Aotearoa alt-pop trio PAPERCITY share cinematic new music video for hit single ‘Sofa’

Watch the video HERE

Listen to ‘Sofa’ HERE

PAPERCITY (Alex Hargreaves, Sam Edmonds, Jack Rollinson) have today shared their epic new music video for recently released hit single ‘Sofa’!

The extraordinary new music video was directed by PAPERCITY’s own lead singer and guitarist Alex Hargreaves - who has directed all of the group’s videos thus far, alongside videos for the likes of Alien Weaponry, Jujulipps and Devilskin. Today’s clip was loosely based off the 1960’s science fiction TV series The Prisoner and was filmed across Tāmaki Makaurau and Queenstown, creating a cinematic feast of imagery that pairs perfectly with the driving and synth-heavy new banger.

“In The Prisoner, A guy wakes up in a strange village and, if he tries to leave, a great big orb chases him down and tries to swallow him,” explains Alex. “It ties into the song’s feeling of your emotions or thoughts chasing you - but in the video, it’s the whole band trying to get away from the orb, because you’re not really alone.”

Don’t wait a moment longer - watch this new visual treat from PAPERCITY now!

Straight out of Nelson, NZ, PAPERCITY is a hard-edged pop band that packs a punch. They blend relatable lyrics with a dose of guitar-based aggression, unforgettable pop hooks, and a twist of emo and punk, to create a sound that's both raw and infectious. Their live shows are a high-octane blast, charged with a distinctive punk-inspired energy that leaves a lasting impression.

‘Sofa’ follows the trio’s 2019 and 2020 singles ‘Plastic’ and ‘Feel’, the latter of which saw huge love across Aotearoa and abroad - placing on both the Hot NZ Singles Chart and the NZ iTunes Chart. The track saw radioplay across NZ, was added to BBC Radio One’s Hot New Music and Alt Indie & Electric Pop playlists, and the music video won the Top of the South Film Festival Best Music Video award.

Fans won’t want to miss the chance to see ‘Sofa’ live when PAPERCITY support kiwi legends Drax Project at their show at Abbleby Vibes in the trio’s hometown Nelson on November 23! Tickets and more info from Ticket Fairy.

Find PAPERCITY

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The Warratahs Release Live Recording Series, Starting with “Kupe's Tears”

Iconic New Zealand band, The Warratahs, are closing out 2024 with a series of live recordings, kicking off with their beloved track "Kupe’s Tears." Known for their distinctive blend of country and roots influences, The Warratahs continue to capture the spirit of Aotearoa through their timeless sound.

Frontman and songwriter Barry Saunders shares, "While we’ve recorded many albums and songs, the band has always shone live. I think it’s a big part of who we are musically, and it’s great to bring that side of us to the forefront."

Fans can look forward to hearing these recordings ahead of their much-anticipated performance at the Wairarapa Music In The Country Festival in January 2025. The new series offers a glimpse into the raw energy and emotion that has made The Warratahs a staple in New Zealand's music scene for decades.

Kupe's Tears is out November 1st and can be streamed here.

Find The Warratahs :  Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Beloved Aotearoa album THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES now available to stream!

Listen to the album HERE

Watch the wondrous videos HERE

Celebrating the 25-year anniversary since its CD release - music-lovers are invited to celebrate a piece of history with the digital-release of the quirky and illustrious album THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES!

As a tribute to its late creator, artist Fane Flaws - who sadly passed away in 2021 - the legendary album is now available across all streaming platforms for all to enjoy. The record, which stole the hearts of adults and children alike across the country, was created alongside composer Peter Dasent and released by the duo as The Bend. It features a star-studded tracklist of some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians and entertainers; Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Chris Knox, Bic and Boh Runga, Dave Dobbyn, Jenny Morris, Don McGlashan and many more.

