triangle 1: with 10:32 (fronted by London-based kiwi artist, Bridget Walsh)

London-based kiwi artist, Bridget Walsh, has launched a new series of events, showcasing womxn-led artists and projects. As part of a three month residency at East London venue, the Servant Jazz Quarters, Bridget’s new project, 10:32, is curating a series of three 'triangle’ shows, with each show featuring three bands/projects all being led or produced by womxn around the UK.

10:32 features Lyle Barton on keys, Radovan Brtko on drums, Digby Lovatt on bass and Bridget on vocals. 2018 saw the band debut at the Isle of Wight Festival, followed by a headline tour of Aotearoa, along with studio sessions in the UK, NZ and the USA. For fans of artists including D’Angelo, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kimbra, Tom Misch, Moonchild and more, 10:32’s booty-shaking soul-pop explores elements of hiphop, jazz, breakbeat, drum & bass, r&b and neo-soul, but isn’t afraid of a hardcore-style breakdown, or an extended synth solo.

Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau, Bridget has been touring with UK bands since 2013, taking the stage at a number of iconic global venues and festivals, including Glastonbury, Boomtown, Sono Centrum, Latitude, Estragon Club, Subsonic and the Edinburgh Fringe. Lyle is a Guildhall Jazz grad, who’s playing with emerging UK artists including Poppy Ajudha and Emma-Jean Thackray. Radovan is originally from Slovakia, where he started touring with bands in his early teens, and Digby performs around the world with artists including James Vickery, Sody and Kelis.

The first triangle event is on Tuesday 30th April at Servant Jazz Quarters in London, with a line-up featuring 10:32, Call Me Unique (Birmingham) and one more act TBA. More details can be found on Bridget’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/lovefrombridget 

Pianika Duncan 'This is my Home (Aotearoa)'

THIS IS MY HOME (AOTEAROA) is the new single by singer-songwriter Pianika Duncan. The song speaks about Pianika’s connection with the land and the beautiful memories of her childhood. In its first week of release the video has already had 40,000 Facebook views.

Composed by Pianika, the song was recorded by Lance Kingi at Taupiri Sound. The music video was produced by Pianika’s Uncle Rhys Duncan (Broadcast Arts) and filmed in Pukehina, Bay of Plenty.

“The video depicts the Aotearoa I know and love. A place in which I grew up and created my most precious memories,” says Pianika. “A place about whanau - a place of beauty, peace, love and strength.”

Pianika was raised in Ngaruawahia and comes from a family of ten. She wrote her first song when she was just seven years old and now, as a mother of two, her passion is writing and performing music that inspires, uplifts and motivates.

All proceeds from downloads of the new single via iTunes will go towards victims of the Christchurch Mosque shootings https://itunes.apple.com/…/this-is-my-home-aote…/1457656210…

Pianika has also been asked to sing at the THIS IS WHO WE ARE – CELEBRATION OF UNITY variety show to be held at Skycity Theatre (Auckland) on 7/4/2019 in aid of those directly impacted by the Christchurch Mosque attacks.

In 2016 Pianika won the Most Votes prize in the E Tū Whānau Song Competition for her song BRING MANA TO YOUR NAME. Produced by Maaka Phat, the song has achieved 156,000 Facebook views to date

For more info please contact Teresa McGregor, SOB Productions Ltd, ph: 027 2075016, email: tmcgregor@sobproductions.nz

Jenny Mitchell 'Troubadour'

Jenny Mitchell releases the newest single ‘Troubadour’, from her second album Wildfires, along with a stunning live performance clip. ‘Troubadour’ was inspired, Mitchell says, ‘by a conversation with Adam McGrath, (New Zealand songwriter) long before I caught the travel bug. Life on the road didn’t appeal to me at all back then, but my perspective has definitely changed since!”

Recorded by Australia’s Matt Fell at Love HZ Studios, ‘Troubadour’ is inspired by Jenny’s love of life “on the road.” After touring through the Southern coast of Sweden, dozens of cozy Irish pubs and Australian cities and towns in the past 18 months, Jenny has quickly learnt the highs and lows of what it means to be a Troubadour.

This release gives insight into the intimate, raw nature of Mitchell’s live performance, a different side to the sounds of the songwriter’s previous singles. Her thoughtful lyricism and subtly powerful voice are testament to her cross-genre appeal, as evidenced by Wildfires position at #1 on the Alternative Album NZ iTunes and #4 on the Official NZ Album Charts.

The Otago University student says the accompanying video is, ‘my way of portraying both the lonely and truly magical times tend to co-exist in the life of musicians.’ It features her playing on a stage, to what is eventually revealed to be an empty theatre. The one-take video was recorded in Dunedin, where Jenny currently lives, and was produced by local music lover Made by Wade.

This release comes off the back of appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, a number of folk festivals throughout Australia and many shows at home in NZ. A highlight of her critically acclaimed album, in the single Mitchell sings, ‘as soon as I settle I get hungry for the road.’ She isn’t settling anytime soon, which is just as well given the masses are waiting to be fed more of her folk-music goodness.

Jenny will be embarking on a national tour in mid 2019 - dates to be announced.

CHORES 'BODY 2 BODY'

Award-winning Kiwi dance-pop duo Chores are back with their first release of 2019 - the steamy, festival-ready anthem, 'Body 2 Body'.

The high-energy ’Body 2 Body’ sees Chores using live drums and guitars layered over their trademark electronic vibe, alongside ethereal synths and discorded leads. It makes for a complex and epic soundscape, pushing the talented Melbourne-based duo - Sam Saunders and Thom Simmons - into uncharted territory.

It also gives fans a sampler of what’s on the cards for the Chores boys in 2019, as they head into the studio to record their debut EP, set for release later in the year.

Chores’ dance-floor fillers have established them as one of the most exciting new electronic acts south of the equator.

The music-makers have a string of hits to their name, including ‘Away’ feat. Omega Levine, ‘Surrender’ feat. Abby Wolfe and ‘Got It ’feat. Sharnar. The tracks received widespread play on Top 40 radio in New Zealand and helped earn Chores the award for ‘Best Electronic Act’ at the 2018 VNZMAs.

The pair also won the award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ at the 2017 Georgies and in 2018 were nominated for ‘International Achievement Award’.

Over summer 2018/2019, Chores played at some of the biggest festivals in Australasia, including R&V, Bay Dreams and Homegrown - adding to their already impressive list of live performances, which include opening for the likes of Peking Duk, Duke Dumont, Rudimental and The Chainsmokers.

They also played to packed crowds at the 2018 Music Matters Festival in Singapore.

In early 2019, Chores were handpicked to put their spin on ‘Weapon Of Choice’ by the legendary Fatboy Slim for an EP of remixes.

It makes way for new material from the dynamic duo, including 'Body 2 Body' and their debut EP, which is due out this year.

The 10th annual TAITE MUSIC PRIZE announces 2019 Winner of Independent Music NZ Classic Record + Finalist Reveal for Auckland Live Best Independent Debut

These awards will be presented alongside the official 2019 Taite Music Prize at the Taite Music Prize 2019 ceremony, Tuesday April 16th,  Q Theatre, Auckland.

Independent Music NZ announces the 2019 recipient of the Classic Record, which aims to acknowledge New Zealand's rich history of making fine albums that continue to inspire us and that also define who we are.

This year's judging panel have given the nod to Moana and the Moahunters' TAHI (Southside - 1993) as one of Aotearoa's classic records. 

TAHI set a precedence by fusing traditional Māori instruments, chants and beats with contemporary dance and soul grooves in its title track. The video for album track 'TAHI' was voted Top Female Video of the Year by television viewers; 'Black Pearl' became an anthem for Māori women, reaching No.2 on the national charts and earning the band its first Gold record, while the follow up single, 'A E I OU',  made the learning of Māori language and te reo vowels accessible to all. The group sang 'Rebel In Me' to President Nelson Mandela when he was hosted at a special church service in Auckland, while the video for 'Peace, Love & Family' featured The Neville Brothers of New Orleans. 'Back Where We Belong' was a gospel-inspired collaboration with Minister Rasul Muhammad of the Nation of Islam. 

The award will be presented to Moana Maniapoto at the official Taite Music Prize 2019 ceremony, Tuesday April 16th,  Q Theatre, Auckland.

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award celebrates the freshest talent of Aotearoa. The winner receives a $2,000 cash prize with thanks to Auckland Live.
Now in its third year of presentation, the finalists for the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut are: 

• Alien Weaponry - Tū  

• Jed Parsons - Midnight Feast 

• Wax Chattels - Wax Chattels

The winner of this award will be announced at the official Taite Music Prize 2019 ceremony, Tuesday April 16th,  Q Theatre, Auckland.

The winner of the offical 2019 Taite Music prize will be announced at the official Taite Music Prize 2019 ceremony, Tuesday April 16th,  Q Theatre, Auckland

Taite Music Prize Finalists:

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)

This 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.

Li'l Chuck - The One Man Skiffle Machine 'MONO'

One Man... One Man Band... One Microphone... One Day Recording Session...

For his third studio album, MONO, the independent Christchurch-based performer was determined to go back to basics to record all 14 tracks in a one-day session, capturing single takes with no overdubs, and using entirely 1950's mono recording equipment, direct to tape.

It’s a dynamic, lively, foot-stomping vibe that may have its origins in New Zealand’s South Island, but instantly transports you across the globe, between genres, and throughout decades. 

Li’l Chuck’s music is a nostalgic melting pot of influences – driven by his harmonica, resonator guitar and vocals, and underpinned by kick drum, and hi hat - it pays homage to the artists who have graced the stage before him. Yet, the result is a sound that’s entirely his own. 

From the free-spirited Backyard Harmonica Boogie, to the heartfelt Crying, all tracks touch on musical influences from the 1930s to 50s, inspired by the sounds of the Blues, Early Jazz, Western Swing, and Ragtime, uniquely presented in the style of our founding street performers. 

Storytelling is at the album’s very core, as Thorpe skilfully plays all his instruments simultaneously. He’s famously passionate about the one-man band craft, something he has held onto ever since he saw iconic busker Rob Gray, of “The Little Big Band”, perform on the UK streets in the late 1980s. He was only 18, but says, from that moment, a mental photograph was captured and everything fell into place. This has influenced everything he’s done musically since.

CD : available from backyardmusic.co.nz/shop  

& selected record stores

Digital : available on all platforms

Album release shows

The Wine Cellar 

Auckland 29th March

https://www.facebook.com/events/385992662191926/

https://cosmicticketing.co.nz/event/show/5709

Blue Smoke 

Christchurch 5th April

https://www.facebook.com/events/415560602518648/

https://cosmicticketing.co.nz/event/show/5708

ALAE ISSUE FRESH NEW SINGLE, HELP YOU NOW

Off the back of a landmark 6 months, which saw the release of debut album Henry St, a headline national tour and high-profile support slots for John Butler Trio and Angus and Julia Stone, Auckland-based indie pop quartet Alae are back with brand new single, Help You Now. 

Help You Now is the first single from Alae’s forthcoming second album. The track heralds a fresh pop direction, while still retainaing all their textured musicality and an anthemic chorus hook. Alex Farrell-Davey, vocalist, explains the bands evolution of sound; “Traditionally Allister and I have been the lead songwriters, but Help You Now is one of the first songs that we've written as a collective, since Jayden and Marika joined the band. The change in how we write has injected a lot of new energy into the final result. We’re really excited about the progression of our next album; we’re working with (producer) Jol Mulholland again, but changing things up with this collaborative approach.” 

Elaborating on the themes of the song, Alex states, “Help You Now is about facing your fears. It's about talking about what it is that's hurting you, what it is that's scaring you and allowing people to help. The lyrics are an attempt to normalize the process of opening up to others.”

The release of Help You Now adds another highlight to Alae’s 2019, which has already launched with a promising start. After recieving support from over 40 USA college radio stations for single airplay alongside the generation of over 2.7 million streams for their debut album Henry St, Alae have again received project funding from NZ On Air for the recording of their follow-up album. 

This March, Alex Farrell-Davey was invited to APRA’s Songhubs initiative to further hone his songwriting skills. This week of collaboration enabled Alex to interact with local writers and producers in a studio setting. Alex was also partnered with international guest producer and writer Justin Gray (John Legend/Amy Winehouse) to create an original work. 

Help You Now is available now through Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes. 

Kiwi Kids Music taking it to the world

Kiwi Kids Music are taking their presence to the world as they boast yet another string of successes within the collective; this time with not one, but two finalists to represent NZ in the International Songwriting Competition.

The collective, which was founded in 2015 by some of NZ’s most iconic children’s personalities, including children’s television presenter Suzy Cato and songwriter Arthur Baysting now boasts over 100 strong line up of NZ’s best kid’s artists. “We’re delighted to be able to show the world the talent we have here in NZ,” says a very proud Suzy.

“We had 5 Kiwi songwriters make it through to the semi-finals of this competition, so it really showcases the high level of new music for tamariki we’re releasing here in Aotearoa”, she said. Finalists Anna van Riel and Rich Manic are absolutely thrilled to be amongst the 2% who made it through as finalists.

“Apparently over 19,000 songwriters entered the overall competition, so to make it into the finals is pretty fantastic”, says Wanaka artist Anna van Riel. Her track Throw out the Grain was chosen from her album release Fishing for Stars. Which was released in November.

Rich Manic, AKA Captain Festus McBoyle, confessed he was particularly pleased he listened to the advice of his wife, Miss Lucy Drawers, who suggested he enter the competition with The Little Things, a track from his soon-to-be-released album Bubbles n’ Squeek, due out this April.

Manic and van Riel were also successful recipients of NZ on Air funding last year to create music videos for their children’s songs. Children’s performers Kath Bee (Nelson) and Levity Beet (Takaka) made it into the semi-finals with their environmentally focused No More Plastic Bags, along with songwriter and children’s author Chris Saunders for his song 111, Call the Ambulance.

The finalist songs have now gone to the judges with an outcome expected in early April. Music lovers can also support artists by judging daily in the children’s section of the People’s Vote which closes April 3rd. Every vote counts so be sure to get behind our clever Kiwi artists.