Loopy Tunes release two new Matariki waiata for Tamariki '​Hiwa-i-te-rangi' and 'Te Waka o Rangi (Pōhutukawa)'

PRESAVE 'Hiwi-i-te-rangi' HERE

PRESAVE 'Te Waka O Rangi (Pōhutukawa)' HERE

Today Loopy Tunes (Preschool) Music released two new waiata 'Hiwa-i-te-rangi' and 'Te Waka o Rangi (Pōhutukawa)' from their new upcoming Matariki album 'Mā: Matariki for Tamariki', made with support from NZ on Air. 

A 13-track assortment, the upcoming 'Mā: Matariki for Tamariki' album from the Ōtautahi-based sister duo was made for "our little ones to help them understand Matariki and grow up singing and dancing to the waiata".

Listen to 'Hiwa-i-te-rangi' HERE 

"This is a gorgeous wee song about sending your wishes to Hiwa-i-te-rangi" explain the duo, the youngest whetū in the Matariki cluster. The waiata explains that your wishes may come true with an emphasis on goal setting and features a few tamariki who share their wishes for the year ahead.

Listen to "Te Waka O Rangi (Pōhutukawa)" HERE

The duo describe Te Waka O Rangi (Pōhutukawa) as a beautiful yet difficult lullaby to write, due to the discussion of death. “We decided to write about Te Waka O Rangi because we thought it was a beautiful image of how we farewell our loved ones and thought the imagery would relate well with them.” says Siu. 

These waiata will be accompanied by lyric videos created by Māui Studios on March 3 via the Loopy Tunes YouTube channel.

Siu Williams-Lemi and Leah Williams-Partington make up Loopy Tunes Music. With ancestral links to the largest Māori tribe in Aotearoa, Ngāpuhi, and the friendly islands of Tonga, the sisters bring a super-fun cultural vibe to the children’s music world. They are recognised for their reorua/bilingual Māori and Pasifika children’s waiata, sung in their beautifully harmonious style.

With a growing catalogue of over 170 waiata, their album 'Mā: Matariki for Tamariki' will follow “Kahurangi: Little Treasures” – a 23-song assortment of mostly bilingual tunes that young tamariki and the young at heart will enjoy, released in October 2024. 

2025 will see the duo touring the North Canterbury region through to Kaikoura in April, followed by an extra special tour to Northland in October to visit their iwi whenua, maunga and marae. Alongside touring, they are looking forward to continuing their new fortnightly YouTube series, “Music Time with Loopy Tunes”.

‘Hiwi-i-te-rangi’ and ‘Te Waka o Rangi (Pōhutukawa)’ were made possible thanks to the support of NZ on Air Tamariki funding.

'Hiwi-i-te-rangi' and 'Te Waka o Rangi (Pōhutukawa)' are out now (Feb 28) on all streaming platforms.

CHRISTCHURCH ARTIST PHOEBE VIC ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE ‘MAD WOMAN’

Hot off her appearance at Nostalgia Festival this year, Phoebe Vic releases ‘Mad Woman’, an alt-pop, country-tinged track, calling out gaslighters.

“This song was inspired by someone who tried to tell my friends I was crazy, after attempting to gaslight me.” Vic explains. “I wanted to write something that said exactly how I felt about it, while also exposing their behaviour. Thus, ‘Mad Woman’ came to be”.

‘Mad Woman’ was created alongside APRA Silver Scroll nominee and producer, Emily C. Browning, with mix and master by Math Bishop.

The production lilts and shifts as the story unfolds, punctuated with janky guitar riffs and bright operatic vocal samples. With its rolling bass-line and shuffling percussion, it creates the perfect backdrop for Vic’s blunt and sometimes sarcastic drawl to hit home.

“I know there will be many people who have had a similar experience of someone trying to convince them they’re hysterical or crazy.” says Vic. “Well, if you want a “mad woman”, here she is.”

For fans of Lola Young and Self-Esteem, ‘Mad Woman’ is available on all streaming services and is available to purchase on Bandcamp and iTunes.

FOLLOW PHOEBE VIC

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Wellington Heads 2002 album Spin The Same Bandcamp release

Named after the striking features on Wellington’s rugged southern coastline, Wellington Heads have been playing in and around the capital city, and in venues further afield, for over 25 years.

Wellington Heads consists of three core songwriter-musicians (Geoff Keith, Neil Worboys, and Bill Wood) who combine with key musicians to form a larger live and recording band. Their songs comment on life experiences with a distinctive Wellington flavour.

Wellington Heads have evolved their own sound through the influences of Kansas style blue jazz, the swinging rhythm n blues of Louis Jordan and Ray Charles, Chicago blues and infused with Pacific/Hawaiian rhythms, New Orleans grooves and Latino feels.

