Adam Hattaway Releases New Single + Video 'High Horse' + 7" Vinyl with b-side 'She's Gone'

Adam Hattaway has released a new single and video today. 'High Horse' produced by hometown friend Marlon Williams is a track that carries a hint of country, accented by cowbell and rancher hats and features vocals by Tāmaki Makaurau's Erny Belle. 

After the release of Anthology 2018-2023, this promises a new sound from the band. 
''We’ve always strived to make simple catchy music covered in stringy noodles of distortion. I think we get the closest we’ve gotten thus far to the sound we hear in our heads with High Horse''

Hattaway’s vocal melody is infectious and fun while reflecting his journey of searching for answers and singing to those who still don’t know what they are looking for. 

Today's release comes accompanied by another Marlon Williams directed video featuring no shortage of denim, cowboy hats, cleaning and Hattaway and Jones' on screen chemistry.

High Horse is available on 7" vinyl with b-side 'She's Gone'via Leather Jacket Records.

Order High Horse 7" on Bandcamp

Hattaway and his band The Haunters are playing two live shows
in celebration of the release. 

July 25th
Auckland - Wine Cellar
w/ Milan Borich

July 27th
Christchurch - The Wunderbar
w/ Just Janie

Tickets at Under The Radar
Unwaged and waged tickets available

ADAM HATTAWAY ONLINE
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp
Follow: Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

ERIN G RETURNS WITH PRODUCER EL! ON NEW RELEASE ORDIMASU

The sky’s the limit for Erin G as she returns with electronic producer El! on their track - Ordimasu. The duo, who first met years ago at Rockquest, have maintained a strong musical partnership, consistently supporting each other's creative endeavours. Now, they are ready to share a song that has long been in their possession. This track combines electronic synths with indie alternative vocals and uplifting beats, showcasing Erin and Eli’s diverse musical influence and unique voice creating a truly distinctive experience for her listeners.

Stemming from a multi-instrumental background, Erin G isn’t defined by one particular sound or movement, cultivating her genre-bending tracks, delving into Indie and Drum and Bass paving her way with great success. Since debuting, she has been collaborating with artists all over NZ, recently featuring on EMWA’s ‘Show Me The Way’, which earned praise from influential figures like Zane Lowe, Apple Music's creative director, calling it 'a f***ing heatrock' on George FM.

El! Is a producer whose work is characterized by its innovative use of synthetic and acoustic instruments, often incorporating field recordings, ambient textures, and live instrumentation to craft richly layered compositions.

Together, Erin G and El! are set to deliver a truly distinctive musical experience with "Ordimasu," blending their respective talents to create a fresh and memorable track. Stay tuned for this exciting release, as Erin and Eli continue to push the boundaries of their musical artistry.

In anticipation of this release…
Two self funded and directed visualisers will be premiered on YouTube and Instagram offering a visual and auditory experience of this song

Dillastrate release stunning and personal new waiata ‘Māwherangi’

Ōtautahi legends Dillastrate have today released a special new waiata, ‘Māwherangi’.

Listen to/download ‘Māwherangi’ HERE

The new waiata has emerged following a run of heavy-hitting waiata reo Māori releases, including ‘Ko Tātou Te Ahi’ (selected as the international theme song for New Zealand Cricket (Black Caps and White Ferns), Hot 20 NZ Singles, RadioScope Te Reo Māori & Alt, Waiata Anthems, Te Māngai Pāho), which Rolling Stone AUS/NZ featured as a “Song You Need To Know”. ‘Māwherangi’ is another release that showcases what incredible artists Dillastrate’s Henare ‘H‘ Kaa (lead vocals/drums) and Tim Driver (keys/bass synth/loops/vocals) are.

Connecting with Dillastrate’s background as stalwart writers and session musicians in the New Zealand roots scene, the track captures an uptempo reggae flavour, filtered through a modern production approach. The waiata balances warm keyboard layers against a dense and heavy rhythm section, with H’s voice soaring above and carrying the narrative of the waiata. The sonic landscape serves as a hat tip to the reggae/roots music that has inspired and underpinned Dillastrate’s musical journey to-date.

'Māwherangi' is about social disconnection and the importance of looking out and caring for those lost souls that just can’t seem to find their way back into the fold. It tells the story of the hawk soaring through the skies that, while a taonga and a majestic creature, carries a burden of loneliness that cannot be easily shaken. Through the narrative, the listener witnesses the journey of the hawk and connects with its flight through empty skies as it searches for its identity and home. Made with support from Te Māngai Pāho, the waiata also took inspiration from the band’s kaupapa and mission to support and uplift te ao Māori.

