Salmonella Dub ft: Tiki Taane to headline BOI 2022

Aotearoa’s Dub & Bass heavyweights, SALMONELLA DUB, will headline Northland’s BOI Music Festival this January when the festival returns to Waitangi on Saturday 29 January (Auckland Anniversary Weekend).

Prepare for a phenomenal two-hour set of the Dub’s classics, alongside a bag of new tunes from their forthcoming album Return To Our Kōwhai. TIKI TAANE joins his old bandmates, plus special guests LAUGHTON KORA and WHIRIMAKO BLACK. Energy, driving bass beats and pure joy are the signature hallmarks of Salmonella Dub live so don’t miss out on this live concert experience from one of New Zealand’s most successful and beloved bands.

The massive lineup also features rapper JESSB, rootsy pop singer MUROKI, riddim royalty SUNSHINE SOUND SYSTEM ft: RUBI DU, dancehall DJ BIG G and the legendary SAVAGE.

After months of restrictions and lockdowns, we will be amping to let loose and party….lock it in and start planning that roadtrip!

WOMAD NZ 2022 Official Artist Line-Up Announcement

18 - 20 March, 2022
TSB Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Park
New Plymouth, Taranaki

Early bird tickets are on sale now HERE

WOMAD NZ 2022 adds 16 more performers to the line-up for its 17th presentation at Ngāmotu's stunning Brooklands Park and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands.

The internationally established three-day music, arts and dance festival is known for its exciting and diverse line-up and next year’s event is no exception. WOMAD NZ is poised to deliver a musical melting pot of Bulgarian Vocal, Cinematic Jazz, Latin Funk-Soul, Japanese drumming, Balkan Gypsy, Classical Indian music and dance, Americana, Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul RnB, Roots, Dub Fusion and Afro-funk. Bookworms and science buffs can wallow in talks of art, feminism, solo-yachting, bugs and stand-up comedy.

WOMAD audiences can rejoice as the festival brings back some of its most loved performers alongside some making their WOMAD debut; Queens of Aotearoa’s Country music and comedy; Topp Twins, Dub Fusion elite; Salmonella Dub, RnB cultural warrior; Ria Hall, Neo-Soul-Jazz artist; Hollie Smith, and contemporary super-group; Fly My Pretties.

Keeping the delight of WOMAD’s discovery element alive, the other new artists added are; Acapollinations (Bulgarian Vocal), Bobby Brazuka (DJ), Carnivorous Plant Society (Cinematic Jazz), IPU Kodama Japanese Drum Team (Drum Troupe), Latinaotearoa (Latin Soul Funk), Lord Echo (DJ Set), Niko Ne Zna (Balkan Gypsy), SWÂMP THÏNG (Americana Blues & Roots), Weird Together (World Fusion Beats) and Yaw Asumadu and Ozi Ozaa (Afro-funk).

These 16 join the already announced Jazz-Hip-Hop mastermind Avantdale Bowling Club, modern R&B extraordinaire, Deva Mahal, festival favourites, Fat Freddy's Drop, and the stunning collaboration of New Zealand and Indian musicians, Shades of Shakti.

The World of Words Stage is adding comedian and author of New Zealanders A Field Guide; Tom Sainsbury.

The full line-up announcement for World Of Words is coming on October 31, and the final OMV STEAM Lab programme is being announced on December 3, 2021. Taste The World, Kidzone, and Te Pae Pae will also return with programming to be announced.

Musical Artists appearing at WOMAD 2022 in alphabetical order:

Acapollinations, Avantdale Bowling Club, Bobby Brazuka, Carnivorous Plant Society, Deva Mahal, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Fly My Pretties, Hollie Smith, IPU Kodama Japanese Drum Team, Latinaotearoa, Lord Echo (DJ set), Mudra Dance, Niko Ne Zna, Ria Hall, Salmonella Dub, Shades of Shakti,  SWÂMP THÏNG,  Topp Twins, Weird Together, Yaw Asumadu & Ozi Ozaa

OMV STEAM Lab & World of Words speakers appearing at WOMAD 2022 in alphabetical order: 

Dick Frizzell, Dr Siouxsie Wiles, Tom Sainsbury

Jessica Leigh Shares Sophomore EP ‘summerland

New Zealand based pop artist Jessica Leigh releases summerland - her second EP to date. The EP is a cohesive narrative, told through five stunning songs. summerland tells the story of a summer romance from its innocent beginnings in ‘met him at a party’ to its inevitable end in ‘final bow.’

Summerland sees Leigh expand her quintessential synth-pop sound - bookending the EP with 2 heartfelt acoustic guitar tracks and featuring a more alternative sounding piano driven interlude. Of course, the EP also contains two pop anthems with Leigh’s signature nostalgic twist - SUMMER ROYALTY and teenage romeo.

