WELLINGTON ARTIST SAM FOWLES IS ‘SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD’
Fowles soulful vocals bring the feel-good vibes, accompanied with a catchy chorus ‘Sitting On Top Of The World’ is an instant earworm.
Sam Fowles Pōneke/Wellington musician, songwriter and producer releases his single ‘Sitting On Top Of The World’ today, October 10.
Fowles soulful vocals bring the feel-good vibes, accompanied with a catchy chorus ‘Sitting On Top Of The World’ is an instant earworm.
“Sitting on top of the world is a steady groover” shares Fowles “infused with a dash of hip-hop swagger that keeps the energy fresh.”
The fresh energy was flowing creatively for Fowles in the creation of this track. “Unlike most of my tracks, which begin with guitar and voice, this one emerged from a sonic experiment. I spent hours throwing paint at the canvas, instinctively following what felt good. The process was organic, driven purely by feel.”
Fowles also took sonic inspiration for the natural world around him and built it into the track in an exciting way. For the intro and outro Fowles shares “I went around recording sound samples of native birds and bush ambiences in the beautiful parks of Wellington Otari-Wilton, Takarunga-Mt Victoria and also from my bedroom window in Newtown.”
“It was a super enjoyable experience, I love nerding out on sounds. I find it endlessly fascinating. It was a beautiful way to connect with Te Taiao - the natural world and bridge the gap between abstraction and reality in my music.”
‘Sitting On Top Of The World’ is a modern take on classic psychedelic
soul-radiating warmth like a ray of sunshine and drawing inspiration from 70s genre legends like Shuggie Otis, Roy Ayers, and The Isley Brothers.
Lyrically, it explores themes of mental health and the accompanying inner turmoil “in many ways this song is a love letter to the self” reflects Fowles. “It's about being patient and kind to yourself, particularly when you’re feeling low. Take some time out, enjoy nature, ground yourself in the present moment and most importantly show yourself some love.”
‘Sitting On Top Of The World’ is the fourth single released from Fowles' album ‘After Dark’ releasing November 15. Following on from ‘Butterfly Baby’, ‘Destination Unknown’ and most recently ‘Slipping Away’.
“I see this track as the dawn after the dark, sonically I created a sound world that I imagine a beautiful summer day to sound like whereas Slipping Away had the underwater themes. In my compositions I create a sonic space that reflects a theme I am thinking about visually - sounds, shapes and colours that move with the music.”
‘After Dark’ is Fowles debut solo album. Fowles co-produced the album with Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties).
‘Sitting On Top Of The World’ is available on all digital platforms from October 10.
Sam Fowles will host a single release party on Thursday October 10th at Poquito Cafe and Bar, Wellington. Doors open 7:00pm, gig starts 7:30pm. R18. Free entry.
Fowles encourages listeners "in times when you're feeling low, take a moment to step back, breathe, and enjoy the view—it's a beautiful world out there, even when it's hard to see through the fog.”
BODY OF WORK RELEASES 'MAUDLIN TO NONE', TRACK 2 FROM SECONDHAND BLUES
Sarah Illingworth (a.k.a Body of Work) has released her second single from a collaboration with Manchester artist Dan B. Hill. 'Maudlin To None' is the next track from a small collection of break-up songs, titled Secondhand Blues.
Sarah Illingworth (a.k.a Body of Work) has released her second single from a collaboration with Manchester artist Dan B. Hill. 'Maudlin To None' is the next track from a small collection of break-up songs, titled Secondhand Blues.
'Maudlin To None' is a reflection on the pull between places an ex-pat can feel, as well as how easy it can be to romanticise a person when you're not around them day-to-day. It's also a nod to depression, and a nudge to keep on going, for those who find it hard to do sometimes.
'Maudlin To None' follows 'Bottle To Go', which was released on 16 August 2024. Communicating the pursuit of connection within the context of loneliness, 'Bottle To Go' pays homage to multiple relationships, acknowledging the importance of each of those influences to the artist.
