Aotearoa Touring Programme, January 2023 round is open now!

The January 2023 round of the Aotearoa Touring Programme is now open and closes on Wednesday 18th January @ 5.00pm.

The Aotearoa Touring Programme is a matched investment programme (i.e. the Programme will match your investment), so applicants can apply for 50% of the eligible costs for undertaking national tours across the two Tiers. The different Tiers have a maximum limit for each grant.  A national tour will include at least three dates.

Prospective applicants must be performing 100% original (or close to) New Zealand Music and will need to contact the Music Commission for access to the online application portal.  When getting in get in touch, please send through the proposed tour dates, towns & cities, venues, why you want to play in these towns (previously successful shows, good airplay on local radio, interest from the area etc), and approximately how much you intend to apply for.

The application process will require you to have a full budget and business plan that will show how this investment will contribute to growing the artist’s business and career.

For information about the Programme can be found here

Opening and closing dates for 2022 - 2023.

January round

Monday 17 October: Applications open

Wednesday 18 January: Applications close at 5.00pm

Thursday 16 February: ATP results communicated to applicants.

March round

Monday 24 January: Applications open

Wednesday 8 March: Applications close at 5.00pm                 

Thursday 20 April: ATP results communicated to applicants

May round

Monday 13 March: Applications open

Wednesday 10 May: Applications close at 5.00pm                 

Thursday 15 June: ATP results communicated to applicants.

For further information and advice about the Aotearoa Touring Programme please contact Emily Crowther at touring@nzmusic.org.nz.

Jenny Mitchell ft. The Mitchell Twins release gorgeous single and video ‘The Bush & The Birds’

Tickets to TUG OF WAR
Wellington vinyl release show HERE

Award-winning, alt-country Aotearoa artist, Jenny Mitchell has teamed up with her sisters, The Mitchell Twins, to release the heartfelt single and video ‘The Bush & The Birds’. The track comes with the release of her deluxe edition of her recent album TUG OF WAR.

Listen to the deluxe edition of TUG OF WAR HERE

TUG OF WAR is also now available on vinyl, with Jenny celebrating the vinyl release with a special one-off show in Wellington, at 216 Cuba on Wednesday November 30. The performance is coming at the end of a spectacularly successful year for Jenny, who has also just been named a finalist for the Aotearoa Music Awards, in the Best Country category.

Listen to ‘The Bush & The Birds’ HERE

Driven by acoustic guitar and harmonies, and coloured with cello parts by Monique Clare, ‘The Bush & The Birds’ is about “love and respect for nature that my Grandad Bruce handed down to the many Mitchells who work on/with the land.”

“We always thought this was one we'd keep "just for us", but realised there are a few people out there with loveable, stoic farmers in their lives,” says Jenny.

Accompanying the single is the touchingly personal video, produced by Jenny Mitchell and her Aunty Jill.

“We wanted the video to be a bit of a journey through our childhood,” explained Jenny. “I ended up with hours of home videos to wade through and it was such a nostalgic experience – definitely some tears involved! All the Mitchell cousins grew up really close, we did a lot of growing up by each other’s sides and I think we’ve all loved being reminded of that through this project. If anything, it’s a special little capture of our history for our family.”

Watch the video HERE

Hailing from Southern NZ, and now based in Wellington, Jenny Mitchell has had an impressive career to date. Her 2018 album WILDFIRES, produced by Sydney’s Matt Fell, was awarded the 2019 Tui for Recorded Music NZ Best Country Music Artist. Following her first Tui, the album became the first NZ album to receive a nomination for Alt-Country Album of the Year at the 2020 Australian Golden Guitar Awards. She has now been nominated for an AMA in the Best Country category, for 2022. Make sure to catch her live in Wellington for the vinyl release show on November 30.

MIDWAVE BREAKS RELEASE THOUGHT-PROVOKING VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘IN THE FACE OF ALL WE KNOW’

“Midwave Breaks and the dreamy barrage of heartland rock ‘In the Face of All We Know’ featuring a throttling bass bottom and an inspired vocal countenance.” – American Pancake

“A lot of multifaceted work, with a bright voice, like a thunder among a clear sky, which seems to break out of the vocalist’s chest with an endless stream of positive energy!”- Nagamag.com 

‘In The Face Of All We Know’ is described by the band as “an upbeat track that puts a hopeful twist on the notion that life is not black and white, there’s always an ‘other’ side to any story, and that ultimately, if we can respect each other’s differences, maybe we could all just get along”.

The video itself was self-produced by the band, with the concept and edit by drummer Paul who attentively put it together over a slew of late nights and YouTube instructional videos.

A poignant view on current times, Paul says, “The visuals emphasise key themes of communication, perspective, conflict, but ultimately with a thread of positivity and hope throughout, found in acknowledging the wide range of faces that are not our own.”

