Bird Machine release new single ‘You’ll Be Fine’ + announce title of sophomore EP

Today, Kirikiriroa duo Luke and Jenna Grbin continue their trajectory of alt-pop/rock enchantment with their shoegazy new single ‘You’ll Be Fine’, complete with music visualiser. Inspired by artists like The Killers, Coldplay and My Bloody Valentines, the couple find great satisfaction in combining synth-pop, piano-rock and the fuzzy, warbly tones of shoegaze in today’s release. The mix of styles culminates in a dark and moody reflection on the human experience of oscillating between commitment and uncertainty, even when presented with something you know is good. The song dives into the themes of retreat, unreciprocated love, and an unwavering desire for positive change amid adversity.  

Following the success of October’s single ‘Closure’, which ascended to the number one spot on LifeFM’s YouChart, today’s release is the second from Bird Machine’s upcoming sophomore EP. Today, the band announce that the EP will be released on 23 February 2024 and will be titled Hey Human. It will showcase five songs from their rapidly-growing repertoire. An independent record, Hey Human was recorded, engineered, and produced primarily by Jenna and Luke in their home studio in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. 

Voodoo Bloo - 'Hot Garbage'

New Zealand-based band Voodoo Bloo is set to ignite with the release of their scorching new single, New Zealand-based band Voodoo Bloo is set to ignite with the release of their scorching new single, ‘HOT GARBAGE’, scheduled to drop on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

This latest offering from Voodoo Bloo captures the essence of a transformative experience, delving into the complexities of relationships and the unexpected twists they take. Inspired by the metamorphosis of an individual into something entirely unexpected, "HOT GARBAGE" embodies the frustration and bewilderment that ensues when someone known becomes, in the words of the band, "an absolute idiot."

Recorded by the band at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, the track showcases Voodoo Bloo's signature sound, blending raw energy with poignant lyricism. Produced by Jackson Kidd (The drummer of Voodoo Bloo) alongside the band, and skilfully mixed by Scott Seabright, whose repertoire includes collaborations with esteemed acts such as Alien Weaponry, Mumford & Sons, and Six60, "HOT GARBAGE" promises an electrifying auditory experience.

"Creating 'HOT GARBAGE' was an exploration of music without borders, and the whirlwind that accompanies it, " shares Voodoo Bloo frontman. "We really tried to return to our punk roots in this new LP, and in the pursuit of that, the lyrics that came out were much more visceral and to the point, we didn’t want to hold back on this track."

Known for their innovative approach to music and unapologetic authenticity, Voodoo Bloo continues to push boundaries with their distinct sound, earning them a dedicated following both in New Zealand and beyond.

Fans and music enthusiasts alike can anticipate the release of "HOT GARBAGE" on all major streaming platforms from February 2nd, 2024. Brace yourselves for an intense sonic journey as Voodoo Bloo unleashes this incendiary anthem.

‘HOT GARBAGE’, scheduled to drop on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

FALSE HEIGHTS SHARE EXPLOSIVE NEW SINGLE ‘A LITTLE BIT MORE’

On their brand-new single ‘A Little Bit More’, Taupō pop-rock duo False Heights pack a real punch with a fierce punk-rock sound and catchy pop hooks. Due for release on Thursday 25th January, this is an anthem for those stubborn arguments in long-term relationships, “an ode to acting like you don’t care when in fact you do”.

Both working together musically and as real-world partners, Ashley and April Pirie opted for a unique songwriting method on ‘A Little Bit More’. Each representing their own perspectives when issues arise, they carefully avoided “cross-contaminating” by crafting individual verses, then coming together for a powerful shared chorus. This creates a melodramatic yet deeply honest interplay between the headspaces of each partner during a fallout.

False Heights produced the track alongside Evan Pope at Studio 11b, and mastered by Downbeat Mastering’s Josh Llewellyn. It builds upon the “warm and fuzzy… pop sensibility” of their previous 2022 EP ‘Too Afraid To Try’, which saw them open for acts like Pat Benatar and ZZ Top and blow the roof off Rhythm and Vines.

Following their recent single ‘Inside Your Head’ and a stellar set at Sanctuary Sounds music festival, this is a must-listen track that expands the wild, relatable world of False Heights. Out on streaming on the 25th January and available for pre-save and Bandcamp pre-order now, this song will, just as its title promises, have you fiending for ‘a little bit more’ from New Zealand’s coolest new act.

PRESAVE AND PREORDER ‘A LITTLE BIT MORE’

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

 SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | SOUNDCLOUD | BANDCAMP | WEBSITE

The Advocators release their second single, Bad Girls

Maungaturoto-based indie/alternative duo ‘The Advocators’ waste no time following up with their second single, ‘Bad Girls’ from their forthcoming debut album ‘Songs from an Endless Night’, due out on the 1st of March 2024.

Bad Girls takes listeners to a crowded bar on a  Friday evening. A woman with long dark hair and a short skirt slips through the door and threads her way up to the bar. A musk of cheap perfume, cigarettes and bad intentions hangs in the air. She wants to forget herself and go where the evening takes her. 

The music starts - it’s a jangly guitar, fingerpicked, a jaunty melodica, and a raucous violin. They’re playing a bar-room Irish-Americana ballad that sounds like it was written to be screamed across deck by salt-beaten scoundrels on high seas. It’s light-hearted, it’s breezy, and the singer declares ‘Bad girls ain’t no good/good girls ain’t no fun’.

The night may still be young but it ain't headed anywhere near a place that your mother would approve of. 
Listen to Bad Girls on the platforms below:

Official website: https://theadvocatorsmusic.com/

Bandcamp:https://theadvocators.bandcamp.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/theadvocators

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6d3439FyRESJVs7Hc6uGib

Background: The Advocators are a Maungaturoto-based duo made up of Leroy Brown (guitar and vocals) and Mark Bruce (guitar). The songs on their debut album ‘Songs from an Endless Night’ cover themes of unrequited love, contempt, disillusionment and redemption. The album was recorded with the help of William Jackson (bass, drums and producer) and Anita Clark (violin and vocals).

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.