AfroSoul artist Ch! Nonso pairs ‘Kola Nuts & Chardonnay’ with the release of his debut EP
The seven-track conceptual project seamlessly pulls together different sounds, music traditions and cultures, reflecting the symbolism of kola nuts and chardonnay as the meeting of diverse musical and cultural influences.
Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based AfroSoul artist Ch! Nonso is set to release his debut EP ‘Kola Nuts & Chardonnay’ on Friday, 31 March. The seven-track conceptual project seamlessly pulls together different sounds, music traditions and cultures, reflecting the symbolism of kola nuts and chardonnay as the meeting of diverse musical and cultural influences.
Traditionally, kola nuts are a symbol of hospitality and are the first thing offered to guests as a sign of welcome in Igbo culture. Paired with Chardonnay, Ch! Nonso welcomes listeners to sit in on an intimate conversation about straddling different cultures and the impact that has on the individual and nation’s identity.
The offering of kola nuts and chardonnay begins with ‘How Many Times’, a track peppered with a hand drum by Mavs Adegbite, a local drummer of Nigerian descent, and rifts of a Ghanaian Highlife style guitar, played by USA based Theophilus Akai.
From ‘How Many Times’ we journey into ‘Site Ta’, a declaration of the urgency to reclaim and embody all of who you are, featuring saxophonist Thabani Gapara. The EP then transitions into ‘Forever O’Clock’, a love letter of sorts to the physical places we might call home and the people there. The theme of home echoes through into ‘Liar’, a glimpse into why people might leave home and flows into ‘Ka Home’, Ch! Nonso’s reflection on the fluidity of home.
The project concludes with ‘But Do They Know (Remix)’, a track that opens with a blessing of kola nuts by the artist’s uncle. Although the blessing of the kola nuts is usually at the start of the occasion, the blessing concludes the EP signifying what the artist says is a welcome to the beginning of the end.
Produced by Unchained XL ‘Kola Nuts & Chardonnay’ is Ch! Nonso’s debut release and a homecoming for the artist.
Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Ch! Nonso is an AfroSoul artist of Igbo descent residing in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand). In releasing his first project as Ch! Nonso, the artist invites us to witness his homecoming and reclamation of the philosophies and stories his name embodies.
Drawing inspiration from sounds that have deep roots in African music traditions, Ch! Nonso’s first foray into music was as a church choir member and later as a member of a boyband in university. Previously he performed under the alias Nuel Nonso as lead vocalist for Ijebu Pleasure Club and has worked with Phodiso, Mazbou Q, New Telepathics and Sola Rosa.
Sonically, Ch! Nonso’s sound is influenced by traditional Igbo rhythms such as Amawbia and Mbaise sounds, Highlife, RnB, Afrobeat, Jazz, Soul and artists such as Femi Kuti, Destiny’s Child, Celestine Ukwu, Plantashun Boiz and Stevie Wonder.
His reflective lyricism provides commentary on straddling multiple cultural influences and making sense of the awkward space between the jarring union of traditional African and Indigenous cultures, colonial influences and Western culture.
Coast Arcade conjures summer escapism with new single ‘Surf Club’
Catchy new single ‘Surf Club’ from Aotearoa’s indie pop-rock band Coast Arcade is sure to hook all summer escapists!
Catchy new single ‘Surf Club’ from Aotearoa’s indie pop-rock band Coast Arcade is sure to hook all summer escapists!
Listen to ‘Surf Club’ HERE
Becoming known for their fun music and live performances, ‘Surf Club’ does not disappoint. The vibe is fast, upbeat and energetic - but unlike previous singles, it has a more surf-influenced flavour and raw, indie sound.
“‘Surf Club’ has a few different meanings,” says lead singer/guitarist Bella Bavin. “On a surface level, it’s the perfect summer-highlights reel, and I hope that’s what people take away after listening! On a deeper level, and to me personally, it’s about feeling out of place in your life and not having your normal coping mechanisms to deal with a rough time.”
Bella says that the songwriting for ‘Surf Club’ came about when the band were asked to open for a surf band. “I panicked because I didn’t think we were surf-y enough. So I sat down and wrote ‘Surf Club’ that same day. It’s turned out to be one of my favourites that I’ve written.”
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). These Auckland-based up-and-comers have placed in the charts with both their previously released singles - fast-paced ‘Highest Heights’ (Official NZ Charts ‘Ones To Watch’, #2 Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart + #37 Hot 40 Singles, #7 RadioScope Most Added + #24 NZ Airplay) and infectious debut ‘Tattoo’ (#11 Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added).
‘Surf Club’ was recorded at Joel Little's Big Fan studio with engineer Noema Te Hau, then mixed and mastered by Jono Pearce (The Beths). It’s the second single from an upcoming debut EP - so be sure to stay tuned for more!
