TAMI NEILSON ANNOUNCES RETURN TO WILLIE NELSON’S LUCK RANCH WITH SONG RECORDED AT HIS STUDIO

What better way to celebrate Tami’s return to the iconic Luck Reunion festival held on Willie Nelson’s ranch than with “Sister’s Coming Home”, one of her favourites from his extensive songbook. Featuring exciting new artist and Texas native Nicky Diamonds (The Black Opry) and engineered by GRAMMY award winning Steve Chadie who works in-house at the storied Pedernales Studio, Tami said recording this song was special for many reasons:

“Growing up performing in a family band, I’ve always loved this song from a sibling perspective. This track documents the first time me and my two brothers have recorded music together in 25 years. It wasn’t planned- Jay performs and tours with me regularly and our little brother Todd creates my visuals and has produced many of my music videos and album covers throughout my career. Todd was there to film and document this project- which was supposed to be just Jay and I recording a little acoustic love letter to Willie for his 90th birthday present. We walked into the studio and Chadie had scavenged around the studio for some percussion and rustled up a kick, snare and a floor tom- (no cymbals a la Willie!) I asked Todd if he would mind hopping on the makeshift kit and The Neilson Family was reunited once again!”

After the surprise 2022 live performance at Luck Reunion of their duet, “Beyond the Stars”, Tami and Willie went on to win New Zealand’s “BEST COUNTRY SONG 2023” at the Country Music Awards. Neilson says she will be bringing along the plaque to present to Willie for him to add to his archive. “You know, in case he wants to prop it up next to his 14 GRAMMYS!”, she laughs.

WATCH Willie Nelson crash Tami Neilson’s acceptance speech at the NZ Country Music Awards

“Sister’s Coming Home” is the the first release for Neilson, since her Award winning album “Kingmaker” stunned fans and press alike in 2022.

Local artist unites a community of collaborators through music, film, and the seven psyches.

Nelson-based artist, Silk Satin Suede, is working with a diverse collective of local creatives to tell his story of self-discovery by producing an immersive studio album and short film, balancing the beauty with the darkness in his emotive avant-garde style.

Set within the breathtaking landscapes of the Nelson Tasman region, this sonic and visual experience, combining music, surrealist visuals, light, and theatre, is a visceral reflection of the past three years of Silk Satin Suede’s life, swirling through the stinging pains of confusion, and the gracious kisses of love.

He is making this work to raise questions about the human condition in the hope that it will inspire, shock, and guide audiences to form a deeper, more loving and meaningful relationship with the ‘true self’ and the ‘shadow’ – acting as an artistic analysis of Jungian psychology.

The recording of the music began in June 2023 at Birdling Studios in Richmond, Tasman (his parents' beautiful home). After three separate, but equally symbolic and productive weeks, the seven songs are now fully recorded and are currently being mixed. He worked with seven musicians in total: Composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Denison; Pianist and percussionist, AJ Hickling (who sadly passed away six months after the recording sessions); Violinist, Pascal Roggen; Drummer, Sam Edmonds; Vocalist, Di Duncan; Guitarist, Richard Sherlock; and Bassist, Rua Sargent.

In November 2023, Silk Satin Suede got filming permits from the Department of Conservation to shoot the first of seven music videos at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. This location was specifically chosen because Max experienced a spiritual awakening there after taking a seven minute ice bath in the lake in 2021.

‘Cocoon’ opens the film with striking images of our country's natural beauty and tells the story of the relationship between the ‘Lady of the Lake’ (The Mother, played by Max’s actual mother, Di Duncan), and The Hero (Silk Satin Suede), illustrating the gifting of humanity to Mother Earth, our absolute vulnerability, our battle with our own psyches, and our curiosity to search for new experiences.

This video was produced with British Director, James Grimley (Silk Satin Suede’s cousin, currently living in New Zealand on a working holiday visa); Director of Photography, Macca Clark; Producer and Drone Pilot, Jonathan Lopardo; Set Production Assistant, Jayden Seddon; and Actor, Di Duncan.

The production of the studio album and the first music video were completely funded by money from Max’s own pocket. However, to turn this immersive and emotive album into a cinematic experience, Silk Satin Suede and his local team of talented and passionate creatives need to raise $30,000 to make the next six videos and cover the hard cost of a film production.

They are currently running an all-or-nothing crowdfunding campaign via Boosted (The Arts Foundation), ending on February 27. The $30,000 will go towards the following…

• Fairly paying the team for their many hours/days/weeks of work

• Feeding the crew

• Securing high-quality equipment

• Travel costs and accommodation

• Paying for DOC National Park filming permits

• Ensuring health and safety on location

They have already raised $10,000, but they need the full thirty to receive any funding and bring this surreal world to life. To donate, go to https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/antique-angel.

This journey of self-discovery, told through the eyes and voice of a deeply passionate artist from the Nelson Tasman is planned to be released in theatres throughout the country this year, alongside a documentary telling the story of how it was all made possible through the belief, talent, hard-work, and love of a community of local creative collaborators.

Website: https://www.silksatinsuede.com/

Boosted Campaign: https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/antique-angel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silksatinsuede

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silksatinsuede/

Crystal Chen welcomes in the Lunar New Year with an alluring ode to love letters and Valentine’s with her brand new soul-infused single ‘Love Letter’.

