WHO SHOT SCHOTT 'MERCY III'
WHO SHOT SCOTT is the musical project of Zaidoon Nasir (he/him), a producer and experimental hip hop artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Today WHO SHOT SCOTT shares his latest EP MERCY III, and the final single MOTHERS EYES.
WHO SHOT SCOTT is the musical project of Zaidoon Nasir (he/him), a producer and experimental hip hop artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). WHO SHOT SCOTT's production packs a punch, with heavy 808s intertwined with bass that make promises to make subs groove. Lyrically he finely balances bravado and braggadocio with vulnerability and introspection, resulting in a brave creative philosophy that is present throughout his entire catalogue.
Today WHO SHOT SCOTT shares his latest EP MERCY III, and the final single MOTHERS EYES. The latter is accompanied with a music video directed by long term collaborator Connor Pritchard (and made with support from NZ on Air Music).
MOTHERS EYES is the emotionally charged new single showcasing WHO SHOT SCOTT using a sonic palette unlike he has ever done before, while still remaining true to the experimental production that his fans have grown to love. With some of the most vulnerable lyrics he has written to date, WSS states: “This track is about the strides in self growth that I have made within the past couple of years. Prior to releasing music as ‘WHO SHOT SCOTT’, I went through a series of traumatic events that seriously defined me. Toxic relationships, being betrayed by friends who I considered family, and the complete destruction of the false identity I had built within myself during my early twenties. I felt that change was needed, and the transformation I went through forced me to come to terms with a lot of my deepest insecurities. Within that process however, I realised something beautiful - I saw how much I loved expressing myself through art, and it was clear to me that up until that point I had been making music for all the wrong reasons. Reasons such as seeking validation and superficial gains which all served to tarnish my inner child-like creativity. With this new found clarity, I’m giving myself one more chance to do it right, on my own terms and without compromise. I hope that in return the candidness of my fearless expression will shine through and the listener will see my soul clearly, almost as through my own mother’s eyes.”
MOTHERS EYES is the final track to be released from WHO SHOT SCOTT's latest EP MERCY III. Serving as the third chapter of his MERCY trilogy, this project showcases the artist presenting himself in some of the most captivating colour palettes to date. Combining the most vulnerable parts of his inner soul with intensely frantic, gritty and distorted production, this MERCY III will have listeners dancing and head-bobbing while potentially also reflecting on their own childhood trauma and insecurities. With experimental vocal performances such as ASMR inducing whispers, juxtaposed with exceptionally loud punk-rock screaming, WHO SHOT SCOTT’s new EP hears him delve into themes of deep reflection, and finding acceptance in one's own vulnerabilities.
“This is my self-observation project. This is me taking a long hard look at all of my pain and putting it into my music. I’ve suffered so much with anxiety, paranoia, cynicism, and self doubt throughout the past few years. I used to hate myself for it and it truly used to torture me until I finally realised that every single one of my flaws is a super power within itself once connected to a healthy outlet source like artistic expression. I’ve finally accepted that my short-comings are a fundamental part of my default programming, and while they may be the reason I often suffer - they’re also the reason I’m able to exhibit my soul in a meaningful way through art. To stray away from this would be a complete disservice to myself. I’m happy to say that I’ve journeyed to a whole new level of self-kindness. I love all the fragments of me, the good and the terrible, I welcome it entirely.”
With an unshakable commitment to authenticity and courageous expression, WHO SHOT SCOTT is cultivating a tidal wave like cult-following within his community and around the globe. It is clear now that this is just the beginning of something much greater. It’s more than music - it’s an ode to embracing the natural human experience.
Mapping the Musical Landscape in Tairāwhiti
An innovative and ground breaking community research project is set to unearth what local musicians and audiences want from the music scene in Tairāwhiti.
An innovative and ground breaking community research project is set to unearth what local musicians and audiences want from the music scene in Tairāwhiti.
The Tairāwhiti Music Survey - Te Rangahou Puoro o te Tairāwhiti - project is the brain child of local musician and live music venue co-owner, Darryl Monteith. During his time as Chair of Creative Tairawhiti from 2006-2010, Darryl said he “often thought about the way in which sports were funded and wondered why the same funding wasn’t applied to the arts.” With the thought of possible opportunities in the music industry ruminating over the years, it was further injected with life in 2019 after organising an “overwhelmingly positive” hui to discuss a music strategy for Tairāwhiti. With the onset of the challenging Covid years, the idea was put on the back burner until Darryl found he “had the time, energy and head space to pick the idea up again.”
