CLAUDIA ROBIN GUNN - Dinosaur Garden Party

"@claudiarobingunn you've done it again!

An on-repeat, special interest joy explosion for my kiddos” [friends on instagram]

Taking the kids party out into the garden and throwing in a dinosaur treasure hunt was the inspiration for the latest production from Auckland song crafter and mum Claudia Robin Gunn. Tom Fox (Groove Song, Bright Blue) brings his signature guitar licks to the sound production, additional instrumentation is care of Marshall Smith (The Sound Room, Marshmellow) while Evie Kemp’s imaginative garden set lights up the Michele Sokolich directed video.

Working with this team, Claudia’s Little Wild Music label is thrilled to expand the visual world for these original kids songs, with support from NZ on Air Tamariki. “I really wanted to bring a little more of the energy from my live shows into the visual content for this new album project, to show my face and connect with families who listen to my work from all around New Zealand. I’m fizzing over with joy for my little fans and their families to be able to stomp with me through a garden of imagination in this series of videos and songs.’

DINOSAUR Garden Party is one of 6 songs and videos in the ‘Playful’ tracklist, leading to a longer album out mid year with many more bubbly songs to come. Claudia’s creative songs are grounded in her innate curiosity for understanding her audience and channeling the things that make kids tick. Feedback from families at shows and from DM’s on Insta inspire new material, just as much as her own experience and reminiscences of early motherhood.

Born in Wellington and raised in Auckland, Claudia Robin Gunn began singing at a young age, with artists like Tracy Chapman, Crowded House and Dolly Parton among her early influences. With poetry & songwriting as her outlet, Claudia went on to study drama, and then communications, leading to a twenty year career in the promotions side of television. Never forgetting her songwriting, Claudia honed her craft as a songwriter and performer through acapella groups, bands, songwriting collaborations and long running electro soul project Substax, before detouring into kids music as a solo artist after having her own babies.

A few APRA awards and a recent Aotearoa Music Award have been welcome highlights along her long and winding road into making songwriting more than just her own special interest, but also her career. Claudia is a Recording Academy voting member, MMF NZ member and mentor, and proud IMNZ member via her label. 

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/claudiarobingunn/?hl=en

YouTube : https://m.youtube.com/@ClaudiaRobinGunn

Website : https://claudiarobingunn.com

DEVILSKIN ANNOUNCE RE-EVOLUTION TOUR 2025

with very special guests VILLAINY plus MIDWAVE BREAKS

DEVILSKIN ANNOUNCE RE-EVOLUTION TOUR 2025 with very special guests VILLAINY plus MIDWAVE BREAKS

Phenomenal multi-platinum rockers DEVILSKIN are fired up and ready to bring the heat as they hit the road this May, embarking on a mammoth winter jaunt traversing the length and breadth of New Zealand.

With a new album in the making, the beloved NZ rockers are full of enlivened energy, and psyched up to reconnect with the most passionate, hard rock fans across the country for an epic mid-year rock tour de force coming your way this May, June and July.

Stalwarts on the live touring scene, Devilskin are more than ready to tear through all the hits, fan favourites and debut some new songs in all their raw and pulverising glory, kicking off on 30th May in Invercargill and stopping at no less than twelves venues across the country before winding up on 5th July in Wellington. Full dates and venues below.

Devilskin have proven time and again that they are adept at curating a killer live line-up, and for the RE-EVOLUTION TOUR fans can expect another evening of powerhouse rock with two very special guests on board for the entire tour: three-time Tui Award winners VILLAINY, and alt-rock duo MIDWAVE BREAKS.

Kicking off the new year with an electrifying performance at AUM FESTIVAL NYE and performing in front of 14,000 hot and happy music lovers at MEATSTOCK, DEVILSKIN went immediately into two months of solid pre-production before entering Parachute Studios where they are currently in the process of recording their sixth album.

“This is an incredibly satisfying body of music for the band. It marks a new level for us as songwriters and as recording artists, and it’s emboldening!”, says Devilskin bassist Paul Martin. “We’re constantly re-evolving as a band, growing into the best and most exciting version of Devilskin that we can be. We’ve set, and smashed, some pretty big challenges for ourselves so right now we couldn’t be more excited to take this new energy on tour!”

