Waste Free Wanda 'Rule of Thumb'

Waste Free Wanda is proud to bring another dynamic and colourful animated music video this Plastic Free July, with her new animation ‘Rule Of Thumb’.

Made possible with the help of NZ on Air Music and the Southern Institute of Technology’s creative suite, children and their whanau can learn how to care for Papatūānuku, our planet through ‘Simple Swaps’, by exchanging single-use plastic items for reusables.

The song is created by Lake Hāwea singer, songwriter and performing artist Anna van Riel, and co-written with award-winning Kiwi Children’s artist Kath Bee and New York’s Katie Herbst, and shares the ‘six R’s’ aka the waste-free Rule of Thumb, to help emphasise the simple steps we can all take to reduce single-use waste.

Key words; Refuse, reduce, reuse, rehome, recycle and rot; are tied into an 80’s inspired track to help lock in the actions to inspire positive change for the planet.

Animated Wanda, aka Anna van Riel, takes viewers through the actions to help reinforce the 6-R’s and get kids grooving.

Working with Invercargill’s Meek & Wild Creations director Traci Meek and team, Anna feels confident viewers will have a good laugh at some of the same hard-case characters they may recognise from the official Waste Free Wanda music video launched this time last year.

Koro sporting his high tops and poo pants and kids in fluorescent jumpers appeal to today’s Tamariki, while making true kids of the 80’s chuckle at the flashback.

Waste Free Wanda is also a touring stage show and has so far reached over 11,000 Tamariki. Having fun resources like this music video help children to remember the fun waste-free philosophies within the show, and share them with their whanau. It gives them a place to release some of the growing concerns around eco-anxiety and also enables the arts, by encouraging children to sing and dance”, Anna shares.

 Wanda is set to hit the road to close out Plastic Free July with a Deep South tour, where she’ll be heading as far south as far Bluff.

Both music video and tour are celebrated alongside the launch of Waste Free Wanda’s brand new website, which offers free educational resources for at home and at school, as well as a place to find all of her music and videos.

Head to www.wastefreewanda.com to find out more.

Happy Plastic Free July Aotearoa!

You’ve got this 

Bird Machine calls out the trap of media algorithms in ‘Our Kind’

‘Our Kind’ is the brand-new indie alt-folk single from musically talented, socially conscious duo Bird Machine.

Listen to ‘Our Kind’ HERE

Based in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Bird Machine is made up of kiwi Jenna Grbin and Australian Luke Grbin.

While coming from different music backgrounds - Luke more alternative, and Jenna more pop - the duo says they feel ‘Our Kind’ is the first song to fully synthesise their approaches, representing them equally.

The Bird Machine sound encompasses alt-rock, pop, dreampop and folk - with ‘Our Kind’ bringing a darkly energetic vibe. The verses of the track pass through a sparse landscape, before bursting into a punchy, urgent chorus.

Social commentary is a big part of the pair’s music. ‘Our Kind’ stems from the duos desire for more awareness around the impact media algorithms can have on us, when they calculate what holds our attention the longest - removing diversity in our information diet.

A must watch - their video for ‘Our Kind’ is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s - jam packed full of the pair’s own memories. Made by New Zealand filmmaker (and Jenna’s cousin) Anthony Butters, it depicts loss to the new media machine, a new spectrum of social vulnerability and the bittersweetness of letting go and accepting the new reality.

With much more music to come from Bird Machine, make sure to follow them on socials!

New Kids Platform “Happy Music Garden” launched by Vince Harder and Abby Lee with debut single ‘Monsters’.

Husband and wife duo, R&B star Vince Harder and singer songwriter Abby Lee, are launching their newest joint venture.

“Happy Music Garden” is a kids content platform with a focus on music for preschoolers.

Writing kids music has always been something that the couple has been interested in, they started over 10 years ago with Vince’s young daughters.

After getting support from NZ on Air’s Kids Music funding, they finally finished their first project and emerged with “Happy Music Garden”.

The first single “Monsters” is out today, as well as their new youtube channel which aims to be an educational and fun experience for kiwi kids.

“Monsters” explores the concept that if monsters did exist, they would be no match for these powerful kids and there is nothing to be afraid of.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZo1bd_jOQ_IJYGjU_k_FFQ

Spotify pre save link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/happymusicgarden/monsters

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happymusicgarden/

FIN RAH ZEL REVEAL HONEYED NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘HUMAN NATURE’

If all the butterflies, Spread their wings

If all the tree tops, Shed their leaves

Well I would tell you one thing honey, I would never let you go…

Taranaki indie band FIN RAH ZEL today release another gorgeous, catchy, and cheerful track to warm the heart and soul through this bone-chilling winter. From the first mellow strains of the opening verse, it’s gentle and calm warmth extends out to a big, reassuring hug of sunny, toe-tapping happiness.

