PSYCH-SURF ROCKERS SOJØURN DROP ENERGETIC NEW SINGLE ‘HIPPIE CHICK’

Aōtearoa indie-surf-psych rockers SOJØURN drop a free-spirited and vibrant vibe with new rock-pop track ‘HIPPIE CHICK’.

The first single off the band’s upcoming debut album due out early 2025, ‘Hippie Chick’ is a fast-paced sonic throwback that sees SOJØURN bust out their bell-bottoms, and lean into their varied rock influences to deliver a sparkling rock-pop gem deftly fused with their unique East Coast surf-inspired spin.

The 5-piece band hail from the sun-drenched surf town of Mangawhai Heads, and comprise Isaac Hunter (vocals/guitar), James Finlay (lead guitar), Visko Bryers (drums), Tony Baker (bass), and Jacob O’Brien (sax).

‘Hippie Chick’ was recorded by Noah Page at Depot Sound, mixed by Paul ‘the Kid’ Jonassen and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studios. Characterised by sweet vocal harmonies, break-beat style drums, and blistering guitar solos, ‘Hippie Chick’ might just be the band’s most energetic release to date!

‘Hippie Chick’ sees Isaac, SOJØURN’s singer, at odds with the world-view of the song's subject; a carefree, hippie girl who is struggling to come to grips with rapidly changing times, as she tries to navigate her life and relationships within a modern world.

SOJØURN bring a fresh blend of cruisy psych-surf-rock and reggae, characterised by catchy lyrical hooks, strong vocal harmonies and psychedelic guitar and saxophone interplay, stemming from their diverse musical backgrounds blending ska, blues, classic rock and reggae to deliver a sound that is distinctly their own.

Since creating SOJØURN in 2018, the band has been busy releasing singles and EP’s in quick succession, starting with the highly regarded SUMMER TAPE EP featuring their top streaming single ‘Still A Mess’, 2021’s MYSTIC WAYS EP, and the KAIPARA LIVE SESSIONS EP released in August last year. Their ultra-cruisy reggae-dub infused Dec ‘23 single ‘Where We Go’ became a student radio fave, topping and inhabiting 95bFM’s Top 10 for several weeks over the following couple of months.

Garnering a solid reputation as a crowd-pleasing live act, SOJØURN have enjoyed blitzing summer tours at mainstay venues, and gracing festival stages coast to coast across the motu as they cement a solid live fan base with their energising and uplifting live sets.

Now with summer fast approaching, SOJØURN are busy booking shows in preparation to hit the road over the coming holiday season. Keep your ear to the ground, live dates to be announced soon! 

Kiwi Rhymes book reimagined in music Lead singles 'Modern Success Angitu O Ēnei Rā' and 'Angitu O Ēnei Rā ' by Huia Hamon, aka Māori Māmā release today

The two albums of Kiwi Rhymes Music inspired by NZ children's book ‘Ētahi Rotarota o Aotearoa | Kiwi Rhymes for Modern Times’ will be released in 2025. 

The Māori and bilingual albums feature a collection of completely new songs performed by a range of incredible New Zealand artists. A new track from a different artist will be released every couple of months, inspiring lounge dance parties across the motu. The first singles 'Modern Success Angitu O Ēnei Rā' and Angitu O Ēnei Rā by Huia Hamon, aka Māori  Māmā release today (September 30).

‘Ētahi Rotarota o Aotearoa | Kiwi Rhymes for Modern Times’  the book, was written by Māpua Mum, Janet Horwell and released in 2021.  Horwell shares “When my first pēpi was born, I sang nursery rhymes as a fun way to connect and play with her. The stories our tamariki hear shape their understanding of the world and their place in it, and some of these old nursery rhymes were so outdated.  

When I read, Peter locked his wife in a pumpkin shell, from ‘Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater’, or ‘See Saw Margery Daw’ singing about having a ‘Master’ in 2021, I wanted to update these stories. I started making up my own versions of rhymes and stories that shared a world I wanted my pēpi, and our future generations to grow up in. One of modern stories and nursery rhymes that celebrated diversity of race, gender, size, shape, sexuality and ability. Stories that highlight Aotearoa's native bush, bird life and the Māori language. The more we learn about them, the greater desire we have to protect them.” 

Following the book's release, Horwell was inundated with requests from teachers, parents and caregivers to share the correct pronunciation and rhythm of the rhymes so they could sing along and share the languages with their children. This was the inspiration for turning the book into the musical albums. 