Attending a Te Urungi funding application weekend last year and successfully applying for, and securing, seed funding through Manatū Taonga (Ministry for Culture and Heritage) means the community research project is well supported to map the musical landscape in Tairāwhiti. Te Urungi is the steering paddle of a waka hourua and the funding is intended to guide innovative ideas and projects in the arts sector. Darryl explains, “the whole concept of the funding workshop actually represents exactly what we’re doing here. We have this beautiful music waka, which contributes hugely to our wellbeing in Tairāwhiti. We just don’t have a means of steering it or know where we, collectively, would like to go yet” The grassroots research project is a first, with no template for it. “We’re not aware of anywhere else in New Zealand successfully mapping their music sector before, so it’s a great opportunity to pilot such a project here.”
There are three phases to the research project. Phase One is the launch of the online “What Does Music Mean To You ?” survey and gathering data from local musicians and audience members. Phase Two is analysis of that data and Phase Three is taking steps forward in relation to what the data reveals.
“The aim is to have as many people as possible complete the online survey to ensure a far reaching group of many diverse voices have their say on the future of music in Tairāwhiti.” While individuals and music-related businesses will complete the survey online, bands and music organisations will have the opportunity to complete the survey via facilitated meetings.
Once the data is gathered, the results will be mapped out to identify the challenges, hopes, aspirations and dreams of those involved within the music sector. “We have very passionate and talented musicians who are already fairly well connected. This project provides us with an in depth understanding of the musical landscape for all budding and experienced musicians here in Tairāwhiti, as well as the audiences they serve. Responding to the opportunities and challenges that exist now and in the future, while making the most of the wonderful benefits that music already provides to our community, are at the core of this important piece of work.”
The community survey will be available online through to the end of April. To be part of this innovative research project, be sure to have your say and join with the voices of others in the mapping of music in Tairāwhiti. www.whatmusicsmeanstome.nz
Pop princess PRINS unveils powerful video for latest single, ‘Something New’
After releasing an exceptional string of killer singles and a triumphant EP release in 2022, Aotearoa’s pop princess PRINS has unveiled the powerful accompanying video for her latest track, ‘Something New’.
After releasing an exceptional string of killer singles and a triumphant EP release in 2022, Aotearoa’s pop princess PRINS has unveiled the powerful accompanying video for her latest track, ‘Something New’.
Listen to ‘Something New’ HERE
Filmed and directed by the award-winning Shae Stirling, who produced the video with Aimee Sinclair, the video captures a powerful visual story, and is a testament to the importance of pursuing one's dreams, and never settling for anything less than personal fulfilment.
“It follows the personal journey of a young woman as she discovers her true passion in life,” explains PRINS. “Tired of feeling uninspired and stuck in a conventional and unfulfilling path, she takes the bold step of switching her major to dance and performance. The video captures the joy and excitement she experiences as she finds her place in the world, surrounded by others who accept and support her for who she is.”
Filmed in Sydney over the course of two days, PRINS worked with an extraordinary team of dancers, stylists, extras, and hair and makeup artists, in a “true collaborative effort”.
“In the video, I am also showcasing a new style of my dancing abilities, which I am incredibly excited about,” says PRINS. “The result of all this hard work is a music video that truly captures the energy and spirit of the song, and I cannot wait for people to see it.”
The result is nothing short of brilliant, and sets the scene for an exciting year ahead for PRINS who made massive strides locally and internationally last year with the release of her EP, LIFE IS BETTER NOW.
The five-track record, which featured singles ‘That’s the thing x’, ‘On the low (shh!)’ and ‘Hazardous’ has amassed hundreds of thousands of streams, while receiving widespread radio play in NZ, the UK and Germany and impressive chart positions in New Zealand, including #10 on the Official Top 20 NZ Album Chart and #39 on the Official Top 40 Album Chart.
‘Something New’ is already off to a stellar start at radio in New Zealand, debuting at #58 on the top 100 most played chart and #2 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles chart. This is just the beginning of what is set to be another incredible year for PRINS, so dive into the visuals and sound of ‘Something New’ and get ready for more music to come from this undeniable pop powerhouse.
Scalper - The Shine Album
Following his 2020 critically acclaimed album The Beast and The Beauty, London born Pakistani hip-hop artist Scalper brings his 5th solo album to light, The Shine, recorded in his West Auckland studio.
Following his 2020 critically acclaimed album The Beast and The Beauty, London born Pakistani hip-hop artist Scalper brings his 5th solo album to light, The Shine, recorded in his West Auckland studio. The former album was emotional and intimate, as Scalper was processing the recent loss of his mother. The Shine is him breathing and considering life again, seeking balance within the confusion. It is about love, learning, society, and self-understanding. The Shine is an uplifting and thought provoking LP with a slowcore hip-hop style that you won’t hear anywhere else.
