JT+Agnostics 'One and One'
One and One is the first release from JT+Agnostics, but far from their first foray into the music scene. John Thomson, who leads the band, has been playing and gigging since the early 1970’s. A savvy bass player and singer/songwriter with an ironic touch, he makes a canny quick-witted job of fronting the band.
One and One is the first release from JT+Agnostics but far from their first foray into the music scene.
John Thomson, who leads the band, has been playing and gigging since the early 1970’s. A savvy bass player and singer/songwriter with an ironic touch, he makes a canny quick-witted job of fronting the band.
Thomson describes ‘One and One’ as somewhat autobiographical, “the inevitable demise of a relationship when one member wants it to be open, and that’s not what the other wants.” ‘One and One’ is a kind of New Orleans blues – with a bouncy groove with a few more chord changes than a conventional 12 bar blues.
Thomson started playing music in the Waitakeres, in his late 20’s, and became part of the regular line-up performing at the infamous Globe Tavern. In 1990 his band JT and the Bluebenders (with Brett Neilsen, Graeme Webb and John Key) were playing at the Gluepot and in walked Joe Walsh who asked if he could join them!
Thomson teamed up with Maciek Hrybowicz, a Kiwi jazz guitarist, originally from Poland in 2020 and they formed JT+Agnostics.
This unorthodox musical partnership, with the combination of blues and jazz plus the witty lyrics make for Kiwicana blues – blues you CAN believe.
John is often joined on vocals by his daughter Holly Shepheard.
The last stanza of musical life can be the most creative and the most joyful and fun. JT+Agnostics is about that - original songs and the cream of the blues songbook played with simpatico band members.
John Thomson
John grew up central Auckland City as the only child (in the block!). Sang all 4 parts soprano/alto/tenor/bass in the chapel choir at Dilworth School and really discovered playing music with others in the Waitakeres in his late 20’s.
He found Globe Tavern fame for a year with a punky blues band. Played a lot of corporate, pub and party gigs but always had undercover and underpaid bands.
Played once with Joe Walsh – he walked into the Gluepot when JT was playing there.
Most recently he has discovered the joy of playing with Holly Shepheard, his daughter.
Maciek Hrybowicz
Maciek is a New Zealand guitarist born in Poland. After spending much of his life in London he moved to New Zealand where he lives with his wife. He currently composes and records his own music, produces records for Kiwi artists, plays live music in and around Aotearoa and has performed at several jazz and blues music festivals.
Maciek’s solo album AWA (https://maciekmusic.com/about-awa/), inspired by the beauty of his adopted home and indigenous Māori culture, will awaken your senses and become your soundtrack for Aotearoa New Zealand.
About JT+Agnostics
JT+Agnostics are a New Zealand/Waikato band fronted by bassist and song writer John Thomson who together with guitarist/producer Maciek Hrybowicz have written and recorded a selection of blues-based songs.
There’s a sense in NZ of an orthodoxy about playing “the blues” or “authentic blues”. The blues has grown from its roots in the USA to take root around the world in different places and sprout in different ways. We call our version Kiwicana blues – blues you CAN believe.
JT+Agnostics are joined by Bill Forrest on sax and Neil Reynolds on drums, and often include Holly Shepheard on vocals as well as Freddy Limbert on drums.
Sam Heselwood continues his outstanding run of form with his introspective new release, ‘Don’t Speak’.
Ōtautahi based Sam Heselwood returns with the stirring new single ‘Don’t Speak’. Following the success of his previous single ‘18’, which Charted at No.4 on The Official Top 20 Hot NZ Singles and 29 on the Top 40 Singles, Heselwood once again strikes gold with ‘Don’t Speak’.
Ōtautahi based Sam Heselwood returns with the stirring new single ‘Don’t Speak’. Following the success of his previous single ‘18’, which Charted at No.4 on The Official Top 20 Hot NZ Singles and 29 on the Top 40 Singles, Heselwood once again strikes gold with ‘Don’t Speak’.
