‘The Trials & Tribulations of Adam & His Seed’ a timely folk song from Luke Thompson.
‘The Trials & Tribulations of Adam & His Seed’ is a song that has waited nearly seven years to see the light of day.
‘The Trials & Tribulations of Adam & His Seed’ is a song that has waited nearly seven years to see the light of day.
The latest release from Luke Thompson is the title track of his new album, set for release November 18.
The songwriter has been piecing this body of work together for the last few years, and the time is right to start sharing this collection of songs.
This simple folk song speaks hope into the tumult of our times maybe even more presciently today than it did back then.
Accompanying the release is a self-made stop motion music video created by Thompson in his home studio using an iPhone, his hand, a photo copier, some charcoal, chalk and about 8 weeks worth of podcasts to keep him company.
‘The Trials & Tribulations of Adam & His Seed’ is out now
VALLÉ ANNOUNCES DEBUT EP ‘CAGED BIRDS’ OUT FRI 26 NOV + CHRISTCHURCH EP RELEASE SHOW
Hot on the heels of releasing his biggest track to date ‘Swing Low’, today Vallé reveals he will be releasing his debut EP Caged Birds on Fri 26 November. Caged Birds has been a long time coming and will be the first full body of work Vallé has released.
Hot on the heels of releasing his biggest track to date ‘Swing Low’, today Vallé reveals he will be releasing his debut EP Caged Birds on Fri 26 November. Caged Birds has been a long time coming and will be the first full body of work Vallé has released. Featuring previous singles ‘Trip Advisor’, ‘Prodigy’ and ‘Swing Low’, Caged Birds is a melting pot of hip hop, funk, and RnB with Vallé’s signature bars the standout. The EP is dedicated to his homeland of Papua New Guinea.
“This EP is a response to a period in my life after going back home to Papua New Guinea in 2019 where hope filled dreams for future relationships with my family there were thwarted by the devastating socioeconomic and political condition of my homeland and the numerous conditions that trapped and immobilised me” – Vallé
Written and recorded over the past two years, Vallé confesses he didn’t have to whittle hundreds of songs down to the final six. He is very clear and concise in the messaging throughout this EP. And while he feels he is just scratching the surface of what he has to say, it is a collection of songs in which no rhyme is wasted. Even the cover art is poignant. Featuring Vallé standing in a field holding an open birdcage, with a Bird Of Paradise – the national bird of PNG flying free from the cage. Vallé says this is representative of the fact that birds are not meant to be kept in cages and neither are we. We should all be given the opportunity to break free from our metaphorical cages. For some these cages represent generational cycles, negative thoughts, systemic barriers, for others, these cages are self-inflicted. Sometimes the cages we find ourselves in is through our own actions, and it’s on us to realise that and make a change.
To coincide with the release, Vallé will be playing a very special hometown show at Christchurch’s Blue Smoke two weeks before release on Friday 12 November. An all Ōtautahi super-session featuring pop sensation ASHY and Lyttleton rhyme artist And$um, all backed by the extraordinary Harmony & Rhythm Brass Band, this show will be fans first chance to hear new music before it officially drops. No stone will be left unturned either with a show that promises to take fans on a journey, uniting and inspiring along the way. Fans are encouraged to get in quick, early bird tickets are on sale now for $20 +bf via undertheradar.co.nz.
With a Pacific Music Award nomination under his belt, the release of his debut EP and this very special hometown headline show, 2021 is shaping up to be Valle’s biggest year yet. Swing Low gathered swift momentum both on streaming services and at radio, being added to some of the biggest hiphop playlists on Apple Music and Spotify including Rap Life, The Hybrid and The Drip. He is showing no signs of slowing down, in fact Vallé season has just begun.
CAGED BIRDS EP OUT FRI 26 NOVEMBER 2021
The news is out! The New Loungehead reform to celebrate the 25th anniversary of award-winning album
When Came a Weird Way was released in 1997, it shook the trad NZ jazz scene by its turtleneck sweater and launched a new era of jazz innovation for the 21st century. The recording still packs a punch 25 years on and The New Loungehead are excited to perform reunion shows in 2022 celebrating the album, plus new material and new collaborations.
