Masaya 'Black Sheep'

Masaya have dropped their latest music video off their debut album “Chronicles of Youth ''.

Supported by NZ on Air, Groove Merchants Masaya have followed up with their second video release of ‘ Black Sheep’, filmed by Beach Thurlow-Meyer and shot at Auckland's speakeasy bar Sly, on K Rd. 

‘Black Sheep’ is so groovy and calm with warm and expressive vocals. 

After a revolving door of constant global confusion of the past two years ‘Black Sheep is about being left in the unknown during uncertain times. The video shows Masaya playing in a 1930s jazz bar, whilst the viewer is being transported into the singer’s mind gambling with decisions over an uncertain future. 

Masaya opted to create an atmosphere where you were taken back in time, which meant that it was important that style was vintage inspired.

Masaya is currently on tour with fellow kiwi legends Katchafire on a 21 date tour across Australia.

The Change in Musical Direction That Delayed Chris Sanders EP Release by Almost 7 Years!

Chris Sanders is releasing his first “grown-ups” music since 2013, a 5 song EP called ‘In My Arms.’ Recorded at the Lab Studios in Auckland in 2015/16, the songs were recently mixed and mastered and are finally ready to be released to the world.  So why did it take so long?

When recording started in 2015, Chris’ plan was to record his debut album and release later in 2016.  But as can happen in life, the plan took a sharp turn.  Half way through the recording process, one of the songs that was going to be on the album just didn't sit right with the other songs, that song was called Angel Star.

“I had a bit of an epiphany (if that's what you want to call it) that Angel Star should actually be a stand alone children's song with a picture book. Then I would get back to finishing my album,” says Sanders.

6 years later, Chris has become one of New Zealand’s most well known children’s songwriters, authors and performers.  He has released 3 children’s albums, 6 picture books, 2 children’s musicals, toured extensively, received an NZ Honour from the Governor General for his charitable work for St John, performed with the APO, been nominated for a TUI Award and had 4 songs in the Official NZ Music Charts! He’s also written some pretty iconic children’s songs in that time such as the ‘111 Ambulance Song’ and ‘Mittens’ about the famous Wellington Celebrikitty.

“Talk about a change in musical direction!!! But now I think it’s time to release the songs that have been sitting on a shelf for all those years – I guess Anika Moa went from writing ‘grown ups’ songs to kids music, so I’m just doing things in reverse,” says Chris.

The first single ‘In My Arms’ which features the award winning Black Quartet is also the name of the EP and quite an appropriate song given that for the last couple of years, holding those we love close to us hasn't been as easy as it would normally be.

To celebrate the launch of the first single, Chris has created a beautifully scented Limited Edition ‘In My Arms’ candle, available excusively through his Bandcamp page. The song is all about remembering those we love and cherish. Whether its someone you have missed through being disconnected during lockdowns or someone who has passed away, then it’s a lovely way to remember and celebrate those you love.

The other songs on the EP include ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’ a song about breaking through all the barriers to success, no matter how many people tell you that you will fail, you should never let anything stop you from achieving your plan.  And the second single ‘Try As you Might’ is a pretty succinct description of the world as it is today, living in the moment and not thinking or caring too much about the future repercussions.

The EP was mixed by Rikki Morris.

The EP and Candle are available now exclusively through Chris’ Bandcamp page

https://chrissanders2.bandcamp.com/album/in-my-arms

The EP is also available to pre-order now on several platforms  (full release Nov 26)

https://bfan.link/CS-in-my-arms

ANNA VAN RIEL 'Christmas In New Zealand '

Hot chips on the beach, bbq dinners, putting up tents, lawn cricket, playing guitar around the bonfire while potatoes cook in the hot coals…

What do all of these things have in common? 

It’s Christmas in New Zealand!

This Friday, November 18th Hāwea singer/songwriter Anna van Riel is launching her bubbly, and iconically Kiwi single ‘Christmas in New Zealand’, which was filmed at the stunning Karitane Beach in Otago.

With the help of NZ on Air, the track is accompanied by a nostalgic-feeling music video that sums up this festive time of year. Danny Fairley at Mirrors Audio weaves his musical production magic, creating a sound that the whole family can sing along too. 

van Riel teamed up with Wānaka-based production company The Film Crew and filmmaker Joe Murdie to create a clip that encapsulates the vision of an old-skool Christmas in Aotearoa.

The song will be showcased live at Wanaka’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree community event on Dec 2nd and premiered on the big screen on Sunday 4th at The Film Crew studios, however the digital launch of both song and music video go live this Friday November 18th.

Tune in on all major listening platforms, and watch it on YouTube via Anna van Riel Music channel, or simply head to www.annavanriel.com

MANA - 'Lady Muk’

MANA Nightingale (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi) is an Aotearoa born artist raised between Porirua and West Auckland. His journey in music emerged from a place of ‘letting go’.

