TAMI NEILSON - “Always On My Mind”
Award-winning New Zealand artist Tami Neilson continues to share the collection of songs she recorded as a birthday gift for Willie on his 90th birthday.
“Always On My Mind” is the the second release from the “Neilson Sings Nelson” series. Award-winning New Zealand artist Tami Neilson continues to share the collection of songs she recorded as a birthday gift for Willie on his 90th birthday.
ALWAYS ON MY MIND
When I chose the songs for this project, I tried to avoid the ones that have been covered heavily. This is one of the exceptions. It is a testament to Willie’s incredible artistry, how one of the world’s greatest songwriters can cover a song he did not write and make it completely his own, intrinsically part of his work and associated with him. For a big-voiced singer known more for big belters, this was an exercise in restraint for me. Having just been in ICU mere weeks before we recorded this, it brought a whole new perspective and vulnerability, which really came through in this performance. It was just Jay and I recording live off the floor, no click, one take, just trying to be fluid and follow each other with the lights dimmed. When I looked over to him during the final chord, tears were coursing down his face…just like mine.
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.
Folk Sensation Turkey The Bird Set to Dazzle at Waiheke Jazz Festival This Easter
Music enthusiasts are in for a treat this Easter weekend as the renowned folk trio, Turkey The Bird, announces their debut performance at the Waiheke Jazz Festival.
Music enthusiasts are in for a treat this Easter weekend as the renowned folk trio, Turkey The Bird, announces their debut performance at the Waiheke Jazz Festival. Known for their captivating harmonies and enchanting melodies, the group is excited to bring their unique sound to one of New Zealand’s most celebrated musical gatherings.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Waiheke Jazz Festival this year,” said Andre, the group's guitarist and vocalist. “It’s an incredible opportunity to share our music with a broader audience and to be included in such a vibrant celebration of jazz and beyond. We’ve prepared a special set that we hope will resonate with festival-goers and bring a fresh folk flair to the Easter weekend festivities.”
The Waiheke Jazz Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Waiheke Island, has long been a staple in New Zealand’s cultural calendar, drawing talent and audiences from across the globe.
Turkey The Bird is scheduled to perform on Friday 29th March at 4pm and on Sunday 31st March also at 4 PM at the Jazz Sundowner alongside Eve Kelly, Sirens, George Washingmachine, & Boom! Boom! Deluxe.
Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to secure their tickets early and be part of a momentous occasion that celebrates the fusion of folk and jazz in a way that only Waiheke can offer.
For more information about Turkey The Bird and the Waiheke Jazz Festival, including ticket purchases and scheduling details, please visit www.waihekejazzfestival.co.nz and www.turkeythebird.co.nz
LOUIS TM ON TOUR
After years backing many artists on the keys, and many years of performing with the country's top musicians, he has earned his stripes on the bandstand and is now out to make his own mark on the musical landscape.
"Louis TM is a force to be reckoned with on Aotearoa's incredible soul scene" - Muzic.net.nz
After years backing many artists on the keys, he has recently featured with Barnaby Weir & a cast including Laughton Kora and members of the Black Seeds, also having spent time in Ria Hall's live band opening for L.A.B. and performing at WOMADelaide (AUS) and many years of performing with the country's top musicians, he has earned his stripes on the bandstand and is now out to make his own mark on the musical landscape.
Inspired by modern soul revival, classic soul cannon, R&B, funk and indie sounds, Louis TM brings his unique style of soul from Aotearoa to the world. Marking his debut release with a limited run of 7" vinyl of the tracks Mercedes Car / Never Give Up On Your Love and a forthcoming debut album in 2024, Louis TM hits the road with his band for shows in Auckland, Napier and Wellington - not to be missed!
Black Smoke Trigger DROP KILLER NEW SINGLE + MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘K.M.T.L.’
New Zealand’s rock powerhouse Black Smoke Trigger release an undeniably anthemic rock radio banger with new single ‘K.M.T.L.’, a superb track accompanied by an equally dynamic music video that perfectly captures the song’s raw intensity.
