Kate 'Bed Of Roses'

Kate is the solo project of Rotorua born singer/songwriter Kate Griffiths. Kate has always had a love for creating a performing music, from playing the drums in a local band at events such as Christmas in the Park and the Bay of Plenty Blues Festival, to now recording her own music and collaborating with some of New Zealand's top artists such as alayna, Noema Te Hau, Michael Barker and Will Henderson. The first single from her upcoming debut EP is called 'Bed of Roses', and will go live on all streaming platforms on Friday the 9th of December.

'Bed of Roses' is an exploration of the feelings I experienced when I grew up and realised that life is not at all like what the fairytales I had watched when I was younger had promised it would be. I wanted to create a song that in itself feels like a fairytale going wrong.

CORRELLA RELEASE NEW SUMMER HIT ‘SKANKIN’

LISTEN HERE

Just in time for summer, popular seven-piece roots-reggae band Corrella have today released their new single ‘Skankin’.

Following on from their NZ Music Chart success (NZ Music Singles, Te Reo Māori Singles), ‘Skankin’ is another exciting feel-good modern roots reggae song from this talented up-and-coming band - and a must for every Aotearoa playlist!

With two band members currently in Te Taua Moana, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and two being former Navy members - it won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that ‘Skankin’ was written in the middle of the ocean somewhere between the Philippines and Australia.

“It was written in the middle of the night while I was having a ‘miss-home’ moment and a ‘want to get back to the band’ moment,” Te Naawe Tupe (Ngāi Tūhoe) - rhythm guitarist and hype man. “The song explains the ‘why’ for us as a band, why we do this, which is to make people move to our music, vibe with us, and to connect with the stories we tell and who we are as individuals, as well as a team. It’s also for our wider Corrella whānau, everyone who has supported us in the past and who will be with us in the future.”

Recorded at Parachute studios, produced by Jimmy Colbert, mixed by Christian Tjandrawinata and mastered by Vivek Gabriel, ‘Skankin’ is the start of the band releasing music from their upcoming 2023 album. “The quality of music is lifting with us as a band and is showcased in these new tracks - including ‘Skankin’ - which is a reflection of who we are as a band, where we started, and where we want to go - the ‘One Love’ stage.”

Corrella formed in 2017 and was named after Corrella Road in Belmont, on Auckland’s North Shore. The group is made up of Te Naawe Tupe (Ngāi Tūhoe) - rhythm guitarist and hype man, Pipiwharauroa Campbell (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti He, Ngāti Pukenga) - lead singer, Codi Wehi-Ngati (Ngāti Maniapoto) - bass guitarist, Rebekah Brady (Te Arawa, Nga puhi) - lead vocalist, Taula Schuster (Samoa, Niue) - piano and keyboard, “Ulu” Tom Scrase – drummer and proud Wellingtonian who creates and play’s Taonga Puōro, and Joshua Faletutulu- lead guitarist.

They released their debut single ‘Summertime in Aotearoa’ in late 2020, which quickly made it onto the NZ Music charts at #14. The single was inspired by the group's unique Aotearoa summer experiences, like “sunshine kissing the water and Pohutukawa blooming to let divers know it’s time to collect Kaimoana.” Corrella went on to release their debut 5-track self-titled EP in 2021, with an impressive three tracks off the EP making it onto the NZ Music Charts. 2021 also saw them receive NZOA funding, which treated the world to 4 more Corrella hit singles across 2021-2022 - ‘Local Stranger’, inspired by the global pandemic; ‘We On’, a feel-good upbeat song; ‘Raumati’, the group’s first full Te Reo Māori Waiata, which featured in Waiata Anthems 2022 and was #4 on the Te Reo Māori Singles Music Chart. Corrella is an exciting Aotearoa band who have much more music and shows in the pipeline, so make sure you’re following!

Independent Music NZ Announces Taite Music Prize 2023 Nominations are now open

Independent Music NZ

Announces Taite Music Prize 2023

Nominations are now open

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Auckland Live Best Independent Debut

Nominations now open

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2023 NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism

Nominations now open

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Taite Music Prize ceremony to be held April 18th, 2023

For the full detail on specific eligibility and nomination forms please visit: www.indies.co.nz

Nominations for the Taite Music Prize close at 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 1st February 2023.