Joining previously re-released tracks ‘Neville The Enchanted Rug’ (ft. Neil Finn) and ‘The Hide And Seeky Bird’ (ft. John Clarke) in the digital world is today’s ridiculously fun focus-track single ‘The Girl With The Porcupine Coat’ featuring legendary kiwi songwriter Jenny Morris! Jenny and Fane began their collaborative friendship with award-winning pop group The Crocodiles, before Jenny would go on to establish herself as one of Aotearoa’s established and decorated kiwi songwriters throughout her solo career - receiving two ARIA Awards and inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

Watch ‘The Girl With The Porcupine Coat’ HERE

Enjoy the full album HERE

Pool House drop highly anticipated sophomore EP + new single SANDFLIES

Listen HERE

Popular Ōtautahi-based indie surf rock band Pool House have dropped their highly anticipated sophomore EP SANDFLIES - and it does not disappoint!

Featuring hits ‘Another Day’, ‘Draw the Line’ and ‘Burning’ - these tracks have seen Pool House (Samuel Crisp, Flynn Fierro, Harry van der Gulik, Will Georgeson) regularly place in the NZ Official, Radioscope and SRN Top 10 Charts; added to playlists such as Apple’s New Indie, New in Rock,  and Spotify’s Local Noise, Coastal Drive and Air New Zealand’s Runway Tracks.

Today’s release follows Pool House’s debut EP FLIGHTS OF DREAMING, and performances across Aotearoa, playing alongside major AUS / NZ  acts such as Daily J, Bootleg Rascal, and The Grogans, to crowds of up to 1500 people.

The band say SANDFLIES has been about exploration - with all four tracks embracing a distinct vibe while still being sonically cohesive. Title-track, and new single, ‘Sandflies’ opens the EP with a unique flavour, skillfully layering Sitar and drone-like guitar parts.

“‘Sandflies’ touches on the struggle with the pursuit of money and conventional ‘success’,” explains Pool House. “The track describes how we have the freedom to choose a life not on the beaten corporate path, with our hearts telling us to pursue our passions and not let money dictate our decisions.”

The band says that SANDFLIES reflects what it is like to be in their current life stage - with tracks ‘Sandflies’ and ‘Burning’ touching on uncertainty and some of the negatives that come with the unknown nature of your 20s, and ‘Draw the Line’ and ‘Another Day’ being more positive and playful - communicating the freeing and fun nature of being young. “We are constantly developing as people and believe this EP gives an insight into some of the emotions and experiences we have been dealing with lately.”

The bulk of the EP was written at a friend's house in Cave - a small NZ town located about 20 minutes north-west of Timaru - before it was taken to Auckland’s Parachute Studios. ”We were fortunate enough to receive NZ on Air funding for recording ‘Another Day’ at Parachute Studios with Josh Strand. After that experience, it became clear to us that the rest of the EP would need to be recorded there and, we were also lucky enough to have Jonny Paul (bass player for Daily J) sit in and offer advice, feedback and ultimately good energy. Tunes like ‘Sandflies’ came out with extended intros and guitar solos that we hadn't anticipated, but are delighted about.”

SANDFLIES demonstrates a step up in musicianship for Pool House, and is one that is sure to quickly become another favourite with fans - old and new! This is undoubtable a band to watch.

EP release show at Flux in Christchurch - 14th November

More info and tickets HERE

Follow Pool House

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Dillastrate drop smooth and tender new track + video ‘Don’t Say It’

Listen HERE

Watch the video HERE

Ōtautahi duo Dillastrate (Henare Kaa, Tim Driver) have today released their powerful and heartfelt new soul-pop single ‘Don’t Say It’ - alongside a 1980’s inspired music video!

The dreamy new single effortlessly blends smooth vocals, a pounding beat, soaring piano, washy synths, and tender lyrics that reflect on the challenges of leaving behind unhealthy relationships.

“Inside, you are hurting and grappling with emotional turmoil,” says Tim, “despite the pain, you realise that enduring the struggle to get out is a necessary step towards breaking free and reclaiming your independence.”

The powerful message was brought to life when Dillastrate wrote the track at FiveAM Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, where ‘Don’t Say It’ was later recorded and mixed alongside producer Rory Noble. Additional piano parts were recorded at Roundhead Studios, before the stunning new single was sent to Benny Tones at Organik Muzik Workz in Wellington for mastering.

