GOODWILL - SINGLE GONER OUT NOW
Winegum Records is thrilled to welcome Goodwill (Will McGillivray) to the label’s roster. The Ōtautahi based songwriter/producer today releases Goner, their first single for 2024.
Winegum Records is thrilled to welcome Goodwill (Will McGillivray) to the label’s roster. The Ōtautahi based songwriter/producer today releases Goner, their first single for 2024.
Goner opens with an intimate vocal musing half-consciously over a gentle synth, pausing idly to catch it’s breath. Playing masterfully with silence and space, McGillivray stops the listener in their tracks with a bold and stunning balance between stark and lush. At its crescendo, Goner is rich with tension as his overlapping vocals pledge ‘I won’t be a Goner’.
Inspired by a trip to LA, Goner reflects on some odd interactions and observations of what it takes to commit to yourself: “I was in Los Angeles for a bit... I met this guy there who told me he was definitely gonna be a billionaire one day, and as random aside, an Uber driver there also told me that a billion people lived in LA. It was a weird time.
“There are constant opportunities to settle for less or become overly-comfortable, it can take a lot of swimming against the tide to keep at it with anything that feels challenging.”
Goner is Goodwill’s first musical offering for 2024 and will be the opening track on his yet-to-be-announced debut album, due later in the year via Winegum Records.
Goodwill is the solo project of award-nominated producer and songwriter Will McGillivray. Leaning into a love of dissonant guitars, droning analog synths, grainy lo-fi and longing melody, Goodwill’s music is thoughtful and honest. He has worked with esteemed Aotearoa artists such as There’s a Tuesday and Mousey, meanwhile using Goodwill as the vehicle for his own creative output.
Following the release of debut EP ‘Incontrol’ featuring singles ‘Get Angry’, ‘Getting Better’ and ‘Clinging Onto You’ Goodwill’s sound earned him an instant nomination for ‘Best New Artist’ at the Rolling Stone NZ Awards, multiple Top 3 chart placements on the Hot NZ Singles chart, countless top spots on over 17 significant international Spotify editorial playlists, over 700,000 streams, extensive radio play in New Zealand and Australia, and an article in the August AU + NZ Rolling Stone Issue.
Inspired by artists like Alex G and Bon Iver, Goodwill’s upcoming debut record (due October 2024) is an indie/alternative full-length LP with songs from the last 2 years of writing since the completion of Goodwill’s self-produced 2022 EP ‘Incontrol’. Touching on themes of gratitude, luck and commitment, Goodwill shakes off the angst and dissonance from ‘Incontrol’ to bring the light at the end of the tunnel to the forefront of the writing.
Huia - Tīaho aho
This music elements of a slinky baseline and beautiful snares, flow into many genres. In full te reo Māori with a bilingual version on the way, TĪAHO AHO is an aural exploration of electro trap, world and chill fusion with stacked harmonies.
TĪAHO - to shine
AHO - 3. (noun) line of descent, genealogy.
This waiata is about shining bright, just as you are and sharing that mana.
This music elements of a slinky baseline and beautiful snares, flow into many genres. In full te reo Māori with a bilingual version on the way, TĪAHO AHO is an aural exploration of electro trap, world and chill fusion with stacked harmonies.
This is the second waiata from KAWAKAWA album project dropping a new waiata Māori every 6 weeks.
Huia’s style has been coined ‘future Māori Music’ and with this beat by Rei, TIĀHO AHO reflects her music's latest travels to Vidi aka Fiji and Tkaronto (Toronto, Canada) for the International Indigenous Music Summit in Turtle island with HŪHĀ Music networks.
Huia’s music is travelling through the Indigenous music networks, with her last release WAKA HUIA hitting #1 on Ethnocloud (World Music Charts), Student radio (Te Ahi Kā - RDU #1) and the alt version featuring Meta_ from Portugal - V2.
This project is beautifully recorded, mixed and mastered at Kog studio by Chris Chetland, supported by Te Māngai Pāho and kupu Māori by Lois McIver.