Birthed in 2019 by the Birmingham-born, West Yorkshire-based Hill, who asked Illingworth to write lyrics for the pop tracks he'd banged out on Logic, the songs have finally been finished – several years after she moved back to Aotearoa c/o Covid.
With initial support from Cam Ballantyne (We Were Dangerous, Nude Tuesday), the songs were rearranged as live entities, mostly performed and entirely produced by Shannon Fowler (Tom Lark, Shannon Matthew Vanya, The Fuzzy Robes). Fowler engineered the tracks, assisted by Maude Morris (Lexxa, LIPS) on 'Bottle To Go' and 'Thinking Of You'. Julien Dyne (himself, The Circling Sun, Half Hexagon) plays drums on all three. Jeremy Toy (Leonard Charles, She's So Rad, Leonard Simpson Duo) mastered them. Thanks also to Big Pop and Big Fan for being supportive and generous, and providing studio space.
"I struggled to feel a sense of home for a long time," says Illingworth. "I did it to myself in many ways, moving around and moving on, but it's a bittersweet thing; having the opportunity to explore can leave you feeling disconnected, even while you're connecting with new people and communities – like you belong everywhere and nowhere all at once."
"I feel lucky to feel grounded now, close to family and friends, and like there doesn't need to be one individual that anchors me – other than myself and the person she's become."
Secondhand Blues* will be released on November 15 (date tbc, digital only).
Saxophonist Thabani Gapara Releases Single 'Times Change' - An Afro-Beat Funk infused jazz track.
Thabani Gapara’s latest single "Times Change" is an Afro-beat infused jazz track that blends the sounds of jazz harmony with infectious dance rhythms.
Thabani Gapara’s latest single "Times Change" is an Afro-beat infused jazz track that blends the sounds of jazz harmony with infectious dance rhythms. The song pays tribute to West African music pioneers like Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, while reflecting on the genre's evolution. Rooted in tradition, Gapara infuses fresh energy into the sound, creating a captivating fusion of styles that honors the past while embracing modern influences.
STREAM ‘TIMES CHANGE’ 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.
WHO SHOT SCOTT and JUJULIPPS present: WELCOME 2 THE BLENDER
‘WELCOME 2 THE BLENDER!’ is a joint live-show extravaganza presented by Tāmaki Makaurau based musicians WHO SHOT SCOTT and Jujulipps.
Friday 11 Oct at Ding Dong Lounge, Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland
‘WELCOME 2 THE BLENDER!’ is a joint live-show extravaganza presented by Tāmaki Makaurau based musicians WHO SHOT SCOTT and Jujulipps.
Currently two of the most explosive artists brewing in the Aotearoa alternative hip hop scene, the pair have spent the past few years individually electrifying audiences around Australasia, and are now set to merge their two separate, but equally chaotic worlds into a frankenstein creation of absolute madness. Both being honoured as ‘artists tipped to take over’ by Rolling Stone, this first-of-its-kind experience we will see these two phenoms going back-to-back, intermittently performing banger after banger, followed by bombastic DJ performances. Speaking on the show, the artists say:
Jujulipps: I believe the art of performance is a massive energy exchange and that's exactly why I’m really excited for this show. To be able to break that barrier between artist and audience, a narrative that prioritises performing alongside and with the audience instead of for them is something we’re wanting to push. Connecting club culture, rave culture and stage performance into one blender.
WSS: I feel so strongly that live music is supposed to be shared, interacted with, and moulded in real time. I want people to feel valued and embrace that they are part of the art we’re celebrating, because in a very real way, they are. How cool would it be to push this message for the future? - No more gatekeeping, no more egos, no more pseudo-superstars. We are you, you are us, now let’s shake s**t up together!
