Ra Charmian pay tribute to new life, love, and kiwi summer with new single and music video ‘Te Aroha’
Tāmaki Makaurau-based, reggae-pop duo Ra Charmian have today released their stunning new waiata ‘Te Aroha’ - an uplifting tune that celebrates loved ones past, present and future.
Listen to ‘Te Aroha’ HERE
Watch video HERE
Tāmaki Makaurau-based, reggae-pop duo Ra Charmian have today released their stunning new waiata ‘Te Aroha’ - an uplifting tune that celebrates loved ones past, present and future.
Capturing the sound of an Aotearoa summer in the form of an infectious and soulful track, ‘Te Aroha’ songwriters Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) and Hayden Booth say the song details the story of being hopeful and excited with the news of Ra expecting a child, as well as the “love we will always have for those who have gone, and the love for the people around us right now.”
The duo’s new single acts as a beacon of hope that “as our loved ones leave this world, new life enters.” Hayden and Ra describe the inspiration for the lyrics of the song as being deeply connected to their love for the Manukau Harbour: “We regularly visit local beaches which look out to the Manukau. Upon the news of Ra expecting, we went down to Titirangi Beach for a walk and the inspiration for the song came straight to us.”
Reflecting on the history of the Manukau Harbor and its place in te ao Māori (the shores were home to some of the earliest Māori settlements and the Harbour had vital transportation routes), the pair explain that, while the harbour carries such lifeforce, it can also be “wild and treacherous with many hidden dangers.” They say that this speaks to the challenges and losses we have in life. ”Its wild beauty feels like it connects us to our ancestors and also brings life to the present and future.”
Also released today is a special music video made by Hayden. Showing a newly pregnant Ra performing over the Manukau Harbour, the video also acts as a diary of the duo’s summer across Aotearoa, flooded with shots of friends and whānau gathering over music and events.
‘Te Aroha’ from Ra Charmian is a beautifully moving waiata that is sure to be added to many summer soundtracks for years to come.
About Ra Charmian
Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) is a performer and vocalist who performed around the world for almost 10 years before returning to Aotearoa. Since being back she’s been a featured artist on RNZ, Air NZ and radio stations around the country, as well as performing on TV and radio - including being the voice for the 2023 NZ Radio Award-winning jingle ‘You’ve Sure Got A Friend In The Breeze’. Hayden Booth is also an experienced musician who has toured and performed internationally for many years - playing in bands opening for the likes of John Mayer, Jools Holland and Paul Weller. Hayden has won 2 international awards for his media production work.He’s also known as one of the best guitarists around and has played on many TV and radio ads over the years.
Find Ra Charmian:
Queer Māori artist ARDON ENGLAND advocates for bodily autonomy in new single, ‘PLASTIC’ ft. Aotearoa rapper Krisy Erin
Multi-faceted, queer Māori performance artist ARDON ENGLAND is solidifying his space in the dance music space through unapologetic self-expression, and new single ‘Plastic’ does just this!
Listen to ‘Plastic’ HERE
Multi-faceted, queer Māori performance artist ARDON ENGLAND is solidifying his space in the dance music space through unapologetic self-expression, and new single ‘Plastic’ does just this!
Featuring rising Māori rap star Krisy Erin, ‘Plastic’ blends together sounds of hip hop, house, and ARDON’s unique vogue sound into the ultimate dance floor groove. Exploring ever-present stigma surrounding the world of cosmetic enhancements, ARDON is delivering a strong message of bodily autonomy through this new single.
“The song delves into the contemporary era where enhancements and modifications are prevalent,” ARDON explains. “In a world quick to judge, 'Plastic' advocates for the autonomy to make choices about our bodies.”
‘Plastic’ is the third single from ARDON ENGLAND (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ati Awa, Kahuranaki), who is already proving to span an eclectic range of genres. Following on from his 2023 techno-house releases ‘F.E.M Man’, and debut ‘Leather Daddy’, ARDON describes ‘Plastic’ as the ‘love child’ of house music and rap.
“Much like my musical journey, ‘Plastic’ represents the seamless blend of diverse influences. Offering a unique combination of electronic beats and energetic rap, it’s a fusion I feel is not commonly explored.”
