FRENCH FOR RABBITS share new single/video ‘The Overflow’

French for Rabbits are on tour around New Zealand this Winter with five shows in July & August.

Tickets on sale now from www.frenchforrabbits.com

Surfacing nearly a decade ago from long oceanic shores, dream-pop luminaries French for Rabbits create music that feels like it has been crafted from the fabric of the New Zealand landscape and psyche – with its salty waves, isolated coastlines, expansive skies and friendly, approachable people. That is to say, their music is at once intimate and expansive, welcoming and wary, poetic but piercing. Together the band have released three records - NZ Music Award-nominated EP Claimed by the Sea; Spirits and 2019’s The Weight of Melted Snow. 

New single ‘The Overflow’, is their most immediate and compelling to date. The accompanying video, filmed by Bill Bycroft (Aldous Harding, Marlon Williams, Stella Donnely and The Naked & Famous) and edited by Singer, explores the juxtaposition of the song in visual form. Sunny yellows denote hopefulness whilst vignettes of delicate tea-cups precariously perched on ledges, contraptions that are bound to break and lemons being squeezed by a plastered finger represent the anxiety at its core. 

‘The Overflow’ is out now via Reckless Yes in the UK, Europe, and North America, AAA Records in NZ and Australia, and A Modest Proposal in Italy with a brand new album to follow later in the year. 

French for Rabbits 'The Overflow' single release tour kicks off next week in Christchurch.
The shows follow a scattering of spellbinding performances back in April and an appearance in the Mansfield: In her own Words concerts.

French for Rabbits The Overflow single release tour
17 July, 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth | Ngāmotu
30 July, Blue Smoke, Christchurch | Ōtautahi
31 July, Port Chalmers Town Hall, Dunedin | Ōtepoti
5 August, Dome Cinema, Gisborne | Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa
6 August, Globe Theatre, Palmerston North | Te Papa-i-Oea
7 August, San Fran, Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Tickets on sale now from www.frenchforrabbits.com

FRENCH FOR RABBITS ONLINE

Website / Facebook / Instagram
Twitter / YouTube / Spotify / AppleMusic

SELL-OUT KIWI BAND WHITE CHAPEL JAK PROMISES FANS A GOOD TIME IN NORTH ISLAND TOUR

They’re here for a good time, and you don’t have to wait for a long time! Hugely-popular White Chapel Jak are about to embark on their North Island Good Time Tour, with tickets on sale from Thursday 15 July.

White Chapel Jak have opened for Ben Harper and Alanis Morissette, and entertained more than 15,000 people at the SeePort Festival in Auckland performing with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra two years in a row. Many of their 2020 shows sold out as their reputation and following grew.

Now their Good Time Tour kicks off on August 28 and plays out in their favourite spots including Leigh, where it all began for the band seven years ago, as well as Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton, Mt Maunganui, Napier, Gisborne, New Plymouth and Wellington.

Nailing ballads through to bangers that span decades of hits and have everyone dancing, the trio’s playlist is now peppered with their original music, to create high-energy shows.

Lead singer Bonnie Hurunui has a powerhouse voice and charisma that gets the crowd up, supported by the talented drummer, Dean Tinning and guitarist Nathan Boston, with guest artists joining them on tour.

“We love the energy and vibe of our people having a good time,” Hurunui says. “So that’s what our shows and music are all about – the best that life has to offer, good music, good people and good times.”

White Chapel Jak – Good Time Tour:

·       LEIGH – Leigh Sawmill Café, August 28

·       WHANGAREI – The Butter Factory, September 4

·       GISBORNE – Smash Palace, September 11

·       NEW PLYMOUTH – Butlers Reef, September 25

·       WELLINGTON – San Fran, October 8

·       NAPIER – Crab Farm Winery, October 22

·       HAMILTON – The Factory, November 5

·       AUCKLAND –  Powerstation, November 12

·       Mt MAUNGANUI – Totara St, November 27

Ticket prices: $47.50 + BF (booking fee)

Tour details available at: https://www.whitechapeljak.com/wcj-shows-1

For images, interviews and review tickets:

Hayley@compellingpr.co.nz

For ticket giveaways:

Info@whitechapeljak.com

NZ-Based Atmospheric Indie-Folk Duo, Something They Call Myth, Releases Debut Single “Cobwebs”

Listen on : Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp / Soundcloud

Something They Call Myth is an Auckland based duo consisting of Lea Koch and Clarissa Chai. It started out as an impromptu idea to write some songs together, but they knew they were onto something when the songs seemed to just naturally come together. Their debut single “Cobwebs”, which was released July 3rd, showcases the ethereal combination of Lea’s quietly reflective lyric-writing, and Clarissa’s use of subtle textures and vocal layers.

The songwriting collaboration blossomed on a road trip through the South Island, with the idea for “Cobwebs” coming about one night after a lengthy conversation that delved into their experiences with issues of identity and battling with self-doubt. The resulting song resonated deeply with its creators and was ultimately chosen to be the first release of Something They Call Myth. “Cobwebs” is also a taster for their upcoming EP, which is currently in the works and planned for release later this year. 

