DIAZ GRIMM AWARDED 2024 APRA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD & NOMINATED FOR HIP-HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE MĀORI MUSIC AWARDS

Since dropping his boundary pushing album ‘Māui & the Sin’ via a nation-wide release in cinemas, the album has received great reception from critics to the public alike. A 14 track, 14 video, double disc album that brings Te Ao Māori into the metaverse. Utilizing different forms of AI, CGI, claymation, anime and featuring 14 of the hottest new artists and producers from Aotearoa.

From the sale of digital downloads prior to arriving on streaming the album reached #6 on the hot NZ album charts, #6 on the IMNZ album charts and remained on the official NZ music charts for four weeks. The single ‘Pepeha’ featuring 2024 Pacific music award winner Diggy Dupê has seen success on radio, reaching #22 on the radioscope dance charts, #13 on the newest adds radisscope charts and reached #8 on the SRN top10. Diaz has now been nominated for HipHop & R&B album of the year at the Waiata Māori music awards.

Diaz has also just been announced as one of the five recipients of the 2024 Apra professional development awards, a grant of $10,000 to pursue development within his craft. 

Choo Choo All Aboard the Music Train! ‘Little Wild Learning’ launches with whimsical new country music video

What began as songs for her toddlers entering kindergarten has become the album Little Wild Learning, launched with brand new video ‘Music Train’.

Claudia’s own experiences as a parent are a deep well of memories, mischief and nostalgia - and just a little too much coffee – always half cold. This Aotearoa Music Award (2024) winner just released her seventh album, Little Wild Learning - a sweet reflection on her children’s earliest days at kindy and school, now recorded for the first time, for a new generation. With her eldest son turning 18, Claudia brings these songs forth from a well-thumbed notebook with the support of NZ On Air Tamariki, accompanied by a cute as a button new video for  country music song ‘Music Train’.

What started as voice notes, hastily captured on the walking school bus and kindy drop offs, are now sweet, smart bops and heartfelt harmonies arranged to educate, inspire and delight families everywhere.

Gunn’s APRA award winning knack for song writing, her collaborative approach and the team of stunning talent she has assembled from both New Zealand and Australia combine in ‘Little Wild Learning’ to give kids and their grown-ups a brand new musical magic moment. 7th time’s the charm?

The album includes 9 original tracks, plus their instrumental sing alongs to encourage participation and engagement. On the just released video for Music Train, kids are invited to imagine stepping aboard, bring their instruments and explore rhythm and rhyme.  Little ones will adore Animal Sounds – a silly bop about animals that DON’T make sounds, and singing morning affirmations are a breeze while also learning phonics with ‘Alphabet Phonics – ABC of Awesome’.

The project includes co-writes exploring social emotional learning themes like how to make a friend, and how to let tummy butterflies help you fly, with Claudia’s mates from ‘straya - Benny Time and Angie Who. One of her oldest friends from kindy days, actor and vocalist Jenny Freed, lends a star turn on vocal harmonies for the song ‘Kindy Kid’. The music video shot by Michelle Sokolich of Show and Tell Video, features Jenny and Claudia performing at mat time for the children of Morningside Kindergarten, including Jenny’s own recently graduated son Miro.

Of this latest children’s music project Gunn says, “Surprise and delight are the touchstone I seek when I’m figuring out a song for kids. Also humour, pragmatism, and awe. For this album I wanted the music to be useful, surprising as well as beautiful.

Little Wild Learning was recorded with Claudia’s frequent collaborators Tom Fox and Marshall Smith of the Sound Room in Takapuna (Little Wild Christmas, Little Wild Universe, Sing Through the Year – Little Wild Childhood, Sing for the Sea – Little Wild Ocean Friends and Sing for the Earth – Little Wild Animals). NZ On Air supported the creation of this project.

Little Wild Learning will capture the hearts and imagination of children everywhere with these educational and engaging songs. These songs may be reverberating at breakfast tables, on morning school runs, at kindy mat times and in primary school libraries for many years to come!

The album is available now on all streaming platforms, and for sale on Claudia’s website, BandCamp and from US education provider Songs for Teaching.

Little Wild Learning - Listening Links - https://found.ee/Learning

Jason Parker presents Every Goddamn Minute

Aotearoa  pop  artist  Jason  Parker's  playful  and romantic  new  single,  "Every  Goddamn  Minute" is  out  now!  The  track,   brimming  with  joy and  heartfelt   emotion,  captures  the  excitement  and  spontaneity  of falling  in  love  for  the  first  time.

"Every  Goddamn  Minute"  marks  a  pivotal   moment  in  Parker's artistic  journey,  inspired  by  falling  in  love  during  the  writing  process.  The   track  was  born  from  a  simple,  yet  powerful  line:  ‘Baby,  you  should  know,  that  I think  about  you  every  goddamn  minute.’  Initially, Parker was unsure if the phrase had been used before.  After  sharing it with  the  boy  he  was  seeing  at  the  time,  he  received  encouragement  to  keep  developing  it.  This  support  led  Parker  to  create  a  song  about falling  deeply  in  love,  a  realisation  he  only  fully  grasped  after  the track  was  completed.

