Mecuzine announce a new single, Illusions
With this most recent single release, the third from the latest album, from Auckland alternative music makers, Mecuzine, comes a change in direction as to how they wish to send their music out into the world.
With this most recent single release, the third from the latest album, from Auckland alternative music makers, Mecuzine, comes a change in direction as to how they wish to send their music out into the world. The singles from their previous album, Cutting Stings, were all released, as you would expect, through the regular social media and internet sharing platforms. We all know which ones they are. We all know how little they reward those who make the very music that their livelihood depends on.
Knowing this, for their next album, Preset, Reset, which will see the light of day later in the year, they have decided to take back control and have opted to use only SoundCloud, Bandcamp and YouTube, systems which might not make them rich, but which at least don't make others so at their expense. It's a small step. It is a necessary step. It is how revolutions start.
What hasn't changed is the band's ability to create intriguing music, music which falls pretty much into the alternative and outer fringes of the alternative sound. Illusions offers a melancholic sense of hope with the parting of two people. Where a journey's end has come but the experiences gained has left both parties stronger and wiser. Loose and languid grooves and sparing beats drive the track as it balances rock and roll weight and a more shimmering, indie vibe. As with their previous single, Blue Skies, Mecuzine is great at building a wonderful combination of chilled atmosphere and rising tension, world-weary deliveries and beguiling, delicate musical lines as they weave their sound together into slow-burning, dynamic journeys
This duo has always been about integrity and authenticity, certainly in their music. And now, with their decision to take a more grassroots stance on their releases, they have stepped up even further from their already honest modus operandi. And it is a move which people should be supporting, a move which if embraced widely enough across the industry will help return some of the power to those who actually make the music. Check them out because of their principled position but stick around because the music is both original, deftly crafted and forward-thinking.
https://soundcloud.com/user-878726070/illusions/s-qyLiy1xVMwa
JAMES HUNTER SET TO DO FIRST SHOW IN AUCKLAND
Pōneke-based Alt-Folk musician James Hunter, freshly off his successful debut show at MOON, Wellington is set to perform his FIRST show in Auckland, supported by genre bending LiamNT and blue pop artist Livv.
Pōneke-based Alt-Folk musician James Hunter, freshly off his successful debut show at MOON, Wellington is set to perform his FIRST show in Auckland, supported by genre bending LiamNT and blue pop artist Livv.
All three artists are performing acoustic sets at Cassette Nine on Saturday July 3rd that showcase their wide discographies and more!
James Hunter is an alternative folk musician hailing from Pōneke, New Zealand. Hunter writes, records, and produces records that are minimal in scope, but intimate through his vocal delivery. The abrupt appearance of COVID 19 allowed Hunter the chance to release Two EPs, ‘Last little While’ and ‘You’ in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Hunter’s sounds are created in narratives that allow listeners to journey with him through vulnerable places in the human soul: love, fear, faith, joy, and pain.
LiamNT: Prep your ears for an intergalactic journey with ambient guitar licks that will take you to outer space. Then buckle your seat belts and get ready to be propelled back to earth in a fiery ball of shredding shrapnel that’ll rock your boots. LiamNT will bring your tears to joy and your feet to move as he pilots through genres at full speed electrocuting the airwaves with his punching vocals and slamming tunes. With a box of beers and a band of mates behind him, get ready to get frothy, have a laugh and most of all, enjoy the show.
Livv is a blue pop artist, whose jazzy vocals will transport you to the centre of your own heartbreak and sassy sensuality. Her savvy lyrics tell her stories in a way that will have you giving your no-good-ex a piece of your mind and tearing up while you sway to her soulful ballads. Songs filled with sugar and spice, and some things not-so nice, livv’s melted chocolate vocals will leave you desiring just one last sweet tune.
*PLEASE NOTE* The gig is rated R18, but minors and those under the age of 18 are able to come with a paying parent/legal caregiver accompanying.
Doors open at 7pm, starting 7:30pm
Tickets are on sale Friday 4th June,
$10 online (+bf) and $15 at the door: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/75506/James-Hunter-w-LiamNT-and-Livv.utr
AFTER FOREVER 'BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE'
The Auckland based Black Sabbath tribute act ‘After Forever’ have been eagerly awaiting their return to Christchurch. After the first Covid-19 NZ lockdown rudely interrupted their plans to visit the South Island early 2020, their date with their patient Southern fans has rescheduled for 5th June 2021.
The Auckland based Black Sabbath tribute act ‘After Forever’ have been eagerly awaiting their return to Christchurch. After the first Covid-19 NZ lockdown rudely interrupted their plans to visit the South Island early 2020, their date with their patient Southern fans has rescheduled for 5th June 2021.
The original event had seen support from local Prog-Psych Rock band Stonehurst, however this time around, the event will see support from ‘Sabotage Theory’, a spectacular act performing a tribute to the one and only Soundgarden, instead of their usual Rage Against The Machine act.
Proving to be one hell of a combo of acts, Tombstone Entertainment has teamed up with COSMIC, committed to make this a night to remember. 5th June at The Embankment Tavern, $20+bf through COSMIC Ticketing, or $30 door sales.
With over 10 years under their belt, After Forever continue to deliver some of the finest riffs ever crafted in rock history, along with vocals that uncannily sound just like Ozzy, if you close your eyes, you’d swear you were listening to the real thing. Along with having members from NZ legendary rock acts Cripple Mr. Onion, His Masters Voice, Just One Fix, Metaract and more, it’s safe to say these well-seasoned and talented musicians are capable of handling such a big task and filling these fairy-worn boots!
The cherry on top has to be the epic production line up of Mothman Lighting paired with Razor Sharp Sound NZ, to deliver a mind-blowing audio/visual production. Other sponsors on board to support involve CANNA, Slick Burgers, Eagle Brewing NZ, Waghorn Builders, RDU98.5FM.
EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/1084655825358374
TICKETS: https://www.cosmicticketing.co.nz/event/6385
AINSLEE ALLEN 'YOU THINK YOU’RE (BETTER THAN ME) '
Set to the unmistakable 'Lyttelton' sound ‘You Think You're (Better Than Me)’ is the third single release from up-coming album Betty by NZ Country Artist - Ainslie Allen (Rongowhakaata)
Set to the unmistakable 'Lyttelton' sound ‘You Think You're (Better Than Me)’ is the third single release from up-coming album Betty by NZ Country Artist - Ainslie Allen (Rongowhakaata)
Ainslie's writing style has created an ode to the underdog of lost loves journey with lyrics that will make you think deeper than your average alt-country song.
Produced by Ben Edwards, mastered by Chris Chetland, and recorded at the Sitting Room, Lyttelton, NZ.
Ainslie has released 3 singles from her forthcoming album, 2 of these have been selected for NZ on Air NewTracks (previously the Kiwi Hit Disc).
You Think You're (Better Than Me) is selected from 126 songs competing for one of the limited spaces available making this single release another worthy instalment from her forthcoming album Betty.
You Think You're (Better Than Me) is available for digital download:
Spotify Pre-Save:
https://smarturl.it/preaaytybtm
Video release Friday 4 June 2021:
https://www.facebook.com/AinslieKallen
https://www.instagram.com/ainslieallen
Soul Has No Tempo presents LADI6 - THE ALPHA SESSIONS
After a 4-year Alpha Sessions hiatus, Ladi6 are making a welcome return to their renowned live nights, announcing a 6-show winter tour through July and August.
After a 4-year Alpha Sessions hiatus, Ladi6 are making a welcome return to their renowned live nights, announcing a 6-show winter tour through July and August.
Kicking off July 3rd in Wanaka and closing out with two special shows in Auckland, the Alpha Sessions embody the essence of live improvisation and allow Ladi and her band - acclaimed producer/musicians Brent Park-Tamati (Parks), Julien Dyne and Brandon Haru - to explore new and unreleased songs in a live environment.
Taking the studio to the road and switching up the pace after a jam-packed summer festival season, they divert from contemporary methods of creating a record, and draw focus to the energy and improvisational possibilities afforded by the inspiration of a live, intimate audience. Deconstructing and reworking ideas on the fly, the Alpha Sessions ethos of freedom of expression extends beyond performers and onto the dance floor as Ladi6 uphold their unwavering commitment to creating unique sounds and stories, across Aotearoa.
The last time Alpha Sessions hit the road, the basis of Royal Blue 3000 was created - a sublime EP, shimmering with warmth and the familiar progressive production and musicianship that led them to 4 Aotearoa Music Awards in 2017; Best Female Artist, Best Album, Best Producer and Best Pacific Album.
When debuting the Alpha Sessions in 2015, Ladi & Parks reflected on their decision to take their studio to the stage in this unique context “...we wanted to get away from making a specific type of record and just feel our way through what came out," Parks explains. "We just wanted to trust ourselves and be authentic to what came naturally," Ladi continues.
6 years later, and coming through seasons of unprecedented change, they continue to honour a process that has served them well. Playing intimate dance floors in Wanaka, Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, this year's Alpha Sessions promise to be a journey.
Supports TBC and tickets via LADI6.CO
The Alpha Sessions Tour Dates
Sat 03 July - Water Bar, Wanaka | Buy Tickets
Sun 04 July - Sherwood, Queenstown | Buy Tickets
Sat 24 July - The Loons, Lyttleton | Buy Tickets
Sat 07 August - Meow, Wellington | Buy Tickets
Thu 12 August - Phoenix Cabaret, Auckland | Buy Tickets
Fri 13 August - Phoenix Cabaret, Auckland | Buy Tickets
INTRODUCING JUJULIPPS AND HER SASSY DEBUT SINGLE HILARY BANKS
With the beat by INF (SWIDT) and co-production by Abraham Kunin (Dalai Lama, Teeks, Home Brew, Phodiso, Freddy Reynold), Hilary Banks has a vibe that’s undeniable. Jujulipps (Hannah Kazadi) brings more heat to this fire with her warm tone and audacious lyrics.
With the beat by INF (SWIDT) and co-production by Abraham Kunin (Dalai Lama, Teeks, Home Brew, Phodiso, Freddy Reynold), Hilary Banks has a vibe that’s undeniable. Jujulipps (Hannah Kazadi) brings more heat to this fire with her warm tone and audacious lyrics. A tribute to childhood fav from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, “..take me on a shopping spree...I want 8 inch heels, I want a baller who can pay his bills.” Hilary Banks is an empowered reappropriation of her character for the modern age.
With blueprints from rap luminaries Leikeli47, Nicki Minaj and Rico Nasty, Jujulipps showcases her fashionable lyricism and creativity, merging rap, femininity and confidence.
As a first generation immigrant to Aotearoa, Jujulipps prides herself on her diverse cultural background. Her Mother hails from Burundi and Father from Congo, while Jujulipps herself was born and raised in South Africa before spending her teenage years growing up in Invercargill. When she’s not working on her music, she’s busy working towards her degree in Law.
Jujulipps’ credits her rich African influences which give her “a sense of sound, rhythm and movement which has always been embedded in my soul.”
This is just the beginning for Jujulipps - follow her:
Rising New Zealand star Paige announces first-ever headline tour
One of New Zealand music’s rising stars, Paige, is set to embark on her first-ever headline tour. The Auckland singer-songwriter and her band will play a four-date tour, kicking off in Auckland at the Tuning Fork on Thursday, July 15 as part of ‘Thursdays I’m in Love’ - a monthly band night, which showcases up-and-coming talent.
One of New Zealand music’s rising stars, Paige, is set to embark on her first-ever headline tour.
The Auckland singer-songwriter and her band will play a four-date tour, kicking off in Auckland at the Tuning Fork on Thursday, July 15 as part of ‘Thursdays I’m in Love’ - a monthly band night, which showcases up-and-coming talent.
Paige will then play in Tauranga at Totara Street on Friday, July 16; Blue Smoke in Christchurch on Friday, July 23 before wrapping up in Wellington at Meow on Friday, August 6.
Tickets to Paige's NZ tour here:
Auckland, Tuning Fork - July 15
Tauranga, Totara Street - July 16
Christchurch, Blue Smoke - July 23
Today’s tour announcement comes hot on the heels of a busy summer, in which Paige supported Six60 in Waitangi and Hamilton, while also appearing at some of the country’s largest festivals, including Homegrown, Peachy Keen, R&V and Bay Dreams.
The tour gives music lovers the chance to witness one of New Zealand’s most exciting new artists up-close-and-personal in some of our most loved venues. Paige will be playing songs from her critically acclaimed 2020 EP, ALWAYS GROWING, as well as revealing new material set for release in the coming months.
Paige has won the world over with her honest and heartfelt songs. Her aforementioned EP, ALWAYS GROWING, has amassed millions of streams on streaming platforms such as Spotify and earned her two nominations at the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards, including ‘pop artist of the year’ and ‘breakthrough artist of the year’.
Stay tuned for further announcements about the tour!
ZËxÏÏ breaks the mold with fearless debut single, Tmrw Maybe.
Described as an “incredible never-ending font of ideas and creative energy” by the production team behind his debut single, ZËxÏÏ / TJ Zimba has distilled these powers into a song unlike any other to come out of a music-TV show.
Described as an “incredible never-ending font of ideas and creative energy” by the production team behind his debut single, ZËxÏÏ / TJ Zimba has distilled these powers into a song unlike any other to come out of a music-TV show.
Dunedin-born and of African descent, ZËxÏÏ has spent the better part of 2021 showcasing his vast array of talents on TVNZ’s Popstars. As a dancer, singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, player of 11 instruments and fashionista, ZËxÏÏ has stood out as a true artist.
It makes sense then, that ZËxÏÏ would forego pop-music expectations and release a song like Tmrw Maybe that blends influences like Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, Benee and Kendrick Lamar into a bold artistic statement.
And it’s not just the music that speaks volumes about the character of ZËxÏÏ, Tmrw Maybe questions the nature of society’s materialistic obsessions with lines like “my heart is out here bleeding, hope it doesn’t spill onto my favourite sneakers”.
In his own words, ZËxÏÏ - who recently helped lead the Black Lives Matter march in Dunedin - describes the song as an exploration of how we can know “we should pay attention to our deeper selves, but still feel drawn to the material, temporary and ephemeral.”
Tmrw Maybe reveals a glimpse of the true depth of ZËxÏÏ’s talents and vision to Aotearoa and a new permanent fixture within the landscape of our music industry.
Link to single ‘Tmrw Maybe’: https://smarturl.it/zexii