This uplifting open-hearted vibe is totally synonymous with the signature sound and overall vision of Fin Rah Zel, as they pursue their inspirational goal of delivering positive, healing and feel-good melodies.

Singer Brian Norton is passionate about creating music that is relatable to everyday life and the emotional baggage we all shoulder from time to time. His goal is to make music which has an underlying purpose of soothing the soul, and lyrical content that heartens and lifts the spirit, and with ‘Human Nature’ he stays true to course.

Says Brian, “I came up with a vision for the tune, which happened to be a representation of what was going on in my life at the time. When I really thought about it, I had so much to be grateful for, but there were a few external things such as finances and work stresses which I let distract me. It was making me lose focus on what was really important in life!”

For Brian, the songs’ lyrics symbolise something drastic, good or bad, happening in life and that it’s important to stay grounded and not lose sight of the one you love, to stay connected. That, states Brian, is full circle. “It’s really what ‘Human Nature’ is - stripping back life’s seemingly complicated things, and re-shifting focus to what is truly important. It is in our nature to feel in tune and open-hearted at all times, no matter what life throws our way.”

The music video was shot by The Good Feels at some of Taranaki’s best scenic spots, taking in Lucy’s Gully, Back Beach and the wild New Plymouth foreshore. The weather Gods made their presence felt, with nature in full force that day showering the guys with hail and thunder storms – all adding to the overall ambience of their day out and about.

Fin Rah Zel continue to work with regular collaborator and ‘almost’ fifth member of the band William Henderson, once again offering up his co-production skills and playing a big part in bringing out the colour in their tracks. It’s a combination that is excelling at making a soul-pop mix that exudes the relaxed, feel-good cruisey vibe that Fin Rah Zel are fast gaining a reputation for.

Meanwhile Brian and his bandmates Chris Buhler, Jordan Jones, and Jack Moser look forward to headlining Christmas at the Bowl 2022, and have their sights set on a summer of music festivals performances before releasing their album in May 2023.

Midwave Breaks gear up for their first NZ Road Trip!

The Tauranga-based Alt-Rock Duo recently celebrated their Sold-Out Live Debut in Tauranga during NZ Music Month, followed by a successful second headline outing in Auckland, and are now set to Warm Up the NZ winter with a string of shows across Aotearoa!

Former Eight bandmates singer-songwriter Bruce Conlon, and drummer Paul Russell (Supergroove), have been announced as Special Guests on The Capital Theatre - A Hero’s Journey NZ Tour, and will be kicking off the show across seven cities through July/August, starting in Hamilton at The Meteor Theatre on Friday July 15.

Launching during the pandemic lockdowns of 2021 and in the absence of Live gigs, Midwave Breaks have found strong support from Rock Radio across the country, with 5 successful independent singles over the past year - from their explosive debut “Lemonade Hand Grenade” to their recent Tom Petty inspired release “Hurricanes and Novocane”. So now that the band can finally get the show on the road, fans will already have an idea of their favourite tracks!

In Hamilton, Auckland, and Mount Maunganui, the tour will be joined by fellow kiwi-rockers Tablefox, who recently released their 3rd studio album Battles.

Tour Tickets & Info Link : https://linktr.ee/midwavebreaks

LOST TRIBE AOTEAROA RELEASE ‘LOST GENERATION 2.0’ SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO

Today, Lost Tribe Aotearoa (LTA) release their new single and music video ‘Lost Generation 2.0’.

Lost Tribe Aotearoa (LTA) are a family-based band who champion conscious messages through their lyrics. ‘Lost Generation 2.0’ is a song of hope for the next generation.

“This song sends the messages to our rangatahi to find your own path and be unapologetic yet kind.” shares Lost Tribe Aotearoa. “It also touches on the fact that if we learn from our past mistakes, we will then make better decisions for our future, leaving an everlasting legacy for future generations to follow.”

The ‘Lost Generation 2.0’ Music Video Directed by William Mumu Moore and made with support from New Zealand on Air, tells the story of a young Māori Boy and his cousins cruising on their bikes having fun and enjoying the simple things in life - good kai and good company. But the wairua of the song and video speak to significant themes.

The video represents the importance of whanaungatanga (family connections), manaakitanga (caring and respect) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of our whenua). Lead singer Jesse Biddle says “for me, the video represents all it is to be a proud Māori. To be proud of where I’m from, to be proud of my people, and to be proud of who I am”.

Filmed on the southern shores of Lake Taupo, an area where half of Lost Tribe Aotearoa whakapapa to, added to the special feeling created in the music video. “Performing live from the steps of our marae was very empowering” says the band “and also sharing songs with whanau who have been unable to come to our live shows was very fun.”

