KIWI POP DUO REVEAL CHILD’S SHOCK DIABETES DIAGNOSIS

Kiwi pop sensation Vince Harder and his talented wife Abby Lee-Harder are releasing a charity song after a life-changing family diagnosis.

Vince and Abby’s world was turned upside down when daughter Presley, 2, was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The Popstars panelist and his singer-songwriter wife are opening up about the diagnosis for the first time, with the release of their charity single and music video ‘Overwhelmed’.

Proceeds from downloads and plays of the song will go to Diabetes NZ, a charity that has supported the Harders since Presley’s diagnosis.

Diabetes NZ aims to help the 260,000 Kiwis who have diabetes, to live well. There are more than 25,000 Kiwis currently living with type 1 diabetes, many of whom are children. The beautifully crafted track ‘Overwhelmed’ documents the journey the Harder whānau has gone through since Presley’s diagnosis in 2020.

Sonically the listener travels through the real and raw emotions shared by the Harder’s highlighting the tremendous daily struggles of supporting a family member with type 1 diabetes.

“When we received the diagnosis, we knew our lives had changed forever. She went from being a healthy baby to having a condition that would impact her for the rest of her life,” says Vince. “We felt completely overwhelmed, and that was the inspiration for our song.”

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that can come on at any age, with no known cause, prevention, or cure.

The Harders are also advocating for the government to fully fund continuous glucose monitors (CGM), a device that has been life changing for managing Presley’s diabetes. This expensive technology is currently funded in other countries but in New Zealand, only those who can afford CGMs can benefit.

CGMs redefine how people with diabetes manage the condition, by electronically recording blood glucose levels and transmitting information to an insulin pump, smart phone and/or sensor. Using a CGM means the Harders can manage Presley’s blood glucose levels from their smart phones no matter where they are and avoid the need for constant finger prick tests.

Diabetes NZ has recently presented a petition to a government select committee advocating for the funding of CGMs. Prior to using a CGM, the Harder’s had to test their young daughter’s blood glucose levels up to 15 times a day, including throughout the night, using a painful finger prick to draw blood. This was on top of multiple daily insulin injections, constant checking of what she was eating, and never-ending worry about leaving her in someone else’s care due to her illness.

“Constantly checking blood glucose levels is exhausting. But if it’s not checked regularly, it could be life-threatening. Before she got a CGM, Presley’s little fingertips were covered in calluses and sores from being pricked so many times” says Abby. The Harders believe everyone with diabetes should have access to CGM technology, not only those who can afford it.

Vince says he is grateful for the support his whānau has received from Diabetes NZ since Presley’s diagnosis.

“We thought what better way to give back to this charity than by using what we are good at – making music – to make a difference,” says Vince. “We hope that by sharing our story, we can spread awareness about this life-long condition and the importance of getting CGM technology funded for all New Zealanders with diabetes.”

Diabetes NZ CEO Heather Verry says the organisation is forever grateful to Vince and Abby for their bravery in sharing a deeply personal story. “It’s a beautiful song that we hope everyone will connect with.

Encourage all of your friends and whānau to download or listen to the song, knowing Diabetes NZ will invest the proceeds in helping New Zealanders with the condition to live well,” says Verry. ‘Overwhelmed’ will be available on all major music platforms August 13th . Download the track to support Diabetes NZ.

French For Rabbits announce new album The Overflow, out November 12th. Share new single & video ‘Ouija Board’

New Zealand dream pop luminaries French for Rabbits have announced their upcoming record The Overflow will be released on 12 November, 2021. After sharing the title track ‘The Overflow’ back in June, the band is now sharing the incredible second single, ‘Ouija Board’ with the world.

“Put your coat on, we’re entering the storm” announces Singer on new single ‘Ouija Board’. Arriving on the most superstitiously unlucky dates in the calendar year, Friday 13th August, their new single is a feast of harmonies, jagged guitar and majestic spooky organ that nods to both The Beatles and The Addams Family. Recorded by Jol Mulholland at The Lab, Auckland, ‘Ouija Board’ darkly pokes fun at hitting rock bottom, “there is nowhere else to go from here but up” she sings.