‘Don’t Speak’ is another captivating and touching release for Heselwood. Embodying the idea of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone’, ‘Don’t Speak’ was written after the passing of Heselwood’s grandad. Speaking on the track, the artist explains, “after my grandad passed away early last year, I started to reflect on the fact that I never had a lot to do with him. My dad and his dad didn’t get along that well and never really spoke. I started to think about how grateful I am to have the relationship I do with my dad. That’s what sparked the idea to write ‘Don’t Speak’”.
Fluttering synths and warm guitar lines set the perfect platform for Heselwood. Throughout ‘Don’t Speak’, Heselwood puts forth a mesmerising vocal performance. Heselwoods' emotional vocal inflections are mirrored by the heartwarming songwriting that appears on ‘Don’t Speak’. The singer/songwriter once again proves he can deliver an authentic and relatable track.
‘Don’t Speak’ comes at a critical life juncture for Heselwood as he prepares for life-changing surgery. After suffering a debilitating neck injury, the Rugby player turned singer will never be able to play the sport he loves again. Leading up to the surgery, Heselwood had a chance to reflect upon his musical journey so far stating that “if he didn't have the music he wouldn't know what he would do”. ‘Don’t Speak’ arrives at a crossroads for Heselwood, as his dreams of professional rugby are brought to an end. Although tragic, Heselwood is able to find a silver lining through his blossoming music career.
‘Don’t Speak’ continues the lead-up towards Heselwood’s forthcoming EP ‘Bloodline’. The EP explores themes around family and the often complicated relationships that emerge.
‘Don’t Speak’ is another emotionally charged single for Heselwood as he rapidly ascends towards stardom. The 24-year-old recorded the single with producers Will McGillivray (nomad and now GoodWill) and Josh Logan at LOHO Studios. “It was pretty eye-opening. Being in a room with such talented people collaborating and watching them work, especially when they would get excited over little ideas and the song itself was pretty humbling,” says Heselwood.
Influenced by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, Sam Heselwood’s single and upcoming project is nothing short of breathtaking. The definition of a humble kiwi lad, Heselwood is trying to break down boundaries through his music. Fighting the stigma that ‘men don’t cry’, Sam Heselwood isn’t afraid to expose his inner feelings to help others.
With the support from SOLE Music Academy and an EP expected in August, the future looks bright for Sam Heselwood.
“Support acts are important, just as the main act is. This was proved when Sam Heselwood took to the stage and blew the unsuspecting audience away with his vocals, presence and calming demeanour.” ASHLEA HARRIS Welcome to the GIG Review
RECENT SUCCESS
Selected for Locals Only on ZM
Selected for New Tracks
Charted at No.4 on The Official Top 20 Hot NZ Singles and 29 on the Top 40 Hot NZ Singles
Supported Jaz Paterson on her debut NZ tour.
MISSY releases mesmerising live performance video for 'How it feels to be loved on your worst day'
A one shot, one take, live performance of the song How it feels to be loved despite your flaws on your worst day.
A one shot, one take, live performance of the song How it feels to be loved despite your flaws on your worst day. Recorded and filmed by Christian Tjandrawinata at Parachute Studios, Auckland. Written and performed by MISSY (aka Abigail Knudson) with piano performed by Edward Liu (@edyonthebeat).
The Ex-Best Thing
I Want You To Love is a standalone single written to order for TVNZ 2's new reality dating show, The Ex-Best Thing. As The Spinoff says "the show is either incredibly bonkers or absolutely genius. Possibly it’s both. The Ex Best Thing follows former couples as they try to find the perfect match for their ex-partner, based on the highly scientific assumption that no one knows you better than the person you were last romantically involved with. They loved you at your best, they spurned you at your worst. Would you trust your ex to put their own ego aside to find you happiness?"
