Claudia Gunn - Revisiting her TOYBOX Era
While it’s a good few years since Claudia’s kids had the living room floor strewn with diggers, dinosaurs and building blocks from the toybox, the songs she started writing for and about their playtime fun are now rolling, digging, clicking and roaring their way into the world on the new collection titled ‘PLAYFUL’ out today.
While it’s a good few years since Claudia’s kids had the living room floor strewn with diggers, dinosaurs and building blocks from the toybox, the songs she started writing for and about their playtime fun are now rolling, digging, clicking and roaring their way into the world on the new collection titled ‘PLAYFUL’ out today.
Catch these six bright and snappy songs, plus their kids karaoke instrumentals for kids aged 2 to 5, produced by frequent collaborator Tom Fox with additional instrumentation by Marshall Smith.
This mini collection is part of a wider release supported by NZ On Air Tamariki through their New Music Kids Project fund - follow Claudia’s channels for all the forthcoming songs and videos leading up to a deluxe album release in August 2025.
VELVETEEN RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM ‘HEAVY MACHINERY’
Jam packed with fuzzy Corgan-esque guitars, heavy drums alongside emotional vocal melodies and lyrics, the alt-rock debut channels the energy of 90s alt-rock, infused with a dark, post-punk edge and draws influence from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Shihad, Jimmy Eat World, The Garden.
Ōtautahi’s latest rising rock outfit Velveteen has released their debut album Heavy Machinery via Winegum Records. Jam packed with fuzzy Corgan-esque guitars, heavy drums alongside emotional vocal melodies and lyrics, the alt-rock debut channels the energy of 90s alt-rock, infused with a dark, post-punk edge and draws influence from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Shihad, Jimmy Eat World, The Garden. Heavy Machinery delves into a rollercoaster of emotions, with frontman Jai's heartfelt lyrics and burning vocals exploring his feelings during a time of heartbreak and the deterioration of some close relationships:
“I was going through a lot mentally when I was writing and recording… I really love this album and it means so much to me. It's got some really angry moments and some very heartfelt ones. It's very emo and angsty, a bit gothic at times. It’s pretty loud and fuzzy and I love all of it.”
Featured as the focus track alongside the album release is Post-Punk rager Salt Lake City which deals with songwriter Jai’s frustration around someone who used to “make everything a competition if you had a bad day”. As the unrelenting drums build into an anthemic halftime chorus, the listener gets to breathe for just a moment before diving right back in, tossed around by the palpable angst and frustration as Jai vents.
“You'd tell them about some mental problems and they were always doing way worse. I was very tired of my mental health and emotions being discarded by them because they were doing worse than me.”
Heavy Machinery is a true homegrown record, with Jai having performed the vast majority himself, and his brother Niko joining on drums for a few songs. The album includes “heart felt, bitter and at times aggressive songs” that were recorded and mixed over a period of 18 months “in the garage” at home by Mike Oakley (Volt Music Studios), with hours spent writing, recording, mixing, tweaking to land at the final product. The complete album is now available via Winegum Records on all digital platforms, and CDs are available in local record stores as well as Bandcamp.
Velveteen is the solo project of Jai Tudor-Oakley. A musician and artist living in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, New Zealand. Jai has emerged as a captivating solo artist, blending shoegaze, 90s alternative rock with elements of punk and electronica. Velveteen's music carries an infectious raw energy, emotional depth and authenticity. Velveteen delves into themes of introspection, self- discovery, love, and the human experience.
Michaell Lewellyn shares ‘The Fish Song’ - a chilling new single from his upcoming sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS
Te Whanganui a Tara-based indie songwriter Michael Llewellyn has today released his gritty new single ‘The Fish Song’. It serves as an enthralling taster from his sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS, out May 20.
Listen HERE
Te Whanganui a Tara-based indie songwriter Michael Llewellyn has today released his gritty new single ‘The Fish Song’. It serves as an enthralling taster from his sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS, out May 20.
‘The Fish Song’ thrusts listeners into the belly of the beast—the dark corners of the human psyche—to confront the shadow that exists within all of us. The poeticism of the track showcases Michael Llewellyn at his best, only this time he ditches the warm and cruisy sonic aesthetics of previous releases, for grungy guitar tones, a growling bassline, crunchy vocals, and a healthy dose of feedback.
Michael explains, “At the time of writing this track I was feeling frustrated at the state of the world, all the hatred within it. A quote from the Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn stuck with me, ‘The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either - but right through every human heart.”
