Mecuzine - Locksmith Thief EPK
The best things come to he who waits, so the saying goes. Well, that is certainly true of Locksmith Thief, the new album from Auckland, New Zealand's Mecuzine.
The best things come to he who waits, so the saying goes. Well, that is certainly true of Locksmith Thief, the new album from Auckland, New Zealand's Mecuzine. It has been four years since their debut, Cutting Strings, and much has changed. Now a two-piece rather than the ten-legged band of old, their sound has somehow become more exploratory, more adventurous in the process, as if the guitar orientation of the early days was actually defining them and holding them back. Now, perhaps with less adherence to an overly democratic process, and fewer people to please, T and Joseph are in a position to make music that really flies.
Featuring the 80s-inspired synth-wave sounds of “Beautiful Notes” alongside the dark and atmospheric “Blue Skies”, Locksmith Thief sees the band channelling the wildness of their West Auckland stomping grounds, refusing to remain caged. The sparse, acoustic sounds of tracks “Midday of Spring” and “Jet Plane” contrast with, and are heightened by, the guitar-driven tones of “Dancing with the Thought” and the digital rhythms of “Illusions”.
With such an eclectic and adventurous album it is hard to say exactly where it fits in. Thankfully, in the post-genre world, we don't have to play that game anymore. But fit in it does, especially if you like to hear the sound of genres blurring...rock acquiring pop awareness, indie exchanging pointless cool for on-point creativity, gothic shade creeping in, dance grooves being given wings, the sound of genres being smashed, rearranged and reassembled into new sonic shapes.
Written, recorded and produced by the band themselves, Locksmith Thief is a cutting-edge record that could only be born of the twists and turns of experience Mecuzine have navigated, providing a rich background tapestry from which to draw on.
Jackie B and the Mini Band 'Davy Jones Locker'
‘Jackie B and the Mini Band’ are excited to be releasing the video for their kids song ‘Davy Jones Locker’. A new video supported by NZ On Air Music, Davy Jones Locker is a fun and fantastic piratical adventure
‘Jackie B and the Mini Band’ are excited to be releasing the video next week for their kids song ‘Davy Jones Locker’. A new video supported by NZ On Air Music, Davy Jones Locker is a fun and fantastic piratical adventure which springs from the innovative musical lockdown project by singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow, with a group of young Wakatipu singers, together as the group Jackie B and The Mini Band..
Produced by Mark Punch & Jackie Bristow. Featuring animation by Brad Goosen and illustrations by Edmund Iffland.
Davy Jones Locker is from their NZ On Air supported EP of sparkling, radio-ready pop songs through Nashville kids label 8 Pound Gorilla Records.
The vocals were recorded in St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Arrowtown, the backing music was recorded and produced in Nashville and the songs were mastered at Studios 301 in Sydney.
‘Working with these young girls in the Mini Band has been such a beautiful experience. We had so much fun writing this song. This was the very first group that inspired and lead me to start my own my songwriting program for kids ‘SongCatcher’ - supported by Youthtown NZ. Songwriting is about connection and I love that I am able to share my experience to connect, inspire and help children find their voice and learn the craft of songwriting” - Jackie Bristow
https://jackiebristow.com/miniband/
https://www.youtube.com/c/8poundgorillarecords
DAVY JONES LOCKER - CATCH IT 29 JULY!
Kylie Price "Keeping On " in London - Single & Video release
Whilst her current single ‘Stay’ is being played back home on New Zealand Commercial Radio, Kylie is continuing her work in London writing and performing.
Whilst her current single ‘Stay’ is being played back home on New Zealand Commercial Radio, Kylie is continuing her work in London writing and performing.
She is set to start a run of shows in July as well as currently being in studio (Strongroom and Abbey Road Studios) recording new music set to be released in 2023.
Kylie teamed up with Will Henderson in 2021 to recreate a song she had written a while ago, and one she describes as “her own anthem” - mixing the acoustic guitar with a heavy rock electric to portray this once again, new sound for Kylie.
Listen to Kylie
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Bandcamp
Follow Kylie
GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT Announces its Return
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) and the NZ Music Commission are excited to announce the highly anticipated return of the annual GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT.
GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT
Announces its Return
Friday 2nd September / Saturday 3rd September 2022
and Confirms Keynote Speaker,
Grammy Award Winning Music Producer and Composer,
Che Pope
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) and the NZ Music Commission are excited to announce the highly anticipated return of the annual GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT. A two-day specialised music industry conference taking place once again at the renowned Roundhead Studios in Auckland that offers Aotearoa musicians and industry further education, inspiration and the chance to connect to the global music industry for those ready to take their next step on to the world stage .
