Band on the rise Coast Arcade Release catchy new single ‘Highest Heights’

Indie pop-rock up-and-comers Coast Arcade are soaring to new heights with their latest single ‘Highest Heights’.

Following on from the release of their infectious debut single ‘Tattoo’ (#11 Hot NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added, MTV Upload), ‘Highest Heights’ is a fast-paced and moody song about how over-dramatic teenage love can be. “The song was written about that feeling you get when you're in an airport and see someone of a similar age to you. There is always this weird chemistry that you don’t get anywhere else,” explains lead singer/guitarist Bella Bavin, whose vocals are a stand-out on the track. “Teenagers can be so dramatic with how they love and insist they fall in love instantly. ‘Highest Heights’ lyrics are super over dramatic and almost corny to reflect that, but in a serious way.”

Coast Arcade is made up of Bella Bavin (vocals + lead guitar), brothers Chris (rhythm guitar) and Nate Tims (bass), and Thom Boynton (drums + backing vocals). ‘Highest Heights’ was recorded at Joel Little's Big Fan studio with engineer Noema Te Hau, mixed by Jono Pearce (The Beths), and made with the support of NZ On Air.

It is also accompanied by a music video that the band worked on with Dave Thompson and Imaginary Friends. “I think the deadpan look of the video creates a cool contrast to how emotional the song is supposed to be,” says Bella. “A few funny things happened on set. We had to record the majority of the video in double time, which was a real challenge, and it was hard to keep a straight face."  Guitarist Chris adds that “it was the first time the band has shot a professionally produced video, and it was a really interesting experience. We all had fun and, despite the bugs, the power cuts and being in a pool until 1am, are stoked with the video!"

Having formed in early 2021 at high school, the band already have a solid fan base and are fast becoming regulars on the Aotearoa music scene. They have an impressive cv which includes opening for Aussie legends Bootleg Rascals and The Grogans, as well as kiwi icons The Beths and Princess Chelsea. They secured spots on the Rhythm and Vines festival and Spring City festival line-ups - alongside well-established acts such as Groove Armada, Zane Lowe and Ladyhawke.

Coast Arcade are definitely ones to watch!

TSENATE - ‘SUPERSTAR’

TSENATE returns with her third single ‘SUPERSTAR’ 

New Zealand-based R&B artist TSENATE releases her third single, ‘SUPERSTAR.’ The track is an intimate window into TSENATE’S life, showcasing her emotive songwriting and artistry. 

With influences ranging from alternative R&B artists such as Steve Lacy, H.E.R, SZA, and Cleo Soul, TSENATE creates a sound that is both nostalgic and modern. ‘SUPERSTAR’ is a perfect example of this, blending old-school R&B vibes with contemporary production.

‘SUPERSTAR’ details the story of a toxic relationship, where TSENATE reflects on being in the midst of a breakup. ”the person I was dating always called me a superstar, despite everything they’d put me through... It was hard to be angry at someone who was always cheering me on as a performer yet didn't love me for who I am” - TSENATE

Written by TSENATE, produced by Mazbou Q (UNCHAINED XL), and featuring guitar work by Maraky. This nostalgic R&B track takes you back to your first heartbreak - “The three of us sat down in Mazbou Q’s studio and worked to bring this intimate page of my diary to life, and I hope you can find parts of yourself in this song.” - TSENATE

‘SUPERSTAR’ is available for streaming on all major platforms. For more information on TSENATE and her upcoming releases, visit TSENATE's Linktree or follow her on social media.

“Black hair is a symbol of patience and beauty for me, and the black community as a whole”

“The concept of the music video come up as my cousin Maraky and I had big hair changes in the past year and I wanted to show how hair changes are a symbol of growth and new chapters in my life.”

“I often have to remind myself that just because I have it easier than other Black women with 4a, 4b, or 4c type hair doesn't mean I shouldn't value my experience as a curly-haired woman residing in the diaspora. As a child, I had a lot of trouble with this.”

Midwave Breaks New EP - Mind Made Up

Midwave Breaks showcase a broad sonic landscape with latest release

The Tauranga based Alt-Rock Duo of drummer Paul Russell, and Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist Bruce Conlon, have become fast friends of Rock Radio listeners across NZ, releasing 6 Independent Singles in less than two years, all of which have featured in the Top 20 Radioscope Rock Chart, with three reaching the Top 10.