Listen to 'I Want You To Love' on on Spotify
CubaDupa presents: Whanake Ringapuoro: Artist Development Sessions
Creative Capital Arts Trust and the CubaDupa team are thrilled to announce a series of six free artist development workshops for Wellington musicians, held weekly from 31 May to 5 July 2022, thanks to the support of the New Zealand Music Commission.
Creative Capital Arts Trust and the CubaDupa team are thrilled to announce a series of six free artist development workshops for Wellington musicians, held weekly from 31 May to 5 July 2022, thanks to the support of the New Zealand Music Commission.
Following the cancellation of CubaDupa 2022 and many other music festivals and events due to Covid-19, this is an opportunity for Wellington-based artists to get the lowdown on getting the gig, funding, management, release, touring, and support for Māori music, ahead of the frenzy of festivals and gigs lining up for 2022 and beyond.
Aimed specifically at independent musicians based in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara in the early stages of a career in releasing and performing music, these six free weekly sessions will provide a unique development opportunity in the form of specific music industry education for young and upcoming musicians, access to guest speakers with relevant professional experience, and the chance to network and kōrero with other local musicians.
Starting on Tuesday 31 May and continuing weekly from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Tuesday nights until Tuesday 5 July, these sessions will be held at the Exchange Atrium on 21 Allen street in Te Aro, Wellington and will each focus on a different topic detailed below.
This programme has been developed and will be hosted by CubaDupa’s Artists and Programming team Bianca Bailey (Wiri Donna) and Clark Mathews (DARTZ), and CCAT Nga Toi Māori Director Noel Woods (Grove Roots).
Attendance is completely free with no criteria or barriers to entry, however participants are asked to register their interest through CubaDupa’s website at www.cubadupa.co.nz. Attendees can register for as many of the workshops as they wish, and any questions can be directed to CubaDupa via email at artists@cubadupa.co.nz.
Reb Fountain IRIS Tour 2022, Releases new video
With touring plans curtailed in 2021, Reb Fountain welcomes the opportunity to bring IRIS to life with her band in 2022.
Today, Reb Fountain returns with a brand new music video, ‘Fisherman’, taken from her critically acclaimed 2021 album IRIS. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s screen tests, Reb Fountain’s 'Fisherman' is directed by Lola Fountain-Best and shot on super 8 film at Reb’s home. Thanks to Creative New Zealand and Made with the support of NZ on Air
Says Reb of the video, “The audition tape offers an odd glimpse of ‘self’; an eery disquiet where it’s unclear whether seeing really is believing. We love working with super 8 and conceptually the ‘screen test’ gave us a chance to explore the many voices in Fisherman.”
With touring plans curtailed in 2021, Reb Fountain welcomes the opportunity to bring IRIS to life with her band in 2022.
Reb shares, “After releasing IRIS in October 2021 we were all set to tour the album and like so many of our musical peers, plans got curtailed then cancelled. I’m so excited to share with you that we’re bringing IRIS on the road - for real, it’s happening, let’s go. Dave, Karin, Earl and I can’t wait to play for you, to do the work we love and to share our record, finally! These shows have been a long time coming and we’re all grateful for your patience and perseverance, we promise to bring you’ve everything we’ve got - see you real soon xxx reb”
Reb will be joined on the IRIS tour* by Tāmaki Makaurau Neo-Folk Artist Jazmine Mary (*All shows except Auckland's Elemental Nights).
Says Reb on Jazmine Mary, “I admire Jazmine Mary’s work and am honoured that they’ll be joining us on our tour. I’m looking forward to introducing them to our audiences“
Reb and band have been astounding audiences around the country since the release of her criticality acclaimed, award-winning 2020 eponymous album. Renowned for her spellbinding live performances, Reb’s IRIS tour is a show you don’t want to miss.
Book your passage, and join Reb Fountain and band for these exclusive performances, premiering her highly anticipated new album IRIS along with other favourite material.