Tamaki Mākaurau-based Chinese-New Zealand musician and visual artist, Crystal Chen rings in the Lunar New Year with an alluring new single ‘Love Letter’, aptly released on Valentine’s Day. The modern soul-infused track is a different production sound for the songstress, who collaborated with Kenny Sterling (Mānuka Recordings) on the writing, recording and production for her first release of 2024.

Even when they’re brief and fleeting, real love affairs often endure through rose-tinted memories and artefacts of fading ephemera: candid polaroid photos, elegantly penned handwritten letters, a scent lingering on an item of clothing.

On ‘Love Letter’, Crystal Chen passionately implores a lover to write to her. In the process, she evokes a silky smooth atmosphere as vivid and warmly coloured as her analog 35mm and medium format film photography.

The track is an intoxicating melange of jazz, post-disco, R&B, and modern soul that draws emotional and stylistic influences from 80s British sophisti-pop, New York’s late 90s/early 2000s Soulquarian movement and the romantic melodies and drifting dreamscapes of the eternal queen of Asian Pop, the late great Teresa Teng. Featuring the epic credits of Julien Dyne on Congas and Chris Manning on Trumpet.

Crystal’s inspiration stemmed from a real life love letter found in the depths of her desk, she says, “It was bittersweet to the extreme, yin and yang at its peak. I would have almost forgotten that a love like that existed if it wasn’t for that letter. We tend to do that when a memory is too painful to keep in the mind, it is special that we get to keep it in a physical form and revisit it if you dare, or even burn it – but in my case I wanted to treasure it.”

‘Love Letter’ is supported by an accompanying Shanghai-1940’s-inspired music video which is soon to be released. Co-directed by Crystal herself, alongside her production collaborator Matt Hunter (Kenny Sterling). The sultry visual fuses her passions for film and music, creating a cinematic and beautiful audiovisual treat.

Having both directed and starred in the accompanying music video release, Crystal speaks of her experience, “Usually directing and starring in music videos are super challenging having to wear multiple shoes on set, but Matt got the whole vision and it feels good to complete this project together. I wanted to embrace my culture by wearing a qipao and playing mahjong. I also wanted my Mum to be in it and my gorgeous girlfriends. From the set decoration to the incredible cast and crew, I can’t believe that a fantasy from my mind came true.”

She goes on to say, “It was magic. I felt like we were not in New Zealand and transported back in time, especially with my Chinese girls who all got those 40’s fingerwaves and wore traditional Chinese dresses that we sourced from all the aunties in Auckland.”

Alongside her music, Crystal is currently working on a photography book with her mother who has Alzheimer's disease. Having just come back from travelling to the motherland China, the pair captured their experience on 35mm and 120 film, across 18 different cities. This book will be displayed as a mixed-media memoir with storytelling images of their mother-daughter relationship and Alzheimer's, whilst marking a significant time in Crystal’s journey as she discovers her roots.

‘Love Letter’ kickstarts an exciting year for Crystal Chen, with forthcoming projects and releases forecasted for her 2024.

Find Crystal Chen online

Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp

Brandn Shiraz releases new single ‘gunfinger’ and kicks off the new year with a bang.

Cook Island native and Tāmaki Makaurau based Brandn Shiraz releases his first single of 2024, 'gunfinger'. This release comes off the back of an epic opportunity at the internationally renowned Boiler Room event in Rarotonga - the first time the collective hits their mark on the Pacific Islands and commemorates the first of many releases for Brandn Shiraz in 2024.

Last year, we saw Shiraz featured on the track 'Holding On' in the latest Home Brew 'Run It Back' album, a self-titled EP release at the beginning of the year, a music video filmed at his homeland in Rarotonga - now amassing over 54,000 views online, as well as a sold-out show at Galatos playing alongside Natia The God, MOKOMOKAI, Nauti and Eno x Dirty.

Of the track, Shiraz says, "I recorded this track right after me and the brothers performed a sold-out show at Galatos in Auckland,” with the energy of the crowd still in his veins he says, “I must’ve still been buzzing from my performance and I wanted to channel it all back into music. The high energy and rawness was exactly how I felt at that moment."

A pillar in the local community, his new single 'gunfinger' speaks to his ongoing commitment to impressive outputs. Most recently, Sniffers described Shiraz as the "new generation frontrunners of Aotearoa’s hip-hop scene" – a true testament to his commitment and legacy thus far. Shiraz continues to captivate listeners with his unique sound, pushing the boundaries of creativity. The track features production from BENJAMIN & NWAK's, NWAK, as well as Shiraz’s signature flow and metaphorical prowess.

No stranger to the music scene, Shiraz has had many prolific achievements in the New Zealand underground. We saw him collaborating with lifelong friend Tuhoea 'Lightskinjohn' Tuteao and label/collective The Grow Room on D.I.Y rap project Shiraz & LSJ, which gave him the confidence and experience to expand his songwriting capabilities.

In past years, Shiraz has also released an EP with Christoph El Truento of @Peace and Avantdale Bowling Club, he was invited onto David Dallas’ 64 Bars series, and earned props from Melodownz, who said if he could “bet all his money on anyone it’d be Shiraz”.

Listen to ‘gunfinger’ here

Find Brandn Shiraz online

Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Apple Music

NZ-South African indie-punk band, The Transits drop much-anticipated debut album + new single ‘Heartbreak Queen’

Listen to THE TRANSITS album HERE

Watch ‘Heartbreak Queen’ video HERE

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"

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

'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), 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.”

STREAM 'T(M)²I'
SPOTIFY
APPLE MUSIC
YOUTUBE