AOTEAROA ARTIST SAM BAMBERY ANNOUNCES ALBUM RELEASE + SHARES DEBUT SINGLE ‘PARASITE’
Ōtautahi/Christchurch artist Sam Bambery releases ‘Parasite’ the first single from his sophomore album ‘Rubricator’
Today Ōtautahi/Christchurch artist Sam Bambery releases ‘Parasite’ the first single from his sophomore album ‘Rubricator’ releasing May 17th 2024 via Under Underground Records.
Sam Bambery is a songwriter and artist who explores his love of semi-psychedelia and sonic texture through a twisted folk-rock lens. Leaning heavily into alt-country collage with his debut album ‘Songs About Sailors’ (released March 2022), Bambery has spent a deal of time since refining his sound, pulling from the rich tapestries of songwriters Damien Jurado and Angel Olsen.
‘Rubricator’ is a newly minted set of songs produced with De Stevens (Marlin’s Dreaming, Asta Rangu) and recorded in houses, old photography studios and lounge rooms across Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Lead single ‘Parasite’ approaches warped psychedelic-pop with plenty of guitar experimentation. This track is a strong departure from the straight-ahead indie-balladry of his previous album. First situating itself in dark organ textures and bottled percussion motifs, Bambery's breathy lyrics highlight the symbolic skinning of the inner child and his own relationship with many past selves. The tune is a distillation of influence Bambery and producer De Stevens have explored both live and in the studio, with echoes of Damien Jurado and Beck surfacing occasionally.
Bambery shares "this song started as a three chord number that was pretty unfinished when I brought it to De. We jammed it briefly with my band, then made a bare-bones rhythm track that we ended up putting a lot of crazy over-dubs on. It's probably the most out-there tune I've ever done from a recording standpoint. The glassy percussion you hear is actually my drummer Sam playing an empty hot-sauce bottle.”
The song reaches its end in a grand wormlike twist through delay-soaked guitars and choppy drum fills. It makes for an easy repeat listen for lovers of psychedelia or improvised music. Bambery's newfound dreary poetic edge is a treat as well, stringing Parasite along musical metaphors both dissociative and self-reflective.
Parasite’s music video, directed by Ōtautahi performance artist and filmmaker Robyn Jordaan, puts forth an uncanny version of Bambery. The costuming inspired by Francis Bacon’s irreverent paintings of screaming popes in the 1950s, seems to make Bambery disassociate into the camera, making some sort of song-specific identity. There’s a deep visual dissonance between the energetic song and the untoward glances he makes at the viewer. Asking for indulgence, but always keeping something at bay.
Bambery’s sophomore album will be released by Under Underground Records, a micro-label recently started by fellow Ōtautahi songwriter Hannah Everingham. The label promises new music and rarities from the flat city throughout 2024.
‘Parasite’ is out now and available on all streaming platforms.
RnB star KRISTN releases badass new single + video, ‘Lowkey’
Rising Aotearoa singer, songwriter and performer KRISTN, has today released her steamy new RnB single ‘Lowkey’.
Rising Aotearoa singer, songwriter and performer KRISTN, has today released her steamy new RnB single ‘Lowkey’.
Playful and badass, ‘Lowkey’ is a track with plenty of attitude you can groove to. Following on from KRISTN’s previous hit singles
“‘Lowkey’ is about a girl reiterating that she doesn’t want to be in a committed relationship, that she’s happy being in a ‘friends with benefits’ situation,” explains KRISTN. ”It’s for women taking control of their sexuality in dating, and recognising the double standards when it’s the girl seeing other people instead of the boy. I wrote it to a beat I found on YouTube called ‘Lowkey’, and while freestyling the hook, I wrote this fairly made-up scenario - loosely inspired by mine and my friends' dating experiences.”
