Theia and Vayne drop hard-hitting bilingual waiata calling out sexual predators

Two of Aotearoa’s most enigmatic and exciting artists have joined forces to release one of the most powerful songs you are likely to hear this year.

Alt-pop queen Theia and rising hip-hop sensation Vayne have today dropped ‘CREEP’ - an unapologetic bilingual waiata, which delivers a cutting message to sexual predators.

The hard-hitting bass-heavy ‘call to arms’ was written at APRA’s inaugural Reo Māori Songhubs curated by Grammy-winning NZ producer Joel Little and held at Waimarama in late 2020.

Meeting for the first time at Songhubs, Theia (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tiipaa) and Vayne (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Porou) immediately hit it off and emerged from the studio with the highly charged ‘CREEP’, which seamlessly weaves between English and Reo Māori, reaching a spine-tingling crescendo with a passion-fueled haka.

In ‘CREEP’, Theia and Vayne nod to their own personal experiences and trauma in dealing with sexual harassment and abuse and also acknowledge the many others who have been harmed and continue to be harmed by the actions of predatory people.

“‘CREEP’ is about calling out those who lurk in the shadows; those who prey on the vulnerable and who are often protected by the silence of those around them,” says Theia. “You know that ‘creepy uncle’ whose actions people laugh off but never act upon. We want them to know - there’s nowhere to hide!”

“I only speak on behalf of myself and my own experiences, but if I am to say anything, I will say that we have to stop letting these cycles continue. We have to stop letting people abuse their positions of power, we have to stop silencing our children, we have to stop expecting only women to resolve these situations. Men need to have these conversations amongst other men. We have to amplify victims’ voices not silence them. We have to speak up in the moment, we have to stop brushing shit under the rug!” says Vayne.

In releasing the track. Theia and Vayne also draw attention to the trauma inflicted by systemic sexism within the New Zealand music industry, which serves to oppress and harm the many wonderful wāhine, rangatahi and the LGBTQIA+ community, who are a part of our rich musical landscape. They stand in solidarity with those who have bravely shared their stories.

Theia and Vayne share co-writing credits with Jeremy Tātere MacLeod and Rory Noble, who also produced ‘CREEP’.

Theia makes unapologetic alt-pop, which pushes boundaries both sonically and lyrically. Since emerging in 2016, she has gone on to amass a loyal fanbase across the globe, receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Pigeons & Planes, Clash and Billboard Magazine, which recently described Theia as “one of the most exciting voices in pop to emerge from New Zealand in the last five years”. She is fluent in te reo Māori and also has a reo project called TE KAAHU.

Vayne is one of the fastest rising voices of Aotearoa hip-hop today. Since its July 2020 release, her debut EP GUTTA GIRL has spread like wildfire. Teaming up with Montell2099, LMC and Church Leon, the glowing rapper’s debut is a nod to the Gutta Girl in all of us. Having grown a notorious following from packing out K Road venues, to performing at The Others Way, FOMO and opening for Six60, Vayne season is on.

MISSY ANNOUNCES FIRST SINGLE FROM DEBUT ALBUM

MISSY (aka Abigail Knudson) is back with her distinctive, idiosyncratic blend of electro-baroque goth-pop. As one reviewer commented: “If Kate Bush and Brian Eno had a baby, it would be MISSY.”[1]

Released on Friday 12 February, Petty is the first slice from a new collection of work that will be hitting streaming platforms in 2021.

Thematically, Petty tackles the immaturity that can sometimes rear its ugly head when people meet somebody truly compatible for the first time. The self-destruction, the excuses and the fear that comes with finding what fits you, versus the more negative relationship-with-a-fiery-ending that you believe you deserve. Most people run from something good for them faster than something that is bad for them and Petty tries to encapsulate the indecisiveness and regret that comes with tackling that.

The video, directed by Swap Gomez (The Umbrella Creative – full credits below), sees a red-veiled MISSY shadowing people. The ancient Romans called red veils ‘flammeums’, and believed they warded off evil spirits. Here, it symbolises reflection and a looming reminder of the challenges one must try to face in order to grow and achieve happiness.

[1] The 13th Floor, December 2020 https://www.13thfloor.co.nz/concert-review-vikae-cassette-9-december-5-2020/

The DeSotos re-boot their Southern Routes acoustic tour for March 2021

After having to cancel their tour last March as New Zealand went into Covid lockdown, The DeSotos are delighted to be back on the road with the rescheduled Southern Routes tour this March.

The band had played the first two dates of their 2020 tour when they pulled the plug prior to crossing Cook Strait for the South Island shows. This proved to be the right decision as the country was in level 4 lockdown only days later.

