SURVIVR6, Mazbou Q, xJ-Will Bring Trailer Hip Hop to Life with their debut EP METAHUMAN

Fusing the epic sounds of movie trailer music with modern Hip hop, Tamaki Makaurau based artist and producer Mazbou Q and Kansas City Missouri based producer xJ-Will set a new standard for Hip hop with the release of their revolutionary debut EP, ‘METAHUMAN’. Naming themselves SURVIVR6, the dynamic duo drop five bold tracks characterised by their infectious melodies, massive orchestration and contemporary rhythms that will make any head bop.

Recently featured in a promotional campaign for hit movie Creed III, the hard hitting and emotionally engaging second single off the EP ‘Lucky All Day' sets the pace for the rest of METAHUMAN. Led by a barrage of roaring synths, grandiose horns and tension-building orchestral drums, Lucky All Day creatively narrates the story of hard work done behind closed doors producing a level of success that appears as luck to the lazy. In the chorus Mazbou Q sings “Well if I’m lucky, guess I’m lucky all day”, leaning into the irony with playful sarcasm, providing a contrast to the overall aura of seriousness and intensity carried by the song.

The specialness of METAHUMAN is in the broadness of its applicability, according to the duo. “There is such a potential to expand into so many different territories. And I think it’s quite unique - this blend of big powerful trailer sounds and real commercial Hip hop” says Mazbou Q. Aimed primarily at sync opportunities, each of the songs provide many moments that would elevate the explosive on-screen action reminiscent of films like Fast and the Furious, Avengers or Transformers. However, the smoothness of both production and vocals equally suit it for mainstream Hip hop playlists. As a testament to this, ’Simply Superior’, the first single off the EP, was snapped up by viral YouTuber Ovik6280 and used as a soundtrack for dedication to Magneto of X-men, whilst simultaneously debuting on Spotify’s editorial playlist ’The Drip’ in August of 2022.

Also featured on the EP is a “trailerized” remix of Mazbou Q’s hit single ‘Beat Up, Bullied and Dunked On’, which sees the already bodacious track made even larger and refitted with sounds and textures that would place it aptly at the half time shows of the NBA or NFL.

Both prolific content creators on TikTok and Instagram, the pair connected over their love for music production and music education. Specialising in music for sync placements, platinum selling producer xJ-Will saw an opportunity and reached out to Hip hop educator Mazbou Q, a.k.a The Rap Scientist. “The versatility demonstrated by Maz’ rap teaching was extremely evident - I knew we had to work together, and that we could create something groundbreaking” says xJ-Will. Mazbou Q said it was the answer to his search for something new. “I was ready for a new challenge. Meeting xJ-Will and hearing his style of production lit a fire inside of me. It was all go from there”. Since the trans-pacific connection, Mazbou Q has since visited xJ-Will’s hometown in Kansas City where they were able to collaborate on content and promo material for METAHUMAN.

Lucky All Day and the METAHUMAN EP are a must-listen for anyone looking for a uniquely energising and unforgettable musical experience. Stretching and pushing the boundaries of Hip hop in an unapologetic fashion, the music likewise motivates the listener to push through their own challenges and overcome their fears. Constituting a bold expansion of horizons for the genre, METAHUMAN belongs everywhere from big screen to the headphones.

REB FOUNTAIN RELEASES ETHEREAL NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘FAITHLESS LOVER’ + ANNOUNCES ONE OFF SHOW AT THE POWERSTATION HER ONLY AUCKLAND SHOW FOR 2023

Tāmaki Makaurau based noire folk artist Reb Fountain today shares her new captivating single ‘Faithless Lover’, the first new music from Reb Fountain since her 2021 album Iris. 

Released on Flying Nun Records, ‘Faithless Lover’ is Reb Fountain at her mesmerizing best. Produced by frequent collaborator and band mate Dave Khan, the song is a dream-like journey with sparse instrumentation and a lingering melody sparking the listener’s imagination. In true understated heroine form, ‘Faithless Lover’ is an epic retelling of transcendent love. Hauntingly intimate yet steeped in cinematic grandeur, Reb Fountain renders the deeply personal as a mythic parable, welcoming a state of transformation. 