The accompanying video was created by long time French for Rabbits collaborator and friend Misma Andrews, and two of Aotearoa’s most creative film makers Martin Sagadin (the artist behind many of Aldous Harding and Womb’s videos) and Ezra Simons. Shot on 16mm film and starring the magical and melancholic masks by Oamaru artist Donna Demente, parallel characters exist in both black and white and colour realities. ‘Ouija Board’ harks back to the Dada and Surrealist movements and draws inspiration from Derek Jarman's film work, particularly the short film Shadow of the Sun. Director Misma Andews said “the video paints a scene where a fanciful but bureaucratic process for traveling through worlds is carried out.” 

The Overflow is French For Rabbit’s third album and elevates the band's music to new heights. The group, led by Brooke Singer, weaves dark and anthemic tunes around folk-pop hooks. Written and recorded mostly in 2020 in Wellington, Brooke says “the creation of our third album was very creatively freeing and intuitive. I really love what we’ve made. It’s my favourite record of ours. I think we found a middle ground between the complexity and nuance we love, and some more immediately accessible, big honest feelings.”

‘Ouija Board’ is available to stream and download on all digital platforms now, and The Overflow  will follow on November 12th via Reckless Yes in the UK, Europe, and North America, AAA Records in NZ and Australia, and A Modest Proposal in Italy.

NZ PUNKS SIT DOWN IN FRONT RELEASE NEW SINGLE + VIDEO 'DON'T DRINK BLEACH'

Kiwi punk-rockers Sit Down In Front have recently released a scorching slice of punk rock political commentary Don't Drink Bleach, the first single to be taken from the band's forthcoming EP which is set for release in 2022 via Best & Fairest.

"Don't Drink Bleach was penned during a crazy time in world history when everyone was watching the news or listening to the radio waiting for updates on the state of the world" explain the band. "There were all manner of suggestions emerging from the mouths of leaders around the world. One such comment that hit our ears was the concept of cracking open a bottle of bleach and taking a swig to kill the virus. This didn’t seem quite right, and the band felt compelled to warn the world against it.

In true punk fashion, this is an irreverent commentary on a comment made by the leader of the free world, during a time that will be remembered and talked about for generations to come."

Sit Down in Front’s brand of rock is built on the foundations of classic punk. They successfully capture the essence and energy of the old, while adding some scorching and youthful enthusiasm. 

The three piece is led from the front by frontman and lyricist Cory Newman who uses a wheelchair due to his Cerebral Palsy, which only adds fuel to his fire, and his energetic live performances have likened him to "a young Johnny Rotten". The line-up is completed by talented Guitarist Jackson Clarke, and multi-talented self-taught Drummer Rikki Noble. 

Since forming in January 2017, the band, whose members are all still in high school, have released 2 full length records - the self-produced debut 'Red Light Runner' in 2018 and the acclaimed 'Confessions Of A Pie Thief' in 2020.

"For their ripsnorter sophomore release, the four-piece took over Roundhead Studios with a hand from hot shot producer Greg Haver resulting in some mind melting riffage and bass harmony, playing off of every punchy lyric belted out by sixteen year old lead singer Cory Newman" - undertheradar.co.nz 

"A bludgeoning blend of uncompromising rock and punk spirit" - Around The Sound 

Over the years, the band has toured Aotearoa with Aussie shed-rockers The Chats and rock & roll icon Jimmy Barnes, as well as kiwi heroes John Toogood, Elemeno P, The D4 and Head Like A Hole.

Once again, under the expert guidance of renowned International producer Greg Haver, the band are back in the studio balancing school with recording for their eagerly anticipated third major body of work set for release early 2022. 

Best & Fairest is an independent record company founded in Melbourne in 2019. Part of the Native Tongue Publishing family, B&F has worked with artists such as Cry Club, Kingswood, Finn Andrews (The Veils), Squaring Circles and more. Sit Down In Front are the label's third foray across the Tasman following the afore-mentioned Finn Andrews and award-winning MC Randa.

HENIKA RELEASES 'THE FUTURE OF THE SPECIES' + OFFICIAL VIDEO

Multi-instrumentalist Henika is back with the release of her quirky track and official video, 'The Future of the Species', written from the point of view of the female bird choosing her mate, and accompanied by a self-directed video featuring her own handcrafted paper mache masks, adding to its whimsy.

Speaking of the track Henika says, "In the avian kingdom, it's often the male that has to prove his worthiness for reproduction by putting on an attractive display and it's the females who are in the position of power. I loved the idea of turning traditional gender tropes on their head, especially in a hip-hop inspired context where misogyny is still so rife. It's a tongue-in-cheek foray into a genre I have never really experimented with before but the core message genuinely resonates with me.
"The song features sampled NZ native birdsong recorded on predator free sanctuaries which was then manipulated to form the rhythmic and melodic ideas. The lead instrument is a theremin, a hundred year old electronic instrument that is played without any physical contact."

The video represents some of the native birds featured in her upcoming album; a kokako, kakapo, tieke, kiwi and tui, adding to the fever-dream that is her self-made video.

"The half bird, half human idea is a way of bridging the gap between us and them. I want people to relate to the birds as having similar struggles but I also just love the surreal aspect of it

"I wanted the video to look like something somebody taped off the TV on their VCR, and it's only just been found after 30 years. I set the video in the past so that the 'future' the song talks about becomes 'now' giving the message a new sense of urgency.

"I was inspired by 90s hip-hop videos, especially the wacky humour of the Beastie Boys. The dancers are from a troupe called Street Candee. They did all their own choreography on the spot."

Henika is an Auckland-based songwriter, experimenting and blending unlikely genres to create haunting original compositions with strong messages. She'll be celebrating the release of 'Future of the Species' at the Wine Cellar Aug 13, with support from Vox Venus and Little Weird, with tickets available from Under The Radar.

New Christchurch-based alternative artist Jaz Paterson makes her debut with Lonely

New alternative pop artist Jaz Paterson, releases her debut single Lonely on the 13th of August. 

An achy, hollow synth filled wonderland, crafted with driving beats and intricate R&B vocals which delivers a refreshing take on original music that instantly captivates and intrigues. Lonely is the first single off her upcoming EP Ache, set to be independently released in November.

The Christchurch-based singer-songwriter draws influence from the likes of Banks, Tove Lo, James Blake and Bon Iver, enabling her to deliver a spellbinding, yet honest and confessional style of music that explores the intricacies of various production techniques. 

Produced with Will McGillivray and mastered by KAMANDI Lonely is about the loneliness of being a musician. “It’s about driving to a gig where I don’t know anyone, showing up, dressing up, singing to strangers, packing down, heading home by myself while my friends are out. I’m thankful but simultaneously feeling lonely and not wanting to admit that to myself.” says Jaz.

Jaz’s impressive vocals and gifted songwriting prowess has been showcased on the track Horizon, a collaboration with Sniffer approved artist SHLI and has recently caught the attention of MC Tali whom she has an upcoming collaboration with.

A recent performance saw Jaz perform an energy-driven set at the 2021 Christchurch City Council Edge New Year’s Show, which garnered a crowd of 20,000.

With Jaz’s music career starting to heat up, be sure to keep an eye out for an upcoming single’s Lonely, Ache & LA from her upcoming debut EP Ache. Set to intricate melodies and harmonies, Jaz’s music will have you hooked from the very first beat as she recites stories about the ups and downs of life in her early twenties.

Listen to Lonely here

Spotify link

Instagram

Dawn Diver shares new single, 'Thirsty Critters'

Dawn Diver's third single, 'Thirsty Critters', offers a window into the genius of writer/creator Ben Lemi's syncopated musical creations. A Zappa-esque, trippy, reverb-heavy journey into a fantastical realm, the song depicts a tale of dehydration and lamentation of missed water consumption opportunities. Fittingly, there's no accompanying video - the lush vocals, stuttering, propulsive drums and a convoluted, tasty melody with a tinge of UMO conjures an amazing visual and aural experience.

Ben says, “On one level Thirsty Critters is a provocation: Why is water important to us? How is water essential to you? What would Dr. Strangelove say about this? On another level it’s an observation of the shoots and ladders which make up the current music industry and the manner by which various entities traverse these structures.”

Ben Lemi is the multi-instrumentalist pillar of many bands in Aotearoa New Zealand. A humble, gentle and solid presence, his propensity for diverse sounds and adaptability to styles and mood is legendary. For Trinity Roots, Ben is the drummer; in Estère's band, he plays bass, keyboards and sings; he produces French for Rabbits' albums, in addition to adding vocals, bass and guitar; with Bret McKenzie, be plays drums and adds his silken vocals. In Dawn Diver, Ben plays all instruments and sings all vocal parts.

Thirsty Critters will be available via all good streaming services on Friday 13 August on Wellington's Blue Riot Records.

Presenting the finalists for the 14th annual Waiata Maori Music Awards

The 2021 awards will be held in Hastings at Toi Toi Hawkes Bay Arts & Events Centre on September the 10th and will feature many of your favourite Māori artists. As well as the nominees and live performances, the evening is always filled with laughter, manaaki and of course, delicious kai.

This year's nominations feature our celebrated Aotearoa artists as well as some new voices, who are welcomed into the Māori music awards with open arms. After the difficult year in 2020, we look forward to seeing everyone in person at the 14th National Waiata Māori Music Awards 2021.

Our wāhine artists such as Anna Coddington, Ainsley Allen, Mistee K, Paige and Vayne are all nominees this year and we honor our wāhine Māori as a vital voice of te ao Māori. 

Anna Coddington is a singer/songwriter/producer and her album Beams is up for Best Māori Pop Album, Vayne for Gutta Girl and Misstee K’s The New Chapter Album are all up for awards. Ainsley Allen and Paige are in the running as nominees for Best Wāhine Māori Solo Artist.

Currently at the top of the te reo Māori charts are NLC, who are finalists for the Best Māori Reggae/Roots Album for Trouble, alongside Grove Roots for their album Iwi. Hāni Dread is a finalist for Best Single By A Māori Artist with his waiata Kōkiri, Kings is up for Best Hip Hiphop Album for Raplist alongside Adam Tukiri with SON.

Returning award winners, Troy Kingi, Stan Walker, L.A.B and Tipene Harmer are finalists in multiple categories. Up for Best Māori Solo Artist is Hawkins, who is no stranger to the industry. Nominated for Best RnB album is Louis Baker with Love Levitates, in good company alongside Mara TK, who is also in the running for the Best Māori Solo Artist.

Other Waiata Māori Music Awards artists are previous award-winners Tomorrow People, Morse Gang and also IA who are all finalists for Best Māori Group.  

With a talented list of Māori artists, this year's awards are going to be tū meke!

Independent judges have assessed the work of the artists online, individually, rather than as a group or collective panel. The results were submitted via the internet to the awards administrator and collated. Judges have been nominated from the music industry, both Māori and mainstream musicians, composers, producers, managers and music organisations. 

Following is the full list of nominees and for more information, go to:

www.waiatamaoriawards.co.nz 

FINALISTS 2021

Best Māori Hip Hop Album:  

Adam Tukiri – SON

Kings - Raplist

Tipene Harmer - Heritage Trail

Vayne - Gutta Girl

Best Māori RnB Album:

Louis Baker - Love Levitates

Mara TK - Bad Meditation

Mistee K - The Next Chapter

Troy Kingi - The Ghost of Freddie Cesar

Best Māori Roots/Reggae Album:            

Grove Roots - Iwi

NLC - Trouble

Best Māori Pop Album:

Anna Coddington - Beams

L.A.B - L.A.B IV

Teeks - Something to Feel

Troy Kingi - The Ghost of Freddie Cesar

Best Māori Tāne Solo Artist:          

