NEW ZEALAND SINGER AND SONGWRITER MOUSEY MAKES HER OFFICIAL DEBUT THIS JUNE WITH THE SINGLE ‘EXTREME HIGHS’
New Zealand singer and songwriter Mousey makes her official debut this June with the single ‘Extreme Highs’ - a song that brings together a blend of exquisite trademark Mousey melodies and catchy hooks, with hints of nostalgic and edgy Indie-Pop
The song brings together a blend of exquisite trademark Mousey melodies and catchy hooks, with hints of nostalgic and edgy Indie-Pop
On first listen ‘Extreme Highs’ is a breezy, feel-good summer tune. But scratch below the surface, and you’ll find a song made up of intricate layers and lyrical depth.
‘Extreme Highs’ was written about my time spent at an old flat in Christchurch says Mousey AKA Sarena Close.
“There were 10 of us and I lived there for a year. I got the worst winter blues. One of my friends from Jazz School had committed suicide, I was dealing with ongoing family issues and I felt like I had no support from the people around me. Being an extravert meant that I loved being with people but it would make me extremely depressed thinking that they didn’t really care about the deeper part of me. There was a week that I didn’t even enter the kitchen or the living area of the flat”.
Mousey writes with her own unique sense of melody, emotionally raw sincerity and cherishes the art of songwriting above all else. Inspired by artists like Radiohead, Regina Spektor and Sufjan Stevens, she endeavours to be as honest as them.
‘Extreme Highs’ is the first single from Mousey’s debut full-length album, due out later this year.
EMERGING NZ HIP-HOP ARTIST VALLÉ RETURNS WITH POWERFUL NEW SINGLE ‘PLUTO’
After making his mark in 2018 with a string of hard-hitting singles, New Zealand hip-hop newcomer Vallé is back with a brand new song, ‘Pluto’.
After making his mark in 2018 with a string of hard-hitting singles, New Zealand hip-hop newcomer Vallé is back with a brand new song, ‘Pluto’.
The video premiered on UK site Niji Magazine
Taking inspiration from an eclectic range of musical heroes, from Van Morrison and Joyner Lucas, to J.Cole and Kendrick Lamar, Christchurch-based Vallé is an artist who speaks from the heart and creates a poetic blend of rap and R’n’B that’s refreshingly unique. On ‘Pluto’ he’s enlisted the soulful vocals of rising New Zealand singer Sianne to help bring the meaningful song to life.
Written by Vallé (real name Enjalas Jenkinson) and produced by Struan Finlay AKA Sun Lay, ‘Pluto’ is an audio snapshot of a dysfunctional couple struggling with trust and commitment.
It is the first single from Vallé’s upcoming debut full-length album CARE FOR ME, due for release later this year.
Vallé released his first single ‘Love Me’ in 2018 - a personal song, which drew on Jenkinson’s observations of the age-old battle with self love and identity.
It received radio play on Mai FM, Flava, Niu and the BNets, and demonstrated the strength and depth of Jenkinson’s songwriting abilities and stood his unique blend of rap and R’n’B out from the crowd. He followed it up with ‘Never Leave Ya’, which he released as part of a collaboration with OLYMPUS and Leilani.
Find Vallé:
PERE ‘HIGH ON INGOINGO’
One of Aotearoa’s brightest talents and boldest stars, PERE, simply soars on his new single ‘High on Ingoingo’. As one of the founding members and co-manger of Māori music’s trailblazing collective Maimoa, PERE is a familiar face and voice. Now on ‘Ingoingo’ the singer and songwriter - who now lives in South Auckland but hails from Northland and is of Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kuri and Ngāti Wai descent - makes his official debut as a solo artist.
One of Aotearoa’s brightest talents and boldest stars, PERE, simply soars on his new single ‘High on Ingoingo’.
As one of the founding members and co-manger of Māori music’s trailblazing collective Maimoa, PERE is a familiar face and voice.
Now on ‘Ingoingo’ the singer and songwriter - who now lives in South Auckland but hails from Northland and is of Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kuri and Ngāti Wai descent - makes his official debut as a solo artist.
‘High on Ingoingo’ is a song of determination, [high on] ‘Ingoingo’ tells the story of a boy who is to achieve his heart’s true desires - remaining true to himself as he strives to his dreams and aspirations. His ‘ingoingo'.
With an unmistakable voice, full of power and passion, PERE blends old school Māori soul, with a New Orleans jazz vibe, to create an empowering anthem, full of heart and spirit.
‘High on Ingoingo’ was composed by PERE in 2011 when he was still in full immersion Reo Māori at high school. Remaining one of his most dearest songs, he teamed up with producer Rei Music (who is also an artist in his own right) at the award-winning KOG Studios in Auckland, to bring the song to life for its 2019 release.
The song’s video, which will premiere on TVNZ’s Marae show on June 9, was produced, directed and edited by award-winning Shae Sterling.
Shot in the beautiful East Coast of the North Island, visualises a story of confidence in a boys determination to face his fear by jumping off the famous Tolaga Bay Wharf. A mixture and blend of fashion, Poi and art, the clip will be released on Sunday, June 9 – 11.00am.
PERE is one of Māoridom’s rising talents and entrepreneurs. Through Paopaopao (an initiative to grow young emerging Māori talent) PERE was mentored by the likes of Maisey Rika, Seth Haapu and Tama Waipara.
As the founding member of Maimoa, he holds a special place in the hearts - and ears - of New Zealanders. He has worked alongside the likes of legend Dave Dobbyn in translating and recording his smash hit’ Welcome Home’ (released as ‘Nau mai rā’). Watch here.
PERE’s own company Wai 2 Creations was behind the video for Maimoa’s smash hit ‘Wairua’. The song itself has had 3.4 million streams on Spotify, while the video broke NZ records in 2017 when it became the most-watched YouTube video in New Zealand. Even toppling Ed Sheeran’s Carpool Karaoke! The video has now been watched on YouTube a whopping 7.4 million times.
He is also a respected Kapa Haka composer, tutor and performer, Reo Māori Enthusiast and Television presenter who has delighted audiences across Aotearoa and the world. Now debuting his SOLO career as an artist on all musical platforms internationally.
EMILY RICE 'DUSK'
Having completed her first nationwide tour opening for Aro, Emily is now releasing her 3rd EP, ‘Dusk’ at Kumeu Live 22nd June 2019.
Having completed her first nationwide tour opening for Aro, Emily is now releasing her 3rd EP, ‘Dusk’ at Kumeu Live 22nd June 2019.
Dusk is a 5 track album written from Berlin, UK and back home in Aotearoa. Through her songs Emily shares stories that will take you back in time, and leave you with the taste of ‘chilli chocolate’ as an audience member from her Picton show suggested.
She sings with such conviction displaying the voice of an experienced performer as she soars through beautiful phrases with hints of jazz scatting - perhaps her most noted trademark. Emily likes nothing more than to collaborate with fellow musicians and entertain her audience with her exuberant personality, thoughtful lyrics and delicious sound. For this release she will be joined by fellow musicians she has worked with over the years, including Od.Cassidy who joined her on tour and who recorded and produced the EP. "
Event Details: Sat 22nd June at Kumeu Live.
Tickets: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/10439/Emily-Rice-w-OdCassidy.utr
LOUIS BAKER SHARES ‘SO LO’ STUDIO LIVE SESSION VIDEO
Louis Baker today shares a rare live studio session video of his latest single ‘So Lo’, featuring backing vocalist and fellow kiwi, Gee Clifford, providing a sultry fem flavour to the mix. Baker’s debut album Open is out June 21st, ahead of a nationwide New Zealand album tour.
Louis Baker today shares a rare live studio session video of his latest single ‘So Lo’, featuring backing vocalist and fellow kiwi, Gee Clifford, providing a sultry fem flavour to the mix. Baker’s debut album Open is out June 21st, ahead of a nationwide New Zealand album tour.
Upon its release last Friday, ‘So Lo’ was featured on 6 x Spotify playlists and 11 x New Music Friday playlists worldwide, and currently sits at 73,000 streams in under a week. Baker has a long relationship with streaming platforms, which began with the success of his earlier single ‘Rainbow’. The track, released in 2015, was discovered on a number of playlists around the world, clocking upwards of 5 million streams.
‘So Lo’ was co-written with Australian musicians Lanks and Plutonic Lab in Sydney, and later recorded and produced in collaboration with Grammy-nominated Engineer and Producer Steve Rusch (Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Raphael Saadiq) at his home studio in Los Angeles.
LOUIS BAKER, OPEN ALBUM RELEASE TOUR DATES:
Thursday 8 August - Blue Smoke, Christchurch
Friday 9 August - Tuning Fork, Auckland
Saturday 10 August - San Fran, Wellington
UK SHOWS:
Monday 17 June - Servant Jazz Quarters, London (exclusive album preview show) - SOLD OUT
Ticketing and more details available at louisbaker.co.nz
An album formulated around letting go of the past, accepting the present and feeling open to the future, this feeling threads itself around the project from beginning to end, hence the record’s suitable title, Open. Coming to life in studios across London, Los Angeles, and Sydney, to his humble home studio setup in Pōneke/Wellington, New Zealand, Open has seen the world and taken it in. The record was created with the input of friends and familiar faces from around the world, including Steve Rusch (Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Raphael Saadiq), Brad Ellis (Jorja Smith, James Arthur, Wilkinson), Jordan Rakei (Tom Misch, Disclosure) who co-produced the title track with Louis, multi-platinum selling songwriter Lindy Robbins (Andra Day, Chromeo), Josh Fountain (Bene, LEISURE, MAALA), and Laura Bettinson (FEMME).
DANNY MCCRUM 'HUSTLE BUSTLE'
Danny McCrum has released the first single and title track off his upcoming album Hustle Bustle. The new album signifies a return to form for Danny McCrum who almost gave up on music a few years ago. But Danny has returned with a unique first single which steals from funk, jazz and even dance music. Combine this with a band of great musicians and you end up with an exciting and original new track.
Danny McCrum has released the first single and title track off his upcoming album Hustle Bustle.
Danny is a well-known figure in the New Zealand music scene and his reputation for his diverse talent, his high work ethic and unrelenting professionalism precedes him. This only makes sense as over the years Danny has worked with and supported many top artists including Eric Clapton, Tommy Emmanuel, John Mayer, John Butler Trio, Jeff Beck, Bryan Ferry, Joan Armatrading, Norah Jones, Jimmy Barnes, Simple Minds, Katie Melua and many top New Zealand acts. Danny started writing and performing at the age of twelve and has worked as a fulltime musician for the last fourteen years. A rare and impressive achievement in the New Zealand music business. He has released three albums: Awake & Restless (2007, Elite Music), Say What You Mean (2009, Liberation/Universal) and Letters to the Future (2012, Paper Plane).
The new album signifies a return to form for Danny McCrum who almost gave up on music a few years ago. Burnt out and frustrated Danny considered leaving it all behind him. After contemplating this for a few months Danny instead decided to turn his attention to other areas of the music world focusing more on session work and collaborations. ‘Suddenly I felt free; I didn’t have to play the game anymore. I could simply play music and focus on the craft rather than get bogged down by more negative aspects of the business.’ He worked for numerous producers and artists including Greg Haver, Peter van Gent, Alex Burke (US), Lizzie Marvelly, Magnolia Memoir (US), Vann Dizon, Georgia Lines, Phil Edwards Band, the Michael Jackson tribute show 'King Of Pop, The Legend Continues’, AutoMatic 80s and many more.
Then in a random moment walking along the street in Vienna, Austria the muse returned and Danny decided to start writing his fourth album. ‘I heard the feeling of the album somehow, I realised I had more to say and I felt I was in a good place to make the album simply for the love of it.’ Danny has returned with a unique first single which steals from funk, jazz and even dance music. Combine this with a band of great musicians and you end up with an exciting and original new track. The accompanying music video was filmed in L.A. and Auckland and embraces a 1990s street vibe, which goes with the gritty city-theme of the album.
"Danny has created a beautiful album of finely-tuned, soul-searching, gut-wrenching rock songs that just drip with mojo and lessons learned! Bang your drum, McCrum!" Tommy Emmanuel
“Fave tracks Full Speed Ahead and Mine All Mine… your guitar playing is killer!” Greg Johnson
“Yes, it has groove. Yes, it has hooks, musicianship and taste - but what 'Hustle Bustle' has most of all is heart! Danny has managed to craft a collection of songs that demonstrate musicality mixed with pop-esque sensibilities that is not often seen.” Bobby Kennedy (Opshop)
The full album Hustle Bustle will be released later in 2019.
Danny cohosts the podcast series Don’t Give Up Your Day Job where they talk to creative professionals about their experiences in the entertainment business. www.dontgiveupyourdayjob.co.nz
Danny is endorsed by Rockbox Electronics and Chris Campbell Guitars. www.rockbox.com / www.chriscampbellcustomshop.com
LEIGHTON FAIRLIE - EP RELEASE PARTY
Bay of Plenty’s prodigal son Leighton Fairlie returns to the shores of his hometown Mount Maunganui a full line up to celebrate the release of his debut EP ‘Distant’. Electronica, roots and drum & bass fans rejoice as Leighton Fairlie descends upon Totara Street with a full band and a powerhouse line up to bring you the much anticipated, truly captivating and unique sound of ‘Distant’.
Bay of Plenty’s prodigal son Leighton Fairlie returns to the shores of his hometown Mount Maunganui a full line up to celebrate the release of his debut EP ‘Distant’.
Electronica, roots and drum & bass fans rejoice as Leighton Fairlie descends upon Totara Street with a full band and a powerhouse line up to bring you the much anticipated, truly captivating and unique sound of ‘Distant’.
Be a part of this special live showcase where Leighton will take you on a sonic adventure with a hand-picked team of master musicians that will band together and form his massive 6 piece band.
Dub and Drum & Bass fans will need to bring their best skanks as Sambora (Sam Trevethick of “The Peacekeepers” and the mighty “Shapeshifter”) takes the reins and sends the night into overdrive. This man has countless hours chalked up at the helm of heaving festival crowds easily numbering into the thousands. His set promises to deliver a session that will leave bass music fans as puddles on the dance floor.
Fans of the sweet reggae sound will be delighted to find out that Daniel Weetman of The Black Seeds A.K.A DJ Sulu will be captaining this ship of musical mayhem through the calm waters of each change over keeping the evening flowing from beginning to end.
As if these two Kiwi legends were not enough, local music maker “Izzy Bones” and up and coming reggae rockers “Copper Feel” will be joining the line up.
With a Stone Cold Records sound system, a Lux Productions Lighting rig and VJ “Jowsey” providing further sonic and visual stimulants, this show will be one for the books!
Ticket sales from Under the Radar are limited so make sure to share with your crew and lock in the date: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/66382/Leighton-Fairlie---Distant-EP-Release-Party-Ft.-Sambora-and-Dj-Sulu.utr
Leighton Fairlie’s debut 5 track EP ‘Distant’ is available now on all digital music retailing platforms: http://smarturl.it/lfdistant
BAYNK RELEASES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘GO WITH U’
New Zealand producer and songwriter BAYNK has released the official video for new single ‘go with u’, taken from his new sophomore EP, SOMEONE'S EP II
Today, New Zealand producer and songwriter BAYNK has released the official video for new single ‘go with u’, taken from his new sophomore EP, SOMEONE'S EP II. BAYNK co-directed/edited the visual with Spencer Graves (Kendrick Lamar, Lauv) and it features choreography from Ian Eastwood (Chance The Rapper, Childish Gambino). The visual provides a striking, extra-sensory new edge to the slick Hazey Eyes co-produced track, of which Ones To Watch noted its unique ability to "evoke a sense of serenity."
Following his acclaimed 2017 debut EP, SOMEONE'S EP II is a bold return showcasing BAYNK's pristine electronic production and innovative crafting of sounds, which This Song Is Sick calls "a new degree of talent for the rising artist, measured by both risk and restraint." The EP includes previously released singles ‘Water’, ‘Off Limits’, and ‘Settle’, alongside notable features from international talents including Sinéad Harnett, Glades, Martin Luke Brown and Hablot Brown.
Stream the EP, which is out via AllPoints, in full here.
After a rapturous performance at Coachella, BAYNK will embark on a summer tour throughout five countries, playing to crowds across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Towards the end of his run of dates he will be performing at Lollapalooza, Electric Forest, HARD, and the prestigious Life Is Beautiful, where he joins Billie Eilish, Zedd and RÜFÜS DU SOL on the line-up.
Born Jock Nowell-Usticke, BAYNK has seen a meteoric rise from sheer obscurity to the brink of breakout in just two years, with releases amassing 110MM+ collective plays. His releases are supported by beautiful visuals with collaborator/co-director Spencer Graves, and his immaculate creative vision doesn't end there; Jock is responsible for all art direction and artwork design (which he had shot by Korean photographer LINNNN), art directing his photo shoots (with photographer Eric Kelly), co-directing his live visuals (also with Spencer Graves and Tess Bjiere) and programming all his own lights for his impressive live show.
Catch BAYNK on tour across the following dates this summer:
Jun 29 // Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest
Jul 4 // Melbourne, AUS @ Howler
Jul 5 // Brisbane, AUS @ The Brightside
Jul 6 // Sydney, AUS @ The Lansdowne
Jul 10 // Auckland, NZ @ Powerstation
Jul 11 // Wellington, NZ @ Meow
Jul 12 // Christchurch, NZ @ The Foundry
Jul 13 // Dunedin, NZ @ Union Hall
Jul 19 - 21 // Bali, IND @ Manarai Beach Club
Jul 19 - 21 // Jakarta, IND @ We The Fest
Jul 21 // Kuala Lumpur, MYS @ Good Vibes Festival
Aug 1 - 4 // Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
Aug 4 // Los Angeles, CA @ HARD Summer
Sept 20-22 // Las Vegas, NV @ Life Is Beautiful