Alternative rock band Villainy are thrilled to be on board for the ride, and the chart-topping, award-winning and much-lauded Auckland four piece are revved up and ready to deliver their tight, melodic tunes to avid Kiwi rock fans this winter.

Villainy singer Neill Fraser had the following to say: "We're absolutely amped to be joining forces with Devilskin and Midwave Breaks for what is shaping up to be the definitive NZ tour of the year. This is a colossal line-up of rock titans, and we can't wait to unleash the fury across the country for you. You've been warned, this will be massive."

Alt-rock two-piece band MIDWAVE BREAKS will open each night, adding their impressive, radio-friendly rock anthems to the high-energy line-up, and are equally pumped to be a part of this behemoth rock event, with drummer Paul Russell adding: “A Devilskin tour has become an iconic fixture on the NZ Rock Calendar. Midwave Breaks are stoked to be kicking off the show for these legends, and with Villainy on board too it’s gonna be a hell of a ride, can't wait!”

Renowned for their A-game live shows, Devilskin have a well-earned, solid reputation for always bringing their fierce energy and compelling presence to the stage. Featuring a solid arsenal of cracking tour hits to satiate their audience, with every sensational performance Devilskin are adept at further cementing their place in the hearts of hard rock and metal fans nationwide.

This set of dates will see the ferocious live act that is Devilskin upping the pace, and as they do, lifting the bar for themselves and their audience each time they record, and every time they tour! Round up your mates and secure your tickets now!

Tickets on sale today: go to devilskin.co.nz

DEVILSKIN RE-EVOLUTION TOUR ‘25

with very special guests  

VILLAINY

plus

MIDWAVE BREAKS

From @EVENTFINDA;  *Invercargill @FLICKET;  **Christchurch @TICKETMASTER; +Auckland @AAA TICKETING; 

++Wellington @TICKETEK

Tablefox Set to Drop High-Energy Sub-3 Minute Anthem 'Digging In'

Tablefox's latest single, ‘Digging In’, dives deep into the murky waters of self-sabotage. Frontman Clinton Bell puts it bluntly: “The voices in our heads often shape our fears and beliefs.”

When lead guitarist Matt Carson dropped a killer riff, the band knew they had something special, sparking a creative fire that pushed the track into full motion. The song’s title came to Clinton instantly, the first words that crossed his mind, and from there, the concept began to crystallize. 

Blending pop, punk, and hard rock, ‘Digging In’ radiates an electrifying, raw energy—a blistering anthem that clocks in just under three minutes. Produced by the renowned Scott Seabright (Mumford and Sons, Six60, Passenger) and mastered by the iconic Steve Smart at Studio 301 (Pink Floyd, Simple Minds, The Jam), the track is as polished as it is powerful. 

Visually, the track's artwork comes courtesy of the legendary Ant Sang (The Dharma Punks, Bro’Town), bringing a raw, unmistakable edge to the release. 

‘Digging In’ drops on April 11th, and to celebrate, the band will perform a special NZ Music Month show on May 3rd, alongside MIDWAVE BREAKS and THE RAINFALL. Don’t miss it.

NZ producer and turntablist teams up with NZ Group “Muri”

After getting a hold of Muri’s hard drive, Scizzorhands has dived into a fresh new production style with his own take on Muri’s “Frontline”

After the release of Muri’s song “Frontline”, Scizzorhands reached out to the band to get hold of the tracks to create a remix. After no reply, Scizzorhands took matters into his own hands, taking the hard drive, along with guitarist Noema’s jandal for inspiration.

Weeks later Scizzorhands returned a message to the Muri boys explaining his vision and an attachment of the freshly remixed song. The Muri boys loved it so much they decided it would be awesome to release it as an official remix.

SEE THE SAGA UNFOLD HERE

But on a more serious note, go check out the track and enjoy Scizzorhands foray into the electronic music realm merging turntablism, boom-bap and bass music.

STREAM / DL LINK HERE

FOLLOW MURI

SPOTIFY INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

 FOLLOW SCIZZORHANDS

SPOTIFY INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

Shepherds Reign launches new visuals for 'Samoa Mo Samoa'

– A Tribute to Resilience and Heritage

Shepherds Reign is proud to announce the release of their latest video clip for the heavy metal anthem "Samoa Mo Samoa”. 