Today’s release follows what is proving to be an exponential career for the duo, having cemented their place across Aotearoa charts and radioplay, and garnering fans further afield since their debut EP in 2017. More recently, singles 'Kei Whati Te Marama’, ‘Ko Tātou Te Ahi’ ft. kiwi legend Tiki Taane, ‘Taku Aroha’, ‘I’m Crazy’, and more have seen Dillastrate become regular residents in RadioScope and NZ Official Music charts, enjoying airplay across commercial and independent radio alike. Alongside pick up on DSP playlists such as Spotify’s Island Time, Soulful, Waiata Reo Māori, and Apple Music’s New In Pop, Best of The Week and Te Reo Māori - not to mention extensive touring and festival performances that have seen the duo regularly play to crowds of over 20,000.

“‘Don't Say It’ is relatively distinctive in comparison with our previous releases,” says Tim, “but it has a continuity of vibe that speaks to the diverse influences, experience and musical ability of Dillastrate.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, the new single is released alongside a gorgeous new music video, with an unmissable 80s flare. The video was directed, shot and produced by Taine Noble at Studio 22 in Auckland, with choreography by Ihaia Yok-Gee Kereama Kunaiti. “The video sits somewhere between a good-natured jab at and a full noise piss-take of the idiosyncratic music videos of the 80s.”

With an album on its way, fans will not want to miss ‘Don’t Say It’ - an exciting new flavour from the Ōtautahi-based, Aotearoa legends Dillastrate!

Find Dillastrate

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Coast Arcade share charged and driving new single + video ‘City Limits’

Listen HERE

Watch the video HERE

Tāmaki Makaurau alt-rock trio Coast Arcade have today released yet another electric reflection on growing up, with their driving new single and music video ‘City Limits’!

Hot off the heels of beloved banger ‘Baited’ (#3 Official Hot NZ Singles chart, Radioscope Airplay Charts, 95bFM Top 10, ZM, Hauraki) and shows in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin supporting Lime Cordiale, Coast Arcade have swiftly established themselves as a driving force in the Aotearoa indie scene. ‘City Limits’ unpacks the complexities of outgrowing one’s hometown and yearning for something bigger. This relatable and layered feeling is unpacked through Bella Bavin’s swift guitar licks, raw vocals, and intimate lyrics, Thom Boynton’s smashing beat, and Leo Spykerman’s heavy bass chops. 

“‘City Limits’ is for anyone who has felt trapped in their surroundings, whether it’s in their hometown or life in general,” says Bella. “We hope listeners take away a sense of empowerment and validation - knowing it's okay to feel restless and that the desire to break free can lead to personal growth. It’s about embracing that feeling and letting it push you toward something new.”

A shining example of the track’s empowering message, the last three years have seen Coast Arcade grow from strength to strength. From performances alongside artists like Teenage Dads, The Beths, Princess Chelsea, and The Grogans; playing Rhythm and Vines two years running - as well as White Out Festival, Spring City Festival and a sold-out North Island headline tour - to releasing their debut EP NEXT TO ME with its multiple chart-topping singles! There really is no telling what this new chapter will bring for the young stars.

Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘City Limits’ was recorded at BigFan Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau -  a regular creative outlet for the group - alongside engineer Tyler Burke, before being mixed by Clint Murphy and mastered by Ryan Smith.

Also out today is an electric new music video for the track, directed by David Argue - who also worked on the moody video for ‘Baited’, which has already racked up over 23,000 views on Youtube!

This coming-of-age anthem is soon to be another smash hit for Coast Arcade, who defiantly push the boundaries of their sound, message, and success. ‘City Limits’ is not a track you want to miss!

Find Coast Arcade

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Claudia Robin Gunn - Introducing ‘Josephine’ the train that comes and goes

Everyone knows Dolly Parton’s famous Jolene, but maybe not so many folks around the world have got to meet Dunedin’s railway queen ‘Josephine’ - the double Fairlie engine at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. She’s the train that comes and goes! Introducing a sparkly new slice of country folk perfect for little train enthusiasts and any kid who loves a good yarn - just released Monday October 28th on Little Wild Music

Working together, Claudia and Em and Me are so excited to bring an old true story of New Zealand’s railway history to life for a new generation of children. 

A few years back Claudia Robin Gunn started writing a song for Josephine the train, then at this year’s New Zealand Children’s Music Awards Claudia connected with Amanda and Emery from Em and Me about the song ~ and they decided the only thing to do was to finish writing and record it together.