The track features rising Aotearoa hip hop star Krisy Erin, who has made waves in the local hip hop scene, on social media and, most recently, the first Māori wahine rapper to be on the 2024 One Love lineup. Bringing her own flare and slick rap verses to the track, ARDON says the collaboration was a dream come true, and that the rapper had jumped on board with a “resounding YES!”
Listeners won’t be able to help but hit the dancefloor to ‘Plastic’. With its fusion of genres and unapologetic spotlighting of a topic often stigmatised, this new single captures the creative essence of ARDON ENGLAND - bold, new and exciting! More of this defiant approach and electric sound can be expected on the performer’s upcoming debut EP, set for release this NZ Music Month, May 2024. “Anticipate surprises,” says ARDON, “I thrive on keeping the audience guessing and defying predictability.”
About ARDON ENGLAND
A dynamic, queer, Māori creative, ARDON ENGLAND has represented Aotearoa as a dancer & worked alongside some of our best dancers, entertainers & choreographers. He released his debut single ‘Leather Daddy’ early 2023, followed by single ‘F.E.M Man’. The release of ‘Plastic’ continues to build anticipation for an exciting deut EP in 2024. Since ‘Leather Daddy’, ARDON has been gathering enthusiastic listeners across the country and making a name for himself in the Aotearoa music community. His music is inspired by his own experiences as a queer person in Aotearoa, and he aims to be the diverse, queer & inclusive representation in NZ’s House/Dance & electronic music scene.
Find ARDON ENGLAND
VANA UNVEILS METALCORE SINGLE "CLANDESTINE" - A JOURNEY THROUGH THE ECHOES OF EARLY 2000s ATMOSPHERIC ROCK
Vana is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of her latest single, "Clandestine," promising a visceral experience that seamlessly blends metalcore intensity with the evocative nostalgia of early 2000s atmospheric rock.
Vana, the rising sensation in the rock/metal music scene, is making waves following the success of her debut single, "RAGDOLL," that has garnered over 110,000 listens in the past month. Building on this momentum, Vana is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of her latest single, "Clandestine," slated to hit the airwaves on February 23, 2024.promising a visceral experience that seamlessly blends metalcore intensity with the evocative nostalgia of early 2000s atmospheric rock.
"Clandestine" is a profound exploration into the twisted realms of Vana's creative mind. Drawing inspiration from the atmospheric rock of the early 2000s, the track takes listeners on a hauntingly beautiful journey. The lyrics, featuring the cryptic phrase "...bury me in a clandestine garden," provide a glimpse into a hidden realm that is not flourishing with life, but rather shrouded in the echoes of death.
Vana's distinctive voice, characterized by both feminine vocals and harsh screams, serves as the driving force behind the amalgamation of metalcore intensity and the emotional depth reminiscent of a bygone era. With "Clandestine," Vana skillfully navigates the intricate balance between aggression and nostalgia, creating a musical experience that is both powerful and haunting.
The release of "Clandestine" marks a significant milestone in Vana's career, solidifying her position as an artist to watch in the evolving landscape of metalcore music.
"Clandestine," set to be available on all major streaming platforms on February 23, 2024.
XUZZ 'MISSISSIPPI'
Soaring into 2024, XUZZ’s new single ‘Mississippi’ is a joyful ode to letting yourself go and rolling with life’s highs and lows.
Soaring into 2024, XUZZ’s new single ‘Mississippi’ is a joyful ode to letting yourself go and rolling with life’s highs and lows.
With 54,000 monthly listeners and well over 4 million online streams, ‘Mississippi’ arrives to a loyal fanbase,
and marks a fresh start for the 23 year old New Zealander.
Produced by Josh Strand (WHOSHOTSCOTT, Daily J, Aidan Fine) its infectious beat and catchy hooks sink their teeth in and provide the perfect backdrop for XUZZ’s heartfelt vocals.
Much like the Mississippi River, this song is a powerful free flowing journey through young love - an instant replay. Think Dominic Fike, Elvis, Ocean Alley and Kings of Leon.
ADV's Pride Month Celebration: Music Video Premiere of lead single 'Do It Over'
After releasing his debut album 'Trust Issues', ADV follows up with a music video for lead single on the album, ‘Do It Over’,
After releasing his debut album 'Trust Issues', ADV follows up with a music video for lead single on the album, ‘Do It Over’, directed by Chye-Ling Huang and starring ADV (Alex de Vries) alongside 'Isope 'Akau'ola, Celine Dam, Danny Lam, and Pamela Sidhu.