‘The Fish Song’ warns listeners to check the anger buried deep within:
“You’d better come home, you’d better get clean, or those burning broken, all of those twisted dreams, are going to kill someone”
‘The Fish Song’ was recorded alongside Michael’s full band at Roundhead Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau and produced by Paddy Hill.
It is accompanied by a spiraling, nightmarish video created alongside Kerry Pulham, Mason Rudd, and Hayley Caudwell, which will be released in the coming weeks.
Today’s release joins recent track ‘Down By The Packs’ (95bFM Top 10, RadioScope Alt, RollingStone AU/NZ) and 2024 single ‘Home Sometime’, as fragments of his highly anticipated sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS - out May 20!
Known for his raw storytelling and evocative poetics, the world of the upcoming album I’M GORGEOUS calls the heart into question: mining its infinite layers to confront grief, lust, greed, longing, and ultimately, hope.
From the opening crank of the guitar, listeners are thrust into an alternate dimension, whose mountainous and vast landscapes are painted by resounding drums, lilting keys, vertiginous guitar riffs and, of course, Michael’s resonant, intimate voice.
Follow Michael Llewellyn:
Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok
Alt-folk luminary Greta O’Leary unveils willful new track ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ + announces debut album!
Tāmaki Makaurau-based alt-folk songwriter Greta O’Leary has today shared her unyielding and bold new single + video ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ and announced the release of her debut album RIVER DARK - out May 9!
Listen HERE
Video HERE
Pre-order the album HERE
Tāmaki Makaurau-based alt-folk songwriter Greta O’Leary has today shared her unyielding and bold new single + video ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ and announced the release of her debut album RIVER DARK - out May 9!
Yet another captivating chapter in Greta’s unfolding artistry, today’s release encourages listeners to embody the artist’s quiet assuredness, and unapologetic nature. The track combines a haunting and spacious upright piano with a swaying rhythm section, complete with Greta’s signature vocal tone; eerie and tender. With these spook-folk stylings, and defiant lyrical messaging, ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ is an ethereal ballad, audacious and unafraid.
“Sometimes you need to spit on the shoes of those who don’t understand you, and never will,” says Greta. “Crush the boxes they build and forge ahead alone.”
The commanding new track follows the breakout success of 2024 singles ‘Baby I’m A Singer’ and ‘Baptised At The Desktop Computer’ - both of which reached #1 on the SRN Top 10, while the latter also reached #1 on RadioScope’s Alt Chart. Already this year, Greta has shared the lullaby ‘Prelude’ (UTR, TAHI FM, RollingStone AU/NZ) and delivered captivating performances at Newtown Festival and Te Papa’s Rongo Rehutai Summer Music Sessions!
‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ now joins these releases as tasters of Greta’s highly anticipated debut album, RIVER DARK - which is set for release on May 9!
The moving record was created alongside producer Jol Mulholland at LAB Studios, with Greta's hypnotic songwriting and unmistakable vocals accentuated through the skillful musicianship of instrumentalists Cass Basil, Alastair Deverick, Callum Passells and Anita Clark.
Also out today is yet another shining self-directed music video from Greta, shot with the help of Adam Rohe (DOP), starring Monica Evans, Sam McGlennon, Rata Gordan, and the mysterious white hooded figure, Spook.
Watch the video HERE.
Soaring and stark, ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ is set to become an empowering anthem for indie listeners across Aotearoa, and paints an exciting picture of her debut album!
Pre-order the album on Bandcamp HERE.
Find Greta O’Leary
Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Spotify | TikTok | Apple | Website | Youtube
Spook-folk Sweetheart Greta O’Leary is a songwriter and musician whose pervasive, yet spacious sound, cuts through the thickest of skins. Poignant, heartbreaking and occasionally absurd, Greta’s voice ‘reminiscent of a hāngī pit’ seizes us, ‘imbued with earthy, smokey tones’ (UTR). Quickly establishing herself as a rising force in the Aotearoa music scene, Greta was the recipient of APRA’s Artist Mentoring Programme, working with her mentor Tom Healy on her latest works. She’s performed several successful tours across Aotearoa and Australia, alongside appearances at Newtown Festival, Earthbeat, Performance Arcade, Wellington Gardens Magic Festival, and Te Papa’s Rongo Rehutai Summer Music Sessions. Greta’s breakthrough success of 2024 singles ‘Baby I’m A Singer’ and ‘Baptised At The Desktop Computer’ - both spent weeks in the SRN Top 10 (both peaking at #1), and the latter reached #1 on RadioScope’s Alt Chart! Riding the wave of these singles, Greta embarked on a successful Aotearoa tour alongside Fables. Now, her gentle entry into 2025 ‘Prelude’ has seen love from RollingStone AU/NZ, TAHI FM, Radio One, Radio Control, and more. With these releases, and today’s enthralling new single - fans will not want to miss the debut record from Greta O’Leary this May!
