Liv Tennet releases her debut single “I’m Already Gone”

I’m Already Gone is dream-pop toe-tapper about the struggle that is helping someone who won’t help themselves, and the freedom that comes with knowing when to walk away.

Inspired by the rhythm of Archie Bell & The Drells and Pat Thomas, sonically it's a mixture of UMO and Herb Alpert, and has the songwriter sensibilities of Aldous Harding and Mac DeMarco.

“I like the juxtaposition of an upbeat melody and instrumental paired with slightly heavy material - I wanted to create something people could dance to, even if dancing is the last thing they feel like doing.”

Listen HERE

Recorded and produced by Tom Broome in his West Auckland studio, it features a stellar line-up of performers and technicians:

Bass: Chip Matthews

Electric Guitar: Jason Herbert

Drums/Percussion/Trumpet/Nylon String Guitar: Tom Broome

Vocals/Piano/Synths: Liv Tennet

Engineer: Tom Broome

Mixing: Tom Broome

Mastering: Chris Chetland

Artwork/design: Olivia Coote

Photography: Dean O’Gorman

About Liv

Liv Tennet has been performing professionally as a musician, actor and dancer in NZ for over

20 years. A child actor, she had a prolific career from the age of 7, with iconic roles in shows like Xena, The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers, Maddigan’s Quest and critically acclaimed short film Watermark, for which she won Best Actress at the NZ TV and Film Awards aged 9, propelling her into a career in show business.

A genuine triple threat, she sings Don McGlashan's songs alongside Jemaine Clement in the award-winning, animated kids’ show Kiri & Lou, has choreographed and danced in music videos by Naked & Famous, DUAL, The Miltones and San Holo, and acted on screen in 800 Words, Why Does Love? (The Dance Exponents biopic), and most recently opposite comedy icons Jason Hoyte and Mike Minogue in TVNZ’s Talkback.

Now 30, a mother, and a few years back from the hustle of LA, Tennet has something to say with her music. Written and produced with her partner, music producer/drummer Tom Broome (Tami Neilson/TEEKS/Home Brew/Aaradhna), her music evokes her life long record collection.

Her first single ‘I’m Already Gone' is out now

Spotify / Instagram / YouTube

TAMI NEILSON UNITES WITH WILLIE NELSON FOR “BEYOND THE STARS”

EMOTIONALLY CHARGED DUET HERALDS ACCLAIMED COUNTRY SOUL SINGER-SONGWRITER’S GAME-CHANGING FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM - KINGMAKER, ARRIVING ON FRIDAY, JULY 15th 2022

Award-winning country soul singer-songwriter Tami Neilson has joined forces with the legendary Willie Nelson for the emotionally charged new single “Beyond The Stars,” available today.

Listen / Download Here Spotify / Apple Music / iTunes

Watch the official music video – featuring exclusive footage filmed last month at Austin, TX’s SXSW Music Festival and Nelson’s world famous Luck Reunion in Luck, TX :

“Beyond The Stars” heralds Neilson’s fifth studio album, KINGMAKER, due via Southbound Distribution in New Zealand, on Friday, July 15.

A timeless country duet (described by Willie himself as reminding him of “Patsy Cline meets Marty Robbins”), “Beyond The Stars” was born of grief, capturing Neilson’s pain at the loss of her father and her longing to be with him once again.

“Having Willie be the voice of my father in this duet is just something beyond my wildest dreams,” Neilson says.

“I cried for three days after it was recorded, listening to it and thinking about how absolutely overwhelmed and proud my Dad, a musician and a huge Willie Nelson fan, would have been.”

As noted, last month saw Neilson lighting up SXSW with a series of dynamic show-stopping performances, including a live performance alongside Nelson at his 10th anniversary Luck Reunion event, the latter captured in a new short film, “TAMI NEILSON’S UNBELIEVABLE ONCE IN A LIFETIME OUT OF BODY AMAZING EXPERIENCE AT LUCK REUNION,” streaming now HERE.

Recorded at Roundhead Studios, KINGMAKER marks Neilson’s most provocative and powerful collection to date.

Fueled by the world-changing events of the past two years, the album’s songs expose and explode the patriarchal structures that pervade the music industry, family life, and society as a whole. While Neilson has previously explored these themes on such acclaimed albums as 2018’s SASSAFRASS! (hailed by PopMatters as “a potent social and political statement dressed up in catchy melodies and infectious choruses that sometimes belie the more serious elements taking place deep within the choruses.”), the new album draws these challenging ideas out even further, shining a dramatic musical light on what the late bell hooks referred to as “the politics of domination” that render women nameless and voiceless.