Stay tuned for an audio/visual experience, filmed in Aotearoa and Lautoka, Fiji.
For more info please go to - www.iamhuia.com/tiahoaho // LYRICS
L.A. Mitchell returns with reflective new single, ‘Glove’
Õtautahi-based Aotearoa artist L.A. Mitchell (Lauren Barus / Terrible Sons) has today released her introspective and driving new single ‘Glove’.
Listen to ‘Glove’ HERE
Õtautahi-based Aotearoa artist L.A. Mitchell (Lauren Barus / Terrible Sons) has today released her introspective and driving new single ‘Glove’.
An ethereal blend of alternative songwriting and pulsing dance rhythms, ‘Glove’ is L.A. Mitchell’s return to the solo spotlight after a decade of working with some of Aotearoa’s most celebrated artists.
She’s toured, written and performed with the likes of Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Tim Finn, Anna Coddington, Sola Rosa, and Dukes, and performed support for Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Guy Sebastian. Just recently, she was a member of the Bill Withers Social Club alongside Troy Kingi & Dallas Tamaira on their sold-out tour, and was a finalist for the 2024 Best Folk Artist award at the AMAs for her work with husband Matt Barus in Terrible Sons. Now, a decade from her last solo release, it is once again time for the world to bask in the music of L.A. Mitchell. Unpacking concepts of identity and purpose, ‘Glove’ asks big questions appropriate for an artist of such timeless talent and considerable contribution to Aotearoa music.
“‘Glove’ weighs up these two themes of ‘I can do anything I set my mind to’ and ‘the spiritual pursuit of purpose’,” says Lauren. “I’m wrestling with the conflict and distance between the two - what if it’s your purpose, but you don’t win at it?”
Co-written with fellow celebrated Aotearoa artist Anna Coddington, the track was recorded between Lauren’s home in Addington and Diamond Harbour, Ōtautahi, with production and mixing from Mark Perkins and mastering by Brock McFarlane and CPS.
Also being shared is a short visualiser made alongside Naomi Hausmann and Loren-Jaclyn Kett, with dance choreography from Julia McKurrow. The visual aims to solidify the intense feelings behind the songwriting process of ‘Glove’ - where there is a tussle between two opposites expressed through movement - the restrictive where things are happening to you without a sense of choice, versus the wider expression of movement and freedom of choice.
Watch the visualiser HERE
“The weight of my songwriting has been in the observation of emotion, and my difficulty in comprehending myself as separate from what I feel,” says Lauren. “This song is straddling ‘the felt’ and ‘the real’, as if they are separate.”
With a myriad of honest songwriting on the way for listeners to enjoy, reflective of an extensive career in New Zealand music, L.A. Mitchell is back and here to stay!
Find L.A. Mitchell
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Pōneke-based Tavita & Bay Road deliver uplifting and cruisy new single + video ‘Celebrate Life’ + announce debut EP!
Aotearoa soul, funk and roots group Tavita & Bay Road have today released ‘Celebrate Life’ - another new single from their upcoming debut self-titled EP!
Listen HERE
Watch HERE
Aotearoa soul, funk and roots group Tavita & Bay Road have today released ‘Celebrate Life’ - another new single from their upcoming debut self-titled EP!
Oozing summer vibes in the depths of winter, Pōneke-based Tavita De Seymour (Weave) has made his electric return after a hiatus from the Aotearoa music scene, with new project Tavita & Bay Road! Hailing from the multicultural city of Porirua, Tavita draws inspiration from his Samoan and Pākehā heritage, the beautiful surrounds of Titahi Bay, family, and his experiences as a mental health practitioner. Now, Tavita & Bay Road have spent the last two years cultivating a seamless blend of funk, soul, reggae, blues and folk music.
Today’s smooth new single, and exciting announcement, follow the group’s debut single ‘Lay it Down’ - which saw love from across the motu (Radio Active, Radio Control, JUICE TV, The Most FM, Sun FM, Flash-Trax).
