GRAEME JAMES 'THE LABEL'

Internationally acclaimed folk artist and multi-instrumentalist Graeme James shares a new single ‘The Wild’ off his forthcoming EP, Field Notes on an Endless Day, out July 30 on Canadian label Nettwerk. LISTEN HERE.

Rolling guitar plucks atop sonic waves of keys and sweeping violin strings usher in the folk-y croon of Graeme James in 'The Wild' as he longs for the comforts of the outdoors. James says of the new song, "Having been raised in Ngāmotu / New Plymouth, with the wild sea on one side and the solitary peak of Mt Taranaki on the other, I was blessed with an abundance of places to explore and get lost in. ‘The Wild’ is a song born from a universal longing for this wilderness and solitude, and it explores the soul's desire to feel small under the open sky, to feel lost amongst the grandeur of the mountains, and to commune with the transcendent in the quiet beauty of the wilderness."

Returning to New Zealand after a two-year stint in Europe, James is delighted to be back in Aotearoa for the winter of 2021 to reconnect with fans and share new songs and stories from the road. James' nationwide tour commences tonight in Nelson atThe Boathouse ahead of 14 more shows around the country. New shows in Napier, Dunedin, and Kumeu have been added, see full dates below.

Graeme James
- Seasons Tour -

Friday June 25th - NELSON, The Boathouse
Saturday July 3rd - WAIMATE, Regent Theatre
Saturday July 10th - CHRISTCHURCH, Blue Smoke
Sunday July 11th - PICTON, Le Cafe
Saturday July 17th - WELLINGTON, Meow
Thursday July 22nd- NAPIER, Paisley Lounge *NEW SHOW ADDED
Friday July 23rd - PALMERSTON NORTH, The Globe 
Saturday July 24th - QUEENSTOWN, Sherwood
Sunday July 25th- DUNEDIN, Dive Bar *NEW SHOW ADDED
Thursday July 29th - TAUPO, Centre Stage
Friday July 30th - KUMEU, Kumeu Live *NEW SHOW ADDED
Saturday July 31st - NEW PLYMOUTH, 4th Wall
Thursday August 5th- TAURANGA, Totara Street 
Friday August 6th - HAMILTON, The Meteor
Friday August 13th - AUCKLAND, The Tuning Fork

Tickets Avaliable Now via www.graemejamesmusic.com

he Field Notes on an Endless Day EP is the fourth and final in a series of seasonal EPs, starting with Old Storms in New Places, which came out in September 2020 at the same time as the autumnal equinox (listen here). Next came The Weight Of Many Winters (listen here), which, as the title suggests, is inspired by the emotional and physical landscape of the winter season. This EP featured 'The Voyage Of James Caird,' which Rolling Stone named a “Song You Need To Know,” saying Graeme “revives the lost art of the shipwreck song.” And most recently, he released the Spring-themed A Sea of Infinite Possibilities, which he described as “an exuberant celebration of life and all of its joys.” Now, with Field Notes on an Endless Day, Graeme explores the timelessness of summer as evidenced by 'The Wild' and previously released track 'The Angel of St. George.'

Though he is now based in the Netherlands, Graeme spent the last number of years building a large and loyal fan base throughout his native New Zealand and beyond with his carefully crafted multi-instrumental soundscapes. His captivating and dynamic live shows are performed as a one-man band with the aid of a loop pedal to layer violin, guitar, bass, baritone ukulele, banjo, mandolin, accordion, harmonica and percussion.

With sold-out shows across New Zealand and over 40 million streams on Spotify, Graeme is one of New Zealand’s most streamed indie-folk artists. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see him play live in his home country.

Turkey The Bird Live in Te Pahu & Otorohanga

The successful Turkey The Bird debut album release tour continues this weekend with two more shows. Their self-titled album is currently sitting at #18 in the official NZ album charts and the show at the Te Pahu sound lounge is already sold out. Some tickets are still available for the show in Otorohanga on Sunday 27th June.

New Zealand's folk trio "Turkey The Bird" will remind you of the famous Margarita cocktail infused with a hint of "Simon & Garfunkel", 2 ounces of "Mumford and Sons", a splash of banjo and served on ice on a sunny day. 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 and slide guitar.

