Michèle Ducray 'Midnight'
Coming off of her recent sell-out show at Grater Goods, with 212 Music Group, Christchurch-based singer-songwriter, Michèle Ducray, is set to release her debut single “Midnight”, on the 28th of May.
Coming off of her recent sell-out show at Grater Goods, with 212 Music Group, Christchurch-based singer-songwriter, Michèle Ducray, is set to release her debut single “Midnight”, on the 28th of May. Recorded and produced with local music powerhouses, Pacific Heights (Devin Abrams) and Simon Gooding and written during the COVID-16 lockdown period, the hauntingly, majestic, alt. pop “Midnight”, tells a tale of tragedy and awareness of how isolated one can feel in times of uncertainty.
Described as “super dope” by kiwi music legend Tiki Taane, the demo version of “Midnight”, placed in the semi-finals of the Voyager International Songwriting competition. Michèle has already played the acoustic version, exclusively, on well-known radio stations RDU 98.5 FM and Pulzar FM.
Musician Bio:
Emerging straight from her South African chrysalis, Michèle had a great affinity for music, even from a very young age. She was heavily inspired by her surroundings growing up, with early musical influences, including Pavarotti, Prince, Elvis and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Travelling extensively throughout her childhood, Michèle began writing and singing her own songs at the tender age of 11, whilst based overseas in China. She drew inspiration from these experiences, settling on an alt. pop sound. When Michèle writes, she likes to visualise fantastical scenarios, utilising metaphorical subconscious imagery. A self-confessed “fan of the peculiar”, this, perhaps, is best demonstrated through her enigmatic "Peter Pan" style on stage.
Now residing in Christchurch, New Zealand, she is currently working on recording, producing & releasing, multiple singles, with the goal of forming a well-produced & high quality EP.
MOJO ALICE 'DIRTY MARY'
Wellington Rock band Mojo Alice drop the lyric video for “Dirty Mary” taken from the upcoming album “Liquid Sin” set for release through RFL Records on July 9th.
Wellington Rock band Mojo Alice drop the lyric video for “Dirty Mary” taken from the upcoming album “Liquid Sin” set for release through RFL Records on July 9th.
"Dirty Mary" is the first single from the "Liquid Sin" album and delivers a small taste of what Mojo Alice is all about; hard driving, in your face, pure Rock n Roll with a whole lotta spit and vinegar. A perfect combination of 70's style with the flamboyant, 80’s showmanship, rocketed to the 21st century. It's music to drink and raise hell to!
A CELEBRATION OF ALT-ROCK AND INDIE-FOLK
Rock The Folk is a celebration of alt-rock and indie-folk by two of Auckland’s hardest working acts Sam Bartells and Albi & The Wolves.
Rock The Folk is a celebration of alt-rock and indie-folk by two of Auckland’s hardest working acts Sam Bartells and Albi & The Wolves. The event will take place in Tamaki Makaurau’s waterfront venue The Tuning Fork on Friday 18th of June 2021.
Bartells’ career has skyrocketed since signing his first record deal with Reslau Records in 2019, which allowed him to hone his craft and record with some of Nashville’s best and brightest. In 2020 his debut E.P. Let’s Go gained international praise, and was recently followed up with a brand new single ‘Queen Of Hurt’. His gritty and honest songs are brought to life with his stunning vocals that are reminiscent of the late Chris Cornell. His acoustic roots and relatable lyrics tie together well with Albi & The Wolves.
Albi & The Wolves have steadily built recognition in New Zealand and abroad with fantastic live performances and two studio albums This Is War and One Eye Open. The ramshackle trio hail from different backgrounds but somehow create a brand of indie-folk that’s coherent and totally unique. The band won the Best Folk Artist award at the Aotearoa Music Awards in 2018, performed at WOMAD in 2020, and are set to venture overseas again in 2021. Many of the songs you will hear are being road-tested for their next album which they hope to record before the end of the year.
These acts are wildly different but share commonalities in their sober front men, acoustic roots, and the fact that they sit on the edge of their genres. Set times will be determined by a coin toss and won’t be revealed to the public, so be sure to get in early. Also, each act will play for an hour after an opening set from the stunning singer-songwriter Mema Wilda. This show should not be missed!
LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR $20
ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL THE 30TH OF APRIL – www.moshtix.co.nz
ROCK THE FOLK
SAM BARTELLS and ALBI & THE WOLVES
With special guest Mema Wilda
FRIDAY 18 JUNE - THE TUNING FORK – AUCKLAND
Tickets available now from www.moshtix.co.nz
Louis Baker Shares soulful new single and emotive video 'Brighter Day'
Louis Baker has this week released a soul-stirring and deeply personal single and video, 'Brighter Day' which draws on the experiences of Baker’s grandfather Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Baker (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Tu) who served in the 28th Māori Battalion
Today, Louis Baker releases a soul-stirring and deeply personal single and video, 'Brighter Day'.