Having formed in early 2021 at high school, the band 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!
Corrella release new heartwarming single ‘Little Circles’
A song sure to give you butterflies, Corrella dedicate this sweet new single to ‘all the lovers’, while taking listeners to a place of ‘magic’ and ‘wonder’.
Seven-piece roots-reggae band Corrella have today released their new love song ‘Little Circles’.
A song sure to give you butterflies, Corrella dedicate this sweet new single to ‘all the lovers’, while taking listeners to a place of ‘magic’ and ‘wonder’. Following on from their recent charting hits ‘Skankin’, ‘We On (Catch-22 Remix)’, ‘Raumati’ and ‘Raumati (Isdale Remix)’, ‘Little Circles’ is sure to be another hit with fans.
“Everyone can relate to a moment or think of a person when they hear this track,” says Te Naawe Tupe - songwriter and rhythm guitarist. “It’s quite literal in terms of lyrics and feel, but to put a label on it - the song is about the feeling you get when you see that one person who makes you feel something more than anyone else. There's just something about seeing someone you are keen on walk through the doors, and I wanted to portray that in a song.”
‘Little Circles’ has definitely succeeded in capturing these moments with their mellow, laid back reggae and, a first for the group, a female-led vocal - clearly showcasing what an incredible vocal talent Rebekah Brady is.
Recorded at Parachute studios, it was produced by Jimmy Colbert, mixed by Christian Tjandrawinata and mastered by Vivek Gabriel. The band says that ‘Little Circles’ is yet another good taste of what’s to come, as they continue to tease an upcoming album.
Corrella formed in 2017 and 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. Their summer single ‘Skankin’ (released December 2022), has been filling the Aotearoa airwaves, and consistently placing in both RadioScope and Official NZ Charts alongside ‘Raumati’, the group's first full Te Reo Māori Waiata, which featured in Waiata Anthems 2022. They released their debut single ‘Summertime in Aotearoa’ in late 2020, which quickly made it onto the NZ Music charts. They then 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. With much more to come from this rising Aotearoa group, make sure you’re following!
Ella Pollett New Single “When I’m Gone”
Ella Pollett is an emerging singer/songwriter from the Hawke’s Bay. The 17 year old tells her story of life through her songs and has been described as having a sweet voice with a hint of country.
Ella Pollett is an emerging singer/songwriter from the Hawke’s Bay. The 17 year old tells her story of life through her songs and has been described as having a sweet voice with a hint of country. This year marks the official debut of what promises to be an exciting journey ahead, soon performing at the Mission concert alongside Rod Stewart.
“When I’m gone” is the third single that Ella has released. In 2022, she performed this song at the prestigious Rockquest competition and won first place, representing Hawke’s Bay in the solo/duo category. “When I'm gone” tells the story of having someone important in your life that means the world to you, but this person doesn't feel the same way - maybe they will realise this once you have gone.
Ella hopes that her songs will connect with her listeners and they can relate to this in their own lives.
Afro-Kiwi artist, adv is releasing his new single 🛁 Bubblebath 🛁
It’s chill, it’s vibes, it’s sadboi - and adv (Alex de Vries) is the saddest boy of them all.
"I cry in the shower so as not to feel my tears”
- adv
Who is adv?
It’s chill, it’s vibes, it’s sadboi - and adv (Alex de Vries) is the saddest boy of them all. Inspired by the likes of Leo Bhanji, Rainy Miller, Teyana Taylor, Easy Life and Matt Corby, adv’s style is eclectic yet melancholic, perfectly capturing the malaise of the times. His previous release Take Me For A Ride saw adv explore his sexuality as a queer Afro-Kiwi navigating liminal space. After being nominated for an LGBTI award, sharing the stage with Parson James, performing internationally in both South Africa and the United States, and breaking through in the worlds of film and theatre, adv is back and more vulnerable than ever.
About Bubblebath
Bubblebath is the debut single from adv’s upcoming album Trust Issues. A catchy but raw alternative RnB sound, Bubblebathis about the immeasurable hurt of being cheated on. Bubblebath emulates a Manchester/Preston underground sonic aesthetic, and represents a moment of anger, weakness and defeat. Trust Issues is vulnerable, visceral and violent, but progresses to become an ode to finding beauty in the messiness.
Troy Kingi releases video for “Elephant In the Room”
Troy Kingi releases new video for “Elephant In the Room”, from his current album, “Year Of The Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”.
Troy Kingi releases new video for “Elephant In the Room”, from his current album, “Year Of The Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”.
“This song talks about the current state of attention spans - my children with their heads buried in the aluminated glass screen, it’s worrying, I’m not exempt from its addictive glow either.”
Troy King’s sixth album, “Year Of The Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”, is an 80’s Synth Pop instalment, in his 1O 1O 1O Series, (10 albums in 10 years in 10 genres)
“Year of the Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”, finds Troy Jumping in the Delorian and taking us back to 84, the year of his birth.