With solid support and pick-up across rock radio, Midwave Breaks continue to feel the love for new single ‘In The Face Of All We Know’ by being added to numerous playlists including a choice inclusion on the Zane Lowe curated New Music Daily, on Apple Music.

Recorded in a farmhouse in rural New Zealand, ‘In The Face Of All We Know’ was mixed in the U.S. by Grammy Award Winning Engineer Mark Needham, most notable for his work with The Killers and Imagine Dragons. The final touches were applied in New York at renowned mastering facility The Lodge, with the end result being a hook-laden alt-rock-pop tune poised to light up the airwaves.

A powerhouse of song-writing, production, musicianship, and live performance, the potent pairing of singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Bruce Conlon and exemplary drummer Paul Russell is driven by the energy of the creative process. With each player displaying an innate ability to craft songs that capture a feeling and a moment, the two effortlessly combine a melting pot of musical influences from past to present, delivering a modern take on the soundtrack of their youth.

Bringing a heart-felt authenticity and musical versatility to the stage with their performances, the duo recently made the live connection to their audience with a sold-out debut headline concert, followed by a successful string of support shows nationwide around New Zealand.

Fans can expect more shows to be announced as we head into summer, stay tuned!

"Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree" - New Bilingual Christmas Song for Kids!

Children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes Music, are excited to release four new Christmas songs for kids that will be added to their very first Loopy Tunes Christmas album - "Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi". 

Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree is the first of the four new releases. The waiata was welcomed into the world on Wednesday, 26 November, and is a great rock 'n roll vibing song that puts our beautiful homegrown Christmas Tree in the limelight! It celebrates the pōhutukawa's uniquely festive qualities while paying homage to its significance i te ao Māori (in the Māori world), with a reference to ‘Te Rerenga Wairua’, the leaping place of spirits, in the bridge.  

The pair were able to work with producer Thom O’Connor once again, who includes an awesome electric organ accompaniment throughout! They are also excited for the animated music video that is on its way - currently under construction by animator extraordinaire, Ross Payne. 

The new Christmas songs include elements of the sisters’ Māori and Tongan cultures, and they all have a uniquely Aotearoa flavour, that will be enjoyed by all tamariki/children in many different settings. They have been created with the support of funding from NZ on Air Music. 

As mentioned, the four new releases will be added to a compilation of already released Loopy Tunes Christmas songs, to become their first Christmas album. The album has a fantastic mix of songs that reflect New Zealand’s cultural diversity well. Entitled, “Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi” (whero being red, in Māori; with Kirihimete and Kilisimasi being Christmas in the Māori and Tongan languages, respectively), it is the second in the Loopy Tunes ‘Rainbow Collection’ of children’s music albums, following on from their debut album, “Kākāriki: Simply Us” (kākāriki meaning green, in Māori).  

These Christmas songs are guaranteed to become new favourites in so many kiwi kids’ households and will be the new Christmas anthems for the coming festive season! 

A quick intro to the other new releases:

• Muimui Ki He Fetu’u is a sweet Tongan Christmas lullaby. It translates to ‘Follow The Star’ and is the duo’s first original full Tongan language song, collaboratively penned by Siu and their mother. The lullaby is sung by Leah’s eldest daughter, Olive, and Siu’s youngest child, ‘Ilaisaane. The girls’ gorgeous vocals are beautifully captured in this song, accompanied by the lovely harmony of their mothers. The guitar work of Toa Siulangapo is effortlessly stunning and complements the soft harmonic tones of the song superbly.

• Christmas Dance is an upbeat and super catchy song that will absolutely have all children and adults alike on their dancing feet! This fun song encourages everybody to try out four different dance moves inspired by the different Christmas characters in the song, including a donkey. Giggles will be shared when they try to figure out how to dance like a Christmas tree?! Haha!
  This song was also produced by Thom O’Connor, who had a lot of fun putting this one together!

• We Jingle is a simple jingle bell song that is perfect for use in preschool music sessions. It assists in the development of children motor skills through interactive movement with real jingle bells! It will be a total hit in preschools everywhere with its jazzy Christmas beat!

Song Release Dates:  

Wed, 26 Oct - Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree  (hit the link to have a listen on your favourite streaming platform)

Wed, 2 Nov - Muimui Ki He Fetu'u 

Wed, 9 Nov - Christmas Dance 

Wed, 16 Nov - We Jingle 

Fri, 18 Nov – “Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi” album 

Aotearoa’s Arahi delivers outstanding debut EP, REVELATOR

+ anthemic new single ‘Everything’s About To Change’

+ tickets available for Oct 30 show in Hawkes Bay HERE

Rising Aotearoa artist Arahi has today released the outstanding debut EP REVELATOR, as well as the anthemic new single ‘Everything’s About To Change’.