KRISTN will be showcasing ‘Lowkey’ LIVE for her upcoming gig at Auckland’s Cassette Nine, Saturday 10 February. Not to be missed - Mahaani Maiava is opening, and KRISTN will be joined by a full band made up of Stallone D'Souza (keys), Adrian Brown (guitar), Nick Taylor (bass), Karlo Valdez (vocals) and Maria Angela Va'a (vocals).
For tickets and more information, head to Under the Radar HERE
Also out today is another slick music video, which showcases a fun night out - including jamming in the uber. For the self-produced project, KRISTN once again teamed up with Melbourne-based production company Rogue Antechinus, who she has produced her two previous videos with.
The production team was made up of director Murray Enders, cinematographer Garrett Eckerson, production designer Garth Ernstzen, production assistant Majd Alsania and unit stills May Alsania. “I really love the work we accomplish together,” says KRISTN, who also worked with some other talented creatives on the video. ”Lucky for me, my really good friend and The Voice Australia Finalist, Ezra Williams choreographed and features in the video, alongside Whakātane-raised dancer Briain Dixon - who I was put in contact with through mutual friends in Australia. It was a really fun and sweet Kiwi reunion.”
A glamourous moment from making the video? “The gorgeous MG HS car we used belongs to another really awesome mate, Dylan Don Paul. On the very first take of the shoot, we noticed some mud on Ezra’s shoes. We were terribly worried it got in the fresh car Dylan had especially cleaned for us. As we began cleaning the mud off the shoes and the little piece that did get in the car, we quickly learned that it wasn’t mud…It was dog poop.”
ABOUT KRISTN
Born in South Africa, raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, and usually based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Kristin Paulse aka KRISTN is currently based in Australia, where the talented singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer has been touring in musical theatre over the past year. Having made her Australian musical theatre debut as a Dynamite in Hairspray the Musical, KRISTN is now revisiting the music of Tina Turner, currently touring with TINA – The Tina Turner Musical Australia Tour after 2020’s New Zealand tour of the tribute show, TINA: Simply the Best. KRISTN is an incredibly busy and diverse creative, who can also be found performing live shows in New Zealand and Australia as one half of R&B neo soul duo Citris iNK, with her partner Nick Taylor, and has even enjoyed chart action with her 2021 debut single ‘Seasons’ feat. Wulfie charting at #13 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles chart. With today’s release of ‘Lowkey’, a live show and more new music on its way, KRISTN is definitely an exciting up-and-coming talent to watch!
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NZ country talent Steffany Beck shares beautiful tribute to late father, ‘Carpenters Daughter’ + announces upcoming EP PILLARS!
Rising country-pop star Steffany Beck has today released her moving acoustic single, ‘Carpenters Daughter’.
Rising country-pop star Steffany Beck has today released her moving acoustic single, ‘Carpenters Daughter’.
After a successful summer of shows and the recent release of gritty single ‘Foot Down’ (CMT, Southern Cross Radio, CFM, Tearaway), ‘Carpenters Daughter’ is another exciting single from the Portland-raised, Ōtautahi-based singer-songwriter’s upcoming EP PILLARS.
An emotional and comforting tribute from a daughter to her father, ‘Carpenters Daughter’ is striking in its acoustic simplicity, stunning vocal delivery and powerful lyrics - There ain’t a nail without your finger print on it that’s holding my frame together.
“This is a tribute to my late father who passed away in a hunting accident 10 years ago, leaving behind my mother and 5 brothers and sisters. I remember feeling like I had to be strong for my family and it being hard. When I returned to work, there was a store across the road called Carpenters Daughter which actually gave me so much comfort (my father was a carpenter, and my grandfather and great grandfather). I wrote ‘Carpenters Daughter’ with the thought that it's ok to miss the ones we've lost - remember them, think about them, cry over them, and move forward with them - as they will always be part of you.”
Also released today is a special Live performance video made by Neato Productions and Lustre Audio, and set up in an old carpenter-inspired garage. “My day job is working for a commercial construction company, and my work colleagues were so supportive and quick to jump on board to help out. I tried to create an atmosphere my father would have loved. There is even a batman baseball cap which represents how my father told me that he was the real batman and, when he had to work nights, that he was going out to fight crime. I genuinely believed that my dad was the real batman until I was at least 11 years old!”
