Casual Healing to unlock a new era of music with ‘Hypersensitive’
“When the world around us is too overwhelming, we numb ourselves. We harden our hearts so we can block out the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings that make us FEEL.” Nikau states, “We gotta feel all the feels”.
In the wake of his debut album, Driftwood, Casual Healing (AKA Nikau Te Huki) has recorded the waiata, Hypersensitive featuring MĀ, which is set for release on Friday 28th March, 2025. Thanks to the incredible support of NZ On Air Hypersensitive will be accompanied by a fun and freaky music video directed by Wellington’s finest, Mason Rudd.
Hypersensitive was produced by Te Huki at his studio Te Whare Chur and also features a unique poetic display from one of Aotearoa's most authentic rappers - Mā. This dark-psychotropic-snake-charming-trip-hop track takes the mind on a journey through the ego to the center of truth, love and discipline, while also reminding us of this young artists ability to morph a wide collection of genres including Reggae, Hip Hop, Soul and Middle Eastern melodies.
The culmination of Māori Culture, modern music and righteous messaging makes Hypersensitive another meaningful chapter in the book of Casual Healing.
“When the world around us is too overwhelming, we numb ourselves. We harden our hearts so we can block out the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings that make us FEEL.” Nikau states,“We gotta feel all the feels”.
Redefining himself as an artist in 2025, Casual Healing will release a special series of EPs inspired by the four fundamental elements in Te Taiao, the natural world, with Hypersensitive being the lead single of this first EP.
AHI features a number of key collaborations: Kenzie From Welly (‘Aroha’), Dub Princess (‘Morning Ritual’), The Hongi Slicker AKA Troy Kingi (‘Water The Good Seed’) a nd MĀ (‘Hypersensitive’). Each track maintaining its own clear sonic identity while seamlessly blending into one another in its broader context, Ahi matches Nikau’s Libra energy – everything balanced and in its right place.
Will McClean to release the first single from upcoming album with T BOOGIE.
Laced with introspective bars and dynamic production, the track embodies perseverance, self-reflection, and the unshakable drive to rise above. Will McClean’s signature storytelling flows over T BOOGIE’s crisp, atmospheric beats.
New Zealand hip-hop artist Will McClean is back with a powerful statement—his upcoming single, dropping March 28, is the first taste of his collaborative album with producer T BOOGIE, a fresh talent making his debut release.
Laced with introspective bars and dynamic production, the track embodies perseverance, self-reflection, and the unshakable drive to rise above. Will McClean’s signature storytelling flows over T BOOGIE’s crisp, atmospheric beats, delivering lines like:
"We gon’ make it always, pardon my optimism / Sip my coffee nicely, I got no opposition."
The song explores duality—the hero and the villain, the struggle and the triumph—while carrying a message of resilience. Packed with sharp lyricism and a sound that bridges classic and contemporary hip-hop, this release is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a landmark project for both artists.
Release link : https://music.drm.co.nz/wgmi
Butter Wouldn’t Melt announce national tour and homegrown album ‘Where the roots grow deep’
Where the roots grow deep is the first chapter in a two-part album journey, to be followed by Beneath the Stars Above in 2026. Together, these albums form a story in contrast—two sides of the same mountain, two worlds intertwined: one bathed in light, the other steeped in shadow.
Old River Records is thrilled to announce the release of the Sophomore album from award-nominated New Zealand folk/Americana band Butter Wouldn’t Melt, Where the roots grow deep, available everywhere August 9th 2025. Digital singles from the album will be released every few weeks, with the first single Song for Maurice released March 28th.
Where the roots grow deep is the first chapter in a two-part album journey, to be followed by Beneath the Stars Above in 2026. Together, these albums form a story in contrast—two sides of the same mountain, two worlds intertwined: one bathed in light, the other steeped in shadow. Both records will showcase Butter Wouldn’t Melt’s signature local storytelling and rich harmonies, weaving contemporary folk, country, bluegrass, and Americana into a sound that is as timeless as it is deeply personal.
