BODY OF WORK RELEASES 'SECONDHAND BLUES', TRACK 4 & TITLE TRACK FROM THE SECONDHAND BLUES EP
Body of Work has released its fourth single from a collaboration with Manchester artist Dan B. Hill. 'Secondhand Blues' is the title track from a small collection of break-up songs, Secondhand Blues.
Body of Work has released its fourth single from a collaboration with Manchester artist Dan B. Hill. 'Secondhand Blues' is the title track from a small collection of break-up songs, Secondhand Blues.
A summery bop, it plays with themes of time and distance, eliciting both the bittersweet pang of letting go – and Berlin day club vibes. There shall be remixes!
The musical project of Sarah Illingworth, Body of Work has released three earlier singles – 'Remember My Decision For One Day', a reminder that the cloud will always lift; 'Maudlin To None', a reflection on the pull between places a person can feel; and 'Bottle To Go', which communicates the pursuit of connection within the context of loneliness.
Birthed in 2019 by the Birmingham-born, West Yorkshire-based Hill, who asked Illingworth to write lyrics for some 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 but 'Secondhand Blues'. 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've been a band girlfriend a few times, and this was meant as a cheeky tap at that, in a way that's intended to give myself – and other women that have done that dance – a little dignity and agency in the situation," says Illingworth.
"You're not a stereotype following someone else around, you're navigating you're own life, career, hopes and dreams – while someone else is hell bent on theirs. It may still be a man's world, but women should always fight for theirs in whatever way feels right to them."
Secondhand Blues will be released in full later this year.
RISING SINGER-SONGWRITER JENNI SMITH SHARES EUPHORIC NEW SINGLE ‘LAUGH LOUDER’
Tamaki Makaurau-based pop-country singer-songwriter JENNI SMITH reveals her new song ‘LAUGH LOUDER’, a sassy, sunshine track about leaving toxic relationships behind and finding personal joy and freedom again.
Tamaki Makaurau-based pop-country singer-songwriter JENNI SMITH reveals her new song ‘LAUGH LOUDER’, a sassy, sunshine track about leaving toxic relationships behind and finding personal joy and freedom again. The perfect new year song, ‘Laugh Louder’ beautifully sums up letting go of the old and moving on to have a fun-filled fresh, new start.
‘Laugh Louder’ is a celebratory break-up song, revelling in the fact that leaving someone doesn’t always end in heartbreak, but can lead to a rediscovery of freedom and sense of self, and the knowledge that life can get better because sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side!
Jenni says: “’Laugh Louder’ is written about my personal experience of leaving a relationship with a toxic person, someone who wanted to dull my light. When I left the relationship I thought I should feel sad but instead I felt free and like I could finally be every part of who I am. Writing this song was the most therapeutic thing ever. I started out writing a brassy, revenge song but I ended up writing a light-hearted song about leaving negativity behind and moving forward to enjoy my freedom.”
Written by Jenni with the help of her friend Agustina Rivas, Laugh Louder’ was recorded, produced, and mixed by Jenni’s regular collaborators: renowned engineer/producer Scott Seabright (Mumford and Sons, Broods, Six60), musician Neo Aiono-Fukushima, and mastered by Chris Shetland of KOG Studio. The track is also accompanied by a charming video directed by Connor Magatogia, with cinematographer Riley Aitken, and co-starring Nikolai Pasichnik.
“I started writing this song, completed a verse and a half, then got stuck. I called my friend Agustina and she helped me finish the song. She encouraged me to embrace my sassy side and let the anger I had about the relationship show in the song. And I’ve worked with Scott and Neo together on many projects - they are the dream team. Their ideas helped give this song the uplifting sound it needed.”, says Jenni.
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter happily embodies the girl-next-door trope with her romantic, personal song-writing style being a perfect match for the pop-country genre. Jenni lives and breathes music, and since joining New Zealand’s vibrant country music scene at the age of 12, she can lay claim to a couple of notable achievements: taking out Songwriter of the Year at the 2018 NZCMA Entertainer of the Year Awards, and 2024’s song ‘T-Shirt’ landing at #3 on the Official NZ Singles Chart.
There's something for everyone in Jenni's country- influenced writing; whether you want a hoedown, to cry for hours, get sassy, or confess love, you can bet she's got a song for it! Jenni will be touring nationwide this July, so keep your eyes peeled and ears to the ground for tour dates and catch this uniquely talented young singer live.
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ARAHI delivers dreamy golden hour tune, ‘Baby’s Back’
Packed with shiny guitar tones and solid, unwavering drums, ‘Baby’s Back’ paints a vivid portrait of yearning and melancholy, with a hopeful and almost reckless energy. Its driving and dreamy surface glistens above the darker undercurrents of intense longing, and reckless self-destruction.
ARAHI invites listeners into a dreamland of indie rock and pop on his latest single, ‘Baby’s Back’, out today.
Listen to ‘Baby’s Back’ HERE.