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Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ announces the return of the Taite Music Prize for 2023. Celebrating the unique voices of Aotearoa music and those that champion them, nominations for the main Taite Music Prize, the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award have now opened. 

Now in its 13th year, the main Taite Music Prize highlights outstanding albums; recognising and celebrating the depth of talent and breadth of genres that make up Aotearoa’s unique musical voice. The highly coveted Taite Music Prize is open to all genres of music and judged on artistic merit regardless of genre, sales, or record label. Any Aotearoa/New Zealand album released during the calendar year of 2022 is eligible for nomination.  The winner receives a cash prize of $12,500, thanks to Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ. Previous recipients include Aldous Harding, Anthonie Tonnon, Avantdale Bowling Club, Ladi6, Lorde and Troy Kingi.

IMNZ Chairperson, Pip Ryan-Kidd says “2022 has been another extraordinary year for Aotearoa’s independent musician’s, with strong representation in released music, awards and touring. This year's judging panel will have a very tough time deciding who will take home our coveted Taite Music Prize trophy.

We are excited to return the Awards to our previous late April date, to be able to usher in the celebrations of NZ Music Month in May. IMNZ is immensely proud to produce an Award Ceremony that reflects creativity and puts artistic talent at the very core of the event. Once again, we look forward to hosting the celebration in the seated Rangatira at Q Theatre, and encourage Aotearoa’s music community to join us.”

Recorded Music NZ CEO, Jo Oliver says “We are very proud to continue our support of the Taite Music Prize and celebrate the artistic achievement of the vibrant independent music sector in Aotearoa.”

The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award celebrates the freshest talent of Aotearoa. We are celebrating debut albums or EPs (with a total of at least four tracks and/or duration of more than 20 minutes), released by IMNZ members in the previous year. Thanks to Auckland Live, the winner receives a $2000 cash prize plus a performance or technical upskilling opportunity.

From Auckland Live, Helaina Keeley, Manager Creative Industries Development, comments “Auckland Live is proud to continue our partnership with the Taite Music Prize with support for the Best Independent Debut Award in 2023.  New Zealand is blessed with a wealth of new music talent and we’re looking forward to once again supporting and celebrating one of these incredible artists next year.”

An academy of all current members of IMNZ, musicians, and music industry personnel vote to produce the shortlisted finalist albums. Next, an independent panel debates and scrutinises the shortlisted albums to decide the winner. That panel comprises musicians, journalists, and music industry professionals with a wide variety of different backgrounds and personal tastes.

The NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award debuted last year as the first of its kind for Aotearoa/New Zealand created in the spirit of legendary broadcaster Dylan Taite and to  extend IMNZ’s mandate to celebrate those who give media space to music from Aotearoa. The ground-breaking addition to the Taite Music Prize for 2022 celebrates special individuals who made a creative contribution and significant impact with coverage of Aotearoa music in the previous calendar year.

For the award’s inaugural year, finalists were shortlisted by the IMNZ board, and the finalists were of the highest calibre including; Undertheradar.co.nz ’s editorial team, Chris Cudby and Annabel Kean,   Rova’s 'Aotearoa Hip Hop: The Music, The People, The History' - Podcast creators; DJ Sirvere and Martyn Pepperell, 95bFM’s Long Player “Milk III - Reuben Winter” episode - Producer; Jess Fu and the 2022 recipient was producer and journalist; Tony Stamp of RNZ Music’s The Sampler. Alison Mau was extended a special commendation for her work for Stuff covering NZ music industry practices and sexual harm prevention.

The NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award comes with a $2500 cash prize. It is open to nominations from NZ music journalists, bloggers or editors who have made a creative contribution and significant impact in truth-telling and innovative reporting in the Aotearoa music industry.

The Taite Awards ceremony also includes the Independent Music NZ Classic Record presentation. This award acknowledges one New Zealand record released over 20 years ago on an independent label. These records, whether a 12”, a compilation, EP, or full-length album have become quintessential gold nuggets of our musical history and have included Patea Māori Club for 'Poi E', The Clean’s Boodle Boodle Boodle and Upper Hutt Posse’s E Tū.

The Independent Spirit Award will be in its fifth year in 2023. Devised to recognise and celebrate someone passionate about NZ music; who's ahead of the game in creativity, diversity, and imagination; and has dedicated themself to helping artists or music people to grow and find their unique pathways. The Board of IMNZ determines the annual recipient.

For more details on specific eligibility and nomination forms please visit: http://www.indies.co.nz
Nominations close 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 1st February 2023.

Editors Notes:

The eponym for the awards is the late Dylan Taite, one of  New Zealand’s most respected TV music journalists. He became known for his Liverpudlian wry wit and his unabashed chutzpah-love of music. Dylan’s unique style captured some rare interviews over the decades. Interviews with The Sex Pistols, Deep Purple, and the career-defining Bob Marley are still referenced today.

https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/dylan-taite

The Taite Music Prize

Presented by: Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ)

Founding Partner: Recorded Music NZ

Official Partners: NZ On Air / The Taite Family

Award Partners: Auckland Live

Event Partners: Q Theatre

Supporting Partners: FUGA / Panhead Breweries / NZ Music Commission / APRA AMCOS / Media Arts Lawyers / Commotion Ltd. / McCarthy Design / Merlin / Oceania / ToneDeaf / College Hill / Spyglass / Loop / Auckland City Of Music

Media Partners: RNZ Music / 95bFM

Charity Partners: MusicHelps

Previous winners of The Taite Prize:

2010 - Lawrence Arabia - Chant Darling (Honorary Bedouin Records)

2011 - Ladi6 - The Liberation Of (What? Music)

2012 - Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Seeing Records)

2013 – SJD - Elastic Wasteland (Round Trip Mars)

2014 – Lorde - Pure Heroine (Universal Music NZ)

2015 – Jakob – Sines (Shoot The Freak)

2016 – Silicon - Personal Computer (Weird World/Domino Recordings)

2017 - Street Chant - Hauora (Arch Hill Recordings)

2018 - Aldous Harding - Party (Flying Nun Records / 4AD)

2019 - Avantdale Bowling Club  - Avantdale Bowling Club (Years Gone By)

2020 – Troy Kingi – Holy Colony Burning Acres (Triple A Records)

2021 - Reb Fountain - Reb Fountain (Flying Nun Records)

2022 - Anthonie Tonnon - Leave Love Out Of This (Slow Time Records)

Previous Winners of the  Independent Music NZ Classic Record:

2013 – Gordons – Gordons (Flying Nun)

2014 – Various Artists – AK79 (Ripper Records)

2015 – Herbs – What’s Be Happen? (Warrior Records)

2016 – Upper Hutt Posse – E Tū (Jayrem Records)

2017 - The Clean - Boodle Boodle Boodle (Flying Nun)

2018 - Headless Chickens - Stunt Clown (Flying Nun)

2019 - Moana and the Moahunters - Tahi (Southside)

2020 – Shona Laing – South (Pagan Records)

2021 - Patea Māori Club - 'Poi E' (Maui Records)

2022 - PROUD - An Urban-Pacific Streetsoul Compilation

Previous Winners of the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut:

2017 - Merk - Swordfish  (self released)

2018 - The Miltones - The Miltones (Self-released)

2019 - Alien Weaponry - Tū (Self-released)

2020 – Repulsive Woman – Relief (Independent)

2021 - Na Noise - Waiting For You (1:12 Records)

2022 - Jazmine Mary - The Licking of a Tangerine (Flying Nun)

Independent Spirit Award

2019 -  Bernie Griffin

2020 - Murray Cammick

2021 - Pete Rainey and Glenn Common of Smokefree Rockquest

2022 - Karyn Hay - ONZM

NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism

2022 - Tony Stamp - RNZ Journalist

Album Release for Sing for the Earth ~ Little Wild Animals By Claudia Robin Gunn

Launched with a family show at Uxbridge Arts and Culture last weekend, Claudia Robin Gunn’s latest Creative New Zealand supported album and songbook drops today.

With 25 songs canvassing animal conservation, biodiversity and climate awareness for kids there has never been a more pressing need for children and their parents to relate, connect with and support all efforts to protect our natural world and the creatures we share this planet with.

As a Tāmaki Makaurau resident frequently haunting the institution of Auckland Zoo with her own kids over the years, it’s no surprise that zoo family favourites like rhino, flamingo, hippo, lovebirds, giraffe, tuatara and kiwi all make an appearance. But there are also songs for extinct animals, creepy crawlies (don’t be scared of bugs), the fascinating monotremes of Australia and the surprisingly smart, but slow moving South American sloth.