In a music genre notorious for competition and braggadocio, a live experience of this kind - embracing community and oneness by two of the most exciting artists in the country is sure to be a pivotal moment for the culture. The two SRN award winners will be electrifying legendary punk-rock dive bar Ding Dong Lounge on the 11th of October, accompanied by Ray Leslie on support and the legendary DJ Hyan behind the decks.
If being a part of the history books just so happens to be your cup of tea, make sure not to miss this one!
DOORS 8pm
support Ray Leslie on stage 9pm
Tickets from $20, or $30 on the door
See you all there!
PURCHASE TICKETS FROM HERE: https://bit.ly/W_2_BLENDER
KY 'Shining'
Today, Friday the 11th October, Ky will be releasing his 3rd single “Shining” - a soulful R&B slow jam about his “personal and rather unfortunate shot at love” featuring layered BV’s with Ky’s signature vocal acrobatics.
KY is an upcoming Filipino artist based in Ōtautahi, who is passionate about R&B and representing his Filipino culture through his artistry.
KY’s professional experience includes featuring on the award winning gospel album “ANTHEM” alongside well-known Kiwi artists Marley Sola, Vince Harder, Adeaze, Tone6 and Whenua Patuwai. He has performed as a soloist at Coca Cola Christmas in the Park in 2021/2022 and performed backing vocals on RNZ live sessions for Marley Sola in 2021.
March 2023 saw the release of his debut single “You Are” followed by his sophomore release, “Missing You” in September 2023. Ky is currently working on new music with producers such as Marley Sola and EDY and has signed with Mellow management.
More recently, KY has been writing music for Thursday Collective, a group of 17 song-writers from Mellow Studios, who are set to release their debut album in 2024.
Today, Friday the 11th October, Ky will be releasing his 3rd single “Shining” made with the help of NZ on Air.
Shining is a soulful R&B slow jam about his “personal and rather unfortunate shot at love” featuring layered BV’s with Ky’s signature vocal acrobatics.
“I wrote this song to bring some life to the hopeless romantic version of me. There was a point in my life where I wanted to pursue someone romantically, only to realise that they had already been claimed as somebody else’s treasure. As unfortunate as it sounds, I believe this is a common experience. Through this waiata, I wanted to create a safe space, for all those who have been rejected in love, to let our emotions out”.
LEE MARTIN Releases New Single “Last October” + announces ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
Aotearoa's indie-soul sweetheart Lee Martin releases her deeply emotive new single, “Last October.” With its strong folk feel and melancholic undertones, the song weaves a haunting narrative of reflection and loss, capturing the experience of feeling discarded and used.
Aotearoa's indie-soul sweetheart Lee Martin releases her deeply emotive new single, “Last October.” With its strong folk feel and melancholic undertones, the song weaves a haunting narrative of reflection and loss, capturing the experience of feeling discarded and used.
Accompanying the release is a moody, intriguing VISUALIZER that enhances the song's contemplative atmosphere. The track is one of those rare songs that listeners will find themselves playing on repeat, captivated by its emotional depth and melody.
“This is a song about reflection and about a situation where you feel like you've been used and thrown away. The chorus lyrics ‘Breathe me in, breathe me out, throw me in the bin’ reiterate this. This is probably one of my favourite songs on the album because of the emotion it evokes, ‘Staring down the barrell of Last October, pouring down the whiskey to numb the pain’ I just love that opening line to set the tone of the song” shares Lee Martin.
In addition to today’s single release, Lee Martin has announced a special album release show to celebrate her forthcoming 3rd studio album, Dreamers Dawn (Release date 25 October). The show will be held at The Piano in Christchurch on October 30, 2024, featuring an 8-piece band, including a stunning 3-piece horn section, promising an unforgettable live performance at this iconic venue. A Nation-wide tour will commence straight after. Details available via www.leemartinmusician.com
LEE MARTIN “DREAMERS DAWN” RELEASE PARTY
October 30
Ōtautahi – The Piano
BUY TICKETS HERE
DREAMERS DAWN is available for digital pre-order and on
Vinyl and Compact Disc via Bandcamp.com
PRE-ORDER HERE
DEBUT ALBUM FROM ŌTAUTAHI’S GOODWILL - ‘KIND HANDS’ OUT NOW
Prolific Ōtautahi producer Goodwill (Will McGillivray) has unveiled his debut full-length album “Kind Hands” today - a project which has found its way to completion in bits and pieces - being constantly added to, tweaked and nudged toward the finish line over the last few years while he worked as a producer for hire.