The bilingual album 'Kiwi Rhymes Music - your everyday lounge dance party!' includes 16 tracks and the Māori album and 'Ngā ruri kiwi - He reo kanikani, he reo whakahihiko wairua!' is the Māori versions of the same 16 tracks as it’s own separate album. 

Horwell worked with matanga reo, Lois McIver with the support of the talented translator of the book, Tamati Waaka. “We went to great lengths to ensure this is high quality te reo Māori for next generations.”  The first feature tracks 'Modern Success Angitu O Ēnei Rā ' and 'Angitu O Ēnei Rā' is completely original audio created by Huia, and the lyrics are a reimagined version of ‘Old woman who lived in a shoe’. 

The lead single, from the bilingual and Māori albums 'Modern Success Angitu O Ēnei Rā' and 'Angitu O Ēnei Rā' by Huia Hamon, aka Māori  Māmā release today (September 30).  

The Kiwi Rhymes for Modern Times version of the waiata is about two friends or lovers who have chosen a different path to the traditional one of marriage, buy a house and have children, that we often see or hear in children’s stories. Instead they set themselves free of any mortgages or traditional plans and live to snowboard and ski around the world ‘chasing winters’

“As the author, I hope these rhymes now in waiata form share stories for alternative paths in life, to create new ways of thinking about children’s futures and the possibilities.” shares Horwell. “This story suggests an alternative path in life, hinting that you don’t need to buy a house, or have a mortgage, and that following your dreams, or designing your own unique future is possible.”   

Huia Hamon, aka Māori  Māmā performs these tracks, she shares “I tried a few different types of styles! But I kept returning to a disco feel, retro and fun as I could see the characters travelling the world, hitting the slopes and just living life. I also loved adding in some stacked 3 part harmonies to give it a retro feel. I like the result and I hope the listeners do too.” 

Hamon was keen to support the albums kaupapa “I  hope that tamariki and their whānau have a groove to the funny base line, get down to the party vibes and enjoy the rhyme in two languages, te reo Māori and english. This aspect is very important to me as a bilingual artist myself.” 

The kaupapa behind the Kiwi Rhymes for Modern Times book and albums is to make learning accessible, share stories that reflect our diverse kiwi culture and advocate for Māori language. 

“As a parent” adds Horwell “I care about creating an entertaining alternative to screen time, so tamariki can sing along with a book, and to ultimately inspire more lounge dance parties!” 

After donating 300 books to libraries and Kōhanga reo/kura across NZ, Horwell is on a mission  to extend the reach of her work by providing free access through listening. The book ‘Ētahi Rotarota o Aotearoa | Kiwi Rhymes for Modern Times’ is available online and at all good bookstores across the country. Both albums will be available for free on streaming services. 

The immersive world of THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES lives on with digital release of ‘The Hide & Seeky Bird’

Listen to ‘The Hide & Seeky Bird’ HERE

Watch the video HERE

Pre-save the full album HERE

Quirky treasures for adults and children alike await with the digital re-release of legendary art project THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES on November 1 - and today fans are treated to ‘The Hide & Seeky Bird’ featuring late great Aotearoa comedian John Clarke!

The cherished collection of songs is set to be digitally released for the first time this November, 25 years from its original CD release which features some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians and entertainers including Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Chris Knox, Bic and Boh Runga, Dave Dobbyn, Jenny Morris, Don McGlashan and many more. 

Now, as a tribute to its creator NZ artist Fane Flaws, who passed away in 2021, THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES will be released for the first time via all streaming services worldwide.

What started as a series of illustrations and rhymes written by Fane Flaws and lyricist Arthur Baysting, quickly got set to music alongside composer Peter Dasent, before the album was finally recorded by Fane and Peter under the band name The Bend in 1998. The star-studded track listing went on to see huge success with whānau across Aotearoa, as a CD and with its accompanying songbook designed by Fane - which sold 16,000 copies, before being followed by a Pantomime under Peter Dasent’s musical direction, and then an animated film made by Fane and producer Jane Byrne.

Today, the wacky and wonderful re-released single ‘The Hide & Seeky Bird’ joins quirky track ‘Neville The Enchanted Rug’ in the digital streaming world, offering a slice of kiwiana nostalgia and fun for all ages before fans dive into the whole album on November 1!

