17th National Waiata Maori Music Awards - Ticket Sales
The highly anticipated 17th National Waiata Māori Music Awards are back and tickets are officially on sale to the public.
The highly anticipated 17th National Waiata Māori Music Awards are back and tickets are officially on sale to the public.
This year's event promises to be a night filled with incredible performances by talented Māori artists, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and musical talent of the Māaori people. The event will take place at the prestigious Toi Toi HB Arts and Events Centre in Hastings on September 6th, 2024.
Attendees can expect a night of stunning musical performances, heartfelt waiata, and recognition of excellence in Māori music.
Tickets for the event can be purchased online through eventfinda or at the Toi Toi HB Arts and Events Centre box office.
With limited seating available, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to ensure they don't miss out on this special evening.
Join us in celebrating the best of Māori music and culture at the 17th National Waiata Māori Music Awards. Get your tickets now and be a part of this unforgettable night of music and entertainment. For more information and to purchase tickets ,eventfinda
LOUIS BAKER announces new EP 'MEDICINE'
Wellington artist Louis Baker releases new single 'So Good' and announces his forthcoming EP, 'Medicine', set for release on October 4th, 2024.
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New Single and Visualiser
‘So Good’
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Wellington show
Wellington artist Louis Baker releases new single 'So Good' and announces his forthcoming EP, 'Medicine', set for release on October 4th, 2024.
Listen HERE / Watch Video HERE
Today Baker introduces the sensually rich single 'So Good'. Influenced by artists like Bobby Caldwell and Minnie Riperton, 'So Good' explores a sonic space that Baker has always loved. Obsessed with Childish Gambino's 'Redbone' and the iconic use of the glockenspiel in 70s soul and R&B baby-making tunes the track is driven by a laid-back groove, with Cory Champion on drums. Baker channels this inspiration into the track, blending classic and modern elements to create a song that is both timeless and contemporary.
Lyrically, the track is an ode to deep connection and intimacy, where Baker poetically paints images of emotional and physical closeness. Baker explains, “This song is about a love that feels like an elixir, something that feeds the soul and body. It’s about connection".
The accompanying visualiser, animated by Jade Paynter, features the slow-motion unfolding of vibrant flowers reflecting the psychedelic symmetry of love’s blossoming and the duality of emotions.
Medicine, out October 4 marks Baker’s third EP and his first as the sole producer, a significant milestone in his career. The 5-track collection is a testament to Baker's bond with his craft—music is his remedy, allowing him to connect with himself and communicate with the world.
Pre-Save 'Medicine' HERE
Fans have already received a preview with singles 'Been and Gone' featuring Wallace, which has amassed over 900k Spotify streams, and recent track 'Fool's Expectation', described by Rolling Stone as “retro soul with Leon Bridges-like warmth.” Vinyl enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to get their hands on a limited edition record.
Pre-Order 'Medicine' vinyl HERE
In support of the release Baker will perform a special hometown show in Wellington on October 5th, bringing his full band to the stage performing tracks from Medicine along with fan favourites from his past records.
Tickets on sale now from MOSHTIX
INDIE-POP ARTIST JACK MOSER DROPS BITTERSWEET NEW SINGLE ‘CUPCAKE’
Singer-songwriter Jack Moser reveals sweetly melancholic new track ‘Cupcake’, a chill, romantic and slightly hopeful tune relaying the internal dilemma of an emotionally unsatisfying relationship.
Singer-songwriter Jack Moser reveals sweetly melancholic new track ‘Cupcake’, a chill, romantic and slightly hopeful tune relaying the internal dilemma of an emotionally unsatisfying relationship.
Blending affecting lyrics with a soothing piano, ‘Cupcake’ possesses a gentle beauty both lyrically and musically, and is imbued with a deep feeling of saudade as Moser explores the insecurity of an emotionally imbalanced partnership as he sings:
“…Your love’s a bit like torture, I never get a break,
And now I feel I need you, every single day …
And if you want me Cupcake, you’ve got to follow through …
Yeah if I had it my way, right now I’d be with you…”
Says Jack: “I wrote ‘Cupcake’ when I wanted to take the next step towards commitment with my partner. I almost didn’t even need to ask, as all the signs pointed to them not wanting that with me. I wrote this song to say everything I wanted , without having to face the rejection of actually saying it to them directly. I let things fade away and eventually sent them the song for the sake of showing them how I felt at that time, and to show them how much they meant to me.”