“We are close; so close to ourselves it’s uncomfortable. Falling in love with illusions that serve the ego but not the heart. Faithless Lover tells a tale of mutiny; coming alive to oneself - one’s place in the story – in vulnerability and beyond fear. I want that; to transform the stories that bind us and to wake up in rebellion.” – Reb Fountain

In addition to the new single, Reb Fountain has announced a one off show at The Powerstation on Saturday June 3. Playing with her full band of Dave Khan, Karin Canzek and Earl Robertson, this will be their only Auckland show of 2023 and the first time they have played the iconic venue. 

On support for the show is trailblazing artist Arahi. Heralding the winds of change, Arahi creates soulful, heart wrenching music infused with melancholy, evoking a nostalgia so potent you can taste it. Having played stages throughout Aotearoa, he is a welcome addition to The Powerstation stage on Saturday 3 June. 

As well as the New Zealand headline date, the band will also play a three date UK tour including respected music discovery festival The Great Escape and a headline show at The Brunswick Ballroom in Melbourne on July 13.  

To accompany the release of ‘Faithless Lover’ Reb Fountain has also released a video for the song, directed and edited by Lola Fountain-Best. Shot on super 8 film, the video feels like an ethereal dream complimenting the tracks' very essence and transporting viewers to another world, of the video, Reb says:

“Lola and I had been plotting on how to best use expired Kodak 16mm film offered to us by cinematographer Ian Powell.  We were inspired by narrative and filmic techniques of Ingmar Bergman and Jean Cocteau, in particular using fantasy to explore the philosophical.  We created an archetypal fairy tale that explores the desire to attain the ideal in hopes of achieving the benefits of this fictitious nonpareil, when in fact that which we seek upholds the very captivity we are trying to escape.” 

REB FOUNTAIN with special guest Arahi
AUCKLAND, JUNE 2023
Presented by Eccles Entertainment, Undertheradar and 95bFM

SAT 3 JUNE
The Powerstation | Auckland
ticketmaster.co.nz

Global Tour Dates

10-13 May
The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, UK
Sat 13 May
Little Rabbit Barn, Colchester, UK

Sun 14 May
The Lexington, London, UK

Thu 13 July
Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne, Australia
tickets at rebfountain.co.nz

LOVETA unveils powerful new rock-ballad ‘Take it Slow’

Rising singer-songwriter LOVETA has today released her heartfelt new rock-ballad ‘Take It Slow’.

LISTEN HERE

An unapologetic love song, with a slight vintage-rock edge, ‘Take It Slow’ is the first single to be released after LOVETA’s debut EP MORE THAN FUN (2022), which features single ‘All We Got’ (#25 Official NZ Music Hot 40 Singles Chart, #7 Hot 20 Singles Chart, #15 RadioScope Most Added). 

This standout artist has once again stepped it up in both songwriting and performance, exploring a more vulnerable side - saying that it’s very much a moment of her “wearing my heart on my sleeve.”

“In addition to my up-tempo dance tracks, it was important for me to begin sharing this side of me. I’m a human being with feelings just like everyone else.” Inspired by personal experience, LOVETA wrote ‘Take It Slow’ in 2021. “I was going through a confusing time in my personal relationships where I felt very unheard and misunderstood. I wanted to capture the complicated nature of love and relationships and how it’s not always a straightforward journey. Sometimes you have to go backwards to move forwards. Writing ‘Take It Slow’ was a cathartic way to make sense of my own feelings. I also listened to a tonne of Lana Del Rey, The Neighbourhood, and Led Zeppelin for inspiration!”  ‘Take It Slow’ is yet another successful collaboration with musician/producer Wulfie (Tim Heeringa). It was recorded and mixed at his Christchurch studio, then mastered at Auckland’s KOG Studios.