“The song hints at the transient nature of life and our struggle to find happiness,” explains Tavita. “It suggests that the one thing that can give us hope, meaning and grounding in this vast, mysterious universe - is love.”
With an uplifting message of connecting with friends and whānau in times of need, the calming new single combines Tavita’s soulful vocals and lyrics, with Bay Road’s smooth and reggae-influenced instrumentation. ‘Celebrate Life’ was first written 15 years ago by Tavita as a tribute to a close family member that had passed, before being brought to life with the band two years ago, and then completed alongside Toby Lloyd - Tiny Triumph Recordings, who produced and engineered the track.
Also released today is a gorgeous new music video that captures the essence of a kiwi summer and young love. Created alongside celebrated Aotearoa director Chris Graham (‘Sione’s Wedding’, Scribe, Trinity Roots), the cinematic video was shot at Piha in hopes of creating a “coming of age portrait of kiwi teenagers today, capturing genuine moments of these kids just being themselves - vulnerable and authentically who they actually are.”
A stunning reflection on life, love and loss, today’s release provides an exciting insight as to what fans can expect from Tavita & Bay Road’s debut EP - out August 9!
Having already made such a mark on Aotearoa with their debut, there’s no doubt that listeners across the country are ready for the sweet sounds of Tavita & Bay Road!
Find Tavita & Bay Road
Psycho Gab share lush and infectious debut EP, CRAZY TALK + focus single ‘Masterpiece’
Step into the world of Psycho Gab - the chart-topping Aotearoa neo-soul collective have just dropped their damn good debut EP CRAZY TALK!
Listen HERE
Step into the world of Psycho Gab - the chart-topping Aotearoa neo-soul collective have just dropped their damn good debut EP CRAZY TALK!
A mix of smooth and chaotic jazz and r&b, this 6-track EP is a well-curated and magical debut from Rosetta Stone (vocals), Orlando Cooper (bass, production), Caleb Wong (keyboards, production), Max Henley (guitar) and Finn Mcneill (drums).
“It's our debut body of work!” exclaims Rosetta. “A cocktail of our individual influences and styles, it documents how those styles collide into a sound that none of us would reach on our own. It’s the chaotic and exciting reality of five full-time students, with lots on the go, making music together. It’s also a reflection of our community - all those in Aotearoa music who inspire and support us.”
With themes of navigating young relationships, codependency, taking in the world around you, and being resilient when things don’t go to plan - the release of CRAZY TALK follows the success of Psycho Gab’s 2023 debut single ‘Messy’ (Radioscope, SRN), and more recently, singles ‘Gabben’ (SRN Top 10, #1 Radio Active Top 11) and ‘Pianomen’ (NZOA NewTracks, #1 SRN Top 10, RDU Top 10, Radio Active Top 11).
Joining these singles is the group's dreamy and romantic new single ‘Masterpiece’ - a song that contemplates the beginning of a relationship. “Falling in love with your best friend is so inconvenient and risky and off-script, but happens so naturally it's pretty much impossible to avoid,” says Rosetta. “It first came to me as an acapella melody, before Caleb reharmonized the chords and we went through lots of different versions before settling on the lush RnB slow jam.”
CRAZY TALK was written, recorded and mixed across Psycho Gab’s flats, Caleb and Orlando’s home studio - Bilbo’s Clubhouse, BIG FAN (during Caleb’s residency) and The Lab recording studio with award-winning engineer Olly Harmer.
“All of our songs are entirely self-produced, mixed and mastered, which has felt really important to upholding the integrity of our sound and that ‘stream of consciousness,’” explains Rosetta. “We’re blessed to have a lovely community of talented musicians through the UoA School of Music. Our mates Iggy Palmero Epstein (percussion) and James Dawes (saxophone) jumped on ‘Orchid Samba’, and we couldn’t have made the EP without the help and support of Olly at The Lab. He’s an absolute legend, and put up with our antics to get a bunch of live instrumentation done for ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Orchid Samba’ and ‘Pianomen’ - giving us the beautiful live sound we needed to make the tracks feel true to us.”
To celebrate the release of CRAZY TALK, Psycho Gab are heading on tour!
Tāmaki Makaurau - July 13 @ Whammy Bar w/ Zola Nova + SPDRTWNBBY - tickets @ UTR
Pōneke - July 25 @ Rogue and Vagabond w/ Groove Council + Veg Trio - koha entry
Pōneke - July 26 @ Meow w/ Doma Cyno + Crumbly Jack - tickets @ Moshtix
Ōtautahi - July 27 @ Darkroom w/ Tay Renee + Chicks From Corea - tickets @ UTR
Barely a year old, Psycho Gab have already received great local support from radio, industry and fans alike. Their growing fanbase also come from the band’s year of electric live performances - including being semi-finalists at Dig The Gig Auckland, and finalists at Burgerfuel Battle of the Bands. Now is definitely the time to press play on CRAZY TALK and jump aboard the Psycho Gab tour train!
Find Psycho Gab
Serebii Live: An evening ‘Inside’
After a two year hiatus from performance Serebii returns to the world of live music for a very special evening in Tāmaki Makaurau, featuring tracks from his 2023 debut album ‘Inside’.
After a two year hiatus from performance Serebii returns to the world of live music for a very special evening in Tāmaki Makaurau, featuring tracks from his 2023 debut album ‘Inside’. Since the album's debut, Serebii has been immersed in his studio in Titirangi, experimenting with various musical processes while undoubtedly developing a more refined sound. Now, accompanied by a dexterous troupe of musicians he promises an evening filled with warmth and groove. Opening up the evening with soulful articulation and harmonic intricacies the wonderful Elisa will be performing original music.
Tickets Available Via UnderTheRadar: HERE
Serebii has worked alongside artists such as Leisure, Arjuna Oakes and Dr. Reknaw. He has played the festival and touring circuits in New Zealand including opening for Moonchild & Allen Stone alongside Arjuna Oakes. In 2021 and 2022 he released collaborations through LA-based record label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah-Las). His 2021 release ‘First Nights’ debuted at #5 on KCRW's top 30 Albums chart and has had extensive play on BBC6 and BBC1xtra.
Listen to 'Inside': https://spoti.fi/3Lczpge
Follow Serebii: https://bit.ly/3VPePY8
Arli Liberman presents Portal
Critically acclaimed musician and film composer Arli Liberman announces the release of his new 9 track album titled 'Portal' - out now on all platforms.
Critically acclaimed musician and film composer Arli Liberman announces the release of his new 9 track album titled 'Portal' - out now on all platforms.
Arli is known for his evocative, boundary pushing atmospheric soundscapes, that effortlessly blur the lines between vision and sound. With Portal he extends this auditory journey, discovering subsonic textures and exploring those subtle sound spaces that fall between the notes.
Reflecting on the evolution of his music, Liberman shares, “Portal has been a slow-cooking project. Initially, it manifested as a breakup album, but it turned out to be a much more pure and personal undertaking. It morphed into a process of creating shifting frequencies, transitioning the listener between spaces - somewhat akin to passing through sonic portals.”
Portal has been a long time in the making with initial composition and recordings beginning with engineer Rich Bryan at Bigpop studios. Following an extended hiatus those earlier laid foundations were dusted off and the creation process re-ignited in 2022 - and completed the album's tracks in early 2024 - with Jacob Rush and Chris van de Geer at Drake Street studios in Tāmaki Makaurau. The album was mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri at Black Knoll studio in New York, USA.
Portal is a captivating auditory experience that transcends traditional genres, weaving together lush orchestral style arrangements infused with ambience, depth and emotive intention. Each track invites listeners to enter into a different sonic realm, exploring the profound intersections between sound, passion, and imagination. "The sonic portals are more like reflections of personal life lessons and challenges I have encountered over the last decade. It reflects my ongoing journey of personal and artistic growth whilst experimenting with different emotions and expressions," Liberman explains.