A forthcoming video to accompany the kaupapa of the waiata is also set to be released in the coming weeks – stay tuned for more details!

Born from the late great Aaron Tokona’s Ahoribuzz, Dillastrate have been making waves since the release of their 2017 EP, BLACK DIAMOND. ‘Māwherangi’ joins previous releases 'Taku Ngākau' (Te Māngai Pāho) and previous release ‘Ko Tātou Te Ahi’ (theme song for international New Zealand Cricket, Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Te Reo Māori & Alt Charts, Te Māngai Pāho) as fantastic addition in their quest to uplift te ao Māori, joining bilingual hit ‘Party In My Head’ (Tāwara Ana), and waiata ‘Taku Aroha’ (RadioScope Te Reo Māori Chart, NZOA, Te Māngai Pāho). It is also joining other recent releases - pop hit ‘I’m Crazy’ (Hot 20 NZ Singles, NZ on Air New Tracks) and single ‘Way To Flow’ (NZOA NewTracks). As well as recording artists, their experience as live musicians include extensive festival, headline and support tours - seeing the duo playing repeatedly to crowds of over 20,000. A live Dillastrate performance is a finely-tuned and explosive experience that can transform entire venue crowds from stationery to dancing-their-asses-off in a matter of seconds. They’ve featured on national TV, commercial, iwi and alternative radio, boast a strong digital presence, and have placed in both the Official NZ Top 20 Singles and RadioScope charts multiple times. With much more on its way, Dillastrate are always ones to watch!

'Māwherangi' was made thanks to funding made available by Te Māngai Pāho. Produced by Connor Jaine (Mako Road, No Cigar) at CJ's Studio, Ashburton, and mastered by Benny Tones at Organik Muzik Workz, Wellington. Pitching and publicity services were provided by Acts Agency, with additional support from FiveAM Music. Distributed by Waave. Cover art by Paris Tutty Design.             

Listen to/download ‘Māwherangi’ HERE

Find Dillastrate

Facebook |Instagram | Website | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Indie-Rockers Fan Club Release Debut EP, Towards the Sun

New Zealand indie-rock band Fan Club proudly announces the release of their highly-anticipated debut EP, "Towards the Sun". This exciting collection of songs, produced by Andrew Isdale, has been made possible through support from SmokeFree RockQuest, NZ on Air, and proceeds from the band's dynamic live shows.

Fans will be treated to three brand-new tracks from the EP:

• "Beach Weather": Written during the height of the New Zealand summer, this song features a bouncy beach-rock vibe perfect for any summer playlist.

• "Sedate": An instant indie classic about an unhealthy relationship with a narcissistic individual. Lead singer Emma Wagner co-wrote this track with Jesse Sheehan and Bella Bavin as part of the NZ on Air's New Music Development scheme. It blends dynamic shifts and a mix of heavy and pop sounds with a playfully punk edge.

• "DYK (Do You Know)": A hauntingly angry song about a doomed relationship, inspired by Radiohead's "My Iron Lung" with its glitchy guitars and dissonant harmonies.

Recorded at Big Fan, Parachute, and Tom Broome studios,  previously released tracks include:

• “No Caller ID” (2023)- made possible by SmokeFree RockQuest (Top 30 finalist): This track was mixed and mastered by Seattle legend Barrett Jones.

•  “Westbound” (2023) made possible by a NZ on Air New Music Single grant.

• “Rough”, a fan-favourite. 

This compelling collection of six songs will be available worldwide on all digital platforms on July 12th. To celebrate the EP release, Fan Club will headline a gig at Big Fan on July 14th.

About Fan Club

Fan Club, a four-piece band from Auckland, has been making waves in the local indie-rock scene. They won the 2023 Auckland Regional Final of the SmokeFree RockQuest and placed second in the AJ Hackett “Live More, Fear Less” Competition. Known for their dynamic and engaging live performances, they have opened for notable acts such as Ekko Park, Double Parked, Coast Arcade, and recently Borderline at The Tuning Fork, where they were joined by special guests Frankie Venter and Spencer Coyle.

The band is set to headline their EP Release Party at Big Fan on July 14th, 2024. This all-ages event will also feature special guests The Boondocks and Kliff’s, promising to be a must-attend show for fans of indie rock.

Pre-save "Towards the Sun" here: https://music.drm.co.nz/towards-the-sun

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