John Toogood (Shihad) Live and Acoustic, presented and supported by Mike Conlon “One Man Big Sound”

Toogood has been brought to Te Awamutu again by Conlon, with a share of the proceeds going to local charity Loving Arms. 

Toogood is the lead singer and founding member of New Zealand rock band Shihad who, with the release of their latest album Old Gods reaching No. 1 on the New Zealand music charts, now hold the record for most No. 1 albums by any artist in New Zealand chart history.  

During his 30-plus years in the music industry, Toogood has played shows all around the world with artists such as AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Metallica and Guns N' Roses, and has gone on to write more New Zealand radio hits than any other artist in New Zealand music history. 

He is also the musician behind the New Zealand supergroup The Adults, has presented Planet of Sound on Radio Hauraki and is an inductee of the RIANZ New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. 

After all this Toogood will now and then head out on the road by himself with just his trusty Martin acoustic guitar, a bunch of songs he loves and the sometimes-hilarious stories behind them to perform what is sure to be a super intimate, special night of music, laughter and singalong ball-tearers that music fans of all ages will love. 

Te Awamutu based, Conlon is an upcoming singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist on the verge of releasing and promoting his brand of original music to New Zealand and beyond. His high-energy live looping and live sound engineering style of music is like something you have never seen before. 

Conlon will take the stage first followed by Toogood. 

Doors will open at 5pm with music starting at 8pm.  

Tickets at UTR

Monika & Julia Jewels - Dream Sequence

UK born, New Zealand based Maxwell Monika, known for his expressive drum and bass on noted labels such as Shogun Audio, Spearhead Records and Fokuz Recordings, is announcing the release of his highly anticipated single ‘Dream Sequence’, featuring a collaboration with Indonesian-New Zealand singer-songwriter Julia Jewels, who elevates the track to anthemic proportions.

Scheduled for release 26th January 2024, Dream Sequence showcases Monika’s ability to flit between heavy stepper sounds and melodic moods, taking influence from the expansive underground UK and New Zealand club scenes.

After watching Julia Jewels perform in Christchurch, and finding out they lived in the same port-town of Lyttelton, the collaboration between the two artists flowed naturally, with Julia giving the track the aggressive edge that Monika was looking for.

Following the single release, Monika and Julia Jewels will unveil their music video, created with the support of New Zealand On Air Single Funding scheme. Produced and directed in collaboration with Michael Duggan from Offline Collective Media and with cinematography from Matt Clode from Below NZ, Monika wished to celebrate the gorgeous landscape of Lyttelton, NZ, with an outstanding on-screen performance from Julia Jewels that seamlessly matches the energy of the track.

Miakie & Ethan Jupe 'Want The Goosebumps'

R&B-pop gem Miakie teams up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Ethan Jupe on their indie-pop single ‘Want the Goosebumps’

New Zealand-based artists Ethan Jupe and Miakie have unveiled their latest musical masterpiece, "Want the Goosebumps" - a mesmerizing blend of dreamy indie-pop melodies and heartfelt lyricism. Funded by New Zealand on Air, the track is crafted against a backdrop of groovy basslines and a rhythmic percussion section, with sonic influences drawn from the likes of Khruangbin, Muroki, and Mara TK. At its core, the song explores the intricacies of a long-distance relationship, delving into the universal longing for companionship amidst times of isolation.

Along with the track, the pair are releasing a full-length music video directed by Dylan Martin, encapsulating the bright essence of the new release.

On creating the track:

“It was an effortless collaboration. We only had a few hours in the studio, but I told Ethan how I was feeling and the music I’d been inspired by at the time, and he instantly got it.” - Miakie

“We had one of those rare blinder sessions where everything just fell into place super fast. No blood, sweat or tears, it was just the easiest song I’ve ever made” - Ethan

About the artists

Ethan Jupe: Deep pulsating grooves, lush harmony & alluring collaborations are quickly becoming synonymous with Ethan’s signature imprint as an artist/producer. Drawing upon his influences of funk & soul, electronic dance music, jazz & hip/hop - the culmination of elements runs deep throughout his catalog. ‘Want The Goosebumps’ marks an exploration into a world likened to ‘Khruangbin’, ‘Jungle’ & ‘Maribou State’. Always on the move, Ethan has multiple releases in the pipeline with up-and-coming NZ artists ready to go for 2024.

