ASCENDING SOUTHERN COUNTRY STAR MIRANDA EASTEN UNVEILS MOVING NEW SINGLE ‘SHADE OF BLACK’

NEW ALBUM CONCRETE & HONEY DUE OUT LATER THIS MONTH

Talented Ōtautahi singer-songwriter MIRANDA EASTEN reveals affecting new song ‘SHADE OF BLACK’, a powerful internal narrative on the long shadows of anxiety and depression. 

STREAM ‘SHADE OF BLACK’  HERE

Reflecting the inner turbulence and vulnerability inherent when one is in an emotionally fragile state of mind, ‘Shade Of Black’ is a candid and introspective inner dialogue set to foster a sense of connection with listeners due to Easten’s honest and relatable lyrics.

An emotionally resonant song, ‘Shade Of Black’ is a reminder that music can be a strong antidote as a therapeutic ally, as Easten’s confessional lyrics give solace by articulating an optimistic message that offers a safe refuge and soft place to land.
Recorded at Roundhead Studios and produced by Greg Haver, ‘Shade of Black’ is the latest track off her upcoming sophomore album CONCRETE & HONEY due out at the end of this month. It follows on from the addictive and sassy country-pop banger ‘Kip Moore Smile’.

A high-production, emotionally charged anthem that delves deep into the realms of anxiety and depression, ‘Shade Of Black’ articulates a theme of mental anguish with powerful lyrics and an evocative melody, capturing the raw struggles and triumphs of battling inner demons.

Says Easten: “The lyrics will resonate with anyone who has faced these twin challenges. ‘Shade of Black’ is a journey through the shadows, offering a glimpse of hope and understanding into this common struggle which is often unspoken of. Hopefully it offers some comfort and understanding in times of need, a sonic haven for the listener during their silent struggles.”

The charming Southern country belle has just completed a national tour with fellow country artist Steffany Beck, wowing fans old and new across the motu. Her talent for writing polished modern country tunes that extend across the country-folk-pop genre has garnered her a growing fan base, and over the past few years she 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.

RISING TALENT KARRA RHODES DROPS EMOTIVE AND INSPIRING SINGLE ‘TELL ME MAMA’

Ōtautahi Christchurch singer-songwriter KARRA RHODES delivers an inspiring and empowering release with new track ‘Tell Me Mama’.

STREAM ‘TELL ME MAMA’ HERE                                                                  

Aōtearoa-based Scottish-born Karra Rhodes is an exciting rising talent on the scene. An accomplished songwriter with a special flair for pouring her emotions and melodies into every song and lyric, Karra’s music resonates with authenticity and depth.

A masterfully crafted and emotive single, ‘Tell Me Mama’ features an intimate piano melody that wraps around Karra’s impressive vocal range and emotional depth that has you feeling as though you’re in the room with her. Karra’s ability to convey raw passion through her lyrics and inflection has never been quite as prominent as it is in this song. This captivating track, selected as one of the finalists for the prestigious MLT Song Writing Award, is sure to become a playlist favourite.

For Karra, the personal sentiment in ‘Tell Me Mama’ moved her to get more involved in supporting causes important to her, and she has decided to donate 100% of proceeds of all streaming royalties from her upcoming debut album for one year to go towards domestic violence charity Shine.

In a truly collaborative move, Karra’s music publishers Big Pop Publishing will also match any royalties donated by Karra, as an extension of her support of domestic violence victims and her pledge to Shine.

Say Karra: “As I prepare to crowd-fund for my debut album, I want to honour the support I receive by paying it forward. It doesn't sit right with me asking for support without giving something back. A few of the songs in the album touch on domestic violence and I feel that Shine is a dedicated organisation that truly helps and supports victims. I want to start to get more involved with learning how to support causes such as these, and this seems like the best starting point.”

Aōtearoa-based Scottish-born Karra is an exciting rising talent on the scene. An accomplished songwriter with a special flair for pouring her emotions and melodies into every song and lyric, Rhodes’ music resonates with authenticity and depth.

A natural storyteller, Karra weaves a compelling narrative in ‘Tell Me Mama’ about a mother who overcame an unhappy childhood and past hurts to create a better life for her children. Dedicated to her own mother, this heartfelt song is sure to give listeners goose-bumps and resonate with those breaking generational cycles.

