New Wellington music festival brings together iconic acts alongside NZ’s hottest up-and-comers

Feat: BENEE, Gin Wigmore, Stellar*, Ladi6, Chelsea Jade, Ladyhawke and more!

Wellington will host one of Aotearoa’s newest and most exciting festival line-ups this summer - Peachy Keen presents Peachy Keen Festival!
 
Held on Easter Weekend on Saturday, April 3 at the Basin Reserve, the one-day festival will see household names like Ladyhawke, Stellar* and Gin Wigmore share the stage with a new generation of acts such as BENEE, Paige and The Beths.
 
Register for pre-sale tickets for Peachy Keen festival here
 
With a focus on bringing together some of the most iconic and well-known female artists in New Zealand music, alongside some of the coolest up-and-comers, Peachy Keen promises to be an event not to be missed.
 
A reflection of New Zealand’s diverse and celebrated music scene, the full line-up includes homegrown superstar BENEE; NZ-born, LA-based Gin Wigmore; Aotearoa’s queen of soul and R&B Ladi6; indie-pop icon Ladyhawke; the legendary Stellar*; Kiwi indie faves The Beths; the celebrated LA-based Chelsea Jade; songwriting sensation Paige; emerging pop darlings Foley and Wellington’s very own KITA.
 
The festival and the Peachy Keen brand, which places emphasis on women in music, has been created by Amber Mossman. She plans to curate more events under the Peachy Keen umbrella.
 
“I love the live music scene here in New Zealand and we are normally spoilt for choice over the summer months with festivals bringing in some of the biggest international acts our shores have seen,” she says.
 
“When looking at the line-ups for 20/21, I noticed they all had very similar offerings. Although stacked with very talented artists, I felt there was nothing that really stood out for me so I decided to curate a line-up of artists that my friends and I loved. And as a proud Wellingtonian, it only made sense to do something here.”
 
Pre-sale tickets are on sale from Thursday, November 12 at 10am and general public tickets are on sale from Monday, November 16 at 10am.
 
The festival is being held at Wellington’s Basin Reserve and will start in the middle of the day, across one big stage, and finish at 10.30pm.
 
 

PEACHY KEEN - Wellington’s Basin Reserve
Saturday April 3rd 2021 - sopeachykeen.com
 
Line-up:
BENEE, Gin Wigmore, Ladyhawke, Ladi6, Stellar* The Beths, Paige, Foley, Chelsea Jade and Kita

Alae release new Summer anthem, ‘Frozen in LA’

Kiwi indie pop Act Alae return with another Summer funk number in ‘Frozen in LA’, out now.

Listen HERE

‘Frozen in LA’ is Alae’s fifth major release, following up their successful recent EP release, LUCY’S MIX TAPE (which features the smash hits, ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’ and ‘Summer Thing’).

‘Frozen in LA’ shows yet another musical side to Alae, who have infused their latest collection of singles with a heady blend of pop, served with a side order groove.

‘Frozen in LA’ highlights Alex Farrell-Davey’s smooth yet funky vocals, which are underpinned by Marika Hodgson on bass. Stay tuned for the funky House remix of the track by Clicks, being released on November 13.

“‘Frozen in L.A’ is all about working hard and forgetting about the opinions of others. My internalisation of other’s thoughts of my music, has always limited what it is that I’ve thought I’m capable of as a musician and I’m so over limiting myself because of it. Ultimately, as individuals, we are in control of our journey and what it is that we can and can’t do. This song is about making that connection.” – Alex Farrell-Davey / Alae

The single is accompanied by a moody 90’s-inspired video, filmed on the streets of Auckland. Watch the video HERE

“I wanted to create a strong and bold performance video that captured the energy of the song. The colour and wardrobe treatment was to give the clip an early 90s feel,” says video director, Mikee Carpinter.

While it’s been a challenging year for musicians and artists in the wake of Covid-19, Alae have continued to make their mark, consistently releasing tracks throughout the year.

The band issued a second remix of ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’ with local hip-hop hero Kings and unleashed the radio smash hit ‘Summer Thing’ in NZ, Australia and the U.S.

This single hit the #1 spot on the Most Added Radioscope charts, Top 5 NZ Radio Airplay chart, debuted at #2 On the NZ Hot 40 singles chart and has been added to 1100+ playlists across Spotify and Apple Music alone.

