A story like no other awaits in 'You Could Be Happy' – the debut album from The Sixteenth

Prepare to embark on an emotional journey through the intricacies of human experience with the highly anticipated debut album, You Could Be Happy, from The Sixteenth. Set to be released one track at a time, starting on May 17th, each new chapter of the album will extend and enhance the journey. The first track, Breaking It, is available from today.

You Could Be Happy tells a story. There are people, places, events, emotions, and ideas, all represented with music. They are all real; this is a true story. But they are represented by melodies, instruments, chords, sounds, or rhythms. There are no words on this album. You Could Be Happy is a mystery to be solved. Like a Victorian mystery novel or a classic comic series, the story will be told in instalments, one track at a time, one chapter at a time, a new episode released every week.

Alongside the music, a new piece of cover artwork and commentary from the artist will reveal new clues and aspects of the story as each new chapter emerges. The narrative takes dark turns as well as happier, but always remains at heart a meditation on the importance of hope.

Musically, through You Could Be Happy, The Sixteenth unveils a tapestry of musical storytelling that delves deep into themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from artists as diverse as Nils Frahm, Goldie, DJ Shadow and Max Richter, The Sixteenth has crafted an album that transcends genre boundaries, blending elements of ambient, neo-classical and classic breakbeat styles.

Each track is a poignant reflection of the highs or lows of life, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journey through the world. Speaking about the album, Richard Walley, the creative force behind The Sixteenth, says;

“You Could Be Happy is more than just a collection of songs – it's a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience. With each track, I hope to create a connection with listeners and remind them that, no matter what life throws their way, there is always hope for happiness."

Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of 'You Could Be Happy.' Every Friday from May 17 will see the release of another track. Fans can go to www.thesixteenth.net to subscribe to a weekly newsletter that will accompany each release with commentary about the stories, writing, recording and production of each track as it is released.

Stoney B and Mossa Bring the Vibes with New Single "Slowdown"

Set to release on May 17th , 2024, Stoney B and Mossa invite listeners to embrace the laid-back rhythms of their latest single, "Slowdown. "This new track, released by Royalty Music Group, offers a melodic respite, encouraging listeners to pause and revel in the soothing sounds of reggae.
"Slowdown" features the iconic, relaxed reggae rhythms of Stoney B, enhanced by Mossa's expert production and harmonious vocals. The collaboration results in a track that resonates deeply with reggae aficionados and anyone seeking a moment of peace in their busy lives.
With its focus on mindfulness and appreciation, "Slowdown" carries a timely message in
today’s fast-paced world. The lyrics prompt listeners to acknowledge life's blessings and the importance of enjoying them, delivered through a sound that is both chill and
uplifting.
Stoney B shared his thoughts on the track, stating, "We all need a reminder to slow down
sometimes, and what better way to deliver that message than through music?
'Slowdown' is about finding balance and happiness in the simple things. Mossa and I
really hope this song can be that gentle nudge for people to relax and smile more."
"Slowdown" will be available on all major streaming platforms and for radio play starting
May 17th, 2024. This track is poised to become a favourite, promising to refresh and
recharge its listeners.

Triggar Happy Unveils Inspiring New Anthem: "How I Roll"

Triggar Happy, the dynamic force behind a string of hits, is back with another electrifying single, "How I Roll." This heartfelt anthem is set to captivate audiences with its powerful lyrics and infectious melody, marking the artist's fourth release for 2024.

In "How I Roll," Triggar Happy explores the theme of resilience and self-discovery, delivering a message of empowerment and determination. The song's compelling lyrics chronicle the artist's journey of self-realization, as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life with unwavering faith and courage.

From the opening lines, "Well I’m guna throw down, guna feel my words," to the stirring chorus, "Check myself, say my prayers, My path will be so here we go," Triggar Happy's signature blend of raw emotion and unwavering resolve shines through in every verse. With its anthemic chorus and infectious groove, "How I Roll" is sure to resonate with listeners from all walks of life.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Triggar Happy shared, "I've been walking real tall between two worlds, but I know who I am and I know where to go. This song is about embracing your true self, facing adversity head-on, and never backing down from your dreams."

Produced by Royalty Music Group, "How I Roll" boasts Triggar Happy's trademark fusion of soulful vocals, electrifying instrumentation, and infectious beats. With its uplifting message and irresistible energy, the song is poised to become an instant fan favourite and further solidify Triggar Happy's status as a rising star in the music industry.