To celebrate the release, LOVETA is headlining a show at Christchurch’s 12 Bar on May 5. For more information and tickets, head to Under The Radar HERE

Ōtautahi-based LOVETA (Lauren Marshall) was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2021 she first collaborated with Wulfie, featuring on his synth-heavy electronic love ballad, ‘Love Won’t Run Away’ - her official introduction into the recorded music world. She then received NZ On Air music development funding, which led to the release of her popular debut single ‘More Than Fun’ in 2022 - a nu-disco track that gained the attention of fans, radio, media and playlists. The excitement continued around her next releases ‘Nostalgia’, ‘Drive’ and ‘All We Got’ - which placed #25 Official NZ Music Hot 40 Singles Chart, #7 Hot 20 Singles Chart and #15 on the RadioScope Most Added. All singles feature on her celebrated debut EP MORE THAN FUN. Lauren boasts an extremely diverse creative resume - having spent many years of her career on stage, in front of the camera, and performing all over the world. LOVETA is definitely an artist to watch, so be sure you’re following!

Phoebe Vic 'Strange Ritual'

Ōtautahi artist Phoebe Vic releases new track ‘Strange Ritual’, off of her upcoming EP ‘Strange Rituals’.

An accomplished singer and musician based in Ōtautahi, Phoebe Vic is steadily gaining recognition among peers and audience alike for her pop sensibilities, powerful vocal and dynamic performance.

Her latest single, ‘Strange Ritual’,  is an ode to the self-fulfilling prophecy of catastrophizing.

“I wanted to describe the immense anxiety I was experiencing at the time” says Vic. “When something starts to feel out of my control, my nervous system kicks in and starts playing out every worst-case scenario. Hence “pressure makes the diamond” - the mining for a solution and the illusion of control. But it’s ultimately a destructive pattern that only serves to hurt me more”.
‘Strange Ritual’ was created alongside producer, musician and APRA Silver Scroll nominee Emily C. Browning, with thanks to the NZ On Air New Music Development grant

“When Phoebe and I made Strange Ritual, our biggest reference was 80s style synth pop with those big Genesis-style gated reverb snares.” reflects Emily. “I remember her singing little melodic synth hooks that ended up becoming the catchiest parts of the tune. The chord progression and overall vibe is warm, uplifting but also reflective - especially within Phoebe’s lyrical themes of anxiety and spiralling.”

‘Strange Ritual’ is the final single off of her upcoming EP ‘Strange Rituals’, which is due for release in May of this year. It follows on from anthemic track ‘Closure’, which made it on the highly coveted Spotify playlist ‘New Music Friday AU/NZ’, as well as ‘Fresh Cuts AU/NZ’ the same week of release.
‘Strange Ritual’ will be available on all streaming platforms from April 21st.

FOLLOW PHOEBE VIC
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RISING R&B SINGER TEI., REVEALS SULTRY NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘PRIMAL’

Tāmaki Makarau alt-R&B songstress TEI. drops latest single ‘PRIMAL’, a smoothly addictive track driven by a hypnotic beat + silky velvet vocal.

LISTEN / STREAM 'PRIMAL' HERE

Tei delivers a slinky, sinister, introspective vibe with the moody ‘Primal’, a song shining a light on the darker aspects of being in an unbalanced, unhealthy relationship and the choices that need to be made. 

Says Tei, “’Primal’ is about the jealousy and insecurity that kept occurring with an ex, where they would become extremely jealous when I was just out at the club working and performing or seeing my friends. I think it’s a mood many people have experienced, where they’re being loyal while just trying to have fun and get lit.  

But some people, maybe a partner, bring a heavy energy in their lives and try to bring them down. In which case, you either need to find a balance and make the most of the situation, or just escape!”

Over the last few years, Tei has developed her singer/song-writing skills while simultaneously finessing her self-taught recording and production skills via numerous collabs with other like-minded musical souls.