Inspired by television theme songs and the superstars of the period such as Prince & Talking Heads, even the radio friendly sound of bands such as Tears for Fears, The Human League and Duran Duran ….. Troy’s main goal with ‘Ratbags’ was to hit a nostalgic nerve for those born belonging to the era and for those who are true aficionados of 80s pop culture.
An album drenched in synths and bad hair - Each engineering technique, amplifier, instrument used to create it was sourced solely from the period, leaving no stone unturned in the quest for authenticity in one of history’s most colourful musical eras.
There is a hidden underlying theme that intertwines each song, connecting them all through one common thread - Troy has chosen to withhold this information leaving the albums meaning up to the ear of the beholder, although he did say, if you look close enough the clues are in plain sight.
Produced by Troy Kingi, long-time collaborator TeMatera Smith, and this time Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers Super Furry Animals, Catatonia, Lost Prophets, Bullet For My Valentine and Spice Girl Melanie C), to get the full 80’s vibe dialled up to 100%.
“Year of the Ratbags And Their Musty Theme Songs”, is available as Digital / Cassette/ LP through Border and available on all digital platforms.
See Troy Perform with the APO:
KBB Music Presents
Matariki with Troy Kingi
7.30pm, Thursday 13 July
Auckland Town Hall
Featuring Troy Kingi with Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Ma-nawatia a Matarik In 2023 we come together again to celebrate Matariki with an inspiring night of musical fusion.
Expect the unexpected as Kingi and the APO perform a wide-ranging setlist from Kingi’s eclectic catalogue. With lush orchestral arrangements by composer Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper this will be an amazing night of creativity and collaboration.
Tickets: apo.co.nz
TROY KINGI
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp
Follow: Website / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
The Mitchell Twins Release “Reasons”, announce new Tami Neilson produced EP, and first solo tour.
The Mitchell Twins - Maegan and Nicola, release “Reasons”, the first single from the forthcoming EP “Find A River” Produced by Tami Neilson under NZ On Air’s New Music Development Programme, The new EP also features songs they co-wrote with Tami, as she guided them in their craft as songwriters.
The Mitchell Twins - Maegan and Nicola, release “Reasons”,
the first single from the forthcoming EP “Find A River” .
Produced by Tami Neilson under NZ On Air’s New Music Development Programme,
The new EP also features songs they co-wrote with Tami, as she guided them in their craft as songwriters. They recorded it in Tom Broome’s Auckland Studio, with Tom Broome as engineer and drummer, Chip Matthews on bass, Chet O’Connell on guitar. and Dave Khan on Strings.
Reasons, is a punchy guitar and percussion driven track, an open letter to those who make excuses time and time again and is a song dripping in sister harmonies and sass. The video features the fun they had working together with such admired musicians.
In 2022, the Maegan and Nicola released an acoustic version of the title track “Find A River”. They introduced audiences to this track when they performed at “Topp Class: The Topp Twins Tribute Show” in Novemeber 2022, at the Civic Theatre in Auckland.
The EP will now feature the studio version of this song, written about their connection as twins and inspired by the Topp Twins, their battles with cancer and separation over Covid lockdowns. The Topp Twins found strength through connection to each other in water - when one Topp would put her feet in the rivers of her southern home & the other would put hers in the sea up North - and both would feel connected. Find A River
The Mitchell Twins
At just 18, The Mitchell Twins have a clear musical vision; a blend of folk/country music. Raised in a home full of Dolly Parton, Tom T Hall and Kacey Musgraves, Maegan and Nicola have spent years honing their blood harmonies. They've toured through Aotearoa and Australia, supporting and playing with artists including Nadia Reid, Barry Saunders, Delaney Davidson, The Topp Twins, Fanny Lumsden (AU), and their big sis; Jenny Mitchell.
In 2021, they were crowned the Intermediate Duet Winners of the NZ Gold Guitar Awards and one of their proudest musical achievements is their leadership roles in their local Kapa Haka group. The Twins have deep connection with Te Reo Māori and their own family history.
With more than a decade of stages and green rooms already under their belt, Maegan and Nicola have crafted an original body of work; a collection of songs co-written with and produced by, Tami Neilson.
“Reasons” is out March 24th on all Digital Platforms
“Find A River” EP, is out June 16th on all Digital Platforms
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Website | Facebook
The Mitchell Twins. - “ Find A River” Tour
6th May - Wellington Bluegrass Society
31st May - Fanny Lumsden at Tussock Country Music Festival - support
18th June - Dunedin Folk Club
20th August - Christchurch Folk Club
Gore (TBC)
Invercargill (TBC)
Kumeu Live (TBC)
Tickets & info: themitchelltwins.com
Taite Music Prize 2023 - IMNZ Classic Record Recipient + NZ On Air Outstanding Journalism Finalists Announced
Independent Music NZ announces the 2023 recipient of the IMNZ Classic Record which aims to acknowledge Aotearoa New Zealand's rich history of making timeless albums that continue to inspire us and define who we are. The NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award is the first of its kind for Aotearoa New Zealand and comes with a $2500 cash prize.