‘Change is good because it means we’re growing; but it’s how we respond to that change which shapes how it will affect us’. Lady Muk is part of MANA’s way to process his past experiences.

Produced by big al. (Aidan Fine, Sam V) and Abraham Kunin (Dalai Lama, Teeks, Home Brew), and written within a Te Karanga Navigators group session, Lady Muk represents a triumph of both process and product. MANA’s mentors are inspired by the courage he has shown stepping out with this work. 

Music has been a foundational outlet to MANA’s creative energy and he always found himself writing in difficult times. Hiphop became the vehicle for him; as he found connection in the presentation of deep emotions through poetic lyricism and delivery.

In his art, MANA holds honesty and authenticity dearly. Music is a journey of self discovery; the reason he fell in love with this journey.

‘Being with Haumako gave me an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I felt, and still feel the support from the team behind the program. Haumako gave me the “we believe in you” moment I needed at the time. It was an awesome journey with international producer Abraham Kunin, legendary emcee Rizván, and PR nonpareil Bev Adair.’

"Christmas Dance" - New Christmas Jive 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". 

​Their third waiata, "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! 

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 and have been created with the support of funding from NZ on Air Music. 

All 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. 

• 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. .

• 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 

Jason Parker releases hook-filled debut EP HOW TO BE LONELY + single ‘I Think About You’

Aotearoa popstar Jason Parker has today released his much-anticipated, glistening debut EP HOW TO BE LONELY + new single ‘I Think About You’.

Listen to the full HOW TO BE LONELY EP HERE

Filled with hooks to sing to, beats to dance to and lyrics that will pull at your heartstrings - with Jason’s incredible voice bringing the magic. The EP is a collection of songs that speak to different kinds of loneliness - self-inflicted, ignored and overcome.

“Working on HOW TO BE LONELY has been the most correct feeling thing I’ve ever done,” says Jason. “Being able to live dreams that I’d once given up on blows my mind every day. I feel fortunate to be here, but I’ve never worked harder, truthfully. I’ve cried a lot, felt absolutely delusional and had the time of my life creating and releasing this EP. I couldn’t have done this alone. Writing music is teaching me to live life outside of my own mind, and now I truly want to be lonely with you, all of you. So sing loud, live proud, this is our year.”

Recorded in the artist's bedroom during the 2021 lockdown, it was produced and mixed by Alvyn Tan and includes hits ‘How to be Lonely’ (#4 Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, #32 Hot 40 Singles Chart, #15 RadioScope Most Added), ‘You Rescued Me’, ‘This Is My Year’ and ‘It’s My Bad (Oops)’ (#10 Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart). It also includes new single ‘I Think About You’.

‘I Think About You’ reminisces on a breakup, the type of love that burns bright and fast and leaves you with nothing but blurred memories. In this track, Jason uses his lyrical gifts to paint both abstract and literal pictures which are enhanced by his emotive vocal delivery and captivating melodies. Recorded in the height of 2022 summer, in Alvyn Tan’s Whangārei home studio. This was the first time the two had seen each other since the last lockdowns of 2021.

Jason says ‘I Think About You’ is his favourite track from the EP and is the ultimate “sad boy banger fantasy” in HOW TO BE LONELY.

You can see Jason Parker LIVE at new Auckland venue Big Fan on November 30. Get your tickets from Under The Radar HERE

Jason Parker's journey to this moment has included tv appearances, radio play, charting on the Official NZ Hot Singles Charts, garnering well over 30k streams on Spotify and praise from industry heavyweights in both NZ and Australia. Jason first stepped into the spotlight in 2014 on X Factor Australia, gaining almost 3 Million views on YouTube after receiving a standing ovation from judges Danni Minogue, Redfoo and Ronan Keating. Fast forward to 2021, Jason debuted his single ‘You Rescued Me’ on NZ Popstars, wowing viewers and judges and propelling him to begin work on his now-released debut EP, HOW TO BE LONELY. Don’t wait any longer - listen to the full EP now - and make sure you’re following Jason Parker!

The RVMES Announce Simple Things Album Tour

Celebrating the release of Simple Things, The RVMES most defining release yet, they take themselves back out onto the road for their fourth tour which includes a healthy dose of Summer Festivals across the North Island.

Kicking off on the 10th of December at Anthology Lounge, Auckland they have secured fantastic support for their shows from a range of talented artists across Aotearoa including DJ BAX, Odds & Ends, Makeshift Parachutes, Camila Lenhart, Kriston Batistić (Krispy & The Pooch), Devon Welch and Retro Valley.

