage’ referring to taking flight through the movement, not carrying any burdens and breaking cycles. Lockdown is a bonus track rerelease

'Apakura' Single from Album to Honour Rangiaowhia

Renowned, golden-voiced artists Mara TK, Raakai Whauwhau, Victor Hawkins and Ria Hall are set to release the first collaborated single from a 10-track album that honours the land, people, story and survivors of a once-thriving Māori community in Waikato named Rangiaowhia.

Originally a highly prosperous community, Rangiaowhia was known as a peaceful sanctuary of refuge until “a day of terrorism" or “Paahuatanga”, which saw its end in 1864. Recorded as one of the most horrific, but also unacknowledged massacres in New Zealand’s history, an invasion of colonial troops on the 21st of February 1864, resulted in over half of the 200 locals present being left wounded, captured, raped, incinerated and murdered. 

Elders of surviving tribes Ngaati Apakura and Ngaati Hinetuu are behind the project, which has taken the four talented artists on a journey to learn about the history of the people and their land that they each have a direct genealogical connection to.

Titled “APAKURA”, the debut single is a collaboration between the artists and a group of music students from local school Te Wharekura o Ngaa Purapura o Te Aroha. Doubling as an artist for the album, producer Mara TK says, “This first waiata references the incredible state of the land before the massacre, in all its fullness and prosperous lushness.

A tribute to the survivors of Rangiaowhia and their descendants, the song acknowledges the resilience of Ngaati Apakura and Ngaati Hinetuu and seeks to celebrate their continued existence today.

RISING STAR SAM HESELWOOD UNVEILS MOVING NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘HOW’S HEAVEN’

NEW EP HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS DUE OUT 1 SEPTEMBER

Following the chart success of his #1 Hot NZ single ‘Home’, Ōtautahi singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood drops another high-flying track with ‘How’s Heaven’, a hauntingly beautiful tribute to his beloved late grandfather.

Says Sam: “I wrote ‘How’s Heaven’ as a letter to my grandad, who sadly passed away when I was young. It’s an emotional journey, expressing my regret for not having had the chance to know him better. As I’ve grown up, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of his presence in my life, and wish I had the chance to meet him as the person I am today.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, and recorded at The Piano, Christchurch, ‘How’s Heaven’ and the upcoming EP was produced by Terence Charles O’Connor with Struan Finlay on mixing and mastering duties.

‘How’s Heaven’ is a deeply personal and touching song that cuts straight to the heart, showcasing both Sam’s strong, expressive voice and his unfeigned vulnerability as he sings of this poignant unrealised relationship.

“I understand that while we may be physically separated, his spirit lives on in my thoughts, and I believe that one day, we will reunite. I find solace in the knowledge that he watches over us from heaven. ‘How’s Heaven’ is my way of honouring his memory and expressing the love and admiration I have for my grandad,” explains Sam.

Sam’s unique story-telling ability is imbued with an indie pop flair reminiscent of and influenced by the likes Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, serving up music that is warm, intimate, vulnerable and authentic in its deep exploration of universal themes like family, love and mental health.

The rugby player turned songwriter’s songs have accumulated millions of streams to date - including over 1.5 million on single ‘Book Full Of Answers’; and his music continues to be added to a growing list of featured playlists such as: Spotify’s Coffee + Chill (500k); Spotify’s Fresh Finds (1m); Spotify’s Fresh Finds Pop; Spotify’s Fresh Finds AU & NZ; Spotify’s Get Popped; Spotify’s Pop n’ Fresh; Apple Music’s New Music Daily; Apple Music’s A-List Pop; Apple Music’s New in Pop and numerous others!

And the growing successes continue to stack up with: latest single ‘Home’ placing #1 on the Hot NZ Singles chart and reaching #24 on the RadioScope Most Added chart; having already featured on the NZ Top 40 and Hot Singles charts with 2022 single ‘18’ placed No.4 on the NZ Hot Singles and No. 29 on the NZ Top 40 Singles charts; starting to receive strong support from mainstream radio (ZM Locals Only, The Edge Nights); and continued back-to-back single funding and support from NZ On Air - further proving that Sam Heselwood is a young talent who is definitely one to watch!

Set to head to the UK early September to tour around for a bit, Sam will perform his last New Zealand show in Auckland, where he will play fan favourites and showcase the new tracks off the upcoming EP Home Is Where The Heart Is.

LOOPY TUNES RE-RELEASE 'THE MĀUI DOLPHIN'

Ōtautahi-based children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes Music, are excited to re-release their waiata/song, The Māui Dolphin. 

“Why a re-release?”, you ask? Because it was the right thing to do! Check out their re-release story, below! 

In 2021, the duo had the opportunity to be a part of the Funky Kids Radio SwitchOn Global Telethon. The Global Telethon committee asked children’s music artists from around the world to write a song about an endangered animal in their home country to contribute to an album being created for the event. The sisters chose to write about the endemic Māui dolphin, which features Siu's son, Vaiuli, as the rapping dolphin.
Last year, during meetings with the animator, who is currently working on the music video for the song, Leah and Siu discovered that a few facts in the waiata weren't entirely accurate! Their usual process of checking and re-checking lyrics in their waiata, especially their bilingual waiata, didn't happen with this release, as the time frame to produce it was very tight! In the rush to get the song out on time, the following errors were made during the Māui dolphin's rap: 

1. "I surf through the waves of Te Tai Poutini, that's in the North Island, Te Ika a Māui". Te Tai Poutini is in fact, the West Coast of the South Island! 

2. In the second verse, the Māui dolphin refers to his ancestor, the messenger fish, Paneiraira, who was in fact a taniwha who disguised himself as a whale, not a dolphin!  