The video for ‘Summer Thing’ is clocking in with more than 61K views on YouTube since release.

FOLK UNLOCKED February 22-25, 2021

The Folk Alliance International Conference is the world’s largest gathering of the Folk music industry and community (crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Indigenous, Old Time, Traditional, Singer-Songwriter, and Spoken Word).

The annual February conference draws 2,700 artists and industry (agents, managers, publishers, labels, festival/venue presenters, promoters, media) dedicated to folk music. Delegates who attended the 2020 conference represented 27 countries including Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

Previous New Zealand artists include Mel Parsons, Anika Moa, Delaney Davidson, Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikuraand, Marlon Williams, Graeme James and Albi & The Wolves.

Introducing Folk Unlocked

This year with in person contact being limited by COVID-19 Folk Alliance International is hosting Folk Unlocked, a four-day virtual event for the entire international folk community to come together for panels, workshops, showcases, affinity and peer group meetings, exhibit spaces, networking, and mentorship.

"We are unlocking the doors and windows of the house of folk to be as broad and inclusive as possible, inviting those who have been loyally attending Folk Alliance International conferences for years while aiming to reach folk musicians and professionals who have never benefited from or attended FAI before."

New Zealand @ Folk Unlocked 2021

The New Zealand Music Commission is partnering with Folk Unlocked to present a virtual New Zealand Showcase. We will be presenting 4 artists/bands who will each get 14 minutes to perform a live prerecorded presentation. We will provide each act with financial support to create their content. Interested applicants can apply through the form below. The final New Zealand lineup will be chosen by our partners at Folk Unlocked.

Link: https://nzmusiccom.formstack.com/forms/folkunlocked21

Applications close November 20th at 5:00pm.

WE ❤️ AOTEAROA Back and better than ever!

We Love Aotearoa
December 19th at ASB Showgrounds
Free Entry
Whānau Fun Day: 10 am - 3 pm Saturday, December 19th
We Love Aotearoa (r18): 5 pm - 11 pm Saturday, December 19th (ticketed)

We Love VR
December 19th and 20th at ASB Showgrounds
We Love VR is a two-day virtual reality experience boasting the latest technology
We Love VR: 10 am - 3 pm Saturday, December 19th
We Love VR: 10 am - 3 pm Sunday, December 20th

Keep up to date with WE ️AOTEAROA
Facebook | Instagram | Website
Whānau Fun Day Event Page
We Love Aotearoa r18 Event Page
WE ️ VR Event Page

We Love Aotearoa is back and bigger than ever, with an unmissable line-up of celebrations set to take place next month. 

This free series of events will take place on Saturday, December 19th at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland with an added day of virtual reality experiences on Sunday, December 20th. The event will host a range of activities, performances, and workshops to bring the fun to all ages. 
 
The We Love Aotearoa series has been organised by a group of international travellers who found themselves based in Auckland during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During their stay, they have been overwhelmed by the manaakitanga and aroha they have received from the people of Aotearoa. These events are a “thank you to the people of New Zealand” for their efforts to get us to where we are now.

While We Love Aotearoa was postponed from its original date in August due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the group has set a new date to wrap up the year in style on December 19th and 20th.

We Love Aotearoa is happening in three parts: entry and activities are all FREE. Food, beverages and artist merch will be available for purchase on-site.

For updates and more information, make sure you're following @weloveaotearoa and Weloveaotearoa.co.nz

LINE-UP FOR WE LOVE AOTEAROA

Whānau Fun Day! On Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, catch a live set from Stan Walker and pop-up performances from East Cook Islands Community Culture group, Ngā Rangatahi Toa, Guggemusik, drag queens Kita Mean and Anita Wigl'it, and Freshman's Dance Crew.

Explore workshops and activities for the whole family including a silent disco, photos with Santa, festive Christmas activities, Animal Cycle Roller Rink, 3 Ring Riot Circus workshop, interactive art installations, The We Love VR Zone, games, and much more!

Drift-racing legend Darren Kelly and friends will be on-site, along with their cars, to chat with fans, sign autographs, take photos, and show their stuff!