Creating Portal has been a sincerely introspective journey for Liberman. The album explores themes of transition, migration and loss, - which generously provide the foundations for these portals to open which presents new opportunities and phases in life - delving deeply into core concepts of change and renewal. “One of the lessons I learnt is to openly embrace change and evolution. My perspectives and tastes have expanded since I started work on this album, so it's about absorbing that expansion rather than dwelling solely on lingering past experiences.”
Liberman’s artistic evolutions are abundantly perceptible through every note of this album. He has deftly crafted a sound that is both universally relatable and deeply personal. It is a true testament of Liberman's ability to evoke powerful emotions and stories without words. “It's challenging without lyrics or a script, but I focus on abstract sensations and experiences. I build layers of sound that evoke these emotions, creating immersive worlds that listeners can relate to on a deeper individual level.”
Portal's storytelling is primarily achieved through the intricate layering of Liberman's exquisite musicianship but it also introduces vocal textures, provided by avant-garde producer Missy (Abigail Knudson) on the song ‘Sentience’ and Coco-Grace Kora on ‘Portal’.
Liberman elaborates on his creative process, stating, “When creating a piece about falling in love or appreciating the beauty of our environment, I don’t think about the object itself but the sensation in my body. I try to experience it in the most abstract ways possible. Each layer of sound has orbit qualities, creating a wide world full of particles where everything can go anywhere at any time.”
Notable visual collaborations include Australian aerial photographer/artist Paul Hoelen (who contributed the stunning cover art image), and acclaimed VFX and Flame artist Puck Murphy who created the visualiser for the song ‘Sentience’. With visuals created and generated wholy in response to the music - presenting an understated yet intensely beautiful masterclass in ‘action/reaction’. “Puck is an incredibly talented artist I've known for years. His visuals expand the world of Portal, creating temporary realities that encourage imaginative exploration, akin to a playground of sights and sounds.”
Portal is Arli Liberman’s third artist release within the Bigpop label family. It follows Fata Morgana (2015) and Allegra (2016).
Liberman is celebrated not only for his solo work but is also in high demand as a screen composer. His distinctive approach to sound-making enriches storytelling by bringing emotional soundscapes to life, uniquely tailored for each project.
As a screen composer, Arli has worked on a wide range of films, including scoring Sam Kelly's acclaimed gang movie 'Savage', which earned him the 2021 APRA award for Best Original Music in a Film. He scored 'Stylebender', a documentary directed by Zoe MacIntosh about Israel Adesanya - which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival 2023. Most recently he has composed the score, with Tiki Taane, for the historical Māori drama ‘Ka Whawhai Tonu’ directed by Mike Jonathan. Liberman is currently working on the score for the film 'Kōkā' directed by Kath Akuhata-Brown.
Portal is out now, via Aotearoa’s independent label Bigpop Records. Listeners can expect a mesmerising journey into the evocative world of Arli Liberman.
Louis TM 'I Thought It Was Love'
From backing the likes of Ria Hall, Barnaby Weir, Laughton Kora and many more over the years on the keys, the first single off Louis TM's upcoming debut album arrives today.
From backing the likes of Ria Hall, Barnaby Weir, Laughton Kora and many more over the years on the keys, the first single off Louis TM's upcoming debut album arrives Friday 12th July. Inspired by modern soul revival, classic soul cannon, R&B, funk and indie, Louis TM brings his unique style of soul from Aotearoa New Zealand to the world. Recorded with the authentic soul approach with legendary (Dr.) Lee Prebble of The Surgery (The Black Seeds, Phoenix Foundation) and mastered by JJ Golden in Ventura California (Black Pumas, Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley) this release is the first off his upcoming first full length album released on Diver Records.
“Louis is a force to be reckoned with on Aotearoa’s incredible soul scene” - Muzic.net.nz
I Thought it was Love - single out now on all digital platforms. Full length album coming soon on digital and vinyl release.