Miakie (Mia Sohnge): the soulful R&B-pop songstress from Hawke's Bay, brings a serene yet captivating energy to her music. With her sophomore single ‘Infatuated’ having amassed almost 250,000 streams on Spotify, she is eager to take her musical journey in a new and exciting direction with ‘Want the Goosebumps’, which will mark her third NZ On Air funded track. Having recently attended Songhubs Waikato, Mia has many songs up her sleeve to be released in the New Year.

AOTEAROA-CUBAN ARTIST JINETERO MC RELEASES SINGLE ‘24 HOURS’

From his wild days on the streets of Camaguey, Cuba, to becoming a reggaeton sensation in Aotearoa, Jinetero MC's musical journey comes to life in his debut. 

LISTEN TO ‘24 HOURS’ HERE

Counting down to his first album, 'UNITY IS POWER,' Jinetero MC, also known as Yonier Cuevas Vega, drops his latest bilingual single, "24 HOURS." It's the lead track from his upcoming album set to release later this year, serving as a reminder to savour the moments life brings each day. With its catchy reggaeton beats, Caribbean harmonies, and thoughtful lyrics, "24 HOURS" is a track you'll want on your dance playlist.

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One of Aotearoa’s leading exponents of reggaeton, Jinetero MC, ka Yonier Cuevas Vega, host of weekly Base FM show Boom Boom Selecta, blends reggaeton beats, Caribbean rhythms and a pinch of Kiwi groove in a lively mixture reflecting his Afrocuban roots, hustler's braggadocio and affinity with the country he has called home for decades.

Jinetero has made waves in the New Zealand music scene, contributing to the Afro-futuristic roots hip-hop supergroup Olmecha Supreme, the eclectic world music pop-rave-brass fusion Weird Together, and as a solo artist. His performances at festivals across Australasia, including Korunda Roots Festival, Parihaka, Phat, Splore, One Love, Soundsplash, Cuba Street Carnival, The Sevens Parade, and more, have showcased his versatility. Sharing the stage with Aotearoa's most significant artists, from Imon Starr and King Homeboy to King Kapisi, The Black Seed's Nigel Patterson, bassist Crete Haami, Maake Phat, Tim Key (Newtown Rock Steady), Rafael Ferrer, and many more, Jinetero has left an indelible mark on the music landscape.

With a back catalogue bursting with reggaeton fusion - including New Zealand’s first homegrown reggaeton EP, Libertad!, and singles Dime, Time - Jinetero MC raps and sings in a mix of Spanish and English, layering in his Oshun roots from the Yorùbá faith over original reggaeton beats.

One of his earliest cultural ventures on these shores was a homage to his adopted hometown Wellington, complete with a video directed by the godfather of New Zealand hip hop Te Kupu/Dean Hapeta (Kia Kaha Productions). “It’s a song about the city - the musicians who have helped me, the love I feel here and the stories I have to tell inspired me to make music” says Jinetero MC.

Ōtautahi’s Finest Grim Hop Outfit Slimivich Kick to Off 2024 With Tamaki Makaurau Tiny Tour

Otautahi’s very own grim hop duo Slimivich returns to Tamaki Makaurau Auckland to bring their brand of circuit frying electo-punk rap beats back to Ding Dong Lounges’ Dead Witch on Friday 16th Feb and music and arts extravaganza ‘Clash of the Arts 2024’ at Zeal West Youth Club Saturday 17th of Feb.

Friday 16th Feb, thanks to Swamp Kult Records, catch Slimivich shake up the Dead Witch stage with support from bruising beatdown posse Hunter, Emo rap/punk pioneer Day13n and resident sludge lords Cyanide Altar.

Tickets: $10 from dingdonglounge.com

Door Sales: $20 on the night.

Saturday 17th Feb join the boys at Zeal West and dive into a day of artistic splendor at our free-entry Clash of Arts 2024! From 11 am, enjoy art, food, and a vibrant market featuring diverse forms—from clothes and jewelry to home decor and skincare.

From 6pm the fun continues into the evening with the all ages live music showcase featuring eight acts from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Offering a dynamic mix of heavy rock, blues, doom metal, rap, dance, and contortion the night will include your favourite Slimivich, Swizl Jager, Cix50, Brackenwood Coven, Tori, Burdenz, Sonshine Unit and The Ideas.

Tickets: $10 from Under the Radar

Door sales: $15 on the night

PRINS 'COPYCAT KILLER'

PRINS' latest release, 'Copycat Killer,' is a compelling exploration of self in an era where imitation often overshadows originality. This track, marking her first release of 2024 following an electrifying world tour, is a masterful blend of introspection and bold artistic expression.