Packed with shiny guitar tones and solid, unwavering drums, ‘Baby’s Back’ paints a vivid portrait of yearning and melancholy, with a hopeful and almost reckless energy. Its driving and dreamy surface glistens above the darker undercurrents of intense longing, and reckless self-destruction.
“For all 4 minutes 14 seconds of ‘Baby's Back’ I hope the listener can escape into a dreamy, blissful world and drive that hopeful, euphoric horizon line,” says ARAHI.
‘Baby’s Back’ was one of the first songs ARAHI wrote when he moved from his home in Haumoana, Hawkes Bay to Tāmaki Makaurau two years ago.
“It’s endured since then, and in some ways it’s indicative of someone who has recently moved from the country to a big city,” explains ARAHI.
Working alongside award-winning producer/engineer Jol Mulholland, ARAHI says ‘Baby’s Back’ is a significant point in his journey. “It feels like a milestone in terms of the kind of music I’m creating and why. In the past I’ve often felt one step behind the music I want to make, whereas this song seems like one triumphant step forward.”
As a nod to ARAHI’s hometown, the song’s video was shot on a hot summer’s day in Haumoana by Hawkes Bay videographer Floyd Pepper.
Watch the video HERE.
‘Baby’s Back’ follows last year’s release of ‘We’ve Seen Better Days’, with both songs providing a glimpse of what’s still to come on ARAHI’s upcoming full-length album, which is set for release later this year.
In the meantime, fans of ARAHI can catch him live at this year’s CubaDupa in Wellington, as well as his three-date Small Halls Tour in Hawkes Bay, which kicks off tonight. Tickets here.
1 Drop Nation release funk-filled tune, ‘Supernova’ featuring Laughton Kora
Bursting with upbeat rhythms and high-energy funk, ‘Supernova’ is a dynamic, electrifying track that was made to be performed live.
Otauhtaui’s 1 Drop Nation have today released their first single of 2025, ‘Supernova’ featuring local legend, Laughton Kora.
Listen to ‘Supernova’ here
Bursting with upbeat rhythms and high-energy funk, ‘Supernova’ is a dynamic, electrifying track that was made to be performed live.
Created during a rehearsal when 1 Drop Nation was messing around, the song took on a life of its own, and the band decided to run with it.
“We took the song to Wellington and collaborated with Laughton Kora to make the magic that it has become,” says Kanei Johnson, the group's lead vocalist.
1 Drop Nation’s guitarist Paerau Hemopo, who wrote the track, says, “We wanted to create a funky tune connecting the universe. It’s a love story that speaks of a journey through the cosmos. The light from a supernova can light up a whole galaxy, much brighter than the sun. So it is to say, ‘I will be your light in the Darkness.’
We hope our listeners think of what is beyond, and having each other's back while embarking towards the unknown.”
‘Supernova’ comes hot on the heels of the uplifting and timely tune, ‘Proud’, which the six-piece released in late November 2024. Watch the video for ‘Proud’ here.
1 Drop Nation has become one of Aotearoa’s must-see acts with an electrifying live show that engages the crowd from start to finish. The band released their 5-star-reviewed, self-titled debut album in December 2022, leading to their second album MOMENT IN TIME in 2023.
The band is made up of Derin Thompson (keyboards, backing vocals / Nga Tai Ki Torere), Paerau Hemopo (guitar / Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi), Burke Goffe (guitar / Ngā Puhi, Te Ātiawa) Marc Hansen (drums), Dru Sione (bass, backing vocals), and Kanei Johnson (lead vocals / Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu).
Catch the band next opening the mainstage of Electric Avenue in Christchurch on Friday February 21 at 2.30pm.
FIND 1 DROP NATION
Sianne Set to Release Soulful New Anthem "H2O" Featuring Poetik
R&B and soul artist Sianne is set to make waves with her latest single, H2O, featuring renowned hip-hop artist Poetik. H2O is a powerful anthem about self-worth, balance, and the importance of pouring into relationships and situations that truly nourish the soul.
R&B and soul artist Sianne is set to make waves with her latest single, H2O, featuring renowned hip-hop artist Poetik. Dropping this Friday, February 14th, H2O is a powerful anthem about self-worth, balance, and the importance of pouring into relationships and situations that truly nourish the soul.
Inspired by the idea that everything in life either fills or depletes one’s energy, H2O speaks to the beauty and strength within each individual—just like crystal-clear water. “I wrote this song about understanding that everything is either giving or taking from your cup (you),” says Sianne. “It’s about recognising what serves you and what does not. I wanted to create a song that reminds people, including myself, to invest in what replenishes and uplifts them”
With smooth, evocative vocals layered over a mesmerising beat, H2O blends elements of contemporary R&B with soul. Poetik’s dynamic verse adds depth to the song’s message, bringing his signature raw lyricism and heartfelt delivery to complement Sianne’s sultry melodies.
The track’s infectious chorus—"Don't be drinking till the water runs dry, fill me up when the water subsides"—is a striking reminder to prioritise self-care and meaningful connections. H2O is more than just a song; it’s a statement of empowerment and emotional clarity.