Pre-save THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES HERE              

Listen to ‘The Hide & Seeky Bird’ HERE

Watch the video HERE

MAVERICK INDIE ARTIST EMMA DILEMMA DELIVERS POP PERFECTION WITH CHEEKY NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘LIBRA’ OUT TODAY

‘LIBRA’ by Emma Dilemma is a sassy pop anthem with retro 00’s emo vibes that channels the spirit of unapologetically feminine and bratty artists like Charli XCX, Avril Lavigne, and Paramore.

Effortlessly blending girly and tomboy vibes, ‘Libra’ is Punk Meets Princess – a perfect mix of attitude and charm that’s as fun as it is fierce. Dropping just in time to welcome in the zodiac season of Libra, ‘LIBRA’ is the pop banger to add to your summer soundtrack for sticking your tongue out and flipping the bird with your besties.

Co-written and produced by fellow Christchurch powerhouse duo Victoria and Andy Knopp (The Response, Imperial April), the song is a bubbly, fun, and irresistibly catchy singalong that celebrates divine feminine energy and the empowerment that comes from realizing you’re better off alone.

It’s the kind of track you can imagine women joyfully screaming, “I Guess You Can’t Date A Libra?!” at a pyjama party, sipping prosecco, snacking on candy, and rocking their boldest outfits—just because they can.

Emma's art is a playful blend of absurdity, melody, and storytelling, crafting music that is both sincere and delightfully light-hearted. Drawing inspiration from 90s grunge, bubble-gum pop, hip hop, and a dash of dance, Emma creates music that resonates with her own heart, and it's an added bonus that her fans enthusiastically come along for the ride. Her musical journey is a tale of embracing irreverent self-acceptance and reclaiming ownership of her image.

“I used to try and define myself by my dreams or what I wanted to be, but now I realise a large strength of mine is that I can do anything I put my mind to," shares Emma.

Currently based in the bright and sunny bliss of Los Angeles, the Ōtautahi native revels in her rebellious and free-spirited musical journey. Fearlessly taking a bold personal and professional leap, Emma plans to move between both countries, investing in her international career by focusing on building her creative networks and expanding her presence in the music industry.

Says Emma: “My 9-year relationship came to an end in April and I realised I could do whatever I wanted; so I did something for me and after spending 3 weeks in Bali for a friends' wedding, I decided to head to LA for a few months! I'm here to play shows and meet other artists and just have some new experiences that I haven't been able to have before – and it feels great!” 

Shot amidst the vibrant and flamboyant aesthetic of internationally acclaimed drag queen Trixie Mattel’s Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, California, and against a colourful mural in Downtown Los Angeles proclaiming the most relevant message: “YOU ARE GOING TO BE FINE!!!,” Emma brings the song to life with her visible talent for expressive performances.

Adds Emma: If this song were a colour, it would be a violent candy pink so I wanted a video that embodied the vivid energy and spirited vibe conveyed in ‘Libra’, and it fulfils the brief perfectly.”

Turkey The Bird - New Album "Men, Fish, Boat

Get ready to set sail with Turkey The Bird's highly anticipated 4th album, "Men, Fish, Boat," dropped today! This album is a treasure trove of 13 catchy folk songs that will reel you in and keep you hooked. One of the standout tracks is an electrifying collaboration with Auckland's renowned ukulele band, The Nukes.
To celebrate this new release, Turkey The Bird is hitting the road for an epic tour across the North Island with 12 unforgettable shows in October and November 2024. Each performance promises a wave of energy, passion, and the irresistible charm that fans have come to love.
Mark your calendars, gather your crew, and prepare to embark on a musical adventure with "Men, Fish, Boat." This is one voyage you won't want to miss!

New Zealand's folk trio "Turkey The Bird" will remind you of the famous Margarita cocktail infused with a hint of "Simon & Garfunkel", 2 ounces of "Mumford and Sons", a splash of banjo and served on ice on a sunny day.
Catchy folk songs with stunning rich melodies and effortless smooth lyrics. Songs that tell uplifting stories about love and life.
Hailing from the New Zealand left coast town New Plymouth, this uplifting band will hit you with beautiful three part harmonies and toe tapping rhythms.
The bearded trio features Andre Manella from Switzerland on guitar, bass and percussion, Adrian Whelan from Ireland on guitar, mandolin, bass and spoons,
and Sol Bear Coulton, the token kiwi, on Banjo and slide guitar.