Following on from previous single, the spacious and dreamy ‘Where You Are’, ‘Cupcake’ boldly explores big relationship and life themes of youthful confusion and feeling misunderstood; romantic desire and the torturous nature of a complicated relationship; the desire for emotional security while lacking validation from a partner - even existential doubt around contemplating mortality and the meaning of life.
The pain and uncertainty of love is a whimsical theme for Moser’s upcoming EP as this young artist fearlessly channels his personal experiences into heartfelt compositions. Wielding an unwavering commitment to authenticity, he bares his soul into each and every song to strike a chord in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
Listen out for his debut EP due to drop next month.
TARANAKI INDIE BAND FIN RAH ZEL UNVEIL SOOTHING NEW SINGLE ‘CARRY ME’
Fans of FIN RAH ZEL are familiar with the rising indie soul stars distinct blend of dreamy zen, infectious optimism and catchy summer vibes, as evoked in their radio smash hit ‘Unity’ and their growing back catalogue of impressive tunes.
Fans of FIN RAH ZEL are familiar with the rising indie soul stars distinct blend of dreamy zen, infectious optimism and catchy summer vibes, as evoked in their radio smash hit ‘Unity’ and their growing back catalogue of impressive tunes.
A gentle, heartening tune for rough days, ‘Carry Me’ is a calming salve to soothe your soul and lift your vibe. A song about supporting each other through tough times when life gets a little hectic and stressful, ‘Carry Me’ speaks to the healing power of connection, friendship, support and love.
Says Brian: “At the time I was personally going through a rough patch. There were some big changes going on at my work space, and I was trying to balance the stress of that with my music projects, family and all my other life interests. The song is about having someone in your corner to life you up, or encourage you to keep going, when the times are tough, and when that person is going through similar things, you then have the opportunity to be that person, lifting them up.”
Recorded at Rhythm Ace Studio by regular producer Sam Johnson and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG, ‘Carry Me’ was gratefully made with the support of NZ ON AIR.
‘Carry Me’ follows the release of highly personal song, ‘Going Home’, an emotional track that speaks from the heart to offer comfort and solace while reflecting on the intense pain rooted in the absence of a loved one.
No stranger to delivering numbers that tug at the heart-strings, Fin Rah Zel are a band that consistently reaches deep within to compose songs that hit all the feels, full of gentle soulful grooves and warm-hearted uplifting messages of connection, love and hope.
NEIL MACLEOD 'I NEED A BATTLE'
Aotearoa’s dynamic musical force, Neil MacLeod, has released his EP, ‘I Need A Battle’. This project encapsulates a confronting, expansive, and intense journey over seven powerful tracks, each woven with the intricate threads of personal growth and artistic evolution.
Aotearoa’s dynamic musical force, Neil MacLeod, has released his EP, ‘I Need A Battle’. This project encapsulates a confronting, expansive, and intense journey over seven powerful tracks, each woven with the intricate threads of personal growth and artistic evolution.
MacLeod’s journey with ‘I Need A Battle’ didn’t begin with a singular moment of inspiration. Instead, it was an organic process born out of sporadic yet intense creative bursts amidst a busy schedule. The turning point came with the creation of the title track, a piece so profoundly impactful that it became the cornerstone of the entire project. “The songs came together over many years in between intense periods of production and mixing work. It was also a time of intense personal growth. When I wrote the song ‘I Need a Battle,’ it moved me so much that I decided to build the next record around it. I’m certain that the song revealed itself to me so that I could learn from it.” MacLeod recounts.
In a bid to immerse himself fully in the music, MacLeod spent a week mixing the EP at Bigpop's Drake Street Studios, away from the everyday distractions of Wellington. “I slept at the studio for multiple nights on the couch – I essentially lived in the world of the music,”. This period of intense focus allowed him to shape the EP into a cohesive and impactful body of work, embodying the raw and unfiltered essence of his vision.
‘I Need A Battle’ delves into a myriad of themes, each track contributing to a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. “There are themes of fear, obsession, dreams, sadness, and anger… but to be simple about it, ‘I Need a Battle’ is a reminder to confront the things that scare us. It’s not a new idea, but it’s one that humans seem to need constant reminding of, myself included. I’m confronting things when I write these songs and I hope that they can help others to do the same,” MacLeod elaborates.