When Came a Weird Way was released in 1997, it shook the trad NZ jazz scene by its turtleneck sweater and launched a new era of jazz innovation for the 21st century. Inspired by electronic dance, hip hop and world music, The New Loungehead were the first band in New Zealand to create live drum’n’bass beats and percussion, melding with melodic horns, keys and electric guitar. Their legendary live shows were jam-packed affairs, cross-pollinating the genres of jazz, dance and dub in a club setting. Came a Weird Way won the 1998 New Zealand Jazz Album of the Year.
The recording still packs a punch 25 years on and The New Loungehead are excited to perform reunion shows in 2022 celebrating the album, plus new material and new collaborations. Their first confirmed return to the stage is Splore Festival, 25-27 February 2022, and they are planning some warm-up gigs before then. For press and bookings, please contact thenewloungehead@gmail.com.
@thenewloungehead
Sensational New Zealand Duo Iveta & Simone Announces Plans to Release a New Single in October
Following the release of “River of Neon,” Iveta & Simone are coming through with yet another single titled "Obsessed", which will be released on October 15, 2021
Following the release of “River of Neon,” Iveta & Simone are coming through with yet another single titled "Obsessed", which will be released on October 15, 2021
Although artists from New Zealand may not be actively competing with their counterparts in the music industry of other nations, Iveta & Simone are two of the few New Zealanders who are setting the benchmark for quality music in the island country in the South Pacific Ocean. They have continued to serve their fans and music lovers in and around New Zealand, Australia, and Bulgaria with top-notch music, and it does not look like the duo are stopping anytime soon.
After releasing “River of Neon,” Iveta & Simone are thrilled to announce the release of a new single titled “Obsessed.” The track will be the duo's second for the year, which has proven to be a strenuous year as the world strives to get back on its feet after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To bring the vision behind "Obsessed" to life, Iveta & Simone hooked up with ace producer Kenny MacDonald whose expertise was readily felt in the duo’s previous track.
“We are really excited about this new single,” said Iveta. “It is a very cool song, and we're glad to be able to share it with our fans.” Together with Kenny MacDonald, Iveta & Simone will be serving fans with a feel-good track that comes with a catchy melody and an addictive chorus. The theme of the new track resonates with almost everyone, and the song is sure going to take listeners on an emotional journey.
The lyrics of "Obsessed" reflect the deep-seated emotions the song bears, and as usual, Iveta & Simone showcase their vocal prowess. “Obsessed” will be released on Iveta & Simone's website and across major digital streaming platforms on October 15, 2021.
For further inquiries, send an email to ivetasimone@gmail.com or log on to www.ivetasimonemusic.com.
About Iveta & Simone
Iveta & Simone are New Zealand’s edgy female vocal duo taking the region by storm. They hope to inspire others to push through dark times and rise above challenges. Through their social media profiles, Iveta & Simone share inspirational quotes and encouragements to get people to wade through difficult times.
Find out more about what that duo does by connecting with them via the social media handles below:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivetasimonemusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivetasimone
HOLLIE SMITH 'COMING IN FROM THE DARK'
One of Aotearoa's most beloved artists Hollie Smith, makes her triumphant return with the announce of her fourth solo album COMING IN FROM THE DARK, out October 22.
One of Aotearoa's most beloved artists Hollie Smith, makes her triumphant return with the announce of her fourth solo album COMING IN FROM THE DARK, out October 22.
The release marks the first album from Smith in over five years and is a powerful follow up to the critically acclaimed and AMA 'Album of The Year' nominated WATER OR GOLD in 2016.
Tender, triumphant and full of hope, COMING IN FROM THE DARK sees Hollie Smith at her most dynamic and features exciting guest appearances from some of New Zealand's top musicians.
The album’s title track was released in both English and Te Reo and saw Smith go toe-to-toe with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra - one of three songs shored up by the NZSO on the record - telling the story of one emerging from a time of struggle and turmoil and packing plenty of heart and relevance.
COMING IN FROM THE DARK also includes a feature from TEEKS - who’s soulful vocals grace ‘Beside Me’ - and beloved vocal trio Sol3 Mio, who appear alongside Smith and the NZSO on ‘You’; a bracing, thrilling and towering body of work from three of Aotearoa’s musical powerhouses.
