The RVMES release their newest alternative album, Simple Things.
Following their two singles 'What's Troublin' You' and title track 'Simple Things', The RVMES are proud to finally release their third alternative album, Simple Things.
Following their two singles 'What's Troublin' You' and title track 'Simple Things', The RVMES are proud to finally release their third alternative album, Simple Things.
Listen to Simple Things - HERE
Dabbling with more interesting grooves and deeper topics, the album showcases the band's fast maturing sound and their love towards blending different genres into their natural alt rock sound. You can expect an exciting mix of punk, indie, soul, pop and alt rock, keeping you on your toes for what's coming next.
Catch The RVMES performing the new album live at their release show on the 10th of December at Anthology Lounge, Auckland or on one of their other tour dates around the North Island.
Tickets can be found via Eventbrite here.
"We live to play live and we can't wait to get back onto the road for our fourth tour around Aotearoa and show the people our brand new album."
HAZ & MILOUX present ‘THREE'
Award winning Aotearoa duo Haz & Miloux release ‘Three’ the debut single from their highly anticipated second EP ‘Brunette’. The song is accompanied by a BTS style video shot and directed by Connor Pritchard and assisted by Hanna Conyash.
Today, award winning Aotearoa duo Haz & Miloux release ‘Three’ the debut single from their highly anticipated second EP ‘Brunette’. The song is accompanied by a BTS style video shot and directed by Connor Pritchard and assisted by Hanna Conyash.
Dream team Haz Beats (Harry Huavi) and Miloux (Rebecca Melrose) come together as Haz & Miloux. Their collaboration is the perfect pairing of two boldly creative artists -award winning Producer Haz creates the mood and drops inspired beats and Miloux creates conscious lyrics, brought to life with her sultry soulful voice and strong female energy.
‘Three’ was inspired by a rebound relationship, “'Three' is about mutually being in a rebound situation and craving the immediate intimacy and closeness of what you've just lost, but ultimately realising you just craved some validation and some escapism” shares Miloux. “It's about knowing that you would always keep this person at arm's length and never truly invest any further (go up then I reach for the fall, soon I'll leave you with nothing at all)”
“Like most of our songs we create it always starts with the loop” says Haz “which for 'Three' was just some nice rhodes chords I processed with some effects. We laid down some demo vocals, structured it a bit & sent it to my bro Frank Keys to add to the bass line. Once that was all done we took it to Bigpop to record & mix everything.”
The result is a stunning new single which showcases the duos individual talents, and combined magic.
'Brunette’ will be the second EP from Haz & Miloux, and is set to release late March 2023. The pair achieved phenomenal success with their 2019 debut EP 'Blonde', winning the 2020 Aotearoa Music Award for Best Soul/RnB Artist, and being shortlisted for the 2020 Silver Scroll Awards. Their songs are a love letter to their influences, experiences and community. 'Brunette EP' is set to release in the first quarter of 2023.
'Three' is out now via New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2022 - Featuring Steffany Beck & Many more
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is returning this year after a two-year break, coming back with an even bigger stage and world class kiwi entertainment. One of the performers that will be lighting up the stage this year is Country Pop singer- songwriter Steffany Beck.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is returning this year after a two-year break, coming back with an even bigger stage and world class kiwi entertainment.
One of the performers that will be lighting up the stage this year is Country Pop singer- songwriter Steffany Beck.
Steffany Beck is originally from Portland, Oregon, USA. Now Christchurch based, the country pop singer-songwriter known for her Taylor Swift-meets-Alanis Morrissette vocals and original heartfelt songs.
Steffany recently released her debut EP, won a national songwriting competition, performed live with Jason Kerrison (lead singer from Opshop) and has been co-writing songs with Bic Runga. Steffany is currently recording and preparing her highly anticipated upcoming sophomore EP scheduled for release in early 2023.
Steffany's powerful voice and feel-good vibe will light up the stage at this year's Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. Says Steffany, “This is the most feel-good event of the year, and one that brings the entire community together. I have dreamed about performing in the show since 2008. It's all about timing and the magical Christmas stars aligning.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park will be held in Christchurch at 7:30pm on Saturday the 26th of November at North Hagley Park. This is a free family event, all are welcome!
For more information on Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park click the link below.
Christmas in the Park Info link:
Rehua Bennett also known as ‘DOITZ’ Single 'Far North’
Emerging from the land of the long white cloud, West Auckland native “DOITZ” is on a journey to represent his culture through the arts of music.
2nd release from the TKT Haumako Wānanga'
Listen Here
Rehua Bennett also known as ‘DOITZ’... Emerging from the land of the long white cloud, West Auckland native “DOITZ” is on a journey to represent his culture through the arts of music. His whole life is based around family, he came here with them so his mission is to take them to the top with him. .
This song is a calling, to return to the place you call home. With roots in the Far north (Ngati Kahungunu ki Whangaroa) and south (Ngati Pikiao, Ngati Porou) DOITZ channels the strength and wisdom of his tupuna not only in the studio, but in his everyday life.