For more information about Triggar Happy follow him on social media, https://bio.link/triggarhappy

Black Comet ‘Ooh Yeah baby’

Multi-dimensional, galactic funk 5 piece Black Comet, founded by Ninja, Laughton Kora (Kora, L.A.B, Fly My Pretties), is a groove-based experience with narratives.

Get ready to groove with 'Ooh Yeah Baby,' the ultimate anthem for embracing life's adventures with the one you love. This funky tune captures the exhilarating feeling of cruising through life's highs together, with its infectious rhythm and irresistible melody. From start to finish, 'Ooh Yeah Baby' delivers an uplifting vibe that'll have you hitting repeat and dancing along every time.

Laughton has always been interested in the theatrics of performance through sound, and Black Comet explores and delivers exactly that.

With the band consisting of Sam Jones on Keys and Sax, Poihakena Reid on Keys and Talkbox, Dan Antunovich on bass and Stan Bicknell on drums, this ensemble is talent a-plenty. With the desire to express the band as a “live jam”, they encapsulate this on the stage with their high-energy, tight performance, vibing off each other’s musical force.

Since releasing their debut EP ‘Live @ Totara Street’ in December 2022 they have played for The Wailers, Living colour and are supporting Corrella in their Mount Maunganui and Auckland shows. Outside of live gigs, they’ve  been working on their next project, and ‘Ooh Yeah Baby’ is just the beginning.

Johnson Wiehira has created an animated video for the single which will be released in a week after release of the single.

Their latest album “Episode 1” is COMING SOON, and to support the release Black Comet will be doing a 9-date tour. Tickets available from Undertheradar.co.nz from 17th May.

Black Comet has become a vessel for experimenting and pushing the ideas of current music. The band has been compared to the “ Millennium Falcon making the Kessel run in 12 par-secs”.

Luminous Aotearoa indie artist Goodnight My Darling unveils new gem ‘Ruby’

Listen to ‘Ruby’ HERE

Riding the wave of her epic CubaDupa performance, Pōneke indie star Goodnight My Darling has today released a very special new single, ‘Ruby’ - and it’s a music gem!

Goodnight My Darling aka Maxine Macaulay has crafted a song that is sure to get its hooks into listeners. Inspired by, and reflecting upon, creative repression, motherhood and female empowerment, ‘Ruby’ is as gritty as it is light and uplifting - perfectly encapsulating all that has inspired it.

“I wrote the chorus after the Black Ferns won the Rugby World Cup in 2022. I had just finished my album release tour up north, and it was on the way back that we listened to the final in the van. The next morning I watched Ruby Tui singing ‘Tūtira Mai’ with the crowd and I was so inspired and so happy for our country's women at that moment, that I jammed the little chorus which evolved into what the song is now.”

Perhaps (appropriately) an unexpected anthem - the way the chorus soars in ‘Ruby’, it is not hard to imagine this track blasting through speakers at a stadium. The song also took inspiration from Maxine’s best friend, because “she's amazing and can do anything.”

‘Ruby’ could not be a more exciting addition to Goodnight My Darling’s expanding discography - which follows previously released cinematic single ‘The Empress’ (2023) and her stunning self-titled debut album (2022). The artist once again joined forces with celebrated NZ producer Toby Lloyd at Tiny Triumph Recordings for the recording and mixing, and Robin Schmidt, 24-96 Mastering in Berlin.

A talented storyteller, an avid explorer and human-experience researcher, Maxine draws upon her adventures living and performing abroad in Melbourne, Japan and Berlin - and will no doubt be drawing on her upcoming adventure, motherhood. Now, it is time to press play and enjoy this impressive artist’s new release, ‘Ruby’, and get excited about her forthcoming music video!

About Goodnight My Darling

Her work is contemplative, cleverly crafted and soul-stirring. An impressive songwriter, producer and vocalist. Her artistic endeavours began from a young age, singing for Kapiti-based bands, choirs and learning to play trumpet, taught by her grandfather who was a conductor and musician in the New Zealand National Band. In 2018 Maxine was one of the first graduates from Massey University's Bachelor of Commercial Music in Wellington. Her debut self-titled album was written during a seven-month lockdown in Berlin, early 2021 and was released December 2022. It is a mix of soul-stirring tunes including ‘The Carriage’, ‘Until I Return’ and ‘The Trees Have Eyes’. Inspirations include Angel Olsen, Nadia Reid and 90’s shoegaze. Maxine says her ever evolving vibe is a poetic expression of her life and the places around her. Her songs take you on a cinematic journey, while her ethereal vocals lull you into a quiet sense of peace and appreciation. Goodnight My Darling is a wondrous, immersive and cinematic experience.                           