"injects hoedown-showdown fun, fun, fun and the harmonies shine like diamonds." (Paul Cook, Joyzine UK)

“That’s Turkey The Bird, great band, just love them” (Jesse Mulligan RNZ)

“This is simply divine” (Jack from Flash-Trax com)

“These guys are unpretentious, fun and very good at what they do” (Winston Watusi, The Weekend Sun)

“This is not sad cowboy Americana neofolk, this is refreshing Kiwiana newgrass” (Patrick Loughran from Muzic net nz)

“Bouncing jokes off each other like Forest Gump playing table tennis” (Patrick Loughran from Muzic net nz)

“The charisma is infectious, the fun is contagious” (Patrick Loughran from Muzic net nz)

Saxophonist Thabani Gapara Releases ‘Matunga’ - A Celebration of Familial Heritage in Song

Thabani Gapara presents his latest single, ‘Matunga’, a smooth groove tune composed as a heartfelt ode to his father. Blending a soulful, laid-back groove with an upbeat, joyful melody. This composition captures an intimate and reflective mood, with smoky undertones that create a serene ambiance.’Matunga’ Showcases Gapara's signature fusion of African jazz and modern rhythms, delivering a track that’s both emotionally resonant and musically uplifting.

STREAM ‘MATUNGA’ HERE

With a musical journey spanning 16 years, taking him across continents and musical landscapes. A graduate of the New Zealand School of Music, Gapara's collaborations with an array of artists in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand have enriched his creative repertoire.

From being a vital saxophonist in some of Aotearoa’s prominent acts, including Stan Walker, Katchafire, Rob Ruha,Troy Kingi, Sons of Zion, Ella Monerry, The Modern Māori Quartet to contributing on projects like Five Minutes of Fame - Whakaata Māori, Symphony and the Rugby World Cup Sevens theme music, Gapara's musicianship and presence on stage knows no bounds. 

Thabani Gapara invites you to join him on this musical safari. Immerse yourself in the sounds.

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Zimbabwean born and raised,  Thabani Gapara is an Auckland based saxophonist who has been performing around the world in various musical projects for the last 16 years. A  graduate of the New Zealand School of Music (B Mus Jazz), Thabani has had the pleasure to play as a member in several musical projects in Zimbabwe, South Africa and  New Zealand.

His passion for collaboration has seen him work with a plethora of South African and New Zealand artists including: Batucada Sound Machine, Hipstamatics ,Bella Kalolo, Rob Ruha, Lou’ana, Vince Harder, Stan Walker, The Modern Māori Quartet, House of Shem, Three Houses Down and Katchafire to mention but a few.

2019 saw the release of Thabani’s first album ‘In Their Footsteps,’with his band The Thabani Gapara Project. A Celebration of the many varied musical influences that have shaped Gapara’s creative voice, each song given a unique take that breathes a fresh energy to these classic songs.

In the ‘The Griots Path’ ( 2020) Thabani presents his own original music celebrating a variety of his influences from the African diaspora incorporating styles such as Zouk, Afro Latin music, funk, and many of the sounds of Southern Africa. 2023 marked Gapara's New Zealand tour, titled "The Mwana Wevhu Tour."

Follow Thabani Gapara on Social Media: HERE

Ra Charmian deliver sunny debut album WAIATA WAIRUA

Listen to WAIATA WAIRUA HERE

Watch the video for ‘Hine Ruhi’ HERE

Tāmaki Makaurau duo Ra Charmian have today shared their uplifting, soul-filled, reggae-pop debut album WAIATA WAIRUA - and it’s not to be missed!

Throughout the 8-track album, songwriters Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) and Hayden Booth showcase that they know what it takes to create an Aotearoa summer soundtrack. The gorgeous record includes popular singles ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe / What a Wonderful World’ (RNZ, The Breeze, Whakaata Māori, The Most FM, Radio Waatea) and ‘Te Aroha’ (Air NZ, NZOA NewTracks, Niu FM, Tumeke FM, NZ Musician, 13th Floor, Juice TV).

“We want our album to be one that listeners play on a sunny day and just feel good,” says Ra. “As artists, we love reggae and motown, so soundwise you should hear this inspiration coming through!” 

The record was written, recorded and mixed at their home studio in Titirangi, Tāmaki Makaurau - a convenient location for the duo, as they settled into life with a newborn pēpi/baby. “It was so special to be able to take our pēpi along to our recording sessions, but it did mean that the process wasn’t quite as straightforward as it was pre-baby!” laughs Ra.