The release serves as a visual testament to ADV's narrative, featuring a diverse cast of POC creatives who breathe life into the various scenes from 'Trust Issues'. Through their collaboration, ADV, Chye-Ling Huang and their crew craft a cinematic experience that resonates with authenticity and depth, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist's journey of self-discovery.
ADV shares ‘Do It Over’: "This song is all about looking back on a toxic love and seeing all the beautiful moments that you still hold dear. Heartbreak sucks, but it also helps you grow into the best version of yourself. In every relationship, there’s glitter and diamonds buried in the ash. This song is a reminder to not live in regret, but to look forward with hope."
In addition to the music video release, ADV announces the upcoming launch of the full visual album experience on 14 March 2024. Accompanied by a zine titled “The Trust Issue”, curated by designer Lulu Qiu and featuring contributions from a diverse array of photographers, the release promises to offer fans an immersive exploration of ADV's artistic vision.
SUN VAULT SET DEBUT SUMMER TRACK ‘BLEED’
SUN VAULT SET, a Waiheke based collective merging driving electronic elements, soothing harmonies over big rhythmic foundations, will deliver their debut track 'BLEED' March 8th just in time for the NZ Summer, and a run up to a debut March 30th Jazz Festival performance.
SUN VAULT SET, a Waiheke based collective merging driving electronic elements, soothing harmonies over big rhythmic foundations, will deliver their debut track 'BLEED' March 8th just in time for the NZ Summer, and a run up to a debut March 30th Jazz Festival performance.
STREAM 'BLEED' HERE:
Featuring the vocals of Nikki Ngatai and a seriously smooth arrangement that reimagines Fleetwood Mac as if produced by Massive Attack, the track gathers familiar elements and injects them with fresh energy. Crafted by the skills of some of Waiheke’s best known musicians, Solomon Cole (Space Waltz, The Solomon Cole Band), veteran UK musician Lee Catlin (Orange Can) and a 7 piece musical collective (also featuring co-lead vocalist Alex Ludbrook). 'BLEED' has an urban sound, crashing guitars, dance-y beats, and an insistent bassline that drives through increasingly epic strings and ethereal backing vocals.
Lyrically the track speaks to observing, acknowledging and supporting someone challenged with trauma or mental health issues. Educating yourself about what they are going through, and the burden you can remove from their plate.Vocalist and lyric writer Nikki Ngatai states, "It’s important we remove the stigma from taking care of our mental health. Keep them company when you can and remind them that you love them and you're on their side - everyone deserves a win".
James Belfield (WEEKENDER) wrote: 'The overall effect is remarkably catchy, has the instant earworm quality that makes it sound as if you’ve known the song for years, and IS a tempting taste of what will surely be appointment viewing live shows and a mouth watering forthcoming album"
Over the last decade guitarist Solomon Cole has established himself as a prolific independent creative by releasing, touring and promoting numerous projects based in Waiheke. In 2023 he assisted in guitar duties for the reformation of iconic NZ rock band Space Waltz. His guitar work can be heard on their sophomore record 'VICTORY' via Universal Music that reached Number 13 in the NZ Album Charts (alongside a consecutive Number 1 for the re-release of their 1974 classic).
It was through this association that he formed a lasting friendship with iconic NZ musician Eddie Rayner (Split Enz, Crowded House) who mixed and produced 'BLEED'. He has now launched his own label Hoop-LA Records as a home for all the albums/releases he has been involved with most recently. SUN VAULT SET is the first track of the rank.
SUN VAULT SET are laying the foundations for 2024 by presenting a multi-tiered night of entertainment Saturday MARCH 30th - The Waiheke Jazz Festival / Artworks Theatre. They want audiences to witness one of the most unique events as Artworks Community Theatre will be transformed with full light, sound and visual immersion for the evening!
Book your ticket NOW! Saturday night shows always sell out. Be part of a new era in 2024 for Jazzfest.