SIMPLE THINGS TOUR DATES & INFO

Saturday, 10th December @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland

Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.nz

26th December – TBA

30th December – TBA

14th January – Nivara Lounge, Hamilton

Tickets to be announced

21st January – Crabfarm Winery, Hawke’s Bay

Tickets to be announced

28th January – The Jam Factory, Tauranga

Tickets to be announced

29th January – TBA

4th February – The Blue Rabbit, Waiheke Island

Tickets to be announced

11th February – River Sounds Festival, Katikati

Tickets available from everyonehurts.com

18th February – Okura Forest Festival, Okura

Tickets available from okuraforestfestival.com

Award winning composer Victoria Kelly releases a song from her highly anticipated Requiem

Award winning composer Victoria Kelly is releasing the first song from her highly anticipated Requiem on 11 November 2022. Two versions of the song - ‘Requiem’ - based on a poem by Sam Hunt CNZM QSM - will be released together, one in English and one in Te Reo.

The release heralds the world premiere of the Requiem at the Auckland Arts Festival on 11 March 2023, and an album release of the complete work on 17 March 2023.

Details of the performance can be found here.

The single ‘Requiem’ - is performed in English by internationally renowned, Grammy Award winning tenor Simon O’Neill ONZM.

The companion - ‘He Taurere’ - is a te reo Māori interpretation of Sam’s poem by leading reo exponent Sir Tīmoti Kāretu (Ngāi Tūhoe / Ngāti Kahungunu) and performed by multi-faceted performer and songwriter, Anika Moa (Ngāpuhi / Te Aupōuri.)

Both versions can be pre-saved / pre-ordered here. For release 11th November 2022.

ABOUT REQUIEM / HE TAURERE

Victoria first met Sam Hunt in 2000 when they took part in Charlotte Yates’ production of Baxter (a collection of James K Baxter’s poems set to music by a range of NZ musicians). This production saw the birth of many transformational friendships for Victoria, including her friendship with the late performer and songwriter Mahinārangi Tocker (to whom ‘He Taurere’ is dedicated).

One day at a rehearsal, after learning that it was her favourite of his poems, Sam recited ‘Requiem’ to Victoria - a memory she treasures. In 2002, she asked Sam’s permission to set the poem to music. He's been waiting patiently ever since.

Victoria’s setting begins sparsely, with a piano signalling the footsteps of the singer on an infinite staircase leading into the stars. The choir and orchestra join the singer as he ascends.

She was inspired to write for Simon O’Neill after hearing him sing in a concert with NZTrio during which he reached up to a falsetto note far beyond his normal range. She was so captivated by the sound that she asked Simon if he'd be willing to sing an entire work in that register.

“As a Heldentenor, Simon represents the ultimate embodiment of musical masculinity. He's the hero of every opera. I wanted to look beyond that and find the fragility in this mighty voice as a way of expressing the vulnerability we all feel in the face of our mortality. It’s extraordinary that he agreed to do it. In this piece he’s not a hero… he’s just a human reckoning with the universe."

‘He Taurere’ was made with the support of Pokapū – and with the guidance of Dame Hinewehi Mohi and Stacey Morrison.

"I was inspired to release a Māori version of Requiem because Sam’s poem calls to mind a beautiful intersection between Māori and Pākeha world views. Each have their own philosophical concept of the stars, not only as a place we return to but also as a source of music. In Greek philosophy this is known as Musica Universalis (the Music of the Spheres) and in te ao Māori it's expressed in the story of Tane spilling a basket of stars which ring as they fall and collide with each other. Once Sir Tīmoti had interpreted the poem, Anika and I worked with Dame Hinewehi and Stacey to intertwine the reo and the music and I reworked the accompaniment. The result feels completely different to the English version despite the musical DNA being the same, because the reo transforms the flow and intention of the piece."

ABOUT THE COMPLETE WORK

Requiem is a deeply personal exploration of mortality, wonder, loss and longing told through music. It’s themes and textures are drawn from the natural world. It offers a way to contemplate mortality in a secular way that recognises, but doesn’t require or involve, religion.

The full 40 minute work - for choir, orchestra, soprano and tenor revolves around the words of five of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved poets (Bill Manhire, Sam Hunt, Ian Wedde, Chloe Honum, James K Baxter), and incorporates the visual language of photographer and Arts Laureate, Anne Noble ONZM.

Victoria has been contemplating this work for 30 years. It was initially inspired by two profound losses (the death of her friend when she was 16, and the death of her father when she was 20) – and over time by other major life events (friendships, marriage, the death of her mother and the birth of her children).

Victoria finally felt ready to bring the work to fruition during the Covid pandemic. With support from Creative New Zealand she began to write and record it. The Requiem was scheduled to be premiered at the Auckland Arts Festival in March 2022 but, like so many other productions and performances, it was cancelled due to lockdown.

Requiem will be performed by the APO conducted by Vincent Hardaker and sung by Luminata Voices, Jayne Tankersley (soprano) and Simon O’Neill (tenor).

REQUIEM

World Premiere

Auckland Town Hall

March 11th

Tickets from Auckland Arts festival

The album of the Requiem will be released on 17 March 2023. Digital / CD / Limited Edition Music Score Books from https://victoriakellymusic.com