Crushing it! Danica Bryant announces tour & shares new track ‘Crush’
Danica Bryant is building excitement for her EP + national tour with new track ‘Crush’ - a snarky pop track with a rock edge and catchy hook.
Danica Bryant is building excitement for her EP + national tour with new track ‘Crush’ - a snarky pop track with a rock edge and catchy hook.
‘Crush’ is an explosive and super danceable track, but also relentlessly groovy and something you can scream along to. The lyrics are sharply sarcastic and aimed at a specific type of man who thinks he’s better than everyone.
“I like to be quite tongue-in-cheek in my music,” says Danica. “I also find my feminist and sapphic perspective shines through on pretty much everything I write, but it’s overtly apparent on ‘Crush’ - which is about musicians who think their mediocre guitar playing makes them a god, and that it’s not thirty years behind the times to unironically wear leather vests. They’re convinced women are swooning over them, but my supposed crush on them is a whole lot more violent than they might expect!”
The song was recorded, mixed and produced with Jonny Avery under the NZ On Air artist development fund, and mastered by Luke Finlay of Primal Mastering. ‘Crush’ is an excellent introduction to the sonic direction of Danica’s sophomore EP ‘Ego Death’ - which the pop-rock sound runs right through - but beyond the criticisms of others that fill ‘Crush’, the EP has a lot more lyrical and conceptual depth about the artists own identity.
Danica’s Ego Death Tour launches at Valhalla in Wellington on August 31 and wraps up at Darkroom, Christchurch on September 22. Tickets are now available at UTR. GET TICKETS HERE
“Deliciously sweet yet shockingly bitter” (Under The Radar), Danica Bryant is no ordinary songwriter. Danica’s career boasts national accolades from Smokefree Rockquest and Play It Strange, mentorship with Kiwi legend Bic Runga, and a support slot for Elton John on his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. Her 2020 debut EP ‘Cider’ landed her a placement in APRA’s prestigious Songhubs course, whilst follow-up singles ‘Heart Eyes’ and ‘Ready to Bite’ saw her introduction to the NZ Hot Singles Chart. “Venomous” yet “passionate” (Ambient Light), “cynical but emotional” (NZ Musician), it is clear Danica’s inventive sound, personal lyrics, and rich vocals make her a treat for every season. With an EP and national tour, you won’t want to miss a beat from Danica Bryant.
Kora’s “Taraketi”
Kora’s “Taraketi” is a re-recording of their 2004 reggae classic “Politician” in Te Reo Māori, the native tongue of Aotearoa/New Zealand and one of its two official languages.
Kora’s “Taraketi” is a re-recording of their 2004 reggae classic “Politician” in Te Reo Māori, the native tongue of Aotearoa/New Zealand and one of its two official languages.
The song's fundamental question “E taea te where tika, Mō tatou e?” is timeless, and especially poignant in these polarised times – “Can you make a right decision, for all of us?”
The song has become an anthem both home and abroad for the disenfranchised and had already been heard sung, informally translated into Te Reo Māori, before this recording.
Despite the subject matter, it is an upbeat reggae affair, with guitar skanks and floating synths framing it as a song of positive protest via enquiry.
Not pertaining to any one politician or social issue, party or political position, the lyrics of the song ask fundamental questions of the listener, inviting them to consider the role that leaders and politicians play in the world today, and consequently, in their own lives.
Produced by the bands founding members Fran Kora and Dan McGruer, the re-recording has not just been rewritten for the project, Taraketi is a completely fresh take on the original featuring an additional guitar solo from Joel Shadbolt of L.A.B, while that bassline and those harmonies allow the lyrics to shine through classic Kora funky reggae.
It’s here! Tia Ward’s attention-grabbing debut EP ME & ME TOO
ME & ME TOO is the sensational debut EP created by Māori artist Tia Ward (Taranaki, Ngāti Maniapoto). This six-track EP showcases Tia Ward’s on-point vocal and songwriting range - going from upbeat to sultry to rap. This ep has catchy hooks, standout lyrical one-liners, and sync-worthy production - leaving you excited about Tia’s future.
ME & ME TOO is the sensational debut EP created by Māori artist Tia Ward (Taranaki, Ngāti Maniapoto).
This six-track EP showcases Tia Ward’s on-point vocal and songwriting range - going from upbeat to sultry to rap. This ep has catchy hooks, standout lyrical one-liners, and sync-worthy production - leaving you excited about Tia’s future. As far as debut EP’s go, ME & ME TOO is a stand-out.
Previously released is the first track ‘Underwraps’, a punchy hit that Tia says was the base layer for the whole EP; and ‘Paint Dry’, a sweet-sounding and fun pop track with the artist's signature upbeat, tongue-in-cheek sarcasm. “I love to create music that expresses how I feel in the moment,” says Tia. “I have a bit of a sarcastic personality which is reflected in my music.”
The EP’s release single ‘Secret Obsession’ was inspired by Netflix series ‘You’. It tells the sinister story of a psychopath’s unfurling obsession, from the point of view of the psychopath. This track introduces us to the sultry side of Tia’s vocals and has a slight trap, edgy- electronic feel to it.