To expand the universe of 'I Need a Battle' even further, Macleod collaborated with director Oscar Keys on a short film by the same name. “The idea for creating a piece like 'I Need A Battle' was born not long after meeting each other. Working together quickly revealed to be very synergistic, which is really rare.” Keys reflects. As co-directors, MacLeod and Keys were able to explore the themes of the EP whilst being sure to leave space for audience interpretation. “I Need A Battle (the film) is not trying to be prescriptive about how the music should be imagined, and to this note, it’s purposefully open-ended," Keys states.
Filming was the result of extensive planning from both MacLeod and Keys. “We had done so much work in the lead up to filming, and so on the day, with Neil being the only actor, there was really very little for me to dissect,” Keys explains. The dedication of the crew and MacLeod’s commitment to the role added depth to the project. “I think there is always this interplay or exchange between performers and people behind the camera, and I think it’s a good sign when you can feel this vibe while filming,” Keys adds.
The EP showcases the collaborative efforts of several talented musicians. Sam Thompson contributed to the writing on ‘Tunnel Vision’ and ‘Never Over,’ while Leonardo Coghini added his piano skills to ‘I Need a Battle’ and ‘Coda.’ Salina Fisher brought her violin expertise to ‘Coda,’ enhancing its emotional depth. The EP was ultimately mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Ryan Schwabe, ensuring a striking and cohesive finish.
‘I Need A Battle’ releases via Aotearoa, New Zealand’s independent label Particle Records on Friday, 23rd August, promising a profound experience for listeners. Through MacLeod’s evocative music and the accompanying short film, the EP invites audiences to confront their emotions and embrace their battles.
STANLEY T RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘HOME WITH ME’
Introducing Stanley T’s newest tropical reggae hit, ‘Home with Me’ With a sound that is both soulful and infectious, Stanley T draws inspiration from the rhythms of reggae and the laid-back vibe of tropical music.
Click Here to stream ‘HOME WITH ME’
Introducing Stanley T’s newest tropical reggae hit, ‘Home with Me’ With a sound that is both soulful and infectious, Stanley T draws inspiration from the rhythms of reggae and the laid-back vibe of tropical music.
‘Home with Me’ is a heartfelt ode to that pivotal moment in a relationship when two hearts decide to commit to each other. Through smooth melodies and captivating lyrics, the song beautifully captures the emotions of love, trust, and vulnerability that come with choosing to make a life together.
Known for his unique blend of reggae and tropical influences, Stanley T has already made waves in the music scene with previous releases alongside Jaro Local, Sean Rii, Onetox and the likes. With a talent for crafting unforgettable melodies and deeply personal lyrics, ‘Home with Me’ is sure to resonate with listeners who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and soulful grooves.
As he continues to make his mark on the music world, Stanley T’s vision is to spread positivity and love through his music, creating a sense of unity and connection with each song.
Get ready to groove and feel the love with ‘Home with Me’ – the perfect soundtrack for those special moments in life.
Follow Stanley T on social media for the latest updates:
Jaz Paterson Releases New Single “Jealous” ft. Phodiso
Jealous is the first of three upcoming singles from Jaz’s upcoming EP. By combining alternative pop beats with contemporary R&B vocals, the gifted New Zealand based artist juxtaposes light and dark themes to produce an introspective and confessional style of music.
Electronic pop artist Jaz Paterson has released her new single Jealous.
Jealous is the first of three upcoming singles from Jaz’s upcoming EP. By combining alternative pop beats with contemporary R&B vocals, the gifted New Zealand based artist juxtaposes light and dark themes to produce an introspective and confessional style of music.
Jealous is an upbeat track inspired by the human condition of jealousy. Jealous was lyrically inspired by her ex partner’s friendship with another woman, and draws on production influences of artists such as Kito and BANKS.
Listen to Jealous here - https://music.drm.co.nz/jealous
“Jealous was initially inspired by my gut reaction to an ex partner’s friendship with another woman. As I continued writing the song I began to realize it was also a bigger reflection of my own struggles with the human experiences of jealousy, envy, and comparison in a broader sense” says Jaz.