The former of which - SUMMER ROYALTY - was the lead single for the EP, and landed Leigh on some major Spotify editorial playlists. It also earned her a feature on Radio New Zealand’s Introducing segment.

Leigh teamed up with long time collaborator Jules Evans (Eric Clapton, Simply Red) to produce summerland, recording in the height of New Zealand summer during 2020. “You can hear a lot of New Zealand in summerland” says Leigh - with samples taken from beaches of native birds and ocean waves. Leigh unveils her memorable second EP just in time for the sweltering southern hemisphere summer.

BLUE RIVER BABY 'GREEN CONES'

Aotearoa’s Blue River Baby are excited to be releasing their latest track Green Cones, recorded between Poneke’s lauded Surgery Studios and Tiny Triumph Recordings.

Green Cones is a magical reggae dub track, a cheeky smokey daydream that floats us over the weight of others expectations. The perfect sound, to kick back with, as we come into the warmer months!

The band has added further depth to their sound, working with a couple of NZs rising stars of production on their new music,  with the single and album produced by Toby Lloyd (Shapeshifter, Hollie Smith, Rob Ruha) and mastered by Chris Chetland at Kog Studios. This fine tuning and journey has really brought together the talents of the bands six members, ensuring they are one to be watched, especially with their energetic live shows, kicking off again over the summer months.

Green Cones is the second single from their upcoming sophomore album, due for release in 2022 & follows on the heels of their single Pay, released in July 2021,  which received great grassroots support, national media coverage and solid video streams. The band continues to focus on refining their sound and building from their debut  2019 release which topped the IMNZ chart and hit #8 on the NZ Official Music Album chart and garnered them a solid spot in the NZ live music scene following their national tour and dynamic performances in festival slots.

Wellington synth-pop artist Miss Leading shares new single, 'Self Help'

Miss Leading's tongue-in-cheek new single 'Self Help' is a lighthearted, synth-pop  Peaches-meets-Devo commentary of the self-improvement and wellness industry, offering solutions to the issues you never knew you had. Slated for release only three months after the release of her debut album, Minor Thing, her bubbly Self Help track illustrates the intriguing marriage of spoken-word and art-pop, a sound that Miss Leading (Nadia Freeman) honed both in the UK and in Wellington, after returning to the city in 2020.

Nadia says, “I wrote this song on a day when I was feeling overwhelmed by multiple expectations that seemed to tug in every direction. My song Self Help punches back at the self help and wellness industry profiting off our insecurities and the constant barrage of advice we all get on how to live our lives. This is a fun bouncy number, a chance to forget about daily pressures and just have a dance.”

Miss Leading is an electronic music producer, singer, and poet. Composing music on a unique Wellington-made synthesiser (the Synthstrom Deluge), her music aims to widen your mind while moving your body with her unique style of electronic pop/synth pop with conscious lyrics. 

Miss Leading is touring her debut album Minor Thing this October/November! Get tickets from Under The Radar and Eventfinda.

14 October - Auckland - Wine Cellar (with Scalper)

15 October - Hamilton - Mesoverse (with Thief of Baghdad)

22 October - Napier - Paisley Stage (with Sam Manzanza)

24 October - Rotorua - Level 13

27 November - Dunedin - Inch Bar

'Self Help' is available via all good streaming services from 14 October.

FREDDY REYNOLD PRESENTS 'SOUTHSIDE RUN IT'

Aotearoa/Samoan emcee FREDDY REYNOLD is unapologetic with his latest release. This drop has  been a long time coming. Ever since that K-mart trip with his Mum choosing his Christmas present when FREDDY was 9 years old - and picking out the CD 'Solid Gold Hits' by the Beastie Boys. 

Fast forward to 2021 and FREDDY has become a creative force to be reckoned with. Delivering an EP's worth of festival ready bangers cleverly fusing Hip Hop / EDM / house. A respectful nod to Dizzee Rascal can be found on the lead single Southside Run It in recognition of the influence the UK artist has had on this Southside native’s journey. The homage comes coupled with a heartfelt show of loyalty to his hometown of South Auckland.

REYNOLD possesses  a hip hop pedigree that belies his age. His unflappable  positivity and ambition are powerful differentiators in this game. 

The lead single Southside Run It comes with a slick yet earthy video directed by Raymond Edwards (Younger and Remember Me by Teeks, and the film Cousins). 

The EP’s anthems have been carefully crafted and curated by REYNOLD and production partner Abraham Kunin (Teeks, Home Brew, Jujulipps, Rush Wepiha, Dalai Lama).

This is REYNOLD’S first venture with full label support, thanks to the visionaries at Bigpop. A pivot from the brighter tone of his previous self-released outings including Pre Party (2020. The high octane numbers on Southside Run It aren’t for kids. This is adult music. The change of gears is most evident on Flirt, a salacious electric and 808 heavy number, laced by Stuss, and a fire feature from emcee Jujulipps. 

REYNOLD’S world has been affected by covid – just like the rest of us. Including the postponement of a nationwide tour with Australian crew “Sydney Yungins”.

REYNOLD’S hybrid Hip Hop / EDM / House sound is most openly showcased on When I’m On - with its infectious  2 step beat.  Wide Awake might well be the most instantly accessible given its irresistible melodic hook and groove, driving it into a more ‘hip hop merged with pop’ lane. This is also one of Freddy’s favourites, stretching him into new territory - both as a singer and emcee. It’s a must for summer playlists.

REYNOLD also just happens to be one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets as a live performer. He has an electric energy and flawless delivery which sets him apart from all but the top-tier emcees. There is a generosity and commitment to the moment “I don’t care if it’s 2, 10, 100 people...every time I treat it like I’m playing in front of a million people.”

There is a steely focus in REYNOLD’S work. When asked how he maintains his positive laser-beam energy, Freddy’s answer is typically inspirational, “What makes me want to rap? It’s the idea of legacy. I want to look back and have kids be like ‘Freddy Reynold, NZ top five of all time’. Right up there alongside some of my personal inspirations; Tom Scott, David Dallas, Che Fu, Scribe’. That’s what keeps the fire burning. It’s obsessive in the healthiest way!”

‘Southside Run It’ is out October 15 via New Zealand indie Bigpop Records.

Bigpop is a full service Record Label and Music Publisher (in partnership with BMG Global) working alongside artists, producers and writers such as CHAII, Isla Noon, Kings, TîMMy the FIRST, Evening is Youth, Valkyrie and Jujulipps amongst others.

CALLING ALL KIWIS… The Aotearoa live music, entertainment and concert sector needs your help!

With the current COVID-19 Delta outbreak our much-loved traditional summer of music, entertainment and festivals is in danger, and we are urging music fans and those who love going to any form of gigs to go get vaccinated now so we can all enjoy some awesome live tunes together again asap!

Aotearoa has been lucky in the fight against COVID-19 to say the least. The first half of 2021 has brought us many small and large-scale events in a time when the rest of the world was still in restriction. Because of our nation’s hard and fast approach to lockdowns we have been rewarded with the freedoms to socialise and enjoy live music and entertainment together. We want that to continue and there is only one way for that to happen.

Earlier this week, the New Zealand Government announced the roll-out of vaccination certificates in New Zealand, with a plan to launch in November this year. Commonly used overseas, the certificates would provide proof that individuals have been fully vaccinated, and the Government is likely to make the use of these certificates mandatory for large scale events.

Artists throughout Aotearoa are getting on board and encouraging fans to get vaccinated now:

“Crowded House were truly blessed to play shows in Aotearoa NZ in March. Live concerts bring joy and freedom that lift the spirits of audience and artists alike. This summer NZ will be open again for concerts but you will need to be vaccinated against Covid. Come on everyone, we’ve had the vaccine, it's safe and it's keeping the ones we love safe,” Neil Finn -  CROWDED HOUSE

"Me kaha taatou ki te patu i a Korona ki te rongoaa aaraimate. Kia okaina ia o taatou, ka ora ai te ao puuoro.” Translation “We should all contribute to fight Covid19 by being vaccinated. Through this, our music industry will flourish again.” THEIA

“It’ll be seven years since Supergroove last played by the time Electric Avenue rolls around this February. We’re hoping everyone get’s vaxxed so we can party together with Lorde and the rest of an almighty line up in Ōtautahi! Ngā Mihi Aotearoa.” SUPERGROOVE

“For me getting the vaccine is all about protection - protecting the people who I love who cannot get vaccinated because they’re immunocompromised. Or because they’re ineligible, like my daughter who’s just about to turn 4. And after almost two years of not being able to tour internationally the vaccine gives me the best protection to be able to do the job that I love. I cannot wait to be on stage playing music again here in Aotearoa, and the best way for us to get to that summer of gigs and dancing is to be vaccinated. For our whanau, for our communities, and for ourselves.” LADYHAWKE

“We can reunite with #vaxforlive. My favourite part of music making is playing live but we gotta do it safely, and if you haven’t already heard, us artists won’t be able to do our work and you won’t be able to enjoy live music, festivals or the arts without getting vaccinated.  I want to be part of incredible live shows where you, my friends - audiences and artists, venues and crew - are all as safe and protected as possible. We can reunite with #vaxforlive. I know what it’s like to feel hesitant about vaccines but for me getting vaccinated against Covid means that I am doing my best to protect my friends, whanau and myself.  If you haven’t already been vaccinated please do it now. If you’re scared or hesitant it’s OK - book a consultation with your GP and they can advise you.  We’re all in this together - I can’t wait to play for you really soon.” REB FOUNTAIN

"Sadly, our tour was cut short by the covid lockdown, keen to get it finished & start making plans for the future. Get your vax folks so we can all get back to gigging and grooving.” MAKO ROAD

“Looking forward to playing live in Aotearoa soon, love to see you there.” SIX60

We’re all united by the same vision: ending interruptions to our live entertainment culture by encouraging everybody to get vaccinated. We all have a part to play in getting back to the gigs, events, concerts and festivals we love.