A theme of breaking free and making a brave fresh start is clear as she sings: “…Caught up in a freight train that some would call home… Growing up never feeling loved was all she’d known…. Just 18, ticket in hand, one way, there’s no second chance… She got out of there, and she never looked back.”

Behind the scenes, award-winning music producer Greg Haver lends his considerable production expertise to the mix, ensuring that ‘Tell Me Mama’ hits all the right notes. The collaboration with the highly acclaimed Haver strikes a harmonious balance between modernity and timelessness, with the resulting unique and emotionally resonant sound solidifying ‘Tell Me Mama’ as a standout addition to the country-pop landscape.

Karra is set to turn heads and make a solid mark with ‘Tell Me Mama’, and this single is the third exciting sneak peek into Rhodes’ debut album. Ready to carve her path in the industry, her perfect amalgam of magnetic tunes and highly relatable lyrics has industry ears excited, clearly makes her one to watch!

NZ musicians band together to bring positivity through music

As tough economic times and cold winter weather take a toll on people's spirits, kiwi lads Ant Tarrant and Matt Bizzle have teamed up to bring some much-needed joy with their latest single, "This is an Emergency." This funky, high-energy track is a fun and light-hearted response to the current challenges, encouraging everyone to dance, have fun, and forget their worries, even if it’s just for a moment.

Blending Ant's feel-good pop vibe with Matt's disco-infused house sound, "This is an Emergency" features vibrant guitar riffs, soulful saxophone solos, and dynamic synths. The playful lyrics emphasize the urgent need to dance, creating a groove that is bound to get people moving.

Both artists are known for their live performances both locally and internationally and have played at major festivals, supporting top acts like Six60, Example, and Netsky as well as major international sync placements. Their combined creative force make "This is an Emergency" a soon to be banger, perfect for playing on repeat, and a much needed hit of happiness during these challenging times.

"This is an Emergency" is now available on all major streaming platforms

LEON Releases New Single "Just One Thing" Featuring Mukukā

LEON unveils his latest single, ‘Just One Thing,’ featuring Mukukā. The track, a dance anthem produced by LEON, combines infectious beats with a thought-provoking message. Released on 5 July, the single was also featured in the latest episode of the popular American TV series "Walker" (Episode 69).

The song explores the facades people maintain and the limitations of projecting a 'picture perfect' image. "It's a bit of a rebellion against the social media mindsets prevalent today," LEON says. "Authenticity and dependability matter more. The song questions, 'Who are you trying to deceive? You can hide it from yourself, but you can’t hide it from me.”

LEON describes the creative process as organic and inspired. "I wanted to create a track perfect for a party, with the right mix of simplicity, ear candy, and a catchy hook," he explains. "But beyond the upbeat vibe, I wanted to address a deeper theme."

This is the second release from LEON featuring Mukukā, and listeners can expect more exciting releases from the two artists in the future.

LEON

LEON is the solo moniker of Auckland-based singer, multi-instrumentalist and product wizard behind Flying Nun crew Ghost Wave, Matthew L. Paul.

After the release of the deeply reflective "Cherry" in 2021, Matt went deep into the world of songwriting and production, sketching a fresh batch of tunes while still finding time to deliver a colourful, dubbed-out falsetto croon of Julien Dyne's afro-jazz/house track GRL (Modes, Soundway 2021). 

With that library of tunes in his back pocket, LEON started to collaborate with a cohort of like-minded, independent artists, releasing ‘Sunshine’ with Mukukā and ‘Dream Of You’ with Wellington vocalist, Mads Taylor in 2023.

With a slew of synchs under his belt, his latest single "Just One Thing" with Mukukā was most recently featured on finale of American TV series "Walker" (Episode 69) 

Mukukā

Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, New Zealand) songstress Mukukā, has an extraordinary ability to flow through to the core of her listener’s emotions with her smooth soulful angelic voice. Her effervescent soul, and effortless melodies reveal an artist who’s had music flowing through her veins for as long as she can remember. Mukukā describes herself as a lover of art in all of its forms. 

Mukukā likes to think of her sound as “that feeling you get on lazy Sunday morning with nothing to do, sitting in the bath with a glass of wine musing on the days gone by.” Her siren-esq voice imbues her music with a comforting easy charm, carrying the energy of a bygone era - which is clear to see when you look at some of her influences (Aṣa, Solange, Marvin Gaye, Lauryn Hill, Sara Bareilles, and Lianne La Havas).

Find LEON and Mukukā HERE

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.  

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

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’

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!

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

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