NZ-South African indie-punk band, The Transits drop much-anticipated debut album + new single ‘Heartbreak Queen’
They’ve been in the South Africa Top 40 Chart, the Aotearoa RadioScope Alt Chart and today, NZ-South African band The Transits have released their self-titled debut album!
They’ve been in the South Africa Top 40 Chart, the Aotearoa RadioScope Alt Chart and today, NZ-South African band The Transits have released their self-titled debut album!
Not only is this newly released debut album a 10-track indie-punk, synth-pop banger - it’s the result of many hours writing and recording online and across three home studios, two countries and two different time zones - with members Dom Antelme (vocals, bass) and Tyrone Smith (drums) based in Auckland, New Zealand and Ryan Lunn (vocals, guitars, synths) in Durban, South Africa.
Luckily, the trio know each other well, having made music together on and off since forming their first band as teenagers 30 years ago. “We’ve been close friends for even longer than that, and the album definitely reflects the joy and passion of us being a band again,” says Dom. “It’s been a busy year of figuring things out and refining The Transits sound - a mix of rock, punk, indie and synth-pop - with the overall vibe being energetic.”
The excitement for today’s release has been built up from the release of synth-laden single ‘Lost Ones’ (Rolling Stone AU/NZ, SRN, 60k+ streams across platforms, Auckland Independent Film Showcase); rock-infused punk track ‘Renegade Hearts’ (Apple Music New In Punk, New Music Daily, Radio Hauraki, South African Top 40 chart); the haunting synth-driven ‘Fall Into Dark’; and their smash debut single ‘When You Went Away’ (Apple Music New in Punk, South African Top 40 chart, Aotearoa RadioScope Alternative chart, Winner 2023 Show Me Shorts NZOA Best Music Video, Official Selection 2024 Poppy Jasper International Film Festival).
Joining these singles on the album are 7 new tracks, which include the nostalgia-inspired ‘Into Unknown’; high energy ‘In Stereo’; powerful rock track ‘Light My Way Back Home’, which speaks to the 2022 rioting in South Africa; and the band's catchy new single ‘Heartbreak Queen’.
“‘Heartbreak Queen’ is about reflecting on the rollercoaster of relationships we have to navigate in our youth,” explains Dom, “and how often we put people on pedestals, only to realize they are not the person we thought, rather an invention of what we wanted them to be.” The song’s catchy keyboard riff propels the verses, which are complemented by high-energy drums and guitars that drive the chorus, along with a floaty and dreamy bridge. All coming together to create an infectious musical experience.
Becoming known for their stand-out music videos, the band have created a new one for ‘Heartbreak Queen’. This time playing crash test dummies. “The test dummies represent how we can get battered, bruised and broken along the way in life, but ultimately make it through.”
After such an impressive first year as a band, resulting in today’s epic self-titled debut album release, The Transits and their growing fanbase are showing no signs of slowing down. Press play now!
Singer-Songwriter Kayla Mahon Unveils Heartfelt Ode to Motherhood in New Single, "Little Man"
Southland singer-songwriter Kayla Mahon releases her heartfelt single, "Little Man," an ode to motherhood and the fearless spirit of childhood. The track, part of her upcoming debut solo album, reflects on the joy of watching her son grow and the magic of life.
Listen / Buy the single “Little Man” here
New Zealand singer-songwriter Kayla Mahon is set to tug at heartstrings with the release of her latest single, "Little Man". The emotionally charged track, dedicated to her son Harley, marks the second release from her debut solo album, slated for release later this year.
In "Little Man" Mahon intricately weaves a narrative around the joys of motherhood, capturing the essence of watching a child grow and cherishing the inherent magic of life. The song is a poignant celebration of childhood innocence, fearlessness, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Reflecting on the inspiration drawn from her son's growth, Mahon shares her aspirations for him to maintain that fearless spirit as he navigates the challenges of the world. "Little Man" encourages listeners to embrace the unbridled love of motherhood and appreciate the qualities mirrored in their children without judgment or societal constraints.
Accompanying the single, Mahon will release a heartfelt video clip featuring cherished moments from her son's life over the past six years. Additionally, a lyric video is in production, incorporating snippets from Mahon's dedicated fan base and their special "Little Man" moments.