We Love Aotearoa (r18)! From 5pm to 11pm on Saturday, enjoy performances by Ladi 6, Sons of Zion, Troy Kingi & The Clutch, Leisure, JessB, Chaii, Frank Booker, Flamingo Pier (DJ set), Clicks, DUAL, and HalfQueen. Taking place across two indoor stages, the live shows will be accompanied by licensed bars and food trucks to keep you going into the night. Existing ticket holders from the postponed August event will be granted access to the concerts, as well as newcomers to the event. We Love Aotearoa has increased capacity to accommodate more attendees and make this a celebration to remember.

To grab the last of these free tickets, head to iTicket.co.nz on Wednesday, November 18th at 10am for the final release. Be warned… previous tickets went in under three seconds!

We Love VR! From 10am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, experience a never-before-seen virtual reality event showcasing the latest in gaming technology. The We Love VR zone will be hosted by New Zealand’s top VR developers demonstrating their titles along with Half-Life: Alyx (R18) across 20 stations. With a wide variety of age-appropriate options, there's something for everyone, including tamariki. Come down and enter the draw to win your very own Index VR set by Valve Software as well as a custom-built PC.

Delicious Kai on-site
Enjoy a sprawling selection of local food trucks; Wise Boys Burgers, The Rolling Pin, Lalele Organic, Crepes Creations, Sabores, Thai Kitchen, Crate Kitchen, Brooklyn Dogs, Miso Ra, Samaori Coffee, and licensed bars. We encourage you to bring your own reusable cups and containers, however compostable packaging will be available and encouraged from all participating food vendors.

The Heart of Racing
The Heart of Racing drivers will be on site to celebrate their latest achievement with you: winning the New Zealand Endurance Championship! The champion car and drivers will all be at the event to share their victory and mission with you. The Heart of Racing fundraises for the Starship Children’s Hospital through racing for and spreading awareness for the financial demands of quality paediatric care. Aside from being the new champions of Aotearoa, the team has raised over $250,000 for Starship since August… a victory we can all celebrate! Donate today at www.theheartofracing.co.nz.

Keep Aotearoa Clean

This event is a Zero Waste event and is supported by Sustainable Coastlines and has been carefully curated to have minimal impact on the environment. Enjoy workshops, demonstrations and learn about how you can make an impact through sustainable living.

THE BLACK SEEDS announce new single 'Raised With Love'

The Black Seeds make a triumphant return to their classic reggae roots with ‘Raised With Love’, the first single off their new album due for release later next year.

Recorded during lockdown, ‘Raised With Love’ is packed full of the sunshine reggae vibes that have made them a household name in Aotearoa, and a perennial favourite for festival-goers around the world.

The song is a reminder to be grateful for the simple things we have, inspired from looking over old family photos rediscovered in lockdown. 
 
Frontman Barnaby Weir says, "I was feeling especially grateful for how I was raised with lots of love and music in the house. ‘Raised With Love’ is a thank you to all the parents out there doing their best to make life a thing of beauty for their children”.
 
The new single echoes the truly optimistic and hopeful sound loved by Black Seeds’ fans around the world and is sure to be on high rotation this summer.
 
You can catch The Black Seeds live on tour across the country at the following events this summer, with more dates to be announced.

'RAISED WITH LOVE’ – NZ SUMMER TOUR, 20/21

Sat 19 December  – Summer Solstice 2020, Hawkes Bay
Tickets from Ticketfairy.com

Thur 31 December – The Edge NYE20, Christchurch
Free admission. More info here
 
Sat 9 January – TSB Bowl Of Brooklands, Taranaki
Tickets from Ticketek.co.nz

Sat 30 January – The Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Christchurch
Tickets from Ticketfairy.com

Sat 13 March – The Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Hamilton
Tickets from Ticketek.co.nz
 
Saturday 20 March – Homegrown, Wellington
Tickets at Homegrown.net.nz

Christmas is here! New Xmas single by Christchurch Country Artist Miranda Easten

Christchurch Country singer-songwriter Miranda Easten has released her very first Christmas single O Holy Night recorded with world-renowned producer Greg Haver (Melanie C, Kimbra), at Roundhead Studios in Auckland.