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) Chairperson, Pippa Ryan-Kidd adds, “Our aim with Going Global is to help our local artists that are already on their career path and ready to make the next step into international markets. It is the perfect next step after the Going Local sessions we run in the regions each year that focus on artists who are starting out and want to learn about working as an independent and how the local music industry can help them.”
The keynote speaker for 2022 Going Global Music Summit is confirmed as Che Pope; a 25 year veteran and award winning music industry professional, dually accomplished in both the creative and executive arenas of the global entertainment industry.
As a talented music producer and composer, Mr. Pope has contributed to some of the most impactful and culturally relevant projects of the past two decades, which garnered him two Grammy Awards and the respect and recognition as a force majeure within his field. As a music producer, Mr. Pope has collaborated with legendary and visionary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Destiny’s Child, Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre, the Weeknd, Diddy, Kanye West and many more.
Having honed his skill as a master collaborator, Mr. Pope segued into leadership roles within the executive side of the business. Most recently, Mr. Pope founded Wrkshp Inc, a music based lifestyle company. In addition to this, he also serves as the Head of Upstream at Distrokid. With a successful career covering creative output, A&R, and marketing across multiple roles Mr. Pope has a unique vantage point of both sides of the global entertainment industry to be sharing with the summit attendees.
The two-day GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT is a gateway for any local artist, manager, publicist, A&R, producer, music writer, record label and venue manager to connect with, question and hear ideas from some of the international music industry's most relevant and forward-thinking superstars. IMNZ is bringing to New Zealand international booking agents, synch licensors, international media, PR experts, artist managers with international experience and those working for the fast-moving live and digital music platforms. The last three in-person Going Global conference events sold out.
In tandem with the summit is the Going Global Presents Showcase where a selected line-up of local artists perform short sets over one night in inner city connected venues; Whammy!, Wine Cellar and Whammy Backroom. All of the international industry guests and the public are invited to come and check out some of Aotearoa’s most talented artists that are ready to take on the world . Previous showcases have been instrumental in the discovery of some of New Zealand's biggest success stories over the past ten years. Previous artists include; Aldous Harding, Tami Neilson, Tiny Ruins, Troy Kingi, Sachi, Alien Weaponry, Fazerdaze and Nadia Reid.
Artist Applications are open now to all original music artists nationwide via indies.co.nz
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) General Manager, Dylan Pellett says “We are really looking forward to this year’s edition building upon the successes of our previous Going Global events in bringing the world to New Zealand to engage and connect with our artists and our local industry. Meeting up in person with many of the industry speakers and building lasting professional relationships is a really exciting and important part of the music industry - it provides the ability to create pathways for an artist's careers that is so difficult to achieve from behind a desk.”
IMNZ will announce more of the line-up of international representatives and experts in their fields of music A&R, booking, licensing, managing, marketing, promoting and publishing in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the Going Global Presents Showcase go on sale 8.00AM July 22nd via UTR. https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/ticket/17671/Going-Global-Presents-2022.utr
GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT 2022
Friday 2nd September / Saturday 3rd September
- Roundhead Studios, Auckland, New Zealand -
Tickets on sale now from Eventbrite here: https://GoingGlobal2022.eventbrite.co.nz
Sam Heselwood releases the mesmerising new single ‘Outside Kinda Kids’
Continuing his stellar run of form, ‘Outside Kinda Kids’ is an emotive single from the emerging star. On top of minimalist instrumentation, Heselwood pays homage to his youth. ‘Outside Kinda Kids’ looks back at Heselwood’s country upbringing as he explored his vast backyard without a care in the world.
Ōtautahi-based Sam Heselwood returns with the intimate new single, ‘Outside Kinda Kids’.
Continuing his stellar run of form, ‘Outside Kinda Kids’ is an emotive single from the emerging star. On top of minimalist instrumentation, Heselwood pays homage to his youth. ‘Outside Kinda Kids’ looks back at Heselwood’s country upbringing as he explored his vast backyard without a care in the world.
‘Outside Kinda Kids’ puts forth the idea of re-connecting with the simpler times of childhood. In an era when people are connected 24/7 with technology, sometimes we need to disconnect and focus on what’s important. Speaking on this idea Heselwood explains, “the song was written about growing up a very outdoorsy kid. I had the country as my backyard, I used to make the most of the outdoors and was hardly ever inside. I watch kids these days with so many electronics in front of them and I just want to make sure my kids experience the same childhood as I did.”
