InDuna Releases New Single "Runaway"
"Runaway" is an exhilarating Afro-Pop track that blends infectious rhythms with sleek modern electronic production. The song was inspired by a spontaneous moment in the kitchen while cooking with friends—a fitting origin for a track that celebrates freedom, joy, and the thrill of living in the moment.
Hailing from South Africa and based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, producer and Afro-pop sensation InDuna returns with his electrifying new single, "Runaway," available worldwide.
"Runaway" is an exhilarating Afro-Pop track that blends infectious rhythms with sleek modern electronic production. The song was inspired by a spontaneous moment in the kitchen while cooking with friends—a fitting origin for a track that celebrates freedom, joy, and the thrill of living in the moment. The high-energy anthem invites listeners to break away from the daily grind and embrace life's wild and unrestrained moments.
Reflecting on the track, InDuna says, "The genesis of 'Runaway' came to life in a kitchen while cooking with friends. That spontaneous moment sparked creativity, leading me to lay down the first notes that would grow into this anthem of joy and connection.”
After building the demo in his living room, InDuna took "Runaway" to Big Pop Studios, collaborating with Jpec and Maude to refine the sound and bring the track to its final form. With its pulsating Afro-dance beats and vibrant production, "Runaway" is set to captivate global audiences.
InDuna is an Afro-Kiwi artist whose unique blend of Afro-Dance-Pop draws on his South African heritage and global musical influences. Growing up immersed in the dynamic sounds of Kwaito and influenced by global pop from the UK and USA, InDuna weaves these elements together to create a rich and uplifting sound. His music celebrates cultural diversity, youth, and adventure, all while spreading positivity and inspiration.
InDuna's rise has been marked by impressive accolades, including receiving The Prince's Trust Global Young Achiever Award in 2024. His previous single, Dreams, charted at No. 6 on the New Zealand national music charts, and his growing discography has garnered thousands of streams on platforms like Spotify.
"Runaway" is more than just a song; it's an invitation to escape the mundane and embrace life's spontaneous adventures. InDuna's distinctive Afro-Pop sound, paired with his powerful message of freedom and joy, makes "Runaway" an anthem for those yearning for more from life. Get ready to lose yourself in the pulsating beats and vibrant energy of "Runaway."
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TESS LIAUTAUD RELEASES NEW ALBUM BLUE MIND + MUSIC VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK
Among the folk singers and the rock'n'rollers on the east side of Ōtautahi, a small corner of nowhere that feels like everywhere, comes Tess Liautaud's sophomore album 'Blue Mind'.
Among the folk singers and the rock'n'rollers on the east side of Ōtautahi, a small corner of nowhere that feels like everywhere, comes Tess Liautaud's sophomore album 'Blue Mind'.
Sharing the stage with collaborator Adam Hattaway, Lyttelton legends The Eastern and even Bruce Springsteen, Liautaud has made her mark during her short time in Aotearoa. A reflection of that time, the ten track, folk-rock long player sings of bruised hearts, burdensome bonds, self care and personal growth. The songs are intense but easy, in that Jackson Browne, dreaming of Laurel Canyon, Americana sort of way.
The album will have it’s awaited celebratory launch in Ōtautahi with her musical companions at Space Academy on the 26th October, with support from Emily Fairlight.
Title track, 'Blue Mind' is a soulful anthem that serves as a heartfelt reminder to pause amidst life’s hustle & bustle. Tess says "it encourages listeners to prioritise their mental health & find joy in everyday moments, inviting them to embrace tranquillity & self-care.''
Paired with a music video by Max Liautaud and Caleb McDonald filmed in the southern high country. We follow Tess solo trekking through the untamed surroundings of Arthur’s Pass, dense bush, torrid rivers and cascading waterfalls to find her blue mind.
"Tess Liautaud found her people in Ōtautahi, she nestled in and quickly became a part of the region's wider story of folk'n'country rock'n'roll. Her new album Blue Mind, is an assured work of rootsy Canterburycana (a genre title we're workshopping... Featuring familiar Christchurch cohorts like Adam Hattaway, Elmore Jones, and Jessie Shanks, the shining star here is Tess Liautaud's warm and heartful voice, riding high over her fantastic new set of songs". - Flying Out
She by Avya
A thoughtfully crafted yet quietly powerful song, She is an ode to breaking a cycle of generational hurt. This emotive track depicts two sides of a coin - how you were treated and, as a result, how you will treat her.
She is the second instalment and the title track of Avya's upcoming 3-track EP.
A thoughtfully crafted yet quietly powerful song, She is an ode to breaking a cycle of generational hurt.
This emotive track depicts two sides of a coin - how you were treated and, as a result, how you will treat her.
In defiance of how many generations have justified bad behaviour by saying, "This is just how I was raised" and "This is all I know," She is a song about recognising that behaviour and actively choosing to do differently.
Though the Colleen Hoover novel didn't inspire the song, coincidentally, She feels like the song embodiment of the 2024 film 'It Ends With Us'.
The opening line of the chorus, "She will never feel this way," represents a mother actively deciding to give her daughter a life in which she won't need to experience the same pain as her.
Sitting at the intersection of soft country and folk-pop, She was sonically inspired by the likes of Laci Kaye Booth, Kacey Musgraves and Matt Corby and was produced by LA-based co-writer Joel Jones.
She will released to all streaming services on 25 October. Pre-save She, here.
You can catch Avya performing at Festival One at Hartford Farm in January 2025
"Kahurangi: Little Treasures", Loopy Tunes album for kids!
Children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, are excited that their latest album, "Kahurangi: Little Treasures", is now released and being enjoyed by so many whānau, already, around the motu!
Children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, are excited that their latest album, "Kahurangi: Little Treasures", is now released and being enjoyed by so many whānau, already, around the motu!
The sisters are known for their bilingual Māori and Pasifika children’s music, and with the support of NZ On Air Music, they have created a 23-song assortment of gorgeous wee songs that tamariki will love jamming along to! This fourth addition to their 'Rainbow Collection' of children's music albums (the Kahurangi album), not only means blue in te reo Māori, it can also mean something precious or treasured, giving the album title a beautiful double-meaning.
The album begins with a welcome song, "Nau Mai, Haramai", and then gets tamariki up and moving with a Tongan action song "Lele Means Run". The kids will then get to be a "Little Taniwha", before "Uenuku" teaches them their colours in Māori. They will get to listen out for different transport sounds, in "He Aha Te Tangi?" (what’s that sound?), they will learn how to say ‘I Love You’ in the bilingual Māori, "Ka Nui Taku Aroha Mou", before finishing off with a relaxing breathing song, "Hā Ki Roto", then a bilingual Māori lullaby to end, "Taku Kuru Pounamu".
There are so many gorgeous wee songs that tamariki and the whole whānau will enjoy singing along to. The album also features two shaker songs, a couple of peek-a-boo songs (one that is offered in three languages), a Māori movement song and a bilingual Tongan animal song. Check out two of their new waiata, featured in their new YouTube series, "Music Time with Loopy Tunes". New episodes will be offered every two weeks - click on the link to head to their channel to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
Find them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Digital music platforms: Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more!
NEW ZEALAND INDIE-ROCK BAND MILD ORANGE ARE BACK, REVEALING NEW LAID-BACK SINGLE: ‘MOOD’
'Mood' is the first release from Mild Orange since the band relocated to London UK two years ago off the back of a mostly sold out world tour and multiple successful album releases. It’s a new bigger and twangier sound from the band, with poetic lyrical approach, and an overall laid back feel.
'Mood' is the first release from Mild Orange since the band relocated to London UK two years ago off the back of a mostly sold out world tour and multiple successful album releases. It’s a new bigger and twangier sound from the band, with poetic lyrical approach, and an overall laid back feel.
Frontman and producer, Josh Mehrtens, wrote ‘Mood’ to reflect his playful inner battle with living in the moment. With a tendency to daydream of “craggy coastlines” in his head in order to escape the real-time pressures of his newfound city life, he ultimately decides that when he does face the moment, it’ll be met with calm, a little dance and in good spirit. The band build on this with a slacker groove to alleviate.
This tongue-in-cheek take on presence (or lack thereof) in ‘Mood’ is reflected in the accompanying music video showing Mehrtens filmed in 30 locations around Greater London, directed by longtime collaborator of the band, Rob Thorogood.
‘Mood’ is sign of more new music to come from MO.
“Mild Orange has mastered the art of making music for the nostalgic”
- BILLBOARD (USA)
“New Zealand’s dreamiest indie-pop band”
- MONSTER CHILDREN (AU/US)
“A gem out of New Zealand... the most beautiful music I’ve heard lately”
- LYRICAL LEMONADE (USA)
“..tongue-in-cheek indie dream-pop”
— RIOT MAGAZINE (UK)
Jason Parker presents Happy Days
Jason Parker, continues his journey to fulfil his 'Popstar Fantasy', with a new autobiographical and bittersweet single, "Happy Days".
Jason Parker, continues his journey to fulfil his 'Popstar Fantasy', with a new autobiographical and bittersweet single, "Happy Days," out now via Bigpop Records. Drawing from personal experiences of love, loss, and hope, Parker offers a nostalgic yet hopeful track that explores the complexities of life while spreading his signature message of positivity.
The inspiration for "Happy Days" is rooted in a deeply personal connection of Parker's. "My youngest brother Jake is the most positive person in the world. He’s always smiling and saying ‘happy days’ when we’re together, and I was really missing him when I wrote this song," Parker reflects.
During a difficult time, juggling life in a new city, a new job, and a new relationship, Parker found solace in his brother’s optimistic demeanour. "His voice gave me hope," he adds.