Sianne has been making a name for herself in the Pacific music scene, known for her captivating voice and heartfelt storytelling. With H2O, she continues to establish herself as a powerful voice in modern soul and R&B.
Connect with Sianne
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TAMSYN 'WAKE UP'
"Wake Up" is a vibrant, passionate, and undeniably rocky track with a distinct 90s flavour, reminiscent of influences like INXS and Patti Smith, all while maintaining a fresh, modern edge.
Whanganui-based singer-songwriter Tamsyn is set to unleash her electrifying new single, "Wake Up," on Friday, February 14th. Produced by Brian Baker at Nixon Street Recordings, "Wake Up" is a vibrant, passionate, and undeniably rocky track with a distinct 90s flavour, reminiscent of influences like INXS and Patti Smith, all while maintaining a fresh, modern edge.
Tamsyn's powerful vocals take centre stage in "Wake Up," driving the song's energy and delivering a message that resonates with raw emotion. The track's driving rhythm and soaring melodies create an immersive listening experience, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note.
"Wake Up" marks a significant step in Tamsyn's musical journey, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and performer. The collaboration with Brian Baker at Nixon Street Recordings has brought a polished and professional sheen to the track, capturing the raw energy of Tamsyn's live performances.
"I'm so excited to finally share 'Wake Up' with the world," says Tamsyn. "Working with Brian at Nixon Street Recordings has been an incredible experience, and I can't wait for people to hear what we've created."
"Wake Up" will be available on all major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, from Friday, February 14th.
About Tamsyn:
Tamsyn is a Whanganui-based singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. Her music blends rock, pop, and alternative influences, creating a sound that is both familiar and uniquely her own.
Believe the Hype! Slimivich to bring Otautahi Grim Hop to the North
Aotearoa's finest Grim Hop act will venture to the North of Te Ika A Maui with a dope duo of shows to kick off their 2025 by hitting Tamaki Makaurau and Whangarei March 14th and 15th respectively.
Aotearoa's finest Grim Hop act will venture to the North of Te Ika A Maui with a dope duo of shows to kick off their 2025 by hitting Tamaki Makaurau and Whangarei March 14th and 15th respectively.
Friday March 14th thanks to the help of Toxic Takeover, Slimivich pays their first visit to the 605 Morningside Drinkery floor. For one wildly eclectic night of punk, post metal and hip hop vibes the boys will be bringing together the infinitely unique Rap of Day13n, the infinitely expansive Post Metal of Exit Sign and the infinitely fresh Hip Hop vibes of Kaio, you simply WILL NOT beat it.
Saturday March 15th Slimivich hits Whangarei for the very first time to grind down minds at the all ages rager, Whangarei Autumn Haze Festival held within the One One Six performing arts center. Out to present to the North what Ōtautahi Grim hop is all about, the boys will join Power Metallers Forsaken Age (Akl), Surf Punks Surf Pig, Grindcore cultists Skumlord, Hardcore heroes 99 Ghosts and vibrant Post Rockers People of the Sun (Wlg).
Friday March 14th -Tamaki Makaurau - 605 Morningside Drinkery
Tickets: $10 (+booking fee) from Cosmic Ticketing
Doors sales: $20 on the night
Saturday March 15th - Whangarei - One One Six Events Center
Tickets: $20 (+booking fee) from Event Finda
Doors sales: $25 on the night
Danica Bryant drops dynamic and infectious new single + video ‘Morals’
Pōneke-based indie-pop star Danica Bryant is once again showcasing her knack for relatable songwriting and catchy pop hooks, with an upbeat new single + video ‘Morals’
Listen to ‘Morals’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
Pōneke-based indie-pop star Danica Bryant is once again showcasing her knack for relatable songwriting and catchy pop hooks, with an upbeat new single + video ‘Morals’ - out today!
Listen to ‘Morals’ HERE
‘Morals’ is a pulsing, introspective and intoxicating track with hints of country-pop, a healthy dose of synths, and layers of emotional depth. Complete with an uplifting key change and Danica’s gorgeous vocals, today’s new single invites listeners to be a little nicer to themselves.
“Following your dreams can be so painful when you confine yourself to specific expectations of how they should play out and how you must behave to achieve them.” says Danica. “This song is my reminder that the journey itself is worth it, no matter how well the outcome turns out.”
Joining the new single today is a whimsical and fun self-directed music video, filmed alongside Tyler Blythe across multiple Pōneke locations. “The song is all about making pursuits difficult for myself,” says Danica. “So the video felt like the perfect place to make my fairy dreams come true!”
Watch the music video HERE
Today’s single arrives after Danica’s punchy 2024 single ‘Acid’ - a pop-rock anthem of queer sensuality that took Aotearoa by storm (#2 Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart, #33 Hot 40 Singles) - and an impressive list of career highlights to date; support slots for Elton John, Robbie Williams and Foreigner, mentoring from Bic Runga, two EPs, multiple charting singles, and a successful headlining tour.
An exciting insight into the versatility of Danica Bryant’s songwriting and sound, ‘Acid’ and ‘Morals’ beckon a new era for the rising star, in which fans can expect her debut album later this year!