Mara TK

Teeks

Tipene Harmer

Troy Kingi

Best Māori Wāhine Solo Artist:                

Ainslee Allen

Anna Coddington

Mistee K

Paige

Best Māori Group:

IA

L.A.B

Morse Gang

Tomorrow People

Best Single By a Māori Artist:

Hāni Dread - Kōkiri

Hawkins - Can't Leave It Alone

L.A.B - Why Oh Why

Stan Walker - Bigger

Tipene Harmer - Tūrangawaewae

Best Māori Songwriter:

L.A.B - Why Oh Why

Mara TK - Te Kete Aronui

Teeks - Remember Me

Tipene Harmer - Tūrangawaewae

Troy Kingi - All Your Ships Have Sailed 

Best Music Video by a Māori Artist:

Grove Roots - Atua Māori 

L.A.B - Why Oh Why

Stan Walker – Bigger

Teeks – Younger

Troy Kingi - First Take Strut

IN THE SHALLOWS RELEASE LET’S NOT START A WAR

When Welsh singer-songwriter Danni Parsons found harmonic delight in the raw vocals of Kiwi rock and roller Lance Shepherd.... Wellington based Folk Rock - Indie Pop band 'In The Shallows' was born. The band also features Andrew Bain (Fur Patrol) and Nick Brown (Eb & Sparrow, Vorn). 

In The Shallows offer up an exquisitely diverse and silken sound that weaves together soaring harmonies, mesmerising vocals and acoustic guitars with relatable lyrics about intricate tales of love, loss, connection, redemption and empowerment.

Let's Not Start a War is about overcoming the human tendency to judge others filtered through our own trauma lens, when in reality we can never really understand the complexities of someone else’s situations and experiences. It’s about our desire to run away when things get uncomfortable, we don't like what we see and how we create conflict as a result of our preconceived ideas and judgements that lead us to blame or fault the ‘other’.

Their 5* rated debut album produced by Steve Rokosh (Calgary, Canada and Nashville, USA) and release in Nov 21, won over the ears, heart and soul of muzic.net.nz's Kev Rowland who states "..anyone who enjoys acoustic music, performed by some wonderful singers, containing songs with a purpose yet so varied that the album never gets tiring, will find this simply essential".

Guitarist and vocalist Lance has worked as a touring/recording guitarist with Martina Topley-Bird (ex Tricky), with producers such as Johnny Dolla (Massive Attack) Leila Arab (Bjork), and has played a number of high profile radio, television and live shows throughout Europe and the US including BBC2, Later... With Jools Holland, Montreaux Jazz Festival and SXSW.                                                                                                                                                 

Vocalist and Song-writer Danni was raised in Wales, moving to Aotearoa in 2005. Once settled in Wellington, she went on to co-write lyrics with Mara Simpson (Mara and the Bushkas), who both performed in Wellington band Soul Caravan. Danni also works as an actor/body double, in casting and as a crew member on international film productions, in television and theatre (Mortal Engines, Ghost in the Shell & Avatar). Danni also produces the music videos for In The Shallows, among all the many things self- managed artists must do!

Their debut album tour took them to 22 festivals and venues throughout NZ in summer 2020/21 including NZ Spirit, Earthbeat Festival, Resolution NYE Festival, Performance Arcade - Wellington, and they are not slowing down with a Single release Tour planned for August-October, more releases on the way and another jam packed summer Tour in 21/22.

The duo recently opened for Tui Folk award winner Amiria Grenell and had support from NZMA’s Best Country Music Artist Jenny Mitchell, Jocee Tuck and TOMMY on their debut album tour. 

Our dates are as follows:

14th Aug - Woodstock Festival

19th Aug - House Concert, Palmy w/ Rusty Frames Solo

29th Aug - Moon bar Wellington (FULL Band) w/TOMMY

10th Sep - Franks- Whanganui

11th Sep - House Concert, Westown, New Plymouth w/Liana Jordon Hart

12th Sep - Tuatara Paraparaumu