This latest offering is a conscious deep-dive, showcasing their wider songwriting scope and sonic palette. The trio of tracks, while less commercial in format, still encapsulate the emergent Midwave Breaks sound, with Conlon’s distinctive vocalsand Russell’s infectious drum grooves on full display.

The EP was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band themselves, at a home studio in the rolling hills overlooking the Bay of Plenty Coastline.

The Title track features twice - first as an enveloping Wall of Sound that takes you on an evolving journey of melodic layered twists and turns, with track two being an upbeat, cheeky Alt-Country reprise of the former.

The closing track Finding Life is a reimagining of an early 2000s song, originally performed by the pair’s first band Eight (Sony/BMG) but never recorded and released.

The reworked version incorporates a full Gospel Style Choral Crescendo, and features guest performances from The Black Seeds Horn Section - Barrett Hocking (trumpet) and Matt Benton (Sax) - alongside expat kiwi Trombonist Richard Shirley(Melbourne SO), and renowned session staple Chip Matthews on bass guitar.

LA LA LA FAMILY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES WOMEN IN MUSIC FEATURING ANIKA MOA, VALKYRIE, LIPS & MORE

LA LA LA FAMILY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES WOMEN IN MUSIC FEATURING ANIKA MOA, VALKYRIE, LIPS & MORE!

La La La festival hosted in Whanganui on February 18 boasts an incredible line-up, celebrating women in music from Whanganui and around Aotearoa including Anika Moa, Valkyrie, Lips, Ripple Effect, The Flow Collective and Sophie Toyne.

La La La is a whānau friendly event with free tickets for under 16 year olds. Alongside a diverse musical programme there are all sorts of other activities on offer for a fun day out with the family.

La La La is held in conjunction with the La Fiesta Women's Festival, and is the second whānau day in the Lost Art Summer in the Square series.

Event organiser Gioia Damosso shares "As a female promoter it is so exciting for me to be able to create an event celebrating women in music and also take part in the wonderful women's festival that is La Fiesta. La La La is the perfect event for the whole whānau with an array of family friendly activities and an amazingly diverse line up of musicians from all over Aotearoa!"

Singer-songwriter Anika Moa is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated music artists. She has released six studio albums, been nominated for numerous awards, and won four NZ Music Awards – including Best Female Vocalist. As well as her pop albums, Anika has also had three wildly successful children’s albums titled Songs For Bubbas. Anika’s sharp wit and hilarious banter have also made waves on television, radio and online. After 20 years of performing live, it’s pretty clear Anika knows not only how to hold a crowd but also to entertain one.

Valkyrie, is a 4 piece pop/rock band formed in Auckland, New Zealand. 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. They have recently played a nationwide tour, favorites at Splore Festival (3x), Soundsplash festival and opening for New Zealand's biggest band Six60 (2021).

2022 Taite Music Prize nominees Lips is a four-piece music group from Tāmaki Makaurau. Their music finds its roots in the familiar melodies of homegrown Indie, the tender embrace of Synth Pop, and the humorous side-eye of American New Wave. Ultimately resulting in a sound that's a celebration of feeling awkward and embracing it anyway. The band’s song "Everything to Me" won the 2012 Silver Scroll Award.

Completing the impressive line up are local acts; Ripple Effect a 5 Piece reggae fusion band from Palmerston North, The Flow Collective bringing a show that celebrates the Whanganui River and the stories of its people, featuring traditional and contemporary musical forms, including jazz, working songs, sea shanties, folk, country and pop and Sophie Toyne a 12 year old Whanganui country singer and winner of the Junior Section at the Gore Golden Guitars 2021, Junior Overall Winner of the NZCMA Entertainer of the year 2020, runner up for Entertainer of the Year 2021 and 2022.

"The Lost Art Summer in the Square series is about reaching out to a diverse community and providing entertainment for everyone" shares Damosso. "Whanganui is often left off of touring schedules and so I am passionate about bringing artists to Whanganui who have often never had the opportunity to perform here. Held in the heart of Whanganui, we are activating the community space of Majestic Square with vibrancy with the help of world class musicians from around Aotearoa. Whanganui is on the up and up and the perfect holiday destination for a long weekend for those interested in the arts. Whether its, glass, street art, music or simply to enjoy our beautiful awa, there is plenty to see and do in Whanganui.”