The brand new single draws on the experiences of Baker’s grandfather Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Baker (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Tu) who served in the 28th Māori Battalion. Paying tribute to the triumphs and adversities faced by his Koro, 'Brighter Day' is equal parts uplifting and heart-tugging with sparkling Rhodes keys, Motown-styled guitar stabs, and punchy bass lines. The result is a warm, soulful groove, with Baker’s distinctive vocals delivering his message of whānau pride and hope for future generations.
Baker reveals about the song, “I wrote 'Brighter Day' for my grandfather who I never met. The song is inspired by a letter he wrote to his cousin during World War II, and of the many harrowing experiences he went through. During the war he was shot through the mouth at El Alamein, 1942. After returning home and having surgery on his face, he would spend time repeating the words “today is a beautiful day” in front of the mirror, to train his mouth and muscles to speak again. He was incredibly determined and courageous. No matter what happened, he kept a positive mind-set and looked for brighter days ahead. This is my letter to him.”
The heartfelt track is accompanied by an emotive video, directed by Anahera Parata (2020 AMA Artisan Awards Winner), which opens with the Māori Battalion marching song and black-and-white archive footage. These are depicted as prominent and at times, all-consuming, reflections of memories for Lt. Col Frederick Baker who is portrayed by NZ actor Calvin Tuteao (Top of The Lake, Underbelly, Once Were Warriors). A poignant moment shows Tuteao looking at a photo of ‘himself’ which is in fact a photo of Frederick Baker and his fellow servicemen. Anahera says, “It’s a time capsule that honours our kaumātua who went to war. 'Brighter Day', seeks to remind us to look towards the glimmer of light, that our tamariki are the joy we celebrate and hope for better days ahead.”
'Brighter Day’ is the second single to come from Baker this year, following his summer banger ‘Overdrive’ featuring NZ rapper/producer Kings which shot to No. 1 upon release in February and has clocked over 350k Spotify streams. Both tracks have been produced by New Zealand producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Devin Abrams (Drax Project, Pacific Heights). Baker has recently taken his songwriting talents to TV2’s Popstars, appearing as the first mentor on the new series last month. This follows his sold-out headline show with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) at Auckland’s Town Hall in February that culminated to a standing ovation.
With over 25 million Spotify streams and a loyal global following, the successful touring artist has sold out countless shows in New Zealand and performed on the European festival circuit multiple times. Baker’s debut album Open was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, including a prestigious Taite Music Prize nomination, and Recorded Music NZ nominations for Best Soul Artist and Best Māori Artist. Previous singles ‘Back On My Feet’ (2014), ‘Rainbow’ (2016), and 'Black Crow’ (2018) have been recognised with APRA Silver Scroll nominations.
Stay tuned for more music from Louis Baker this year.
'Brighter Day' is out now via all online streaming platforms
NATIVE SOUL PROJECT 'ROOTSMAN'
Native Soul Project have released ‘Rootsman’ - a song about how powerful men can be, and how important it is to the rest of us, where they choose to focus their energies
‘Rootsman’ is written about men. I was pondering how powerful men can be, and how important it is to the rest of us, where they choose to focus their energies. Being that some of the worlds worst destruction has manifested from the hands of men governed by ego rather than the heart, in my humble observations, it seems to me that men who lead with the heart help keep the world in a more harmonious state. The ‘Rootsman’ is any man rooted in his natural state, putting love into his choices and doing it without harming anyone else. More please.
CORRELLA ANNOUNCE SELF-TITLED DEBUT EP
Tāmaki Makaurau’s 7-piece reggae/dub machine Corrella are proud to release their debut EP, a masterfully crafted self-titled 6-track offering. Themes of love, attraction, unity, pride, and even the powerful history of Aotearoa are evident throughout, with a fresh funked-up edge that brings the summer back to our more frosty months.
Tāmaki Makaurau’s 7-piece reggae/dub machine Corrella are proud to release their debut EP, a masterfully crafted self-titled 6-track offering. Themes of love, attraction, unity, pride, and even the powerful history of Aotearoa are evident throughout, with a fresh funked-up edge that brings the summer back to our more frosty months.
Formed in 2017, Corrella, featuring members Pipiwharauroa Campbell (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti He, Ngāti Pukenga),Te Naawe Tupe (Ngāi Tūhoe), Moresby Kainuku (Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Te Rangi), Rebekah Brady (Te Arawa, Nga Puhi), Codi Wehi-Ngatai (Ngāti Maniapoto), Tom Scrase and Taulu Schuster, originally began as a covers band and naturally progressed into somewhat of a 7-headed musical beast. Named after Corrella Road in Belmont, North Shore, they have since honed their craft and flexed their songwriting muscles, creating a piece of work that captures the very essence of Aotearoa, euphonic, organic, and endlessly pleasing to the ear. This journey has tested the band’s genre and writing style in a way that has challenged and transformed every member, growing the band into an eclectic mixed-genre experience, weaving together elements of reggae, funk and soul, with relatable and poetic lyrics.