"injects hoedown-showdown fun, fun, fun and the harmonies shine like diamonds." (Paul Cook, Joyzine UK)

“cruise along and let the harmonies wash over you like the warm waves of the Bahamas” (Paul Cook, Joyzine UK)

“I am not going to lie, this is my new favourite band of 2021. (Chris Chick, Muzic.net.nz)

FREYA 'WILDEST CREATURES I'VE DREAMED

freya is a talented young indie soft pop singer-songwriter with a gentle voice and soaring vocals, writing songs of love, loss, longing and belonging with an insight and awareness that belies her years.   She writes:

“Since my earliest years, I have been a singer songwriter, constantly singing and recording my first original song at the age of ten.  Over my years of writing, performing and recording, I have developed immensely and cannot wait to share my creations with the world.  I am inspired by artists like Phoebe Bridgers, dodie and Daniel Caesar.  My music powerfully explores and conveys deep emotions of loss and love through poetic, wise lyrics and moving vocals.”

Freya’s EP is being released on Friday 16th July with an EP Release show at The Victoria Theatre in Devonport, supported by Mema Wilda followed by a series of shows around Auckland, including The Bunker, MoveSpace and the Thirsty Dog

Wildest Creatures I’ve Dreamed is a collection of five powerfully evocative thematics developed in collaboration with producer Harry Charles and Morgan Allen from The Depot. The sparsity of guitar has evolved into a rich soundscape of aural rapture, blending with choral crescendos that leave you breathless, uplifted and inspired.

Listen in and be moved….

https://linktr.ee/freyamusic

DEMYSTIFYING RECORD LABELS AND PUBLISHING COMPANIES SEMINAR

THE MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM AOTEAROA PRESENT

DEMYSTIFYING RECORD LABELS

AND PUBLISHING COMPANIES

SEMINAR

Bay of Plenty

Following the massive success of the How to Make Money From Your Music and How to Market and Promote Your Music seminars, the Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, in conjunction with Recorded Music NZ, NZ On Air, and Tauranga City Council Creative Community Scheme are returning to the Bay of Plenty with a new upskilling seminar for the music community to learn more about Record Labels and Publishing Companies.

In this seminar, musicians can learn the difference between major and indie record labels, the different contracts that are available, what a publishing company can do for you  as a writer and so much more!

The expert panel will be made up of:

Nicky Harrop – General Manager of Rhythmethod

Rhythmethod is Aotearoa’s largest independent music distributor. Nicky is also the Independent Director on the board of Recorded Music NZ and part of the working group of SoundCheck Aotearoa.  Prior to this, Nicky spent many years working at record labels in marketing, promotions and label management. She has consulted as a film & television researcher for music-based projects, and developed the Music Industry major for Massey University’s Bachelor of Commercial Music degree.

Pennie Black – General Manager NZ Native Tongue Music Publishing

Native Tongue Music Publishing is an independent music publisher with offices in Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne. With a roster of very talented and well respected catalogue of local writers, Native Tongue also administers the works of overseas writers and catalogues for Australasia.

Prior to this role, Pennie previously worked for 95bFM, NZ’s largest student / independent radio station as Operations and Programme Director for over ten years. Passionate about local and alternative music, she continues to host a weekly show on 95bFM. Pennie is also a founding member of Girls Rock! Aotearoa, and resident DJ of the 12XU Dark Eighties Collective.

Moderated by Teresa Patterson, Chair of Music Managers Forum Aotearoa.

Teresa has worked in the Music Industry for over 25 years in Major Record Labels, Artist Management, Artist Touring and Festivals.

Thanks to Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, Recorded Music NZ, NZ On Air and  Tauranga City Council Creative Community Scheme the seminar is FREE but RSVP is essential. Email lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz to secure your seat.

MMF Seminar Feedback

The MMF seminar was excellent. I think I learned more in that 2 hours about the subjects covered than I have in the last 10 years.The speakers were informative, interesting and willing to share their vast knowledge and experience. I took away several valuable pointers which we, as a band, will implement immediately. Thank you!  Merran Dixon

MMF always delivers great seminars the information is relevant and gives insight to what is required when striving to become a successful New Zealand artist or band. The panel is always giving and willing to impart wisdom, experience and knowledge enabling artists to see the bigger picture when it comes to the music industry and what is required from artists to further their careers. Love your work, Moone

‘Demystifying Record Labels and Publishing Companies’ Seminar

Date: Wed 21st July

Venue: Totara St, 11 Totara St, Tauranga

Doors at 5.30pm. Seminar starts at 6pm until 7.30pm

RSVP to lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz

TOI’s funk filled self titled EP is out now! + New single ‘Tangerine’

Buy tickets here to their nationwide EP tour!