Having honed her songwriting skills, Mahon expresses enthusiasm about sharing this deeply personal piece of her heart with both her loyal country fans and new audiences alike. The Single is a testament to Mahon's journey, showcasing vulnerability and emotional authenticity.
"Little Man" heralds a new musical chapter for Kayla Mahon, who was formerly one-half of the award-winning duo, The Heartleys. The singer returned to Music City USA, Nashville, in June of last year to collaborate with producer Jay Tooke of Penny Arcade Productions and co-writer Ryan Sorestad. The upcoming album promises a blend of newfound depth and storytelling, reflecting a decade of songwriting maturity while maintaining Mahon's
established sound that audiences have come to love.
Winner of the coveted 2000 and 2008 New Zealand Overall Gold Guitar Award, Mahon's accolades also include performances at CMC Rocks in 2017, reaching the top 24 on the globally recognised XFACTOR NZ in 2015, and representing Aotearoa on the Global Artist stage in Nashville in 2016 with her original song "Through Georgia's Eyes".
"Little Man" is poised to capture the hearts of listeners, offering a glimpse into the artist's personal journey. Fans are encouraged to anticipate the release of Kayla Mahon's new film clip and lyric video accompanying the single.
CASTAWAY Soars into Space with the Electrifying new Single 'Supernova'
Ōtautahi’s vibrant emerging band Castaway are gearing up to kick off the new year in style with their much-anticipated single release, 'Supernova,' out now
Ōtautahi’s vibrant emerging band Castaway are gearing up to kick off the new year in style with their much-anticipated single release, 'Supernova,' out now
'Supernova' was born out of the collective efforts of the band's five talented members, who all shared nostalgic stories of longing to break free and embark on adventures with their high school sweethearts. This high-energy pop-rock anthem captures the essence of young love, delivering a sonic experience that resonates with fans of bands like The Killers, Coldplay, Inhaler, and The 1975.
Collaborating with renowned producer Greg Haver was a transformative experience, elevating their music to new heights. "Working with Greg Haver was incredible," they shared. "He brought fresh perspectives and ideas to 'Supernova' that we would have never discovered on our own, truly bringing the song to life. Heading to Auckland to record the track was a cherished memory for us humble Kiwi lads." They even fulfilled a childhood dream by handing out Air New Zealand lollies during their flight's landing, humorously musing “who would've thought that if the whole pop-rock star thing doesn't work out, we could always become flight attendants!"
Sonically, they aimed to infuse an original demo called ‘Higher Place’ with the pop-rock grit and youthful energy akin to The Killers and 5SOS. Lead vocalist Jackson's faster rendition during their first year of flatting together ignited a creative spark, leading to many late-night sessions in the garage. Collaboratively, they crafted both the music and lyrics, ensuring that each band member's essence was woven into the song – a vital aspect for them.
Hailing from the picturesque city of Ōtautahi, New Zealand, the band's origin story traces back to the University of Canterbury, where fate brought them together in the halls of Wilson House. Inspired by the sound of guitars echoing through the corridors, they coined the name "Castaway" - “a homage to our drunken nights of yelling 'Wilson!' to each other," reveals Jack.
The band's lineup includes Jackson on guitar and vocals, Joe on drums and vocals, Jack on saxophone and keys, Rhys on guitar and backing vocals, and Austen on bass. Together, they craft a dynamic sound that mirrors the diverse landscapes surrounding them.
In pursuit of their musical aspirations, Castaway took a significant step forward in 2021 when they enrolled in SOLE Music Academy. Here, they dedicated themselves to honing their craft and music business acumen by successfully completing their artist development programme.
Backed by the guidance and support of SOLE Music Academy, Castaway is gearing up to treat fans to a stellar lineup of releases this year, including six singles that will culminate in an EP titled 'Nondual.'
‘Supernova’ is available on all streaming platforms NOW
GENEVA AM 'T(M)²I'
Geneva AM is the moniker of Geneva Alexander-Marsters (she/her, Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Aitutaki, Palmerston). Today she releases T(M)²I (pronounced Tangaroa Made Me Ill), a new single that comes in both Māori and English versions.