Finalists for the 2023 Best Folk Artist Tūī | Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa, Butter Wouldn’t Melt is the very definition of a grassroots, do-it-yourself band. Every note, every frame, every brushstroke of this project is their own— written, recorded, mixed, mastered, promoted, filmed, and designed. Featuring Andrea Reid (Vocals and rhythm guitar), Nick Burfield (Vocals and lead guitar), Cara Brasted (Fiddle and vocals), Marz Connelly (Double bass and vocals), and guest appearance from Kim Bonnington (Vocals).
This album isn’t just music; it’s a labour of love from front to back. From the songs to the artwork and even the wild Oracle Card merchandise. Recorded and produced at Old River Records, located in the windy hills of Papakowhai, and stitched together with blood, sweat, and sheer determination.
Butter Wouldn’t Melt will be hitting the road in April on a thirteen destination tour across Aotearoa, from Whangārei to Gore, bringing their music to towns and cities all over the motu.
Tour Details:
● April 12 - Te Pahu, Waikato
● April 14 - Whangateau Hall, Whangateau (w/ The Pipi Pickers)
● April 15 - Oneonesix, Whangarei (w/ Gary, Dusty and The Advocators)
● April 16 - Auckland Bluegrass Club, Auckland
● April 18-21 - Hamsterfest, Paeroa
● May 2 - Whanganui Musicians Club, Whanganui
● May 3 Pop-up Gigs Taranaki, Palmerston North
● May 22 - The Globe, Dunedin (w/ Rufous Whistler [AUS])
● May 22 - Wellington Bluegrass Society (w/ Rufous Whistler [AUS])
● May 28 - Wunderbar, Christchurch
● May 29 - Pearl Diver, Dunedin (w/ Rufous Whistler [AUS] and Lara Rose)
● May 30-31 - Tussock Country Festival, Gore (w/ Elias Bartholomeo [AUS])
● June 2 - Ruby Bay Store, Nelson
Tickets for the tour and pre-orders for the album are available via www.oldriverrecords.co.nz/butter-wouldnt-melt
Social Links:
Website: https://www.oldriverrecords.co.nz/butter-wouldnt-melt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butterwouldntmeltmusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrhA0jsXMACngM9YzXv5_wg
Instagram: www.instagram.com/butterwouldntmeltmusic
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@butterwouldntmeltmusic?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
NZ producer and turntablist teams up with music wizard “MoDre”
At it again, Scizzorhands has knabbed the Audio tracks to MoDre’s latest track and given it the Iron Finger Flip
At it again, Scizzorhands has knabbed the Audio tracks to MoDre’s latest track and given it the Iron Finger Flip
One morning Scizzorhands was chillin’ in the studio listening to “They Don’t Know” - a new release from Producer / Songwriter MoDre. After inspiration hit, Scizzorhands put on his best Camouflage and hit the bushes. Using his best Rambo sneaking tactics, he was able to knab MoDre’s hard-drive from Studio 91.
Later that day, Scizzorhands got a text from MoDre, demanding his drive back. What did Scizzorhands do with the drive? Click below to find out.
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.
TILT - TAYLAH (EP)
Brimming with biting lyricism that tackles everything from love, corruption, sex and magic, this EP marks Taylah as a razor sharp storyteller and artist.
Brimming with biting lyricism that tackles everything from love, corruption, sex and magic, this EP marks Taylah as a razor sharp storyteller and artist.
The heavy hitting standout Poison is a sinister, popping track worthy of Gorillaz, while Flow is an uplifting reprieve that prompts you to erupt in ecstatic dance. Taylah’s unwavering stylistic approach is woven through each track of this collection for a more sophisticated yet iconic sound.
“Validating. I wanted to create something that validates people’s feelings and makes them feel less crazy. Because if you look around, none of this is ‘normal’, it’s absurdity manifest, so I wanted to provide a lens that helps you see the absurdity in it all.” - Taylah.