“DOITZ’ Takes his inspiration from the likes of Mac Miller, Joey Bada$$ and Tom Scott, DOITZ creates his own unique sound and continues to progress in the process.
Coridian NEW SINGLE 'State of Mind'
State of Mind punches heavy from the first snare hit, with layers of offbeat guitar riffage, driving drum and bass groove & massive hooky vocals. It will lead you into moody verses before exploding into Coridian’s trademark epic & soaring choruses.
State of Mind punches heavy from the first snare hit, with layers of offbeat guitar riffage, driving drum and bass groove & massive hooky vocals. It will lead you into moody verses before exploding into Coridian’s trademark epic & soaring choruses.
Thematically, State of Mind places you into the mind of someone trying to control their anger, their frustrations and ultimately their steps to find peace. However musically, State of Mind will leave you head banging and hitting that repeat button.
Delve into Coridian’s latest single from their much anticipated album “Hava” as the band ramps up to share some of their many creative nuances which they’ve honed over the past 7 years.
For fans of hard rock, progressive rock & modern alternative metal
State of Mind is available on
ALL major streaming platforms November 25th 2022
Nick Burson Bands new single “Best Dreams” featuring Steffany Beck
Best Dreams is the third single off Nick Burson Band’s Sophomore album Hindsight featuring country pop artist Steffany Beck. Nick’s upcoming album was written during the 2020 lockdowns and is scheduled for release in early 2023.
Best Dreams is the third single off Nick Burson Band’s Sophomore album Hindsight featuring country pop artist Steffany Beck. Nick’s upcoming album was written during the 2020 lockdowns and is scheduled for release in early 2023.
This new single paints a picture of unrequited love and a relationship gone bad. Says Nick Burson,”the true inspiration behind this song, is actually about a friend who was going through a hard time. No matter how hard I tried, all she could see was everything falling apart.” Reflecting on this time inspired the chorus line, “I’ve been saving all my best dreams for you and you just watch them slip right through.”
Nick delves deeper into his singer-songwriter play book producing a heartfelt song with a unique melody and of course a solid guitar focus. With the addition of Steffany Beck’'s soulful voice lifts the song to a whole new level in expressing the complexities of relationships in a beautiful, edgy duet.
Nick first teamed up with Stef as her lead guitarist in the Steffany Beck Band for multiple Christchurch based events. Their complementary country sounds, mutual love for denim and overall good nature made working together on this project a no brainer.
Following the release of Best Dreams Nick and Stef will be performing in upcoming summer festivals and both artists will be releasing new music in early 2023.
Available from 22nd of November for Purchase and Download:
Spotify/Itunes/ Apple Music - https://li.sten.to/bestdreams
Follow Nick Burson:
https://www.nickbursonmusic.com/
https://z-p42.www.instagram.com/nickbursonmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/NickBursonMusic
Follow Steffany Beck
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5DGFzvDaHg7TduMVD3Um6R
https://www.instagram.com/steffany_beck/?hl=en
Sophey Maye releases debut single "Call My Name”
Call My Name is about the feeling of going unnoticed in someone else’s world, a song that drew inspiration from the wonder you experience when walking past a stranger.
Sophey Maye releases debut single "Call My Name” Nov 25th. Co written and Produced by Tali , mixed By Tom Lee (Lee Mvtthews)
Directed and Produced by Abe Mora.
Call My Name is about the feeling of going unnoticed in someone else’s world, a song that drew inspiration from the wonder you experience when walking past a stranger.
Sophey Maye is an 18 year old singer, songwriter from Hamilton. She met Natalia Sheppard (Tali) through the NZ Music Commission's - Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme, and they connected over songwriting. Tali then received a NZ On Air New Music Development Grant, to work with Sophey. "Call My Name" is the first single to be released from this project.
In 2020 Sophey Maye opened for Summer Thieves at Raglan Roast and in 2021 played support for Jenny Mitchell at Waihi Little Theatre and Tami Neilson at The Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival.
Her performance at Hamilton Gardens gained her a review in Stuff, quoting her as
“..a young Waikato artist whose diminutive stature belied a big presence and a striking, ethereal voice.
Playing to the Rhodo crowd [venue], must have been a daunting experience but, perhaps inspired by the main act that was to follow, she completely owned it.”
Sophey Maye’s musicianship was most recently recognised in her last year of high school at Sacred Heart in Hamilton, where she received awards such as the Katherine Wiles cup for vocal excellence and musician of the year.
She has also taken on roles such as a club singer in Saturday Night Fever and Elsa in Frozen Jr.
"Call My Name” is out Nov 25th on all Digital Platforms.
Find Sophey Maye:
You Tube | Instagram | Facebook
Play It Strange announces annual prizegiving ceremony and digital album
The Play It Strange Trust will hold it’s annual awards event at Tuning Fork, Auckland on Wednesday 30 November. The celebration is a coming together to acknowledge and tautoko the achievements of these talented award winners throughout the year, from across Aotearoa.