International Tours With Filter and Bruce Dickinson Begin Next Month
Tickets HERE
New Zealand’s rock powerhouse Black Smoke Trigger release an undeniably anthemic rock radio banger with new single ‘K.M.T.L.’, a superb track accompanied by an equally dynamic music video that perfectly captures the song’s raw intensity.
The Hawkes Bay 4-piece heavy-rock outfit continue to ride the high of their driving rock, anchored by the distinctive guitar work of Wallace and the commanding vocals of Baldrick, combined with their pummelling rhythm section courtesy of bassist Dan Fulton, and drummer Josh Te Maro.
Fast becoming known for not only churning out certified 10/10 arena ready rock bangers, Black Smoke Trigger are also quickly garnering a reputation for creating arresting and often death-defying music videos.
‘K.M.T.L.’ speaks to the relentless derive and sometimes dizzying pursuit of making dreams a reality. Partly written at Nashville’s historic Sienna Studio and recorded by producer Nick Raskulinecz at his Rock Falcon Studio, the band channeled the grit and determination required to achieve success against the odds into their latest offering.
The track sprang to life in the jam room, the initial riff playing out almost as if by instinct, guitarist and band leader Charlie Wallace recounts: “’K.M.T.L.’ began in the jam room, I was talking to the band and noticed my hands were playing the beginning motif of the song. I just kept playing it and we started jamming. It felt like it was building to something so we wanted to write a chorus with tons of energy, and I think we got just that by the end of the jam session.”
Renowned for delivering epic visuals to accompany their killer tunes, the music video for ‘K.M.T.L.’ is a stunning adrenaline-fueled visual spectacle. “The opening line ‘it all keeps spinning’ was the inspiration for what was a highly energetic shoot on a circular camera dolly track”, explains Wallace.
Filmed on a massive theatre stage, it features continuous rotation mirroring the song’s theme of pushing through the spin of life’s challenges to come out victorious on the other side. “It’s lit up like a big stage because we just wanted to show what people can expect when they see us play this track live.”
‘K.M.T.L.’ follows the success of their previous singles, ‘Proof Of Life’; ‘Perfect Torture’; and ‘The Way Down’, the video for which saw the band perform at night, atop the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere with Wallace jumping off the edge, shredding a guitar solo whilst plummeting 630ft and has now clocked up over 1.3 million views on YouTube. The release sees Black Smoke Trigger continue to deliver on their promise of high-energy rock music that’s both entertaining and deeply relatable.
Prior to this new string of singles, the band put out track ‘Caught In The Undertow’, the video for which was also a feat of extreme conditions. Filmed at Muriwai Beach in Auckland and at a helicopter crash testing facility in a 3.6M deep pool, the whole band performed much of the song underwater creating a stunning visual that has clocked up 3.2 million YouTube views, and highlighting the band’s dedication to creating unforgettable visual accompaniments for their hard-hitting rock anthems.
Black Smoke Trigger will be supporting Filter on the Australian and New Zealand legs of their Algorithm World Tour next month, and will be hitting the road to support Bruce Dickinson The Mandrake Project on their run of shows in the UK, France, and Holland this May. For full dates and tickets head to www.blacksmoketrigger.com.
With their debut, full length album HORIZONS set for release this year, the horizon shines bright for these Kiwi rock trailblazers. Stay tuned for much more to come.
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ALT-RAP ARTIST RAY LESLIE UNVEILS DREAMY SINGLE + VIDEO: ‘THE FRIDGE ALL STOCKED’ FEAT. AWGGEY
Dynamo Filipino-Kiwi artist RAY LESLIE continues to boldly carve a distinctively unique musical path with melodious alt-hip hop track ‘THE FRIDGE ALL STOCKED’ FEAT. AWGGEY, the second single preluding the release of her most ambitious project to date, the bold FANTASY & FUTURE EP + MOVIE project.
OFF UPCOMING EP + MOVIE PROJECT FANTASY & FUTURE
DUE OUT FRIDAY 27 JUNE!
Dynamo Filipino-Kiwi artist RAY LESLIE continues to boldly carve a distinctively unique musical path with melodious alt-hip hop track ‘THE FRIDGE ALL STOCKED’ FEAT. AWGGEY, the second single preluding the release of her most ambitious project to date, the bold FANTASY & FUTURE EP + MOVIE project.