Within this self-produced hip-hop album, Scalper brings new musical and lyrical perspectives, both philosophical and highly intimate. He uses metaphors, repetition and alliteration to deliver social commentary, question the nature of existence, and the brutality of us. He has not stepped aside from his minimalist beat sound which suits his voice so well, but in this album he also plays with pop music, simple melodies and even a children’s choir on the track Toxicity Toxifies. Bismillah sets the tone by welcoming the listener to the album with a greeting, and the album ends with the haunting I’m Life, featuring Sufi Qawwali singer Nawazish Ali Khan. Throughout the album, the breadth and diversity of Scalper’s production skills are on full display.
Scalper’s baritone flow is something like an inner voice coming from above or beyond, which carries both comfort and some kind of truth for yourself. His poetry is revealing and crystal clear. The Shine is nourishment for our troubled times.
HAZ & MILOUX present ‘What U Do' ft. Diggy Dupé
Today, award winning Aotearoa duo Haz & Miloux release the second single from their forthcoming EP ‘Brunette' titled What U Do’ ft. Diggy Dupé.
Today, award winning Aotearoa duo Haz & Miloux release the second single from their forthcoming EP ‘Brunette' titled What U Do’ ft. Diggy Dupé.
"'What U Do' is about the decline of a relationship after seeing through the facade of someone's love to their toxic side" says Miloux who wrote the song with Haz. It was then up to multi-talented Tāmaki Makaurau artist Diggy Dupé to weave his honest and insightful verse into this laid back neo-soul track.
'What U Do' is the follow up to the first single 'Three' which was released in November 22. The debut single from their second EP 'Brunette' (due for release late summer 23') garnered great support from Spotify Editorial playlists such as Dinner Mood and R&B Feels. 'Three' was also playlisted across SRN, locking itself into number 2 in the bFM Top 10 with ongoing support from Dunedin's Radio1, as well as coming in at number 1 on the Radioscope Alternative Airplay Chart on December 16th.
Haz & Miloux kicked off their first summer show at the Morningside Live Block Party last weekend to a full house on stage at Big Fan. They'll be taking the stage again at Ori' 23 in Dunedin on February 25th in support of International hip-hop phenomenon Yung Gravy.
Diggy Dupé was top of the list for a feature when the pair were writing their new EP, with Diggy's verse providing deeper perspective to Miloux's words as she formulated the song. Both vocalists lean lyrically into the complexities of relationships, romantic and platonic and the choice we have to leave or stay, whilst letting the music further invoke the emotions in their story.
Miloux says of the writing of the song, "This track was another one of Haz's beats that I was immediately drawn to, and the music to me had a slightly darker overtone. I wrote the chords for the bridge the same day at his studio and thought this section really lent itself to the rhythmic choral backing vocals".
'Brunette’ will be the second EP from Haz & Miloux, following the 2019 release of EP ‘Blonde’. The pair achieved phenomenal success with their debut EP winning the 2020 Aotearoa Music Award for Best Soul/RnB Artist, and ‘Blonde’ was shortlisted for the 2020 Silver Scroll Awards. Their songs are a love letter to their influences, experiences and community.
'What U Do' ft. Diggy Dupé is out now, February 10th via New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.
Revulva tune into the trouble with small-scene dating in punchy new single ‘This Town’
Popular Pōneke nine-piece band Revulva have today released their new dark and punchy single ‘This Town’.
Popular Pōneke nine-piece band Revulva have today released their new dark and punchy single ‘This Town’.
Listen to ‘This Town’ HERE
A tale of avoiding your ex in public and the lack of romantic anonymity in a small town, Revulva’s sound is a mix of soul, funk, pop and jazz, but ‘This Town’ might surprise some fans with its spoken word for the lead vocal, dark harmony, and an exciting percussion solo section at the end - known to the band as the “break up” section, as opposed to the typical “break down” section.
“‘This Town’ highlights our transformation as a band,” says band member Phoebe Johnson, “from light-hearted tales about hay fever and not being able to smoke – there is also darkness in our sound that we chose to lean into for this single while communicating the comedy of dating in a small town.”
A supergroup of talented musicians, Revulva is made up of - Phoebe Johnson (NOVA, Ebony Lamb), Lily Rose Shaw (Dawn Diver, The Gallery), Hector McLachlan (Raiden Freeman), Hayden Richardson (Dr. Reknaw), Lennox Grootjans (Hummucide, Len Blake), Toby Leman (Hummucide, The Gallery), Olivia Campion (Yumi Zouma, Mystery Waitress), Zane Hawkins (Dr. Reknaw, Zoe Moon) and Kaito Walley (TOI, Bret Mckenzie). Since 2020, the band have been regulars on the Wellington gig scene and, more recently, had their debut EP GIRL’S GOTTA EAT nominated for best EP at the 2022 Student Radio Network Awards.