PURCHASE: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2024/mar/festival-club
SW4CA Vol.2
SW4CA Vol.2 - the 2nd compilation album by The Songwriters 4 Climate Action Project is OUT NOW. A community project featuring over 12 local songwriters, from various backgrounds and genres contributing an original song with environmental or climate conscious themes
SW4CA Vol.2 - the 2nd compilation album by The Songwriters 4 Climate Action Project is OUT NOW. A community project featuring over 12 local songwriters, from various backgrounds and genres contributing an original song with environmental or climate conscious themes. Holding Space are delighted to share these songs and are blown away by the sheer talent and different perspectives adding a special voice to this important kaupapa.
The album was recorded over 3 days at Roundhead Studios, with seasoned sound engineer Matt Gunn and the featured artists are Britta Hamill, Mitch Murray, Keb Hart, Rupert Laffey, Manuela, -Loveray-, Shamus Crawford, Tony Bullen, Maggie Cocco, Nigel Russel, Street Georges and Jean Yern.
Listen here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/songwriters4climateaction/sw4ca-vol-2
Songwriters 4 Climate Action (SW4CA) is a Project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support and inspire them to develop songs, artwork and start conversations that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action. The collective recorded a compilation album SW4CA Vol.1 in 2022 and perform at local events including festivals, conferences and markets. This project has expanded to promote the collaboration and response of artists to the work of Kaitiaki and other experts active in the Climate Field. Through this process we hope to support dialogue and connection between many communities, create art that moves culture and learn a thing or two along the way.
Kirikiriroa pop-rock duo Bird Machine unveil electric sophomore EP, HEY HUMAN + new single ‘St Elmo’s Fire’
Alt-pop-rock duo Bird Machine (Luke and Jenna Grbin) have today released their highly anticipated sophomore EP HEY HUMAN and punchy new single ‘St Elmo’s Fire’.
Listen to ‘Hey Human’ HERE
Alt-pop-rock duo Bird Machine (Luke and Jenna Grbin) have today released their highly anticipated sophomore EP HEY HUMAN and punchy new single ‘St Elmo’s Fire’.
Taking the listener on a journey, this new EP blurs the lines between pop, rock, shoegaze, and alternative soundscapes as it explores, what Luke and Jenna describe as, “diverse facets of human experiences in relationships and self-discovery, with every track delving into unique dimensions of the human journey.”
The EP features the new anthemic, alt-rock single ‘St Elmo’s Fire’, which combines dreamy verses, driving guitars, catchy vocal hooks and the ultimate chorus build. Bird Machine say they hope the track encourages listeners to “resist artificial influences, and keep their eyes open to the genuine realities of life.”
Complete with fuzzy guitars, synths, and lush vocal layers, HEY HUMAN was recorded entirely at the duo’s home studio in Kirikiriroa. Several tracks were written alongside members of Bird Machine’s extended whānau, and the duo played almost all the instrumentation in the recording process. Jenna impressively mixed and mastered the EP with the help of Aubrey Mitchell (Big Fan). A true grassroots project, this translates to the authenticity in Bird Machine’s sound. It even crosses over to their music videos, which were entirely filmed and edited by the pair - and which they have a new one to look forward to - out 1 March!
Following the release of their 2022 debut self-titled EP, Bird Machine describe HEY HUMAN as the result of taking on a more “alt-pop approach, while keeping some progressive elements and heavier sounds.”
Combining two passions, raising autism-awareness and music, Bird Machine are celebrating the release of HEY HUMAN with an all ages show at Hamilton Walmsley Farm on the 23rd of February and donating all proceeds to Autism New Zealand. Their drive for autism-awareness comes from their young autistic son, who the pair dedicated previously released single ‘Hellos and Frowns’ to. Joining them for the show are Tāmaki Makaurau indie band Back To The Hillside and emerging talent Aotea. Tickets can be purchased from Under The Radar.
About Bird Machine
Luke, an Aussie with an architectural background, has always found his true calling in music. Jenna, a Hamilton native, carries forward her family tradition of music and performance. Together, they make up duo Bird Machine - an innovative blend of early 90s alt-rock, dreampop, and folk wrapped up in catchy pop melodies. Already winning over listeners in the alternative space across Aotearoa (Radio Active, Radio Control, 95bFM, Radio One) and with the success of HEY HUMAN single ‘Closure’ (#1 LifeFM YouChart) after its release in October of 2023, Bird Machine’s highly anticipated EP HEY HUMAN is not one to miss!
FIND BIRD MACHINE
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