Prolific Ōtautahi producer Goodwill (Will McGillivray) has unveiled his debut full-length album “Kind Hands” today - a project which has found its way to completion in bits and pieces - being constantly added to, tweaked and nudged toward the finish line over the last few years while he worked as a producer for hire.
Following his 2022 EP “Incontrol”, McGillivray set out to create a record which challenged him “to write in a way where a feeling of hope or positivity isn’t far away at any point, even if the song is on the moodier side”. The album covers themes of gratitude, committing to yourself, “prioritising the good stuff” and is woven with stories seemingly unassuming things which, upon reflection, still hold a lot of meaning.
“Kind Hands” came together in small pieces over time, and despite initially intending to hand the reigns over to another producer, the album graduated from ‘perpetual demo mode’ to the point of no return. Aside from a smattering of guest performances and some mixing from Andrew Maury (Victoria Canal, Lewis Del Mar, Shawn Mendes), McGillivray recorded, produced and performed all instruments for the entire album on his own.
Will reflects on the experience: “The recording process is truly a blur to reflect on… progress is often made in big waves, few and far between. There’ll be an hour of pure inspiration where everything I try works and I know exactly what to do, and then 3 weeks where I’m not quite sure what the next move should be. This record is the sound of one person spending unknown amounts of time in one living room studio - running back and forth from a synth to the computer to press record, lying on the couch in moments without inspiration. There’s always some hope in these songs, and I’m proud of that.”
Masterfully blending the laid-back energy of his beach-side studio with the polished production that comes from years of honing his craft, Goodwill’s “Kind Hands” is an album as cohesive as it is varied. It covers huge ground with sparse, intimate moments of folk over a bed of classic Alex G and Andy Shauf-esque Lo-fi Indie, littered with dramatic flourishes evocative of Perfume Genius. All guided and tied together by McGillivray’s unique ability, and his living room studio.
KIND HANDS, is out NOW via Winegum Records, and features all previous singles Kill the Guilt, Obamas, Plans, Goner and title track Kind Hands. Vinyl is available online and in all good record stores across Aotearoa.
Wellington Post-Hardcore band Adult Friends to release new single ‘Smart People’
Adult Friends take on a Pixies-esque sound on their new song, ‘Smart People’, with break-neck dynamic shifts, guitar squeals and vocals frys. The band describes it as “a song that shifts between eerie restraint and empowered emotions”.
Adult Friends take on a Pixies-esque sound on their new song, ‘Smart People’, with break-neck dynamic shifts, guitar squeals and vocals frys. The band describes it as “a song that shifts between eerie restraint and empowered emotions”.
The new single moves away from their earlier releases, such as ‘Ryan Gosling’ or ‘Brittle’. After recently releasing a cover of Have a Nice Life’s ‘Bloodhail’, the band are marking a shift in their sonic influences.
‘Smart People’ drops the guise of metaphor and subtlety, delivering its themes on the nose. With lyrics regarding suicidal ideation and the reverence we have for those who die too young. It’s about one’s longing to be at the centre of a great, dramatic tragedy; and for their memory to be met with grief and regret by all those who knew them.
‘Smart People’ will be available on all major streaming platforms as of October 4th.
Adult Friends seek to find solace in a sea of noise. The Wellington-based four piece blends the cacophony of Post-Hardcore with gothic and melancholic tendencies. Influenced by bands such as At The Drive In, Failure and The Cure, Adult Friends create music that challenges listeners to derive what they like from the songs, so long as they keep coming back for more.