Friday 22 July - Hamilton - Nivara Lounge +
Saturday 23 July - Tauranga - Totara Street +
Friday 29 July - Auckland - Town Hall (As Part Of Elemental Nights) *
Wednesday 17 August - Dunedin - Glenroy Theatre *
Thursday 18 August - Christchurch - Isaac Theatre *
Saturday 20 August - Wellington - The Opera House *
Friday 26 August - Gisborne - The Dome +
Saturday 27 August - Hastings - ToiToi Opera House =
*Tickets for Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellintgon shows via Live Nation
Live Nation & Ticket Master Presale: Friday, 20 May, 12pm - Monday 23 May, 11 am
General Public On Sale: Monday 23 May, 12 pm
+Tickets for Hamilton, Tauranga, Gisborne & Hastings on sale from Reb Fountain.co.nz
General Public On sale: Friday, 20 May, 12 pm
=Tickets for Hastings
General Public On sale: Monday 23 May, 12 pm
In October 2021, Reb Fountain released IRIS, her sophomore album via Flying Nun Records, to critical acclaim. Martin Aston from MOJO magazine called Reb "New Zealand's next alt-folk sensation", awarding IRIS 4 stars while New Zealand's Metro Magazine enthused "The album is compulsively listenable, integrating both deft lightness and a darkness freighted with complexity and experimentation."
On release, IRIS debuted at #1 on the New Zealand Album Charts and #3 on the New Zealand Top 40 Album Charts.
A perfect extension of her 2020 self-titled album, IRIS elevates Reb Fountain’s music to new heights. Here, Reb effortlessly combines pop elements with her trademark noir folk-punk sound, weaving authentic and anthemic tunes that create an instant and indelible impression.
"Her new album, Iris, is full of understated and beautiful melodies" - Graham Reid, New Zealand Listener.
"From the moment you press play, it (IRIS) envelops you." — Karl Pushmann, VIVA New Zealand Herald.
Her 2020 album Reb Fountain won the 2021 Taite Music Prize, was shortlisted for the Silver Scroll award for her song ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am', and the album Reb Fountain was nominated for five New Zealand Music Awards; Album of the Year, Best Alternative, Best Solo Artist, Best Album Artwork and Best Engineer. IRIS is nominated for a 2022 Taite Music Prize.
The award-winning songwriter, Reb Fountain, is a consummate recording artist and performer; spell-bounding audiences with her music and artistry alike. Throughout 2020, Reb and her all-star band astounded audiences around the country on her sold-out album release tour, joined Crowded House on their 13 date, ‘To The Island Tour’, performed at Splore, honoured the great Nick Cave at the sold-out Auckland Town Hall show, ‘The Boy Next Door', and knocked it out of the park at the Flying Nun 40th Anniversary gala.
Reb Fountain is a star of our Aotearoa music scene.
Reb was born in San Francisco and immigrated with her family from North America to Lyttelton — the quiet port town out of Christchurch that’s been fundamental to New Zealand’s alt-folk scene, raising artists like Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding, and Delaney Davidson.
Tāmaki Makaurau’s Substax announce release of 2nd album Linear Shift on 27 May 2022.
Linear Shift is exactly that, a linear evolution which sees the seasoned act widening their musical gamut but also staying true to their focus to produce evocative electronic soul music, with a 15 track new album for May 2022.
Linear Shift is exactly that, a linear evolution which sees the seasoned act widening their musical gamut but also staying true to their focus to produce evocative electronic soul music, with a 15 track new album for May 2022.
Substax are genre bending pioneers of electro soul and breakbeat, renowned both for their downtempo epic downbeat as well as breakbeat influenced club tracks. The act is the audio duo of producer, Nick Farrands and vocalist/producer Claudia Gunn.
Their debut album Electro Soul Plane, recently available on streaming services for the first time, was originally released (on CD) in 2005 through Sugarlicks Recordings Aotearoa.
The album launch for Linear Shift begins with a retro visualiser video for downbeat atmospheric funk track Computer Seeks Computer
The album has been mastered largely by Metropolis Studios, London (8 tracks) and Nick Farrands of Substax (5 tracks). The album artwork and visualisers are made by Claudia Gunn of Substax, and the tracks are a mix of Farrands’ spacious and atmospheric instrumentals and Gunn/Farrands dance/pop cowrites.
