GEOFF ONG DROPS NEW TUNE - ‘TURN THE TV OFF'
Geoff Ong is back with a brand new track, the hopefully optimistic ‘Turn The TV Off’, penned during Aotearoa’s 2020 lockdown. What was an overwhelming and stressful time for everybody, Geoff was no different, finding himself struggling with the bombardment of information and the overwhelming feeling of anxiety, and like many of us was forced into a period of reflection.
Geoff Ong is back with a brand new track, the hopefully optimistic ‘Turn The TV Off’, penned during Aotearoa’s 2020 lockdown. What was an overwhelming and stressful time for everybody, Geoff was no different, finding himself struggling with the bombardment of information and the overwhelming feeling of anxiety, and like many of us was forced into a period of reflection.
“When I wrote 'Turn The TV Off' it felt like every single news article I read was combining to create this crushing sense of impending doom (which I recognise is a strange thing to write a pop song about but hey here we are). It sounds dramatic but I really felt like the end of the world was about to happen. Climate change, the storming of Capitol Hill, police shootings of unarmed black civilians, coronavirus, wildfires, the rise of the alt-right and online conspiracy theorists, the ongoing erosion of women's and trans rights, rapidly growing wealth inequality, AHHHHHHHH!!!!
“In the midst of it all I started actively avoiding the news, which made me realise what a privileged position I'm in. It's a privilege to be able to avoid thinking about all this stuff when other folks are literally living through it! How do I balance my responsibility to stay informed and take action, with the need to look after my mental health? Honestly I haven't figured that out yet... But the song is about working through those thoughts and trying to hang on to some hope in the process” – Geoff Ong
Geoff Ong is a Tāmaki Makaurau-based RnB/soul/pop musician with the twist of being as down-to-earth and genuine as they come. Completely self-produced and DIY is the name of the game with Geoff, from his recording process right through to his music videos which are all hand-crafted.
Speaking of his creative process Geoff says, “My writing and production process has always been super DIY, it just fits really well with my personality. I like delving into all the nerdy musical details of a song and trying different sounds, and as an introvert I especially love being on my own while I do it.
I think I would just feel way too anxious about going into a studio with other people to work on my music. I prefer to work on stuff by myself at home where it’s cozy and I can redo the same vocal take as many times as it takes to get it sounding right, without feeling self-conscious. So I tend to write, record, and produce all at the same time. Which is maybe not the most traditional way of doing it, but it works for me”.
His recently released album, Maybe It’ll Be Alright, is a multi-faceted body of work, expressing perfectly his many talents – catchy tunes, groovy rhythm guitars, funky bass, and vocals that you can really sink your teeth into.
You can join him in celebrating the release of ‘Turn Off The TV Show’, at Portland Public House on may 29th, with support from ethereal/90’s RnB Queen Valere.
Click here for Soundcloud
Troy Kingi Announces the "Black Sea Golden Ladder" Tour, with the release of "Sleep", the second song to be released from his forthcoming album.
Troy Kingi's fifth, ("folk") instalment, in his 1O 1O 1O Series, (10 albums in 10 years in 10 genres) is due for release June 18th. Troy Kingi and Delaney Davidson will take to the road this August, playing the album live, in shows across the country.
Troy Kingi's fifth, ("folk") instalment, in his 1O 1O 1O Series, (10 albums in 10 years in 10 genres) is due for release June 18th.
A collaboration with award winning artist and producer Delaney Davidson, this album was written and recorded as part of the Matairangi Mahi Toi Artist Residency in Wellington – a partnership between the Governor General and Massey University that was established in 2016 to encourage and promote the development of Māori and Pasifika visual arts and creative practices.
As artist in residence Troy had the opportunity to live as a guest in a cottage at Government House and also to be involved in workshops and outreach programmes with secondary & tertiary students.
"It is the most personal of all my albums – the first one I feel that is truly about me." Troy Kingi - KeriKeri, April 2021
Troy Kingi and Delaney Davidson will take to the road this August, playing the album live, in shows across the country.
