ZËxÏÏ 'Indigo'
There is no other musical artist in Aotearoa right now dishing out what ZËxÏÏ’s dealing, every single day. This hard-working multi-instrumentalist and producer, Dunedin-born and of African descent and fresh from standing out as a creative force on TVNZ’s Popstars, comes to you today with Indigo - a smooth RnB pop single, splashed with psychedelic funk, that is the first of a linked pair of tracks to be released this month.
ZËxÏÏ has the upbeat, smooth-funk, medicine you didn’t know you needed.
There is no other musical artist in Aotearoa right now dishing out what ZËxÏÏ’s dealing, every single day.
This hard-working multi-instrumentalist and producer, Dunedin-born and of African descent and fresh from standing out as a creative force on TVNZ’s Popstars, comes to you today with Indigo - a smooth RnB pop single, splashed with psychedelic funk, that is the first of a linked pair of tracks to be released this month.
Indigo begins this two-part story with a tale of surviving a love that ultimately proves to be toxic.
“I want people to empower themselves when listening to this song… it’s about getting that message across that you should respect yourself and not waste your efforts impressing someone you’re constantly chasing,” ZËxÏÏ (pronounced Zee) says.
ZËxÏÏ took a hands-on approach to writing and producing the track - involved every step of the way - and even sent lead producer and long-time Kimbra collaborator Timon Martin a whole new bass line just hours before it was due to be mixed.
In short, Indigo is a track stacked with individuality, modernity and just the right amount of risk from one of the most talented, young artist/producers in New Zealand right now.
MOUSEY Returns With Girl Power Anthem 'The Bench'
Today, Christchurch singer and songwriter Mousey makes a fiery return with a new girl power anthem, ‘The Bench’. The anticipated single release follows the success of her bewitching debut album Lemon Law, which earned a 2019 APRA Silver Scroll nomination for breakout track, ‘Extreme Highs.'
“Why isn’t this Christchurch indie-pop artist huge already? Sarena Close is clearly a solid songwriter with range, depth, and a great voice to boot.” -RNZ
“Close’s faultless vocals hold your hand and walk you through a dozen sunny, folk-pop cuts.” - Under the Radar
“Even just a cursory listen would tell you there is a great depth of lyrical, vocal and songwriting talent here.” - Elsewhere.co.nz
“Her voice is thick as maple syrup, coloring with dark supple shades of amber that is as haunting as it is necessary.” - B-Sides & Badlands
Today, Christchurch singer and songwriter Mousey makes a fiery return with a new girl power anthem, ‘The Bench’. The anticipated single release follows the success of her bewitching debut album Lemon Law, which earned a 2019 APRA Silver Scroll nomination for breakout track, ‘Extreme Highs.'
Produced by Ben Edwards (Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding), 'The Bench' was written by Mousey in lockdown last year. Heavy with rage and bite, and bolstered by raucous electric guitar, the track digs into Mousey's experiences and frustrations with "silly boys" over the years. "The Bench is a crazy, feminist bop that has this charming rage boiling inside of it," Mousey explains. "All of my bad experiences and frustrations with boys in high school and similarly later in life needed a constructive outlet, and this song is it."
The accompanying video, directed by Ōtautahi-based filmmaker Martin Sagadin, embodies the song's potent girl power message and sees Mousey and her all-female band kicking it in power suits and taking care of business. Listen to 'The Bench' HERE
Mousey is the project of Christchurch songwriter Sarena Close. With a strong sense of melody and emotionally raw sincerity, Mousey cherishes the art of communicating the human experience above all else. She is inspired by local artists Aldous Harding, Tiny Ruins, and Anthonie Tonnon, as well as Big Thief, Lomelda, and Eels. And yet her sound defies the restrictions of genre and her music provides a unique and powerful insight into this wonderful and confusing world.
Her 2019 debut album Lemon Law marked a significant milestone for Mousey, and earned her a nomination at the 2019 APRA Silver Scrolls for breakout track, ‘Extreme Highs’. 2020 would also see her as a finalist for the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut prize at the Taite Music Prize Awards and performing at the Silver Scroll awards with a captivating live performance of L.A.B’s 'In the Air'.
As a live act, Mousey has played headline tours in New Zealand and Australia and opened for acclaimed artists such as The Beths, Reb Fountain, The Chills, and more. Her performances are characterised by her faultless vocals, and raw emotional energy.
Stay tuned for more to come from Mousey.
DRM Appoints Andy Morris As New General Manager
DRM has announced that Andy Morris has been appointed General Manager of the company. An experienced DRM team player and long-time 2.I.C., Andy Morris will succeed Andy Low and has assumed responsibilities as of November 1st, 2021.
New Zealand’s premiere digital distribution company ups-the-Andy for next phase of business development and enhanced client services.
DRM announced today that Andy Morris has been appointed General Manager of the company. An experienced DRM team player and long-time 2.I.C., Andy Morris will succeed Andy Low and has assumed responsibilities as of November 1st, 2021. Andy Low has left the company to spend quality time with his family and their slew of puppies on a lifestyle property in West Auckland.