The album will be released on all major streaming and download platforms via Substax distributor DRM NZ, on May 27 2022
Mazbou Q delivers the new brass heavy Hip Hop anthem ‘Go and Be Free’
Harking back to his career defining sonic roots of West African Highlife under previous moniker “Unchained XL”, Aotearoa New Zealand based artist and producer Mazbou Q delivers the new brass heavy Hip hop anthem, ‘Go and Be Free’.
"a creative who has built a career on inclusivity, not exclusivity, because success to him is about being with his people."- Re:
Harking back to his career defining sonic roots of West African Highlife under previous moniker “Unchained XL”, Aotearoa New Zealand based artist and producer Mazbou Q delivers the new brass heavy Hip hop anthem, ‘Go and Be Free’. Fusing Fela Kuti style soundscapes with modern 808 based production, Mazbou Q inspires his audience to dance through hardship by telling the story of how he found joy within deep loss.
Mazbou Q references his Nigerian heritage as he describes how the contrast of celebration and pain is at the heart of the song. “In my culture, we find ways to be joyous in the midst of deep pain. Our funerals, for example, are huge celebrations with singing, dancing and food because they are celebrations of a life once had. This song at its core is likewise about celebrating the good times with somebody, whilst saying a painful goodbye”.
The track is accompanied by a music video directed by Gal Hochman, capturing a fictional intimate live performance by Mazbou Q and band, with cinematography and colour grading reminiscent of “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic. The video focuses on a couple who are unsuspectingly impacted by the song’s relevance to their situation.
Mazbou Q explains that although it’s a couple being depicted in the video, it’s not necessarily a romantic relationship being spoken to by the song itself. “Whether it’s a couple calling it quits, a parent bidding farewell to their child moving out of home, or two good friends deciding to go their separate ways - most of us know what it is like to say goodbye when we really don’t want to. The song is to remind people that although it hurts, there’s always an opportunity to find the beauty in it”
PRINS On the low (shh!)
New Zealand's next breakout star returns with her biggest flex to date. Riding high on the success of “That’s the thing x”, PRINS exudes confidence and sass as she explores the adolescent fantasies of a forbidden relationship with “On the low (shh!)”.
New Zealand's next breakout star returns with her biggest flex to date. Riding high on the success of “That’s the thing x”, PRINS exudes confidence and sass as she explores the adolescent fantasies of a forbidden relationship with “On the low (shh!)”.
The latest offering from PRINS follows career high benchmarks set by “That’s the thing x”. The song written with Marlon Gerbes (SIX60) secured #3 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart, #33 on the Global Hot Singles Chart, it helped her achieve her first rotate position on all 3 of NZs biggest national radio stations and garnered the attention of major labels all around the world.
“On the low (shh!)” combines the attitude of Miley Cyrus and Tove Lo with the finesse of Dua Lipa in a way that is unequivocally PRINS. Delving into themes of self indulgence and excess in the form of a destructive but completely addictive relationship, PRINS continues to explore the darker sides of her psyche while giving light to fantasies the rest of us could never articulate. “My dark side says that you've been here before, Is that right? Better (shh) if I was you, I'd keep it down on the low” “I'll know when I've had enough, So please don't say it's personal, Our secret's never safe and I like it like that”.
Written with New Zealand’s own Drax Project, “On the low (shh!)” was produced by LA based House of Wolf and mixed by award-winning engineer Pierre-Olivier Couturier, both of whom have worked with American pop songstress Carlie Hanson. Grammy Award-winning engineer Chris Gehringer also graced the track with his mastering expertise, having worked with the likes of international hitmakers Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga and Lil Nas X
After cultivating her unique brand of electro-pop throughout 2021 PRINS is undeniably positioned as New Zealand’s next pop powerhouse.