Rising Aotearoa pop-star Ms. Mia unveils fiery new anthem ‘Going For The Kill’

Listen to ‘Going For The Kill’ HERE

Manila-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Ms. Mia (Mia Caintic) has today released her punchy new single ‘Going For The Kill’, ahead of upcoming debut EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS!

Today’s release follows the success of Ms. Mia’s 2023 singles ‘Strange Life’  (Pirate Radio NZ, Kiwiradio, NZ Music Month ‘Celebrating Wāhine’ Spotify Playlist) and ‘This Game’ (13th floor, R1, JUICE TV). Establishing her place as a songwriter who crafts catchy hooks and soulful vocals, throughout her music the emerging artist explores themes around love, self-discovery and resilience.

Today’s unapologetic anthem of confidence is a reflection of her abilities to do just that. ‘Going For The Kill’ is a moody, upbeat and dynamic track complete with driving kicks, percussive acoustic guitar and attitude-filled vocals. It’s sure to get listeners grooving.

Made with the support of the Asian Artists Fund and NZ On Air, today's release screams “don’t mess with me,” says Mia. “It reflects another side of me which is sitting quiet most of the time, but when called upon – turns up and brings the fire!”

‘Going For The Kill’ was recorded at Parachute Studios alongside recording engineer Christian Tjandrawinata, co-written and produced by Clarissa Chai, and mastered by Chris Chetland.

The track also provides an interesting insight into Ms. Mia’s full identity as an artist. “With each release I reveal more of who I am as an artist and my worldview, as I see it in that moment of time.”

With an exciting music video expected in April, ‘Going For The Kill’ is the second single to be released from Ms. Mia’s upcoming EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS - set to drop 7 June 2024!

Find Ms. Mia

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp | TikTok | Youtube | Soundcloud

NZ’s Indie-folk star, Fraser Ross drops charming and masterful new album THUNDERHEAD

Listen HERE

Watch video HERE

Fraser Ross has released his much-anticipated album THUNDERHEAD - and it does not disappoint!

Weaving folk, indie and soft-rock, the Ōtautahi-based indie-folk artist has achieved a masterful collection of perfectly curated songs. The journey of THUNDERHEAD is as universal as it is personal to the artist, who wrote it as a documentary of self-discovery and forgiveness through his travels throughout America.

Named after Thunderhead Artist’s Refuge in Montana, Fraser says that his experience at the artist camp was one of recovery and redirecting: “It was the physical and metaphorical place I turned around and stopped running away from the guilt of leaving.”

Fraser’s recently released title-track single ‘Thunderhead’ carries the emotional weight of this turning point, with reflective lyrics and expressive instrumentation. It was also joined by the unmissable new music video, which Fraser hopes further illustrates the song's journey of moving on. Filmed with good friend Robyn Jordaan, the clip follows Fraser on a turbulent journey through Ōtautahi via electric scooter, collecting various clothes and memorabilia en route. Both video and single are charming insights into Fraser’s quirky sense of humour and paint beautiful imagery for moving on.

Each previously released single -  ‘Janice, In the Dairy’,  ‘Thunderhead’, ‘Cards’ - has contributed to the anticipation for today’s release, and received support from the likes of Apple Music New Music Daily, RNZ, SRN - Radio Active Top 10, Radio One Top 11 and NZOA NewTracks. While each track can stand confidently on its own, the careful curation connects them like carriages of a train taking listeners on an enjoyable journey of infectious and heartfelt music.

The warmth, balance and blending of sounds are owed to the skillful tracking and mixing by Lee Prebble at Wellington’s Surgery Studios, and final mastering by Mike Gibson.  

BRETT HIGGINSON’S ‘COME AWAY WITH ME’ IS UNIQUE

Brett Higginson’s catchy new single, is a unique song about a topical subject.

Says Brett, ‘Come Away With Me’ is sung from the perspective of someone whom Americans call, an ‘illegal alien.’ That’s the term for a foreigner, who is not legally permitted to be in the States.

In the song, ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) have raided his workplace looking for him, but this ‘illegal alien’ has dodged them. He knows that if he’s caught, he’ll be deported, and this will rip him apart from the woman he loves. He urges her to join him. ‘Come Away With Me.’ They could get on this boat that’s going to New Zealand, his homeland, where they can legally, get married.’