The rescheduled tour includes both new shows and new material.

It will feature acoustic three piece arrangements of songs from The DeSotos two albums and Paul’s solo album, plus a couple of yet to be recorded tracks, and reference covers from the likes of Neil Young and Tom Petty.

These are up close and personal events that showcase the band in an intimate but dynamic soundscape.

The DeSotos touring line up features;

Paul Gurney – lead vocals, guitars and bluesharp

Stuart McIntrye – vocals and bass

Vic Singe – drums and percussion, backing vocals

Vic is Carteron-based who performs with the band as their touring drummer.

The DeSotos Southern Routes Tour ’21;

Mar 16                 Marton Players Theatre, Marton

Wed Mar 17        The Tin Hut, Wairarapa

Thu Mar 18           The Tasting Room Wellington

Fri Mar 19            The Boathouse, Nelson

Sat Mar 20           The Mussel Inn,  Golden Bay

Sun Mar 21         Captain’s Daughter, Havelock

Catherine Tunks and her truck full of country blues rockers head south this week hot on the heels of the release of 'Pay No Heed' - a follow up studio single release to the live video recording at Revolver Studios - available on Friday 12th.

A tasty morsel of blues/country soul goodness in the old fashioned muscle shoals style - Pay No Heed is a 'don't listen to the man' ballad of post 2020 positivity written whilst Tunks was recovering from the
artists black dog felt by so many musicians in lock down. Featuring tasty guitar snippets from Kara Gordon, and produced by Michael Barker (Swamp Thing) and engineered/mixed by Peter Wood at Revolver studios.

Catch Cat live at:

Picton - Le Cafe Thursday 11th Feb

Nelson - The Boathouse Friday 12th Feb

Wairau Valley - Dharma Bums Club Sat 13th Feb

Marewas - Blenheim Sunday 14th Feb

Kinross Winery - Sat 20th Feb

Zoe Moon shares "Bubbles", an RnB-folk journey of musical space and harmony

Wellington-based music progeny Zoe Moon shares her gorgeous, transfixing single "Bubbles", out February 12th.

Through resonant low notes gliding effortlessly to angelic upper registers, Zoe Moon’s first solo release, “Bubbles” is an absorbing ride through a rich, sonorous and an unconventional tale of intimacy, an homage to Zoe’s now-deceased twin sister, Sachi, with whom she shared her formative bubble. “In writing "Bubbles" I took ownership of my story, and explored how that very first partnership continues to guide the connections that I form, whether it be with friends, lovers, or family.”

Written in 2019, the song was given space to be reconsidered and reworked during the time of covid-lockdown reflection. Zoe says of “Bubbles” that it is “my accidental prophecy, simultaneously reflecting these strange and trying times as well as my own heart.” It’s as if she knew that after her first iteration of the song, New Zealand would soon retreat into our prescribed bubbles, discovering new emotional boundaries and perceptions of the world “I believe that intimacy is an opportunity to inextricably lose and find ourselves in the sea of another. To my eyes, these uncertain waters that envelope our times mirror the same.”

Zoe Moon has been surrounded by musical performance her entire life, and she is no stranger to the stage. After opening for, and singing on the Grammy award winning TajMo tour, and dazzling the world creating brilliant blood harmonies alongside big sister Deva Mahal on her Run Deep Tour, Z o E comes to us now crystallized by the world stage. Swirling with the experience of performing on stages like North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Jools Holland show, and even the Hollywood bowl, Zoe has honed her vocal craft, ready to make a mark of her own. The second signing to Wellington’s new label on the scene Blue Riot Records, Zoe's full album will be released later in 2021.

**Zoe will be hosting a "Bubbles" release show at San Fran on 14 February - Valentines Day! The perfect occasion for a sultry and intimate evening!

Buy tickets here!

LEE MARTIN ANNOUNCES "SECRET SONGS" TOUR

Singer/songwriter, Lee Martin, releases her new "secret songs"

Christchurch based singer/songwriter Lee Martin just announced her "Secret Songs tour" 

This will be a series of gigs consisting of some intimate shows across NZ where she will be sharing some unreleased songs that will only be heard and available for purchase at one of these shows. No online releases.

For tickets and more information visit www.leemartinmusician.com

SOJØURN 'SATURDAY SIPPING'

"Saturday Sipping" is a celebration of the good times; chilling out, hanging with friends, and letting your worries slip away.