Sharp and energetic, Wellington Heads entice people to the dance floor, regularly delighting audiences at Wellington venues, and playing festivals, corporate and private functions. They are frequently invited to perform outside of Wellington, and over the years have played Auckland, Tauranga, Manawatu, Nelson and Wellington Jazz and Blues Festivals.

Wellington Heads - Spin The Same

Baby Rap' Captain Festus McBoyle

I’ve always fancied a bit of Rap Music, infact my first rap song crush was The Wham Rap way back in the 80’s. Now that was a good tune. 

I was also quite intrigued by Run DMC and of course the fabulous Beastie Boys – I’m still ‘fighting for me right to party’ actually.

These days, I find some Rap music just a bit dark and often quite rude. For this reason I decided to create a brand new sub-culture – Lightcore Prankster Rap - still hanging tough but politely and not so seriously.   

You’ll find no guns, no violence, no illegal carry on, just the odd ‘cliche’ dig at the Hardcore and with this new tune -one lightly soiled nappy.

Recently, I was very lucky to meet a chap called Secret Agent 23 Skidoo who comes all the way from America. An established rapping Icon in the Family Music Industry and blimmin’ good he is. 

He’s even a Grammy Award Winner so do check him out!

After a lovely conversation he came onboard to lay down some rather tight Beat Boxing Tracks and even threw in some extra MC ‘Bling’as well.  I felt compelled to throw in some of me favourite 80’s ‘old school’ record scratches and then pulled in me old mate Mr Cheese for some cigar box guitar trickery. 

Finally I layed down me ‘Lightcore Prankster’ Rhymes and there it was in all its glory – BABY RAP!

Another crossing of genres for me and more proof that I am infact capable of collaboration with others.

Get out ya fob watch, hang it round ya neck, draw on some fake tattoos and paint a tooth gold cos’ Lightcore Prankster Rap has just been born. 

BABY RAP - Enjoy!

Nick Hyde - "New Horizons" Album Release Tour

Nick Hyde is a Dunedin based artist who released his Second album "New Horizons" at the end of 2024. His songs come straight from the heart, with thoughtful, soulful lyrics that draw inspiration from his personal experiences in life.

With a musical style inspired by the likes of Ryan Adams, the Goo Goo Dolls, life house and Zach Bryan, Nick blends elements of alternative rock with deep acoustic melodies and raw, emotional vocals to create a unique New Zealand sound.

This will be an up close and personal solo set, taking you on an emotional musical journey not to be missed.

"Nick Hyde’s acoustic guitar work ranges from finger-picked ballads to easy-strummed light rock. This is a comfortable, slightly introspective listen with husky vocals and a nice spirit behind everything. ‘Dreams Are Free’ and ‘Sunday Morning’ are sing-alongs waiting for a crowd" Hamilton underground press

"We were captivated by the raw emotion and sheer talent of Nick Hyde at tonight's performance! From his soulful vocals to the intimate melodies, he poured his heart out on stage - A truly beautiful and vulnerable performance that left us all in awe." Space Studio & Gallery - Whanganui

Nick Hyde - "New Horizons" Album Release Tour

Thu 27 Feb, 7:00pm – 9:00pm - Errick's, Dunedin

Fri 28 Feb, 7:00pm – 9:00pm  - Southland Musicians Club, Invercargill

Sun 9 Mar, 7:30pm – 9:00pm - Wunderbar, Lyttelton

 Sat  15 March 8pm - Globe theatre, Palmerston North

Sun 16 Mar, 7:00pm – 8:45pm St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki

Mon 17 Mar, 7:00pm – 8:45pm, Acacia Bay Community Hall, Taupō

Tue 18 Mar, 7:00pm – 8:30pm  Waipuna Park Pavilion, Tauranga

Wed 19 Mar, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Karangahake Hall, Paeroa

Thu 20 Mar, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Western Community Centre, Hamilton

Fri 21 Mar, 7:30pm – 10:00pm The Cabana, Napier

Sat 22 Mar, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Keirunga Creative Arts Venue, Havelock North

Sun 23 Mar, 3:00pm Smash Palace Bar, Gisborne

Mon 24 Mar, 7:00pm – 8:45pm McLeod Bay Hall, Whangārei

Tue 25 Mar, 7:00pm – 8:00pm Honey House Cafe, Kerikeri

Wed 26 Mar, 7:00pm Ponsonby Community Centre, Auckland

AOTEAROA ARTIST LUANA GORDON RELEASES HEARTFELT SINGLE ‘GOT ME GOOD’

Luana Gordon releases her new single and music video ‘Got Me Good’.

Listen to ‘Got Me Good’ HERE

Luana comes from a close-knit Pacific-European family in South Auckland and her original songs, written and created in home studios with her brothers and fellow musicians Peter and Oliver Leupolu, centre on themes of love, relationships, home and work. 

Her sound is an evocative but down-to-earth style that moves between indie pop, alternative rock, and folk music. 

 ‘Got Me Good’  follows the release of ‘Drunk In The Living Room’ Luana’s debut single released in September 2023, and ‘Working the Weekend’ released in March 2024. 

‘Got Me Good’ is a romantic bossa nova-inspired track, exploring “the mix of emotions at the realisation of your own naivety in a past relationship” shares Luana.

“This song started after I challenged myself to write a bossa nova guitar theme and see what lyrics it inspired. After composing a simple guitar part and playing through it a few times, I felt the mood of the song was a mixture of playful and wistful.”

From here the lyrical concept of someone looking back on a past relationship developed.

“I hope listeners are able to hear that everyone makes mistakes in relationships, especially when they’re young, and they shouldn’t feel silly or ashamed - it’s not always that deep.”

“I hope listeners are able to hear in this song that everyone makes mistakes in relationships, especially when they’re young, and they shouldn’t feel silly or ashamed, they should just try to learn from it and keep moving.”

‘Got Me Good’ was Produced by Luanas brother Peter Leupolu, and accompanied by guitarist Oliver Leupolu. 

Luana Gordon’s new single and music video ‘Got Me Good’ is out now via all online streaming platforms.

‘Got Me Good’ was made possible thanks to the support from NZ On Air New Music Pasifika funding. 

MoDre Releases Empowering New Single "They Don’t Know"

After nearly a decade of touring the globe as a bassist and musical director for renowned artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Omarion, Jidenna, Big K.R.I.T., and Flo Rida, Andre “MoDre” Brown is stepping into the spotlight with his latest single, "They Don’t Know." This release marks a significant milestone in MoDre's journey of self-realisation and artistic independence.

Hailing from upstate New York, MoDre is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who earned the prestigious Berklee College of Music Presidential Scholarship. His illustrious career includes performances on 'The Today Show' with Jennifer Lopez and Lin-Manuel Miranda, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with Jidenna, and multiple appearances on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts. In 2020, he released his debut solo EP, 'Ready,' featuring original songs that were showcased in two BET original films and Showtime's series 'The Chi.' In 2021, MoDre co-produced "Black and White" by Ari Lennox and Nasty C for the 'Coming 2 America' soundtrack.

In 2022, MoDre relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, with his family and established Studio 91 alongside his songwriting partner, Lucy Graves. Nestled in the heart of the Waitākere Ranges rainforest, Studio 91 serves as a creative hub where they produce, write, and develop projects for artists from both Aotearoa and the United States.

MoDre's latest single, "They Don’t Know," is a feel-good R&B track infused with hip-hop sensibilities and a touch of funk and rock. The song narrates a coming-of-age story about embracing one's true self and disregarding external opinions and trends. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like D’Angelo, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Babyface, and producers such as Quincy Jones, Darkchild, and D'Mile, MoDre has crafted a fresh yet nostalgic sound that is uniquely his own.

Reflecting on his journey, MoDre shares, "After years of supporting other artists and creatives, I felt it was important to focus on myself and embrace who God created me to be."

"They Don’t Know" is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Follow MoDre:

FACEBOOK  ::INSTAGRAM:: SPOTIFY  ::YOUTUBE

About MoDre:

Andre “MoDre” Brownis amulti-instrumentalist, producer, and artist known for his dynamic performances and innovative sound.With a career spanning collaborations with top-tier artists and contributions to major film and television projects, MoDre continues to push creative boundaries from his base at Studio 91 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Erin G & Altercation Unveil Electrifying New Single ‘Dream It Again’

Gently reminding us to let go of the past and embrace the courage to dream boldly, singer Erin G and DJ/producer Altercation release their highly anticipated new single, ‘Dream It Again’. The track also serves as the title of their upcoming EP and marks the second release from their collaborative project.

Listen to ‘Dream It Again’ HERE 

“The upcoming EP is all about shedding past burdens and finding the resolve to dream fearlessly,” says Erin G. “Like our inner child, there’s always the potential for a fresh start.”

Altercation adds, “This track hits hard in the right spots but also has a soft touch with the arpeggio melody to keep it dreamy and atmospheric.”

The past year has been a transformative journey for both artists. Erin G has been refining her signature blend of indie and drum & bass, while Altercation has cemented his place in the liquid drum & bass scene. Known internationally for his releases on Norman Foreman and Rubricate Records, he has built a strong reputation and is a regular at festivals across Aotearoa.

With Dream It Again, Erin G and Altercation invite listeners on a sonic journey of renewal, resilience, and boundless possibility.