The new arrangement of O Holy Night is a little gift to her fans as Miranda gears up to release her debut album Behind Unbroken Strings early next year. “O Holy Night is the first Christmas song I've recorded. I've always loved holiday music and the nostalgic reminder of childhood that it brings. Coupled with the ambience of Roundhead Studios and the beautiful arrangement by Stephen Small, it was a truly magical experience that I'll never forget,” says Miranda Easten.

Collaborators on the project include Greg Haver and New Zealand band, Tiny Ruins. Miranda says working on her album with Greg Haver and the team at Roundhead Studios was amazing. “I had to keep pinching myself,” she says.  “The recording session for O Holy Night was performed live in the studio with Miranda, piano and guitar, it was one of those unique studio moments. Seeing the interpretation of a classic traditional carol with Miranda’s beautiful delivery was very special,” says Greg Haver.

Listen here

As excitement builds, Miranda’s first single, Cowboy Lullaby, released in April, continues to attract media attention and acclaim across the Tasman, jumping to #16 on the Australian Official Top 40 Country Music Chart. Her most recent single Only One also gained international attention having had radio play in both Australia and USA.

Miranda is mentored by Sacha Vee, founder of SOLE Music Academy, who has been helping her establish herself as an artist and to bring her vision to life. After studying Contemporary Music & Performance at Ara Institute of Canterbury Music Arts, Miranda and Vanessa Kelly (Deep Obsession), formed the duo The Manuka Set, in 2014.

VILLAINY ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR!

Villainy are stoked to announce their Summer 2021 tour, presented by The Rock and hitting six spots in February 2021.

Join acclaimed band Villainy for their electric 2021 summer tour, playing all your favourite anthems including their latest single Beggar. Fresh from captivating a packed Spark Arena this weekend, the band are promising bring it for the fans leaving nothing in the tank “It’s been said enough times, 2020 has been a total balls up. So we can’t be more humbled at the prospect of hitting the road around NZ in summer 2021. Live shows are what we bleed for and we’re all too aware how special it is that we can get out there and perform for some of the most passionate rock fans in the world.”

One of NZ’s most loved Rock acts Villainy have now been on the scene for just shy of a decade and enjoyed a string of hits from their albums Mode.Set.Clear,  Dead Sight and Raised In The Dark.  Villainy have also been honoured with a slew of nominations and awards at the Aotearoa Music Awards taking home 3 gongs, twice claiming Best Rock Album and winning Best Rock Group in 2019.

This is Villainy’s first NZ tour since July 2019 and fans will want to be in quick to secure their tickets. The tour kicks off in the capital and concludes at the beach in summer hot spot Mt Manganui.

Villainy Summer 2021 Tour 

Friday 5th February                          Wellington                        San Fran

Saturday 6th February                    Palmerston North            The Royal Hotel

Friday 12th February                       Christchurch                     Ngaio Marsh Theatre

Saturday 13th February                  Dunedin                            Starters Bar

Friday 19th February                      Auckland                           Powerstation

Saturday 20th February                 Mt Maunganui                  Totara Street

At noon today a very limited number of Earlybird tickets will be available from www.villainymusic.com at the special price of just $39! Get in quick these will sell out!

(Earlybird runs from 12pm Monday 9 November until 12am Tuesday 10 November or until allocation is exhausted)

Tickets on sale Friday 13 November at noon from www.villainymusic.com

MECUZINE 'SAME BOAT'

Auckland based rock outfit Mecuzine has had a reshuffle since the release of their debut album, “Cutting Strings.”

This reformed duo has reimagined itself from its days as a 5-piece into a musical partnership that explores styles of the past a present. The synth sounds of the 80's, the guitar tones of the 90's, the electronic beats and haunting piano of the modern age are all brought together with the timeless lyrical themes of loss and hope.

Sharing the creative duties both Joseph and Tony (T) draw on their years of experience writing music and working together to create songs to move to and be moved by.  There is a rawness to this music that comes from stepping away from one’s comfort zones, putting down familiar instruments and exiting the traditional recording studio. The guitar hasn't gone away, it is just not the centre of the story. 

“Same Boat” tackles themes around climate change and political unrest, wrapping them in bittersweet melodies. The message is amplified with the accompanying video, with visuals of nature’s demise interspersed with dystopian scenes of fighting and famine and anarchy.