BASS PLAYER MIKE HALL ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM ‘NOTHING STANDS STILL’

A late night car break-in was the catalyst for the debut solo album from Pluto bass player Mike Hall.

When a hard drive containing seven years’ worth of songwriting and home recordings disappeared from the people mover one night, the disappointment was immense – until his friend, music producer Jol Mulholland pointed out that no-one was ever going to hear the material anyway, right?  Challenge laid down. 

Mike decided that maybe it was time to commit some of those lost tunes to vinyl – the ones he could remember anyway.  The result is this album ‘Nothing Stands Still’, recorded over the last couple of years at the Oven.

Although he started off his career as lead singer in a punk rock band, nineties hardcore darlings Balance, Mike Hall has since made a solid career as a bass player.  As well as touring and recording with his own band Pluto, he’s played with the likes of Anna Coddington, SJD, Mulholland, Tami Neilson, Dimmer, Finn Andrews, The Bads, Tim Finn, Nightchoir, The Brunettes and more - as well as sessioning on whoever needs bass or double bass.

Recently Mike has also been part of the hugely popular Liberty Stage Come Together Band, bashing out classic rock albums to huge sold-out crowds around Aotearoa NZ.  So, it made sense to pull some favours from his mates for this album. Jol Mulholland played the bulk of guitars and drums, with Brett Adams guesting on guitar on a track, Matthias Jordan on a number of songs playing keys and Alistair Deverick on drums for a couple of tracks. The nine tracks ranging from everyday observations to interior monologues. There are tunes about family and life and feelings. All the feelings.

Hall’s ambitions for this record?  Simply to get it out into the world, so that some good can come from that stolen hard drive back in 2018. So, to the car thieves: cheers! But if you did ever want to return the hard drive, maybe there could be a second album.  

NOTHING STANDS STILL album out Friday 16 August
Vinyl & Digital pre-order
Album pre save

Coast Arcade make fiery return with angsty new single + video ‘Baited’!

Listen to ‘Baited’ HERE

Watch the video HERE

Beloved Tāmaki Makaurau surf-rockers Coast Arcade are making an epic return, today releasing new anthem ‘Baited’ alongside a moody new music video!

Known for their infectious summer vibes and pop-rock bangers, Coast Arcade (Bella Bavin, Thom Boynton, Leo Spykerman) are riding a new wave with today’s release. ‘Baited’ is a driving alt-rock anthem of self-empowerment, incorporating their classic pop hooks with a twist of punk and angst, beckoning an exciting new era with a refreshed sound for the band.

“It’s a bit of an alt-rock coming of age track for us as a band,” says Bella. “We’ll always do the summer bangers, but we’re really excited to explore this new side of Coast Arcade.”

‘Baited’ joins the group’s widely adored discography, including their debut EP NEXT TO ME which features chart-dominating tracks ‘Tattoo’ (#11 Hot NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added), ‘Highest Heights’ (Official NZ Charts ‘Ones To Watch’, #2 Hot NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added + NZ Airplay), and ‘Surf Club’ (Hot NZ Singles Chart). The group have played countless opening slots for Kiwi and Aussie icons like Teenage Dads, The Beths, Princess Chelsea, The Grogans, and more. They’ve also played Rhythm and Vines two years running, White Out Festival, Spring City Festival, and a sold out North Island headlining tour!

Now, Coast Arcade are honing in on their new sound with regular collaborator - award-winning producer Noema Te Hau (Lorde, Taylor Swift). The team recorded the track at BigFan Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, before it was mixed by Clint Murphy (North Atlas, Enter Shikari) in Tauranga and Ryan Smith (L.S. Dunes, Smashing Pumpkins) in Nashville.

Also released today is an epic new music video, the result of an exciting collaboration with director David Argue - bringing just the right darkness and angst to match the track’s empowering message. “The song is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’ve had to hold themselves back from speaking their mind because it’s ‘easier’ or ‘not worth it’.”

Fans can look forward to lots more rocking out with Coast Arcade this year, with more new music and electric live performances on the horizon.

“We’re going to go heavier for a while and see where we end up!”

Find Coast Arcade

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Tavita & Bay Road deliver smooth and soulful, self-titled debut EP!

LISTEN HERE

WATCH HERE

Pōneke-based soul, funk, roots and reggae group Tavita & Bay Road are making an electric debut with their self-titled EP and new single ‘Shine’ - out now!