One of Aotearoa’s most captivating live bands, TOI have today released their self titled EP and new single, ‘Tangerine’.

With renowned Kiwi producer Devin Abrams (Drax Project, Pacific Heights, ex-Shapeshifter) acting as Executive Producer, and Neil MacLeod as Producer; TOI’s new EP contains the already released singles, ‘Thinking Too Much’, ‘I Want You’ and ‘Chameleon’.

The EP is completed by the unreleased tracks ‘Fishing’ and ‘Lean Back’, as well as new single, ‘Tangerine’, which started as a basic groove sent to the band from Abrams and transformed into a track with a pop disco feel to it.

“We thought, how can we make this fun? The first line “I don't wanna be out of style on the beach” encapsulates that. We all had a bit of a laugh over what we were hearing and the tune became super tongue and cheek from that point on,” says TOI lead singer, Conway Jeune.

“Lyrically, Tangerine is about that feeling of chemistry between two people. You can't deny or fight the feeling, it’s so primal  and it feels so good to bathe in this person’s energy but also you really just want their clothes off next to you.”

The new TOI EP signals a change for the band, their music and the future of their live shows.

“It's not meant to be serious, just light-hearted fun. In a time where there's lots going on in the world, and here in Aotearoa we are lucky enough to still be able to get out and enjoy ourselves, we wanted to provide an outlet for people to not think too much, and enjoy moving their bodies to some upbeat fun music.”

Providing a nice balance between upbeat alternative funk/pop and some soulful RnB vibes, the TOI EP is all about creating an enjoyable listening journey.

“It's been a big leap of faith for us to completely change up everything as we knew it - even our name - but we feel really good about the end result and we’re excited to see what happens.”

TOI are looking forward to hitting the road across Aotearoa this July in support of the EP release. Proudly presented by Eccles Entertainment, the tour kicks off in Wellington on Saturday, July 10 at Meow, before heading south to Christchurch to play at Mono Nights at Ngaio Marsh Theatre on Thursday, July 29. They’re in Auckland at Neck of the Woods on Friday, July 30 before wrapping things up at the Yot Club in Raglan on Saturday, July 31.

Get tickets for the NZ tour HERE

Get the EP HERE

TOI – ON TOUR:
Presented by Eccles Entertainment 

Saturday July 10 – Meow, Wellington
Thursday July 29 – Ngaio Marsh Theatre (for Mono Nights), Christchurch
Friday July 30 – Neck of the Woods, Auckland

Saturday July 31 – YOT Club, Raglan

Follow TOI:
Spotify / Apple / YouTube
Facebook / Instagram / Website

LOUIS BAKER 'LOVE LEVITATES' EP OUT TODAY

"Absolutely solid soul goodness."
- California radio tastemaker KCRW on Love Levitates

Today, Louis Baker releases his much-anticipated Love Levitates EP ahead of a nationwide release tour this July. See supports announced below. 

The brand new EP takes Baker's signature brand of modern-soul and wholehearted lyrics to bright, new territory. Working with producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Devin Abrams (Drax Project, Pacific Heights), Love Levitates is a journey of self-exploration and focuses on themes of heritage, love, friendship, and observation. 

Baker's release comes two weeks before a nationwide tour featuring a full band that commences in Auckland on July 3rd with special guest Aotearoa Jazz legend Nathan Haines. Supporting artists on the tour are Wellington singer and multi-instrumentalist Arjuna Oakes for Auckland, Nelson and Wellington; and Christchurch musicians Gee Clifford & Marley Sola for Christchurch. The band features Cory Champion (Borrowed Cs, Mara TK, Glass Vaults) on drums, Johnny Lawrence(Hollie Smith, Name UL) on bass, James Illingworth (Rob Ruha) on keys, along with Kirsten Te Rito and Moana Leota on backing vocals.

