Set to soar! CRYSTAL releases stunning new single + video ‘Expectations Suck!’

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Super talented alternative pop artist and producer CRYSTAL is set to soar with the release of her new anthemic pop single ‘Expectations Suck!’.

Setting the scene for an exciting new chapter, ‘Expectations Suck!’ is about moving out of home and navigating the aches that can come with this while chasing a dream. The song brilliantly builds and is enveloped in authenticity that takes it from being great to being stratospheric.  CRYSTAL says in many ways it feels like reclaiming the most vulnerable parts of herself.

“There’s a sadness in the situation lyrically, but I think overall it holds so much power - a big turn it up in the car with your friends at night vibe! It’s about my experience moving out of home for the first time and moving from Wellington to Auckland early last year. I studied music for a few years and thought if I moved to Auckland, I’d be able to get out of my hospo job and do something related to music, but that never worked out for me. I started to feel worthless while trying to make things happen. I was living with all this pressure from what I thought my family, friends and society expected of me. It was really hard to push past that. After having conversations with my friends and understanding, they were also unhappy with their jobs or felt trapped in the 9-5 grind and had bigger aspirations, made me feel so heard. It validated what I was going through and made me realise we have to support and uplift each other because navigating life, especially as a young person is super hard.”

‘Expectations Suck!’ was recorded and mixed by producer Joel Jones, then mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG studios and is accompanied by a video made with Wellington-based filmmaker Ben Dickens and edited by Ella Cameron. “The video captures the notion that everything eventually gets better if you keep going and don’t give up, ” says CRYSTAL.

CRYSTAL has been making waves with a streak of killer singles from her debut EP GARLIC ICE CREAM - including ‘We Feel The Same’, ‘Perplexed’, ‘The Chase’ and ‘One Dollar Pizza’. Te-Whanganui-A-Tara/Wellington-raised and Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based CRYSTAL made her live music debut in 2019 while studying Commercial Music at Massey University, playing Wellington festivals, Cuba Dupa and Newtown Festival, and supporting Australian artist KIAN, before ever having released any music online.  Her debut single, ‘My Flowers Are Dead’ then featured on TVNZ’s body swap comedy series ‘Life Is Easy’. Her sophomore release ‘The Chase’ landed on Spotify's 'New Music Friday AU & NZ', 'Pop n Fresh', and ‘EQUAL AU & NZ’ playlists. ‘Perplexed’ also featured on ZM’s Late Night Show.

Bird Machine drop self-titled debut EP + single ‘Time and Space’ + video & release show

“A rich and powerful sound that comes packaged with an array of folk/alt-rock instrumentation and a substantial amount of feeling.”

- rgm.press

“Filled with beautiful harmonies, sweet melodies and intricate guitar embellishments… a passionate display of musicianship.”

- IndieBuddie.com

“...this is a wonderful number packed with hooks which invites the listener closely in. Great stuff.”

- muzic.net.nz

“We like what we see and hear and can’t wait for Bird Machine’s next move. Go check this duo out”

- Space Cadet

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Talented Hamilton-based duo Bird Machine (Jenna and Luke Grbin) have today dropped their much-anticipated self-titled debut EP.

Listen to the full EP HERE

Described as a collection of good and bad dreams, the 5-track EP is a dreamy mix of alt-rock, pop and folk - what’s become known as the Bird Machine sound.  “We’re super excited to be releasing our debut EP and feel the songs are really a combination of our styles and musical instincts. They reflect our desire to move people in some way - whether spurring them on to action or giving comfort.”

Alongside single ‘Our Kind’ (Top 11 Radio One Chart + over 23k streams across platforms to date), ‘Moneyache’ and ‘I’m Right Here’, is previously unreleased ‘Time and Space’ - a gently floating and rolling single. “‘Time and Space’ is about living in the wake of personal loss,” says Bird Machine. “It tries to express the ways we are reminded of someone who’s left us, and how losing someone can feel like losing ourselves. It’s drawn from our own experience and perception of the world, so it’s very personal.”

Jenna grew up in Hamilton and was born into a musical family of 8 kids who all sang and performed in family shows and tours. Two of her siblings were even on the 90s show McDonald’s Young Entertainers. Luke was born and raised in Geelong, Australia and while he pursued Architecture, music has always been a part of his life.

While writing and recording their EP, the husband and wife duo have been busy juggling work - Jenna as a freelance graphic designer and Luke for an architecture firm while also embarking on his PhD at the University of Waikato in Urban Planning - and also two energetic kids, Finley (3) and Liam (5).

“Having spent many hours, outside of work and time with the kids, to produce this record ourselves at home, it was a labour of love. But it never felt like work, just what the two of us wanted to do with our lives.  Our kids even get into it, often singing our songs around the house.”

To celebrate the release of their EP, Bird Machine have teamed up with Wellington artist Goodnight my Darling for a release show at Hamilton’s Last Place, Friday 25 November, 8pm. Tickets at UTR HERE

 It’s sure to be a great night!

