Indie-Pop Songwriter Heidi Simpson Drops Burning New Single Vampire

Rising indie-pop star Heidi Simpson released Vampire on Friday - with a raucous & suitably themed dress up release party at “No 7”on Pitt Street in Auckland. Vampire is a sweeping and sonic dream pop ballad that delves into the complexities of emotional entanglement. 

Have a listen to Vampire HERE

Vampire opens serenely, with acoustic guitar and dreamy vocals, before building into a full band showpiece. Lyrically the song explores the internal conflict of being in a toxic relationship. "Vampire is about that person that exerts a magnetic pull on you, even though you know they are not good for you. It's about  wanting to stay away, but not being able to" says Heidi. Vampire captivates the listener and unveils Heidi Simpson as an exciting creative talent.

Heidi emerged as a new solo artist last year with her catchy debut single, What's on TV?, the first release for her after being in LAIIKA, a teenage girl pop duo who toured New Zealand, played major festivals like Rhythm and Vines and released an EP in 2021.

After the release of What’s on TV?  Heidi and her band performed a string of shows, including a mini tour with There's a Tuesday and an opening slot for cult indie artist Princess Chelsea. With a talented live band line up that comprises the pick of Auckland’s new wave musicians, and an incredible set of original songs  Heidi is bringing a fresh and exciting presence to the indie pop scene. 

Vampire is written by Heidi and produced with Tomi Banx (Paddy Echo, LA Women, Cellarr and more). Heidi is currently collaborating with an array of impressive young producers, including Hugo Chan, Harry Charles, Josh Naley, and Lucian Rice, as she emerges as one-to-watch.

Listen to Vampire on Spotify

CASTAWAY 'SATELLITE'

Building on their success with their recent single Supernova, which reached 16th on the NZ Hot 20 and received National airplay, the rising pop-rock phenomenon Castaway returns with their latest electrifying offering, Satellite. This dynamic track marks the second release from their highly anticipated EP 'Nondual,' set to bring a captivating fusion of pop and rock to the Aotearoa music scene.

Satellite explores the universal challenge of searching for hope. Taking influence from Coldplay and The Script, Satellite is a high-energy pocket rocket that is as fun as it is profound. “As humans, we often navigate similar struggles and emotions without realising. For me, a ‘Satellite’ serves as a comforting reminder of our collective journey and that we are never truly alone,” says lead singer Jackson Stewart.

Since teaming up with the acclaimed producer Greg Haver, Castaway has experienced an unstoppable surge. This collaboration has provided the perfect platform for the band's distinctive pop-rock essence to truly blossom, catapulting them to unprecedented levels of creativity. Haver himself expresses his excitement for the project, remarking, "I was captivated by Satellite from the moment I heard the demo. The blend of atmospheric verses and soaring falsetto choruses immediately grabbed my attention, prompting us to dive straight into recording." Castaway wholeheartedly embraced Haver's production approach, from his insistence on incorporating the 'crash of doom' to utilising gospel choir effects; his creative decisions undeniably enriched the track.

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.'

Satellite is now available on all major streaming platforms, inviting fans of bands such as The Killers, Coldplay, Inhaler, and The 1975 to immerse themselves in Castaway's unique blend of infectious melodies and powerhouse instrumentation.

Former Atlas frontman, Sean Cunningham unveils brilliant new indie-rock single ‘Whatever That Is’

Listen to SINGLE HERE

Nashville-based artist, and former frontman of record-breaking NZ rock band Atlas, Sean Cunningham is stepping into the solo-artist spotlight with his introspective new single ‘Whatever That Is’ - out now!

No stranger to stardom, Sean has released music with several different projects over the past decade - including Atlas (2005-2008) - the career-launching band that brought the Louisville-raised artist to New Zealand. The group's single ‘Crawl’ set a new record for the longest-running Number 1 hit in Kiwi history; saw radioplay across Aotearoa (Hauraki, The Rock, The Edge, ZM, More FM); and was nominated for an MTV Australian Music Video Award in 2008.

Today’s release launches an exciting new chapter for Sean Cunningham’s career. ‘Whatever That Is’ is a deeply reflective song, filled with optimistic messages for what's to come.

Inspired by a conversation Sean had with his late father, just before he passed, he says they were “talking about how strange it is to be getting older, while still feeling like a kid. Still looking through the same eyes, thinking the same thoughts, making the same mistakes and just doing the best we can... ‘Whatever That Is’.”