While their songs draw from a vast range of experiences, the music video for “Cobwebs”, which features several North Island beaches, illustrates the duo’s deep connection to the New Zealand landscape.  

Be sure to check out the music video for Something They Call Myth’s single “Cobwebs” on YouTube and stream the song on your favourite streaming service. You might also catch them at the occasional gig or open mic in Auckland if you follow them on social media!

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somethingtheycallmyth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingtheycallmyth

Bandcamp: https://somethingtheycallmyth.bandcamp.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/something-they-call-myth

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZQo_J6mdZ-E-6gUWiG1e5Q

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3dbizRqAZOw7EZVObM5k0o?si=OxyAzVFQT82oNSU5gpPgCg&dl_branch=1

JULY MEMBERS HANGOUT SESSSION - NZ MUSIC COMMISSION

The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa are pleased to announce the July Members Hangout.  These hangouts are more intimate on-line sessions, held via Zoom for 10 to 15 MMF members.  This allows for a more intimate group learning environment where our members can be upskilled in important areas of music management.

The On Line Session for July is:

NZ Music Commission Funding – Aotearoa Touring Programme and Capability Grants Programme – with Emily Crowther and Nicola Edwards

In this session you will find out more details about the NZ Music Commissions two new funding programmes.

Emily Crowther - Aotearoa Touring Programme Manager

The Aotearoa Touring Programme is  a new scheme to support the touring circuit for original music in New Zealand. The Programme is part of the government’s NZ Music COVID Recovery Package, and the wider Arts & Culture COVID Recovery Programme being implemented by Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. It’s over-arching goal is more local artists growing sustainable careers; and increasing the access to live music for New Zealand audiences

After starting her career at NZ indies Flying Nun and FMR, a move to London saw Emily propelled into international promotions for Universal Music, Domino Records and Sony, working on worldwide campaigns and launch events for a diverse roster in including Metallica, PJ Harvey, Bjork, Arctic Monkeys and One Direction. Since returning to NZ, Emily has been working in various roles at the NZ Music Commission.

Nicola Edwards – Capability Manager

Nicola is the newest member of the NZ Music Commission team, joining as Capability Manager in February this year. Her role includes looking after the Industry Internship Programme, which will opening for its fifth intake later this year; and the recently launched Capability Grants Programme, a  new contestable fund to support building and developing skills, tools and knowledge in Aotearoa’s music sector.

Nicola has worked in a variety of communications roles and previously worked for the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Edinburgh International Film Festival before moving to New Zealand from her native Scotland. While this is her first role in the music industry, she grew up playing and listening to music constantly, and is an avid buyer of vinyl. Nicola is currently attempting to learn drums.

Date:                Tuesday 27th  July

Time:               6.00pm – 7.00pm

RSVP:               For MMF members only lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz

Limited to 10 – 15 places, but if there is demand we will schedule a second session
Due to the limited places please note if you RSVP and then fail to attend the session without notifying us, unfortunately you will not be eligible for future sessions.

THE BLACK SEEDS 'KEEP ON PUSHING'

Twenty years on, The Black Seeds mark the 2 decade anniversary of their Debut album “Keep On Pushing” as a first ever vinyl release.

In 1998, The Black Seeds formed their roots in Wellington - a creative, 90s rock based community that was embraced by the sounds of the likes of Shihad, Fur Patrol and Weta.

2001 marked the beginning of the Welly Roots sound and the release of The Black Seeds - Keep On Pushing – reaching Platinum sales in New Zealand and shaping the funk, soul, Afrobeat and other eclectic elements over their dub/reggae foundation.

Keep On Pushing’s bold themes of love, optimism and solidarity has resonated with fans across the world, shaping them as the creative, vibrant 8 piece band they are today.

"This album marked a change culturally as well as in sound, a south pacific take on soul, where we were proud of our multicultural heritage and our accents. It was a move away from DJ’s to a big band sound. It was the beginning of The Black Seeds as a party band, we wanted to create a funky feel good sound that embraced everyone who experienced it." - Barnaby Weir, Lead singer and founding member

This special anniversary vinyl edition will feature mixes of all ten tracks from the original album

NATIVE SOUL PROJECT - ‘TRUE NATURE’

Multi-genre singer, producer, writer & performer Carla Werner (trance vocalist/co-writer of ‘Southern Sun’ with Paul Oakenfold) releases the album ‘TRUE NATURE’ with Californian bassist Alison Wunderland under the moniker Native Soul Project.

‘TRUE NATURE’ is a culmination of tracks written over several years drawing influence from Alpha & Omega, Massive Attack, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley. Written & produced by Werner, mixed by Werner & Lucius Borich (Cog) and mastered by Stuart Hawkes (Metropolis, UK), the album was mostly recorded in the US and completed in Australia & New Zealand during the lockdown period of 2020. In that time, a remix transpired of the album’s flagship track 'One To Ten' by New Zealand producer/artist, Paddy Free of ‘Pitch Black’ (‘Salmonella Dub’ – Inside The Dub Plates) and also features as a dub version on the producers own album ‘Paddy Free In Dub II’ released April 2, 2021.