LISTEN TO ‘Come Away With Me’ HERE:

https://gyro.to/ComeAwayWithMe

Delaney Davidson Releases “Out Of My Head” Single & Album

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

JBhiFi  | Southbound | Flying Nun | Marbecks | Flying Out 

And Here On Bandcamp 

“Out of My Head ” The Single

The title track from Delaney Davidsons 10 solo studio album. A tribute to Alphaville and Jean Luc Goddards futuristic modern day nightmare. Shot in a number of locations to reinforce the disconnect, this is ultimately a song of hope. 

The Video is directed by: Delaney Davidson & Martin Sagadin,Cinematography by: Bill Bycroft & Martin Sagadin, Featuring: Delaney Davidson & Susannah Kenton

 “Out Of My Head” The Album 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 4  Nelson Theatre Royal

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

April 19 Wellington Public Trust Hall

April 20 Auckland Rangitira, Q Theatre

April 27 Christchurch Great Hall

Ticket info : www.delaneydavidson.com

Jenny Mitchell unveils North Island Tour

This Autumn, Jenny Mitchell is set to play a string of intimate shows in Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Whangārei before headlining Paihia’s Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival (May 10th – 12th). The shows will feature special guest Fables, Maddison Connor and Jenny’s sisters, The Mitchell Twins.

Alongside working on new songs, Jenny has spent the past two years directing a documentary about the history of country music in her hometown of Gore (with Dunedin based filmmakers Scrambler). The film, Capital of Country Music, is set to premiere in Gore on May 30th during the town’s 10-day country music festival; Tussock Country.

Tickets for Jenny’s North Island shows are available now from www.jennymitchell.co.nz/tour

ADV's ‘Trust Issues’ Presents Eight Music Videos

Prepare to be transported into the world of ADV as his debut album, ‘Trust Issues’(an audiovisual album), today unveils eight stunning music videos. The visual release is a beautiful testament to ADV's authentic and heartfelt storytelling, celebrating love, diversity, and the human experience.

With raw honesty, South African-born, Auckland local ADV fearlessly explores the complexities of relationships and the nuances of queer love in this genre-defying body of work. Released on 2 February 2024, ‘Trust Issues' blends Soul, RnB, Pop, and Funk, offering a powerful and resonant narrative that speaks to the queer experience.

Accompanied by a zine titled ‘The Trust Issue,’ designed by Lulu Qiu, featuring work from photographers, lyrics, credits, a poetic letter from ADV, and a foreword by renowned poet and playwright Nathan Joe, this audiovisual album demands to be shared, embraced, and cherished by all who experience it..

CONNECT WITH ADV: LINKTREE

Raglan artist Reiki Ruawai delivers summery single and video, ‘All I Need’

Aotearoa, New Zealand’s rising R&B/soul sensation Reiki Ruawai continues to ride the wave with his new single ‘All I Need’. Listen to ‘All I Need’ HERE.

To celebrate the release, Reiki is also embarking on a two-date tour, playing in Auckland on Thursday April 25 at the Wine Cellar and at The Yard in Raglan on Friday April 26. Tickets for both shows are on sale at 9am Monday March 18 at www.undertheradar.co.nz

Oozing with Reiki’s laid-back, soulful signature style with pop undertones, ‘All I Need’ builds around a tribal shuffle beat, with layers of heavenly backing vocals and hypnotic synths.

‘All I Need’ was written at APRA New Zealand’s Songhubs curated by critically acclaimed NZ-born, London-based songwriter and producer Jordan Rakei, which Reiki was selected to take part in. The young Raglan native says he spent time “geeking out” at the fact that he was getting to work with Jordan - one of his favourite artists.

Reiki adds that ‘All I Need’ began life as a much poppier demo but in the studio working with producer and engineer Joel Jones, they found themselves taking a slightly more experimental route.  “We took ages trying to find some random noises and ended up finding a sample of a Putatara (conch shell) - that’s what ended up giving that tribal feel,” he says.