This stirring new indie-rock, coming-of-age anthem incorporates tender finger-picked guitars, raw vocals, and epic instrumentation - which includes cinematic strings. Written alongside friend and collaborator Christian Trich, ‘Whatever That Is’ was recorded and mixed by Joey Liechty at The Pantry, Nashville TN and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios, Finland.

With a stunning music video soon to be released, and a solo debut album dropping later this year, Sean Cunningham is a name you’re going to be hearing a lot - with today’s single ‘Whatever That Is’ the perfect example why!

Find Sean Cunningham

Instagram | YouTube | Website | Spotify

 Apple | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Facebook | TikTok

Former Mutton Bird, Alan Gregg introduces new project Polite Company, with catchy single ‘Circulation’

Listen to ‘Circulation’ HERE

Watch HERE

‘Circulation’ is the catchy new single released today by London-based, New Zealand songwriter and former Mutton Bird, Alan Gregg’s latest project Polite Company.

Described as “the happiest song about being depressed you will ever hear,” ‘Circulation’ is a song about trying to be optimistic in difficult times.

“As people were coming out of lockdown after Covid, I heard the phrase ‘getting back into circulation’ a lot,” says Alan. “The song is also about being fearless and not worrying too much about what other people think.”

'Circulation', with its lyrics ‘I’ve been out of the loop too long’ could also refer to the artist's space between releases. “It’s quite appropriate,” explains Alan, “as I haven’t released an album of my own songs for a while, so it seems like I am getting back into circulation in a way.”

Today’s release is the first since the artist’s previous solo project and album, Marshmallow (2002) - which features well-known musicians such as Bic Runga and Ron Sexsmith. It’s also the first to be shared from an exciting upcoming Polite Company album (May, 2024).

Hailing from Palmerston North, and now based in London, Alan Gregg was originally a keyboard player but has mainly played bass guitar throughout his professional life. After moving to Auckland, he joined The Mutton Birds (1992 - 1998; returning for live shows in 2012 and 2019), where he contributed bass, vocals, keyboards, and wrote a number of songs. After leaving The Mutton Birds, he acted as a producer and studio and touring musician, before recording his first solo album under the name Marshmallow (2002). Alan has also appeared as a musician on albums by artists such as Dave Dobbyn, and produced BRAND NEW - the second album by New Zealand band The Stereo Bus. Today’s new single ‘Circulation’ (and the upcoming album) is music of a quality that you might expect from an artist with Alan’s experience and achievements - including Ron Sexsmith covering is song ‘Esther’ - so press play now to get back in circulation with Alan Gregg and his new project Polite Company!

Find Polite Company

Instagram | YouTube | Website | Spotify | Apple Music

Chart-topping Ōtautahi surf rockers, Pool House share electric single ‘Draw the Line’

Listen to ‘Draw the Line’ HERE 

Ōtautahi-based indie surf rock band and recent chart-residents, Pool House have today released their electric new single ‘Draw the Line’!

Following the ongoing success of their 2023 summer single ‘Another Day’, which continues to make regular appearances in the SRN Top 10, Radioscope Charts, NZ Official Charts, and topped the Radio One Top 11 two weeks running, Pool House (Samuel Crisp, Flynn Fierro, Harry van der Guilk, Will Georgeson) have returned with a Californian surf rock-inspired track that is destined to ride the same wave of love across Aotearoa.

‘Draw the Line’ combines moody vocals, punchy drums and driving guitar riffs reminiscent of vintage, Western film soundtracks. The track’s instrumentation  perfectly matches its playful lyrics - a commentary on how far an avid party-goer will push the boat out before ‘drawing the line’.

“During our winter tour of the South Island we met a Queenstown local at a flat party and got talking,” the band explains. “As the night - and beers - went on, we understood why he was the life of the party. We were left thinking, where does this dude's night end?”

The single was recorded at Auckland’s Parachute Studios, produced by Josh Strand and Jonny Paul, and mastered by Metropolis Studios in London.

A journey across the motu and then abroad, the creative process for ‘Draw the Line’ is telling of the heights Pool House are destined to reach - especially with more new music set to be released ahead of a sophomore EP at the end of 2024!