“The  song  is  about  getting  out  of  my  own  way,  living  in  the  moment,  and  embracing  love,”  Parker  explains.  Though  the relationship  that  inspired  the  song  didn't  last,  "Every  Goddamn Minute"  serves  as  a  joyful  reminder  of  the  fun  and  silliness  that  love can  bring.  "It’s  special  to  have  a  piece  of  the  good  times  cemented in  the  song,"  he  adds.

Creating  "Every  Goddamn  Minute,"  the  latest  single  from  Parker's upcoming  EP  'Fairy  Bread',  was  both  a  challenge  and  a  delight. Working  closely  with  Bigpop’s  producer  Maude  Minnie  Morris,  the  duo  spent  a  considerable  amount  of  time  refining  the  track,  going  through  multiple  versions  before  finding  the  perfect  vibe.  "Out  of  all  the  songs  from  'Fairy  Bread',  this  one  was  definitely  the  problem  child,"  Parker  shares.  “However,  once  the  bass  line  and  congas  were  in  place, everything  clicked”.  A  standout  moment  in  the  creation  process  was  the   addition  of  the  robot  voice  saying  "Every  Goddamn  Minute,"  which  was  recorded  on  Parker's  phone  during  the  first  session  and  kept  because  of  its  charming  simplicity.

The  visual  aspect  of  this  project  is  just  as  vibrant  and  intentional  as the  music.  Parker  collaborated  with  artist  Lane  Worrall  to  create  color-coded  cover  art  for  each  track  the  upcoming  EP,  'Fairy  Bread',  embodying  the  concept  of  ‘hundreds  and  thousands.’  Worrall’s  creativity and  commitment  to  the  project  helped  bring  Parker’s  vision  to  life.  Additionally,  lyric  videos  for  the  EP,  including  one  for  "Every  Goddamn  Minute,"  were  created  by  Cee  Blu,  a  close  friend  of  Parker’s  and  talented  musician.  "She  really  understands  the  ‘Jason  Parker  Popstar  fantasy’,"  Parker's  notes,  highlighting  the  strong  collaborative  bond  between  them.

As  Parker  prepares  for  the  release  of  "Every  Goddamn  Minute,"  his wish  is  simple:  “I  hope  the  song  spreads  a  little  love,  brings  a  smile, and  gets  played  loud  at  kitchen  dance  parties  across  the  world.”

"Every  Goddamn  Minute"  is  out  now  via  Aotearoa’s  independent  label  Bigpop  Records.

Follow Jason Parker
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Malaika Hollis 'Losing'

What if a song could capture the bittersweet essence of finding light in the darkest moments? Malaika Hollis’ debut single, "Losing," does just that. Malaika, an eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter from Takaka, New Zealand, is excited to share this deeply personal track with you.

"Losing" is a bittersweet indie folk song that blends soft acoustic instrumentation with introspective lyrics. Written from my mother’s perspective, it explores seasonal depression and the isolation of rural life, emphasising resilience and self-care.”

What sets "Losing" apart is its raw honesty in lyrics and production. The song was crafted in collaboration with Auckland-based producer Benjamin Mack at Big Fan Studios, where we developed an authentic soundscape that invites listeners into a moment of reflection.

TESS LIAUTAUD RELEASES NEW SINGLE 'BLACK MACHINE' + ANNOUNCES ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

Franco-American, now Aotearoa's folk sweetheart Tess Liautaud has released fourth single from her upcoming sophomore album, Blue Mind (out October 25th).
Black Machine was written on the first day of 2021, the indie-folk leaning track brings the likes of Wilco or Mazzy Star to mind. A lifting bass line while the drums hold it down. Sliding guitar, acoustic, pedalling banjo and melancholic lyrics. There's a push and pull that juxtaposes a sense of great movement with a solid linear rumble at it's core. 
"Like you're driving in a dream''

''Songs are meditations, a little drop of medicine for the songwriter and for anyone else who cares to listen. It follows the arc of two characters as their relationship loses balance, the heavy weight, the drowning, the searching, the breaking free
and eventually the finding''

Along with today's single, Liautaud has announced a special album release show. This follows chart topping singles 'Here Go The Lovers' + 'The Way It's meant to Rain' and sold out shows on her 12-date New Zealand 'Gold Digger' tour back in May. For the lucky few, Liautaud and her band will play an intimate show at Space Academy in Ōtautahi on October 26. 

TESS LIAUTAUD 'BLUE MIND' RELEASE
October 26
Ōtautahi - Space Academy
Tickets available from undertheradar.co.nz
BUY TICKETS HERE

Blue Mind is available for digital pre-order and on
Vinyl and Compact Disc via Bandcamp.com
PRE-ORDER HERE

ALLANA Goldsmith releases new reggae waiata 'Pīpīwharauroa' ahead of Māori Language Week

Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist ALLANA Goldsmith has today released her reggae waiata (song) ‘Pīpīwharauroa’, just in time for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) - alongside a stunning new music video with support from Te Māngai Pāho.