Find Goodnight My Darling:

Linktree | Instagram |Facebook | Youtube | ​Spotify |Apple | Bandcamp

SOUTHERN COUNTRY BELLE MIRANDA EASTEN DROPS SASSY NEW SINGLE ‘KIP MOORE SMILE’ AHEAD OF NATIONWIDE TOUR

Fast-rising Ōtautahi singer-songwriter MIRANDA EASTEN delivers an addictive country-pop banger with new track ‘KIP MOORE SMILE’ off her upcoming sophomore album CONCRETE & HONEY due out this July.

An instantly memorable sing-a-long track, ‘Kip Moore Smile’ is charged with street-smart lyrics and attitude, a cleverly-crafted toe-tapping hook, and Eastern’s smooth, dulcet vocal.

An easy-going number with a cheeky narrative, ‘Kip Moore Smile’ takes a light-hearted swipe at the male ego and a wannabe player who’s full of himself, but for no good reason. Reminiscent of Shania Twain’s ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’, with ‘Kip Moore Smile’ Easten serves up a fun, tongue-in-cheek song about female empowerment that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Revealing another dimension to her song-writing skills, the broad allure of ‘Kip Moore Smile’ is that it maintains one foot in the country genre, while drawing on a modern pop-infused vibe, seeing this cross-over tune destined to become a playlist favourite.

A co-write with Emily C Browning, the radio-friendly tune came together extremely easily.

Says Easten: “I’d already had the idea for a song about a bad boy with a worn out truck, and had a good idea of how I wanted to execute it. So one very hot February day I took what I had to Emily’s house, and boom, the music was born. I knew right away that we had something special when the song was bouncing around in my head all week after.”

The accomplished singer, songwriter, poet and author has many strings to her bow, having developed her technical prowess and garnering necessary musical experience working with beloved Kiwi singer-songwriter Greg Johnson, both as an as an executive producer on his album Swing The Lantern and as a collaborator with him on ‘Stay’ and ‘Stars & Dreams’. Easten continues to work on other projects and collabs, most recently as co-writer of ‘Listen to the Stars’ with Delaney Davidson from his album Out Of My Head.

Now set to release her sophomore album CONCRETE & HONEY this July, Easten travelled far and wide, recording the album in the United Kingdom, the USA and New Zealand with a selection of international producers and session musicians.

With an extensive list of career highlights and being no stranger to the music scene, Easten’s musical reputation and connections garnered her an invitation to record at the world famous Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Says Easten: “It was an incredible experience to add my name in pen to the studio walls alongside Coldplay, Oasis, and a long list of heroes. I mean ‘Yellow’ was written there! I saw the wall where ‘Wonderwall’ was written! One of the most famous bands to write and record at Rockfield was Queen, and I made sure to use the ‘Freddie piano’ on as many tracks as possible while I was recording.”

With world renowned Producer Greg Haver at the helm, and Scott Seabright on Engineering duties, the magical recording experience was enhanced with a quality team of talented players from both The Spice Girls and Manic Street Preachers on board.

“I love working with Greg and Scott and it felt a bit more homely to have my Kiwi team and good friends with me. Also, my pedal player Neil Watson added some stunning riffs  from back in New Zealand. The track was then mastered by Ryan Smith at Nashville’s Stirling Sound, who really knows what he’s doing as he masters for Taylor Swift, Adele, Coldplay, Brad Paisley, Bob Dylan – the list goes on and on”, explains Easten.

Recording ‘Kip Moore Smile’ during a cold Welsh winter didn’t put a dampener on the proceedings either. As both Greg and Scott had also worked on her first album Behind Unbroken Strings in New Zealand, the studio sessions were imbued with the familiar vibe of home resulting in a genuinely warm, friendly and fun atmosphere, ultimately reflected in the music.

“We had such a blast when it came time to record KMS, and it really did feel like a bit of a party. We worked into the night in the warm studio while keeping the wintry Welsh air outside! Lots of snacks were had and it was a pretty memorable experience which all added to the overall feel of the track. I am super happy with the finished song, and can’t wait to share it with the world”, said Easten.