Written during the first lockdown of 2020, the song represents a hopeful anticipation of better times to come. The intro features a playful electric guitar lick and the rhythm section lays down a fun, bouncy groove. Straight away you are introduced to the song's catchy chorus, which urges the listener to crack a cold one and enjoy the simple things. The verses are more reflective; reminding us of our need to let go and find solace in each other; our shared highs and lows.

"Saturday Sipping" was recorded @ Roundhead Studios (Paddy Hill) & mixed by Connor Jaine (Mako Road) "Saturday Sipping" will be available on all good streaming platforms on Friday 12th February 2021 via GYROStream. This release has been included in the NZ On Air Music February "NewTracks" compilation. You can pre-save this track here.

SOJØURN continue to build a name for themselves on the live music scene in NZ, with a number of shows coming up in March including performances at The Great Kiwi Beer Festival (Hamilton) & Waterbourne Festival (Takapuna).

BEN WOODS DELIVERS NEW TRACK 'BODY RHYME'

Expression becomes its most potent under floodlight. At least, it does in 'Body Rhyme', Ben Woods’ latest release since his debut album, PUT (2019).

On 'Body Rhyme', Woods moves into expansive territory, with bolshy, polished production. Tape recorders become melodic beat makers and are paired with stumbling pianos and guitars. 'Body Rhyme' is an up tempo, though simultaneously hushed, sparsely laid single. “Nothing could be wrong with that / showing both our eyes turn black” - Woods sings of liberation through exposing our true natures. 'Body Rhyme' inhabits the ebb and flow between vulnerability and self-protection, while Woods’ voice, bright and forefront, hits sinister and bold, with a new sense of grounding since we last heard it.

'Body Rhyme' comes as the first release from a series of sessions with Ben Edwards in Lyttelton. Edwards is known for his port-side recording shack The Sitting Room, which has been responsible for the debuts of beloved alt-folk/country alumni Aldous Harding, Marlon Williams, and Julia Jacklin. Its accompanying video, directed by Martin Sagadin, is built entirely from clips of Woods’ gyrating nude figure falling to darkness. Shot on black and white 16mm film, the video summons the vivid monochrome of German Expressionist film and Samuel Beckett’s absurdist theatre. Woods’ grotesque, fleshy display propels his latest leap toward a newfangled brand of poignancy.

Woods has remained consistently performing and producing work since his debut in 2018. If not circuiting New Zealand with his group, touring or performing at festivals, he could be found composing soundtracks for film. The release of his ruminative long player PUT saw him performing alongside Steve Gunn, No Age, Tiny Ruins, and touring with Aldous Harding.

Through lockdown, Woods turned his energy outwards as he managed an online streaming festival—Better Living, Everyone. The festival boasted 30+ artists including Lawrence Arabia, Marlon Williams, Emily Edrosa, and Delaney Davidson, and attained more than 15,000 viewers.

'Body Rhyme 'comes as the first release in a new chapter for Woods’ music. His days are monastic, spent at home or around the bend at Edwards’ studio fervently working towards his new album. “There’s much less approximation involved in the work we’ve done, because it’s so localised” he states. “We’ve had the time to give all these ideas their own space. So, it’s more of an exercise of checking in with the songs, retuning the knobs and dials, and seeing how they breathe in new environments. I want the recordings to exist as a world in themselves, so they’ve got to be treated as living”.

"Body Rhyme was one of the first songs I wrote after my first record. It has a quality that speaks to me of the feeling of throwing yourself into a new batch of songs — an excitement that comes with the chance to renew your aesthetic and vision. I feel the video shares this too. It sits in a place that feels more aligned to what I love in music. There’s a chaotic element to it, a vulnerability, and because we’re using simple concepts it all sits so nicely together."

We had ten minutes of 16mm film, a curtain, a spotlight, and my body. I felt some pressure coming into set, but quickly resigned my discomfort after a good amount of gyrating. It became a fun game trying to find my most grotesque and ambiguous angles.

Martin and I have known each other for a long time now. They’ve been involved in every video so far. With this one I feel like we nailed on the head what we’ve both been looking for when collaborating on these videos. A pleasing blend of the visceral and the surreal. I’m again incredibly thankful for them making it possible to realise all these bizarre visions!"

+ Announces 8-date Aotearoa tour:
Friday 26th February - Oamaru - Grainstore Gallery
Saturday 27th February - Dunedin - Dog With Two Tails
Friday 5th March - Blenheim - The Plant
Saturday 6th March - Wellington - Newtown Sports Bar
Sunday 7th March - Wellington - Newtown Festival
Friday 12th March - Auckland - Whammy Bar
Saturday 13th March - Leigh - Leigh Sawmill
Friday 19th March - Lyttelton - Loons

Tickets on sale via undertheradar.co.nz