The Play It Strange Trust will hold it’s annual awards event at Tuning Fork, Auckland on Wednesday 30 November. The celebration is a coming together to acknowledge and tautoko the achievements of these talented award winners throughout the year, from across Aotearoa.
Eleven awards will be presented to secondary school students, by special guest presenters including Don McGlashan, multi-instrumentalist Jol Mulholland and CEO Mike Chunn, alongside performances by this years talented winners.
Play It Strange CEO and co-founder Mike Chunn says “Coming together to celebrate the exceptional work of these rangatahi shines a light on their achievements and inspires other to follow their lead. We are proud to have been able to mentor and nurture these young creatives through the trust and provide the platform for them to record and have their ideas become reality. Songs are the very foundation of the world of music that surrounds us every day”.
Tairāwhiti region continues to be the capital of creativity taking home four awards. Led by 2021 Aotearoa Music Award winner for Best Music Teacher Jane Egan from Gisborne Girls High School, the students are being honoured with three awards including School of the Year for the sixth time, Peace Song Award and Junior Maioha Award, recognising rangatahi telling their stories in the language of Te Ao Māori. Neighbouring Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Horouta Wānanga students will be recognised for the composition Ka Hoki Nei Au as this years Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa regional winners.
Grace Lawrence, Year 13 student and head girl from St Andrews College in Christchurch receives the 2022 Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition First Place Award after being a four-time finalist. Her song ‘Differently Now’ explores how time and distance from an impactful event allows us to observe it in different lights. With the introduction to recording provided by Play It Strange, next year Grace heads off to Victoria University of Wellington to study music technology to continue learning about producing and mixing.
The Youthtown Songwriting Competition is especially for students years 9-11 and this years winners include Leigh Edmeades from Albany Senior High School for ‘Streetlights’ (Auckland/Northland region) and Jenny Petegem-Thach and Jazz Mackie from Taieri College for ‘Endless Time’ (South Island). Naimah Manchanda from Lynfield College won the national award for ‘Sugar And Spice’.
Chris Rowe from Kaipara College will be presented with the David Richwhite Lyric Award for ‘Drowning In The Stars’ while the inaugural Strange Art Award goes to Alia Cauty from Long Bay College, Auckland with their work ‘Conspiranoid’ for the ‘Play It Strange Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition’ album artwork.
It’s no secret that Play It Strange nurtures, encourages and provides the platform for students to embrace and foresee a real future as a songwriter, giving them the opportunity to write, record and perform their own songs. With former award winners including Elizabeth Stokes of The Beths, Georgia Nott from Broods, Kimbra, CHAII and Louis Baker, this years award winners are the future of songwriting in Aotearoa.
Play It Strange will also release digital albums from each competition of all the finalists songs professionally recorded in studios throughout Aotearoa.
2022 Play It Strange Award winners
2022 Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition – First Place Award
Grace Lawrence from St Andrews College, Christchurch for ‘Differently Now’
David Richwhite Lyric Award
Chris Rowe from Kaipara College, Auckland for ‘Drowning In The Stars’
Junior Maioha Award
Taniko Rangihau from Gisborne Girls’ High School for ‘Te Rewanga o Matariki’
School of the Year Award – for the most finalist songs
Gisborne Girls’ High School
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa
Naimah Manchanda from Lynfield College, Auckland for ‘Sugar And Spice’
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa, Auckland/Northland Region
Leigh Edmeades from Albany Senior High School for ‘Streetlights’
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa, Rest Of North Island Region
Arohea Pewhairangi, Omaio Waititi, Mahara Kururangi, Honore Ingle, Ihaka Hongara, Whaiururangi Maxwell from Horouta Wananga, Gisborne for ‘Ka Hoki Nei Au’
Youthtown Songwriting Competition Aotearoa, South Island Region
Jenny Petegem-Thach and Jazz Mackie from Taieri College for ‘Endless Time’
Peace Song Competition Winner
Tetini Pokoati and Ripeka Akurangi from Gisborne Girls High School for ‘Te Aroha’
Strange Art Award Winner
Alia Cauty from Long Bay College, Auckland with their work ‘Conspiranoid’ for ‘Play It Strange Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition’ album artwork
Play It Strange was established in 2003 to provide opportunities in songwriting, recording and performance for secondary school students and songwriters across Aotearoa. Neil Finn was the trust’s settlor and it is run by CEO, Mike Chunn
In 2022 they have had 619 songs entered from 993 songwriters from secondary schools across the country. They have professionally recorded 151 winning finalist songs to go on digital competition albums across all platforms for free download. They are listened to and celebrated by whanau, peers, schools and wider communitites.
All awards will be presented at Tuning Fork, Auckland on Wednesday 30 November. The awards are proudly supported by The Tuning Fork and The Rockshop
www.playitstrange.org.nz