‘Carpenters Daughter’ was recorded by award-winning producer Ben Edwards at the Sitting Room in Christchurch’s Lyttelton and mastered by Chris Chetland at Kog Studio.
Steffany Beck is a country pop singer-songwriter with an impressive list of career highlights, including releasing her debut EP - BLUE EYED GIRL in 2019, writing songs with celebrated Aotearoa singer-songwriter Bic Runga and performing live with another music legend Jason Kerrison (lead singer from Opshop). She has won a national songwriting competition and, just this past summer, she performed in Christmas in the Park, NZ Spirit Festival, TSB Festival of Lights, Summer Sundays, South Island Wine and Food Festival and many more! With today’s stirring release, shows booked (including the Canterbury Folk Festival)and a new EP out in April, now is a great time to immerse yourself in the music of rising star Steffany Beck.
Find Steffany Beck
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE
Aotearoa artist Eve Kelly delivers new summer, dance-pop single + video
A track for the summer dancefloor, talented New Zealand singer-songwriter Eve Kelly has today released her new pop single, ‘Summer Lovin’.
A track for the summer dancefloor, talented New Zealand singer-songwriter Eve Kelly has today released her new pop single, ‘Summer Lovin’.
‘Summer Lovin’ delivers summer pop dreamin’, dance and funk that you can blast on the beach or spin on the roller disco dance floor.
For this track, Eve Kelly teamed up with friend and fellow artist Kristin Paulse (KRISTN, Citris iNK) for the songwriting, then recorded, mixed and mastered it at Auckland's Wyre and Parachute Studios with producer/engineer Christian Tjandrawinata.
“It’s about being young and having some non-committal fun!” says Eve. “One of my favourite bands is Boston-based Couch, and their funky tune ‘I’m still feeling you’ really stuck out to me, so I wanted to create something with a similar groove. That’s why I had to get in the incredible Nick Taylor to play live bass for me. The funky vibe of the song is going more in the direction of the type of music I like to listen to and is representing my fun, young & free period!”
Also out today is a dreamy video made by respected Ōtautahi production group AppleBox and directed by Charlie Rose Creative. “The video shows an exciting, sorta steamy and light-hearted connection with someone. It’s not about a romantic connection, just beautiful summer fun.”
Eve Kelly (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi) has been developing her craft in theatre and music since she was just 5 years old. Born and raised in Whakatāne, her classically trained background and career in musical performance has helped her find her footing as a songwriter, with her sound developing into a whimsical mix of adult contemporary, gospel, soul, funk and pop.
Today’s release follows singles ‘Boy’ (Apple Music New Music Daily! New In Pop (AU/NZ) NZOA NewTracks, The Feed), ‘Mr Big Shot’ (RDU Top 10, SRN, The Project), ‘Dance with Me’ and debut ‘Gotta Let Go’ (2022).
She can be found between Whakatāne, Auckland and Christchurch - where she performs her own shows with a 5-piece band, and in theatre productions - most recently Ōtautahi Court Theatre’s ‘Something Rotten!’. Eve Kelly is definitely an Aotearoa artist to watch!
Christchurch Dream-Rock Band Lunar Intruder Release Melancholic Single 'Phases' as Prelude to Debut Album, "Smokechasers"
Christchurch-based four-piece band Lunar Intruder returns with their latest single, 'Phases,' an exploration of personal evolution, leading up to the release of their upcoming debut album "Smokechasers."
Christchurch-based four-piece band Lunar Intruder returns with their latest single, 'Phases,' an exploration of personal evolution, leading up to the release of their upcoming debut album "Smokechasers." Building on the success of their previous hits 'What You Wanted' and 'House,' Lunar Intruder invites listeners into another chapter of their musical journey.