The album takes the listener through an evolution of deep dub frequencies and grooves inspired by reggae, with Werner’s vocals, at times ethereal, weaving through the tracks as social commentary, while Wunderland’s bass is the deep meditative pulse, gluing the tracks together. ‘Time’ (the albums first single) sets up the dub-sensibility of what is to come while ’In My Soul’ establishes the contrast of the album with its bass-heavy groove locked into an electronic beat that pushes it’s way toward a Pink Floyd-inspired crescendo.

‘TRUE NATURE’ is out in the USA JUNE 30th and NZ/AUST JULY 1st.

REVIEW: By Paddy Free (Pitch Black/Salmonella Dub)
"True Nature, the debut album from native Soul Project (Alison Wunderland and Carla Werner) is a beautiful addition to the genre of Aoteaora/NZ Roots and Dub. A luxurious warm bath of an album, True Nature is absolutely on-point in both intention and execution. Most of the tunes are deep and meditative, placing it firmly within the Roots and Dub genre, with nods to some more electronic grooves and textures as well. The songwriting and production are both top-notch, with bass frequencies that go ALL the way down (yum!) and conscious lyrics that while occasionally “cursing the darkness” more often than not shine a light with the intention of showing us how the world could be a better place. I can’t wait to see Native Soul Project play live. Thoroughly recommended for all lovers of Roots/Reggae and Dub.”

MOANA & THE TRIBE 'HUAKIRANGI'

‘Huakirangi’ is the third single to be released from Moana & the Tribe’s upcoming sixth album ONO, produced by Paddy Free.

‘Huakirangi’ is co-written with electronica producer/guru Paddy Free and longtime band member/co-writer Scotty Morrison and features the Tribe’s Cadzow Cossar on guitar. The lyrics are inspired by the karakia composed by legendary Polynesian hero Maui to capture and slow down the sun. The track also features award winning indigenous Australian artist Shellie Morris. Shellie is credited with creating music and songs in around 17 Aboriginal languages, many considered “sleeping”. In ‘Huakirangi’, both women explore the relationship between the Sun and Moon through Māori and Yanyuwa languages and stories. ‘Huakirangi’ is written and sung in Māori and Gadigal (an indigenous Australian language).

The ‘Huakirangi’ video is offered now as Matariki begins to brighten our skies in Aotearoa.

‘Huakirangi’ is the third single from Ono to be released following 2020 releases of 'Tōku Reo', a music collaboration with the singer, Inka Mbing, from the Atayal tribe, one of 16 indigenous tribe in Taiwan and ‘Tū’-a track featuring Canadian first nation’s singer-songwriter Jami Lauzin of the Metis people.

In a few weeks time, Matariki will leave our skies again and the next single, ‘Aio ana’ will be released. ‘Aio ana’ is a song of peace, a lullaby featuring Mari Boine of the Sámi native people of Norway. Mari performed in Aotearoa at WOMAD in 2013.

Watch This Space for more information.

Tomorrow People release the island reggae summer sounding tune, ‘Your Man’

Tomorrow People have released their latest single as part of their #firstfridays campaign, ‘Your Man’.

Offering a feeling of sitting on a tropical island somewhere, sipping margaritas on the beach while there’s a dance party happening inside, it’s relaxed, fun and creates a yearning for summer.

After experimenting with different styles of reggae this year, ‘Your Man’, was written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered in one week while Tomorrow People worked in their full-time jobs.

New vocalist Fredwyn Kisona continues his Tomorrow People journey taking lead on vocals on his second release for the band.

The main drive behind this song was the need to have some more up-tempo selections to add to their live set, and to explore different harmony arrangements in their writing.

The eighth release of the year for the band follows on from their other releases already this year - January’s ‘Take It Away’, February’s ‘Just A Little Bit’, March’s ‘My Guy’, April’s ‘Show Me’, their cover of The Beach Boy’s ‘Don’t Worry Baby’ in May, June’s ‘Say My Name’ and the special stand-alone release, ‘Ōku Rā’. Tomorrow People also released the fan favourite, ‘Lose Track Of Time’ in December as an exciting preview to the 2021 #firstfridays campaign.

Alongside their new single, Tomorrow People have also announced two shows in July, Friday July 9 in Whakatane at the Boiler Room and Saturday July 10 in Kawerau at the Cossie Club.

Tomorrow People are a seven-piece band, made up of Avina Kelekolio, Ara Savage, Snow Chase, Fredwyn Kisona, Duane Te Whetu, Hennie Tui and Tana Tupai. They are one of Aotearoa’s most loved reggae bands, with a string of Gold and Platinum hits to their name, including ‘Souljah Feeling’, ‘Feel Alright’ and ‘Take It Away’.