The group’s debut body of work is a tight ensemble of feel-good reggae, high energy funk, and introspective soul. Reflective and poignant lyrics from Porirua-raised frontman Tavita De Seymour (Weave) incorporate his Samoan-Pākehā heritage, whānau, the beautiful surrounds of Titahi Bay, and his experiences as a mental health practitioner. Flanked with the tight grooves of the Bay Road band, the result is a truly infectious display of musicianship and songwriting.

“It’s a reflection of how I see the world and what I’ve experienced,” says Tavita. “Supported by the talent, personalities and musical sensibilities that make up the Bay Road crew.”

Today’s release features the group’s previously released, funk-filled debut single ‘Lay it Down’ (Radio Active, JUICE TV, Radio Control) - which made impressive waves across Aotearoa, and their stunning follow up single, ‘Celebrate Life’, which was accompanied by a stand-out music video directed by Aotearoa director Chris Graham (‘Sione’s Wedding’, Scribe, Trinity Roots). 

The EP also features gentle and uplifting new single ‘Shine’ - complete with sun laced piano parts, a gentle reggae bounce and heartfelt lyrics on the importance of whānau. “‘Shine’ was written in remembrance of my mum,” says Tavita. “And the chorus was inspired by my two sons, who “shine” like two bright suns in the eyes of their parents. The song points to our limitless potential waiting to be unlocked, as well as the things that inspire and make us feel alive.”

Accompanying ‘Shine’ is a new lyric video - an animated interpretation of “the search for meaning, the awe inspiring beauty of nature, and the celebration of the human spirit". The new video was created by the talented Azlan Ahmad and team.

The many fruits of the band’s collaboration branch out to the production process of Tavita & Bay Road as well. Produced and Engineered by Toby Lloyd, the EP was mastered by Mike Gibson. “Toby’s production, mixing and contributions on electric guitar and percussion have taken the songs to another level,” says Tavita. “Rounded off with that special warmth and glow that only Mike can bring to the mix.”

With today's release, and exciting live performances on the horizon across Pōneke and beyond - it’s safe to say that this is only the beginning for Tavita & Bay Road!

 Find Tavita & Bay Road

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ŌTAUTAHI’S GOODWILL RELEASES NEW SINGLE PLANS - OUT NOW

Ōtautahi songwriter/producer Goodwill (Will McGillivray) has released his latest single Plans following on from last month’s Goner. Over muted electric guitars, gnarled modern details and a euphoric bridge rich with cacophony, Goodwill tells a fragmented story of prioritizing the good stuff, and letting the petty things slip away.

Half rustic charm, half modern chaos, Plans came about while McGillivray was playing around on a 12-string guitar at a friend’s house during a rehearsal: “I instantly loved the chords I found and began writing and producing it shortly after. At some point in the song I wanted it to turn into a cacophony, everything in at once, everything at it’s limit. There’s a moment in there where it feels like almost every instrument in my studio is in there at the same time.”

Plans is the second single from Goodwill this year, and will feature 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.

Kyla Greening feat. Aidan Fine 'Getaway'

‘Getaway’, the new single from Lyla Greening, is channelling a 90’s groove and silky RnB vocals, with a smooth feature from hip hop artist Aidan Fine.

Already recognised as one to watch, Greening reached No4 on the NZ artist chart with her collaboration‘ Better With Time’ with rapper Swizl Jager, and has opened for local artists Sam V and Yah Yah. The video will feature a live, in-studio performance from Greening and Fine with co-producers and musicians Lucy Graves and Andre Brown (Modre) of The Feel Good Service.

On the writing process Modre says “Working with Kyla is always so organic and ‘Getaway’was just one of those songs where everything from the track to melody ideas and lyrics just flowed, including asking Aidan to feature. Effortless.”

Māori rock band KIKO share powerful new reo single + video ‘Haurua’!

Listen to ‘Haurua’ HERE

Watch the video HERE

Tāmaki Makaurau-based Māori rock group KIKO have today shared their electric new single + video ‘Haurua’ - a defiant reflection on Māori identity and tino rangatiratanga in Aotearoa.

An epic fusion of rock, reggae, blues, psychedelic and waiata reo Māori, KIKO are taking Aotearoa by storm while breaking down stereotypes of what Māori music sounds like - with today’s new anthem ‘Haurua’ doing just that.

Made up of Rewi McLay (Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Hine), Lukas Wharekura (Ngāti Kahungunu), Kara Gordon (Ngāi Te Rangi), Phillip Peters (Whānau a Apanui and Rangitāne) and Windon Bradfield - KIKO’s new single ‘Haurua’ explores the complexities of identity and growing up half-caste - with one foot in te ao Māori, and the other in the Western world. “It’s a thin line where two worlds meet,” says lead vocalist and guitarist Rewi. “‘Haurua’ is about the journey of pursuing one's identity and navigating those worlds.”