Listen To ‘Phases’ HERE
Embracing influences from the shoegaze genre, 'Phases' delves into the complexities of transformation and self-acceptance. Guitarist and singer Cameron Buyers, alongside bassist Matthew Genet, lead guitarist Max Wolvekamp, and drummer Ricki Allan, collectively known as Lunar Intruder, share, "Phases is about going through the motions of changing as a person and learning to accept and resist fighting the person you are becoming. 'Wait out your phases' is basically a way of saying; there’s more to our lives that we haven’t experienced yet."
The band's recent surge in popularity on New Zealand's student radio stations and streaming platforms underscores their growing influence within the local scene. Following their successful 'Good Dogs Go To Heaven Tour' in New Zealand and the release of their recent singles, Lunar Intruder is establishing themselves as a crowd favourite.
Join Lunar Intruder in celebrating the release of 'Phases' and anticipate the full album release of "Smokechasers" in April 2024.
Lunar Intruder is Cameron Buyers (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals), Matthew Genet (Bass), Max Wolvekamp (Lead Guitar) and Ricki Allan (Drums), hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand.
Their music carries a profound emotional depth and a sweeping, introspective quality that immerses listeners in a realm of nostalgia and contemplation. Renowned for their explosive and energetic sets, Lunar Intruder started from humble beginnings in a cold Upper Riccarton garage during the first Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, where they set the cornerstone for their influence of music: haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and powerful instrumentation.
The band was first introduced to the Christchurch Music Scene in 2020, starting out in the backyards of University flats, playing for friends and clubs. From there, they were awarded First Place at the annual University of Canterbury “Battle of the Bands” competition. Since then, Lunar Intruder has gone from strength to strength; hosting a handful of memorable backyard gigs, featuring on TV shows (The Feed), and performing at a multitude of Music Festivals, including Golden Bay's Twisted Frequencies and UCSA's Summer Stein and Tea Party.
This has led them to share the stage with New Zealand and Australian heavyweights: Mako Road, The Grogans, The Butlers, Old Mervs, Surf Trash, Lazy Ghost, Dolphin Friendly, There's A Tuesday, Summer Thieves, and The Raddlers.
The band released their 2022 debut EP ‘Moonlight’, followed by two more EPs: 'Solar Hangover' (2020) and 'Outerworlds' (2021). In 2022, they embarked on a nationwide 'The Moonlight Tour'. August 2023 saw them wrapping up the 'Good Dogs Go To Heaven Tour,' another nationwide tour.
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French for Rabbits to bring ‘In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home’ EP to life with string quartet on three-date tour
Te Whanganui-a-Tara luminaries of ethereal dream-pop/folk French for Rabbits will be bringing their new EP In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home to life accompanied by string quartet at three shows in March and May.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara luminaries of ethereal dream-pop/folk French for Rabbits will be bringing their new EP In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home to life accompanied by string quartet at three shows in March and May.
In 2023, they recorded a new collection of songs with the Black Quartet and following a pre-release tour with Chamber Music New Zealand, they have decided to do an encore run of shows to locations beginning with W - Whanganui, Wellington and Waiheke Island - to celebrate the EP’s vinyl release for 2024.
The vinyl release also includes their much loved 2012 EP Claimed by the Sea on the B-Side, and records will be available at the show. They are also available now in record stores.
Their music, which has been nominated for the Taite Music Prize, NZ Music Awards and APRA Silver Scrolls has seen the understated group perform internationally through the USA and Europe, open for the likes of Lorde, Marlon Williams, Agnes Obel and The Tallest Man on Earth.
For the tour, they are traveling as an extended 9-piece including a string quartet led by award winning composer, arranger and performer Elliot Vaughan (Canada/New Zealand). The group will join the band to reinterpret material from previous releases alongside those from the EP - adding detail and colour to the already cinematic soundscapes and intimate folk songs of songwriter/vocalist Brooke Singer.