Songs like “Baby, You’re A Gun” and the cinematic title track see Neilson giving her own resonant voice to women everywhere – to their strength, power, fierceness, and resilience in the face of structural and cultural barriers to their full participation in society.

Born in Toronto, Tami Neilson has been performing for as long as she can remember, first alongside her parents and brothers in the Canadian country music family band, The Neilsons. From being cradled as a baby in the arms of Roy Orbison, singing with Kitty Wells at the age of 10, and opening for Johnny Cash in her pajamas at 18, she had already led an extraordinary life before leaving North America in 2007 to start her own family on the other side of the world in New Zealand, where she has resided ever since. It was there Neilson forged her own artistic path as a critically acclaimed solo artist and songwriter, ultimately earning wide-ranging applause and myriad NZ-based awards for her booming vocal power and inventive, strikingly personal approach to country, rockabilly, and soul. 2020’s CHICKABOOM! proved her most internationally praised work thus far, with No Depression declaring, “Neilson’s phrasing is impeccable…she gets inside the song, turns it inside and out, and makes it her own. She can soar on the rockers, she can deliver the heart-rending ache of a ballad of lost love, and she can capture the playfulness of a schoolyard rhyme with a joyous seriousness.”

With her tireless work ethic, seemingly infinite musical gifts, and subversive songwriting approach, Tami Neilson has already found extraordinary success on her own terms.

Now, with the groundbreaking KINGMAKER, she takes her music and message even further, using her one-of-a-kind voice to rattle cages and change the game for those who have been denied their rightful place at the table for far too long.

TAMI NEILSON - KINGMAKER TOUR DATES

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

30 July Auckland, Aotea Centre, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Chamber Music New Zealand

3 August New Plymouth Theatre Royal

10 August Wellington Opera House

13 August Tauranga Baycourt

17 August Nelson Theatre Royal

18 August Dunedin Regent Theatre

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra

20 August Christchurch Douglas Lilburn, Christchurch Town Hall

Ticket info www.tamineilson.com

TAMI NEILSON

WEBSITE / SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BANDCAMP

Tami Neilson “Kingmaker” - out July 15th CD,LP (Southbound Distribution) and all Digital Platforms

LOUIS BAKER releases new single + video Kapakapa featuring Kings

Wellington based singer-songwriter Louis Baker returns in 2022 with his latest single ‘Kapakapa’ (feat. Kings).

The track melds Bakers honey-toned soulful vocals with the distinctive style of multi-platinum Auckland producer / rapper, Kings. Accompanying the release today is a playful visualizer featuring both performers, created by animator Jade Paynter.

Produced by Rory Noble, ‘Kapakapa’ is a fluid union of Te Reo Māori and English language vocals, modern hip-hop / beats and vintage synthesiser soul — set against a straight / swung drum pattern straight out of the J Dilla playbook.

Written at the inaugural APRA Reo Māori SongHubs at Waimārama Marae, Louis (Ngā Puhi) spent the day writing with Kings (Tuhoe, Te Arawa), globally connected Palmerston North producer / artist Rory Noble (Parihaka, Ngāti Kahukura-Korokī) and Te Reo Māori translator and songwriter Te Kuru o te Marama Dewes (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rangitihi).

“Kapakapa is about the heart that continues to beat for your one true love, and is likened to a butterfly and the flutter of its wings. “Mōu ēnei ringa” (These hands are for you) encapsulates what the song is about” says Louis of the song.

‘When you have a powerhouse room preloaded with Louis, Rory Noble on the tools and translated by Te Kuru Dewes, it kind of makes it easy to create magic, and I think we did that.” says Kings of the session.

For Te Kuru, sitting in a wharenui at the foot of the mountain on the coast of Waimārama, was a perfect vibe.  “Louis conjured the innovative idea to alternate from Māori to English, and for the lines not to be literal translations but a continuous story,” he explains. “This bilingual style makes Te Reo more accessible, but at the same time challenges listeners to learn the meaning behind the words, buried beneath the sauce.”

