Frau Knotz (NZ) dispenses sophomore EP ‘Digital Plastic Surgery’, alongside banging track ‘Left Eye Lunar’

Ngāmotu New Plymouth-based producer and vocalist Frau Knotz dishes up her sophomore EP, Digital Plastic Surgery — a shimmering mélange of instrumental dance tracks exploring the corners of electronica, concocted in a pressure cooker of concentrated creative output. Alongside the EP, she unveils its final single, ‘Left Eye Lunar’, a mind-bending, relentless 140bpm track that seethes with potential energy.

Hot on the heels of her glitter-showered releases ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’ and ‘Khepri’, this body of work unfolds to lay out her latest ecstatic soundworld in its entirety, allowing listeners to surrender to their imagination. 

Opening with ‘Animistic Ritual’, Frau Knotz transports the listener into a jungle, heaving with life. They awake in the centre of a drum circle, surrounded by gorillas playing a trance-like, polyrhythmic groove, laden with toms. ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’ zips us into a 2D digiverse of a 90’s computer game, with a lead synth that sings above the soundtrack in all its detuned glory. ‘Khepri’ whisks us to a sun-soaked beach with our hearts aglow, while ‘Left Eye Lunar’ captures the juxtaposition of overpopulated chaos in central Cairo against the profound mysteries lurking within the Pyramids of Giza. The final track ‘Consumer Culture’ is a warped, obnoxious commentary of our insatiable desire for material goods, where the only lyrics in the EP can be found; pitch-bent repetitions of the mantra ‘I love it’. 

Frau Knotz shares: “I see this EP as the sonic equivalent to ‘The Breakfast Club’ - it’s an unlikely grouping of quirky characters that form unexpected bonds and reveal their inner struggles.” Mixed and mastered by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, Digital Plastic Surgery is a richly diverse EP that serves as part one of a double-EP project. It dives deep into the many corners of electronica, drawing from unexpected wells of inspiration and is shaped by a relentless creative drive to forge something emotionally resonant and sonically bold in a focused window of time.

In celebration of this EP, Frau Knotz will be hosting two exclusive events; a virtual listening party on Bandcamp, 7pm Wednesday 6th August and an in-person listening party on release day, Friday 8th August at Peeps DIY in New Plymouth.

Previous singles ‘Khepri’ and ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’ were swiftly picked up by George FM, Radioactive, Radio Control, RDU, Radio One, The Most FM, 2RRR FM (Sydney), Under The Radar and 13th Floor’s Song of the Day with fans getting behind the Bandcamp exclusive release by pre-ordering the full EP. 

Fresh from her appearance at WOMAD Aotearoa 2025, Frau Knotz has had a stellar year — releasing three acclaimed singles and a debut EP, packing out her hometown premiere for the Nextraterrestrial film, headlining The Stomach in Palmerston North, and captivating a national audience at the Len Lye Centre. With more music and shows on the horizon, Frau Knotz is poised to lift hearts and energise dance floors with her signature blend of deep feeling and undeniable groove.

For media enquiries, please contact frauknotz@gmail.com

Butter Wouldn’t Melt announce new album ‘Where the roots grow deep’ – out August 9th

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 will be available everywhere on August 9th, 2025.

On the back of a successful thirteen-date national tour earlier this year, Butter Wouldn’t Melt now invite listeners to experience the full album in all its depth and colour. Five singles—Song for Maurice, Woman of Fire, Pieces of You, Take This to Forget, and Tertiary Blues—offered a taste of what was to come. Now, with the release of Where the roots grow deep, the complete story can finally be heard.

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 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.

Fans and collectors can look forward to a limited edition sunshine-yellow vinyl, available now for pre-order via the band’s website. The vinyl will also be stocked at select record stores across the motu, including Slow Boat Records (Wellington), Herbes (Wellington), Relics (Dunedin), and Southbound Records (Auckland).

Also accompanying the release is a striking set of oracle cards, with each card tied to a song from Where the roots grow deep. Designed as a creative companion to the album, the deck invites listeners to engage more deeply with the stories behind the music. Each card includes the lyrics and chords so you can play along, a digital download link, and a short song story, and an affirmation to start your day—blending music, meaning, and mindfulness into a truly immersive experience.

Finalists for the 2023 Best Folk Artist Tūī | Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa, Butter Wouldn’t Melt features Andrea Reid (vocals, rhythm guitar), Nick Burfield (vocals, lead guitar), Cara Brasted (fiddle, vocals), Marz Connelly (double bass, vocals), and guest vocalist Kim Bonnington.

After breakthrough single releases, sold out shows across the country, Dónal Gunning releases his Sophomore EP, Zero Bucks Given.

Dónal is going from strength to strength in 2025, releasing two singles, Losing Weight & Your 1, both exceedingly well received across the globe. He achieved international radio play, successful playlist campaigns and astute critical acclaim - catapulting his fanbase to an all-time high.

The singles blended with additional contagious,high-energy rock songs, make for an EP that packs a serious punch. Zero Bucks Given will be available on all major streaming platforms Friday, August 29th. Dónal and his bandmates,The Bucks, will be hitting the road for a 14-date tour across Aotearoa to promote and celebrate the release this spring. 

See pre-save link (here), to keep up to date with Donal's tour dates & social media click here.  Dónal is currently working on his debut album, set for release in 2026.

ADAM HATTAWAY & THE HAUNTERS RELEASE NEW TRACK & VIDEO TWO ROADS + RELEASE PRE-ORDERS FOR UPCOMING ALBUM HOT VARIETY

Adam Hattaway has covered a lot of  ground. From the indie noise of his debut album, to the lo-fi, country, soul of his double LP Rooster, and the dark, stripped-back ballads of last year’s High Horse. The forthcoming album, Hot Variety, brings all these elements together.

Recorded to tape, Hot Variety is a fully analog affair. Hattaway reunites with his band The Haunters, but with an entirely different approach.The arrangements are stripped back, the sound is dry and unadorned, the playing is looser and captures the immediacy of the moment.

Today, Adam Hattaway and The Haunters release the second single from the upcoming album: Two Roads. One of the darker tracks on the record, it was partially written in Adam’s sleep and takes inspiration from the haunting true story behind Heavenly Creatures. Hattaway’s acoustic guitar is played with aggressive abandon paired with ghostly layers of Hammond organ and bowed guitar. The track evokes the unsettling feeling of being stuck at a crossroads - right on the edge of something.

The accompanying music video by Max Liautaud and Gina Johns, features the band performing live in the studio, interspersed with striking birds eye footage of co-writers Adam and Elmore sprinting along gravel roads towards one another.

Hot Variety is out September 5th on all digital platforms, with a very limited vinyl release (100 copies) via Leather Jacket Records. Pre-orders are available now.

“FRANK ON TAP OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM, AT SIXES & SEVENS, ALONG SIDE GRITTY NEW SINGLE SURRENDER”

Driven by urgency and emotional weight, “Surrender” is a high-energy anthem that captures the tension between conflict and acceptance. The track explores what it means to lean into chaos and still find connection.

“We didn’t want to shy away from the chaos. The whole track is built around that energy — fast, raw, a bit relentless. It’s not about resolving everything neatly, it’s about finding some kind of connection within the mess”.

It’s a bold glimpse into the themes of the upcoming record — raw, vulnerable, and unafraid to sit in discomfort.

“…it’s hopeful. It doesn’t wallow, it reaches forward. There’s a sense of clarity, like you're slowly figuring it all out”.

Frank On Tap’s debut album At Sixes & Sevens is due for release September 26th 2025. “Surrender” is out now on all streaming platforms.

Imani-J’s new single ‘Part of Me’ out now!

“This song is about making sacrifices to stay true to yourself and the conflicting sense of wanting to do what’s expected versus wanting to do what’s best for you.” - Imani-J 

At just 17, Imani-J is already carving out a powerful voice in the R&B and Afrobeats scene. An artist in the truest sense of the word - singer, songwriter, dancer and performer - she tells stories of her own unique journey and experiences as a young Kiwi/Haitian woman in NZ.

Imani-J fuses infectious Afrobeats with soul-baring lyrics on her new single, ‘Part of Me’. Reflecting on her decision to leave school and pursue music, the track blends raw storytelling with vibrant rhythms. An introspective anthem for anyone forging their own path. 

On July 30th, Imani-J will be following up with an Official Music Video release, a large production in collaboration with driven young creatives. 

Imani-J’s debut EP ‘EXPECTATIONS’ [embargoed] is set for release in September 2025. With her talent and dedication she is poised to make a significant impact on the NZ and global music scene.