NEW ROCK OUTFIT SAM BARTELLS & THE OUTSIDERS RELEASE DEBUT SINGLE ‘NO REASON’
New Zealand contemporary rock artist SAM BARTELLS today releases monstrous new single ‘NO REASON’, with his brand new project SAM BARTELLS & THE OUSTIDERS, marking his exciting return to hard rock.
New Zealand contemporary rock artist SAM BARTELLS today releases monstrous new single ‘NO REASON’, with his brand new project SAM BARTELLS & THE OUSTIDERS, marking his exciting return to hard rock.
STREAM ‘NO REASON’ HERE
A highly versatile artist, Sam is also a well-known voice in the country music scene, but for now his focus is firmly set on Sam Bartells & The Outsiders, a fresh and growing organism as Sam handpicks talented musicians who suit the project and will be happy to tour and play shows into the future.
Bartells’ signature style and wide-ranging vocal prowess is naturally suited to his soulful, modern rock songs, and he’s thrilled to be back with this new rock collaboration with talented musicians and friends JP Carroll and Tim Skedden.
The song came into being after a long period of personal struggle, where Bartells was feeling disconnected and isolated from people. After stepping back and reflecting on his situation, Bartells experienced a re-birth of sorts, and feeling empowered to go with it, he seized the moment to create a whole new project.
Explains Sam: “I felt like I needed to find my own groove in the rock scene, and this song came to life when my good friend JP sent me one of his masterful riffs and I wrote lyrics to it and it all started from there. My friend Tim also writes similar riffs, and we were sitting on a bunch of songs so we decided to go into the studio with JP and start recording with a plan to do an EP in the future.”
‘No Reason’ was recorded at both Roundhead Studios and renowned Sound Engineer/ Producer Dave Rhodes studio in Whitianga, with Rhodes on producing and mixing duties.
Bartells continues to document his honest and heartfelt journey of self-redemption through his music, allowing his gritty lyrics to expose the fragility of human nature and the relatable struggle to maintain emotional stability through the ups and downs of life, brutal though they may be.
As such, his new project was bestowed a name that evoked the overall feeling he was experiencing at that time: The Outsiders. “That’s when I felt like I only had a few people who were in my life, like I was on the outside. I’m sure others know the feeling, so it feels like a really good fit”, he says.
‘No Reason’ is a revelatory song, and speaks to the moment when you suddenly take stock of your situation and come to the realisation that there’s nothing to lose, it’s time to get up and take on the world, no matter what, and that it’s now or never.
Says Sam: “For me, it was acknowledging the beast within and accepting it –working with what you are, and what you have. Pushing it to the very limit at the risk of losing it all is a very vulnerable but also empowering space to be in. It was about being on the edge and seeing things more clearly, and I realised that I love writing rock songs with these guys, and it was time to go for it. Take the risk and fight for my shot.”
TALENTED ALT-INDIE ARTIST MIM JENSEN SHARES SOPHOMORE EP SHADOW OF THE GIFT
Following on from the release of latest single ‘Safe In Body’, MIM JENSEN today unveils her second EP SHADOW OF THE GIFT, a collection of six powerful, poignant and emotionally illuminating tracks.
“…the EP [SHADOW OF THE GIFT] confirms Mim Jensen as an artist who continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of her sound while staying true to the lyrical rawness that defines her work.” – 13th FLOOR
Following on from the release of latest single ‘Safe In Body’, MIM JENSEN today unveils her second EP SHADOW OF THE GIFT, a collection of six powerful, poignant and emotionally illuminating tracks.
With her unique, confessional song-writing style, SHADOW OF THE GIFT is a captivating exploration of introspection and longing, as Jensen mines her own emotions and relatable experiences in a heartfelt showcase of vulnerability with purpose.