‘Kapakapa’ is the second single from Baker and King’s session at the Waimārama writing camp.  The first single Overdrive released in 2021 and secured the #1 spot on the Hot NZ Singles Chart. It has clocked over 1.3 million Spotify streams to date.

Following on from his 5-track EP Love Levitates (2021) and his first reo rua (bi-lingual) single, ‘Te Utu of Te Aroha’ (2021), ‘Kapakapa’ proves that there is no limit to Louis Baker’s sonic mastery or the depth to his lyrics. 

Stay tuned for more Louis Baker this year.

Made with the support of NZ On Air Te Māngai Pāho.

'TURN THE LIGHTS OUT' - ASH SUPÉ & INDY SKIES

Auckland’s Indy Skies teams up with Wellington native Ash Supé to hit us with the raunchy and vibrant collaboration “Turn The Lights Out”.

Both artists are fresh faces making waves in the New Zealand music scene. Skies saw early success with a Drum & Bass hit boasting an appearance on the coveted UKF alongside TWERL and Ekko & Sidetrack - and now shifts gears to meet Supé on a dreamy hip hop duet.

The song is the soundtrack for modern romance. Nothing is held back as the pair share the story of two friends turned lovers, bringing the phrase ‘sneaky link’ to life. Together, Skies and Supé blend authentically, sharing wavy melodies and audacious one-liners throughout, coming together to harmonize on the final chorus in a worthy climax.

Keep tabs on these up and coming talents as they continue to develop their sound and push further into the Spotlight - we predict the lights certainly won’t be turning out for Indy Skies and Ash Supé.

MISSY releases Part III of the Ekpyrosis story

Single out this Friday 15th April.

Bucking the modern music trend of singles without context, MISSY (aka Abigail Knudson) is pleased to announce the third instalment of the Ekpyrosis quartet suite, a body of tunes about love in the apocalypse. Tourniquet is the acceptance phase, and the confusing shift into acknowledging a new love.

“I produced and mixed Tourniquet on my own, as well as playing a bit of cello. I love a bit of organized mess in music, and it wasn't until I sped it up about 30bpm that everything fell into place,” explains MISSY.

”I wanted to create a sort of confident chaos, lyrically and sonically. I'm sure the phrase 'Tourniquet my pulse, or they will hear it beating louder' makes zero-sense medically, but it works emotionally. Everything has a touch of ugly… plus a touch of oomph”.

Presave link for Tourniquet - release date this Friday 15 April

CHECK IN WITH SOUNDCHECK

Kia ora e te whānau

We hope you’re doing well during these challenging times.  We know it's been a hard time for many in the music community.

However we also know that many of you are getting back to collaborating and meeting in person and those in the live music sector are planning for tours, festivals and shows in the future.

We wanted to send a reminder of the resources available on our website, and update you on our ongoing work.

If you are planning any shows, tours, rehearsals, recording sessions or industry events, now is a great time to check out the resources we presented at the end of last year, which are all available through our website.

These were created in collaboration with many experienced people in the live music sector, as well as managers, producers, and artists, and they're designed to help keep everyone safe, respected, and included, in particular in preventing and responding to sexual harassment and harm in our workplaces.
 

EXPLORE THE WEBSITE AND RESOURCES

SoundCheck Website Resources

On our website you can find:

• a range of prevention resources including posters, policies, and templates

• guidelines and a flowchart in responding to reports of sexual harm, handling incidents, and complaints

• external resolution options (including mediation and restorative processes)

• support services available for those who have experienced sexual harm (and their supporters)

• support services for those who are accused of or have done sexual harm (and their supporters)

• support available for businesses who are dealing with issues of sexual harassment

We’re excited to be spreading the word about the new resources and ideas on how to use them.  If you have questions or feedback on the resources, or you would like to arrange a zoom session to discuss them, please get in touch via info@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz.  You can also look out for us in the Music Commission May Book and (for those in Tāmaki Makaurau) at the Music Month Summit in May.
 
Professional Respect Training
 
We are also continuing training in 2022. We had to pause Professional Respect last year due to COVID, but the training will be back from June – both as in-person training days, and online modules as an alternative for those who prefer not to meet face to face, or who are based outside the main centres. Stay tuned for news about dates for in person and online sessions.

We are also continuing to support and collaborate with others in the music community doing harm prevention projects.  Please get in contact if you’d like to discuss a project with us or you are looking for advice or guidance.