The songs on WAIATA WAIRUA were inspired by a period of time when Ra and Hayden were going through big life changes - marriage, death (Hayden losing both parents and Ra losing her Dad), and having a baby - which meant they quite literally experienced the circle of life while making this debut album.

While Hayden and Ra are the main writers/arrangers of the album, whānau were called upon for te reo Māori translations, and some of NZ’s finest musicians - including drummers Alistair Deverick (Neil Finn, Lawrence Arabia), Adam Tobeck (Gin Wigmore, Aaradhna) and Chris Grant (Sola Rosa), horns/keyboardist Finn Scholes (Tiny Ruins, Carnivorous Plant Society), keyboardist Joe Kaptein (Princess Chelsea, Nathan Haines), guitarist Dixon Nacey (Annie Crummer, Stan Walker) and bass player Isaac Etimani (Keshia, Christmas In The Park). Dixon also worked with them on the arrangement of new single ‘Hine Ruhi’ - a te reo Māori interpretation of Dave Dobbyn’s treasured ‘Slice of Heaven’. Ra says te reo Māori is such a beautiful and poetic language to sing in, she feels it adds a whole new dimension to the song, paired with the duo’s twist of funk and soul.

Bringing another ‘slice of heaven’ to the track, is an exciting new music video made by Hayden. WATCH HERE.

A collection of originals and reimagined covers meaningful to the pair, WAIATA WAIRUA also features tracks such as ‘Rahiri’, written by Mutunga Rameka, a song that expresses some of the history and ancestors of the Hokianga. Ra is a descendant of the tupuna (Rahiri and Uekunu) in the story of this song, and the tupuna Kaharau is relevant to Ra as the urupā where her Father is buried, is named Kaharau. ‘I shall be released’, written by Bob Dylan, has been a huge musical inspiration for Hayden since he was a teenager, and when Ra discovered and introduced Hayden to the Nina Simone version, it was suggested they record it. ‘The Only One’ is an original Ra Charmian song, inspired by the duo’s own love story, and the incredible journey many go through (ups and downs!) to find ‘the one’.

To celebrate the release of the album, Ra Charmian are set to put on an unforgettable show at Auckland’s Big Fan on October the 5th.

For more info and tickets, head to Under the Radar HERE 

About Ra Charmian

Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) is a performer and vocalist who performed around the world for almost 10 years before returning to Aotearoa. Since being back she’s been a featured artist on RNZ, Air NZ and radio stations around the country, as well as performing on TV and radio - including being the voice for the 2023 NZ Radio Award-winning jingle ‘You’ve Sure Got A Friend In The Breeze’. Hayden Booth is also an experienced musician who has toured and performed internationally for many years - playing in bands opening for the likes of John Mayer, Jools Holland and Paul Weller. Hayden has won 2 international awards for his media production work.He’s also known as one of the best guitarists around and has played on many TV and radio ads over the years.

Follow Ra Charmian:

Website | Instagram | Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok

Lomez Brown Unveils New Single ‘Cover Me’ the First Release from His Upcoming Album ‘Underrated’

Stream ‘Cover Me’

Internationally acclaimed Polynesian artist Lomez Brown is set to captivate listeners once again with his brand-new single ‘Cover Me’ This powerful track serves as the debut single from his much-anticipated first full album ‘Underrated’ and showcases Lomez's signature blend of reggae rhythms, soulful melodies, and profound lyrical depth.

‘Cover Me’ is a heartfelt call for spiritual protection and guidance, beautifully capturing themes of faith, resilience, and gratitude. With its soothing, chill vibe and rich Polynesian Pop influences, the song is a perfect reflection of Lomez Brown's unique musical style, which has been winning hearts around the globe. The single is a testament to his ability to blend cultural heritage with contemporary sounds, creating music that resonates deeply across different audiences.

Lomez Brown has been a driving force in the Polynesian scene since 2013, with a career marked by numerous accolades, including multiple nominations at the Pacific Music Awards, NZ Music Awards, and Maori Music Awards. His track ‘Sweet Lover’ went double platinum in 2023, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in the genre. With over 25 million combined streams and a strong international presence, Lomez Brown continues to push boundaries and evolve as an artist.

‘Underrated’ his forthcoming album, promises to be a profound exploration of his musical journey and personal experiences. ‘Cover Me’ is just the beginning, offering a glimpse into the depth and diversity of sounds that fans can expect from the full album, set for release in 2024.

Lomez Brown invites fans and new listeners alike to experience the first chapter of his new musical journey.

Follow Lomez Brown:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok