BEN HORLOCK - THE ONE YOU LOVE
17-year-old teen prodigy Ben Horlock (Ngati Porou / Te Awara) is emerging as a new talent to watch with his new single “The One You Love”
17-year-old teen prodigy Ben Horlock (Ngati Porou / Te Awara) is emerging as a new talent to watch with his new single “The One You Love”. This slick urban pop track has shades of Black Eyed Peas “Where is the Love” with a message for global peace & love. I wrote “The one you love”, about world peace, acceptance and fighting the bad energy in the world. I don’t like seeing on my socials all the stuff in the USA & the rest of the world at the moment... gun violence... racism... inequality. I wrote “the one you love” to spread positivity & hope to everyone affected by poverty and politics...it’s a love song with a message”
Ben moved from Whakatane to Dunedin age 5. He taught himself guitar aged 12 writing most of his songs by 15. His unique mix of influences (Hendrix, Harry Styles & Bruno Mars) landed him spots as the youngest artist on the main stage at various BOP summer festivals early 2020. Ben’s first unplugged releases have gained him a dedicated online following & recording sessions at Roundhead & Parachute studios have resulted a unique album of teen anthems.
“The One You Love” Produced by Abraham Kunin & Mastered at KOG Studios Auckland New Zealand
CHIKA 'IN MY HEAD'
Chika has released her 5 track project 'In My Head' - a “sonic personification of who I am as an artist, singer, songwriter and budding creative".
After the release of her single 'Breathe' in 2018, singer/songwriter and developing artist Chika Adeosun like most creatives, questioned her style, sound and who she was as an artist. Disconnected from her previous body of work she leaned to her Nigerian roots to the sounds of Lagbaja, Burna Boy, Niniola, Wizkid, Yemi Alade and South Africa's Queen of Gqom, Babes Wodomo for inspiration. Set to release on Thursday, 20 August, 'In My Head' reflects on the space of mind Chika was in as she journeyed to finding her sound. The body of work also speaks to how she was feeling in her early 20's. Featuring her unique blend of RnB and Afropop, Chika says "this 5-track project looks, feels and sounds like the sonic personification of who I am as an artist, singer, songwriter and budding creative".
Earlier this year Chika released the first track from the project 'Give it To Dem Bad'. Accompanied by a video, the release was a nod to Nollywood Babes (Nigerian Movie Actresses) and the lyricism of the likes of Sade. The clip features footage from Chika's trip to Nigeria. On release Chika said "Give it to dem means freedom, not giving a f*ck, owning who I am loving and celebrating all the layers of experiences that make me who I am".
TEEKS 'WITHOUT YOU'
TEEKS reveals his first new music since The Grapefruit Skies EP in 2017. New single ‘Without You’ is out today.
TEEKS reveals his first new music since The Grapefruit Skies EP in 2017.
New single ‘Without You’ is out today.
“I never knew what it meant to truly long for someone before I wrote this song.
That’s the power of heightened emotion. It can hurt so bad that the pain becomes physical”
STARS AND THE UNDERGROUND 'Nosferatu Upon Tyne'
Auckland band Stars and the Underground, after a successful tour in Australia in 2019 and performances with Drab Majesty(US) and at Shadowplay in Wellington, hit the road again to celebrate the release of their new single “Nosferatu Upon Tyne”.
Auckland band Stars and the Underground after a successful tour in Australia in 2019 and performances with Drab Majesty(US) and at Shadowplay in Wellington hit the road again to celebrate the release of their new single “Nosferatu Upon Tyne”.
Stars and the Underground play a unique mix of Post Punk, Goth, Shoegaze and Dark Electronic music and the new single is the first track from their forthcoming album due in 2021.
Nosferatu Upon Tyne was remixed by Elenor Rayner of Robots In Love both the single and remix are available Digitally from August the 12th on Spotify and BandCamp with pre orders available for a 7inch lathe cut vinyl collectors item.
Visit : https://starsandtheunderground.bandcamp.com/
See them live: 19th September at Dark Shadows Nirvana Lounge, Hamilton.
(Tickets via UTR)
AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA BRINGS SOUL BACK TO THE CONCERT HALL WITH LOUIS BAKER
Singer-songwriter Louis Baker will fuse his signature style of modern soul with the symphonic power of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) for a one-off show at Auckland Town Hall in September.
Singer-songwriter Louis Baker will fuse his signature style of modern soul with the symphonic power of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) for a one-off show at Auckland Town Hall in September.
Part of the APO’s popular Session Series, the beloved Kiwi artist will perform a selection of his current hits, including ‘Rainbow’ and ‘The People’, and will reveal brand new works from his next record.
With an astute ear for lyrical detail, a distinctive and rich vocal tone that harks back to classic Motown soul, and a direct and expressive guitar style, Louis Baker has generated over 20 million Spotify streams and gathered a loyal global following. He regulary sells out shows in New Zealand and London, has performed on the European festival circuit, and opened for a number of international artists such as Fat Freddys’ Drop, Allen Stone, Jordan Rakei and Morcheba.
Nominated for multiple awards, including the Taite Music Prize 2020, Vodafone NZ Music Awards 2019, APRA Silver Scroll Top 5 in 2014, and the APRA Silver Scroll Top 20 in 2017 and 2018, Baker has produced a prolific volume of music since his 2014 self-titled EP, which included singles ‘Fade’, ‘Gave It All Away’, ‘Addict’ and ‘Black Crow’. An independent artist, 2019 brought an exciting chapter to Louis Baker’s career - the release of his long-awaited critically acclaimed debut album, Open, which the New Zealand Herald described as an “expertly produced, infectiously groovy neo-soul album”.
Composer and arranger Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper has been working alongside Baker to reimagine his music into lush orchestral arrangements.
Conductor Hamish McKeich says, “Even though Louis Baker grew up listening to classical music, this will be the first time he’s performed with a full orchestra. It’s going to be a real treat for the audience to experience the power of Louis’ vocals, and his brand of contemporary soul, performed alongside the mighty APO.”
Freddy Reynold Premiers new Mixtape Pre Party
Pre Party (out 21 August) is full of ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ moments - tracks Reynold has painstakingly fine-tuned to be not only immediately captivating, but also rewarding on repeat listens.
Alongside the successful global release of The Dalai Lama’s - Inner World with Hitco Entertainment,
Abraham and Junelle Kunin of Khandro Music, have been preparing a release by another of their artists, Freddy Reynold.
Pre Party includes prior singles Blessed and Appropriate.
Appropriate is the lead single from Reynold’s new mixtape Pre Party out 21 August, which features further production from Kunin (The Dalai Lama, Home Brew, Teeks, Rush Wepiha, Phodiso). With refreshingly self-assured lyrics such as ‘I ain’t trying to be different I’m just trying to be me and that’s gifted.’
It's the perfect setting to reveal Reynold carries a hip hop pedigree which belies his age, at times utilizing flow patterns reminiscent of a Big L cadence. When the swagger then gives way to the kind of introspection found 20 years later on a Drake track, it's apparent you are listening to a lifelong 'student of the game'.
Reynold and Kunin’s collaboration and beat curation has sculpted a hybrid HipHop/Pop/EDM often UK leaning sound. Pre Party showcases Reynold’s range and attention to detail as an artist. The forward-thinking instrumentals provide a perfect canvas for Reynold to balance focused and honest lyricism with a knack for memorable hooks.Reynold tailored this work around the idea of the audience reaching new high scores by going the distance and not being afraid of what people think. Reynold’s mission as an emcee is to contribute to the music landscape positively. To make people feel good, no matter the skin they’re in.
Pre Party is full of ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ moments - tracks Reynold has painstakingly fine-tuned to be not only immediately captivating, but also rewarding on repeat listens.
Listen to Pre Party here
Pre save Pre Party here
ANNOUNCING MEMBERS ON LINE HANGOUT SESSIONS
Over the next few months the MMF NZ will be holding a series of on line hangouts, where up to 10 MMF members will be part of a virtual Roundtable Seminar with an industry guest. These more intimate on line sessions held via Zoom, will allow our members to be in a small group learning environment where they can be upskilled in important areas of music management.
Over the next few months the MMF NZ will be holding a series of on line hangouts, where up to 10 MMF members will be part of a virtual Roundtable Seminar with an industry guest. These more intimate on line sessions held via Zoom, will allow our members to be in a small group learning environment where they can be upskilled in important areas of music management.
The first two On Line Hangouts are on Contracts and Social Media 101.
Our Contracts Hangout special guest is Entertainment Lawyer Stephen King from Media Arts Lawyers, who are based in Australia and New Zealand. The session is limited to 10 MMF members, but if there is demand we will schedule a second hangout.
Contracts with Stephen King - Media Arts Lawyers
Date: Tuesday 25th August
Time: 6pm
RSVP: For MMF members only lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz
and please specify which contracts you are interested in learning about
The second On Line Hangout is on Social Media 101 - How to create a social media strategy and to grow your community/fan base, and our special guest is Social Media Expert Claire O’Connell from The Classroom. The session is limited to 10 MMF members, but if there is demand we can schedule a second hangout.
Social Media 101 with Claire O'Connell from The Classroom
Date: Tuesday 1st September
Time: 6pm
RSVP: For MMF members only lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz
HOW TO MARKET AND PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC - DUNEDIN AND CHRISTCHURCH
Following the outstanding success of the How To Make Money From Your Music series of seminars, the NZ Music Managers Forum, with thanks to NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS NZ, Go Live Festival and Dunedin & Christchurch Council Creative Communities Scheme, are returning to Otago and Canterbury with the essential FREE Stage Two seminar, How to Market and Promote Your Music.
Following the outstanding success of the How To Make Money From Your Music series of seminars, the NZ Music Managers Forum, with thanks to NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS NZ, Go Live Festival and Dunedin & Christchurch Council Creative Communities Scheme, are returning to Otago and Canterbury with the essential FREE Stage Two seminar, How to Market and Promote Your Music.
How musicians release and promote contemporary music has changed considerably in the last couple of years, with an increased focus on digital platforms. Over 70% of the New Zealand Music Industry income is from streaming, but an artist faces stiff competition, against all other artists, within the realms of the large worldwide digital stores. In order to cut through the noise, artists now need to be active across many promotional channels to drive awareness of their projects. With record labels signing fewer artists direct, it is important that managers and musicians learn these skills for the benefit of their independent releases.
This not-to-be-missed seminar will cover all avenues of releasing, marketing and promoting music including the various ways to release a song, EP or album. Distribution – digital and physical, publicity, bio’s, press releases, tips for pitching to media, marketing, digital marketing, social media, playlists and radio airplay will all be covered in this seminar.
MMF always delivers great seminars the information is relevant and gives insight to what is required when striving to become a successful New Zealand artist or band. The panel is always giving and willing to impart wisdom, experience and knowledge enabling artists to see the bigger picture when it comes to the music industry and what is required from artists to further their careers. Love your work, Moone
Speakers are:
Ladi 6 Independent Artist
Nicky Harrop General Manager - Rhythmethod (Independent Distribution Label)
Lisa Paris CEO - The Label (Music Marketing and PR Specialists)
Jeff Newton NZ On Air – Music Promotions Manager Platforms
Teresa Patterson Chairperson NZ Music Managers Forum
‘How to Market and Promote Your Music’ Seminar - Dunedin
Date: Wednesday September 23rd
Venue: Te Korokoro o te Tūī - Recording Studios, School of Performing Arts, University of Otago, 141 Union St East, Dunedin
Time: 5.30pm doors for 6.00pm start. Seminar finishes at 7.30pm
RSVP: Email lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz to secure your seat.
‘How to Market and Promote Your Music’ Seminar – Christchurch
Opening night of the Go Live Festival
Date: Thursday September 24th
Venue: Christchurch City Library, Tautoru / TSB Space
Time: 5.30pm doors for 6.00pm start. Seminar finishes at 7.30pm
RSVP: Go to www.ccc.govt.nz/GoLive limited free tickets avaialble , from Monday 24th August.
FREE ENTRY to all musicians, self-managed artists, music managers or anyone interested in the music industry but RSVP is essential.
For Dunedin - Email lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz to secure your seat.
For Christchurch – Go to www.ccc.govt.nz/GoLive limited free tickets avaialble from Monday 24th August.
Thanks to NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS NZ, Go Live Festival, Christchurch Council Creative Communities Scheme, Dunedin Council Creative Communities Scheme and the NZ Music Managers Forum.