This project signifies the band’s first journey to their homeland, where they traveled from Upolu to Savaii to capture stunning scenic drone footage of historic locations that resonate deeply with the Samoan people.

Filmed and edited by local legends Twayne Laumua and the team at Sleeping Giant Films, the video employs striking animation to convey the narrative of Samoa's struggle against colonial powers in the late 19th century. It highlights the tragic events of March 1899, when the US warship Philadelphia bombarded villages on Upolu, resulting in significant suffering among the Samoan people.

In defiance of oppression, the resilience and courage of the Samoan people shine through. "Samoa Mo Samoa" serves as a tribute to those who valiantly defended their homeland, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.

Shepherds Reign are in the midst of their tour with Alien Weaponry, performing "Samoa Mo Samoa" live across six towns in Aotearoa:

• 14.03.25 - Hamilton - Factory

• 15.03.25 - Wellington - Homegrown

• 20.03.25 - New Plymouth - TSB Showplace

• 21.03.25 - Auckland - Powerstation

• 22.03.25 - Christchurch - James Hay

• 23.03.25 - Queenstown - AJ Hackett Karawau Bungy Center

Fans can look forward to a mind-blowing experience as the band brings their powerful anthem to life.

Shepherds Reign invites everyone to celebrate this powerful anthem. The video is now available for viewing on YouTube. 

About Shepherds Reign:

Shepherds Reign is a Polynesian metal band from South Auckland, NZ; known for their unique fusion of traditional Polynesian sounds and heavy metal. Combining powerful vocals, thunderous guitar riffs, and cultural elements, they create an energetic musical experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Shepherds Reign are Filiva’a James (vocals and keytar), Gideon Voon (guitar), Oliver Leupolu (guitar/production), Shaymen Rameka (drums) and Joseph Oti-George (bass)

Delaney Davidson Anniversary Tour

DELANEY DAVIDSON

ANNIVERSARY TOUR
JULY / AUGUST 2025

"Incontestably one of Aotearoa’s most influential and lauded contemporary songwriters”  Under The Radar 

Thursday 10 July - The Yard, Raglan
Friday 11 July - Double Whammy, Auckland
Saturday 12 July - Turner Centre, Kerikeri
Sunday 13 July - Sawmill Cafe, Leigh
Friday 18 July - Meow, Wellington
Saturday 19 July - St. Peter's, Paekākāriki
Sunday 20 July - Paisley Stage, Napier
Friday 25 July - The Crown, Dunedin
Saturday 26 July - Kinross Winery, Queenstown
Friday 1 August - Theatre Royal, Nelson
Saturday 2 August - Loons, Lyttelton

Pre-sale tickets - 9am, Friday 21 March
General tickets - 9am, Monday 24 March

Tickets from Banished Music

Subscribe to presale at
www.banishedmusic.com/subscribe

Delaney Davidson now takes his band of Anniversaries on the local roads around Aotearoa, don’t miss a night of wry sense of humour, some theatre of unease, and a rocking collection of bangers from his extensive back catalogue as he celebrates the music that got him where he is today.

With multiple album Anniversaries this year, Delaney Davidson takes to the road in July to celebrate his extensive and star-studded catalogue with special band the Anniversaries - Heather Webb - Guitar, Alex Freer - Drums, Mark Hughes - Bass.

15 years ago, Delaney Davidson joined Reverend Beat Man - cult figure, gospel trash preacher, and founder of the hugely influential Swiss record label VOODOO RHYTHM RECORDS, to release Self Decapitation and a year later Bad Luck Man.

Self Decapitation had such hits as Little Heart (Silver Scroll Finalist 2011) and barnstormer Dirty Dozen while Bad Luck Man had You’re a Loser (country music song of the year 2012), as well as I’m So Depressed, and evergreen Time Has Gone. These albums cemented him into the Voodoo Rhythm Family and saw him become a distinct cult figure of the European Touring circuit.

Generally dealing with the darker side of things, Delaney Davidson has been described as “being the reigning king of capturing the essence of 'Noir' in Country and Folk Music, pushing at the framework and preconceptions of roots music with his brand of modern gothic Americana.”  - Post to Wire.