The band’s co-lyricist, and Rewi’s cousin, Hohepa Maclean (Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Hine) adds that ‘Haurua’ expresses a common theme felt amongst many Māori who, through no fault of their own, have been disconnected with their identity and struggle to reconcile their place in Aotearoa. “It comes from a true experience of being outcast by both my mainstream world and my Māori world,” he says. “Though despite the colour of my skin, my whakapapa is still strong and undiluted. The call of this waiata is, don’t let people tell you who you are, and at the same time, explore and find your true deeper identity and not leave it skin deep.” 

Made with the support of Te Mangai Paho, the striking new single was recorded at Rageous Records in Tāmaki Makaurau, and produced by Nathan Judd.

A powerful continuation of what has already been a whirlwind career for the group, KIKO are represented by Waatea Music, and have shared stages with some of Aotearoa’s finest -  performing at events such as Waitangi Ki Waititi, Matariki ki Waitakere, and Psycred Alliance, alongside artists like Black Slate, Stan Walker, The Herbs, Che Fu, Ladi 6, and more. They’ve released two EP’s RANGINUI BLUES and WAHAROA, alongside a range of singles and music videos - one of which, ‘Ka Puta’ saw international success after being an official selection at SXSW 2022 Austin and Clipped Festival.

With a strong kaupapa of empowering indigenous people across the globe through music, KIKO has also released a captivating and gritty new music video to accompany today’s anthem. Directed by Francis Baker and Lukas Wharekura, the video follows KIKO, Swizl Jager and their canine companions as they band together to preserve tino rangatiratanga in a dystopian war zone.

With today’s release and video, a passion for revitalising waiata reo Māori, and lot’s more exciting music on the horizon, now is the time to join KIKO on their journey!

Follow KIKO

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Tîmmy the First presents Degrees

Aotearoa’s  expressive  musical  talent,  Timmy the First,  is  set  to  release his  catchy  new single,  ‘Degrees,’  on  Tuesday, 6th August.  This  track encapsulates  a  hyper,  reflective,  and  dynamic journey,  presenting  a captivating  narrative  of  personal  growth  and  boundless  energy.

Timmy  the  First’s  journey  with  ‘Degrees’  began  as  a  response  to  newfound  freedom  post-lockdown.  “The  seed  for  this  song  started  at the  end  of  Tāmaki’s   lockdown  period  -  and  we  were  finally  able  to move  freely.  I  had  this  feeling  that  I  wanted  to  come  back  into  the world  of  music  with  a  different  energy  after  having  spent  so  much time  reflecting,  I  could  finally  let  loose,”  Timmy  recalls.

Degrees’  explores  themes  of  introspection,  ambition,  and transformation.  “This  song  is  an  internal  dialogue  which  comes  to  the  conclusion  that  ‘I’m  about  to  turn  up  the  heat.’  I  reflect  on  the past  and  ponder  the  present  and  the  future.  My  journey  as  Timmy the First  is  one  of  creating  my  own  lane  and  making  my  own impact,”.  The  song  serves  as  a  powerful  anthemic  encourager  of  self-determination  and  self-motivation,  subtly  inspiriting  listeners  to  pursue  their  passions  without  hesitation.

The  creation  of  ‘Degrees’  was  a  collaborative  effort  with  Frank  Eliesa (who  created  the  slamming  beat),  and  John  Garcia  mixing  the  single.  The  initial  demo  was  crafted  in  Timmy’s  home,  but  the  final version  was  perfected  in  the  studio,  where  he  brought  his  vision  to life.

To  visually  represent  the  vibrant  energy  of  ‘Degrees,’  Timmy  has created  a  dynamic  visualiser,  drawing  from  live  performance  footage shot  at  Auckland's  Neck  Of  The  Woods  where  Timmy  played alongside  peers  Jujulipps  and  Freddie  Reynold  (masterfully  captured by  theStudiobutter  crew). “Creating  the  visuals  was  really  fun.  The feel  of  the  song,  especially  the  beat,  is  static  and  distorted,  so  it  felt right  implementing  that  feel  into  the  visual  editing  too,”  Timmy elaborates.  Whilst  filmed  by  Studiobutter  most  of  the  visualiser  was edited  on  Timmy’s   phone,  demonstrating  his  resourcefulness  and adding  another  layer  to  the  meaning  of  the  song.  “It  really  showed  to  me  that  if  you  have  a  vision,  you  can  always  make  it  a  reality regardless  of  what  tools  you  have  available  at  the  time.”