STREAM SHADOW OF THE GIFT HERE
A naturally gifted writer, Jensen’s heartache-fuelled music continues to impress as a bold explorer of self-reflection, discussing deeply personal topics such as historical trauma and emotional conflict that can propel people forward towards a path of self-healing.
With SHADOW OF THE GIFT Jensen is very centred in her healing era, and the songs on this EP symbolise her growth and journey as both an artist, and an individual. Taking the listener on an aural trip of introspection and longing, the EP title refers to shining light on the dark parts for the ‘gift’ to reveal itself, and how everything we experience is interconnected and an integral part of the process.
Jensen explains: “A huge part of healing involves being brave enough to go to those dark places, but the irony is that the darkness isn’t good or bad, it is simply parts yet to be welcomed with love. If you flip Shadow Of The Gift, it reads Gift of the Shadow – a non-dualistic portrayal being the essence of this body of work. It means so much to me, and I can’t wait for her to be yours!”
SHADOW OF THE GIFT is a wonderful collaboration between Jensen and Õtautahi Engineer and Producer Will McGillivray aka Goodwill, who also mixed the songs and played multiple instruments on the tracks.
The first single to be released off SHADOW OF THE GIFT was ‘Same Blood’, closely followed by ‘Past Life’ which enjoyed impressive international traction having been added to more than a dozen college radio stations in the United States. It also saw huge growth on Spotify and Apple Music streaming numbers due to being added to numerous playlists.
Powerful and poignant, ‘Safe In Body’ was the next track to be dropped, and fans should look out for a soon to be released video. Finally, the focus track for the EP is ‘PTP’, a song that captures the feeling of desperately wanting to feel safe in our bodies, and can be seen as a love letter to Self.
A stunning young talent, Mim Jensen boldly showcases her vulnerability through her beautiful music and finely-crafted lyrics. With her fearless ability to do emotional deep-dives, Jensen is a unique and honest song-writer who readily shares of herself as she continues her mission towards living a life based on unconditional love and the interconnectedness of all.
RINGLETS SHARE ‘HEAVENLY WHEEL’
‘Heavenly Wheel’ rumbles at a steady pace. World-weary sentiments freighted across vast landscapes of gnarled, crushing bass and guitar tones and the drums of Father Time’s atomic clock.
ANNOUNCE SOPHOMORE ALBUM
THE LORD IS MY GERMAN SHEPHERD
(TIME FOR WALKIES)
OUT JUNE 27TH
Today, Ringlets announce details of their highly-anticipated sophomore album, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies).
To be released on June 27th via Flying Nun Records and Leather Jacket Records, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies) is the band's shimmering follow-up to their distinct eponymous debut in 2023 and a vibrant expression of their singular song craft.
Produced by Ringlets - Arabella Poulsen (bass & vocals), Arlo Grey (drums), László Reynolds (guitar & vocals) and Leith Towers (lead-vocalist) - in Auckland at The Lab alongside Michael Logie (The Mint Chicks) and mixed by Isaac Keating at Abbey Road Studios, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies) conjures mystic visions; takes raucous, unkempt yet solely committed turns, twists, and tiptoes delicately between the absurd and the divine.
Lead single ‘Heavenly Wheel’ rumbles at a steady pace. World-weary sentiments freighted across vast landscapes of gnarled, crushing bass and guitar tones and the drums of Father Time’s atomic clock.Accompanying the track is a music video directed and produced by Joe Curtis; vocalist Leith Towers shares:
"The song is about in-escapism—being trapped in the bed you've made for yourself. The video captures this concept through vignettes of endless and pointless tasks, ultimately suggesting that it's not so bad when you're in said bed together."
The celestial wheel is the oracle of time. Is the wheel fated to fall down forever and crash to the bottom? Or is it gaining speed to launch off a vast, heroic ramp to be propelled into the lofty firmament of the stars?
The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies) is available for pre-order now on Translucent Green Vinyl with Obi Strip and on Exclusive Flying Nun Black. Pre-order or Pre-save here.