‘Outside Kinda Kids’ is the latest in a series of break-out singles for Heselwood. The track follows ‘18’ and ‘Don’t Speak’, which saw Heselwood chart at No.4 on The Official Top 20 Hot NZ Singles and 29 on the Top 40 Hot NZ Singles. ‘Outside Kids’ continues the lead-up to the release of Heselwood’s forthcoming EP, Bloodline which is due for release 19th August 2022.
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.
‘Outside Kinda Kids’ sees Heselwood reconnecting with producers Will McGillivray (nomad, Goodwill) and Josh Logan (LOHO Studios). The trio worked together on Heselwood’s previous releases and once again struck gold with ‘Outside Kinda Kids’. Speaking on the collaboration process Heselwood explains, “It was the first song we tackled and I could really see how everyone got excited about it. We started with a simple acoustic guitar and layered it to make it rich and full sounding, then Will and Josh built the rest of the song up from there. My vision for ‘Outside Kinda Kids’ was to make it really big sounding. Will and Josh hit the nail on the head with this one and it turned out just as I imagined.”
On ‘Outside Kinda Kids, Heselwood takes us on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. Enchanting and relatable, Heselwood once again delivers magic on ‘Outside Kinda Kids’.
Sam Heselwood is an artist fast on the rise. Already a regular across Spotify editorial playlists, including ‘Pop n’ Fresh’, and commercial radio the humble artist is proving to be one to watch.
‘Outside Kinda Kids’ is available on all streaming platforms on Friday 15th July.
With the support from SOLE Music Academy, Sam Heselwoods EP Bloodline is expected out on August 19th 2022.
“Sam’s songs are solid.” - NZ ON AIR “Acoustic pop magic.” - Doc Landry
“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.
BIG SCOUT 'COUNCIL SPORT'
Small town New Zealand. Not exactly a cultural hot bed. Hillbillies in Hiluxs. We’re holding on to our gumboot culture around here. And why not? Have you heard that covers band at the local vomitorium?
Small town New Zealand. Not exactly a cultural hot bed. Hillbillies in Hiluxs. We’re holding on to our gumboot culture around here. And why not? Have you heard that covers band at the local vomitorium?
Things really start heating up at around 10.30 on a Friday night when the well lubricated yokels fresh in from the vineyards and forestry blocks start singing along to Living On A Prayer and throwing up on each other’s shoes with the kind of fervour usually reserved in these parts for the topless waitress selling tickets to a meat raffle without even the vaguest hint of irony.
Big Scout aren’t that band. No, they’re not that band at all. They’re a slow simmer coming to a fast boil, straining against the conservative shackles of provincial living and loving every minute of it while itching to kick down a few new doors and make yer fucking ears bleed with a high energy, high decibel live act you’ll never see coming and that always leaves you wanting more. Pop hooks, a raised middle finger and a sardonic grin. Dripping both love and aggression in equal measure. Is it post punk? Well what the fuck is that anyway? And pigeon holes are for the easily pinned. This is a frenetic unit, always pulsing, ever evolving. Try pigeon hole this.
Insightful lyrics riding nimbly atop a confronting wall of sound that swings wildly between a lighthearted upbeat jaunt and a full frontal attack openly flirting with complete and utter sensory overload. Screeching guitar work that forever teeters on the edge of chaos and abject noise while never quite tipping over that fine line and backed by a driving rhythm section so tight it could cut off your circulation. Or at least leave your head spinning, slack jawed and wondering what the fuck just happened. This isn’t any old backline.
These guys are a well oiled machine and they wield their force with laser targeted precision - at once a weapon of mass seduction and the kind of ‘fuck you’ that’s usually followed by a knee to the nuts by a scorned lover. The influences are diverse in this coming together of three starkly different personalities, woven into an abrasive tapestry by practiced musicians with an intimate chemistry that’s says: ‘we’re brothers first and band mates second.’ The love shines through.
These guys sure as fuck aren’t what you think you’re gonna to hear coming out of lil ol’ Boomtown but they’re coming for you nonetheless. Get in on the ground floor with their action packed debut album Council Sport coming out on Melted Ice Cream in 2022 - cos you’ll hear 100 missable bands this year but you don’t wanna miss this.
Dates
August 19th - Auckland - Whammy backroom with King Ketchup and Fielding's Best Dancers.