Tickets on sale through EVENTBRITE

LA LA LA - Saturday February 18, 1pm - 9pm, Majestic Square, Whanganui

ABRZY - Live and On Tour

To support his latest project and further grow his fanbase, ABRZY is embarking on a domestic tour in summer 2023. ABRZY has successfully received funding from the NZ Music Commission to support this tour.

ABRZY is an energetic performer with fierce production accompanying him. He has an electric stage presence and excellent command of the crowd. With numerous sold out shows in his home city under his belt, he taps into that experience to ensure an incredible time for his audience.

The tour will touch down in 3 cities with local musicians as the opener and ABRZY as the headliner. He will play with a live band and have stunning visuals for his 45 minute set. He is expected to shift 500+ tickets and is confident in the success of the tour.

TURKEY THE BIRD IN NEW PLYMOUTH

Turkey The Bird are putting on a very special performance with several special guests at Mike's Brewery Bistro in New Plymouth this Saturday 4th Feb.

The NZ folk trio is joined by Krissy Jackson on fiddle, Geoff Notman on drums, Matt Sturgess on guitar and Wayne Morris on washboard. 

New Zealand's folk trio "Turkey The Bird" will remind you of the famous Margarita cocktail infused with a hint of "Simon & Garfunkel", 2 ounces of "Mumford and Sons", a splash of banjo and served on ice on a sunny day.
Catchy folk songs with stunning rich melodies and effortless smooth lyrics. Songs that tell uplifting stories about love and life.
Hailing from the New Zealand left coast town New Plymouth, this uplifting band will hit you with beautiful three part harmonies and toe tapping rhythms.
The bearded trio features Andre Manella from Switzerland on guitar, bass and percussion, Adrian Whelan from Ireland on guitar, mandolin, bass and spoons, and Sol Bear Coulton, the token kiwi, on Banjo and slide guitar.

Doors open at 9pm and entry is $25 (cash only)

Ms. Mia - Strange Life

Ms. Mia releases her debut single with ‘Strange Life’ - a sonic snapshot of her lockdown experience.

"Strange Life" is a personal reflection of Ms. Mia's life during Auckland's 2021 lockdowns. A time when she grieved the life she used to live and struggled with feeling like she had lost herself. 

“ I wrote this song while looking back at my life when I was traveling around Europe, out having fun and adventures, compared to being stuck at home in Auckland’s second 2021 lockdown and other big responsibilities, which made me feel lost and overwhelmed…. I remember feeling like somewhere along the way I lost myself.. And at times I wish I was still care-free, traveling the world and not having to work an unfulfilling job - but that life also had its own challenges, and I find myself glamourising it as more than it actually was”. - Ms. Mia

"Strange Life" It is a sonic page in the diary of Ms.Mia’s journey during lockdown and it serves as a relatable and honest reflection of the emotions and experiences that many faced during that time.

‘Ms. Mia is an emerging artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Known for her ability to create catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics that explore a wide range of emotions and themes. Her music delves into the complexities of love, loss, belonging, self-discovery, and finding one's own path. Her singing is often described as wistful and longing, adding to the impact of her emotive storytelling.

SUN VEINS 'THE HEARD'

"layers of beautiful melodies and chords make the new Sun Veins single 'The Heard' a track to remember, and a coming sign of the album that will resonate" - Dave Borrie, Programme Director for Radio One 91fm

Ōtepoti/Dunedin four-piece Sun Veins are excited to announce the release of their new single “The Heard”, available on all platforms from the 1st of February 2023. The Heard is a soaring ballad featuring stacks of harmonies and reverb soaked piano, representing a new side to the band than we have seen thus far. The Heard is the second single from Sun Veins’ upcoming debut album “Show Me The Way”.

“Show Me The Way” is the result of 5 years work, starting on a laptop in a dingy student flat and ending up in professional studios across New Zealand. “The Heard” was recorded at Sublime Studio in the Waitaki Valley alongside engineer Tom Harvard, and features Studio owner Steve Harrop on bass guitar. Auckland based producer André Theis of Carlyle Studios worked alongside the band on the mix, with mastering by friend of the band Peter Jack aka “The Whip Man”. “The Heard” can be pre-saved to spotify and itunes now at this link:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sunveins/the-heard