"Josephine is a Dunedin icon. One that we have been going to visit since Em was a baby. We are so excited to share Josephine's story in a song" (Amanda Goodwin – Em and Me)

Amanda produced this track, recording Emery’s vocals over the school holidays, with guitars by Bevan Gardiner and drums by Joe Smithies. Additional mixing and mastering is by Marshall Smith. 

Em and Me performed the song at Josephine’s birthday party at Toitū Otago Settler’s Museum this week on Monday October 28th.

BIO

Claudia Robin Gunn - 2024 Aotearoa Music Award winner (Best Children’s Music Artist), 2 x APRA Children’s Song of the Year, currently working on her 8th album for kids

https://claudiarobingunn.com

Em and Me Music - Mother and daughter duo creating fun and effervescent slices of country pop and disco for a new generation, based in Dunedin.

https://youtube.com/@emandmemusic?si=WzfjSSA_IEuOPjw-

FLAXXIES DELIVER DYNAMIC NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘HEART OF FIRE’ ANNOUNCE FIRST ROUND OF SUMMER FESTIVAL SHOWS!

Fun-loving surf-rock-reggae musical adventurers FLAXXIES drop a cracking psych-rock radio-friendly tune with their latest single ‘Heart Of Fire”.

STREAM ‘HEART OF FIRE’ HERE

Falling hot on the heels of their most recent stand-alone single and yet another Flaxxies instant Hot 20 NZ Single Chart entry ‘Blister’, ‘Heart Of Fire’ is receiving a hugely positive response from radio ears around the country for this, their feel good hit of the summer.

Recorded at The Lab Studios with help from their friends Oliver Harmer and Ryan Cruickshank, ‘Heart Of Fire’ is also produced by Tiki Taane and accompanied by a performance video filmed and edited by Jade Johnson.

An energetic fusion of Surf-Blues Rock and Reggae, with ‘Heart Of Fire’ the old high school mates Eric Goodger (lead guitar), Nick Tait (rhythm guitar), Chris Manning (bass/trumpet), Benji Humphries (lead singer) and Neo Lee (drums), resurrected a track that was written a little while ago with just an acoustic and a vocal on a summery day in Mangawhai.

Fast forward a couple of years and ‘Heart Of Fire’ was brought back into the conversation sparking the band to take it back to the drawing board to breathe new life into it. Now they are thrilled to emerge from the studio with a revived tracking bursting with a fresh, energetic feel and vibrancy.

A real vibe of a track with a groove to match, ‘Heart Of Fire delves into keeping your focus and drive to manifest your desires with fortitude, grit and determination.

Says Flaxxies: “We decided to re-craft this song and try to bring some new energy. This song discusses the feeling of yearning for something or someone, and dealing with the fact that there are always going to be obstacles getting in the way. It takes discipline, patience and the ferocity of a lion to truly capture what one desires.”

WATCH ‘HEART OF FIRE’ HERE

2023 was a busy year for the Flaxxies, dropping single ‘Liquid Gold’ and releasing their acclaimed ep SUNSTRUCK which featured singles ‘Snapped Up By The Boss’, ‘Time To Go’, and ‘Cast Me Away’ – all of which received widespread radio airplay and coveted spots on the Hot 20 NZ Single Chart.

Fast becoming one of Aotearoa’s most in-demand young live bands, anyone who has seen them live knows that the energy they bring to a show makes Flaxxies a must-see act. Now plans for summer festy shows are starting to fall into place, with Flaxxies set to hit the hot holiday spots playing festivals in Taupō, Coroglen, and Matarangi at the end of the year and heading into 2025!

Currently enjoying a reputation for always bringing their infectious fun-filled energy to every show, Flaxxies are fast accumulating a solid live following wherever they perform, so round up the wider whānau and snap up your tickets to see them live now. Go to www.flaxxies.net to check for any new shows added and for all the details.

SEE FLAXXIES LIVE THIS SUMMER!

FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER               LE CURRENTS 2024                     TAUPŌ

MONDAY 30 DECEMBER            SUBLIME WITH ROME                 COROGLEN

SATURDAY 4 JANUARY              CORO CLASSIC 2025                          MATARANGI

For more information and tickets, go to: https://linktr.ee/flaxxiesband