Finally, as a team we’ve been reflecting on the past couple of years and our journey from launching in November 2020 alongside the Amplify Aotearoa research, to where we are today.  We even created a timeline on our website for those who want to check it out.
 
Kia kaha, take care.

SoundCheck Aotearoa

Turkey the Bird WTF album release tour

The New Zealand folk trio “Turkey The Bird” started their nationwide album release tour on the South Island this week to celebrate the release of their sophomore album “When Turkeys Fly”.
After a very successful, chart topping debut album release tour in 2021, they are back with an array of new quirky songs packed into an energetic, lively and humorous live show.

The first week of their nationwide release tour will include shows in the following places:

Thursday 14th April Le Cafe in Picton

Friday 15th April Secret show in Lincoln

Saturday 16th April A rolling stone in Christchurch

Sunday 17th April Grand Hotel in Akaroa

Monday 18th April Music down by the River Kaiapoi

Tuesday 19th April Old Lodge Theatre Hokitika

Wednesday 20th April Last Resort Karamea

Thursday 21st April Murchison Theatre

"Turkey The Bird" will remind you of the famous Margarita cocktail infused with a hint of "Simon & Garfunkel", 2 ounces of "Mumford and Sons", a splash of banjo and served on ice on a sunny day. Catchy folk songs with stunning rich melodies and effortless smooth lyrics. Songs that tell uplifting stories about love and life.
Hailing from the New Zealand left coast town New Plymouth, this uplifting band will hit you with beautiful three part harmonies and toe tapping rhythms.
The bearded trio features Andre Manella from Switzerland on guitar, bass and percussion, Adrian Whelan from Ireland on guitar, mandolin, bass and spoons, and Sol Bear Coulton, the token kiwi, on Banjo and slide guitar.

"injects hoedown-showdown fun, fun, fun and the harmonies shine like diamonds." (Paul Cook, Joyzine UK)

"and this is plain brilliant." (Kev Rowland, Muzic.net.nz)

“I am not going to lie, this is my new favourite band of 2021. (Chris Chick, Muzic.net.nz)

2022 Pacific Music Awards

The Pacific Music Awards Trust is very happy to announce that the 2022 Pacific Music Awards will be held on Thursday 4 August, at the Vodafone Events Centre, Auckland, Aotearoa. The awards will celebrate Pacific music, bringing our communities together to honour our Pacific music artists.
The Pacific Music Awards Trust affirms their commitment to the awards and Pacific music. The Trust has observed the strength of our artists and communities during these challenging times and want to honour their resilience, by hosting the annual awards event. We are proud of the online awards we have presented in the last two years and we hope we can return to a live event this year. The Trust sincerely thanks all the sponsors, funders and the team that work on the awards event, for their dedication to the Pacific Music Awards.
Entries for the 2022 Pacific Music Award officially open Monday 11 April and are due by Friday 6 May 2022. Local Pacific artists, i.e. New Zealand citizens/residents, can be nominated for all the entered award categories except for the Best International Pacific Artist Award, which is open to Pacific artists from overseas. The recordings eligible for entry, can be singles, EPs or albums that have been released during the year of 1 January – 31 December 2021.
For all the information about nominations for the 2022 Pacific Music Awards, including the 2022 PMA Terms & Conditions of Entry, please go to the Entries page on the awards website. All nominations for the awards need to be submitted online through the official entry system and the entered categories for the 2022 Pacific awards are as follows:

• Best Pacific Female Artist

• Best Pacific Male Artist

• Best Pacific Group

• Best Pacific Gospel Artist

• Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist

• Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist

• Best Roots/Reggae Artist

• Best Pacific Language

• Best Pacific Song

• Best Pacific Music Video

• Best Producer

• Best International Pacific Artist

• Best Pacific Music Album (Aotearoa Music Award)

If you have any questions about the awards or the nomination process for entries, please contact the Trust on: pacificmusicawardstrust@gmail.com

The Pacific Music Awards Trust are also continuing their Tautua Programme, to provide support to Pacific artists. In the plans are online and in person workshops, providing a bridge between Pacific artists and music industry organisations; as well as mentoring and artist development support for artists. We will also provide assistance to NZ On Air for the New Music Pasifika funding rounds.

Save the date of Thursday 4 August for the 2022 Pacific Music Awards! We are planning a wonderful celebration of Pacific music and look forward to sharing all the details with you over the coming months.