Geneva AM is the moniker of Geneva Alexander-Marsters (she/her, Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Aitutaki, Palmerston), an award winning producer, beat maker and vocalist based in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Her bilingual approach to songwriting has been prominent throughout her musical career, most notably with the band SoccerPractise (2012-2018) and her debut release IHO (Waiata / Anthems). IHO went on to win Te Tohu Puoro o te reo Māori (Favourite Song featuring Te Reo Māori) at the 2023 Student Radio Network Awards.
Today she releases T(M)²I (pronounced Tangaroa Made Me Ill), a new single that comes in both Māori and English versions. Alexander-Marsters originally wrote the song in English and had the opportunity to translate the lyrics into Māori which she decided to use as the ‘A side’ of the double release. The track is accompanied by a music video, made with help from NZ on Air Music, which takes inspiration from the 2022 coming-of-age drama 'Aftersun' by Charlotte Wells.
T(M)²I distils its parts down to their most concentrated elements. Bass bounces over minimal percussion, while synth lines wayfare from start to end. Geneva's tempered voice conveys feelings of safety and the warmth of the love one finds in a new relationship.
She notes that the bones for the beats in the track were conceived during a rough midwinter voyage to Waiheke Island. “I was anxiously playing around with a selection of mysterious organ sounds. As I giggled and lurched over the convulsing black ocean, I was stuck in this ominous loop with the Dracula theme (Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D minor). After reviewing the track on dry land, it turned into that sparse ‘solo’ instrumental. The riff is a warm sound, something that felt comforting yet mysterious. Looking back, I must have been articulating my own feelings around ambiguity and those initial butterflies you can get at the beginning of a relationship.”
T(M)²I comes with both Māori and English versions of the song, with Dr Tātare Jeremy McCleod (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga, Rangitāne) acting as the Mātanga Reo (language consultant). “Dr Tātare’s knowledge is a taonga, I was so fortunate to have had his input. Te Reo Māori is a contextual language, a lot of words can be flexible but it takes a lot of research and expertise to know the right phrasing.” This is the second time the pair have worked together, under the recommendation of Dame Hinewehi Mohi, Dr Tātare checked the lyrics for IHO as part of a requirement for the Waiata Takitahi Fund (Te Māngai Paho, NZ on Air) that allocates budget for a Mātanga Reo.
“I was really shy about showing my partner this song, being all vulnerable like that is so corny. Both versions mean the same thing. I use the metaphor of the light shifting as a way to convey the grandeur of Love. The night represents this dark lonely period of my life and then the sun reemerging into a new day, parallels my feelings that I am safe and ready to truly love this amazing person.”
Geneva’s family and friends feature prominently in the accompanying music video, made with assistance from NZ On Air Music. Shot across two countries, Japan and Aotearoa, the video draws deep inspiration from the award winning drama Aftersun. The vacation footage was shot entirely on a Nikon Coolpix W150 that their friends generously lended to them for the trip.
“Making the video was an organic experience. Earlier this year we were fortunate enough to go on a family trip to Japan. On the plane we watched the film Aftersun which inspired me to capture a portion of our trip for the music video. The themes play with the elements of memory, moving in between different styles of shooting to create a dreamy sequence of events. I wanted to capture in some way the impermanence of the present moment by celebrating our happy memories together.”
“Our wonderful friends Kingy, Jun and Soia helped us make the video during our adventure to the Naoshima and Teshima Art Islands. We passed the camera around during that weekend, it was such a fun way to enjoy our time together. The first shot is by Soia who was three years old at the time.”
In Aotearoa, Geneva worked with Director/Editor Eddy Fifield (who has a history of working with The Spinoff, Team Dynamite & The DHDFDs) to shoot within her home. As she reviews the footage from the trip she recreates the way she wrote the lyrics, like all bedroom producers, sitting on her bed with a laptop.
The T(M)²I Valentines Day release has multiple meanings for Alexander-Marsters. “Today is typically a day to celebrate your sweetheart. However, people also observe this time of year as the day Captain Cook died. We live in a post colonial era, there is a fragmented understanding of our history which has led to portions of our society having different generational effects of colonisation."
"For every person who has benefited from stolen land, there are others that have been robbed of their whakapapa. I sit between both worlds because my parents come from different versions of the same country, I can’t acknowledge one without the other.”
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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
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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!