Lucifer Gunne - Energenetic

For Wellington rockers Lucifer Gunne, the journey toward their chest-punching new single ‘ENERGENETIC’ has been one of evolution and growth. The four piece bring a diverse list of musical influences to the table in establishing a sound all of their own, one that has been elevating them as one’s to watch! In what is looking to be an exciting year for the up and coming band, Energenetic is the 1st single off the forthcoming album, due for release later this year.

With ‘Energenetic’, the listener is confronted with a chaotic combination of furious guitars and rhythmic progressions. Lead vocalist Rory McDonald injects spit and grit on the track, with a vocal quality invoking the energy of artists including Mike Patton and Marilyn Manson, the latter being an inspiration for the band’s name. Channelling emotion into the lyrics, ultimately matching the rage and passion of the music, is an element of Lucifer Gunne’s flourishing artistry that has attracted many fans - ‘Energenetic’ is a perfect example of this talent operating at full pelt.

Recorded at Elysian Sound Studios in Wellington, ‘Energenetic’ pulsates with precision - a single that brings together hard-rock with punk and even some underlying pop melodies. "This single was so much fun to record. It's packed with energy and is the start of a new era for the band. "Energenetic" has way more power and feeling than anything we have released prior, and I can't wait to share it with the world!" Lucifer Gunne

Formed in 2017, when former bandmates, Rory McDonald (Vocalist, Bassist) and Don MacKenzie (Guitarist), bumped into each other 5 years later in a crowd of a thousand Pixies fans. Since then the Lucifer Gunne sound has developed consistently through single releases and a flurry of shows in New Zealand that was quick to capture the attention of local industry and music fans alike. While the harder, punk leaning influences of their new music indicates a tougher edge to the band’s body of work, Lucifer Gunne’s influences have ranged from the British indie wave that saw bands like Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead reign supreme. On their 2018 single ‘HRM’, the band demonstrated more versatility with their sound, exploring more psych-tinged territory a la King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. With such a sonic palette forming their creative path forward, new music on the horizon from Lucifer Gunne promises to be charged with excitement and buzzing potential in the mix.

A young band renowned for packing a punch with electrifying, fun shows, Lucifer Gunne poured the essence of their live shows into the ‘Energenetic’ music video, directed by Stephen Press. "We really just wanted to create a little slice of chaos in this music video, something that encapsulates the songs frantic feeling throughout. We had a lot of fun coming up with the storyboard and recording it, and we hope it shows!" Lucifer Gunne

PRAISE FOR LUCIFER GUNNE

“From the outset, your ears are greeted to a clean and very upbeat funky guitar that plucks along to a rolling drum beat; it sounds good and it lifts your spirits.”

muzic.net.nz

“With vocals that are, on occasion, not dissimilar to Placebo’s Brian Molko, and consistently bitter lyrics, it is evident that Lucifer Gunne has all of the fundamentals required to go on to be a successful rock act.”

Elsewhere

Lucifer Gunne may be a new name to many, but with new music on the way in 2019, the band is going to be ensuring theirs is a permanent name on radars yet. Bristling with attitude and delivered with prowess, ‘Energenetic’ is the first of a series of new music from Lucifer Gunne to not only introduce them, but also leave an impact.

TŪMATAUENGA NEW ZEALAND TOUR STARTS THIS WEEK!

DUNEDIN SOLD OUT + NEW CHRISTCHURCH VENUE ANNOUNCED

 Straight off the back of a monster Australian tour including appearances at both Download Festival dates in Sydney and Melbourne, Alien Weaponry return home this week for their biggest national headline tour to date!

Kicking off in Tauranga on Thursday, these shows will be the band’s only shows in New Zealand this year before they head off overseas once again to take Kiwi metal to the world!

Fans in Dunedin have cemented their support for the band with tickets to their show at Fifty Gorillas already sold out. Fans in Christchurch should also note that the venue has changed from The Empire to Micky Finns. All tickets purchased will remain valid for the new venue.

Joining them on all headline dates will be Melbourne four-piece metal band COPIA. No strangers to the international touring circuit, COPIA features crushing guitar riffs, poly-rhythmic/ technical percussion well thought out bass grooves & gritty vocals. This will be their first ever trip to New Zealand and fans are encouraged to come early to check out what promises to be an electrifying set!

Hamilton band Seas of Conflict will open each show bringing their large and loud progressive metal sound to the fore. Since forming in 2011, they have shared the stage with international bands such as Northlane, Deez Nuts and Thy Art Is Murder and know how to bring a forceful and energetic show to their fans. Earlier this year, they released a brand new single ‘Monochopsis’ and fans can expect to hear this and more live when they take the stage before Alien Weaponry this March!

Since winning Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats in 2016, Alien Weaponry have fast become one of the most talked about emerging metal bands in the world. Their unique blend of Te Reo and thrash metal has thrust them into the spotlight both here in New Zealand and worldwide.

Over the past year, they have been booked to play on the world’s biggest metal festivals including ‘Wacken Open Air’ in Germany, a goal they have had since they were kids. This year will see them embark on their own headline tour of The States, play some huge metal festivals and they have even been given the honour of opening Slayer’s final ever show in Germany.

These New Zealand shows are set to be a 2019 highlight for metalheads and kiwi music fans alike. Alien Weaponry are reaching new heights with every live show, and fans are urged to secure final tickets from official ticketing outlets now!

ALIEN WEAPONRY
With special guests COPIA + Seas Of Conflict (excl. Wellington)
NEW ZEALAND
MARCH 2019
Presented by Eccles Entertainment

GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE NOW

 Thu 21 Mar               Totara St | Tauranga, NZ                              18+

Ticketweb.co.nz | Ph: 0800 120 070

Fri 22 Mar                  Altitude | Hamilton, NZ                                  18+

Ticketweb.co.nz | Ph: 0800 120 070

 Sat 23 Mar                Studio The Venue | Auckland, NZ               18+

Ticketweb.co.nz | Ph: 0800 120 070

Thu 28 Mar               Fifty Gorillas | Dunedin, NZ                          18+

SOLD OUT

Fri 29 Mar                  Micky Finns | Christchurch, NZ                   18+

Ticketweb.co.nz | Ph: 0800 120 070

Sat 30 Mar                  Cuba Dupa | Wellington, NZ

*Not an Eccles Entertainment show

Introducing Levi Lights On Project and the Debut Single ‘Mirror Man’

Samoan born Michael Levin Sesega (Levi) is set to release his debut single, Mirror Man, on 22nd March 2019.

Produced by Greg Haver and recorded at Roundhead Studios in Auckland, Mirror Man is a unique, exquisitely crafted and genre-spanning track.  With a classical twist on folk music, a hint of country & western and building to an almost indie rock vibe, this track has extremely broad appeal.

Levi’s powerful and emotional tones, blended with an uncommon mix of instruments including cajon, saxophone and cello, provide the listener with vivid imagery.  The lyrics encourage self-analysis and inspire us to let go of guilt and any other negative emotions which may be holding us back.

“Mirror Man was written following a dream I had several years ago.  The dream was so vivid and disturbing to me that it set me on a journey of soul searching and introspection in order to become more self-aware.  Self-awareness is the key to change” says Levi.

Muzic.net.nz says of Mirror Man, “This is a powerful track with something unique, all given to us in a tightly knit package that competently merges musical genres”.

A truly gifted songwriter, Levi is the musical architect behind the Lights On Project which has been playing shows in and around Auckland for the past year.  Accompanying Levi in his full 5-piece line up are Jason Slade on guitar/bass, Tim Shacklock on cello, Andrew Miller on saxophone and Igor Shnayderman on cajon/percussion.  These five individually talented musicians come together to deliver songs which touch the soul and unpick the very nature of human existence.

Levi will be embarking on a short tour in support of the Mirror Man release, kicking off on Saturday 23rd March with the single release party at the iconic Leigh Sawmill.  This will be followed by shows at Nivara Lounge in Hamilton on Saturday 6th April and Anthology K Road on Saturday 20th April.  Tickets are available from Eventfinda.

SIT/MAINZ Pacifika Music Awards Scholarships

The Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) is a faculty of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). They have built an enviable reputation over the years for their high quality programmes and the calibre of their graduates.

Together SIT and MAINZ are pleased to be offering, as part of their support of the Pacific Music Awards, a new scholarship to Pasifika students interested in studying music, audio production/engineering at either our Auckland (MAINZ) or Invercargill (SIT) campuses within the school of Music and Audio Production.

For students to be eligible to apply for the scholarship, the following criteria will need to be met:

·        Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of enrolment,

·        Must be New Zealand citizens; (by birth or citizenship) OR

·        Have been granted permanent residency in New Zealand

·        Must be of Pacific descent

·        They must meet academic and/or English entry criteria as applicable for the programme of choice.

If successful, the scholarship is for the full qualification, i.e. if studying a 3-year Bachelor degree, then the scholarship will be for the full three years, providing students meet the scholarship conditions.

Contact Dot Bach dot.bach@sit.ac.nz for further details.
Inquiries:  Jodi Conway  2112699 ext 8715 or jodi.conway@sit.ac.nz

Applications are due by Tuesday 30 April and are to be sent to the Pacific Music Awards Trust:  info@pacificmusicawards.org.nz

Pacific Music Awards – Celebrating 15 years

The Pacific Music Awards celebrates its 15th year, an important milestone for the awards, the Pacific music community and music industry.

The inaugural Pacific Music Awards were held on 11 March 2005, as part of the opening night event for the Pasifika Festival, at Western Springs Stadium.  The 2005 awards were programmed for 45 minutes, involving 7 award presentations and three live performances. 

Since 2005, the awards have been held at the Vodafone Events Centre, first in the theatre and now in the arena.  The awards ceremony has grown over time, with new award categories added, which includes new artist and genre categories, an international category and the newest edition, an award for streaming. 

The Pacific Music Awards now involve 18 award presentations, up to 10 live performances and are a full three hour Pacific celebration, that is filmed for television and streamed live.  The awards are a significant event for our Pacific community and music industry, and the growth and development of the event is something that the Pacific Music Awards Trust are very proud of.

The 2019 Pacific Music Awards, will be held on Thursday 23 May.  The Trust are excited about planning the 2019 awards, celebrating the 2019 finalists and award recipients, while also honouring the 15 year anniversary. 

To begin the celebration for the 15th anniversary of the Pacific Music Awards, the Trust have compiled a Spotify playlist to showcase the music that has been celebrated over the last 15 years:

https://open.spotify.com/user/fb4a0hwauy5n1d596jqldlbu0/playlist/3sKkB9iDHzdnuLWEIt7cal?si=OWGkXxvjSJyjjL7kNPAJhQ

Enjoy listening to the playlist and please save the date of the 2019 Pacific Music Awards  - Thursday 23 May 2019!

Mundi 'The Pale Blue Dot'

The third album from New Zealand Indie act Mundi The Pale Blue Dot is named after the pale blue dot image of Earth that Carl Sagan requested from Voyager 1 as it was leaving our solar system on the 14th of February 1990.

The Pale Blue Dot explores humans’ interactions with nature, which has always been a source of inspiration for Mundi’s composer, Tamara Smith, who grew up in the South Island’s rural East Coast.

Tamara says “We live in this abundant, gorgeous planet...a place thriving with life and yet further afield we appear as a blue mote of dust against the grand curtain of space. The journey of how we have evolved and came to be here standing in front of audiences making music out of wood, metal and string is astonishing and wondrous. What I want people to get from this album would be joy, the urge to dance, to smile and to think…”

 Mundi’s live performance is electrifying, with dazzling interplay amongst the band and siblings Tamara and Tyson bouncing musical ideas of each other at a rapid clip.

“Mundi definitely knew how to get all eyes on them…Great sounds, vibes and stage presence”
Rory McDonald , Musicnet Jan. 2019

The Pale Blue Dot by Mundi captures this live energy and features Tamara Smith (flute, vocals, percussion), Chris Burke (sax), Tyson Smith (Hollie Smith – guitar), Darren Mathiassen (Shapeshifter – drums) and Johnny Lawrence (Electric Wire Hustle – bass). The album was recorded with Lee Prebble (Trinity Roots, The Black Seeds) at The Surgery studio in Wellington, as well as additional recording by Tyson Smith at Aro Valley, Cass Bay, Manuka Bay and Port Levy.

In a spin: Journey to His Vinyl Destination – for music charity

Ever wondered how music is created and captured on a vinyl record?

With the renaissance for affection of the vinyl record in mind, a unique event is giving music enthusiasts the chance to see great original Kiwi songs played, recorded – and that work cut on a vinyl record – in three hours.

Auckland musician, songwriter, producer and now vinyl-cutter Jesse Wilde, is staging Journey to My Vinyl Destination, on Saturday, March 16, from 1pm.

“It’s for vinyl record lovers and anyone who enjoys good music,” Jesse says.

“You will see a live music performance recorded, mixed, and mastered and cut to vinyl right before your very eyes. The whole process of vinyl lathing, mixing and mastering for vinyl will be explained in this three-hour event.”

All the proceeds are going to music therapy, support and benevolent charity Music Helps Awhina Puoro, whose patrons are New Zealand music legends, Neil Finn and Lorde, Jesse says.

Journey to My Vinyl Destination is reelin’ and a rockin’ at Jesse’s cool and modern Studio 38, home of his Wilde Records Recording Studios, in Airedale Street, Auckland City; www.s38.co.nz.

And coming to the party for this special music experience is Jack Daniels, The Sound radio station, Now Sound Ltd, The Pine Nut Record Hub, and Face TV.

“Good things take time,” Jesse says. “This is a celebration of the artistry of both live and recorded music in a world where digital platforms diminish its value and reduces music to a ‘commodity’. We’re creating hand-lathed collectible vinyl – tangible musical artefacts to cherish.

“Playing live music is a craft. Lathing vinyl is a craft. Making great whiskey is a craft. This event is all about the good things in life. Join us for high-quality music with the best Tennessee whiskey, because good things take time, and good times last forever,” Jesse says.

Jack Daniels will have an expert mixologist on duty to explain the great Southern whiskey samples that will be on hand, while there will also be giveaways, hand-lathed collectable vinyl and other merchandise available for sale.

A special wooden-cased prize awaits the winner of the auction – the first numbered copy of the 45-RPM vinyl with the songs recorded and lathed during the session.

Journey to My Vinyl Destination – Good Things Take Time; Good Times Last Forever

Saturday, 16 March, 2019, at 1-4pm, at Wilde Records Recording Studios, Studio 38, 38 Airedale Street, Auckland City.

THE 10th TAITE MUSIC PRIZE 2019 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) is very pleased to announce that the finalists for the Taite Music Prize 2019 have been confirmed. In celebration of its tenth year, the Taite Music Prize adds an extra element with a new Independent Spirit Award and a venue move to Auckland's Q Theatre for the Taite Music Prize award ceremony on Tuesday 16th April 2019.

Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of New Zealand’s most respected music journalists, the award recognises outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one recording. The prize-winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 to be spent as they wish, thanks to Taite Music Prize founding partnerRecorded Music NZ; recording time at Red Bull Studios Auckland; and a year’s supply of Red Bull product. This year’s ten finalists, from a list of 67 nominations submitted by record labels both independent and major from across the country, are:

Alien Weaponry - Tū (Napalm Records)
Avantdale Bowling Club - Avantdale Bowling Club (Years Gone By)
Jonathan Bree - Sleepwalking (Lil' Chief Records)
Julia Deans - We Light Fire (Tigerhorse)
Marlon Williams - Make Way For Love (Marlon Williams Music Limited)
Mel Parsons - Glass Heart (Cape Road)
Tami Neilson - SASSAFRASS! (Neilson Records)
The Beths - Future Me Hates Me (Dew Process / Carpark)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food (Jagjaguwar)
Wax Chattels - Wax Chattels (Flying Nun Records)

The ten albums in contention for the 2019 prize include fresh faces and familiar New Zealand musicians alike.

Previous Taite Music Prize finalists returning with their latest albums include; Julia Deans (previous finalist for her Modern Fables album in 2011), Jonathan Bree (previous finalist for The Primrose Path in 2014), Marlon Williams (previous finalist for his self titled debut album in 2016), Tami Neilson (previous finalist forDynamite! in 2015), Tom Scott (previous finalist for Homebrew's self titled album and @Peace's self titled album, both in 2013 plus @Peace's Girl Songs in 2014 and 2015's @peace and the Plutonian Noise Symphony), and Unknown Mortal Orchestra (previous finalist for album II in 2014, Multi-Love in 2016 and winners for self-titled album in 2012).

Of the Taite Music Prize reaching its tenth anniversary, IMNZ General Manager, Dylan Pellett, says, “I'm a little bewildered - that snuck up on us quick! Ten years! I'm very pleased to see how the Taite Music Prize has evolved over that time and to get to this Tenth Anniversary milestone has been an enjoyable ride. I recall the first ceremony being held in a concrete bunker somewhere in downtown Auckland and it's been developing and growing up every year since. There has been so much artistic expression recorded on so many great New Zealand albums over the last ten years and I can't help but think that Dylan Taite would be proud of the quality and talent that this award acknowledges. If you'll excuse me, I might go back and listen to all the finalists this afternoon...perhaps I'll make a mixtape - sorry, I mean a playlist! Happy days!”

Alongside the main prize, three additional awards will be presented at the ceremony: the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award, the newly created Independent Spirit Award, awarded to a New Zealand person who assists our NZ musicians to grow and find their own unique pathways, and the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, celebrating the freshest talent of Aotearoa. The winner receives a $2,000 cash prize with thanks to Auckland Live.

Taite Music Prize 2019 Finalists
- Online -
http://alienweaponry.com/
https://avantdalebowlingclub.bandcamp.com/
https://jonathanbree.bandcamp.com/album/sleepwalking
https://juliadeans.bandcamp.com/album/we-light-fire
https://www.marlonwilliams.co.nz/
https://melparsons.bandcamp.com/album/glass-heart
https://tamineilson.bandcamp.com
https://thebethsnz.bandcamp.com/album/future-me-hates-me
https://unknown-mortal-orchestra.bandcamp.com/album/sex-food
https://waxchattels.bandcamp.com/album/wax-chattels

The Taite Music Prize

Presented by: Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ)

Founding Partner: Recorded Music NZ

Official Partners: NZ On Air / The Taite Family

Award Partners: Auckland Live

Event Partners: Q Theatre

Supporting Partners: Panhead Breweries / NZ Music Commission / APRA AMCOS / Media Arts Lawyers / Red Bull Studios Auckland / Commotion Ltd. / McCarthy Design

Media Partners: RNZ Music / 95bFM

Charity Partners: MusicHelps

Previous winners of The Taite Prize:

2010 - Lawrence Arabia Chant Darling (Honorary Bedouin Records)

2011 - Ladi6 - The Liberation Of (What? Music)

2012 - Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Seeing Records)

2013 – SJD - Elastic Wasteland (Round Trip Mars)

2014 – Lorde - Pure Heroine (Universal Music NZ)

2015 – Jakob – Sines (Shoot The Freak)

2016 – Silicon - Personal Computer (Weird World/Domino Recordings)

2017 - Street Chant - Hauora (Arch Hill Recordings)

2018 - Aldous Harding - Party (Flying Nun Records / 4AD)

Previous Winners of the Independent Music NZ Classic Record:

2013 – Gordons – Gordons (Flying Nun)

2014 – Various Artists – AK79 (Ripper Records)

2015 – Herbs – What’s Be Happen? (Warrior Records)

2016 – Upper Hutt Posse – E Tū (Jayrem Records)

2017 - The Clean - Boodle Boodle Boodle (Flying Nun)

2018 - Headless Chickens - Stunt Clown (Flying Nun)

Previous Winners of the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut:

2017 - Merk - Swordfish (self released)

2018 - The Miltones - The Miltones (Self-released)