“The only way to be sure we’re going to have safe live gigs in the future, is to have all of our artists and concert attendees vaccinated, so let’s get on with it.” BRENT ECCLES – Concert Promoter for Eccles Entertainment + Frontier Touring and President of the NZ Promoters Association

“Vaccinations are our ticket to live shows this summer. Most importantly, vaccination will be the key to keeping fans, artists and crew safe as we gather again for the quintessential Kiwi summer we all know and love.” MARK KNEEBONE – Managing Director, Live Nation New Zealand

 “We in venue world are desperate to open the doors and let you all back in, come on NZ get the vaccine and let’s have some fun!”  MARK GOSLING - EVANZ

“Crowds enjoying summer nights of Speedway Racing at Western Springs have been part of the Auckland entertainment scene since 1929. We encourage everyone who wants to get along and enjoy the action at the Springs this summer to play your part by getting vaccinated now” JOHN McCALLUM – Western Springs Speedway

Kiwis know that nothing beats live music… except, maybe, COVID. Get vaccinated for gigs now so we can have an epic summer in the sun with some of the best live music and entertainment that Aotearoa has to offer.

So, c’mon Aotearoa Vax Together, Stay Together #vaxforlive LET’S GET BACK TO LIVE!!!

Be part of the crowd and book now at www.bookmyvaccine.nz and help us unite against COVID-19 and bring back live entertainment!

Thank you to the wider Aotearoa music community for getting on board and supporting the #VAXFORLIVE campaign!

APRA, Recorded Music NZ, NZ Promoters Association, NZ Music Commission, Independent Music NZ, Music Managers Forum, Producers Guild, Live Nation, Eccles Entertainment, Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment, Ticketmaster, Moshtix, Greenstone Entertainment, Rhythm and Vines, Endeavour Live, MusicHelps, CRS Management, TEG, Universal Music, Warner Music, Northern Bass, Bay Dreams, Audiology, Red Rum Touring/Hidden Valley Festival, Spark Arena, Fuzen, Auckland Stadiums, Splore, Creative NZ, 818 Entertainment, NZ On Air, NZME, Jacman Entertainment, Mediaworks, Live in WLG, Wellington Venues, Venues Otautahi, 100% good, Laneway, Village Sounds, NZ Comedy Festival, Save Our Venues, Birds Nest Entertainment, OUSA, Loop, The Trusts Arena, Eventfinda….and many more plus all of the incredible artists helping to get this message out to kiwis!

VOODOO BLOO - SKIN

NZ alt rock act VOODOO BLOO introduces their next single Skin, from their forthcoming album.

With a mysterious yet groovy tone, the new single proves there is more to this band than the Punk Rock driven debut album - Jacobus. Their new music comes to alt rock fans with urgency and excitement powering it throughout.

‘Skin’ has a real attitude about it that literally ‘gets under your skin’ from the start, channeling influences from artists such as King Crimson, King Gizzard & Radiohead Combined. The tempo changes and variations throughout the song are complex but remain catchy, leaving listeners with a small slice of the upcoming album.

Recorded at Massey University with Producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers / Super Furry Animals / Bullet for My Valentine) & Engineer Scott Seabright (Alien Weaponry / Mumford & Sons / Six60) ‘Skin is about ripping out of your teenage years and facing yourself in the mirror in a cruel, yet reflective look at what you love and hate about your life, and how change can be harsh to all but ultimately leaves you a better and changed person” – Rory from Voodoo Bloo.

For front man Rory McDonald (born in the UK), music has been a large part of his life for many years. Forming hard rock group Lucifer Gunne in 2016 brought the 15 year old McDonald to wider attention in New Zealand. Voodoo Bloo then debuted Jacobus which had singles, well received in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ. 

Moving into a new phase in 2021, Voodoo Bloo have written their new album and are in the process of recording it.

“Greg and Scott have truly captured the essence of what this project is, and even though Jacobus was a cathartic experience for me to partake in, I think new album will be seen with a lot more of a personal feel and approach to the songwriting. This album may sound like a tale of maturity on paper, but it’s really more the personification and characterisation of who you want yourself to be, and how to step through the mirror to bigger and better things” – Rory from Voodoo Bloo. 

There will be a further 3 singles from the upcoming album, scheduled for release early 2022.

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