AOTEAROA’S BELOVED TRIO SOL3 MIO RELEASE NEW ALBUM ‘COMING HOME’

Aotearoa's beloved trio Sol3 Mio today release their highly anticipated third studio album, Coming Home via Universal Music New Zealand. Arriving just in time for Christmas, the album features a mix of contemporary hits and well-known classics, including lead single ‘E Ipo’ which was released alongside the video last month.

When Sol3 Mio’s world turned to chaos and theatres and opera houses around the world shut their doors, there was only one place for them to retreat – home. For the trio, home is the simple comfort of being back together and making music with the pure and honest power of voice. Coming Home marks the first batch of new music from the criticallyacclaimed group, comprised of Pene Pati, Amitai Pati and Moses Mackay, since 2018's multiplatinum-certified A Very Merry Christmas.

“The whole album is reflective of us coming back together during a pandemic and all the warmth and love of it," Pene Pati explains, "This collection of songs felt right for the time, and for us. It’s the most stripped back Sol3 Mio album to date. Which again, is something we wanted to create. A homely feel, us in a room together, playing some of our favourite songs.”

Recorded with award-winning producer Nic Manders (Six60, Katchafire) at Auckland's legendary Roundhead Studios, Coming Home sees the trio take it right back to where it all began – pairing soulful vocal arrangements with the undeniable charm fans have come to expect from Sol3 Mio.

The twelve-track album features breathtaking renditions of fan favourite tracks such as 'Hallelujah', 'Hold Me While You Wait' and 'A Thousand Years', introducing fans to an exciting new chapter in the Sol3 Mio story.

Sabreen Islam returns to Aotearoa indie-pop with vibrant new single ‘like a movie’

In the wake of the release of her first pop single ‘Glow’ in July, Sabreen Islam is back with the second instalment in her trilogy of pop-oriented singles ‘like a movie’, releasing on all platforms on Friday 12 November.

Stream ‘like a movie’ here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q9PuXXwVb8IAKYeZfpkaA?si=YeKnEzCgRb6YVBQmGS7RzQ 

Sabreen Islam is an upcoming singer-songwriter hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, weaving her signature style with inspirations from the likes of Hozier, Conan Gray and dodie. Her last single ‘Glow’ was selected as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2020, of which semi-finalists comprised just 9% of over 26,000 entries. She also played Auckland’s famous Others Way Festival in 2018 and has performed and worked alongside the likes of Jamie McDell. Following a trilogy of stellar indie-folk releases, ‘Glow’ received numerous positive reviews and radio play upon its release, with listeners calling it ‘vibrant’, ‘dreamy’ and ‘fresh’.

Following pop sonics, ‘like a movie’ is written, produced and mixed by Sabreen herself, detailing the relatable longing for life to play out like the romantic films and stories that dominate popular culture. Stacked with bold harmonies and lo-fi beats, ‘like a movie’ captures the rift between romcoms and real life and the wish that love would unfold as fatefully as it does onscreen.

‘like a movie’ will be released on all music and streaming platforms on Friday 12 November.

Tami Neilson releases Joni Mitchell’s “River”

As Joni Mitchell's “Blue” turned 50 in June this year, CBC Radio asked Tami to cover a song from the iconic album. Tami Neilson chose “River”, and will be releasing it digitally on Nov 9th.

“It was a huge honour to be asked by CBC to perform my hero Joni Mitchell’s “River”, to celebrate her Blue album anniversary. (And, frankly, so daunting I almost said no!)

This song is one I’ve carried in my heart for most of my lifetime, across miles and oceans “

Tami Neilson first heard Joni Mitchell's song "River" as a teenager.

"I was on tour with my family band all around Canada and the U.S. and for my birthday one year, my dad gave me the "Blue" album on CD. I was immediately obsessed."

For Canadian-born Neilson, "River" dives into the pain of homesickness, a sentiment that resonated deeply during her first Christmas living abroad in New Zealand, where she now lives.

"Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are flipped so it's really hot and summery, and it's so strange to be decorating your Christmas tree and in sundress.

I remember putting on the "Blue" album and the song "River" came on and I just immediately started sobbing. I know this song is about regret over a broken relationship.... But for me,

it just became this song about homesickness and longing, and that hits hard especially this year.”

Tami’s latest album “CHICKABOOM!” was released in February 2020, and although her world tour was cancelled, the album became Tam’s biggest release to date, with nearly 2M streams, placements in Snowpierecer and Family Law, and mass critical acclaim including rave reviews from Rolling Stone, No Depression, Billboard and more. CHICKABOOM! also earned Tami her first Juno Award nomination for Best Contemporary Roots Recording while winning New Zealand’s Best Country Song of the Year for lead single “Hey, Bus Driver” and for Best Country Artist.