“I’m thrilled to have Phodiso feature on this track. I met him at a music event where we worked together on a song with some other artists. I appreciated his thoughtful and wise approach to writing, so I’m really stoked that he’s added a verse to Jealous”
Jealous has been produced by Silver Scroll Award-Winning Producer Dan Martin. Jealous is the first of three singles from Jaz’s upcoming EP.
Frau Knotz releases spellbinding debut EP ‘Nextraterrestrial’
On her spellbinding debut EP, the Aotearoa singer-songwriter-producer shifts from danceable electropop to a seamless cinematic, otherworldly odyssey steeped in experimental retro-futurism.
On her spellbinding debut EP, the Aotearoa singer-songwriter-producer shifts from danceable electropop to a seamless cinematic, otherworldly odyssey steeped in experimental retro-futurism.
Consisting of seven different vignettes produced at home over two years, these post-pandemic snapshots were carefully re-ordered and fine-tuned at Rhythm Ace Studio within one week, resulting in a cohesive narrative through the continuous flow of music. The resulting Nextraterrestrial EP also contains a multimedia project, including seven animated videos sewn together to form a short film made by 3D graphic designer Halfofnothing that attempts to expand on the EP’s themes of futurism and the unknowability of life, the universe and the depths of the ocean.
Frau Knotz has taken a painterly composition approach with this offering, using genres as colours and textures on her tracks. Brush strokes of R&B, ambient, trip-hop, techno, experimental beats and spoken word have been daubed with discernment across this truly unique canvas. Textures dazzle with passion by Downbeat Mastering, bringing forth glitchy chip-tune and 808 kits, fat rumbling bass notes that punch as hard as they bounce, shimmering arpeggiation and an upright piano fed through muffled effects units intended as though heard underwater. Ramping up to a rollicking acid techno finale featuring a soaring Roland 303, Frau Knotz disappears in a flash, leaving the listener breathless at the finish line.
Carving a reputation for her shrewd idiosyncrasies, Frau Knotz is not afraid to expose all sides of her 3-dimensional self. Through the juxtaposition of home-produced MIDI instruments and vocal takes with vintage analog synthesizers, she allows us to peek at humble beginnings through a polished lens of studio finesse. Her vocals are just as elusive, delivered occasionally through the organic warmth of a 1950’s ribbon microphone, at other times presented with a deliberately detached vocaloid-like autotune, as well as downright de-tuned anonymity. This shapeshifting artist thrives in presenting the many voices that dwell within her; half-human, half-electronically enhanced.
Revealing the coming-of-age of Frau Knotz, her first significant body of work wields songs conceived just as often from the far reaches of her imagination as the lived depths of her heart, spun into an avant-garde, cinematic world where we can reach out and grab hold of Other Futures. Nextraterrestrial walks the tightrope between terror and euphoria, between the fictional and the unashamedly bold, the enigmatic and anthemic, the uplifting and the devastating.
To celebrate the release of Nextraterrestrial, Frau Knotz will be performing a live show at The Stomach in Palmerston North with support from Synthetic Children and Just George. Tickets are available HERE.
Over the past four months, Frau Knotz has tantalised listeners with three enigmatic singles, all met with eager support from local and international media. 'Odyssey I' has racked up almost 10,000 Spotify streams, ‘Other Futures’ charted on the Top 20 NZ Hot Singles Chart and ‘The Heart of Spring’ hit number 4 on the RDU FM Top 10. Together they featured across 95bFM, Radioactive FM, RDU FM, Radio One, The Most FM, Radio Control FM, The Hits, More FM, Access Radio, Under The Radar, NZ Musician Magazine, 13th Floor, 4ZZZ (Australia), Zone Nights (Argentina), Voxwave Magazine, Expansión Radial (Mexico) and reviewed by Flash-Trax.
No stranger to live performance, Frau Knotz’s festival highlights include opening for Beacon Bloom at the 2024 TSB Festival of Lights, performing at the 2023 Wellington Jazz Festival as a featured guest with the Other Futures Big Band and being selected by Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds) for a curated show at TAFT's Spiegelfest. With exciting live show announcements upcoming, get ready; Frau Knotz vows to take you on a deep sonic odyssey through her 3-dimensional world.