‘This Town’ was recorded/mixed by Lee Prebble at Surgery Studios, then mastered by Downbeat Mastering, and the release couldn’t be more perfectly timed. The group is currently on their first Aotearoa nationwide ‘This Town Ain't Big Enough Tour’, with shows coming up in Tāmaki Makaurau, Leigh, and a spot at the Whanganui Welcome to Nowhere Festival.
Head to UTR for more tour info and tickets HERE
As well as their music that’ll get you movin’ and celebrated live shows, Revulva have an exciting ‘This Town’ video being released in March. So make sure you don’t miss a beat and follow them on their socials!
FIND REVULVA
Estère announces three-date fully choreographed Mākara Peak EP release tour!
Estère brings her beat-laden Mākara Peak EP to life on her upcoming release tour, featuring a choreographed show of incredible dancers, stunning outfits, saturated lights and a multitude of beats for three dance-filled performances.
Estère - Makara Peak EP Tour
25 March - Whammy Bar, Auckland
1 April - Meow, Wellington
21 April - Artworks Theatre, Waiheke Island
Estère brings her beat-laden Mākara Peak EP to life on her upcoming release tour, featuring a choreographed show of incredible dancers, stunning outfits, saturated lights and a multitude of beats for three dance-filled performances. Estère's live show is consistently exciting and explosive, as she envelopes the audience in a mesmerising mix of indie neo-soul vocal stylings, live instruments, sampled found sounds, and danceable rhythms for an unmissable night out.
Estère will be working with the exceptional director, choreographer and dancer Kayla Paige, who has choreographed for World of WearableArts, The X Factor NZ, and Pleasuredome The Musical, as well as music videos for Lorde and Kimbra, and so much more. Estère says, "Kayla was amazing to work with in WOW - she has such exciting creative and conceptual vision and her choreography is fire. I'm super excited to work with her again!" Estère will be joined by two professional dancers onstage, creating a fun and electric performance ensemble.
Mākara Peak has been embraced by discerning music circles in New Zealand and overseas. Charlotte Ryan (RNZ's Music 101) says "Mākara Peak is my favourite release from Estere to date." Undertheradar.co.nz calls first single BPM "a rhythmic and textural treat for the senses," and about Estère's second single, "Oh Well", Sniffers says it's "a soothing soulful pop fusion... Estère speaking to a disenfranchised generation with a smirk and a wink in her playful, tongue-in-cheek verses."
Click here to listen to Mākara Peak!
About Estère's role in World of WearableArt Awards Show, Malia Johnston, the Show Director of World Of Wearable Art, says "Estère joined the WOW team for our 2022 return season. We wanted to work and feature an artist who was NEXT LEVEL in terms of exuding creativity and transformative live performance skills. Estère was the perfect fit. Her music is fresh, empowering, energy-giving and future focused - she has a powerful and universal message. We wanted an artist that could embrace and exude the qualities of a female creative deity… Estère was incredible to work and collaborate with, she’s a super power on the stage with an exquisite voice, she's one of a kind - our audiences adored her!"
Tickets are on sale now from Undertheradar.co.nz and Moshtix.
Aotearoa Touring Programme, March 2023 round open!
The Aotearoa Touring Programme is a matched investment programme (i.e. the Programme will match your investment), so applicants can apply for 50% of the eligible costs for undertaking national tours across the two Tiers. The different Tiers have a maximum limit for each grant. A national tour will include at least three dates.
The March 2023 round of the Aotearoa Touring Programme is now open and closes on Wednesday 8th March @ 5.00pm.
The Aotearoa Touring Programme is a matched investment programme (i.e. the Programme will match your investment), so applicants can apply for 50% of the eligible costs for undertaking national tours across the two Tiers. The different Tiers have a maximum limit for each grant. A national tour will include at least three dates.
Prospective applicants must be performing 100% original (or close to) New Zealand Music and will need to contact the Music Commission for access to the online application portal. When getting in get in touch, please send through the proposed tour dates, towns & cities, venues, why you want to play in these towns (previously successful shows, good airplay on local radio, interest from the area etc), and approximately how much you intend to apply for.
The application process will require you to have a full budget and business plan that will show how this investment will contribute to growing the artist’s business and career.
For information about the Programme can be found here
March round
Wednesday 8 March: Applications close at 5.00pm
Thursday 20 April: ATP results communicated to applicants.
May round
Wednesday 10 May: Applications close at 5.00pm
Thursday 15 June: ATP results communicated to applicants.
For further information and advice about the Aotearoa Touring Programme please contact Emily Crowther at touring@nzmusic.org.nz.