KORA Delivers Sun-Soaked Dub Reggae Tune 'Easy Now (Final Season)'

Kora are back-and sound bigger, deeper and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited new album Fifth Season set for release August 22nd digitally and on vinyl and a national tour to match, the iconic Aotearoa band is set to reawaken the hearts of fans both old and new.

With new album single, 'Easy Now (Final Season)', Kora delivers a sun-soaked dub reggae tune that feels like a deep exhale. Built on warm basslines, lush guitar layers, and blissed-out grooves, it's a timely reminder to lean into life’s natural pace, and embrace change as journey towards our final season

Listen 'Easy Now (Final Season)' thanks to the the support of NZ On Air.   

Fifth Season showcases the dynamic range of Kora from the funky, upbeat rhythms of 'Dancing in the Rain', to the broken-hearted power ballad 'Gone'. 'Falling For You' taps into the unmistakable Minneapolis sound, and Revolution' (featuring brother Laughton Kora) is a compelling reggae anthem for 2025 that cuts right to the heart of political accountability. ‘Revolution’ rides on a buoyant groove, driven by punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove and soulful vocals, making it as danceable as it is politically charged.

Pre-save / Pre-order Fifth Season Digitally and on Vinyl.

The Fifth Season Album Release Tour sees the band hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country.

Kicking  off in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, followed by a night at Auckland’s iconic Powerstation on Friday 3 October, before wrapping up in the capital at Wellington’s newest venue, Meow Nui, on Saturday 11 October.

Tickets for all dates on sale now from https://kora.nz/

Known as one of Aotearoa’s most powerful and dynamic acts fusing elements of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic music into a sonic identity that is entirely their own. Kora's music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by innovation, storytelling, and groove.

Their breakout hits ‘Politician’, ‘Burning’, and ‘On My Mind’ propelled Kora to the top of the charts, with their debut album going double Platinum and Light Years cementing their status as innovators. Recent singles like ‘Secret Lover’, ‘Weekend’, ‘Dancing In The Rain’, and ‘Gone’ have kept Kora’s sound fresh and their fanbase growing, blending bass-heavy grooves with soulful hooks and sharp production.

The current live ensemble, consists of core members Fran and Stu Kora, Dan McGruer and Richie Allan, along with new additions Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and BVs. 

Long renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora remain one of Aotearoa’s most formidable headline acts on stage, wowing crowds at the likes of The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, One Love, Synthony In The Domain, Electric Avenue, Homegrown, and Splore. 

Their performances bring together heavy bass, soaring vocals, and raw energy, blending musical mastery with raw power to create an immersive experience. Whether headlining major festivals or packing out venues around Aotearoa, Kora’s ability to move a crowd is unmatched.

Aotearoa art-rockers IVY deliver dark and brooding ode to Dunedin

Ōtepoti art-rockers IVY continue their winning streak with today’s release of their raw and haunting new single, ‘Loon’, which serves as a ‘love-hate’ letter to their hometown.

Listen to ‘Loon’ HERE

The compelling quintet have quickly become one of Dunedin’s stand-out acts with their dark, layered sound, emotional intensity, soaring choruses and experimental syncopation. And ‘Loon’ is no exception. 

‘Loon’ represents the conflicting emotions of loving the place you are from, and yet still feeling isolated and trapped by it. The sense of ‘push and pull’ is captured by a powerful mix of distorted guitars, dreamy choruses and vulnerable verses.

“‘Loon’ reflects the tension between the comfort of familiar surroundings and the urge for something new. It’s a sense of sadness and frustration, mixed with restlessness and anger,” says the band, which is made up of Jesse Hanan (vocals, rhythm guitar), James Axton (lead guitar), Connor Cooper (bass), Ocean Temple Wilson (drums) and Louis Stevenson (violin).

“We all grew up in Dunedin and together, so we’ve had similar struggles. From sport to school and then through music. We have spent our time with each other enough to know our respective joys and struggles. There’s kind of a feeling like we’re all in this together, despite what we have to face - the adversity is communal.”

‘Loon’ is IVY’s first release of 2025, following last year’s ‘The Trees’ and ‘Real Love’. The new song makes way for some exciting news from the band, which fans can expect to hear in the coming weeks.