Produced by Tom Fox at The Sound Room, Sing for the Earth wraps up a 49 song, two album collaboration begun mid 2021 that progressed steadily despite lockdowns, with a virtual studio approach. Mastering is by Mike Bloemandal.

The accompanying songbook is out everywhere as a digital product, illustrated by Elise De Silva, and with science notes and activity ideas authored by Claudia’s sister Dr Melissa R Gunn.

Featuring on guest vocals are Christchurch’s Itty Bitty Beats and Loopy Tunes Preschool Music, Sydney’s Angie Who and Claudia’s mum and original signing teacher Deni Gunn.

The album and songbook are available on BandCamp as a download bundle or separately on all ebook platforms and music streaming platforms.

Www.claudiagunn.com/sfte

https://claudiagunn.bandcamp.com/album/sing-for-the-earth-little-wild-animals

YAHYAH ‘TALK’S IT OUT’ IN LATEST RELEASE

YAHYAH’s next offering ‘Talk It Out,’ featuring Taylor Roche, explores a candid take on the dissolution of a relationship. Produced by Joel Jones, and co-written with Gabe Everett (Foley), the core of the track is an emphatic cry for help, following a narrative that dictates a lack of communication has left both parties feeling tension and desperate to find a solution.

”This song was birthed from feeling frustration in the studio and wanting to articulate how vital communication and loyalty is,” YAHYAH explains. “It came together so beautifully while we danced around melodies and concepts, and was fully brought to life with Joel and Gabe.”

YAHYAH’s music continues to be the friend that everyone needs, with the lyrics also offering the realistic message that many young couples face; it’s okay to say ‘it is what it is’, and do what’s best for each other by moving on. “It's a back and forth journey between two people finally owning up to how they're feeling. I really relate to this, not only in romantic relationships but also in platonic relationships as well. There is angst to it, which I love... which is real to me.”

2022 has been an exciting next chapter of music for the artist, with the release of ‘Thoughts From My Bed’ reaching number 10 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles chart, and becoming a part of Waiata Anthems Week with the stunning Te Reo Maori rendition, ‘Ngā Mahara Moenga.’

YAHYAH’s next wave comes with a huge amount of anticipation and promise, with more to come from the Pop artist in 2023. ‘Talk It Out’ is out Friday, 2nd December on all streaming platforms. Plus, see YAHYAH live at Festival One in January 2023.

Link to ‘Talk It Out’

https://AugustAvenue.lnk.to/4tcZx2

FIND YAHYAH

Spotify | Apple | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Estère shares lush, beat-forward summer banger EP Mākara Peak

Named after the statuesque hilltop outside of Estère’s studio window, Mākara Peak is a self-produced EP that combines beat-pop, RnB and ASMR, creating an upbeat hypnotic dancefloor tracklist. Citing Burna Boy, Lido Pimienta, Doja Cat and Lous and the Yakuza as some of the main inspirations for the EP, Mākara Peak explores Estère’s love of dance-rhythm and her sonic identity rooted in her Cameroonian/Kiwi ancestry. 

Produced at home during lockdown in a humble study-cum-studio she fondly dubs ‘Le Petit’, Estère says “I just wanted to create something unapologetic and honest, that represents where I’m currently at as a human and artist - I never want to feel pressure to stick to who I once was or what I’ve done before.”

Mākara Peak features beat-forward "BPM" (released 7 Oct) and funky millennial lament "Oh Well" (released 3 Nov), and introduces two new gems, "Conversation With Daddy" and "Melt".

Conversation With Daddyplayfully questions material greed and wealth, andstarted with a chat on the phone between Estère and her father. “My dad will often go into these impassioned dialogues about whatever he’s thinking and I really like the percussive element of his speaking style. His voice over the phone is really alive,” says Estère. “Conversation With Daddy” explores both Estère’s relationship with her upbringing and the pitfalls of capitalist society.

Meltis a beat-driven track which honours long and enduring love, andwas largely composed while on holiday in Rarotonga earlier in 2022. “I think you can hear the summer vibes in it, it’s peppy and sexy with a hint of sadness - it’s for the long-time lovers and especially for the person I’ve been loving for a long time,” says Estère.

Tamaki based Songstress Ema I’u releases music video for her debut single Midnight Mistress

An uplifting R&B soul anthem all about empowering Wahine Toa, breaking cycles, and letting go of toxic relationships and environments.  