Listen to Tami Neilson:

SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC

Find Tami Neilson:

Website / YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Bandcamp

Tō Uru Raumati, Have Yours? Campaign Launches

This project sees 20 much-loved stars come together in 18 empty venues across Aotearoa to deliver one message, ‘Tō Uru Raumati, Have Yours?’.

Directed by Kimiora Kaire-Melbourne and scripted by Te Aorere Pewhairangi, the idea of ‘Uru Raumati’ comes from ‘uruwhenua’ which is the Māori term for passport. Uru whenua literally translates to uru (enter) whenua (land or country). Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is your passport to this Raumati (summer) and all its musical festivities. 

Te Aorere Pewhairangi says “this campaign was about targeting rangatahi through social media-specific content and Māori humour. Music has always brought people together, and in a time where lockdown restrictions have become the norm, concerts give us something to look forward to over summer.”

Kimiora Kaire-Melbourne says “we wanted to be a part of this campaign because it was fun, light-hearted and the messaging wasn’t too forceful, something we thought would be more receptive to younger audiences who have likely grown tired of the heavy content in their feeds.” 

Producer Mikee Tucker says “the goal was to create a unique and genuine message that connected people through the lense of music. The safety of Māori communities is our primary concern, followed closely by getting the music industry and Aotearoa back on track.”

Funded by Te Puni Kōkiri (via its Karawhiua campaign), Te Māngai Pāho & Wero Hauora Immunisation Alliance (WeroHIA), the aim of ‘Tō Uru Raumati, Have Yours?’ is to educate and protect.

For more information see https://karawhiua.nz/summer-pass

Featured in alphabetical order:

Awatea Wihongi from Maimoa at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
Hamo Dell at the Tuning Fork, Auckland
JessB at the Auckland Town Hall
Ka Hao at Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae, Gisborne
Paige at Western Springs, Auckland
Ria Hall at Wharepai Domain, Tauranga
Theia outside the Whammy Bar, K Rd
DJ Sir-Vere at a nightclub in Wellington
Joel Shadbolt from L.A.B, in his garage, Tauranga
Kings at Eden Park, Auckland
Laughton Kora at the Bay Court Theatre, Tauranga
Logan Bell from Katchafire at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
Maaka Pohatu at Spark Arena, Auckland
PDigsss from Shapeshifter at Rhythm & Alps sign, Wanaka
Pere Wihongi from Maimoa at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
Rei at the Tuning Fork, Auckland
Rob Ruha at Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae, Gisborne
Stan Walker at the Whanganui Opera House
Te Aorere Pewhairangi at Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae, Gisborne
Teeks at the Civic Theatre, Auckland
Troy Kingi at the Turner Centre, Kerikeri

“On top of all the medication I take to keep myself healthy, I’ve taken the Pfizer vaccine to help stop the spread of Covid. I have the choice of staying home for god knows how long a few times a year OR the choice of getting a Pfizer vaccine to keep myself and others protected when I’m around them. Let’s do our part in moving forward and helping look after each other.” - Paige 

"I want to be excited about a future where I can see & hug my whaanau & friends, where I can play gigs & go to see others play gigs. And most importantly, I want to make sure it’s safe for our most vulnerable to do the same. That’s why I’m vaccinated, and why I urge others who aren’t, to consider it." - Theia 

“I got vaxxed to protect my whānau, my friends, my whakapapa and my tinana. We Māori have always used new technologies for the betterment of our own people, whether it was through writing, new cultivation techniques or medicine. The vaccine is no different!' - Rei

"We want to keep people safe, we want to be able to play events and we also just want to be friendly as well, because I think there are quite a few people out there that maybe have made up their mind or think they have a view on not getting vaccinated or something like that. It's important to be open and still communicate with those people in a calm way and listen and find out why are they thinking that and what their fears are... and tell them that it's okay if you decide to get vaccinated, it's okay, it's not like you've sort of reneged on some integrity." - Sam Trevethick (Shapeshifter)

Freedom - Devon Welch releases last single before album release and it couldn’t have come at a better time

With the ongoings of late taking up far too much of everyone’s time and energy to simply live the lives we were born to lead, the final track on the upcoming album ‘Journey to Freedom’ says it all. Born from the staggering hardship and tragic heartbreak ensued by Devon over and over, (back story to come) this is the “we made it” statement of a battle well fought to find a certain level of enlightenment for that time. 

Branching from this into the current climate - as Nikau Te Huki (Casual Healing, H4lfcāst) says in his ripper of a verse “protect your sovereignty”. This song chants for you to stand up for your rights that are continually thwarted as history shows us, have courage to go against the grain and not follow the masses, be brave enough to look yourself in the eye and pull some of those ‘negative’ feelings we hold about ourselves and situations we’ve experienced throughout life and give them the love and acceptance that they deserve. For you will only feel better, lighter, and free. 

Being the triumphant anthem of not only a country but the human race at large, this timely record captures the essence of what it means to follow your path and intuition. 

