Ashy to perform Electric Avenue

After finishing 2023 full of highs, ASHY ended her year with performances at the inaugural SXSW Sydney, a spread in Rolling Stone AU along with a No.9 placement in their annual ‘Top 25 Best New Zealand Albums of 2023’ list. Following her recent endeavours, it’s expected that there are many more great things on the horizon.

ASHY will be performing at NZ’s biggest festival, Electric Avenue before heading to Austin TX for SXSW for the second time. An intensive set of songwriting sessions in Nashville, TN will follow before she heads to the UK. As one of only 4 NZ acts selected, she will perform at The Great Escape festival in Brighton UK alongside band members; Emily C. Browning and Georgie Clifford.

With many more plans in fruition, ASHY is preparing for a big year ahead.

Delaney Davidson Releases New Single “Heaven is Falling” ft. Reb Fountain

A co-write between Delaney Davidson and Hayley Westenra, this song features Reb Fountain on co vocals and a Dr Karl Steven string arrangement. 

Initially the test track for Mark Perkins and Delaney to try working together this recording set the stage for Delaney's 10th studio solo album Out Of My Head and guest stars some accidental kettle whistling and other ambient noise. Video features Delaney Davidson and Reb Fountain.  Director : Jonathan King

About “Out Of My Head”

What does 10th solo studio album mean to a man standing on the precipice of 50 as his touring world territory cross fades into his house and backyard?

Out Of My Head presents songs written over the global pandemic lockdown period with Davidson navigating the personal political landscape he seems to feel at home in. 

Mortally convinced, skeptically tender, reflective, yearning, gravitas and anguish, need, forgiveness, wry self-acceptance, frustration and release. We run the gamut from rage and despair to protection and love. Spells to conjure a lover in a moonlit dreamscape. Intimate whisperings in the close darkness. Velvet dark water and silver.

Co producer Mark Perkins (Merk) brings his own luscious synth atmospheres to Davidsons songs, giving a cinematic and deluxe feel to the album. Guest appearances from Marlon Williams (Drive Me Wild) and Reb Fountain (Heaven Is Falling) help fill the role call with Davidsons voice coming into its own.

“I have always helped other people like Tami, Marlon and Troy Kingi make these rich albums and when I asked Mark to come co produce with me I think what I was really wanting to do was finally make one of these albums for myself.

Recorded in Kurow and Diamond Harbour (New Zealand), the songs were written largely by Davidson with notable co-writes Hayley Westenra, Sam Scott, Marlon Williams and Miranda Eastern.

Given the time to stand still in his globetrotting schedule produces a rare album from Davidson and Out Of My Head presents a body of work that makes up a poised and polished album.

Embarking on a journey through Chamber Music New Zealand’s CMNZ Series, Davidson’s performance will be elevated to new heights with the integration of a string ensemble, providing audiences with a distinctive opportunity to immerse themselves the rich sounds that truly complements and enhances the album’s essence. 

Chamber Music New Zealand Presents : Delaney Davidson  - Out Of My Head  Tour

April 4  Nelson Theatre Royal

April 5  Hawkes Bay  Toitoi, Hawkes Bay Arts and Events Centre

April 19 Wellington Public Trust Hall

April 20 Auckland Rangitira, Q Theatre

April 27 Christchurch Great Hall

Ticket info :www.delaneydavidson.com

About Delaney Davidson 

Massey University Artist In Residence 2022, Producer of the Year 2021, 

Country Music Artist of the year 2020 & 2019, APRA Professional Development Award Winner 2019, Artist Laureate of New Zealand 2015, 4 times winner of the NZ Country Music Song of the Year Award, Awarded NZ Country Music Album Of The Year, finalist for the coveted NZ APRA Silver Scroll Award, and Winner of the One Man Band Competition in Zurich. 

Delaney Davidson is a New Zealand Singer Songwriter, Musician, and Visual Artist. 

Forging his own identity as a figure of the European Tour Circuit, he has been a strong part of the Voodoo Rhythm Family of Switzerland since 2003 and has started to build a name for himself in the USA. 

A wry sense of humour, some theatre of unease, and a voice classed as  “not conventionally beautiful” all combine to breathe life and space into the niche he has carved out for himself, winning him critical acclaim across the world for his original take on things.