Don’t wait any longer - listen to this fantastic debut from Bird Machine HERE

ROONIE drops debut EP + single LOVELESS

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Ōtautahi Christchurch-based artist ROONIE has dropped her heavenly pop debut EP LOVELESS.

Created in collaboration with Auckland-based producer Will Henderson, LOVELESS is a collection of four vibrant, self-reflective tracks that are all about expressing strength and self-confidence. 

An empowering upbeat journey for the listener that ends with the recently released pop-ballad ‘The Way It Should Be’ (Apple Music International ‘New in Pop’ Playlist Germany and Austria, NZ radio play). Other previously released singles include ‘Alibi’ (Juice TV, NZ radio play, TV One Lates), ‘Something Bout’ You’ (NZ radio play, NZOA Fresh Cuts/Puoro Hau Playlist), and newly released anthemic title track ‘Loveless’.

“‘Loveless’ is a fun dance-pop anthem which, ironically, is based around the feeling of finding someone who doesn’t make you feel loveless anymore,” says ROONIE. Written and recorded across covid-19 lockdowns and moving cities, the artist says she’s gone through huge personal growth throughout the process of creating LOVELESS and is happy to be releasing it. “I have changed so much as an artist and person since I first started, and am now just excited to keep writing and recording music. There’s more from ROONIE to come!”

LOVELESS

1. Alibi

2. Loveless

3. Something ‘Bout You

4. The Way It Should Be

Michaela grew up performing at weddings, restaurants, and corporate functions. In 2019 she moved to Auckland, then Christchurch to pursue a career in music as ROONIE. She released her debut single ‘My Heart’ in 2020, which charted on the NZ Hot Singles at Number 15 and featured on TV Three NZ show ‘Mean Mums’. She released her debut single ‘My Heart’ (#15 Official NZ Hot Singles Chart) in 2020, and with this exciting EP release, she is continuing to show that she is an artist to watch - so make sure you’re following her socials!

Loose & Colourful's new single, 'In My Head'

Loose & Colourful are one of the most exciting talents emerging out of Ōtepoti, Dunedin. Since forming in 2018 they have honed in on a unique sound, influenced by flavours of R&B, Reggae and Pop.

Their highly anticipated second single 'In My Head' is out Friday the 25th November, 2022. 'In My Head' is also L&C's debut music video, made possible thanks to NZ On Air New Music Pasifika funding, and produced & directed by Wade & Bradon from Scrambler.

From rocking crowds of thousands in Otago, whether it be O'Week or the Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival, to sharing stages with Aotearoa household names like Sons of Zion, Summer Thieves, Hollie Smith and Wax Mustang - Loose & Colourful are renowned for delivering slick live performances.

This release showcases another side to Loose & Colourful's sound. Their debut single 'One Day' is driven by a reggae groove, while 'In My Head' is stripped back, effortless and poppy - but still comes correct with the right vibes in time for summer.

Stream it or watch the music video here: linktr.ee/loose.colourful

Aotearoa’s Valkyrie release smash debut album JOYRIDE

New Zealand indie rock act Valkyrie have today dropped their energetic debut album JOYRIDE.

JOYRIDE encapsulates that hot summer feeling; driving with the top town, singing at the top of your lungs to your favourite songs with your best mates, and together absorbing the sound of freedom. Packed with high energy electric guitars and Omer Gilroy’s powerhouse vocals shining throughout each of the nine tracks, JOYRIDE is “the soundtrack to your past, present and future.”

“This album is a real mix of songs that needed a lot of time on, plus songs we managed to smash out just like that,” says Omer Gilroy. “‘California’ and ‘Loser’ were created in our loft in LA and being in that space was so inspiring towards our sound, which we think you’ll hear!”

Written by Rebel Reid and Omer Gilroy, with instrumentation by bassist Josh Dolan and drummer Jesse Pakipaki, JOYRIDE was recorded, mixed and mastered at Village Studio in LA, Roundhead Studios in Auckland and Moonlight Sounds. To capture the band’s energetic performance and magnetic energy as a group, the album was recorded live.

“Through creating this album and deciding to record it live, we really found the sound and style we actually all love,” explains Omer. “There’s something freeing about recording live and leaving in all the “live” elements and details in that you’ll hear. The pop/rock element comes through which we just sink into, and we loved tapping into that 90s American band era; when it really was just free and in the moment.”

Also featured on JOYRIDE is the hard-hitting rock anthem and current radio single, ‘Lights Go Down’, which has been receiving airplay across The Rock, KAOS, Bayrock and The Generator and recently debuted at #9 on the NZ Hort 20 Chart.

Valkyrie is a four-piece band formed in Auckland, New Zealand. Valkyrie is fronted by powerhouse lead singer Omer Gilroy (Nga Puhi, Ngai tahu) and electrifying guitarist Rebel Reid (Nga Puhi). On percussion is the talented Jesse Pakipaki, and on bass is the melodic Joshua Dolan. Valkyrie crafts a wide range of escapist and original songs written about real life experiences. On stage they explode with raw energy, precision and audience participation.
 