All-in-all a lesson well learned for them, to not rush the process! Checking and re-checking is essential, especially when using te reo Māori and incorporating te ao Māori in their waiata. Potentially, the duo could have left the song as is, however, the sisters said, “It is absolutely the right thing to do to re-record the dolphin rap and re-release the waiata to ensure the correct information is out there for our tamariki to learn”. 
There's quite a difference between the two raps, as Vaiuli was 11 years old when he recorded the first one and was 13 years old when he re-recorded it. Those two years have made quite a difference to the vibe of the rap, vocal-wise, but he still did an awesome job! 

Leah and Siu are grateful to have received funding from NZ On Air Music to create an animated music video for this song, as well. They had previously worked with award winning animator, Ross Payne, on another animated music video, for their waiata, Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree. They love Ross’ fun, comical style of animation and are excited for tamariki/children to enjoy the new music video, soon! The music video features the sisters as mermaids and their husbands as mermen - definitely worth a watch once it’s out!
The new-and-improved (and more correct) waiata was released Friday, 28 July, lyric video released Monday, 31 July, and the much-anticipated music video will be out later in the year!  

Albi & The Wolves announce an expansive new album with 11 Piece Band Tour

Indie-folk troubadours, Albi & The Wolves announce their long awaited Third album “Light After Dark” , due for release 13th October 20203 (AAA Records)

While the album retains the band’s iconic foot-stomping anthems and brooding melancholic ballads, it has taken the band to a whole new level of genre crossing tunes.

The band teamed up with TeMatera Smith from AAA Records who encouraged the band to experiment during the recording process. A process, thanks to the Pandemic, that took just under two and a half years to complete.

The hopeful instant classic “Light After The Dark”, heralds the new era for Albi & The Wolves. 

It’s about appreciating what you have, and looks ahead to a better and brighter future, just as the band are looking ahead.

“We’re excited to see how folks react to this song, we are also excited for what’s to come. Some of it is pretty wild, like touring with an 11 piece band! Scary, but exciting at the same time!”

The accompanying video clip captures the essence of the ensemble that they’ll be taking on the road. Directed by Smith, the band wanted the clip to represent a live show and the new direction they are headed!

Light After Dark   - Album Release Date October 13th 2023. CD/LP/Digital (AAA Records)

The live show will have strings, horns, keys, drums and more, and will be playing three beautiful venues across New Zealand.

Albi and The Woves “Light After Dark” Tour 

11 November  Auckland, Galatos

24 November  Christchurch, The Piano

25 November Wellington, Old St Pauls

Tickets are available now www.undertheradar.co.nz

Find Albi and The Wolves

Website | Spotify | Apple Music | You Tube | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp

Ascending pop songstress Jessica Leigh delivers new empowering anthem with single + video ‘GIRLFRIENDS’

Wellington singer, songwriter and producer Jessica Leigh has today released her latest pop gem, an ode to female friendship - ‘GIRLFRIENDS’.

Listen to ‘GIRLFRIENDS’ HERE

With its huge synths and explosive chorus, GIRLFRIENDS is an upbeat, euphoric and danceable anthem to sing along with. Crafted to make the listener feel happy, sexy and fun all at once, it’s championing female friendship in a way that feels fresh and unique.

“It’s a love letter to the beautiful, vibrant energy of female friends,” explains Jessica. “I wrote the song when I was relatively fresh out of a breakup and was fortunate enough to be supported through that process by a lot of intelligent, funny and loving young women after moving to a new city. I wanted to create a song that women could sing, to hype themselves and each other up, while getting ready for/during a night out with their girlfriends.”

GIRLFRIENDS was recorded, mixed and mastered at Ignite Studios in Sydney, Australia with

producer Liam Quinn (Peach PRC, Ruel, Ashy) and, as much as the track is about platonic friendship, Jessica says it’s also a queer celebration of loving all things Divine Feminine. “It’s my first release where I am openly embracing and championing my own queerness - which I’m super excited about.” Jessica says she was also getting into TV show Sex and the City at the time of writing, which also inspired the track.

Also being released today is a new music video directed by Alex Hargreaves alongside director of photography Piotr Kwasnik and film crew Kwasnik Pictures. “The concept of the video follows a fun night out with the girls from getting ready to the party. The video is high energy and incredibly fun. The wardrobe and makeup choices were 90s inspired to reflect some Sex and The City energy with a modern twist. Simply, it’s three girls having a great time with each other dancing and loving life and I think it perfectly reflects the meaning of the song.”

Watch ‘GIRLFRIENDS’ HERE
Jessica has been prolific in her releases recently, starting with glittering pop track ‘WIRED’, which was produced by Josh Naley aka Wells* (Paige, NAVVY, Thomston, Foley, Luca George, Bridges) at Parachute Studios. The single is currently sitting at over 71.5k spotify streams and been added to popular Spotify playlists such as US Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds Pop. It was soon followed by dreamy ballad ‘missing you’ - which was #17 on the Official Hot 20 NZ Singels Chart, as well as ZM’s NZ on Air Locals Only, and was recorded at Jessica’s home studio in Wellington, and mixed/mastered at Jules Evans’ home studio. Now her new anthem ‘GIRLFRIENDS’.

Hailing from Nelson, the now Wellington-based singer, songwriter and producer often depicts vibrant coming-of-age narratives in her songwriting - reflecting on themes such as young love, friendship, growing pains and everything in between. The young artist has been going from strength to strength. Before these latest releases she won a regional songwriting competition in 2019 and officially began releasing music shortly after. She released her debut EP 17 in 2020 and followed it up with a sophomore EP SUMMERLAND in 2021 and soaring summer anthem ‘my way’ in 2022. Keep an eye out for even more exciting music to come from this incredible NZ talent!

Listen to ‘GIRLFRIENDS’ HERE

Watch ‘GIRLFRIENDS’ HERE