It’s what gives ‘All I Need’ its refreshingly unique quality and also aptly sums up that feeling of there being no place like home. Reiki explains that on the day he wrote the track on Songhubs with Jordan, Alistair Ross, and Francesca Emily Chesney Colwill; he told the others he was really longing to get back to his hometown - the world famous surfing town on the North Island’s Waikato coast.

“I mentioned that I needed a day back in Raglan where I could head down to the skatepark with a beer and hang with friends - just be with each other, skating and having fun.”

The same sentiment is captured in the video for ‘All I Need’, which serves as the perfect visual backdrop. Filmed by Luke Penny in Riverhead near Auckland, it’s a simple one-take shot as the sun sets.

Watch the video HERE.

“The video gives off more of the energy of the song,” says Reiki. “I wanted to feel like myself and be myself - as natural as I could be. Doing the one-take captures that.”

Listen to ‘All I Need’ HERE / Watch the video HERE

Catch Reiki Ruawai live:

Thursday April 25 - Wine Cellar, Auckland
Friday April 26 - The Yard, Raglan
Tickets on sale 9am Monday March 18 at www.undertheradar.co.nz

FIND REIKI RUAWAI:
Instagram | YouTube|Spotify

NEIL MACLEOD Fear

Neil MacLeod is an artist who is steadfast in their vision. On Friday the 15th of March, he will release new single ‘Fear,’ a watershed moment in the ongoing artistic evolution of the 24-year-old Ōtautahi/ Christchurch born New Zealand singer-songwriter, producer, engineer, and artist. 

A decade on from when a young MacLeod first uploaded his early music to SoundCloud, Neil has honed his craft from singer-songwriter demos to widescreen productions, born from introspection, reflection, and masterfully curated self-expression. 

His new single ‘Fear’ is a result of this process. Sonically, it is an amalgamation of MacLeod’s instinct and skill, and lyrically an exploration of the subconscious. 

“Like many people, I’ve allowed fear to influence my life,” says MacLeod. “At one stage, I developed quite a fearful relationship with my dreams. I’d been exploring dream interpretation and lucid dreaming and found myself increasingly anxious about going to sleep. In retrospect, I can see that I was just too close and obsessed with the whole thing. I was reading meaning into my dreams without any help or support, and it was messing with my sense of reality. I’m someone who relentlessly seeks self improvement, and at times I think this mentality can create more problems than it solves - such as how my relationship to dreams ended up. This song gets into all of that. In essence, it’s exploring the fear that I might lose myself on the journey to finding myself.”

It’s a song that showcases MacLeod’s unique sonic identity. The sharpness and fullness of the soundscape paired with the haunting fragility of MacLeod’s vocals creates a hypnotic tension. MacLeod muses on the recording process. 

“I made the instrumental first, following my nose until I felt inspired to sing. The first verse flowed out of me in a freestyle - melodies and words. I never changed the verse after that. The chorus flowed out, too - although only in its melodic form. I put the song away for a while, and over the course of a year or so I slowly figured out what my subconscious was trying to say in those freestyles. Once I’d figured that out, I finished the song in a matter of days.”

For MacLeod, the visual world of song holds acute importance, and the visualiser accompanying ‘Fear’ is mysterious, beguiling, and a taste of the things to come from MacLeod which wait in the wings. 

“The video is an introduction to the wider visual world of my next EP ‘I Need a Battle’. The floating object you see is a vessel, from which reflective, gooey black liquid escapes. These are symbols which play an important part in the story. For now, simply soak it up.”

Nourished by a musical diet of atmospheric electronica artists such as Bon Iver, Burial, James Blake, Floating Points, Kiasmos, Arca, and Björk, MacLeod is well on his way to establishing himself as a pillar in the electronic music landscape of Aotearoa. His EP We Have Known Lost Days (Remixed) was nominated for Te Tohu Hopunga Puoro Mariu (Favourite EP / Mixtape) at the 2023 Student Radio Network Awards, and received recognition from outlets such as Dazed, Acid Stag, and NZ Musician.  

Reflecting on the upcoming release of ‘Fear,’ MacLeod says it feels “like a relief. The music has been done for a long time, and it’s been a labour of love to build the visual world that surrounds it. I can let this song go now, and slowly move on to the next thing.”