Wāhine Asians Are Here Tour
Reshma Martin, Ersha Island 二沙岛, Miss Leading and DJ RNG + sus are teaming up for WAAHT! (Wāhine Asian Are Here Tour!) A power line-up of feminine Asian energy set to take North Island stages.
Reshma Martin, Ersha Island 二沙岛, Miss Leading and DJ RNG + sus are teaming up for WAAHT! (Wāhine Asian Are Here Tour!) A power line-up of feminine Asian energy set to take North Island stages. The group will be touring Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Friday 18 November, at Meow Bar, Whanganui on the 19th of November at Porridge Watson, and Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland 26th November at Basement Theatre. This is a collaborative production between Peach Promotions, the Eastern Sound Collective, SquareSums&Co and Where The Asians At‽.
The three groups have teamed up as they recognise the need to promote unheard voices in Aotearoa, with Asian women still missing from most festival line-ups and few represented in main-stream music media.
Audiences should prepare to be blown away by the talent-stocked line-up of some of New Zealand's best emerging female artists playing an eclectic mix of pop that borders with classical music and indie to avant-guarde.
RESHMA MARTIN
Reshma Martin's career launched in 2016 after she appeared on the final season of the Malaysian singing competition "Akademi Fantasia." After this event, she went on to achieve music awards nominations and notable success in Malaysia, Japan and Los Angeles before moving to Whanganui Aotearoa and now Tāmaki Makaurau. In Aotearoa, Reshma was involved with NZ reality show Popstars in 2021, released her first English single titled 'Loneliest Girl', and is gearing up to release her second single 'Where My Asians At?'. The new song is an appeal to the NZ music industry, calling out the lack of Kiwi-Asian visibility, opportunities and representation in the sector.
Follow Reshma Marin on:Spotify•Instagram•TikTok•Facebook•YouTube
Miss Leading
Miss Leading is a New Zealand-born songwriter and music producer of Indian and Pakeha heritage living in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. She plays live electronic art-pop using an NZ made synthstrome deluge. Her live performances blend melodic synth lines with intricate percussion, poetry and sultry singing with the juxtaposition of heavily conscious lyrics. She has played both NZ and UK festivals and her album "Minor Thing" and her recently released music video "Woke" have both had editorial acclaim internationally, with Minor Thing receiving five-star reviews.
Follow Miss Leading: Spotify • Website • Instagram • YouTube • Facebook
Ersha Island 二沙岛
Ersha Island 二沙岛 is a Chinese-Kiwi duo who live in Tāmaki Makaurau. Having chalked up early achievements in Classical Performance at the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing, sisters Dani 丹丹 and Tee 婷婷 now create mesmerising and memorable soul-pop compositions featuring their piano and violin pedigree. Ersha Island 二沙岛 have been writing new music in both English and Mandarin; they released their debut singles "Gut Feeling" and "Good Day" in February this year on both Western and Asian/Chinese platforms.
Follow Ersha Island 二沙岛 on: Spotify • Instagram • TikTok • Facebook
DJ RNG+sus
Each of the three events will close with a pop-up nightclub as the WAAHT resident DJ RNG+sus. They will bring an assortment of fresh tunes to the dance floor. When asked what she may be playing RNG+sus answered "Devine intervention/hellish chaos? Who knows." Either way, it will be the ultimate end to an incredible night of powerful female Asian-fronted music.
All artists have been played on New Zealand and international radio and are seasoned performers who each bring their own unique music flavour and personal stories of navigating multiple cultural identities. The desire to find belonging where they live and within their cultural communities is the diaspora that is echo'd in their music and personal narratives.
Renée Millner releases EP FLY ME BACK + powerful single ‘Cambodia’
Talented and soulful Taranaki-based Australian singer-songwriter Renée Millner has today released her gorgeous EP FLY ME BACK.
Talented and soulful Taranaki-based Australian singer-songwriter Renée Millner has today released her gorgeous EP FLY ME BACK.
Listen to ‘FLY ME BACK’ HERE
FLY ME BACK is a stunning collection of songs filled with Renée’s distinctively smoky vocals and lyrics that reverberate, empower and mesmerise. It includes emotive singles ‘Not Ok’, ‘Out Their Windows’, and ‘Fly Me Back’, as well as “stirring soul-folk anthem of resilience” (Under the Radar) ‘So Much’. It also features previously unreleased single ‘Cambodia’ - a powerful and beautifully written song about resilience.
“This song was written after my first trip to Cambodia pre-pandemic, inspired by a woman who shared her story of heartache and loss during the war,” says Renée. “I didn’t know a great deal about the history of the country but learnt so much about the genocide that occurred there. It was very humbling and reminded me of my time in Bosnia & Herzegovina - the incredible resilience of the people was impressed on my memory. I ended up completing a master's in Refugee Studies and Forced Migration, and worked in that sector for a number of years whilst living in Melbourne.”
Recorded with Sam Johnson of Rhythm Ace Studios, the EP’s production shines. This successful partnership between producer and artist has resulted in the exploration of new sonic territory - particularly with singles ‘So Much’ and ‘Fly Me Back’, which have a more pop-electronic sound, that brilliantly amplifies Renée's talent as a folk singer-songwriter, showcasing her versatility.
A celebrated live performer, Renée has a string of very special shows lined up, featuring Wellington-based multi-instrumentalist Jarrod Bakker (keys). Tickets are available HERE
New Plymouth - The Most FM - Saturday 29 October
Whanganui - Space Studio Gallery - Friday 18 November
Wellington - Moon - Sunday- Sunday 20 November
Auckland - Kumeu Live - Saturday 26 November
Tauranga - The Jam Factory - Sunday 27 November.
With several standout releases under her belt already, Renée is a talent set to soar - winning hearts with each chord she plays and story she tells. Listen now to the full EP FLY ME BACK HERE and make sure you’re following her socials!
FIND RENÉE MILLNER
WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
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Olivia Foa’i sings a new song of hope in Sunlight, an English-Tokelau pop anthem.
Following in the footsteps of her prior tracks like Hau La and My Way, Olivia is back with another feel-good, bilingual track featuring lyrics in both English and Gagana Tokelau; a Polynesian language with only 4,000 speakers.
Olivia Foa’i releases a warm song of optimism and gratitude, written on the rainiest of days.
Following in the footsteps of her prior tracks like Hau La and My Way, Olivia is back with another feel-good, bilingual track featuring lyrics in both English and Gagana Tokelau; a Polynesian language with only 4,000 speakers.
Olivia is passionate about her Tokelau heritage and language, so it was appropriate that it was released in time for Aotearoa’s Tokelau Language Week celebrations.
Although ironically, the song was written on a stormy day during the second lockdown in Australia, Sunlight exudes undeniable warmth, gratitude, and optimism. “Sometimes we think that emotional depth lies only in sadness and hurt, but I think joy is profound. I think peace is incredibly profound. If you can still find light in all the darkness, if you can nurture peace amongst all the chaos. That’s deep.” - Olivia Foa’i (on the inspiration behind the song).
The song is written by Olivia and produced by her brother, Matatia. Mixed in with the modern drum kit is the Polynesian Pātē (log drum) played in Matatia's signature style. The upcoming music video will feature the rarely-seen-on-the-world-stage Tokelau fatele (Tokelau dance) and will carry the beauty - but also the uncertainty of preserving the culture/language in modern day.
The song and music video were made with the support of NZ on Air.
AfterMyriagon (No Photos Please), Sunlightwill be the second single from Olivia’s 2023 sophomore album and follows the success of her debut album, Candid, which earned her the Tui for Best Pacific Album in the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards and Best Female Artist in the Pacific Music Awards of the same year.
WEIRD TOGETHER present ‘FIND OUT’ ft. LIPS
Weird Together return from the wilderness with ‘Find Out’ Ft. LIPS, their first release in nearly four years. ‘Find Out’ is a collaboration with Silver Scroll winners Steph Brown and Fen Ikner aka LIPS and is out today.
Weird Together return from the wilderness with ‘Find Out’ Ft. LIPS, their first release in nearly four years. ‘Find Out’ is a collaboration with Silver Scroll winners Steph Brown and Fen Ikner aka LIPS and is out today.
LISTEN
WATCH
‘Find Out’ is built around an infectious kalimba and bass groove (courtesy of band member Barnie Duncan) that builds throughout the song. Steph from LIPS adds an almost fairytale-like vocal and takes the song on a mysteriously magical journey. The animated music video created by the Makers Initiative is a wonderful journey into the surreal world of frogs, snakes and dancing Lips.
LIPS recently released their Taite Prize nominated debut album ‘I Don’t Know Why I Do Anything’ after a string of critically acclaimed EPs and singles and a stint as musical directors in the stage play and film versions of award winning musical Daffodils.
Also included is a remix from Auckland acid house queens Kédu Carlö who take the track directly to the dance floor with analogue synth lines and cut up vocals.
With a slew of new tracks and an awesome team at Bigpop Records in support, the next 12 months are about to get weird. You can catch Weird Together live this New Years down at the Britomart Block Party.
'Find Out' Ft. LIPS + Kédu Carlö remix is out now via New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.
BANDI 'AIN'T NOBODY'
Kiwi-Brazilian artist ‘Bandi’ was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, from a young age, bounced back and forth between the Foothills of Los Angeles (LaVerne) and a small suburb in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Kiwi-Brazilian artist ‘Bandi’ was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, from a young age, bounced back and forth between the Foothills of Los Angeles (LaVerne) and a small suburb in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Her music is heavily influenced by her life experiences, merging a sound shaped through her time travelling around Brazil and LA. As a multilingual artist, she integrates aspects of her South American culture into her music, often singing in Portuguese or Spanish.
Garnering comparisons to the likes of Jhené Aiko, Cassie, ABRA, and Doja Cat, her music can be described as a vibrant mix of bubblegum pop and soulful RnB, catching listeners off guard with her powerful range and angelic voice
Drawing inspiration from her South American roots, ‘Aint Nobody’ is an effortless fusion of Afrobeats and Latin American music, mixed with Bandi’s signature sound of bubblegum pop and atmospheric R&B. Produced and co-written by Tom Lee, the track is energetic but smooth, captivating the listener as Bandi professes her all-consuming infatuation for a lost lover.
With a blissful guitar melody and an up tempo South American rhythm, ‘Aint Nobody’ is instantly addicting. Bandi’s polished vocals sail over the head-nodding beat, her natural charisma and charming naivety shining through. As a multilingual artist , Bandi also adds her unique flavor to the track by incorporating hints of Spanish.
Following the track, Bandi is set to release a music video, sponsored by NZ on Air, in collaboration with world-renowned Lego Master Brandon Wike. Filmed by Tom Grut, edited by Jodo Valley and co-directed by Bandi herself, the music video will show Bandi living in a playful world of bright, colorful lego as she lives out her dream life with her significant other
The song serves as the second track from her upcoming debut EP, ‘ Bittersweet’
Yung Maac and RVNNAH collaborate on new track - 'Sideline'
After gaining significant attention online through their first collaborative commercial single ‘4 10 Shawty’, Yung Maac and RVNNAH are back again with another energetic track, ‘Sideline’.
After gaining significant attention online through their first collaborative commercial single ‘4 10 Shawty’, Yung Maac and RVNNAH are back again with another energetic track, ‘Sideline’.
Produced by multi-platinum award winner StardustSzn, the instrumental features eerie samples and a simple lead piano line layered over 808 drums to create the perfect backdrop for the artists to fill in with their energetic delivery and unique cadences. Featuring their signature autotuned vocals and storytelling lyrics, the artists put together a catchy hook that listeners bobbing their heads to, bringing the song to life and capturing the listeners attention.
After teasing this song online through their Instagram and Snapchat stories, Yung Maac and RVNNAH are feeding their evergrowing online fanbase with this song. With anticipation building towards the release of Yung Maac’s debut album, listeners will be able to grasp upon the theme and sound that they can expect from that project in this single.
“To me, the easiest thing to do is to come into the studio and make a song with an artist that I feel can match my energy, and RVNNAH is someone who brings just that to every session. Sideline is a track for us that just tells our story and experiences as young people trying to navigate the world around us.” - Yung Maac, on recording ‘Sideline’ with RVNNAH.
With much hype building around these two bubbling artists as they continue their journey in music, fans and listeners alike can expect more energetic collaborations with them together, as well as solid solo singles to be released from either one of them. With lyrics and storytelling that match the sound of rap that has flown into the soundwaves from overseas, mixed in with their unique Aotearoa centric jargon, these two are solidifying their place as some of the leaders in the new age of rap coming out of New Zealand.
Listen to ‘Sideline’ by Yung Maac and RVNNAH on all streaming platforms. Follow @Yung_Maac on Instagram for all updates.
LOVETA releases new single ‘Nostalgia’ + announces debut EP
Up-and-coming songstress LOVETA has today released her hypnotic, R&B-infused anthem ‘Nostalgia’.