Today’s announcement aligns with the release of a brand-new single from the forthcoming album, entitled 'What About?'. The bittersweet gospel and hip-hop track packs a wallop and is a collaboration with Rwandan-Aotearoa hip hop prodigy Raiza Biza. Smith delivers a fetching and forthright hook, probing and interrogating, and Biza adds contrasting lyrical jabs in a track packed with heartache and regret.
Now entering her third decade as a prolific Kiwi artist,with three #1 studio albums under her belt, Smith has come a long way since her first experiences with music as a teen in the Auckland Blues and Jazz scene. Most recently she worked alongside Don McGlashan for TVNZ series Waiata Anthems, documenting the making of a Te Reo Māori version of her iconic Kiwi anthem ‘Bathe In the River’, titled ‘Korukutia’.
The self-produced COMING IN FROM THE DARK will further showcase the powerhouse vocal and emotive song writing talent that is Hollie Smith.
Preorder COMNG IN FROM THE DARK on mint green vinyl + CD here.
FOLLOW HOLLIE SMITH
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter www.holliesmith.co.nz
OdESSA new release - It’s Gonna Get Better
Your favourite garage funksters are back with a new look, a refined sound and a new track - the first in over 13 years!
Your favourite garage funksters are back with a new look, a refined sound and a new track - the first in over 13 years!
2021 has been electrifying for this high energy funk band after their show-stealing performances at Garden City Magic, CubaDupa and Newtown Festival - the capital’s most exciting comeback of the year continues as OdESSA are set to release their first new single since 2009, ‘It’s Gonna Get Better’ - available from October the 1st on Bandcamp, Spotify and Soundcloud.
Reforming late last year after disbanding in 2009 after seven years and three albums, this new iteration of the band came as a surprise to the two remaining original band members, lyricist/vocalist Matthew Pender and bassist Paul Mouncey. As Mouncey explains: “Reformation became a possibility by Matt returning from overseas to get out of London in 2020, just two days before New Zealand went into full lockdown. I had a box of old OdESSA cassettes tapes, unfinished songs and music from over twelve years ago, and suddenly three months with nothing to do.”
Pender took a little more convincing. “It’s not that I wasn’t excited by the possibilities - I definitely was - but I hadn’t performed on stage in years. I had completely walked away from music six years earlier, for personal reasons, and I didn’t imagine I’d be in a band ever again, Paul tricked me into it.” “Yes, through a series of subtle illusions and sleight of hand I managed to get Matthew Pender in a Zoom with a microphone and the rest is - very recent - history,” laughs Mouncey.
Pender agrees: “I just knew when Paul played me the old tapes that there was something very special there. It all came back to me immediately. Unfinished songs never really leave you anyway. They haunt you like ghosts, often popping back up in your brain when you’re walking down the street or doing the laundry. When I heard those demos again on those dusty old tapes I felt massively excited. They were even better than I remembered.”
Originally a classic four-piece band, OdESSA’s new sound now has a strong ensemble feel. “Our sound has changed completely. We have doubled in number, added a horn section and keyboards,” says Mouncey. “On our new single ‘It’s Gonna Get Better’ we invited New York-based, Grammy-winning artist Mireya Ramos to sing on it. Our back catalogue was full of raw energy but we always knew we wanted to keep going further, adding new layers, seeing how far we could take the music. When we spoke of reforming it was something Pender and I really felt strongly about.”
Ramos’ involvement added to the serendipity of the situation. She and her band had been visiting New Zealand to perform at the WOMAD festival when the 2020 lockdown happened. In a matter of hours the decision was made to stay on in New Zealand, joining not just OdESSA for their recording sessions and summer performing dates, but also collaborating with several other notable locals, including Troy Kingi.
“The inner workings of the band are slightly different too,” Mouncey adds, “We have some brand new members...some of them were still in nappies when we were in our pomp back in the 2000s. It's great to collaborate and get their fresh ideas in the music.”
“We’ve got a killer crew,” adds Pender. “We’re having a lot of fun. And this is only the start. It’s all about moving forwards.”