The charming Southern country belle has a talent for writing polished modern country tunes that extend across the country-folk-pop genre, and over the past few years has refined and crafted a unique sonic identity to call her own. Possessed of a poetically lyrical viewpoint, Easten blends her heartfelt observations, honest storytelling and memorable melodies together, to invoke connection by sharing comfort in times of sorrow, and bringing joy in times of happiness with her music.

Since becoming a solo artist in 2019, Easten has released a slew of singles most notably the pure county hit ‘Cowboy Lullaby’, followed up by the super-catchy ‘Country Boy’, both off her debut album BEHIND UNBROKEN STRINGS, and both cracking the Official Top 40 Country Music Chart in Australia, reaching #16 and #25 on the Australian charts respectively. Success was also found in the USA, with the music video for ‘Country Boy’ being picked up on the highly popular Country Music Network, MTV, CMT and other top channels.

Easten’s single ‘View From Here’ topped the Tasmanian charts, reaching the #1 spot in 2022, with the accompanying music video voted into the top spot by American viewers on their famous ‘Taste Of Country’ platform for multiple weeks, followed up earlier this year with another stunning track in 'Revelstone'.

Alongside an invitation to judge the prestigious Golden Guitar Awards, upcoming live performances start with a show at Gore’s Tussock Country at the end of the month followed by a national tour through June/July with rising country star Steffany Beck called ‘Hell & Back’, to celebrate the release of Beck’s EP PILLARS.

The two are partnering up on the Saddle Up Sisters Tour, bringing their new original cowgirl country music to the major centres with a full band in tow. So round up  your friends, dust off your boots and saddle up to join them for an unforgettable night of country music at a town near you!

The Advocators Release Debut Album ‘Songs from an Endless Night’

The hillbillies and misfits rejoice as Maungaturoto-based two-piece, The Advocators, release their debut album ‘Songs from an Endless Night’, for independent release.

Songs from an Endless Night was recorded between bitter sou-westerly squalls in a barn-studio out the back of Tomarata. The recordings were supported by William Jackson (Sharpie Crows, Erny Belle), Anita Clark (Motte, The Phoenix Foundation, Nadia Reid). and mastered by Chris Chetland of Kog Studio. 

The album has a sparse, gritty, vintage sound, oscillating between bluegrass country ballads and hostile gospel stomp rock and features the singles ‘Dreams’, ‘Bad Girls’, ‘Elijah’ and ‘Waitin’ Round to Die’ (the latter an abrasive cover of the profound and haunting Townes Van Zandt song)

Flirting with both cynicism and naive hope, the album explores themes of unrequited love, contempt, disillusionment, and redemption.

The songs on the album were written largely in isolation by Leroy Brown (guitar, banjo, and lead vocals) and Mark Bruce (guitar, backing vocals and melodica). The result of this isolation is a singular set of songs with raw emotion and meticulous attention to lyricism. 

Tour dates to all the hillbilly hotspots around New Zealand are set to be announced for later this year, keep an eye on Instagram for further details to come.

SAM BAMBERY RELEASES SOPHOMORE ALBUM ‘RUBRICATOR’

“Rubricator'' the highly anticipated sophomore album from Ōtautahi/Christchurch artist  SAM BAMBERY  has been released. 

“Rubricator'' releases after two years of considered studio work and tours across the motu. Bambery shares “this album felt like an ecstatic jigsaw, pieces coming together in spontaneous takes whilst also holding songs and feelings tightly to our chest. It felt like present music at the time, dominated by process, nothing to do with the past or the future. It was a therapeutic escape at a time where I felt a bit lost as to what direction I should take my songs.”

This 10 track album features hit singles ‘Parasite’, ‘The Burnout’ and most recently ‘24.01’ alongside stunning new tracks ‘Life in Tandem’, ‘Spring’, ‘Tricks of Light’ and lead track ‘Doctor’. 

Bambery was hands-on with every creative aspect of the album, everything from screen printing of vinyl jackets, to manipulating a roll of Super 8 for a music video. “It gives me great pride to be able to say I did a lot of things for the release of this album. There’s a lot of people before me like Chris Knox or Elliot Smith that pursued these things and they are awfully inspiring to me.” 