Elliot has contributed arrangements for over 30 records with Canadian and New Zealand artists, and countless performances around the world, and holds a Master’s of Musical Arts from the New Zealand School of Music and a Bachelor’s of Fine Art from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.
From the band: “we don’t have many shows planned for 2024, so we’d love to see you at these three - including our first on the beautiful Waiheke Island. We can’t wait to take our string playing friends on tour with us!”
French for Rabbits with the Elliot Vaughan Strings
In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home - Release Tour
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Whanganui - 1 March - presented by Sarjeant Gallery at St Peter’s
Waiheke Island - 2 March - Artworks Theatre
Wellington - 5 May - Meow
More information and tickets from frenchforrabbits.com
2024 MLT Songwriting Awards Entries Open
Calling all songwriters, do you have an unreleased song that could be our next winner?
Calling all songwriters, do you have an unreleased song that could be our next winner?
Each year, songwriters from all over New Zealand, Australia and the US put their hat in the ring for the MLT Songwriting Award, presented at Gore’s Country Music Honours each May. Past winners and finalists include Kerryn Fields, Tami Neilson, Barry Saunders, Jenny Mitchell and 2023 Winner; Matt Joe Gow.
Open to all songwriters, the top 10 finalists will perform their song live at the Country Music Honours Awards evening on Friday May 24th 2024. The Mataura Licensing Trust (MLT) sponsors cash prizes to the Winner ($2500) and Runner Up ($500), to support their songwriting future.
Entries must be unreleased and recorded with one vocal and one instrument (with the exception of songs written as duets).
Entries open: 5thFeb 2024
Entries close: 18thMarch 2024
BACK TO BASICS SEMINAR IS BACK FOR 2024
Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, with support from Recorded Music New Zealand, New Zealand Music Commission and NZ On Air, is proud to announce the return of the free Back to Basics seminar. The first seminar for the year will take place in Kirikiriroa | Hamilton, on Tuesday 5 March 2024.
Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, with support from Recorded Music New Zealand, New Zealand Music Commission and NZ On Air, is proud to announce the return of the free Back to Basics seminar. The first seminar for the year will take place in Kirikiriroa | Hamilton, on Tuesday 5 March 2024.
Aimed at all who are in the early stages of artist management, including self-managed artists, this seminar explores the fundamentals and inner workings of the music industry. Topics will cover planning a release, artist development and the business of music.
Lorraine Barry (manager of Sir Dave Dobbyn, Avantdale Bowling Club, Aaradhna, Aidan Fine, Home Brew, Rizvan) will be joined by Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau (manager of Tiki Taane). They will present and share their indispensable knowledge, and answer questions from attendees.
Back to Basics Seminar Kirikiriroa
When: Tuesday 5 March 2024
Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Venue: Nivara Lounge, Basement 266 Victoria St, Hamilton Central
Lorraine Barry began working with Sir Dave Dobbyn 19 years ago. Avantdale Bowling Club, Aidan Fine, Home Brew, Rizvan and Aaradhna complete her current roster.
She’s a keen mentor for the MMF Aotearoa and sits on the Board of the Music Commission.
In her former life at Virgin Records in London she was International Marketing Manager for acts including Ice T, Spice Girls, Massive Attack, Neneh Cherry, Placebo and The Verve before taking on the role of running the International Department.
Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau (Ngāti Maniapoto) is an older sister to popular award-winning artist and producer Tiki Taane, and has managed her brother and his company Tikidub Productions since 2007. A current Board member of the MMF Aotearoa, Ninakaye is also an executive member of the Maori Music Industry Coalition and a Trustee of Soundcheck Aotearoa.
Ninakaye likes to draw upon all her life experiences for her work with Tiki, but also in her mentorship approach. In 2023 Ninakaye began working one day a week as a Harmful Sexual Behaviour Therapist for Auckland based Korowai Tumanako. A resilient mother and grandmother, Ninakaye is a Trustee for the Tiki Taane Trust and an Ambassador for the global “My Sisters Are Warriors” movement.