'Copycat Killer' stands out as a narrative on individualism and the complexity of maintaining uniqueness in an imitative world. PRINS addresses these themes with poignant lyrics like 'Even your girlfriend wears my personality, nineteen, wannabe (yuck)' articulating the challenges of identity in today's society. The recurring theme of betrayal, symbolized by the 'knife in my back,' speaks to resilience in adversity.

What truly sets 'Copycat Killer' apart is its unmistakable tone of self-assertiveness and confidence. Phrases like 'I wouldn’t bet against me' and 'I just do what I like' reverberate throughout the song, showcasing PRINS' strong sense of self and her unwavering determination to stand out in an industry where duplication is common. This track is an anthem of empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and rise above the tendency to imitate.

The song also serves as a critical commentary on the dynamics of influence and imitation within the music industry. The stark contrast drawn between 'I see you in the backline' and 'I’ll be under the lights' reflects the power dynamics in a domain where originality is increasingly scarce.

At its core, 'Copycat Killer' is a journey of self-discovery and personal strength. It exemplifies PRINS' growth as an artist and her resilience in a landscape often marked by competition and replication. The track's international collaboration, featuring the production expertise of 'House of Wolf,' (Carlie Hanson & Cheat Codes), and the mixing skills of Grammy award-winning engineer Mark Rankin (Adele & Harry Styles), adds a unique, global flavor to its sound.

With 'Copycat Killer,' PRINS solidifies her status as not just a musician, but a storyteller whose narratives resonate with a global audience. The track is now available on all major platforms, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the rich, authentic world of PRINS' music.

NZ’s very own Lazy Fifty release second single from their upcoming EP ‘Neighbour Of The Beast’

Kiwi rockers Lazy Fifty are back! The four-piece from Gisborne have returned with a new single, Devil On His Day off – a hard and fast blast of pure rock ‘n’ roll.

Watch the official music video here.

Devil On His Day Off is a tale of friendship between Jesus and the Devil, introducing the concept that their public personas of good versus evil are maintained to appease the human need for a hero and a villain.

On their day off Jesus and the Devil throw off their monikers, play music “the Devil’s on his day off, he’s grabbed his bass guitar, Jesus on the 7 string at the bar”, hang out together and get up to all kinds of mischief.

The Devil is good bugger and is sick of being cast as the bad guy “he’s tired of faking, he’s tired of breaking, he’s tired of taking the blame all of the time”.

A good old fashioned rock song, Devil On His Day off showcases epic guitar harmonies, enhanced with catchy lyrics and smooth vocals to deliver a modern rock anthem with a classic feel.

Greg Haver says it was great to re-visit the world of Lazy Fifty again after previously working on their ‘2021: A LAZY ODYSSEY’ album. “It’s always encouraging to see a band refresh and continue on their musical journey, a path that Adrian constantly treads in his desire to expand his virtuosity and push the boundaries of the genre.”

Devil On His Day Off is the second single from Lazy Fifty’s fourth studio offering ‘Neighbour of the Beast’ (due for release July 2024). Coming in the form of an EP, ‘Neighbour of the Beast’ is the Adrian Athy show, with a bit of Greg Haver thrown in for good measure. Adrian composed all of the songs and played most of the parts - lead/backing vocals, lead/rhythm guitar and bass guitar - with Greg Haver contributing drums/percussion along with production.

YAHYAH AND MIKEYY DELIVER ELECTRIC COLLABORATION FOR ‘MEMORIES’

Hot off her latest EP ‘7 Lovers’, YAHYAH delivers an electric collaboration with chronic music maker Mikeyy, for the Pop artists track ‘Memories’.

Mikeyy’s upbeat, angsty and dynamic performance delivers on this fan-favourite track, and is released just in time for the remaining festivals of summer. Written about saving the good times ahead for someone else, YAHYAH reflects on what the track means to her “It’s a breath of fresh air for me as an artist and it starts bringing that healthy angst into the narrative, a glimmer of hope.”

YAHYAH's signature blend of electronic pop delivers for her dynamic, honest and beautifully curated EP. Narrating a journey to self-love, the tracks flow through themes of heartbreak, vulnerability and hopefulness. “I love the arc and ebbs and flows of this project,” explains YAH. “My hope is that everyone can find a theme to relate to, and feel comforted that they’re not alone in their own journey.”

‘Memories (feat. Mikeyy)’ and ‘7 Lovers’ are out now, on all streaming platforms. Catch YAHYAH live at Soundsplash on January 20th, at the Outsides Stage.

Listen to ‘Memories (feat. Mikeyy)’

https://ffm.to/memoriesftmikeyy