‘Village90 deliver soulful single, On My Way with Tom Grut on the visual assist’
On My Way can only be described as an anthem about self belief, perseverance and resilience. When creating On My Way Village90 started by building the music before the subject matter, and the chords in addition with the stripped back dynamic inspired a sense of vulnerability and self analysis.
About Village90
Village90 are a powerhouse five-piece band made up of some of Ōtara's best musicians and performers. Specialising in R&B/soul with irresistible charm, the group's debut single, Young Love, was a huge streaming success while their starring role with SWIDT at the 2022 Pacific Music Awards firmly cemented their status as rising stars. On My Way follows on from the heartfelt release of U&Me in late 2024.
About ‘On My Way’
On My Way can only be described as an anthem about self belief, perseverance and resilience. When creating On My Way we started by building the music before the subject matter, and as a writer the chords in addition with the stripped back dynamic inspired a sense of vulnerability and self analysis.
This led me to write about my own personal feelings of self-doubt, lack of progression and how it was affecting me mentally; specifically the first verse. The progression into the chorus and verse then outlines how we overcame those feelings, and are now reaping the benefits of the aforementioned anthem themes. We had also written this around Men’s mental health week so it added another layer of meaning for us as males, we wanted to depict this in our visuals through the use of a “kumete” or Kava bowl; Whilst also partaking in the drinking of Kava.
We hope this song can act as a source of inspiration for anyone enduring tough times.
Daniel Patea (Village90 Vocalist)
“Linking up with Village90 is always such a fun, organic time - with plenty of laughter and kava. The guys are incredibly talented and really trust in the process. Not sure how I’d get through without Doulos letting me know which lens is best to use!”
Tom Grut (Music Video Director)
Alien Weaponry Reveals Heavy New Anthem 'Taniwha'
ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.
Listen HERE
New Album, Te Rā,
Out This Friday March 28, 2025
via Napalm Records
"Alien Weaponry are back with a vengeance..." - Revolver Magazine
"...Alien Weaponry’s fusion of rage, culture and melody meshes so effectively you could catch sharks in its net." - Kerrang!
“...New Zealand's hottest property is still getting hotter, and "Te Rā" is the perfect blend of neck-wrecking heaviness and atmospheric magic.” - Blabbermouth
This Friday, March 28, Aotearoa’s modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY will release their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, via Napalm Records!
In celebration of this week's release, the band has unleashed one of the album's most aggressive, death-metal leaning offerings, 'Taniwha', featuring a raw, heavy-hitting contribution from longtime supporter and metal icon Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God.
ALIEN WEAPONRY says about 'Taniwha':
“Lamb of God played a significant role in making Alien Weaponry what it is today and this collaboration with Randy Blythe feels like one of those ‘pinch yourself’ moments that our teenage selves would never believe possible. Randy’s lyricism and vocal expertise was an amazing addition to this song and we are beyond stoked to share this song/milestone with the world.”
Take a listen to the new track now – a special bonus listen in advance of the album's drop tomorrow, Friday 28th March 2025! The new anthem follows acclaimed latest singles “Mau Moko” ("...top-notch technical thrash metal..." - Heavy Consequence) and "1000 Friends" ("a driving, riff forward affair that makes it super easy to bang your head to" - MetalSucks).
ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.
With this third full-length album, Te Rā, ALIEN WEAPONRY expand on their hallmark messages of cultural, societal and environmental resilience while delivering their most massive-sounding, focused musical output ever. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth), Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill.
On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of “Taniwha”, a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw aforementioned guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds' lyrics in Māori on songs like 'Tama-nui-te-rā' and 'Ponaturi' draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong's English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day. 'Crown' and 'Hanging by a Thread' take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on 'Blackened Sky' and '1000 Friends', Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer 'Te Kore', Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on 'Mau Moko', he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. As the lyrics honour the traditional Māori practice of moko (face tattooing), they also delve into the social costs of maintaining customs that are at-odds with dominant cultural norms.
LOOPY TUNES SHARE FINAL SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM 'MĀ: MATARIKI FOR TAMARIKI'
Today (March 28) Loopy Tunes (Preschool) Music shared the final single ‘Feed The Stars (Hautapu)’ from their new upcoming Matariki album 'Mā: Matariki for Tamariki', out April 9.
Today (March 28) Loopy Tunes (Preschool) Music shared the final single ‘Feed The Stars (Hautapu)’ from their new upcoming Matariki album 'Mā: Matariki for Tamariki', out April 9.
A 13-track assortment, ‘Mā: Matariki for Tamariki’ was made with the support of NZ on Air Tamariki funding. The Ōtautahi-based sister duo, Siu and Leah, share they made the album for "our little ones to help them understand Matariki and grow up singing and dancing to the waiata".
Listen to 'Feed The Stars (Hautapu Song)' HERE
Upbeat and slightly country-esque, this waiata teaches tamariki what a Hautapu is - feeding the stars with a sacred offering, with the lyrics "Get a big pot, fill it to the top, let the steam rise, up to the sky".
‘Feed The Stars (Hautapu Song)’ follows up 'Hiwa-i-te-rangi', 'Te Waka o Rangi (Pōhutukawa)', 'I Love Huawhenua (Tupuānuku)' and 'Huarākau Is Fruit (Tupuārangi)'. These waiata are accompanied by fun lyric videos that can be found on the Loopy Tunes (Preschool) Music YouTube channel here.
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”.
‘Feed The Stars (Hautapu Song)’ and the album ‘Mā: Matariki for Tamariki’ were made possible by NZ on Air Tamariki funding.
Feed The Stars (Hautapu Song) is out now (March 28). Mā: Matariki for Tamariki is out April 9.
EAST COAST GROOVERS SOJØURN DROP DEBUT ALBUM “LOVE IN THE WAY”
SOJØURN’s debut album “LOVE IN THE WAY” introduces the Mangawhai band’s unique sound; blending diverse influences like surf rock, reggae, disco, and psychedelic rock. The album follows the rollout of the album's three singles: "HIPPIE CHICK", "PLAY IT COOL", and "STAY", all released in 2024.
SOJØURN’s debut album “LOVE IN THE WAY” introduces the Mangawhai band’s unique sound; blending diverse influences like surf rock, reggae, disco, and psychedelic rock. The album follows the rollout of the album's three singles: "HIPPIE CHICK", "PLAY IT COOL", and "STAY", all released in 2024. Known for their vibrant, genre-defying style, SOJØURN creates infectious tracks like the nostalgic reggae of STAY, the high-energy bossa nova of PIÑA COLADA, and the Latin-disco grooves in THESE DAYS. The album also explores atmospheric electronica in THE DREAM and a country-tinged vibe in SOMEDAY. Mixed by Paul "PTK" Jonassen, produced and engineered by Noah Page at Depot Sound, and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studios, the album features lush instrumentation, with saxophone and guitar playing key roles across the 10 tracks. The band’s East Coast-inspired, dynamic sound is a celebration of Aotearoa’s indie-rock scene, offering listeners a mix of nostalgic, modern, and experimental vibes—beautiful cover art & assets by Isabella Rose Young. “LOVE IN THE WAY” will be released on 28th March 2025, via DRM, and available on all good streaming platforms.
Fresh off a massive summer of performances, including Le Currents & Shipwrecked Festival, the release of their debut album will coincide with a North Island tour during NZ Music Month (May) and June 2025. Tour dates and venues below:
SOJØURN’s “LOVE IN THE WAY” Album Tour
Friday 9th May - The Yard / Raglan
Saturday 10th May - Totara Street / Mt Maunganui
Friday 16th May - Tuning Fork / Auckland
Friday 27th June - Cabana / Napier
Saturday 28th June - Smash Palace / Gisborne
Head to https://linktr.ee/sojournmusicnz for event details and ticketing - Tour announcement and ticketing will go live on 1st April 2025.
Since creating SOJØURN in 2018, the band has been busy releasing singles and EPs in quick succession, starting with the highly regarded SUMMER TAPE EP featuring their top streaming single ‘Still A Mess’, 2021’s MYSTIC WAYS EP, and the KAIPARA LIVE SESSIONS EP released in 2022. Their ultra-cruisy reggae-dub-infused Dec ‘23 single ‘Where We Go’ became a student radio fave, topping and inhabiting 95bFM’s Top 10 for several weeks over the following couple of months. This was the sequel to the band’s highly danceable ska-inspired track “Two Step”
Garnering a solid reputation as a crowd-pleasing live act, SOJØURN has enjoyed blitzing summer tours at mainstay venues, and gracing festival stages coast to coast across the motu as they cement a solid live fan base with their energising and uplifting live sets.