Troy Kingi with Delaney Davidson - Black Sea Golden Ladder Tour
Sat 7 August @ Turner Centre, Kerikeri
Sun 8 August @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh
Tue 10 August @ Forum North, Whangarei
Thu 12 August @ Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton
Fri 13 August @ Theatre Royal, New Plymouth
Sun 15 August @ Opera House, Whanganui
Tue 17 August @ Theatre Royal, Nelson
Sat 21 August @ James Hay Theatre, Christchurch
Sun 22 August @ Regent Theatre, Dunedin
Sat 28 August @ Opera House, Wellington
Sat 4 September @ Town Hall, Auckland
All Ticket info on www.troykingi.com
Black Sea Golden Ladder - Out June 18th - CD / LP through Border and available on all digital platforms.
TROY KINGI
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp
15-Year-Old Jackson Boswell delivers second instalment in triple EP series.
Jackson Boswell releases ‘Evening,’ the second instalment of a three EP series connecting our journey from the first EP ‘Night’ to ‘Afternoon’ which arrives later in 2021.
Jackson Boswell releases ‘Evening,’ the second instalment of a three EP series connecting our journey from the first EP ‘Night’ to ‘Afternoon’ which arrives later in 2021.
‘You, Therefore,’ the featured track of the EP, brings warm notes using acoustic guitar then advances with rolling snares and trumpet, the backdrop to what Boswell says, “is a poetic look into the special things about the people you love.”
As a multi-instrumentalist, song writer and producer, this talented 15-year-old is shifting his focus from the cinematic soundscapes of his debut EP ‘Night’ into a warmer vocal led, intimate and as Boswell puts it, “Campfire” feel.
With influencers like Bon Iver, Lord Huron and The Paper Kites, grab your marshmallows, cosy up and get ready to dive into ‘Evening’ the EP, out now on all platforms. Link to ‘Evening’ https://smarturl.it/jacksonevening
FLAMINGO PIER SHARE NEW VIDEO, SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM - OUT NOW
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based music makers, DJs and party throwers, Flamingo Pier have released their debut self-titled album on London’s Soundway Records as they announce a second Auckland date following the sellout of the first
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based music makers, DJs and party throwers, Flamingo Pier release their debut self-titled album on London’s Soundway Records as they announce a second Auckland date following the sellout of the first. See full dates below.
The release is accompanied by a brand new video for lead single ‘Eternal’ which harnesses all the cut-loose dancefloor vibes the collective are celebrated for. Featuring an array of colourful footage of their sold-out parties and a behind-the-scenes peek at the album recording process, the video is the perfect primer for Flamingo Pier’s album release tour this July.
The euphoric grooves of 'Eternal', as well as previously released single ‘Last Call’ co-produced by and featuring Aotearoa Jazz legend Nathan Haines, along with vocals from Jess Penson (Kédu Carlö), are gathering up plays on commercial radio giant George FM and alternative radio across the country alike. ‘Honey’ and ‘Make You Wonder’ celebrated an entry on the NZ Alt Charts last week.
Channelling classic emotive house, to disco, Afro and jazz funk on their debut album, Flamingo Pier cite a wide range of musical influences such as Khruangbin, Roisin Murphy, Peven Everett, house legends Masters at Work and Brazilian artist Tim Maia. This translates into an uplifting but nostalgic current running throughout the album - reflecting on last chances, soul-searching and longing for the carefree days of the dance floor.
Montreal based music purveyors Bolting Bits noting "elements of funk, disco, and jazz, all built around Afro-centric percussive elements."
In celebration of the album release, these music makers and DJs are throwing a few parties for themselves.
Flamingo Pier - Album Release Tour
Friday July 2 - 121, WELLINGTON (DJ set)
Saturday July 3 - Flux, CHRISTCHURCH (DJ set)
Thursday July 8 - Galatos, AUCKLAND (full band) NEW DATE ADDED
Friday July 9 - Galatos, AUCKLAND (full band) *sold out
Saturday July 24 - HB Showgrounds, HASTINGS (DJ set)
TICKETS ON SALE NOW - from www.flamingopier.net
INVESTIGATOR 'LAKE OF EYES'
Lake of Eyes is the third release from INVESTIGATOR off the upcoming album, The Outcome of Dust - the four piece’s hardest, fastest and heaviest song to date.