Also announced today is the live theatre performance of the REVELATOR EP taking place on October 30. With its maiden performance taking place at the Toitoi Opera House in Hawkes Bay, a full performance of actors and a 9-piece band will bring the REVELATOR EP to life as part of the Hawkes Bay Arts Festival.

Listen to REVELATOR HERE

Delicate moments of reflection and sonic intimacy swell into full and theatrical arrangements in many of REVELATOR’s tracks, all carried by Arahi’s warm vocal tones and carefully crafted songwriting. There’s no doubt today's release marks a significant milestone in the artist's career, with Arahi explaining: “REVELATOR is the first work of mine that allows me to intertwine a narrative through multiple songs.”

“My ambition to work and create thematically has been evident throughout past releases but can now be embraced and displayed more extensively. The four tracks that make up the EP have been road-tested through years of festivals and tours like waves carving away at a cliffside, shaping the songs into how they’re presented to you on this EP.”

REVELATOR was recorded at Roundhead Studios and produced by Dave Khan. The EP was mixed by Steven Marr, and mastered at KOG Studio by Chris Chetland.

Also out today is the nostalgic new single ‘Everything’s About To Change’, which explores themes of longing, hope and perseverance as it dreamily recounts an epic tale of two change-makers.

“Musically I often find myself artistically looking to the past to reveal a path forward, and this song is drenched in that sort of nostalgia,” says Arahi. “‘Everything’s About To Change’ lurks in a dark 80’s alley, clutching its big drum sound, eerie synths, and arena ready guitar solo. It’s ​​about creating the change you’re desperately wanting to see in the world; and depending on your perspective or situation, it acts as either reassurance or a warning.”

Listen to 'Everything’s About To Change’ HERE

To celebrate the release of today's debut EP, Arahi will be performing at the Toitoi Opera House on October 30, as part of the Hawkes Bay Arts Festival. Accompanied by a 9 piece band, the tracks from the REVELATOR will be performed as they were recorded, while incorporating original theatre performances that will tie in the narrative of the EP.

“As an example of the predicted longevity and endurance of the EP, a REVELATOR script has been written in collaboration with wordsmith Rosheen FitzGerald,” says Arahi. “Hawkes Bay will host its maiden performance with actors and full band accompaniment, conveying REVELATOR to its true potential through sound and vision.”

Tickets available HERE

Although not a household name (yet!), he has built a reputation as a bona fide artistic soul, who juxtaposes classic and contemporary sound with an eclectic, eccentric band. Always with a flair for the theatrical, he continues to push the boundaries of indie music and leaves his audience wanting more.

Absorb the sounds and storytelling of Arahi through this stunning debut EP. As Arahi says: “I hope listeners allow these songs a chance to live with them - at home, in their cars, on the bus. Connect them to their own moments and memories. They belong to the listener now.”

Listen to REVELATOR HERE 

REVELATOR EP tracklist

1. My Baby's Like A Hurricane

2. Everything’s About To Change

3. Her Love’s Gonna Tear Me Apart

4. The Worst Is Yet To Come 

REVELATOR performed live in theatre

Hawkes Bay Arts Festival 

Sunday October 30 - Toitoi Opera House - TICKETS HERE

Find Arahi:
Facebook / Instagram / Website
Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music

USA-based Miriam Clancy shares "Kamikaze Angels", anthemic track off new record, Black Heart

New album Black Heart out 13 January 2023

“Kamikaze Angels”, Miriam Clancy's first release in three years is a soaring, rousing song, a nod to the 90s through a lens of 2020 clarity. The song oscillates between loud-quiet-loud moments, the chorus rising to a hook, a powerful sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs moment. Miriam says, "The chorus sings itself, propelling up to a maximum finish. And my beautiful wildling kids sing the last line with me which allows a fleeting childlike approach to the world, as it's always better seen that way. I love this song, it feels naked and alive, primal. And unafraid like pulling a thorn from an angry lion's paw."

Announcing her new album with the release of Kamikaze Angels sets the stage for the subsequent releases leading up to Miriam's new record, Black Heart. "To lead with this song feels like a show of cards, a challenge: it declares how I will proceed to address the dark stuff on my album, the arcs and depths of big feelings and horror," she says.
 

Miriam wrote Kamikaze Angels after moving from New Zealand to Queens NY, when she was finding her feet in a new land, caught between two countries and feeling at a loss. She found it hard to step outside. Contemplating her depression, she saw that picking the wrong path leads to a worse array of options, and on it goes - until you find yourself unrecognisable. The frequent global suicide bombings, New York-based hate crimes and frightening political movements in America mobilised her. She says "I was thinking about the origins and the path of a terrorist and their co-option, corrupted and weaponized for a cause, which seemed to be usually through an immense vacuum of need for meaningful connection and to be seen, heard, to belong. From one human grappling with an untethered feeling of emotional exile to another who may be weighing up their paths, I wrote this song for you."