Independent Music NZ announces the 2023 recipient of the IMNZ Classic Record which aims to acknowledge Aotearoa New Zealand's rich history of making timeless albums that continue to inspire us and define who we are.
This annual award acknowledges one Aotearoa New Zealand record released over 20 years ago on an independent label. Whether a 12”, a compilation, EP, or full-length album, these records have become quintessential gold nuggets of our musical history. Like the Taite Music Prize main prize the Independent Music NZ Classic Record is a critically judged award for originality considering the artistic merit, creativity, innovation and excellence of an album in its entirety irrespective of album sales, artist popularity, previous awards or international achievements.
This year's judging panel has recognised the album; micronism - inside a quiet mind (Kog Transmissions 1998). The recording artist ‘micronism’ - also known as Denver McCarthy, was a mysterious electronic music act who emerged as part of the burgeoning ‘90’s electronic scene in Auckland that gathered around the collective label Kog Transmissions. inside a quiet mind was initially released by Kog on compact disc in 1998, and then re-issued by Loop Recordings twenty years later for vinyl and digital platforms.
The record was made over two years from 1996 to 1998 on outboard equipment and without computer assistance. Touches of acid, breakbeat, and glitchy ambient abound, but the album never sticks to any one clear genre. Instead, micronism uses genres as a tool, employing elements from dub techno, acid, house, and ambient to form a sound built for both introspection and movement.
Su Baykal of Bandcamp Daily describes the album tracks as being “...woven together, creating a single, seamless musical experience. Taken in full, micronism has created a universe of energy and lightness—it’s an album just as effective in solo listening as it is on the dancefloor.”
Around the time of the reissue, Grant Smithies of the Sunday Star Times said: “inside a quiet mind remains a cultural taonga, a musical time capsule that sends the listener hurtling straight back to the earliest flowerings of the New Zealand rave scene. It is the best electronic album ever made in this country.”
When advised of the honour McCarthy responded, “This acknowledgment of my small contribution to NZ music is wildly misplaced- so it is received with great shock and even greater humility and gratitude. Looking forward to trying to fire up the machines once again, to journey into the land of Electronica, forgive me if I take a few wrong turns...it has been a while...”
To celebrate the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award, micronism will be performing a special one-off and first headline show in over 20 years just prior to the awards ceremony at Tāmaki Makaurau's Neck Of The Woods on Saturday April 15. Plans are underway to repress the now celebrated album with details available at loop.co.nz.
Listen to micronism - inside a quiet mind
on Apple Music HERE
on Spotify HERE
The NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award is the first of its kind for Aotearoa New Zealand and comes with a $2500 cash prize. The ground-breaking addition to the Taite Music Prize in 2022 celebrates special individuals who made a creative contribution and significant impact with coverage of Aotearoa music in the previous year. For the award’s second year, finalists have been shortlisted by a selection of industry experts.
The finalists for the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism awards are:
Gareth Shute - AudioCulture - Feature Writer
Jess Fu & Amanda Jane Robinson - Amplified
Chris Cudby - Undertheradar - Music News
Namnita Kumar & Nadia Freeman - Eastern Sound Stories Podcast produced by Eastern Sound Collective in conjunction with Radio Active.FM
The Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award will be presented at the official Taite Music Prize 2023 ceremony on April 18th, 2023.
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The 2023 Taite Music Prize finalists are:
Aldous Harding - Warm Chris (Flying Nun Records)
Avantdale Bowling Club - Trees (Years Gone By)
Erny Belle - Venus Is Home (Flying Nun Records)
Fazerdaze - Break! (Flying Nun Records)
Hans Pucket - No Drama (Carpark Records)
Marlon Williams - My Boy (Marlon Williams Music Limited)
Princess Chelsea - Everything Is Going To Be Alright (Lil Chief Records)
Tami Neilson - Kingmaker (Neilson Records)
TE KAAHU - Te Kaahu O Rangi (Theia Music Ltd)
The Beths - Expert In A Dying Field (Ivy League Records)
The three albums nominated for the 2023 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award are:
Wiri Donna- Being Alone (Independent/DRM)
TE KAAHU - Te Kaahu O Rangi (Theia Music Ltd)
Erny Belle - Venus Is Home (Flying Nun Records)
Listen to a playlist of all Taite Music Prize 2023 albums on Spotify HERE, and all Auckland Live Best Independent Debut albums on Spotify HERE.