His seminal influence and work with Marlon Williams on their “Sad But True” series as well as his visionary production on Tami Neilson’s acclaimed album’s “Dynamite”,  “Don’t Be Afraid”  and “Chickaboom!”, have also earned him great praise from the media and huge respect amongst his peers.

Initially inspired by the songs of Hank Williams and the Birthday Party, and the performance styles of distilled Johnny Cash and dead-pan Buster Keaton, Delaney synthesizes this into his own persona. 

Generally dealing with the darker side of things, Davidson’s lyrical content ranges from classic murder ballads to songs with a deeper insight into the human condition and a sympathy and acceptance of the quirks of life and human foibles. Combining the older style of beerhall musician and the traditions of pantomime and audience involvement his live show is renowned for its sublime dance competitions and bawdy sing-alongs.

Davidson works in Visual media aswell as music and his wide cast net of interest has seen him haul in and land some ambitious and unexpected projects. Collaborations with Tame Iti, Troy Kingi, Shayne Carter, Te Kaahu, Matt Hyde (Beastwars). Ever curious and not commercially driven his work continues to reinvent and to surprise.  

Out Of My Head  is out March 22nd 2024 CD/LP /Digital  - Southbound Distribution NZ & Gutfeeling Records (Europe). 

Listen/ Buy the first single “Heaven Is Falling" ft Reb Fountain  

Pre Save the Album “Out Of My Head” Here 

And Here On Bandcamp 

Pre Order Vinyl and CD’s From these Great NZ Record Stores:

JBhiFi  | Southbound | Flying Nun | Marbecks | Flying Out 

Where’s Jai are back with their second single ‘Pull Me In’, from their upcoming EP

Where’s Jai return with ‘Pull Me In’, the second single from their debut EP titled ‘Avenues’. This arrives hot on the heels of their single ‘Citrus Mistress’ released in November, a poppy and upbeat tune made to be blasted loud on speakers everywhere.

The song depicts someone coming to the sad realisation that their relationship has turned bad, and wondering whether it's beyond repair. This person realises that they are being treated badly and are tired of going through a cycle of endless failed relationships. The lyrics explore this idea, asking “When did love turn into a heartbreak, when did this turn into a mistake?” The catchy, sentimental lyrics are accompanied by detailed instrumentation, featuring new ideas and another avenue for the band. It steps away from their usual sound into a pop-country feel that has an undoubtable uniqueness due to the band's many inspirations. 

Once again produced with incredible precision by Christian Tjandrawinata, Pull Me In is a fun and catchy tune sure to become the next big earworm for listeners around the world. It’s a highlight of their live shows, gaining notoriety supporting acts such as Teenage Dads, Muroki and Reece Mastin.

The band are ready for you to hear their next big hit and hope that you are pulled into the sound they have been cooking up for some time.

Catching the Sunshine with Jackie B and the Mini Band

Catch the feeling of summer with a sparkling new collection of original songs from Jackie B & the Mini Band, featuring imaginative tunes for kids by a new cast of young songwriters from the SongCatcher programme. The EP is proudly supported by NZ On Air Music.

Jackie is delighted to continue nurturing a new generation of songwriters with her brand ‘Jackie B and The Mini Band’. Following on from 2022's Shooting Star EP, a new group of young Wakatipu singers have worked with Jackie to write and record this latest Mini Band EP of sparkling, radio-ready pop songs called ‘Summertime’. First single Spooky Hollywood already released late 2023 with one of Edmund Iffland’s incredible videos, and his work will also help lead single Summertime to greet the world. Get ready to catch some dreams and soak up some sunshine!

The blend of Jackie’s music and vocals with the children’s voices and Mark Punch’s quality production has a fresh and commercially appealing sound. Jackie reports that there has been a lot of excitement and interest around the project and that for her personally, it has been such a joyful experience writing and recording with the kids. The members of Jackie B and the Mini Band have emerged from the songwriting workshops she has run with SongCatcher, which is her creative songwriting programme focused on children 7 to 11 years old, teaching small groups how to write a song and express themselves through songwriting and singing.

All songs in the project were written by:

Jackie Bristow, Freya Jeffery, Lacey Bristow, Charlotte Martin and Edie Yandall performing as Jackie B and the Mini Band. 

Production by Mark Punch & Jackie Bristow

Mixed by Mark Punch, Mastered by Nash Chambers

Video for Summertime Animated and Directed by Edmund Iffland

This project is supported by NZ on Air

Presave the EP: 

https://found.ee/jackiebandtheminiband

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).