This EP marks the very beginning for Corrella, who have cut their teeth sharing the stage with Six60 and Tomorrow People, and who at the heart of it all really are the very epitome of a Kiwi garage band, with a passion for songwriting, family-first values, and high-energy, well-performed live shows. Corrella’s members are from all over Aotearoa, and are mostly Māori but include Pasifika and Pakeha musicians. Four of the band members are currently serving in Te Taua Moana, the Royal New Zealand Navy and one is former Navy.
Turkey The Bird Album Launch
Turkey The Bird are releasing their self-titled debut album “Turkey The Bird” on Friday 21st May 2021 on all digital platforms.
Turkey The Bird are releasing their self-titled debut album “Turkey The Bird” on Friday 21st May 2021 on all digital platforms.
Turkey The Bird is New Zealand's answer to "Simon & Garfunkel" if "&" was a musician too.
Catchy folk songs with stunning rich melodies and effortless smooth lyrics. Songs that tell uplifting stories about love and life.
Hailing from the New Zealand left coast town New Plymouth, this uplifting band will hit you with beautiful three part harmonies and toe tapping rhythms.
The bearded trio features Andre Manella from Switzerland on guitar, bass and percussion, Adrian Whelan from Ireland on guitar, bass and spoons, and Sol Bear Coulton, the token kiwi, on Banjo.
"Turkey The Bird” gained a good online following after releasing a series of live videos singing songs in unusual locations. Like under a bridge, in a bus station or in the kitchen.
They launched their first single "Everybody Needs A Little Sunshine" with a sold out show at the 4th Wall Theatre in New Plymouth and have since released another 3 singles and played several festivals and other shows around the North Island.
“Turkey The Bird” was formed in 2019 and the band name Turkey The Bird came about after they had written their first few songs and thought those sound kinda quirky, like a turkey, a turkey is pretty quirky! But we don't want to mislead people thinking we play Turkish music so hence "Turkey The Bird".
On Saturday 22nd May Turkey The Bird will bring their energetic live show back to the 4th Wall theatre in New Plymouth and will be joined by a couple of special guests, Wayne Morris who's a master on the washboard, cajon and percussion, and the legendary Janet Muggeridge on Mandolin and vocals.
Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm.
There are only a handful of tickets left and they are $25 pre sale from the 4th Wall website or box office.
"Excellent vibes and beautiful harmonies" (fan)
"new fresh vibes from a stunning new band" (fan)
"My wife's nephew is playing the Banjo" (fan)
Georgia Lines releases captivating video for new single, ‘No One Knows’
After wowing crowds across New Zealand on her recent tour with LAIIKA, Georgia Lines has released the stunning accompanying video for her new single, ‘No One Knows’.
After wowing crowds across New Zealand on her recent tour with LAIIKA, Georgia Lines has released the stunning accompanying video for her new single, ‘No One Knows’.
The incredible dance movement video stars Georgia Lines and has been choreographed by another amazing Aotearoa artist, Chelsea Jade. The video for ‘No One Knows’ is the perfect visual reflection of the song vibe, all brought together by the vision of videographer, Alexander Gandar.
“When I first listened to the song I heard the quality that all great pop bangers have - a knife-edge tension between elation and despair,” says Gandar.
“You don’t know whether to cry or dance, so you do both. For me sadness and silliness are only ever a heartbeat away from each other in the emotional spectrum, so I wanted the video to exist in the same space: a strange melancholia punctuated by bursts of sad clown dancing. My long-time visual collaborator Chelsea Jade (the N.Z. / U.S. multi-talented pop titan) came on board as our choreographer, and she and Georgia instantly clicked, and over a few intense rehearsals they devised this beautifully weird routine that I love. Georgia told us she’d never really danced before. I’m not sure I believe her.”
The song ‘No One Knows’ intricately weaves together Lines’ exquisite vocals with production that moves seamlessly between delicate, quiet moments and soaring, uplifting energy; making for a heartwarming and affirming track that leaves you wanting more.
“I loved working with Alexander and hope we get to work together again,” says Georgia Lines of the experience.
“He’s such an incredible human with amazing ideas and has an incredible way of bringing those ideas into reality! Not many people would think of putting my face onto my own thumb... it’s brilliant and hilarious and the whole video is something I’m so proud of. He pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in a way that I felt supported and encouraged and was such a fun video to create together! The whole concept is incredible and feels like a big leap forward,” Lines continues.
“Chelsea Jade was amazing to work with too and I felt so privileged to have her choreograph the dance and help me learn it. I don’t consider myself much of a dancer but she was so encouraging and made it achievable for me to learn and execute well. Having her on set was so amazing too! I don’t think I could have done it without her. She’s amazing and such an incredible artist herself.”
Co-written and produced by the award-winning Djeisan Suskov (BENEE, Matthew Young, Mitch James, LEISURE), ‘No One Knows’ sets the scene for the year ahead and follows the 2020 release of Georgia’s debut self-titled EP, which contained the hit singles ‘My Love’, ‘Vacant Cities’ and ‘Never Had Love’.