What is right for one person might not be right for the next and we are all free to make decisions for ourselves, regardless of anything or anyone that suggests otherwise. The funniest thing is that often in times we don’t actually understand what it is that we truly want... begging the question. When does a want become a need? Or is it the other way round?

To me 'freedom' is more than just a word, it's a feeling; a complete state of being.  Freedom allows you to be your unique self. To have experiences through expression and growth, through experience. Music is my vehicle in a journey of freedom for not only my body, but my mind, and my soul. Music allows me to be free. I am forever grateful, and I am also grateful to all of you who are a part of this journey. The journey to which this song is an embodiment of. Feel free to listen and share, I hope you enjoy 'Freedom' as much as I do

NOVEMBER MEMBERS ONLY SESSION - Spotify

The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa are pleased to announce the November Members Online Session and its a good one! We are excited to welcome Hannah Brewer and Jonathan Harrison from Spotify AUNZ.

 Spotify is the world’s most popular music streaming service with a community of 381 million users, including 172 million subscribers, across 178 markets. Spotify is the largest driver of revenue to the music business today. 

HANNAH BREWER 

Editor, Spotify AUNZ

 Hannah is an Editor at Spotify where she is responsible for providing opportunities for Australian and New Zealand artists to be discovered amongst our local and global audiences on Spotify. She develops our playlist ecosystems through strategic programming, creating new opportunities for audiences to connect with artists that suit their listening needs. Hannah also has a keen interest in Spotify’s diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, driving our creator-focussed programs EQUAL and RADAR. Prior to Spotify, Hannah worked in Music Promotion at NZ On Air.

JONATHAN HARRISON

Artist & Label Partnership Lead, Spotify AUNZ
Jono is the Artist & Label Partnership Lead at Spotify, responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the artist community and their labels, enabling stronger value exchange to ultimately connect audiences and artists, empowering the local creative community. Prior to Spotify, Jono held a number of roles in music and radio, including Mushroom Group and also several years at triple j, where he produced Like A Version and was Executive Producer of Breakfast with Matt and Alex. 

Date: Tuesday 16th November

Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm

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

RSVP essential as spaces are limited .

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.

Pasifika youth group BODIES OF ART release track ‘Our Narrative’!

To empower other disabled pasifika youth and raise awareness.

Talofa lava, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Introducing BODIES OF ART, a group of disabled Pasifika youth who were brought together by MacMaya Consulting Limited, thanks to Le Va and the Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund, to create the track ’Our Narrative’. The track & video aims to empower Pasifika disabled youth and shed more awareness and light on some of their challenges.

“The name ‘Bodies of Art’ transpired from communicating the entire process “virtually,” as in, different bodies contributing to the art. Highlighting that we are simply upcoming artists eager to create works of art to share. Not only are we producing a work of art, but we are art “embodied”. Despite our disabilities we grow through the beauty of creativity.” - Maretta

Maretta Brown, Ziah Fue, Kassi Scarlett and Jayke Homarirangi Hope were all asked to be a part of this project to create the track. Ese Aumalesulu of Tejit Records reached out to each of the individuals.
A couple of the members jumped on the project before knowing what it was fully about and became inspired to contribute when they found out more. With each member of Bodies of Art having a different musical background, this was something different to what they would normally work on and they had to also adapt to the current lockdown situation in Aotearoa, but they were happy to do it.

“As a collective we bring a range of skills, backgrounds and talent combined. This opportunity has enabled us to express our emotions, messages and our narratives with not only our pacific communities but the world.
We worked on every aspect from arranging parts and ideas, to recording individual pieces. I am really proud that in our current circumstances of lockdown, we were able to unite and create positivity and a special message through the gift of music. “ – Maretta

Due to lockdown, a lot of this project was discussed and created via messenger voice communication. The group contributed ideas for themes and Kassi’s recommendation, which became the key theme was “Be part of my story, and not my story. Walk with us and not for us.” The video depicts Kassi Scarlett on a journey in the Auckland CBD with images of the group shown throughout to show it isn’t just one person on this journey or who feels this way.

Tomorrow People ‘Can’t Nobody’

After an extremely busy 2021 writing and releasing 10 new songs and two Te Reo Māori tracks, Tomorrow People enter November with something very different.

They have gone for a stripped-back acoustic feel that features only a single vocal and two guitars.

“If you take away all the bells and whistles and the song still sounds good, then you’ve got yourself a great song,” says Tomorrow People’s Avina Kelekolio.

‘Can’t Nobody’ was co-written with reggae artist Sammy Johnson and it talks about a relationship that’s gone wrong. Vocalist Fredwyn Kisona sings his heart out to an ex-partner that’s already moved on.

Listen to ‘Can’t Nobody’ here

www.tomorrowpeople.co.nz

www.linktr.ee/tomorrowppl