The video is predominantly filmed at Korohe marae (Ngāti Hine) there are also shots from Waihi Marae (Ngāti Turumakina), Tokaanu (Ngāti Kurauia), Hirangi Marae (Ngāti Tūrangitukua).

The band put out a patai on social media to their whanau and friends to see who would be available and interested in being part of the music video. “The fact that multiple generations were involved in the making of the video is so special.” Fitting, for a song that is about legacy, connecting with your roots and inspiring the next generation.

In ‘Lost Generation 2.0’ Lost Tribe Aotearoa take listeners on a journey through roots reggae through to upbeat ska into a final crescendo of heavy rock.

Following the release of ‘Shaka’, ‘Lost Generation 2.0’ is the second new single from the bands forthcoming EP ‘Lost & Found’.

Lost Tribe Aotearoa (LTA) are an 8-piece band from the surfing town of Raglan, New Zealand. You will most likely find at least one of the band surfing at Raglan's local break at any given time. Hailing from all over the Pacific, most of the members being of Tūwharetoa ( Māori) descent, as well as Aitutaki (Cook Islands Māori), American and English - their ancestral vibes shine clearly through their music

‘Lost Generation 2.0’ is out now via all online streaming platforms

Mecuzine releases Digging Deeper ahead of full album

There is a lot to be said for making life more simple for yourself. This is no representation of the music in question, Mecuzine has always revelled in wonderfully layered tones and textures, but the fact that the once five-piece band is now Joseph and Tony Johns must make the process easier. Democracy is a good thing politically but when it comes to the creative arts such compromises rarely bring out the best or fastest results.

And so, with their second full length album on the horizon and previous single Blue Skies all but a distant memory, the job of acting as the teaser and taster  of what’s to follow is down to Digging Deeper which will be available from 1st July onwards. 

What Digging Deeper does so well is offers a very accessible first step into Mecuzine’s world, a world that wanders between commercial sounds and cultish creativity. It bridges the creative extremes with its balance of slightly mainstream vibes and more discerning, alt-indie guile. And the more you play it, the more you realise just how smart a song it is. On the one hand it is a song which sounds like it is exactly what the chart world wants, it conforms, fits in, plays the game perfectly. On the other hand you slowly realise that it is exactly what the chart world needs (whether it is aware of it or not,) it is dark and subversive…a sonic Trojan horse which could even change the way that the musical world works.

But that is what Mecuzine do so well. They make music which feels as if they are pandering to existing tastes, following recent fad or fashion, surfing the zeitgeist of cool and conformity. But that is what they want you to believe. Listen a few more times to Digging Deeper, or any of the tracks on the album to follow, and you will realise that they are doing anything but!

Digging Deeper track 10 Bandcamp.  Releasing through DRM on all major streaming services 1st July

https://mecuzine.bandcamp.com/

https://www.mecuzine.com

https://www.facebook.com/mecuzine

https://www.instagram.com/mecuzine/ 

KRISPY & THE POOCH DROP DARKLY BRILLIANT ANIMATED VIDEO ‘MAN IN THE HAT’

Auckland electro-funk duo Krispy & The Pooch bring your worst nightmare to life in this clever but creepy night-terror scenario for ‘Man In The Hat’, off their latest EP THE RECKLESS ECLECTIC: PART ONE

The gothic and menacing presentation of this brilliant and imaginative video is the handiwork of Wellington animator Ruben O’Hara, who delivered on the brief perfectly, with the macabre imagery vividly connecting with the groovy vibe of ‘Man In The Hat’.

Says Kriston, one half of Krispy & The Pooch, “I was chatting with a friend who experienced sleep paralysis. He told me it was the most scared he’s been and that a lot of people see the same figures. The night hag, sleep demons, and a silhouette of a man in a hat – the figure he’s adamant he saw. I was instantly intrigued, and wanted to write a song from the perspective of a narrator watching it all unfold. Ruben totally nailed the brief when discussing the animation to go with the song…even scarier, he says he’s experienced it too!”

Picture this…You’re waking up or falling asleep, and suddenly you’re unable to move. Your body becomes paralysed as if an unseen weight is upon you. Then enters a figure – The Man in the Hat. You can’t quite make out who he is. Why is he here? What is he doing? Delve into the backend of your imagination by diving into this spooky electronic groove and video to find out more….

The Waiheke Island based duplet of Kriston Batistic (aka Krispy) and Simon Townsend (aka The Pooch) recently released their EP THE RECKLESS ECLECTIC: PART ONE, six tracks of fresh, genre-melding tunes built around lyricist Krispy’s soulful vocals, and The Pooch’s sweet electro-synth beats.