Achievements include a nationwide tour, favorites at Splore Festival (3x), Soundsplash festival and opening for New Zealand's biggest band Six60 (2021). Valkyrie’s debut EP went straight to the top of the NZ heatseekers chart. Their single ‘Good Thing’ has shot to over 2000 playlists.

JOYRIDE has your summer road trip soundtrack set, with Valkyrie providing the carefree vibes and good energy with today’s debut album release. The album has been a long time coming, with Omer saying: “This era of our sound is equally fun and relatable; we want to share our vibes with as many people as we can! This is one for the big kids - play this loud during your summer JOYRIDE!”

Listen to JOYRIDE

Follow Valkyrie:
Instagram / Facebook / Spotify / Youtube

ALYA JADE 'NGĀ HAU O TĀWHIRI'

With the support of Te Māngai Pāho, emerging reggae / pop artist, ALYA JADE, releases her brand new single 'Ngā Hau O Tāwhiri' on Friday November 25, 2022.

Following the release of her debut single, ‘Under Her Spell (Boom)’ in April this year, ALYA JADE then released the song in Te Reo Māori after receiving Waiata Takitahi funding. In July, ‘I Tōna Wā (Boom)’ charted at #9 on Recorded Music’s Te Reo Singles Chart and at #18 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart.

In August, ALYA JADE, received Te Māngai Pāho music funding for her new single, ‘Ngā Hau O Tāwhiri’.

The song was written six years ago. But after collaborating with producer, Samuel Taylor, at a Māori music wananga earlier this year, the song was further developed to where it is now. ‘Ngā Hau O Tāwhiri’ has a raw, haunting, almost Americana feel. But still carries the underlying pop and reggae vibe which for ALYA JADE is her sweet spot musically.

QUOTES

“This song is about taking your power back. I wrote it at a time in my life when I realised that I had given too much of myself to things that were draining my energy.”  

- ALYA JADE | Artist

“Nōku te waimārie, i whai wāhi ai ki te taha o tēnei manu tīoriori. It was such a privilege to work with ALYA JADE and the team on this waiata. We recorded with the intention of getting a vintage, organic sound, while still remaining true to Alya's roots/reggae foundation.

She really wanted to include some gnarly guitar tones and push into new sonic territory. It was amazing to hear Alya push her vocal into a whole new realm. What we ended up with was a very special waiata!

Ngā mihi nunui rawa atu ki a Alex Corbett (engineer) rātou ko Dean Rodrigues (drums and percussion) ko Stephen Small (piano and organ) ko James Goldsmith (mix and mastering engineer). And of course Alya, her whānau and manager, Matiu Sadd.”

-        Samuel Taylor | Producer

SHAPESHIFTER – CRYSTAL EYES

Following up from the 2021 LP “Rituals” is the first of a new wave of Shapeshifter material: “Crystal Eyes”.

An instant classic, it is a new take on the classic Shapeshifter recipe, soaring vocals over intertwined melodies, jungle drums, and submerged bass that turns from subdued to savagery as the tune progresses, a new tune that is both familiar and a fresh evolution.

“The temperatures rising”, intones singer P.Digsss as the energy continually increases throughout the track, catching its breath with a lush breakdown featuring the gorgeous riffs of producers Sam Trevethick and Nick Robinson, before dropping again with renewed intensity. With no two moments the same, the song avoids the repetition that can make electronic music stale, and this journey compels the listener to stay connected to the work in a world full of digital distractions.

Following the song’s release on November 25th will be a stunning video by AI Prompt designer Asher Wolff whose stunning combinations of technology and creativity brought him to the band’s attention and made him a natural fit for collaboration.

The release also features remixes from liquid drum and bass prodigy Monrroe, one of the hottest artists in the genre right now, as well as a rerub from “Soul In Motion” don and founding father of the Aotearoa scene Need For Mirrors.

With more work being created between their Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown studios, stay tuned for more Shapeshifter material as we head towards 2023.

https://shapeshifter.co.nz

https://www.instagram.com/asher.wolff/

Summer shows:

Dec 29th Summer Haze, Tauranga

Jan 4th Summer Haze, Matakana

Jan 29th Beach Break, Nelson

Feb 5th Beach Break, Nelson
March 18th Homegrown, Wellington

Banana Mundo are back!

After a hiatus couple of years Banana Mundo are finally back with their first live show for the summer this Saturday 26th November at Mike's Brewery Bistro in New Plymouth.

With a few new members on the Banana Mundo train the collective of musicians from around the world is even bigger than before and with 11 members they will bring together an infectious, worldly, multilingual mix of upbeat funk inspired Latin and Afrobeat tunes.

Hailing from New Plymouth, officially the sunniest place in New Zealand, Banana Mundo will bring the sunshine to the stage with their irresistible, contagious, dance-able concoction of salsa, cumbia and Banana. Entry is $25 on the door and doors open at 8pm.

“Banana Mundo bring a wonderful mix of latin vibes like salsa and cumbia to really induce those Latino hips we all know we have somewhere” Chris Chick from Muzic.net.nz


“How can you argue with "love, peace and bananas" Chris Chick from Muzic.net.nz