A powerfully reflective and honest hip-hop anthem, ‘The Fridge All Stocked’ theme speaks to something very important to Ray: the pursuit of the dream. Giving voice to the reality of the artist’s path, it paints a picture of hardships faced and sacrifices made when chasing one’s dream as she meditatively sings: ‘I’ve been chasing dreams, I’ve been in the city’…
Ray explains: “It leans into when I moved out of home for the first time and was living in the city with my best friend. Such an eye-opening experience as I discovered what pursuing the dream really means – struggle, sacrifice, scarcity of money, loneliness...”
But with that narrative, Ray also acknowledges the light amidst the darkness of day to day struggles, that hope persists on the road to growth: “But while it’s hard, it’s worthwhile, and filled with endless passion – I work well in that space, being with my friends constantly creating – always working, never letting up.”
Layered by enchanting instruments, synths, and hard-hitting lines, ‘The Fridge All Stocked’ was produced by local legend and regular collaborator Abraham Kunin, and sees the pair create a soothing sonic landscape that showcases the eclectic artist’s lyrical and melodic prowess.
Says Ray: “’The Fridge All Stocked’ was another impromptu creative jam session with Abe at Big Pop Studios. We had been experimenting different sounds that fit in the same universe as previous release ‘Who Do You See’, and as soon as I hear something that inspires me, I am immediately driven by a melody or lyrics. In this case, it was both and within 5 minutes I had the intro and hook written.”
For ‘The Fridge All Stocked’, Ray teamed up with fresh up and coming talent Awggey, whose lyrics and rap flow are the perfect complement to Ray’s lyrical and musical adroitness. An unsurprising fit given that Awggey is also a member of Ray’s collective of urban creatives, Light Beings, a cooperative of artists whose principles stem from creative freedom, unlimited expression, and community.
“Awggey is a disciple of that life, and as a fellow artist is living and breathing what I speak about in this track. In his own words, he recounts what music and this dream means to him, and beautifully so”, adds Ray.
Supported by NZ On Air and Big Pop Studios, Ray has been able to elevate every facet of the track including its visuals. Directed by Luke Penney, the video follows Ray’s collective Light Beings as they navigate through life, with pain, with loneliness, with boredom…and still persist.
‘The Fridge All Stocked’ follows first offering off the Fantasy & Future EP, the silky funk of ‘Who Do You See’, also produced and directed by Luke Penney and made with the support of NZ ON AIR.
Within the past five years, Ray has released a total of two albums and three EP’s that have revealed an artist perfecting her sound as she continues to tap into her boundless potential. Last year’s lo-fi aural delight ‘Dog Days’ placed on the Top 20 Hot NZ Singles chart and secured airplay on Mai FM, and chill cathartic single ‘Blue Cold’ built on the buzz this razor-focused and determined rapper has been creating since first hitting the scene in 2018.
This progressive young, queer rapper is a shining light of raw hip-hop talent thriving in the fertile, burgeoning Auckland underground music scene.
With an ear attuned to rhythm and a mind sensitive to flow, Ray’s distinctive cadence is earning her a solid and impressive reputation as a bold voice in the pioneering alt-hip-hop scene and she revels in the hard-working energy required to persevere as a self-managed indie creator.
As the world remains captivated by the future of the rap genre, Ray Leslie is a unique and dynamic artist who dares to forge her own path. Destined to be one to watch, keep your ear to the ground as Ray Leslie's star rises, and you'll witness an artist evolving into an unstoppable force. Watch out for the upcoming release of the Fantasy & Future EP + Movie this 27 June!
YAHYAH DELIVERS ANOTHER BANGER WITH ‘RUN’
Run is about a new hopeful kind of love for YAHYAH with her second release of 2024. She explores the vulnerability of opening up her feelings to something scary and exciting…a future love interest.
Run is about a new hopeful kind of love for YAHYAH with her second release of 2024
She explores the vulnerability of opening up her feelings to something scary and exciting…a future love interest.