Kamikaze Angels drops on Wednesday 26 October 2023 across all streaming services.

The video for Kamikaze Angels was filmed around the city in Minneapolis, where there were still palpable pockets of the George Floyd protests, signs and murals on the walls, calling for change. It was heavy and immediate, like being in the eye of a storm.

This sense of uprising and social justice aligned with what Miriam could best channel from growing up as a GenX in New Zealand, from the 1990s - the scene at skateparks.

Miriam says, "I am an average skateboarder myself and love how anti-establishment skating is, so when Rubens de Mello (director) suggested a skatepark, I was down. There is something refreshing and righteous about the 90's alternative scene I came up in that I am thrilled to throw back to; there's a raw approach in the emotion and language of the music that I love. Also, as I'm a Gen X slacker, I am ok with not fitting in, so whatever."

The bridge section of Kamikaze Angels features the head stocking and dripping paint, emulating how it would feel to extract yourself from the toxic mindset laid out in the song. "It took an eternity and 15 shampoos to get the black paint out my hair, which was quite alarming," she says. But she got there in the end, and the result of the shoot is a magnificent homage to 90s alternative music through a 2022 lens of a Generation X songwriter extraordinaire.

Kenya Boerman makes her debut with empowering teen anthem ‘Let Go’

Hawkes Bay singer-songwriter Kenya Boerman has today released her debut single ‘Let Go’ - an empowering song that takes the listener through a gamut of emotions and will have you tapping your toes.

LISTEN HERE

Kenya has been turning heads since appearing in the Hawkes Bay Smoke Free Rockquest 2020 solo/duo competition. She then went on to impress the judges in The Breeze Live Lounge competition earlier this year, winning top prize for ‘Let Go’.

Winning the competition saw Kenya offered the opportunity to spend the day in the studio with esteemed engineer John Garcia, recording an original song. That song was ‘Let Go’, which she’d written months earlier for her performance at Rockquest.

“At the time I was under a bit of pressure to write a new song because Rockquest was just around the corner. With only one week to go, I spent every night polishing and touching up little details in time for the performance.”

Kenya knew this was the song she wanted to take to John to record. “Although I had several other originals, 'Let Go' continued to be my favourite,” she says of the song, which has an empowering message.

“It’s about wanting to take some time away from the world; being able to forget about all the stress and worries happening in my life. There were a lot of emotions flying around and some uncertainty about making the right or wrong decisions.  At times I just want to hit pause, turn around, slam the door and walk away from all the crap,” says Kenya.

The song blends various genres, such as folk, rock, swing and country; and while it taps into sadness, exhaustion and anger, it’s cleverly presented with upbeat and catchy production, which conjures up the youthful feeling of living life to the fullest and the freedom of not giving a care in the world.

“I love using my music to connect with people who are going through the same feelings and challenges that I am,” says Kenya.

‘Let Go’ was produced by Thomas Rede and recorded, mixed and mastered by John.

It marks the beginning of an exciting journey ahead for Kenya.

“I’m currently working on several new pieces, experimenting with funky acoustic, soft rock and hints of soul and blues sounds. There is definitely more to come, so watch this space!”

FIND KENYA

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

ABRZY Releases ‘SLOW DOWN’ the second single off his upcoming sophomore album 80 Different Ways II

Following his first single, 'Gully Gang,' ABRZY returns with the second single 'Slow Down’ from his upcoming sophomore album, 80 Different Ways II, a follow-up to his 2020 album 80 Different Ways, where he explores his complex cultural identity and aspirations. "Slow Down" delves into the reasons why ABRZY is unable to slow down, as he has too many dreams to fulfil and has always had unwavering faith in his own abilities, propelling him on.
“One of the most interesting things about this album is its Bengali influences. They really shine through and give his album a hella point of difference that is incredibly unique in comparison to the music coming out of Aus and NZ right now. ABRZY sees a clear lack of representation in the scene right now and hopes to pave the way for the next gen.” - FTM

“Since his first gig at Wellington venue Fast Eddie's in 2014, ABRZY has

gone on to open for international artists such as Kid Ink and Tinie Tempah, at their New Zealand shows.” - STUFF

Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, ABRZY was exposed to a lifestyle that would one day spawn his creative muse and allow him to channel visions for a better future.

Since 2016, he has released a slew of singles, videos, and opened for international artists such as Kid Ink, Tinie Tempah, Lil Yachty, Bliss n Eso with more on the way. In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic ABRZY released his album 80 Different Ways which was inspired by stories and experiences from his hometown. Since then, ABRZY has kept his foot on the pedal releasing a new singles every fortnight, amassing over 2,000,000 streams on Spotify, 30K monthly listeners, as well as performing sold out shows in Wellington, New Zealand.

FOLLOW ABRZY:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY