AUSTRALIAN BASED AFROBEATS CROONER/PERFORMER, D.MATTHEWS HITS NOVEMBER WITH AN INFECTIOUS “NEW SINGLE” with MAZBOU Q
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and musician “D.MATTHEWS” with his captivating new afrobeats single titled, “Be Somebody”.
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and musician “D.MATTHEWS” with his captivating new afrobeats single titled, “Be Somebody”. What a way to cap up the year with a graced song like this. serving as his second single of 2022 so far, and the precursor to his upcoming music video. Take this as a summer - vibing track. The exciting new track is written and composed by both D.Matthews & Mazbou Q.
Produced by Aericsn. Mixed & mastered by Edyonthebeat.
An invigorating marriage of hip-hop and Afrobeat, D.Matthews’ inspiring ‘Be Somebody’ is a soaring and spirited anthem brimming with confidence, inner strength and passion.
Championing his own brand of motivational and energetic calm Afrobeat and Afropop driven by the beats of Africa, Australian-based Nigerian-born singer-songwriter D.Matthews has been thoroughly embossing his name in the industry over the past few years as an independent artist.
With a string of releases to his name and countless nightclub performances and festivals, there’s no doubt that this artist has the drive, not to mention the talent, to capture people’s attention. With a penchant for creating contemporary and progressive afropop throughout each and every one of his songs, D.Matthews’ music is a true reflection of the foundational flavours of the late great Fela Anikulapo Kuti, showcasing his considered character and undeniable song writing.
This Single track doesn’t stop there, it will be accompanied with a BRAND SPANKING new music video to be released on the 11th Of November, 2022. As he enters into the final stage of 2022 to lay the ground works for his HIGHLY anticipated sophomore EP that will be arriving early next year, 2023.
Flying the flag for afrobeats music in New Zealand over the past few years, D.Matthews was the first artist to bring afrobeats to New Zealand Fashion Week, as well as the first afrobeats artist to perform at one of the country’s biggest festivals, Splore Festival. His music has also garnered critical acclaim and support from Australian and New Zealand tastemakers such as Triple J Unearthed, The Beat Magazine and Base FM among others, as he continues to spread the gospel of afrobeats music down under, while representing NZ/AU afrobeats on the worldwide stage.
Mazbou Q is a UK-born, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based Nigerian artist, producer, content creator and educator.
Stemming from his background in classical, heavy metal and West African Highlife, Mazbou Q's particular brand of Hiphop pushes the boundaries of the genre and captivates those with a deep appreciation for musicality. Mazbou Q takes inspiration from the likes of Fela Kuti, The Roots and Black Star as he confronts his listeners with socio-political commentary and creatively engages them in the complexities of his unique cultural identity.
Albi & The Wolves Summer Tour 2022/2023
Albi & The Wolves are back this summer with a string of sizzling shows across New Zealand after a smashing month spent playing 14 dates all over Australia.
Albi & The Wolves are back this summer with a string of sizzling shows across New Zealand after a smashing month spent playing 14 dates all over Australia. The award winning indie folk/Americana trio have honed their stage and song writing skills in the last two years and have a stack of new songs to share with old and new fans alike. If you are unfamiliar Albi & The Wolves they consist of acoustic guitar, electric violin, double bass, a stomp and three voices. The proud albino frontman is Chris Dent, a.k.a. Albi, a showman and soulful vocalist, he’s joined by virtuoso players Pascal Roggen and Micheal Young on violin and double bass.
They’ve spent two months of the year touring so far and that doesn’t include individual shows, so this may make 2022 the bands busiest year to date! One of those was their Australian stint mentioned above, the other was hitting 21 rural towns with the support of Arts On Tour in May. It’s probably needless to say then that this is a hard working outfit but if you don’t believe it they’ve also spent over a month working on an upcoming project they are excited to announce in the new year.
The name Albi & The Wolves comes from a nickname Chris picked up in school as he has albinism, a feature everyone is proud of. The quirky trio celebrates this, and each band member's individuality, through their stories, songs, and musical influences. From pub parties to dynamic and contemporary folk, the band has come a long way in their 8 year lifespan - come find out more at one of the following shows this summer. You won’t be disappointed.
12th Nov - Auckl and - Auckland Blues Festival
2nd Dec- Waihi - Secret Garden (With Looking For Alaska)
3rd Dec- - Takapau - Sanctuary Sounds
4th Dec- Hamilton - Nivara Lounge (With Looking For Alaska)
9th Dec- Hastings - SpaceShip (With Looking For Alaska)
16th Dec - Nelson - The Boathouse
17th Dec - Onekaka - The Mussel Inn (Door sales only)
18th Dec - Mapua - Ruby Bay Store
13th -15h Jan - Cygnet - Cygnet Folk Festival (AUS)
21st Jan - Waipu - Classics In The Cove
23rd Jan - Whangateau - Auckland Folk Festival Presents: Sneaky Bones & Friends
25th Jan - Whangarei - Auckland Folk Festival Presents: Sneaky Bones & Friends
"Muimui Ki He Fetu'u" - New Original Tongan Christmas Lullaby for Kids!
Ōtautahi-based 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".
Ōtautahi-based 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".
Their second offering, "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 Māmā. 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. .
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:
Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree is the first of the four new songs and was released last week. It's 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. Produced by Thom O'Connor and an awesome music video is on its way - currently under construction by animator extraordinaire, Ross Payne.
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 (hit the links below to have a listen on your favourite streaming platform):
Wed, 26 Oct - Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree
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
JP PRESENTS: “PULL UP” (REMIX) FT. BBYDRECO
Almost a year following the release of the original track, JP proudly presents - “PULL UP (REMIX)” feat. South African born rapper Bbydreco.
Almost a year following the release of the original track, JP proudly presents - “PULL UP (REMIX)” feat. South African born rapper Bbydreco. In most cases, releasing a Remix a whole year later might be considered too long a wait but with feature film “Red, White & Brass” (executively produced by Taika Waititi and Carthew Neil’s Piki Films), South Pacific Pictures TV series “Far North'' and hit theatre show now turned Webseries “Inky Pinky Ponky” on the horizon it would definitely be an understatement to say that JP has been booked and busy!
Nevertheless, he’s remained persistent with this release we’re thankful for it!
With Bbydreco’s effortless flow, JP’s smooth RnB Pop vocal performance and a sexy cinematic music video to match Abraham Kunin’s fire beat production, we’re reminded of our favourite Artists and their ‘movie-like’ music videos. Epic cinematography, choreography, slick fashion looks and a climactic ending; it is clear that JP is an Artist influenced by the legends and a vision that goes beyond just the music.
Not only is the Remix a dope collaboration, the music video hints at certain issues that are rarely explored in NZ music; the toxic male gaze and the power dynamics that exist from that, how comfortable we are watching people embrace their sexuality and perhaps even a subtle commentary on society's obsession with transbodies and female bodies in general. We can’t take our eyes off leading lady Leah Pao and her girls and they know it. That’s why their plan works.
If this is what we can expect for future releases, both JP & Bbydreco have promising careers ahead of them.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpgotmusic/
MIDAS MIND delivers his debut EP ‘COMING UP’ ahead of his LIVE PERFORMANCE AT WHAMMY BACKROOM
‘COMING UP’ is a unique blend of MIDAS MIND’s Westie accent and hyperactive lyricism, over bassy, bouncy, EDM-influenced beats. The result is a one of a kind sound that is as equally suited to an international festival stage, as it is to a local West Auckland garage.
Listen to ‘COMING UP’ online here
MIDAS MIND is poised to set the Auckland music scene alight with his debut EP - ‘COMING UP’ out November 4.
Having already established himself as an intricate and explosive lyricist, with a string of diverse singles and creative self-produced music videos, as well as live-to-air radio performances, his eagerly anticipated debut EP is sure to cement his position as one of Auckland’s hottest MC’s to watch.
Adding to the lead singles from the EP, is a music video for ‘2SICK’, and a collaboration with Aoteroa hip hop powerhouses ‘Spell’ and ‘LNGSLV’ on ‘NAWTY’ - all dropping with the EP on November 4.
‘COMING UP’ is a unique blend of MIDAS MIND’s Westie accent and hyperactive lyricism, over bassy, bouncy, EDM-influenced beats. The result is a one of a kind sound that is as equally suited to an international festival stage, as it is to a local West Auckland garage.
Born and raised at the foothills of the Waitākere Ranges, MIDAS MIND lived on the border of two different worlds. The rugged, wild west coast on one side, and the temptations of big city suburbia on the other. From far too young, beach and bush collided with drugs and sex, and Midas gained a lifetime of stories and some pretty harsh lessons by his mid-twenties.
Driven by a focus on mental health and a passion for his community, MIDAS MIND explores the more enjoyable aspects of his journey on his EP ‘COMING UP’.
Having been made with live shows in mind, COMING UP performed by MIDAS MIND at Whammy Backroom on December 2nd will be a show you do not want to miss.
Gig Starters – A Seminar & Workshop About Putting On All Ages Gigs
Gig Starters Aotearoa are hosting a free event on Sunday 20 November at Big Fan with a seminar, a production workshop and an all ages gig!
GIG STARTERS SEMINAR & WORKSHOP ABOUT PUTTING ON ALL AGES GIGS
2PM TO 5PM, SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER – TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AT BIG FAN
Gig Starters Aotearoa are hosting a free event on Sunday 20 November at Big Fan with a seminar, a production workshop and an all ages gig!
Kicking off at 2:00pm, we’ll be discussing the need-to-knows of putting on your own all ages gig with a crew of industry professionals, a local recording artist and a production technician.
After the hui will be a workshop at a real-life soundcheck, with the chance to watch and be part of a live production set-up.
And then in celebration of releasing the first Gig Starters Zine at 4pm, it's gig time! We’re lucky to have rising local stars COAST ARCADE performing.
There will be an awesome team heading along to share their wisdom about putting on great all ages shows. The Panel or ‘Crew’ as we like to call them for this event are:
Bella Bavin - Front-woman and songwriter for emerging self-managed indie rock band Coast Arcade.
Ciara Bernstein - Founder of all ages venue/recording and rehearsal space 'The Vault’, Ciara is a multi-instrumentalist playing in a number of Tāmaki Makaurau bands as well as a key member of the Girls Rock! / To The Front programme.
Gussie Larkin - Gussie has her fingers in many pies within the music industry - which vary from working in the promoter department for Live Nation Aotearoa, to programming the Garden Stage at Rhythm n Vines and promoting tours with Drunken Piano Touring. She is also a successful recording artist from the bands Mermaidens and Earth Tongue.
Noema Te Hau lll - Currently the in-house Audio Engineer and producer at Big Fan, Noema is a multi-skilled music specialist with experience as a tertiary educator, music producer, audio engineer, songwriter, music director and performer.
Rodney Fisher - Special Projects and Events Manager for NZ Music Commission, Rodney is also a solo artist and front person for Goodshirt.
All are welcome to attend, and it's free entry - just make sure to RSVP by Friday Nov 18 at gigstarters.co.nz
This NZ Music Commission event has been made possible with help from UNESCO Auckland City Of Music.
What is Gig Starters?
Gig Starters is an initiative run by the NZ Music Commission to inspire young people to put on gigs of their own all around Aotearoa.
‘Creating live gigs is an awesome way to make first steps into the industry as a musician or someone who is interested in a career behind the scenes in music. You’ll get to be part of putting on an event showcasing great local music, and learn new skills at the same time.’ - Rodney Fisher, NZ Music Commission.
It started as an event … Gig Starters began last year when the Music Commission ran a series of seminars in Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The seminars in every town were followed by an all ages gig.
Then it became a zine … For the next part of the Gig Starters initiative we have created a zine style booklet called A Guide To All Ages Music Events In Aotearoa.
This booklet gives an overview of putting on entry level music events and offers advice and first-hand information from musicians and industry professionals, featuring Gussie Larkin from Mermaidens and Earth Tongue, music writer Gareth Shute, Shannon Novak (the founder of Safe Space Alliance) as well as the Music Commission’s Rodney Fisher.
The zine was illustrated by Moskon Review, an artist from Hamilton who has created many gig posters over the years and is part of the team at the local music venue Last Place.
To read the digital zine head over to gigstarters.co.nz
For more information, contact Rodney Fisher, NZ Music Commission: 09 3760115 / rodney@nzmusic.org.nz
MILLER YULE REVEALS VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘HOLD ON / FIX YOU’
Hot on the heels of the release of his explosive debut album Let It Burn, singer-songwriter Miller Yule drops new single ‘Hold On / Fix You’, an acoustic rendition of his album track ‘Hold On’, with a sparkle of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ to end the song.
A SONG FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS THE DEPTHS OF DEPRESSION
"All the seeds you buried in darkness will find the light to grow...Don't give up”
Hot on the heels of the release of his explosive debut album Let It Burn, singer-songwriter Miller Yule drops new single ‘Hold On / Fix You’, an acoustic rendition of his album track ‘Hold On’, with a sparkle of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ to end the song.
Miller’s work continues to demonstrate his ability to deliver strong hook-driven melodies, insightful and personal lyricism, and an innate talent for excellent arrangements and musicality. This raw stripped-back to its bare bones recording of Miller’s very personal song weaved with another, is a heartfelt and soulful performance, resplendent with beautifully blended harmonies and backing vocals, gentle percussion, foot-stomps and handclaps.
The track was recorded at Parachute Studios, and engineered, mixed and mastered by Scott Seabright. Miller recruited talented musicians Mark Steven on organ with backing vocals by Dean Tinning, Nathan Boston and Michael White to record this special acoustic version, and the video was directed and edited by Grégoire Aubourg with technical assistance from Miller’s brother Elliot.
Miller says: “’Hold On’ is a personal song about holding on to hope during the struggle of depression. It’s inspired by my own experience managing, as well as trying to help friends and family who are going through their own struggles in life. The segue into ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay is a fitting and moving outro to the track, giving the message that things can get better. I love weaving these two songs together – ‘Hold On’ is all about hope and resilience, and ‘Fix You’ complements and reinforces that meaning.”
Miller’s debut album Let It Burn features singles ‘Dynamite’, 'Tangled Up', ‘Evergreen’, and 'Lock Me Up'. The album itself was recorded at Auckland’s Roundhead Studio A and Big Pop Studios by Scott Seabright, mixed by Clint Murphy at Roundmead Studios, UK, mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound Mastering, Nashville and produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Melanie C, Opshop).
This first studio album has been a long time coming for Miller, and with this latest body of work he has perfectly captured his continuing development into a musically and lyrically strong, contemporary songwriter.
Estère releases single/video “Oh Well” - second release from Mākara Peak
Estère’s track "Oh Well” is a funky millennial lament about the current state of the world. Inspired by early 2000’s Hip-Hop and RnB production - as are many of Estère’s songs - it flits between existential conundrums and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
Estère releases new track
"Oh Well"
on Thursday 3 November, 2022,
second track from forthcoming EP Mākara Peak.
Click here to listen to "Oh Well"!
Click here to watch "Oh Well"!
Estère’s track "Oh Well” is a funky millennial lament about the current state of the world. Inspired by early 2000’s Hip-Hop and RnB production - as are many of Estère’s songs - it flits between existential conundrums and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
Estère says, "I wrote "Oh Well" during a lockdown. I'd grappled with a string of disappointments due to cancellations and the general feeling of being trapped at that time. I was thinking about how there are so many things we learn to be ambivalent about as a generation and a society - If we truly took everything on, we would mentally and spiritually implode from the pressure. But where's the line? Am I too apathetic? Do I care enough about things? Those are the questions I was asking myself when I wrote 'Oh Well'."
If pop were an urban centre, "Oh Well" would sit comfortably on its inspired outskirts, combining underground elements of RnB, cafe culture, a modicum of romance language and a dance-floor rhythmic groove.
"Oh Well" will be released by Blue Riot Records on Thursday 3 November across all streaming services.