Having spent the last 20 years as travelling 'troubadour' around the globe, sometimes solo, sometimes with accomplices, but always with his Ghost Orchestra, Delaney Davidson has found new focus embracing a love of Aotearoa. 

Through his collaborative work with Troy Kingi Black Sea, Golden Ladder, his visual artwork with Tame Iti, and his most current album Out Of My Head produced by Merk, he has featured such varied talents as Hayley Westenra and Reb Fountain and has toured with Chamber Music New Zealand - all the while continuing to reinvent concepts and challenge expectations and gaining respect and admiration from audiences.

DELANEY DAVIDSON ANNIVERSARY TOUR

JULY / AUGUST 2025

Pre-sale tickets - 9AM, Friday 21 March
General tickets - 9AM, Monday 24 March

Tickets from Banished Music

Subscribe to presale at
www.banishedmusic.com/subscribe

Thabani Gapara Presents The African Traveller (Tour)

A Celebration of Southern African Music Across Aotearoa

Southern African saxophonist Thabani Gapara is hitting the road with The African Traveller, a tour that brings the rich, soulful sounds of Southern Africa to audiences across New Zealand.

For those who grew up with the rhythms of Southern Africa, this is a chance to be transported back home through the music that shaped childhoods, dance floors, and family gatherings. And for those who have never experienced the infectious energy of Afro-jazz and township grooves, this tour is an open invitation to step into the heartbeat of the region.

Thabani and his band bring together original music and timeless classics from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, and beyond, blending soaring saxophone solos, deep grooves, and rhythms that get you moving. From high-energy dance numbers to soul-stirring ballads, every note carries the essence of Southern Africa’s storytelling traditions.

This tour also marks a milestone for Thabani as he heads to the South Island for the first time, performing in Christchurch, alongside North Island stops in Auckland, Hamilton, Mount Maunganui, Wellington, and Whangamatā.

Whether you’re part of the African diaspora longing for the sounds of home or someone ready to experience Southern African music for the first time, The African Traveller is about bringing people together, through music, movement, and shared stories.

Tour Dates & Venues

Tickets & Info: https://linktr.ee/thabanigapara

The African Traveller - New Zealand Tour

17 April – Mount Maunganui – Totara Street
26 April – Whangamatā – Edison's
10 May – Christchurch – Space Academy
17 May – Hamilton – The Meteor
23 May – Wellington – Meow
31 May – Auckland – Tuning Fork

2 a.m. Orchestra 'The Last'

"The Last" is the latest and perhaps most introspective release from 2 a.m. Orchestra, the long-time music project of David Kelley. Originally from California, Kelley now calls Auckland, New Zealand, home, but his roots in the American West still influence the sonic landscapes he crafts. For years, 2 a.m. Orchestra was a staple on the Western U.S. touring circuit, building a loyal fan base with their raw, emotive indie rock. Yet, as the tides of life change, Kelley’s music has shifted, reflecting a deepening exploration of the human condition and our place in an increasingly uncertain world.

On "The Last," Kelley delves into some of his most challenging themes to date: the corrosive impact of war, the haunting question of survival in a fragmented world, and the feeling of resignation in the face of mounting global and personal challenges. Technology looms large on the album, both as a force for alienation and a harbinger of a future that feels both dystopian and inescapable. Across each track, there’s a palpable sense of nihilism, as well as a mourning for the loss of youth’s idealism and the innocence that inevitably fades with time.

Largely recorded on his own, Kelley played nearly every instrument and handled all of the vocals on the album, giving "The Last" a deeply personal and solitary atmosphere. His intimate approach to recording mirrors the album’s lyrical content—one that feels more like an internal reckoning than a public statement. The sound is at once grand and stripped-down, capturing a sense of both isolation and vastness, the tension between what is and what could be.

"The Last" is a somber reflection on our present moment—a journey into the complexities of living in a world that’s hard to recognize. As 2 a.m. Orchestra has always done, Kelley crafts an emotional landscape that speaks to listeners navigating their own struggles, providing a soundtrack for those at the crossroads of uncertainty. With this album, David Kelley takes a step away from the familiar, offering a reflection on what comes after the end of everything we once understood.