Andy Morris has been with DRM for five years, joining as Content Manager and quickly showing high enthusiasm for the work and clients, absorbing all the nuances of a tech company with a people-centred focus. Prior to this Morris received a Bachelor of Communication Studies degree from AUT in 2015 and has since achieved YouTube Certifications in: Music, Rights Management & Content Ownership. As such, Morris has been instrumental in the company attaining their A level status in YouTube ensuring highest possible returns for clients.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work side by side with Andy Low during the past five years I’ve been at DRM. Andy has been the best teacher one could hope for and a prime example of integrity above all. We’ll miss his sharp American humour and most importantly his enormous passion for DRM and our wonderful artists - a passion we will be carrying the torch for stepping into the future. It’s a privilege to continue on with the legacy he has brought to DRM.” said Andy Morris
There is more behind the DRM magic than Andys as the talented DRM also consists of Danya Yang as Label and Artist Services Manager, Holly Kilmartin as Editorial along with Catalogue Assistants Claudia Paine and Josh Zhong.
Morris adds, “Despite the hurdles 2021 has thrown at the industry & Aotearoa as a whole, the future has never been so exciting for us all at DRM. This year we have welcomed more staff, forged relationships with emerging DSPs launching in Asia Pacific, attained the A-Tier status in our YouTube content management and most importantly released some bloody fantastic music. We are also giddy with excitement over the upcoming launch of our new DRM app, a renewed focus on direct relationships with our artists and an enthusiastic outlook to 2022.”
About DRM
DRM is a New Zealand owned and operated company specialising in the digital distribution of music audio and visual. Formed in 2006, the company has blossomed into a market leader holding the largest catalogue of New Zealand recordings and providing people-focused service to nearly 3000 clients across the motu. Annual audio streams for the past 12 months are over 550 million and YouTube views over 3 billion.
Having built strong relationships with the key decision makers at DSPs; digital service providers, (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube etc), the list of DRM’s achievements is vast from breaking new artists, reclaiming artists’ rights from pirates, important back catalogue launches, debut album releases and more.
The list is long but the highlights reel includes; helping launch the careers of Benee and Broods, platinum sales for Kings ‘6 Figures’ and Lee Mvtthews ‘Takeover’, NZ Music Charts number one album for Tomorrow People (knocking Ed Sheeran off the top spot), Kaylee Bell on a Billboard in Times Square, Jawsh 685’s career launch including digital rights management take-back from pirates and legitimising the launch of 'Laxed - Siren Beat' leading into Savage Love and Tom Scott (Avantdale Bowling Club, Homebrew) premium homepage takeover on Spotify for the extensive back catalogue + Years Gone By debut music launch.
JASON PARKER IS LIVING THE POP STAR FANTASY IN HIS DEBUT MUSIC VIDEO ‘THIS IS MY YEAR’
Jason Parker is here, queer and confident that this is his year. Proudly living his dreams in his debut music video, This Is My Year.
Jason Parker is here, queer and confident that this is his year. Proudly living his dreams in his debut music video, This Is My Year.
The campy, feel-good film, invites viewers into a world with a little more sparkle. Watch, as NZ drag royalty Hugo Grrrl (Winner of TVNZ House Of Drag S1) completely transforms himself, while Jason prepares to bring the house down, with a heart-felt performance you wish you were there for. Perfectly capturing the essence of the empowering pop anthem.
This Is My Year is the second release from Jason’s debut EP How To Be Lonely. After appearing on the Popstars NZ reboot, Jason went straight into the studio with Perth-born producer Alvyn Tan, releasing This Is My Year in mid-September 2021 to glowing reviews. The May Magazine says “Gifted with an incredible voice, the charismatic artist has a knack for an irresistible pop melody, and these two attributes play out effortlessly in “This Is My Year”…bringing the track to life while remaining true to its (super danceable!) message of hope.”
The video for This Is My Year was filmed in iconic Wellington bar Ivy and directed by Wellington-based, Daisy Thor-Poet of Tinted Productions. Daisy previously worked with Luca George on his hit Lonely Tonight.
Jason hopes This Is My Year inspires people to follow their dreams and dance their demons away. In a world that is full of uncertainty be certain of this; this is Jason Parker’s year!
‘This Is My Year’ is out now, buy/stream it HERE
Finally, the NZ Harmonica album they've all been waiting for
David Thorpe ‘My Harp, My Rules’ is not a Blues Album, it's not a Folk album, It's not a Country album, It's a Harmonica album that features some Blues, Folk, Country plus a few unexpected surprises.
My Harp, My Rules is the latest 16 track album from NZ harmonica player David Thorpe.
David has released a significant haul of music over the years under different guises. You may know him as Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine, Davey Backyard, The Swarm, or even the guy from The Black velvet band plus, many more.
My Harp, My Rules is not a Blues Album, it's not a Folk album, It's not a Country album, It's a Harmonica album that features some Blues, Folk, Country plus a few unexpected surprises.
The album was recorded with only 2 rules
#1 The harmonica must be a key component of all the compositions
#2 There were no other rules.
David Says,
“This album may not be quite what you expect”. “My friends and I have recorded an album that may challenge any preconceptions you have of this humble instrument.”
“This album has been on the table for many years and My Harp, My Rules has given me the opportunity to explore the boundaries of my No1 instrument in addition to writing and collaborating with many of my most respected musical friends.”
Michael Llewellyn 'Oh My Darling'
Kiwi based songwriter, Michael Llewellyn, releases debut heart slapping album 'Oh My Darling'. "Raspy & Poetic", the ten tracks take us on a journey that is honest and raw.
Kiwi based songwriter, Michael Llewellyn, releases debut heart slapping album 'Oh My Darling'. "Raspy & Poetic", the ten tracks take us on a journey that is honest and raw.
Re-telling personal stories of love and loss, Llewellyn invites us into his heart. "I was influenced a lot by Leonard Cohen and the Velvet Underground" he tells us. With tracks such as 'Mikaela' & 'Whangamatā' sitting upon an infectious rhythm section, crunchy guitars and intimate vocals.
'A break up album in its purest', 'Oh My Darling' - out OCT 15. Followed by a North Island Tour Oct 30 - Nov 13.
‘Oh My Darling', set to be released in October this year, encapsulates heartache, tenderness and grit. Llewellyn portrays the very personal world of his time spent etched into the ribs of Te Maunga O Taranaki. Longing for quietude following a tumultuous break up and a debilitating neck injury, a mad deluge of writing found its roots; “I probably stitched about sixteen songs that month.” Flavours of native bush on tracks such as ‘Time it ain’t easy’ and ‘Lady bug’ evoke the healing qualities of our western coastline.
"His songs have a timelessness about them." Earnest and mature. Though we never lose sight of his humour and playfulness. “It's half comedy, and the songs make me feel something” said one sweet listener earlier this year as Llewellyn played alongside his five-piece backing band at a festival in Havelock North.
Recorded in his shoebox bedroom – carpet drenched in guitar leads and off cuts – his voice pours out, rough and relatable. Setting itself apart from the Aotearoa indie scene, ‘Oh My Darling’ will tug at your mind and soul. Whether it be intimate and seated or sweaty and loud, Llewellyn will leave you feeling touched on his North Island tour later this year.
Key dates:
Album Release ............................... Oct 15
Tour dates:
Meow - Pōneke ............................... Oct 30
Leigh Sawmill ............................... Nov 5
Whammy - Tāmaki Makaurau .................... Nov 6
Ahu Ahu beach Villas - Oākura ............... Nov 11
Commonroom - Heretaunga ..................... Nov 12
The Dome Cinema - Tūranganui-a-Kiwa ......... Nov 13
Tom Broome To Release ‘Lies To Live By’ 12.11.21
Auckland Producer Tom Broome follows up his 2020 solo debut ‘Never Sleeping Repeating’ with new single ‘Lies To Live By’.
Tom Broome To Release ‘Lies To Live By’ Single 12.11.2021
Auckland Producer Tom Broome follows up his 2020 solo debut ‘Never Sleeping Repeating’ with new single ‘Lies To Live By’.
Lies To Live By is a dream-pop head-nodder about the fictions we tell ourselves to get by. “I wrote this song a year ago but decided not to do anything with it. I came back to it a few months ago and it still feels like a sentiment that’s relevant, so I tweaked the arrangement a little and finished it with the help of some friends. I try to write about what I know, what I see in family and friends and what shapes our realities.”
Produced and recorded by Broome in his West Auckland studio, featuring an stellar lineup of performers and technicians:
Bass: Marika Hodgson
Electric Guitars: Jeremy Toy/Jason Herbert
Backing Vocals: Liv Tennet/Sandy Mill/Maia Huia
Vocals/Drums/Keys/Nylon String Guitar: Tom Broome
Engineer: Tom Broome
Mixing: Simon Gooding
Mastering: Chris Chetland
Design: Aaron Iusitini
Mac Summer Announces New Single ‘Web of Life’
Mac Summer’s liquid drum and bass sound has endeared him to dance music fans around the world. On his latest single, he combines a dark cinematic atmosphere with a compelling vocal performance to create one of the year’s most memorable dance tracks.
The latest from the Auckland based artist reveals his gift for larger than life hooks
Mac Summer’s liquid drum and bass sound has endeared him to dance music fans around the world. On his latest single, he combines a dark cinematic atmosphere with a compelling vocal performance to create one of the year’s most memorable dance tracks.
‘Web of Life’ opens with a series of soft mysterious chords before the song transforms into an explosion of energy. Over the course of five minutes, Mac reveals his mastery of tension and release, constantly taking listeners to unexpected places. One of the most powerful aspects of the track comes from the singer’s voice- a powerful instrument capable of growing from a whisper to a full throated croon at a moment’s notice. With its insanely catchy hooks and soaring production, ‘Web of Life’ is a track that should appeal to any electronic music fan.
‘Web of Life’ is available everywhere Nov. 5
Listen here: Mac Summer - Web Of Life | Drum and Bass