Zimbabwe  born  TîMMY  developed  his  sound  in  the  bustling  Otago music  scene,  carving  a  niche  for  himself  as  a  hip-hop  act.  Over  the past  few  years,  TîMMY  has  developed  his  sound  into  a  sharp  point, boldly  exploring  his  truth  across  infectiously  energetic  recordings  and live  performances.  He’s  forged  a  name  for  himself  within  New Zealand’s  music  community,  performing  at  festivals  like  the  annual Africa  Day  and  opening  for  Savage,  JessB,  CHAII,  Gold Fang,  Rubi DU and  others.

Timmy  the  First  hopes  listeners  take  away  a  message  of empowerment  and  action.  “What  I  want  people  to  get  from  this song  is  that  you  can  decide  at  any  time  to  take  action  when  it comes  to  any  passion  or  idea  you  have.  You  don’t  have  to  wait  for people  around  you  to  get  it,  just  shoot  your  shot  and  turn  up  the heat  in  whatever  you  do,”  he  emphasises.

'Degrees'  is  set  to  release  on  Tuesday, August 6th,  via  Aotearoa’s independent  label  Bigpop Records.

Follow Tîmmy the First
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Delaney Davidson and Barry Saunders Announce “Happiness Is Near” New Album and Tour Dates.

 “It’s always amazing to see what comes from Barry 

………. it always feels like home somehow.”   

Delaney Davidson

“ Delaney is a true artist to the core 

and we always seem to be able to find a spark" 

Barry Saunders

“Happiness Is Near” is out Sept 27th Vinyl / CD / Digital (AAA Records)

First single “Man Of Few Words” out  August 2nd 

Watch the Video Here

Barry saw it written on a wall late one night on Russian TV, behind a reporter broadcasting from Odessa. Happiness Is Near became the thread running through this next collection of songs .

When the world is taking huge steps, and we are sitting in uncertain times, waiting and watching can feel like losing momentum. Like fear and like doubt. This album is a reminder to move, to think and to act.There are still shadows in the trees, and there are still big clouds up ahead, but there is also something friendly waiting for you out there. Still possibility. Still an adventure to be had. 

The movement of the road will bring joy, challenge, despair, hope, meditation, solace, and triumph. But mainly it will bring momentum. And movement is life. 

In the middle of isolation and loss, from looking back, it’s easy to forget there are good times just around the corner.

Barry, “ I can’t work out if the world is changing or I am just standing still? In some ways the more things change the more they stay the same, I think people’s needs are the same, you can have the world you want, don’t have to join anyone’s circus.”

Some songs were the result of our work together and some had come to us solo. They were looser songs, less band, more reflective, more folky. Like we were looking into a void to see what the shapes were that made up this vacuum we felt connected us.

Delaney, “As the album began to stack up we looked for the balance. Just chucking the songs down. Loose as. Barry playing most of the lead guitar, pulling in some strange greek psychedelic spirit. It was made in the living room. This was a quieter collection. More folky. Just two guys with their guitars and their songs. “

Barry, “it’s been  great working together we both have a love and a view of the world , some of which makes its way into the music, our conversations are as much about family, recipes, films and the way of the world, but music is at the centre of it.”

Barry’s childhood in the plains and rivers of Selwyn, singing together at my dads funeral, giving Barry a guitar strap with Long Gone Daddy stitched into it symbolising both our dads. late am TV broadcasts from faraway countries, a midnight drive together through the farmlands of Wairarapa his concern for people growing top today, for his two kids, our musings on outsider life, falling firework sparks slowly fading through the air into some deep blue river, songs written in dreams, a tattoo of a song bird, industrialism, capitalism, mad evil people steering the world into the ditch, blind greed, a doomsday fireball, flowers and children. 

Our partnership has become deeper and at the same time more distant. Less time together and more care. It’s always amazing to see what comes from Barry and his world of green black windbreaks and burning white sun, magpies, pale grass and fresh crisp blue mornings, it always feels like home somehow.   

Join Barry and Delaney On Tour, for an evening where 

“Happiness  Is Near”

“You can have the world you want, 

you don’t have to join anyone’s circus.”

Barry Saunders

Sept 27, 28, 29 Hawkes Bay Small Halls Sessions

Oct 12   Leigh Sawmill

Oct 13 & 14 Auckland Frieda Margolis 

Oct 22 & 23  Wellington - Suite Gallery

www.undertheradar.co.nz &   www.delaneydavidson.com  

Pre Order “Happiness Is Near” is out Sept 27th Vinyl / CD / Digital (AAA Records)