“I originally wrote ‘Secret Obsession’ in the backseat of my parent's car. Once I finished creating the music, I wanted to write lyrics that were from someone else's perspective - which isn’t something I hadn’t really done before.’
What’s Wrong With Me? is a high-energy track that’ll make you want to jump up and down and thrash your head around. It’s about working through the feeling you get when you’re attracted to someone you feel like you shouldn’t be - a crush you want to shake off.
Panic On The Highway was inspired by Tia’s own stalker story - being followed while driving home one night and those feelings of being unsafe. When writing the song, she tried to think about why the stalker wanted to stalk her, and what their home life would be like. Sonically it’s got an r&b vibe, which brings to life the story and emotions of the track - along with Tia’s rapping, contributing to the panic of the story.
80HD is Tia’s tribute to the golden days of her upbringing and a much-loved genre - 80s dance pop. “I’ve always been a massive fan of 80s music and how it makes me happy, which is why I wanted to write a nostalgic song using instruments that create that sound.”
With a debut ep of this calibre, and so much in the works, Tia Ward is a name you want to remember and an artist you want to follow!
ME & ME TOO
Underwraps
Secret Obsession
What’s Wrong With Me?
Panic On The Highway
80HD
Paint Dry
Bursting with talent and likeability, Tia Ward was born and raised in Hawkes Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand. Growing up in a musical family, singing and performing her whole life, Tia has always had a passion for music and songwriting. When not writing and releasing music, she’s rehearsing and performing with her band, and nearing the end of her third year studying music at Wellington’s Massey University.
Follow Tia Ward!
BLAKE delivers strong message in new single ‘You Don’t Decide’
BLAKE says this song captures her strong and self-assured side, as well as the sensitive and vulnerable parts. “‘You Don't Decide' deals with themes around consent and drawing a line in the sand in terms of treatment received from others, specifically those closest to you. It’s a song about realising your self-worth and detoxifying your life from people who overstep your boundaries.
‘You Don’t Decide’ is the beautifully vulnerable and powerful new track by indie-pop artist BLAKE.
BLAKE says this song captures her strong and self-assured side, as well as the sensitive and vulnerable parts. “‘You Don't Decide' deals with themes around consent and drawing a line in the sand in terms of treatment received from others, specifically those closest to you. It’s a song about realising your self-worth and detoxifying your life from people who overstep your boundaries.
I wrote this song whilst still living in London, mid-2020, during the first year of the pandemic and it stuck with me. I was just waiting to find the right person to help me bring the song to its full potential.” That person turned out to be New Zealand producer/collaborator Ben Malone. “Ben was a pleasure to work with and helped get it to where it needed to be!”
Sonically, ‘You Don’t Decide’ draws influence from gritty-leaning pop artists such as Lorde and Holly Humberstone and is predominantly driven by the lead vocal. The vibe of the track is uplifting and upbeat, driven by the introduction of the drums in the second verse and electric guitar riff throughout. The song finishes with a raw, roomy sound - just singer and piano - a powerful and befitting finish for the song.
‘You Don’t Decide’ is the second single from the BLAKE’s upcoming EP. Her first single ‘Skeptical’ was released during New Zealand Music Month 22’ and was received with great excitement by her fans, media and the industry. The video for ‘Skeptical’ was also greatly celebrated for its breathtaking locations, cinematography, choreography and how it complimented the track.
Hailing from Queenstown New Zealand, BLAKE spent the past five years in the UK honing her craft and immersing herself in the rich London Neo-Soul and Jazz scene. During her time in London, she was sought out by some of the UK’s top drum and bass producers to write and record vocals in the genre. She was nominated for ‘Best Vocalist’ at the 2017 Drum and Bass awards and has over 5 million streams on Spotify on her feature tracks, with releases across Hospital Records and Shogun Audio. Her approach and philosophy in music is centred around authentic songwriting, re-telling personal experiences in metaphorically unique and interesting ways, taking influence from artists such as Jordan Rakei, Amy Winehouse and Julia Michaels. She released her debut EP HOME TRUTH in 2019, which Clash branded as ‘meaningful pop with subtle soul and jazz influences.’ Blake is now working with some of New Zealand’s top emerging producers to complete her second EP project, blending her past and present musical influences of soul, electronic and pop music to generate something fresh and unique.
MILLER YULE STRIPS IT BACK AND DELIVERS RAW ‘TANGLED UP’
Miller says, “I have recently released the studio version of 'Tangled Up' which followed my previous singles 'Lock Me Up' and ‘Evergreen’. Despite this, I wanted to share ‘Tangled Up’ in its original solo-acoustic form. How it was written and performed live. Just me, my acoustic guitar and my harmonica. So many people have connected to it that way.”
New Zealand singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Miller Yule, draws inspiration from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, John Mayer and James Bay.