“I’m sure many people have found themselves in a situation where they are being hurt, disrespected, kept in the dark or repeating the same old mistakes. I hope this song helps encourage someone to recognise they deserve better and to put themselves first.”

Barton ran a successful boosted.nz campaign to help make the video with upcoming director Sophie Black and DOP Josè Alberto De Hoyos. It stars Tatum Warren-Ngata (Power Of The Dog, The Panthers) as a mesmerising ‘maiden’ and musician Jaqi Taimana Williams as a Matriarch.  

“It doesn’t matter how old you are or your background. You can always fall into the role of the ‘Midnight Mistress’ longing for the day. With this video I wanted to show wahine in 3 different stages of life, stuck in this similar uncomfortable limbo - 'waiting for someone' to love or save them. But ultimately they can find strength, joy and fulfilment within themselves. So lessgo and dance it out."   

The video has a retro aesthetic and vivid colours shot in a moody motel and bar. 

“The motel acts as a metaphor for this lonely place, where you’re not quite at home, which feels like a fantasy. It’s also a stereotypical backdrop for the Mistress trope. The dirty secret, the other woman, the people pleaser or pleasure seeker. The temptress who brings misfortune on herself and others. It’s time She regains her power and autonomy.”

Ema I’u aka Ema Barton is a full-time musician, actor and creative (of Sāmoan/ Pākehā heritage); known as ‘The Queen of Open Mic’ having run multiple events over the last 8 years and performing regularly with her bands Lucky May and Coco-Rocky. She is working on multiple tracks with Producer Nathan Judd (Producer of the Year, Pacific Music Awards 2021) with a NZ on Air New Music Development Grant and a New Music Pasifika Grant for her next single. Midnight Mistress is the first single from this collaboration, with an album in the pipeline for release next year. 

Kylie Price 'Fit'

Fit is the audio version of Kylie’s journal - a direct insight to her inner fears and insecurities she has been working through her whole life. It is the catalyst of her becoming the woman she is and the constant struggle of never “fitting in”, and what that even means in a world that labels everything and everyone.

Another collaboration with Chris Mac and Noema Te Hau (Kylie’s first 2022 release “Perfect” was also co-written and produced by the trio), this release completes Kylie’s four 2022 singles whilst she continues to work on her music in London.

A Year of Acheivements in London!

Kylie has spent the best part of 2022 in London writing and meeting industry professionals.

She has been signed to London iconic Booking Agency TALENTBANQ https://talentbanq.com/artist/kylie-price/8717/ and recently SOLD OUT! her first headline show in London at the Camden Chapel.

Kylie is expanding her catalogue of songs from writing with the likes of Duncan Brookfield (Anne-Marie, Ella Henderson, Rudimental) and Ben Weaver (Take That, Gavin James, Mark Owen) and has been recognised as an accomplished artist from world renown “Caffe Nero” as their “Artist of the Month” for November. This sees Kylie’s catalogue being played without interruption everyday in over 700 stores across the UK for the whole month.

She was also a winner in the Unsigned Only Music Songwriting Competition USA for her well-received track “Stay” - released April 2022 and co-written with Will Henderson (NZ).

Kylie was a guest at the 2022 British Country Music Festival which saw her connect for future co-writes with Lucy Spraggan and Alex Stacey (One Republic, Westlife, Mika) as well as an invitation back with her full band in 2023.

This will follow her Headline Show at Camden’s jewel venue for singer-songwriters “The Green Note” and her performance at Birmingham Symphony Hall for “Nashville Sounds In The Rounds” 2023.

Kylie continues to push the boundaries of her songwriting and is looking forward to sharing her ever-evolving sound with fresh releases early 2023.

Kylie Price Awards and Acheivements:

2012 - 2015 - 5 Gold Guitar Awards ( NZ Country Music Awards)

2016 - Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards -Best Female Vocalist and Best Acoustic Performance

2017 - Bones - EP released. #3 in the Independent Music NZ charts and #8 in the NZ Album Charts

2022 - “Perfect” #6 in the NZ Hot Singles Chart

SXSW 2022 - 5 Showcase performances

Folk Alliance USA 2022 - Showcasing Artist.

Listen to Kylie

Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Bandcamp

Follow Kylie

Facebook / Instagram