Gumption: Determination, Initiative, Resourcefulness, Energy, Strength of mind, Confidence, Courage…

Next week (Sept 1st & 4th) will see the release of a new Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine single ‘Gumption’ and it's top flight accompanying video – possibly the worlds first 'drone and shed' video

As a kid, Li’l Chuck (AKA David Thorpe) recalls being administered with a colossal dose of industrial strength gumption by his parents. This injection resulted in the evolution of his multi instrumental one man band and much more.

'Gumption' was written, performed and recorded by Thorpe, with the video and artwork made and edited by him - All except for flying the drone, there’s a limit to what he can do whilst playing drums, guitar, harmonica and singing simultaneously!

“I’m a one man band on many levels, a purveyor of homemade, in house, independent art”. says Thorpe.

As the song says, ”If you sit on your hands, you won’t get music done, you’ve got to have a little bit of Gumption”.

It’s this attitude that keeps Thorpe's seemingly endless creative energy and passion alive.

With 4 full length Li’l Chuck albums under his belt and a 5 track EP released earlier this year, Gumption is yet another stupendous, industrious offering to add to his growing discography.

Hear Gumption and view the video first via his Patreon site on Monday 1st September 2025 https://www.patreon.com/backayardmusic

For the the rest of you, you’ll have to wait until Gumption is available on all digital platforms from Thurs, 4th September 2025 but we all know Bandcamp is the best option for the independent musician. skifflemachine.bandcamp.com

All links and more info at backyardmusic.co.nz - The creative and musical world of David Thorpe.

New Album by Award winning New Zealand Pirate Captain Festus McBoyle - The Prose and Cons

This is my Fifth Album to date and I have to say, I’m so very proud of this one.

An Album which appeals equally to both Kids and Adults, its content very Multi Genred and a project which I feel, is completely honest and authentic from Start to Finish – all 15 Tracks!. 

This one’s straight from the Heart and I really hope it brightens your day, brings much joy and laughter and really manages to Tickle ya fancy in a most delightful way.

Much thanks to my ever-supportive family and Friends, My wonderful Crew and of course to you lot for taking the time to have a listen.

Much thanks to NZ on Air for believing in me and supporting me on this  Epic Journey.

Captain Festus McBoyle -The Prose and Cons is now fully afloat – Thank Goodness! May it well stand the test of time - Enjoy

Wellington-Based artist Emma Rutherford releases new single Midnight, a heartbreak anthem that captures the feeling of moving on.

Following the success of her previous single Better Days, Aotearoa pop/soul artist Emma Rutherford returns with Midnight, a heartbreak anthem, pulsing with energy. Midnight captures the silent ache of letting go, even when love still lingers. It's a song for anyone who’s waited, hoped, and finally chosen to walk away. 

After recently relocating to Wellington, Emma worked with Toby Lloyd from Tiny Triumph Recordings to craft a sound that is more expansive and emotionally layered than ever. Midnight is one of Emma Rutherford’s most emotionally charged releases to date. 

With this release, Emma sets the tone for a promising year ahead, honing her signature soul-pop aesthetic while leaning into a more refined and expressive sound. As her catalogue grows, so does her presence, steadily shaping a unique voice within the New Zealand music scene.

Join Kingston Rose, an emerging artist from Wellington, on his North Island tour.

After releasing his debut album Violet Heartbreak earlier this year, Kingston is back with his brand-new single “Don’t Even Know Why” - a passionate, emotionally relatable pop track.

This tour will showcase an energetic live performance, bringing his heartfelt songs to life with the support of talented musicians. It also marks the first official tour from his own label, Wilfred Records, which is dedicated to creating positive change and accessible support for artists across Aotearoa.

Tickets available now from Under the Radar. - 

https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/index.php?task=searchall&q=kingston+rose

TOM SCOTT TEASES NEW SOLO PROJECT WITH SINGLE ‘TILL THEN’, ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

Releasing music for the first time under his name, Tom Scott announces his latest album ANITYA, arriving on 10 October - born of the blood, sweat, and tears shed with Homebrew, @Peace, Average Rap Band, and Avantdale Bowling Club. Today (22 August), Scott shares the first single from the record, “till then”. 

Speaking on “till then”, Scott says, “this was the first honest song I wrote after the break up. wasn't trynna protect my ego or defend my image. Wasn't being bitter or resentful. This was the first time I felt like I just wanted her to be happy. With whoever it was. I'd just found out she was seeing someone. And I was still cut but I wasn't mad. I'd heard some of my homies say they get along coparenting. I just wanted that. But we weren't there yet. And I don't know if we're there yet now. But the most important thing is to just try pretend to get along. For the kids. And that's basically what this song is about. Just wanting the best for someone you loved.”

Raw as exposed nerves after a car crash, and as tender as the final kiss goodbye, ANITYA is the first solo album from Tom Scott, one of the most acclaimed New Zealand artists of his generation, hip-hop or otherwise. Recorded with a cast of 30 of the most versatile musicians, beatmakers and vocalists in his contact list and the award-winning studio engineer and producer Ben Lawson, it represents a significant creative breakthrough for one of Avondale’s finest.

A tale told in two halves, ANITYA is a collective call from the void, offering redemption as you gaze into the house fire. Rendered through a nocturnal blend of progressive soul, dream-pop, jazzy psychedelic folk and ambient R&B, the album’s ten songs confirm Scott’s status as a preternaturally gifted lyricist with an ear for a unifying hook, revelling in the expansive possibilities of who he is still becoming as a songwriter, producer and melodist. It’s not all pretty, but it’s high art. After all, much like the truth, art can be very ugly. 

Scott’s craft as a music maker and performer is second to none. Renowned for his lived-in storytelling and electrifying stage presence, he’s spent the last eighteen years expressing himself through examined reflection, acerbic social commentary, and ever-evolving interests in jazz improvisation and pop songwriting.

Over his storied career, Scott has released nine albums (three of which debuted at number one on the New Zealand Top 40 album chart) and built a loyal live following throughout Aotearoa, Australia, and as far afield as Europe and the United Kingdom. In recognition of his considerable talents and cultural impact, he’s been awarded Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Album at the Aotearoa Music Awards, as well as the coveted Taite Music Prize (2019) and multiple APRA Silver Scroll Award nominations. 

ANITYA will be released on 10 October. till then is out now on all streaming platforms.

Club Ruby shares sunlit single 'Komorebi' following #5 NZ Single

Following a series of newfound music milestones, Auckland pop-punk band Club Ruby are returning with new single 'Komorebi'

Premiered at Studio 1 Vintage Guitars, fans will soon be formally introduced to the gently sunlit track that's illuminated by the sonic comfort of fall. The song is an acoustic-electric ballad that pivots away from its high-octane predecessors to express more abstract, picturesque lyrics grounded in gratitude.

'Komorebi' is about President Ruby’s (Jade Lewis) love for nature and the forest ecosystem. The Japanese word refers to dappled sunlight streaming gently through a canopy. Club Ruby paints the maple trees in the song as the solid roots of family, where the smaller shrubs and trees grow and thrive from the protection of the tallest timber. 

"The maple trees protect the rest of the plants and animals from too much sunlight, wind and rain," President Ruby explains. "The trees represent my family like my mother and godfather, and my realisation that I can feel safe to pursue something as unstable and confusing as the music industry—because I know their love and support is always there," she adds.

In the shifting pre-chorus, Club Ruby sing,"Kito maples always grow to protect everything they know, such steadfast dependence may come with a sentence of no one giving back or saying so, so I'll wait patiently, to let you know I see..."

“As for the phrase Komorebi, I just like exploring different languages and seeing concepts that don’t exist in English, and seeing how word connotations or lack of words may shape someones perspective on the world,” says President Ruby.

'Komorebi' came about from President Ruby and Vice President Hon's childhood with anime and manga. President Ruby even worked at a Japanese hobby store, reading Junji Ito, Attack on Titan, and Spy X Family.

“It’s the art, and the heightened reality and characters, representing feelings that we all may have that we normally don’t express in such extreme manners. I also just love the manga art style, showcased in my drawing for the cover 'Dear Diary'," she says.

“One show I love and I relate a lot is the character and show Aggretsuko, cutesy and shy during daily life, with a heaviness that comes out when I scream and release my anger onstage," she recounts. "Sometimes, I just want to sing soft and reserved too! Genres are like different facets of emotion."

It was also inspired by both the soft and heavy elements that Mannequin Pussy experiments with, especially in the Philadelphia group's song “Romantic”. The ballad's "distorted breakdowns" also take from President Ruby's earlier influences like Radiohead, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Beabadoobee — resolving into "feelings of elation that flowers when you’re feeling really present, whether with a family member or just taking a walk in nature.”

Club Ruby have been tirelessly gigging recently, including supporting Hans Pucket at Whammy Bar and Leigh Apparently at BIG FAN; playing a Silo Theatre gig for DocEdge's Immersive Wrap Party, Rat World's Issue Eight Launch, NiceGoblin HQ's 7th Anniversary; and Auckland Zine Fest beside Phoebe Rings and Clementine. 

Next up is Illuminated Horizon's Wordcore Wayfinders on 'Komorebi' release day: Friday, August 22nd at Te Puna Creative Hub. Tickets are available here.

Dead Cherry Drop Explosive Debut Single “Quirk”

Wellington-based four-piece rock band Dead Cherry unleash their highly anticipated debut single, ‘Quirk’ — a raw, unapologetic slice of rock 'n' roll that perfectly captures the band’s high-energy live sound. Fronted by the electric and unforgettable Jodie Gummer, the band has spent years honing their craft through raucous covers gigs across the country. Now, they’re stepping into the spotlight with original material that fuses hard-hitting rock, danceable rhythms, and pop rock melodies built on strong storytelling.

‘Quirk’ is a celebration of powerful femininity, wrapped in gritty guitars, pounding rhythms, and unapologetic attitude — brought to life with an equally fierce and captivating music video. Written from the perspective of women about women — but with the punch of a classic male-perspective rock anthem — the track celebrates those magnetic women who carry an unspoken allure — who effortlessly command a room with an a magnetic presence and you can’t quite explain why. “I like writing songs that empower women and make them feel good,” says Jodie. “I wanted something raw, something that feels like a straight-up rock song but with a twist — like the girls were writing about themselves.” Recorded with minimal production, the single showcases the band's pure, unfiltered sound and undeniable chemistry.

From Jodie’s commanding stage presence and soaring vocals to Beau Redding’s Southern blues-infused guitar licks, and the airtight rhythm section of Andy (drums) and David “Chops” (bass) — Dead Cherry are the real deal. Their debut offering proves they’re not just a covers band gone original — they’re a band ready to take centre stage. With “Quirk” setting the tone for what’s to come, Dead Cherry are a fresh force in Aotearoa’s rock scene — and they’re only just getting started.

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PICKLE DARLING announces new album 'Bots', due September 5th, + New single 'Congratulations Champion'

Praise for Pickle Darling:
“Pickle Darling’s music captures and inspires an intricate sense of wonder… with each new release Pickle Darling expands their charming sonic cosmos filled with vibrant, intimate bedroom-pop vignettes.” - Crack Magazine
"Built on bright synths and drum machines, it’s Mayo’s familiar off-kilter indie-pop, just a little bigger." - Rolling Stone AU/NZ 
"'Bedroom-pop' wiz" - Under The Radar
"Christchurch’s Pickle Darling (Lukas Mayo) has gone epic... Early promise really flowering." - The Listener

Pickle Darling shares a final single 'Congratulations Champion' and re-announces their new album Bots (previously Battlebots) out 5th September via Father/Daughter Records. Lukas Mayo, the artist behind Pickle Darling, has always thrived in the margins, favouring quiet devotion over quick virality, patience over polish. On Bots, their most fractured and sonically unruly album to date, Mayo quite literally pushed their computer to its limits. Songs were layered until files became unopenable, and in some cases, abandoned entirely. It’s a fitting collapse for a record about emotional static, creative friction, and the strange beauty found in ruin.

'Congratulations Champion' is a timestamp of sorts; a mosaic of one-liners pulled from Mayo’s phone notes and set to a melody that slots in like a missing puzzle piece. It’s a song of small, specific heartbreaks, strung together with warmth and warped logic. The standout lyric, “You know I’m gonna love you still / Like black mold loves the windowsill,” lands somewhere between devotion and decay, a perfect encapsulation of Bots’ tone: earnest, unsettling, and strangely sweet. Out 5th September via Father/Daughter Records, Bots is the latest chapter in Pickle Darling’s ongoing exploration of how broken things can still feel whole.

Speaking on the track, Pickle Darling says: "This one collects a bunch of stand alone lines I’ve had on my phone. Some songs function purely as a timestamp for me, it has so many things in it that point to a specific moment in 2022. I was listening to a lot of R.E.M., at the time, I love melodies that kind of just ‘slot’ into place."

Mayo didn’t set out to break their laptop while making Bots, but in the end, the machine just couldn’t take it. Files became too heavy, too unwieldy, too layered with chopped-up guitar notes, warped voice memos, and fractured drum loops. Some songs weren’t finished so much as abandoned, because the computer simply refused to open them anymore. That moment felt fitting. An album about breaking apart, about friction and collapse, should probably come with a little destruction of its own.

Pickle Darling has always existed just outside of the periphery. In a heightened time of fast music, algorithmic consumption and rapid virality, Mayo has remained focused on the album. Their discography is a reflection of their creative evolution, and they deliberately look for ways to push sonic boundaries from release to release. Since debuting with Bigness in 2019 followed by Cosmonaut in 2021, Mayo has curated a catalog that is deeply personal and strangely tactile, where tiny, unexpected details—an off-kilter loop, a whispered aside, the warmth of an old Casio—become as crucial as melody itself. Their 2023 LP Laundromat was a precise and polished expansion of that world, a record that felt like it had been carefully placed behind glass. It garnered praise from Mojo, Rolling Stone Australia, The Line of Best Fit, and led to a live performance on the beloved New Zealand children’s TV program, What Now.

That friction of old and new, organic and digital, melody and noise is what drives Bots. Mayo drew inspiration from a strange, scattered lineage: Four Tet’s Rounds, The Books, Neneh Cherry’s Broken Politics, The Wrens’ Three types of reading ambiguity, but also the emotional directness of 2000s pop like Madonna’s Ray of Light and Robyn’s Body Talk. The album opens with 'Obsolete,' featuring a voice memo from songwriter Ava Mirzadegan. It takes a full two minutes before Mayo's voice emerges, hesitant but clear. Later, there's 'Massive Everything,' which Mayo describes as the closest they've ever come to writing a pop song. And then there’s Bots’ most striking couplet, from 'Congratulations Champion': "You know I’m gonna love you still / Like black mold loves the windowsill." It’s as sweet as a strawberry on the edge of rotting.

The title Bots itself is a reference to clashing ideologies—internally and externally, between past and present versions, between the desire to create something and the frustration of the process. It’s a reflection of how our thoughts never settle, how music is never really about one singular thing, how an album can hold a hundred tiny conflicts at once. And in that way, it mirrors life itself. It’s an album built from fragments, from warped sounds and half-memories, stitched together into something that still somehow pulses with life. It’s not just a standalone piece, it’s another chapter in the world Pickle Darling has been quietly building all along.

To mark the release, Pickle Darling will play a series of intimate in-store shows around Aotearoa – just Lukas and a guitar, stripped-back and tender:

• September 5th – Slowboat Records, Wellington – 4.30pm

• September 6th – Flying Out, Auckland – 2.00pm

• September 11th – Penny Lane Records, Christchurch