Crooning smooth, uplifting, funky and fun, ‘It’s Gonna Get Better’ has been kicking around a long time and was a fan favourite as a live recording on their posthumous third album Bring Me The Head of Pepe Lopez (an album made up of demos, live recordings and unused rarities.)
“This new version of ‘It's Gonna Get Better’ has gotten a total revamp. We’ve brought in the gang from Richter City Rebels to give it a bit of oomph in their own inimitable way and we’ve got the best in the business lending their immense skill to the track with Dr Lee Prebble engineering it at The Surgery and mastering by Mike Gibson from Munki Studios creating a polished sound without losing the on-stage energy OdESSA is renowned for.” says Mouncey.
While ‘It’s Gonna Get Better’ has taken another meaning under the restrictions of a Covid-19 world where gigs are cancelled and major events are under stress, OdESSA are proud to release this track as an anthem of hope and love. “I’m truly blown away by the response to our comeback shows,” says Pender, “Even after so long, it just feels like it’s exactly the right time to do it again. People never seem to forget how you made them feel. It feels better than I ever dreamed it would.”
‘It's Gonna Get Better’ is available 1 October 2021
https://odessa9.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/odessa-2
https://www.reverbnation.com/odessa58
https://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/937/odessa
https://music.apple.com/nz/artist/odessa/1569236232
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dTJK1DjCFtWlEPyLvSfpl
Tomorrow People team up with Grammy Award-winning producer J-Vibe, and the legendary FIJI, on latest single ‘Give It To Me’
Tomorrow People, showing resilience and commitment during this challenging time to their fans, have released their 10th single of the year, ‘Give It To Me’, in line with their #FirstFriday campaign.
Tomorrow People, showing resilience and commitment during this challenging time to their fans, have released their 10th single of the year, ‘Give It To Me’, in line with their #FirstFriday campaign.
Listen HERE
The Summer feel-good smash single is a superstar collaboration of epic proportions, featuring reggae legend George ‘FIJI’ Veikoso, and is produced by multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning producer, ‘J-Vibe’ (his credits include the hit song ‘Come Over’ by Estelle and Sean Paul.)
Featuring Tomorrow People’s lead vocalist Te Aranga Savage, the reggae-roots single is a real earworm and became a fan favourite during the writing process when the band performed it live on social media.
Tomorrow People’s ‘Give It To Me’, is out now.
Keep up-to-date with Tomorrow People at www.tomorrowpeople.co.nz
THOMAS BROTHERS 'ACROSS THE SEA'
Inspired by the Charity Mercy Ships, ‘Across the Sea’ is a passionate anthem, which dives deep into the virtues of kindness and grace
The Thomas Brothers are releasing ‘Across the Sea’ on the 7th of October - their first single since releasing their sophomore studio album “Together” in January of last year.
Inspired by the Charity Mercy Ships, ‘Across the Sea’ is a passionate anthem, which dives deep into the virtues of kindness and grace
Written and produced by the band’s frontman Samuel Thomas, ‘Across the Sea’ is a song with substance and meaning that displays his thoughtful songwriting abilities.
“We were greatly inspired by Mercy Ships to write a song about compassion. When we spoke with the charity, they encouraged us with the project and we loved the idea of promoting all the good that they do. It is inspirational to see how the charity is changing lives by providing medical care for Africa’s under-served poor"
"Sometimes song writing can be difficult and frustrating, but 'Across the Sea' just fell onto the page. It was a God-moment. I think it took about 5 minutes then I had the whole song."
"It's all in the first line, 'Come on and come with me, far across the sea...' It's an invitation to come on a journey and explore the amazing work Mercy Ships are doing for the underprivileged. I hope 'Across the Sea' touches hearts and encourages people to get involved and support the great work Mercy Ships are doing."
‘Across the Sea‘ follows other singles in the ‘Thomas Brothers’ discography. ‘Sorry’ was featured on the band’s sophomore full-length album, which was released early last year.
“‘Sorry’ is a hook-filled, upbeat pop song, but delve deeper and it’s a song with substance and meaning, both in its intricate instrumentation and its lyrical content” - music.net.nz
‘Sorry’ received radio play in New Zealand and landed at #13 on the NZ Hot 20 Singles chart.