Up-and-coming songstress LOVETA has today released her hypnotic, R&B-infused anthem ‘Nostalgia’.
Listen to Nostalgia HERE
Following on from her nu-disco debut ‘More Than Fun’ and road trip ready ‘Drive’, this new offering is another stunning collaboration with musician/producer Wulfie, and the final release before her debut EP drops November 18.
“I wrote ‘Nostalgia’ a couple of years ago while working as a vocalist on a cruise ship. It’s about the realisation of how the ups and downs of past experiences have ultimately led to where I am now, and finding gratitude in that journey. I’m a person who is naturally drawn to things that make me feel nostalgic - music, films, scents, and photos - so the song is also a dedication to the part of myself that loves to indulge in sentimentality.
‘Nostalgia’ reflects another side of LOVETA that hasn’t been showcased yet. A lover of soul and R&B first and foremost, it is contrasting in comparison to the high-energy pop songs the artist has released so far, but a taste of the other styles she is exploring in the EP. “It’s still got an uplifting funky flavour, but I enjoy the way ‘Nostalgia’ ebbs and flows in a more laid-back way.”
As is now becoming expected from the talented artist, a cinematic ‘Nostalgia’ video has also been released. Created by Whisko Creative’s Matt Evlampieff, it captures a live performance featuring LOVETA and a band jamming and having a great time. “‘Nostalgia’ is the kind of track that’s all about the organic flow between the musicians and myself,” says LOVETA. “I love the feeling of freedom while performing on stage with a band behind me. The stage really is my first home! It also captures the meaning of ‘Nostalgia’ - being transported into a place inside yourself where you can explore the past and present and connect the two together.”
LOVETA is undoubtedly a star on the rise, and whose journey you want to follow!
Chart climbing rock band Pieces of Molly release debut album + single ‘Banshee’
They’ve been in the charts with literal bangers, and now Christchurch four-piece Pieces of Molly have today released their long-awaited, self-titled debut album.
LISTEN HERE
They’ve been in the charts with literal bangers, and now Christchurch four-piece Pieces of Molly have today released their long-awaited, self-titled debut album.
Consisting of eight riff-heavy rock n roll tracks, this album is an example of Aotearoa rock at its best. As well as hit singles ‘Don’t Shine A Light Into The Dark’ and ‘I Don’t Wanna’ (10# NZ Hot 20 Singles Chart), the album includes new single ‘Banshee’ - which draws on inspiration from Celtic mythology and creatures who are omens of death - like the ‘Banshee’ and ‘Bean-Nighe’.
“We’re a rock n roll band. We love riffs, we love head banging, we play loud and fast,’ says lead singer Ewen Glasgow. "We really wanted to put out an album that captured our live sound and poured everything into making this album the best thing we've ever put out. We couldn't be happier with the result. It's just primal rock n roll from the moment the needle touches down."
Known for their electric performances, Ōtautahi Christchurch fans are being treated to a special release show at 12 Bar on November 5. Get your tickets HERE.
It’s been a big year for Pieces of Molly. As well as writing, recording, and releasing great tunes, they’ve gone on an Australian/NZ tour with Californian rockers Sasquatch and supported Aotearoa legends Shihad. Made up of Ewen Glasgow (lead guitar/vocals), Doug Stewart (bass, backing vocals), Sam Kubiak (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Kurt Fleming (drums, percussion, backing vocals), each member is undoubtedly skilled in their craft, and blend brilliantly as a group. Responsible for the slick production are Adam Hogan and Josh Logan from Christchurch’s Loho Studio, and Samuel K Sproull for mastering.
Listen to the full Pieces of Molly album HERE
Atomic Fuzz
Banshee
Dead Sky
Don't Shine A Light Into The Dark
Eyes Of Time
I Don't Wana
Shake My Brain
Subterranean Nightmare
Forming in 2012, they’ve released 2 EPs, 7 singles, and now their debut album - all of which have been blasted on The Rock FM and Radio Hauraki. Alongside their high-energy shows on tours across New Zealand and Australia, the band have played well-known festivals such as River Range, Mojo Burning, and Dead of Winter. They’ve also played support slots for international bands such as Radio Moscow, Anvil, 1000mods, Wo Fat and local legends Head Like A Hole, Beastwars and The Datsuns. Make sure you’re following Pieces of Molly!