Lake of Eyes is the third release from INVESTIGATOR off the upcoming album, The Outcome of Dust.
This is the four piece’s hardest, fastest and heaviest song to date. A swirling darkness that roars into life with big riffs, huge solos, relentless drums and their trademark soaring vocal harmonies.
With nothing but an intro and chorus written back when Adrian was in his 20’s, the song sprang to life last year after a walk down the aisle with his Gothic maiden. Described as Adrian’s most autobiographical output yet… this is chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and the love that saved him.
Band Line-Up:
Adrian Drew - Guitars, Vocals
David Crowhen - Bass
Craig van Kan - Drums
Adam Morton-Mason - Lead Guitar
Mixed & Mastered by Kane Bennett
Release day smartlink: https://smarturl.it/lakeofeyes
Turkey The Bird Live in Foxton, Palmerston North and Bulls.
After two out of three sold out album release shows so far Turkey The Bird are taking their newly released self-titled debut album on the road again with a further 3 shows in Foxton, Palmerston North and Bulls this weekend.
After two out of three sold out album release shows so far Turkey The Bird are taking their newly released self-titled debut album on the road again with a further 3 shows in Foxton, Palmerston North and Bulls this weekend.
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 4 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".
Turkey The Bird will bring their energetic live show toFoxton for a house concert on Friday 11th June, to the Globe Theatre in Palmerston North on Saturday 12th June and to the Te Matapihi Community Centre in Bulls on Sunday 13th June. Tickets and details can be found on turkeythebird.co.nz
“this is a corker of epic proportions” (Chris Chick, Muzic.net.nz)
"I am not going to lie, this is my new favourite band of 2021. (Chris Chick, Muzic.net.nz)
Jolandi Ford achieves a Josie Award 2021 nomination in Nashville, Tennessee for Artist of the year in the Modern Country category
The Josie Music Association has announced the nominees for “The 7’th Annual JMA Awards”, with another record-breaking year of submissions totalling 38,997. The unique submission, review, and nomination process is a standout in the industry with only 2.6% of submissions making it through to the Official Nomination List for 2021. Those that are a part of this small percentage congratulations on a substantial accomplishment. The largest independent multi-genre, full production awards show is planned for Saturday, September 18’th 2021 at The Tonite Theatre located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Jolandi Ford launched two new single releases in New Zealand since November 2020 with a new single release “Not Meant To Be” launching on the 20’th of June 2021. Jolandi wanted to take a different approach with “Not Meant To Be” and had a particular sound in mind. She wanted to make other talented musicians from different countries part of her project. “Not Meant To Be” is an original composition, written by Cindy Kay Skinner residing in the USA. A beautiful Love song full of emotion as you remember a special love that you once had in your life, who’s memories you will always carry with you, even though it was just not meant to be.., a song that almost every person can relate to. The creating of the musical Instruments was done by a very special friend and extremely talented musician, Quinten Pendle, Quinten is best known as “The blind singer and pianist” from South Africa, who has an exceptional talent and ear for music. For mixing of the individual instruments and vocals, Jolandi decided to make use of a well-known and talented Music Producer and drummer, Bruce Wallace – the former drummer for the band called “Mean Mr. Mustard”. Jolandi and Cindy have previously joined forces to produce her single “You ain’t in the picture anymore”, hitting the top 10 Country Charts on Tyga FM - 98.9 in Australia and decided to do another one together and make it even better! Jolandi is aiming to create a beautiful blending Contemporary sound in the Modern Country genre.
SOLA ROSA SHARE NEW SINGLE 'SOMETHING GOOD - HIGH HØØPS flip'
Starting off his live music career in royal company when he opened for Lorde, HIGH HØØPS aka Jordan Arts has since shared stages with iconic producers Kaytranada, MNDSGN, Harvey Sutherland and Slow Magic, as well as featuring on triple J heavy rotator ‘One Hundredʼ with Roland Tings (Australia), the 10 million streamed Spotify smash ‘Comfortableʼ with Moods (Netherlands), and most recently crooning on collaborations with local kiwi hip-hop heavyweights SWIDT and High Beams (NZ), all while crafting out psych-pop tunes with the critically acclaimed five-piece Auckland music collective, LEISURE.