Following Baker's sold-out show with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) in February, the Silver Scroll and Taite Music Prize-nominated artist is relishing the thought of performing around the country next month. “I’m very excited to take this record on the road with my band. I can’t wait to sing together, groove together, get deep on songs from my previous records and celebrate by sharing the new songs from this new EP,” says Baker. 

Louis Baker & Full Band
- Love Levitates Tour-

Saturday 3 July - Hollywood Theatre, Auckland
- Support Artist Arjuna Oakes, Special Guest Nathan Haines

Friday 9 July, Theatre Royal - Nelson
- Support Artist Arjuna Oakes

Saturday 10 July, James Hay Theatre - Christchurch
- Support Artists Gee Clifford & Marley Sola

Saturday 17 July, Opera House - Wellington
- Support Artist Arjuna Oakes

Tickets Avaliable Now Via www.louisbaker.co.nz

Love Levitates marks the first full-length follow up to Baker’s critically acclaimed debut album Open released in 2019, which received 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.

The EP's first released single, ‘Overdrive’ featuring NZ rapper/producer Kings shot to No. 1 on release and has clocked over 400k Spotify streams. Youth influencer site, Sniffers, praised the single writing, "lush vocals from Baker over grooving soul production conjure the blissed-out ecstasy of the initial rush of an enchanting encounter."

On the uplifting and deeply personal opening track, 'Brighter Day' Baker pays tribute to the triumphs and adversities faced by his grandfather Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Baker (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Tu) who served in the 28th Māori Battalion. The single charted at No. 11 and is playlisted on Spotify's New Music Friday AU & NZ and The Local List Aotearoa.

Love Levitates (EP) is out now
Purchase/ Stream here-
www.louisbaker.bandcamp.com

REI 'REIMIXES VOL3'

Rei is excited to bring you the latest in his Reimix series, featuring fresh takes of his biggest tunes produced by some of the best producers in Aotearoa dance music. Mixed and mastered by NZ dance music pioneer Chris Chetland, ensuring the production is world class.

The EP features Harakoa - Sean Richards Remix, which was playlisted heavily on George and has been the highest charting te reo drum n bass track ever. This Reimixes EP is Rei’s most Drum n Bass yet, with 5 of the 6 tracks produced by some of NZ’s best dnb producers including Tom Lee of Lee Mvtthews (as TMS) and Cheff. The closing track was produced by LA-based international bass music heavyweight FreQ Nasty.
The first 2 tracks are in te reo Māori, continuing Rei's dedication to a bilingual Music industry.

Harakoa - Sean Richards Remix

Herekore - Lucid Hiest Remix

Can't Stop Won't Stop - Cheff Remix

Mahi Hard - TMS Remix

Good Mood - TMS Remix

Can't Stop Won't Stop - Freq Nasty Remix

 Rei has had a big start to 2021, touring the country playing at festivals such as AUM, Kotahi, Splore and Newtown Festival, as well as opening for Netsky at his sold out arena show.  Rei then heads back into Kog Studio to finish his 5th album for September 2021 release. The next album will be huge, so get on the waka! - For more on Rei go to - www.musicbyrei.com

''FRENCH FOR RABBITS LIVE IN CONCERT'

100% Good and Under the Radar are pleased to present Te Whanganui-a-Tara dream-pop band French for Rabbits live in concert this July and August.

Led by songwriter Brooke Singer, the full five-piece band featuring John Fitzgerald, Ben Lemi (Trinity Roots, Dawn Diver), Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (Dawn Diver) and Penelope Esplin (Grawlixes, Lake South) will be hitting rural roads of New Zealand for six shows. Their impeccable understated songcraft and affable banter will suit each of the venues to a tee, inviting audiences to lean into the intimate but expansive sound-world created by the band. The tour follows on from a handful of spellbinding performances back in April, and an appearance in the 'Mansfield: In her own Words' concerts in June.

The band are on the brink of sending a flurry of goodness our way over the coming months, with a series of singles and videos ready for release and their third full-length record due out in November. This tour is in celebration of the first of these aural treats, with the title track of their forthcoming record 'The Overflow' due for release in early July.

Tour support acts and special guests to be announced.

17 July - 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth

30 July - Blue Smoke, Christchurch

31 July - Port Chalmers Town Hall, Dunedin

5 August - Dome Cinema, Gisborne

6 August - Globe Theatre, Palmerston North

7 August - San Fran, Wellington

Tickets: www.frenchforrabbits.com