“Rubricator'' was recorded in houses, old photography studios and lounge rooms across Aotearoa/New Zealand. Bambery’s curiosity for a DIY approach extends into his sound. Listen closely and you can hear experimental sounds of a hot sauce bottle, a broken drum kit recorded with a lot of reverb, vibraphone (the vibrato function was broken so it vibrated via shoestring on the valves), Sony Microcassette recorder (tape manipulated in post) and intercom feature on the album, alongside drums, congas, tambourine, electric, acoustic and baritone guitars, Yamaha organ, korg minilogue synth, lap steel and kalimba. 

“I have the great privilege of having close friends that have either amazing music gear or unbridled creativity within them. Or both. We felt free and playful with all the sounds we had available but also there wasn’t any hesitation. True surrender to whatever sounded good.”

Bambery and Under Underground Records label manager Hannah Everingham are at the helm of a fresh creative community in Ōtautahi / Christchurch, where DIY approaches are like a sort of indie baptism. For Bambery, DIY became a way of expressing new ideas and exploring new identities. “I went from recording with De Stevens on a shady landing in a Grey Lynn flat to spilling out over guitars and synths on the floor of a former photography studio-gone-music studio helmed by Thomas Isbister. Each occurrence making new stitches in Rubricator’s seams” shares Bambery. 

Collaboration and community is at the heart of this album. De Stevens (Marlin’s Dreaming, Asta Rangu)  co-produced the album alongside Bambery, “working with De Stevens in a co-producer role is like working with a stoic magician” says Bambery. “I distinctly remember kneeling on the floor after a day of intense recording, trying to get inside my body again. And there he is, still tracking and listening to what we need to add. I think people will look back in a few years and really marvel at the type of work De puts into the work of Aotearoa-based musicians.” 

Ryan Fisherman and Thomas Isbister (Engineering) Mackenzie Hollebon (Juno Is) on backing vocals, and songwriter Hannah Everingham on single 24.01 all contributed to the album too. 

“There’s nothing like capturing a certain time or place in your life with a piece of art shared amongst friends” says Bambery. 

“From the beginning the process for this album was deeply collaborative. It felt reminiscent of the long-standing kaupapa within my band for the previous years, a potluck of personalities leaving delightful imprints all over. We were on the same page, the whole group of us recording. Although I didn’t have any expectations on what the page should have on it.”

“Rubricator” is an indie-rock record through and through, but is conscious of its own existence. Microcassette recordings and intercom static weaved through the album make it feel as though it’s talking to itself. Jokes, French alphabetisation and self-deprecating humour all have their place. This personal touch feels like an encounter with Bambery’s psyche that leads us through his diverse songwriting palette.

The title “Rubricator” references the maker of rubrics. Bambery explains “The scribe who wrote in red in every medieval text; signifying the rapid change of theme, setting or nuanced articulation across the page. It is named as such because I feel this collection of songs is a change in the way I make music after 2 years of writing and playing in the country-folk vein.” 

Bambery’s 2022 debut "Songs About Sailors" saw him riding a tide of emotionally fraught alt-country, yet, on “Rubricator”, although Bambery’s warped folk tendencies persist, the arrangements breathe more freely. 

Lead track “Doctor” stretches Bambery's palette into a space where gentle electric-folk buzz meets elongated psychedelia, ensnaring his existential and romantic lyricism tightly. The track features jazz-like vibraphone, weighty guitar lines and plenty of percussion echoing the influence of Stereolab. “24.01” leads the listener towards tight indie pop then diverting to lush piano work. The pitched-vocal opening of “Parasite” will remind 90’s indie kids of the irreverence of Pavement’s Silence Kid. The distinctive drums on “Tricks of Light” recontextualise classic trip-hop inclinations. “The Burnout” surf-psychedelia situates itself in classic Aotearoa pop-rock. Bambery reminds us that we live in a postmodern world where nothing is truly new, just our individual expression.

“Rubricator” releases in New Zealand Music Month “the standard of music in Aotearoa is just so high and we should all really celebrate and amplify that” enthuses Bambery. “For me it’s less about releasing in an auspicious month for NZ music and more about being part of this great community. I’m a huge fan of the music that gets made here.”

Sam Bambery will play a Rubricator Album Release Show with Jobs, Holly Kimber, Craigslist Soundsystem (DJ set) on Friday 7th June at Space Academy, Christchurch. Tickets are available from Under The Radar. 

“Rubricator” releases May 17 and is available on all streaming platforms + Limited Edition 12" Vinyl - Translucent Red available via bandcamp 

Listen to Rubricator here