Miller’s songs are devastatingly charming and deliver the kind of Americana pop-rock excellence that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Whether it’s a soft, acoustic ballad, or an in-your-face, hard-hitting rock banger, this guy has got you covered.
STREAM ‘TANGLED UP’ (ACOUSTIC) HERE OR VIA SOUNDCLOUD HERE
Recorded at The Voice Box in Auckland by Miller’s father, legendary producer and engineer, Phil Yule. Miller says, “I have recently released the studio version of 'Tangled Up' which followed my previous singles 'Lock Me Up' and ‘Evergreen’. Despite this, I wanted to share ‘Tangled Up’ in its original solo-acoustic form. How it was written and performed live. Just me, my acoustic guitar and my harmonica. So many people have connected to it that way.”
A post-breakup song, ‘Tangled Up’ goes beyond the initial emotional hurt with Miller revealing that ‘Tangled Up’ “takes place where there has already been some healing and acceptance, but it’s the process of separating from one another and untangling the life you built together. We’ve all been there, and it’s hard!”
A song for the whole whānau to celebrate Matariki
Children’s music duo, Leah, and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, have created a beautiful new waiata to celebrate the first official Matariki public holiday, here in Aotearoa.
Celebration | Māori education | Matariki | Astronomy
Children’s music duo, Leah, and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, have created a beautiful new waiata to celebrate the first official Matariki public holiday, here in Aotearoa. The sisters have penned a song to help tamariki celebrate Matariki with their whānau and friends, by remembering these three kupu/words - Whakamaumahara (to Remember), Whakanui (to Celebrate) and Whakariterite (to Prepare).
This is another simple, yet catchy, waiata that will get the whole whānau up and having a kanikani to it. Allow it to motivate you all to wake up early, view Matariki in the morning sky, prepare and enjoy some kai while sharing memories (and making new ones)!
The song features Auckland-based, Te Rarawa guitarist, Michael Lemanu. Michael is a Samoan-Māori musician, who regularly leads worship teams, and is the National Youth Coordinator for the Methodist Church of New Zealand. Music producer, Thom O’Connor, has blended Michael’s awesome guitar sounds with a contemporary beat, and added beautiful twinkly elements to give it an ethereal, yet upbeat, vibe.
Leah and Siu have been making music for tamariki for nearly 13 years, releasing their first album, Kākāriki – Simply Us, in 2019. The Tongan-Ngāpuhi sisters have a passion for creating music that encourages tamariki to embrace te reo Māori, as well as songs from the Pacific. The pair collaborated with Whānau Āwhina Plunket NZ and Ministry of Pacific Peoples to create 10 Pasifika Beats albums in 10 different pacific languages – the Pasifika Beatz series.
All that they do reflects this kaupapa and the duo hope to inspire even more tamariki through this waiata.
This song was released on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, 17 June, 2022. Check out the lyric video, here, created by the team at Tākai, Sparklers at Home and Great Scott Communications. We have created resources for this waiata on our website, here.
Ash Supé - Lifestyle Freestyle
Following up the motivational anthem ‘Warrior’, Wellington native Ash Supé returns with a thrilling outpour of emotion and determination on new single “Lifestyle Freestyle”.
Following up the motivational anthem ‘Warrior’, Wellington native Ash Supé returns with a thrilling outpour of emotion and determination on new single “Lifestyle Freestyle”.
Written after quitting his job to pursue music full-time, he takes us on a whirlwind journey of captivating cadences and melodies reminiscent of the chaos that comes hand-in-hand with chasing your dreams. The raw lyrics are both confronting and uplifting, as Supé comes to terms with the tumultuous nature of his new reality and voices his will to overcome and prevail.
‘I wanted to leave everything on the mic with no filter’ Ash details about what he believes to be his most uncut record to date. With upcoming performances for Breaking Sound and DJ Neitjah’s Radar series and a string of collaborations to follow, rapping certainly appears to be becoming a lifestyle for the rising 22-year-old artist and we’re here for it.
Here to take over your playlists is BREATHE by NEEKOH.
The song dances on the edge of anguishing relationship difficulties that pull you into the tormenting desperation of finding happiness and love amid fights while holding on to hope and dreams like a lifejacket keeping your head above the water.
The first seconds of the big anthem-like beat grab your attention like the monsters under your bed when you were a kid.
The song dances on the edge of anguishing relationship difficulties that pull you into the tormenting desperation of finding happiness and love amid fights while holding on to hope and dreams like a lifejacket keeping your head above the water.
"I was inspired by giving in to love to cut the cycle of pain and revenge. Love for the others, but most importantly love for yourself."
NEEKOH says.
"It comes with the realisation that no one can have power over how you feel unless you gift that power away. You are responsible for your happiness. Only you can pause to breathe, to rise above the revenge to transmute it into love for yourself by forgiveness. To respect yourself enough to step out of an unhealthy relationship. That's where the true power is.
With my new single Breathe, I hope to inspire you to take your power back and create relationships based on mutual respect and love.”
The electro-alternative-dance song will be available on June 30 on all major streaming platforms under NEEKOH channels.