August 20th - Tauranga - Loserpalooza
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September 2nd - CHCH - Darkroom with Joe Sampson and the Growing Health Concerns and Violet French -
September 3rd - Dunners - Crown - Pretty Dumb and Blue Cheese
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September 9th - Takaka- with Team Scary and Griptape
September 10th - Blenheim - Framingham - Team Scary and VITV
HA THE UNCLEAR OUT OF THE WATER TOUR
With a fistful of peppy new songs for the live set, and the release of new live sessions from Paris, Ha the Unclear are set to whip around Aotearoa this winter to bring these all to life!
With a fistful of peppy new songs for the live set, and the release of new live sessions from Paris, Ha the Unclear are set to whip around Aotearoa this winter to bring these all to life! Starved of shows after two covid-axed tours, the out of the water tour marks a welcome return to stages around Aotearoa. Tickets from www.htu.nz
31st July - Queenstown - Yonder w/ Killergrams
5th August - Christchurch - Space Academy w/ BEXY
6th August - Auckland - Whammy w/ Treenurse
20 August - Dunedin - Dive w/ Tough Guy
Spawning in the gothic harbour town of Ōtepoti Dunedin, Ha the Unclear relocated to Tāmaki Makaurau where they completed the transition from bedroom based routine into the highly popular four-piece ensemble of now. Ha the Unclear’s knack for creating thoughtful, mind-bending stories have seen them gather acclaim from the BBC to Entertainment Weekly. Their lyrical stories include a love story from the perspective of a coffee table, astronauts trapped in orbit, and a break-up via an intercom. The band has compacted these wonderful thought nuggets into energetic, quirky pop songs and a spirited live show which has seen them tour with Courtney Barnett and The Dandy Warhols; support acts like The Shins and The Wombats; and perform festivals around the country including Rhythm & Vines, CubaDupa, Nostalgia Festival, Cross St Festival, Newtown Festival and more.
In 2019, Ha the Unclear’s two albums mysteriously disappeared from the interwebs, around the time that they signed to French label Think Zik!. These early releases were then replaced by the brand new 2020 EP ‘Threads’, including the track Julius Caesar which was produced by Sylvia Massy (Prince, Tool, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) and Tom Healy (Die!Die!Die!, Tiny Ruins, Marlon Williams). The band furthered their growing French connection by visiting Paris for a promo trip in 2019 and playing MaMA Festival before their continental plans were then put on hold as the pandemic arrived just a few months later. Now, two years on, with the borders open and their schedule rejigged, the band are scheduled to release a new EP and album over the coming months.
PACIFIC HEIGHTS RELEASES ‘COLD NIGHTS’ FEAT. STAN WALKER & LARISSA LAMBERT FROM NEW ALBUM ‘THE WATERS BETWEEN’
Multi-platinum and award-winning producer, songwriter and musician Devin Abrams aka Pacific Heights last week released ‘Cold Nights’ feat. Stan Walker and Larissa Lambert, the lead single from his just released fifth studio album THE WATERS BETWEEN, to great success.
Multi-platinum and award-winning producer, songwriter and musician Devin Abrams aka Pacific Heights last week released ‘Cold Nights’ feat. Stan Walker and Larissa Lambert, the lead single from his just released fifth studio album THE WATERS BETWEEN, to great success. Taking the #4 spot on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist for Australia and New Zealand, the track also appeared on similar playlists for India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and many more.
‘Cold Nights’, graced by the supremely talented Aotearoa icon Stan Walker and Australian R&B star Larissa Lambert, is a sublimely beautiful duet, full of emotion and stunning performances. Having produced and co-wrote Drax Project’s two biggest hits, ‘Woke Up Late’ and ‘Catching Feelings’ feat. Six60, these are not uncharted waters for Abrams, but is a new direction for Pacific Heights. The track is another example of Abrams' pop production powers, and deft ability to showcase his collaborators' strengths to the highest heights.
Recorded in Aotearoa, America and Australia, THE WATERS BETWEEN - in quite a literal sense - moves beyond continents, oceans, and musical boundaries, by consequence propelling artists from around the globe into the world of Pacific Heights. Other appearances on the album in addition to Stan and Larissa, include upcoming Australian artist Bri Clark, local legends Louis Baker and Gramsci, the breakthrough talents of Foley and Lepani, and upcoming artists Solomon Crook, LANCE, and Jack Page.
The release marks the first album in four years from Pacific Heights and is a powerful follow up to the critically acclaimed album A LOST LIGHT in 2018 and the top ten charting, award-winning THE STILLNESS in 2016.
FOLLOW PACIFIC HEIGHTS