“Run was a surprise treat for me!! It’s one of my favourite songs I’ve ever created at a writing camp by the beach in Onemana with friends Joel Jones, Will Henderson and Chris Bates. It really ticked all the boxes of the new pop sound I wanted to emerge with in 2024. It feels like a big pop sound, while still feeling sassy and FRESH!” reflects YAHYAH.
The song talks about finding someone special and finally being able to communicate how you feel about them, TO THEM, without hiding.
Run is accompanied by a stunning music video directed by visual master Tom Grut.
Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘Run’ is out now on all streaming platforms.
FIND YAHYAH
Rising star MOLS 'Debut Album is making waves in the music scene with her soulful sound
Rising star MOLS is making waves in the music scene with her soulful sound. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, MOLS draws inspiration from her diverse ancestry, which includes roots from Ireland, Tonga.
Rising star MOLS is making waves in the music scene with her soulful sound. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, MOLS draws inspiration from her diverse ancestry, which includes roots from Ireland, Tonga.
MOLS's music is a reflection of her deep-seated desire to evoke feelings of authenticity, love, and connection in her listeners. Collaborating closely with renowned producer Andrew Spraggon over the past year, MOLS has poured her heart and soul into her debut project.
Her debut single, "Float," released on all major streaming platforms on March 8th, 2024, marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in MOLS's musical journey. Inspired by a weekend getaway to Raglan with a close friend, "Float" captures the essence of freedom and connection experienced amidst nature's beauty.
Driven by a love for community, diversity, and positivity, MOLS aims to spread her uplifting messages and values to audiences both locally and beyond. Through her music and creativity,
MOLS hopes to foster meaningful connections and inspire listeners to embrace their true selves.
Follow Mols HERE Linktree
NZ indie artist Seafarer Fables unveils new folk single + video ‘Stanislaw Lem’
Melbourne-based, Aotearoa indie-artist Seafarer Fables has returned from his music-release hiatus with an exciting, narrative-driven, syncopated folk single ‘Stanislaw Lem’.
Listen to ‘Stanislaw Lem’ HERE
Melbourne-based, Aotearoa indie-artist Seafarer Fables has returned from his music-release hiatus with an exciting, narrative-driven, syncopated folk single ‘Stanislaw Lem’.
The new single follows Seafarer Fables warm and weaving 2016 album COLD CLIMATE - which was recorded at Spaceman Sound in Brooklyn NYC and released through Aotearoa label Home Alone Music (French For Rabbits, Fraser Ross, City Oh Sigh). COLD CLIMATE saw success across the alternative music space in Aotearoa and Australia (95bFM, FBI Radio Sydney) and continues to be streamed (2,165 monthly Spotify listeners). Kelvin draws inspiration from his travels, folklore and storytelling, with ‘Stanislaw Lem’ once again showcasing him as a creator of subtle and thought-provoking music.
“‘Stanislaw Lem’ uses the metaphor of a space exploration journey, with some of the novelties about living and being in orbit,” explains Fables, “but it’s about our own journeys living abroad and traveling to new unusual/unexpected places. It is a reflection of what home is, and perhaps missing, or thinking, of a particular place or period in life.”
The track came to life across Wellington and Melbourne, in collaboration with Melbourne-based artist/producer Connor Black-Harry. “Changes in my musical preferences and interests over time are reflected in the track,” says Fables. The introspective, avant-garde writing style in ‘Stanislaw Lem’ is something listeners can expect more of from future releases, with Fables adding that he hopes his lyrics carry “enough ambiguity for people to take something away that has meaning for them.”
Stay tuned for more, with a hypnotic and intriguing new ‘Stanislaw Lem’ music video set to be released next week on March 26. Made in collaboration with Portugal-based director Andre Abrantini and filmed at the Parque Dos Poetas, Lisbon, listeners can expect the flare of early 20th century, black and white silent expressionist films with elements of Dadaism. There is even a time-traveler based on the Portuguese artist Almada Negreiros. Fables explains that he wanted the video to be “very analogue and hand-crafted, rather than polished and modern. I also wanted to bring something authentic from Lisbon to the video, to commemorate where it was shot, the time I spent there and the people involved in its production.”
With more music releases planned for 2024 - including a brand new EP - it is clear that Seafarer Fables is back and here to stay!