KAYLEE BELL SHARES TRIBUTE TO COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR, ‘KEITH’

It’s no secret that Kaylee Bell is a huge fan of Keith Urban, who’s stage she shared on his 2014Light The Fuse and 2016 ripCORD World Tours. Kaylee now issues the ultimate tribute with her new single Keith, which releases today, along with the accompanying live-performance video taken from her new year's Top Paddock festival set.

The single is already making waves this morning, with a debut through Spotify's AU & NZ New Music Friday and Apple Music's Best of the Week playlists. Keith currently holds the top spot on the iTunes Hot Tracks list. 
 
A rousing celebration of Urban’s music and career, whose trajectory to country music superstar status has been a source of inspiration for this fellow ‘small town’ NZ’er, Kaylee uses a collection of Urban’s song titles to inspire a simple relatable story of young love. Producer Lindsay Rimes (Kelsea Ballerini, Kylie Minogue) wraps the track in an upbeat, big-hearted, summertime feel.
 
Kaylee explains how the song came together; "Keith was a song that I had the idea for in my sleep, and still features some of the lyrics that I recorded into my phone that night. I sat on the idea for over a year as I hadn’t really settled on how to bring the song to life, but in Nashville last year, while recording with Lindsay, I took the idea to a writing session with he and Phil Barton (One More Shot). The song really wrote itself and was one of the best writing days I’ve had in Nashville.” While Keith draws a ton of inspiration from Urban’s recordings, the song is also an ode to the significance of music as it ties into our past. “Music connects us to moments and memories through our life,” Kaylee shares; “the song feels real to me as I connect a lot to it lyrically as it takes me back to being 16 and falling in love for the first time.”
 
Along with Kaylee’s all-time favourite Keith Urban song, Somebody Like You, 11 other song titles are subtly worked into the song’s narrative: Somewhere in Your Car, Long Hot Summer, Raise ‘Em Up, Days Go By, Wasted Time, Little Bit of Everything, Making Memories, We Were Us, Look Good in My Shirt, Once in a Lifetime Love and You'll Think of Me.
 
Keith’s release continues on from the success of single One More Shot, which has clocked up well over 1 million plays since its October 2018 debut, and it's inclusion within some of the world’s biggest country music playlists.  
 
Highlights of Kaylee’s summer include performances at Lake Hawea’s Top Paddock Music Festival and a series of gigs in Australia including a slot at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival.  Looking ahead, Kaylee represents Australasia as the only kiwi on the bill (alongside Keith Urban) and takes the stage at London’s O2 Arena as part of the huge C2C Festival on the 8th of March, before heading back to Nashville for a series of showcases with Radio Disney, Spotify and CMT. Kaylee then returns home to support Brandy Clarke, Devin Dawson and Lindsay Ell at Auckland’sIntroducing Nashville showcase at the Tuning Fork on 26 March. Kaylee Bell will release her long-awaited self-titled album in 2019.
 
Kaylee Bell’s Keith is out now through Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes.

Rū Ana Te Whenua: Alien Weaponry Shake Europe

A new 10-part web series from RNZ Music follows Northland thrash metal band Alien Weaponry on their 2018 European tour.

All ten 5 minute long episodes are live now at rnz.co.nz/alienweaponry

In 2018, the three teenaged members of Alien Weaponry achieved a lifelong dream: performing at the world’s biggest metal music festival, Germany’s Wacken Open Air. Rū Ana Te Whenua: Alien Weaponry Shake Europe follows their journey.

Rū Ana Te Whenua: Alien Weaponry Shake Europe

Three Northland teenagers take their Māori thrash metal to the world

A 10-part web series that follows Alien Weaponry’s 2018 European tour

ALL EPISODES OUT NOW

rnz.co.nz/alienweaponry

When Alien Weaponry found out they’d be playing the world’s biggest metal music festival, the three teenagers ‘lost their shit’.

Flash forward nine months and brothers Henry and Lewis de Jong with friend Ethan Trembath are onstage at Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival, with thousands of metal fans shouting back their Māori lyrics and screaming for more.

The band travelled with their parents Niel and Jette de Jong. Niel looked after front of house sound throughout the tour and Jette was tour manager, taking care of “everything else that no-one wanted to do”, including running the merch desk at all the band’s gigs.

The documentary was shot by DOP and director Kent Belcher who was embedded with the band for six weeks from June to August 2018.

Kent went everywhere with the band, sleeping in the tour van, sharing campsite meals, and joining in with regular ‘Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi’ sing-alongs. He “basically became part of the Alien Weaponry whānau”.

RNZ Music is really excited about the release of this feel-good, Kiwi success story and can’t wait to share it with the world.

KENDALL ELISE 'VALENTINE STREET'

In keeping with the sentiment and spirit of Valentine’s Day - New Zealand singer-songwriter Kendall Elise today reveals her new single, ‘Valentine Street’.
 
Get ‘Valentine Street’ on iTunes / Apple Music / Spotify

With a hint of yesteryear paired with Kendall Elise’s trademark quirky touches and flawless vocal delivery, ‘ValentineStreet’ is a toe-tappin’ tune, which takes its name from the street where she lived growing up in the east side of Papakura.

“The song is about how you can be any kind of person from any kind of street in any kind of town and you will have a story of heartbreak or sadness that you often only share with a select few,” she explains.

The self-penned song was produced by Kendall Elise and Alan Meharry and recorded at Auckland’s famed Roundhead Studios and is the second single from her soon-to-be-released and highly anticipated debut album, RED EARTH. 

Fresh from touring with Kiwi-born, LA-based Gin Wigmore; Kendall Elise will celebrate the release of ‘Valentine Street’ with an evening of ‘Songs of Love and Heartache’ tonight at Anthology Lounge in Auckland, where she’ll launch the single and play a solo set of her favourite love songs alongside special guests.

She’ll then end the evening performing with her band The Belgraves and giving fans a sneak peek of what’s to come on her upcoming album.
 
Get tickets here
 
Like ‘Valentine Street’ and the album’s first single ‘The Clock Tower’, Kendall Elise’s full-length album is a nostalgic nod to the town where she grew up, Papakura, which lies 30 kilometres south of Auckland’s bustling CBD.

The geographical thread runs throughout the record, weaving together stories of loss and love. And as anyone who grew up in small-town or suburban New Zealand will attest to, it is that unique sense of community and feeling of belonging which gives this album its beating heart.

The video for ‘Valentine Street’, which is being premiered by Radio New Zealand HERE, captures the magic of the good ole’ fashioned Kiwi dance and is shot in the Takanini Hall. It features the Auckland Contra Dance Club and the inspiration came after Kendall played as a guest artist for one of the Dance Club's monthly events.

“I got talked into dancing and despite my inexperience and intense self consciousness, as I looked deeply into a strangers eyes to stop from getting dizzy while they twirled me around and around, in those awkward moments I felt a strong sense of connection and joy.”

“It reminded me of what inspired the song - that everyone has a sad story, but by being present in your own uncomfortable feelings and sharing them with someone, you can create a sense of empathy and connection with one another. You just need to connect with one another to remember you are all in it together.”

It paves the way for Kendall Elise’s first full-length album, set for release on Friday, May 3. Kendall Elise is an intriguing storyteller who has been turning heads since the release of her EP in 2017, I DIDN’T STAND A CHANCE.

Her songs speak of dark humour and personal experiences; with her sound taking inspiration from rhythm and blues, folk and country, and everything in between.

LEXXA 'SLOW FADE OUT'

On this Saint Valentine's day, kiwi alt-pop duo LEXXA share a vivacious new bop that is anything but a love day tribute. Sorry loved up relationship people, this one isn’t for you.

Co-written with the inimitable combined forces of Chelsea Jade, Jess B and Nakita at a recent APRA AMCOS SongHubs workshop, slow fade out is the follow up to Maude and Julia Morris’ earlier earworm get out. The latter premiered worldwide on US Billboard in November, and featured on Billboard’s Best of 2018 list as chosen by the chart team and readers.

With gutsy, heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics , the pair broach the nauseating undercurrents of millennial dating over expansive synth arrangements that pay homage to the 80s. slow fade out is a snapshot of a whirlwind romance gone cold; an emotional implosion brought on by the blurring of lines and misunderstandings over what is and what isn’t. It is the experience of a natural disintegration of a relationship, dragged out over the course of time without ever meaning for it to end, yet never really knowing where it began. A beautiful, messy accident.

slow fade out was produced by Maude at Bigpop and 509 Studios, with additional production and mixing by Justyn Pilbrow. Mastering was completed by Howard Rogers at Bring It On Studios.

LEXXA recently performed at the 2019 Ending HIV Big Gay Out, and are due to play at the maiden  Milk and Honey Festival, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2019.

Catch LEXXA live in a town near you.

LISTEN TO ‘SLOW FADE OUT’

Spotify | Apple Music | iTunes

STRETCH 'CHASING SUMMER' TOUR

Stretch has a passion in his performance that sets shows alight. From dark-hearted ballads to roof-raising choruses, his songs are a bittersweet blend of folk, soul, country and rock’n’roll. 

Having sold out concerts at Church Road Winery and Hawke's Bay Arts Festival, performed stunning sets at The Powerstation and Tuning Fork, opened for the likes of Damien Rice and Jeff Tweedy; Stretch can be counted as one of New Zealand's finest and most captivating musical talents.  

Now framing this exceptional voice is the combination of acoustic guitar and the incredible tone of a 300-year-old cello. In the hands of Paula Sugden, her cello sings with grace and power. Stretch and Paula’s musical connection has brought audiences to a hush, then left them roaring for more. 'Jaws drop to this sound, a class act from master musicians, we were transported' - The Hook

Touring their enthralling combination of soulful song-writing and soaring cello, The Chasing Summer Tour runs from March through April across New Zealand.

This beautifully sparse and emotive sound follows on from the album ‘Bury All Horses’ which went Top 10 NZ album charts and was acclaimed by the most rigorous critics in the country. ‘Fine poetic balladry, folk-rock melancholy, straight-up crowd pleasers and classic song writing’ - Graham Reid 

A mission of connection sets Stretch truly apart, earning him a reputation as an artist with the rare ability to create a bond with every audience he gets in front of. With this, The Chasing Summer Tour presents a stunning night of music and emotion. 

‘Intense and intimate shows from one of the most dedicated and committed touring musicians around, an unforgettable performer’ - Second Hand News 

Palmerston North / Globe Theatre - Fri 8th March

Whanganui / Sarjeant Gallery - Sat 9th March

Tauranga / The Incubator - Fri 22nd March

Rotorua / Okere Falls Store - Sat 23rd March

Napier / The Urban Winery - Fri 29th March

Wairoa / Eastend Café - Sat 30th March

 Paekakariki / St Peters Hall - Fri 5th April

 Masterton / Aratoi Museum - Sat 6th April

All tickets available at Eventfinda.co.nz – The Chasing Summer Tour

Girls Rock! Aotearoa is coming to Wellington!

After the success of its second programme in Auckland this January, Girls Rock! Aotearoa is excited to announce the launch of Girls Rock! Pōneke in 2019. Girls Rock! is a week-long holiday programme where female, trans, and gender-non-conforming young people can build confidence and make great music. Girls Rock! Pōneke will take place  8-13 July 2019 at Massey University’s Wellington campus. Applications to participate in Girls Rock! Pōneke will open in March.

Over the course of one week, up to 40 participants aged 12-17 will join bands, learn an instrument of their choice, write an original song, guided by female, trans and gender-non-conforming professional musicians, and perform to family and friends at an end of week showcase.  

Alongside collaborative learning, participants will take part in workshops and hear from musicians such as previous Girls Rock! performers Tiny Ruins, Jess B, Julia Deans, & Street Chant.

The first Girls Rock! Camp was founded in Portland in 2001 as a summer day camp. Since then it has grown into an international community of youth-focused arts and social justice organisations. The kaupapa of Girls Rock! Aotearoa is to empower young women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth by giving them practical skills and role models in a safe, supportive space.

With women making up only 23.8% of songwriters who belong to APRA AMCOS in New Zealand* and only 10% of the total royalty pool paid to writers**, it’s still vital to support young women into music.

Coordinator of Girls Rock! Pōneke, Ali Burns says she had wanted to play music when she was younger but felt like it wasn’t her place. “If I had been to a Girls Rock camp my experience would have been very different! I want kids who may not see themselves represented to know that their voice is valid and that we want to hear it, and I am so excited to launch the programme in Pōneke.”

Feedback from past participants is overwhelmingly positive. A 2018 graduate says “Everyone was so friendly. We all felt part of something fantastic! It got me into singing and helped heaps with my confidence, and I made so many new friends.”

Girls Rock! Pōneke will be run by a group of forward-thinking individuals with a wide range of music industry experience, dedicated to providing a space for creativity and equality in music to flourish.

To be the first to hear when applications open, sign up to our mailing list at our website to stay up to date:  www.girlsrock.co.nz

NRG Rising - 'I Cry'

New Zealand’s only female reggae trio NRG Rising have released an emotionally kaupapa driven single entitled I Cry a track from their album released in 2018 Say Yes To Life. The deeply moving music video that accompanies the release dives directly into the impact of domestic violence on families in particular the children.  

NRG Rising recently (January 2019) supported Julian Marley son of the legend himself Bob Marley for two shows but his response when asked about New Zealand reggae Marley’s resonated with them all in a profound, deep and meaningful way.

“… Its Freedom music, I see the music spread so far from Jamaica. It can be felt in New Zealand it can grow roots off the seeds… I know that it’s our music, your music, it’s our music – we are the people. Y’know what I mean … we are the people, the feel. Bob Marley says, “who feels it know it” so music is liberation – liberation music” Julian Marley 11th January 2019

This connection with Julian and The Uprising his band has had a powerful and inspiring impact on the mother and daughter trio;

“It bought it all back the importance of our voice in music as mothers and a grandmother to share conscious messages from our perspective. We all see and hear about the suffering, pain and death of our children here in Aotearoa all over the news through domestic violence and abuse. I Cry is one way to spread awareness and create more open discussion and bring hope that we can make a difference” says Benita Tahuri band leader.

You can look forward to more exciting music, releases and collaborations both locally and internationally.

iTunes https://geo.itunes.apple.com/nz/album/id1450212144?at=1l3v9Tx&app=itunes

Stupid Rich Kid 'Stop Me From Thinking'

stupid rich kid’s debut EP “Stop Me From Thinking” is out now.

Based in Auckland, stupid rich kid has released a handful of singles over 2018 that were recorded, produced and mixed independently.

Stop Me From Thinking is “a prelude of sentimentality” - a mini project/entree to build up hype for his debut album (title yet to be announced) which is due out mid-2019. Ranging from angsty, distortion fuelled tracks, to sombre, vulnerable love songs, Stop Me From Thinking is his first project to be commercially released. The project focuses on cohesion and his headspace throughout my high school years. The EP features “Libra Sign”, a track that was previously released through SoundCloud only, leaving the rest of the EP to be a set of completely brand new songs. The EP features artists Maxwell Young (NZ), Postcard Boy (USA) and seungjin (CAN).

Stop Me From Thinking is a brief sonic summary of where his new music direction is heading, acting as a taste-test for the album.

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/stop-me-from-thinking-ep/1450093520

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7vqFIjYtZlChlOVIDjKTNN?si=BgzSNO8SSK64BFZ_IpXKNA

Tickets: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/9654/Stop-Me-From-Thinking-Ep-Release.utr