"Happy Days," is the closing track of Parker’s forthcoming EP, ‘Fairy Bread’, and tells a story of shame, self-reflection, and personal growth. "In the first verse, I describe the shame I felt after messing up a relationship, but my brother’s voice is there, reminding me that happy days are coming," Parker explains. As the song progresses, he explores themes of reconnecting with himself and finding gratitude in the healing process. "By the end of the song, I’m fully convinced ‘Happy Days’ are here to stay."
Creating "Happy Days" was a collaborative journey, with Parker teaming up with Maude Minnie Morris on production. "I came in with a very strong idea of what I thought production should sound like, but by the end of the day, I knew the vibe I initially wanted wasn't right for this track," Parker recalls. He credits Morris for helping bring his ideas to life while being open to reworking the track when needed. "There’s no ego, only ideas and laughter," Parker says of their creative partnership.
The cover art for "Happy Days," photographed by Lane Worrall, ties into the broader visual concept of ‘Fairy Bread’, each song representing a colour of hundreds and thousands. "We liked the contrast of blue, a typically unhappy colour, with the title ‘Happy Days’," Parker shares.
Parker hopes listeners find a sense of hope in this song, especially through the difficult times. "A lot of people are struggling right now, and maybe this song will remind them that happy days are coming. We could all use a little of my brother’s positive voice in our heads."
ADAM HATTAWAY RELEASES NEW SINGLE 'AIN'T NO SURPRISE' WITH VIDEO GAME
Adam Hattaway has released single 'Ain't No Surprise' with interactive video game / music video today. With rich layers of strings and nostalgic Sega-like midi keyboards, the track is driven by a surge of acoustic guitars in the style of Jeff Lynne.
WATCH HERE | LISTEN HERE
PLAY VIDEO GAME HERE
Adam Hattaway has released single 'Ain't No Surprise' with interactive video game / music video today. With rich layers of strings and nostalgic Sega-like midi keyboards, the track is driven by a surge of acoustic guitars in the style of Jeff Lynne.
Inspired by Hattaway's love for kitschy 90's computer games. A story of someone spending their 20's in a windowless room glued to their computer. The lyrics reflect the turmoil they have been thrown into since that time, experiencing the wide world and the terrifying experiences they've had with love. In keeping with the theme, the music video is a literal video game.
Directed by Finn Johansson, the accompanying video is footage taken from the aforementioned game. A surreal mix of early 90s platforming and cult classic Shadow Of The Colossus. In the game, the player steps into a shrinking robotic sphere in order to cure Adam's hangover - by swinging with a grappling hook deep into Adam's body and shooting the spiders that have infested him in his moment of weakness. This is the second game from Finnsoft, Johansson's video game studio which specialises in 'Music Video Games' for musicians worldwide.
Ain't No Surprise is the third and final single ahead of Adam Hattaway's forthcoming album 'High Horse' produced by Marlon Williams - out November 8th via Leather Jacket Records.
Along with todays single, Hattaway and his band The Haunters have announced supports for their upcoming album release tour across Aotearoa and Victoria including Lorina Harding, Arahi, Mads Harrop, Just Janie & Sig Wilder and AC Saunders.
Tickets at adamhattaway.com
Unwaged and waged tickets available
Indie Artist Rachel Louise enchants with Debut Single ‘Wasted’ - a dreamy soft-pop ballad for anyone feeling behind in life
Fresh onto the scene, Rachel Louise has been writing songs since she was 9 years old and is sending her first one into the world with her debut single ‘Wasted’. Grounded by a lilting, organic piano riff, ‘Wasted’ speaks to the frustration of feeling behind in life.
Fresh onto the scene, Rachel Louise has been writing songs since she was 9 years old and is sending her first one into the world with her debut single ‘Wasted’. Grounded by a lilting, organic piano riff, ‘Wasted’ speaks to the frustration of feeling behind in life.
Produced by and co-written with Joel Jones (Balu Brigada, alayna), and mastered by Chris Chetland, dreamy pop synths and live strings layer to create a nostalgic, whimsical feeling, taking the listener on a journey of coming back to oneself.
Rachel describes the song coming out of a quiet season following burnout, where everything seemed to be happening for everyone else and she was being asked to stand still. ‘I love a bit of irony and it feels significant that the first song I share speaks to the frustration of not being able to do so. Of the realisation that though this current moment is a gift, the journey getting here has been an even greater one.’
‘I’ve had time to hone my voice as a writer, my sound and identity as an artist, not to mention the growth that’s happened on a much deeper level. The waiting hasn’t been for nothing.’
Thinking about the nature of music today, she reflects, ‘the music industry seems to be built on output and content right now, but so much of what goes into making music, or art in general, is unseen. This song dignifies that hidden work. It’s no less important.’
A taste of her work to come, ‘Wasted’ is aching and hopeful, dreamy and honest, ultimately about coming back to life and realising you’re right on time.