About Pool House

Hailing from Hawkes Bay (Flynn, Harry) and Wellington (Sam, Will),  Pool House was formed in Ōtautahi in 2021. The group’s first live performance together was at a show organised in response to a canceled end-of-year university event. Since then, they’ve been performing memorable, high-energy shows across the South Island - including with major AUS/NZ bands such as Daily J, Bootleg Rascal, The Grogans, and Summer Thieves. After winning the Canterbury based DIG THE GIG band competition in early 2022, Pool House secured a free recording deal, music video, as well as a trip to LA in early 2024 to perform at established music venues. The end of 2022 saw the band release their debut single ‘No Clue’, which has gained over 38,000 streams across all music platforms, and since then, the group have released their debut EP FLIGHTS OF DREAMING which illustrates their ability to explore new musical territory. Just this past summer, Pool House played Rolling Meadows, had consistent radio play across Aotearoa (Hauraki, RDU, Radio Active, Radio One, Radio Control) and their most recent single ‘Another Day’ was a regular in the charts. With the release of today's exciting new single ‘Draw the Line’ and more music on the way, 2024 is set to be the year of Pool House!

Follow Pool House

Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple | YouTube

Hötchiwitch on Tour

Peter Mengede is an Australian guitarist who helped to form legendary NYC alternative metal band Helmet in 1989, playing on their first two albums.

After parting ways with Helmet, he formed another group, Handsome, in 1995, along with members of other notable bands such as Quicksand, Cro-Mags, Murphy’s Law. Their self-titled album is frequently lauded as one of the most influential post-hardcore releases of the 90’s.

Almost 30 years later, Mengede has put a new band together named Hötchiwitch. They are coming on a short tour to NZ to celebrate the seminal Handsome album by playing it in full. Auckland post-metal band will be opening on both dates, with Mothra guitarist Hugh Allen pulling double duties, playing in Hötchiwitch as well.

They will be joined in Wellington by psychedelic prog rockers Mana Mushroom, and in Auckland by Swallow the Rat. Hötchiwitch dates: Friday 5 April at Valhalla with Mothra, Mana Mushroom Saturday 6 April at Whammy Bar with Mothra, Swallow the Rat

Tablefox 'Don't Wait For Me To Be What You Want Me To Be'

"I am not a vigilante. I am just an ordinary man trying to get home to my daughter's birthday. Now if everyone will just stay out of my way, then nobody will get hurt."

'Don’t Wait For Me To Be What You Want Me To Be' draws inspiration from the 1993 cult movie Falling Down. The song, led by singer Clinton Bell, delves into the complexities of human emotion, exploring the internal conflicts that everyone encounters. The song title itself hints at the central theme, conveying a message about authenticity and not conforming to others' expectations.

The influence of Falling Down is evident in the song's narrative, mirroring the movie's exploration of the struggles faced by the average person. The single confronts the darker voices that can haunt the mind, aligning with the film's themes of idealism, bravado, and the inherent flaws in humanity.

Clinton Bell, reflecting on the creative process, mentions that the band members brought a compelling melody and chords to him. The imagery from Falling Down quickly emerged, but he felt the need to infuse a thread of hope into the narrative. This addition adds a layer of optimism to the song, contrasting with the potentially bleak portrayal of internal struggles. Drawing parallels to the movie's protagonist, Bell notes that while individuals may come close to the edge of breaking, they often refrain from crossing that line, distinguishing them from the character in Falling Down.

The song was engineered by Emily Wheatcroft-Snape at Roundhead Studios, mixed by Scott Seabright (Mumford and Son's, SIX60, Passenger) & mastered by Leon Zervos (Midnight Oil, Aerosmith, INXS).

THE FUZZY ROBES 'MIDDAY PRAYERS'

Prayer-psychedelia collective The Fuzzy Robes have returned with their sophomore spiritual effort, Midday Prayers.

Pursuing a spiritual take on new wave psychedelia and fittingly released on Holy Wednesday during the lead up to Easter, the enigmatic Fuzzy Robes return with their sophomore effort Midday Prayers - a natural continuation of the group’s meditative approach to adapting the New Zealand Prayer Book, He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa for the modern ear. 

Midday Prayers follows their 2021 debut Night Prayers, a strong work drawing comparisons to The Flaming Lips in their decentralised sonic landscape towards an acknowledgement of the passing day and into restful night, dwelling unafraid in the arms of God. Midday Prayers has a different focus, and balances restful pause and the momentum of midday in a complex dance - a musical metaphor for the observation of prayer in the centre of a busy day. 

Midday Prayers was recorded between a retreat house in Ōtautahi’s beautiful Scarborough Hill and an unfurnished flat in Christchurch East, striking the duality of natural beauty and an urbane, turbulent existence. The new work decisively arranges beatific fuzz guitars, empyrean vocals and synth textures together to this end. The first track Invocation rushes the forefront in turbulent recognition of the Eternal Spirit, with later cuts on the album like Collect for Midday moving into contemplative devotion.

Midday Prayers is out now via Winegum Records. Vinyl records are available on Bandcamp and all good record stores across Aotearoa.