Listen To ‘Pīpīwharauroa’  Here

Perfectly capturing summer and family, ‘Pīpīwharauroa’ sweeps listeners into the summer spirit with smooth vocals and instrumentation reminiscent of New Zealand summer BBQ.

ALLANA shares, “the kupu (lyrics) recognise my Tairāwhiti (East Coast) roots. It begins with the familiar call of the Pīpīwharauroa (Shining Cuckoo), the bird that signifies the beginning of summer and the breaking of dawn, he rā ka hua (a new day). This feel-good Raumati waiata also reminds us to get the work done,'mahia te mahi', lest you’re called out!”

Directed by Shivani Karan and shot in Manaia, Coromandel, with ngā kaitiaki o Taungatara, ngā uri whakaheke o Tame Paraone, the video captures her loved ones at Taungatara, where her husband and tamariki (children) whakapapa to.

‘Pīpīwharauroa’ was co-written at Reo Māori Song Hubs in 2023 with Tame Tuari, Byllie-Jean Zeta, and Mātanga Reo Dr. Hona Black. 

Today’s heartfelt reo release is sure to garner love from across Aotearoa during Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week and beyond.

NZ Country-popstar Abby Christo shares heartwarming new music video for hit ‘Just A Broken Heart’

Watch HERE

Listen HERE

Nashville-based kiwi country-popstar Abby Christo is continuing to channel girl power and roadtrip sing-alongs in her new music video for hit single ‘Just A Broken Heart’.

Just a month since it’s release, ‘Just A Broken Heart’ has already seen love across Aotearoa and beyond - placing on the Official NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added Chart, NZOA New Tracks, Rolling Stone AU/NZ, The Hits, CMT, Southern Cross Radio, TAHI, Spotify All New Country, Apple New NMD, Today’s Country, Amazon Little BNM, Tearaway and so on! The nostalgic, coming-of-age country-pop track pairs Abby’s relatable and emotive songwriting with driving guitars, and layers of tender vocals.

“It’s for all the girls out there going through a breakup,” says Abby. “To empower them to know that it’s just a broken heart, and everything will be okay.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, this stunning new music video captures the joy of friendship in the face of heartbreak. Featuring Abby’s three good friends (making the roadtrip fun feel even more real!), it was made across different locations in Australia by Blacklist Productions

“Being with friends who love you is the best cure for a heartache,” says Abby, “It’s a fun, sassy moment. ‘Just A Broken Heart’ is more mature, raw, and the start of a lot of new country music from me.”

Earlier this week, Abby shared a very special acoustic performance of ‘Just A Broken Heart’, which you catch watch HERE

With this new music video to accompany her catchy girl power anthem and more music in the works - plus exciting times ahead in Nashville - there really is no doubt that Abby Christo is bound for stardom!

Follow Abby Christo

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE

Abby first stepped into the spotlight in 2015, when she appeared on X- Factor NZ as part of duo Mae Valley. They broke charts with their debut self-titled EP, and played alongside global country megastars like Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini. Her debut solo single ‘Kiss Me Into Monday’ was released in 2019 and now has over 1.4 million streams. She then released her debut EP SLOW DOWN GIRL in 2022, and has seen huge love for her 2023 singles ‘Like Me Too’, ‘Note To Self’ (#8 NZ Hot Singles Chart) and ‘Shouldn’t Be Doing This’ (#6 NZ Hot Singles Chart) - receiving radioplay from the likes of ZM, The Edge, RNZ, The Breeze, More FM, The Hits and more.

Award-winning Aotearoa artist Jenni Smith shares intimate music video for country-pop track ‘I Only Fall’

Watch HERE

Listen HERE

Award-winning country-pop star Jenni Smith has today released a brand new music video for her latest single ‘I Only Fall’ - an intimate and nostalgic reflection on the bittersweet feelings of unspoken love.

“‘I Only Fall’ is for those who find themselves reminiscing about special moments and

wondering 'what if’,” says Jenni. “I hope the song is a companion in those quiet moments, offering a sense of understanding and shared experience.”

Just a week since it’s release, ‘I Only Fall’ has seen love from across the motu (JUICE TV, The Most FM, Southern Cross Country Radio, Planet FM, CMT AU/NZ) and fans are bound to fall in love with today’s gorgeous DIY music video, entirely directed and edited by the talented young creative.

Produced by Scott Seabright, the single joins Jenni’s already impressive list of accomplishments - In 2018, she took home the NZCMA Songwriter of the Year Award, and was runner up for the prize in 2020; she’s seen radioplay from community radio across NZ and Australia, as well as play from commercial stations such as More FM; and earlier this year her most recent single ‘T Shirt’ reached #3 on the NZ Official Hot NZ Singles chart!

A true star on the rise, you won’t want to miss this gorgeous music video from Jenni Smith!

Find Jenni Smith

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