With ‘Primal’, the 26-year-old independent artist embraced co-producing duties with regular collaborator Auto Angel (FKA Bbgurl) at the helm as Producer, as well as co-directing the accompanying video, directed by Benji Taylor.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH 'PRIMAL'

Since bursting onto the scene in 2017, Tei, has been continually honing her craft within the underground Auckland music scene and beyond, releasing critically acclaimed self-produced mixtapes OMW and The Alone One, and 2019’s single ‘Britney’ which blew up on Youtube garnering over 660,000 views despite not having a music video.

The singer/songwriter, classically trained pianist, and multi-instrumentalist that makes up Tei, continues her exploration of self through her relatable stories about the twists and turns of life, all the while happily paving her own uniquely bold musical path with her soulful sound and alternative audio-scapes.

Proving to be one to watch, keep your eyes peeled and ears to the ground as Tei’s rising star deserves to be firmly on your radar.

BRIAN BAKER RELEASES NEW SINGLE - “BROKEN”

New Zealand singer-songwriter BRIAN BAKER celebrates the release of his latest single, “BROKEN”,  produced and recorded at his New Zealand based studio facility.

LISTEN TO "BROKEN" HERE

A song of resilience, made for those 3am drifters, wide awake with minds grinding down the same old highways.

From Brian; “From a dark beginning, this track grows and then lifts the listener toward the resolution. When the song was conceived it was nearly country in flavour but it’s grown and flourished I think. I played it at a Pat Pattison Masterclass (Songwriting professor at the Berkley School of Music in Boston) and I was very pleased with his glowing review. Songwriting is a passion of mine and this is one I’m very happy with. “Broken” could be covered by anybody, it might even particularly suit a female vocal. Having said that I worked very hard on the lead vocal track delivery and think I’ve managed to really get into the emotional side of the lyric. I loved playing with this gentle funk groove, even managed to squeeze in a couple of sneaky guitar licks. Hope you enjoy!”

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ABOUT BRIAN BAKER

The consummate journeyman musician is also a laid-back bohemian life-styler, living off-the-grid on his permaculture farm in the picturesque heart of the Kaipara. It’s a busy combination, as Baker balances life between running the farm with using his considerable musical talents recording and producing his own music, plus other artists in his production studio, ‘The Bakery’.

A naturally gifted musician, Baker can lay claim to a catalogue of songs sure to warm the musical soul of any audience member. Now he’s made a return to performing live in support of it. He’s created a fantastic live show highlighting his uplifting vocals and amazing guitar skills, so keep a look out for his tour dates and make sure you check out this talented guitarist/singer-songwriter.

ASHY signs Worldwide Co-Management Deal

An incredibly successful SXSW experience for ASHY was sealed with the signing of a co-management deal between herself and the much-respected boutique US management company, Arcana Management. 

This worldwide deal is already set to firmly establish ASHY in international markets and continue to build upon the foundation that Ashy has set for herself alongside her manager Cary Caldwell of the 212 Music Group. 

Arcana CEO, Honora McCormack says, "As someone that has been working in the dance music realm for some time now, I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with a powerful force like ASHY in the world of pop music."
SXSW saw Ashy and her new backing band, Emily C. Browning and Phoebe Hurst, perform 8 shows during the event. These performances have led to talks with US & EU industry which will ultimately lead to substantial international opportunities.

Somebody Do Something’s highly anticipated debut album ‘As Rome Burns’ is here!

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Ōtautahi band ‘Somebody Do Something’ hits the ground running this autumn with their debut album, ‘As Rome Burns’, released Friday 14th April; an ecstatic showcase of the bands versatility and musical prowess. Independently recorded and produced by Jacob Patchett, the album features ten unique tracks that range from R&B grooves to anthemic rock hits. ‘As Rome Burns’ is genre-bending and innovative, drawing on an array of musical influences ranging from heavy metal to classical, resulting in a blend of songs that are both emotionally powerful and technically impressive.

Formed in 2020, Somebody Do Something is a six-piece unit with a soul-fuelled jungle of sound. Since formation they have been making waves in the Aotearoa music scene with their unique alt-rock bangers and dynamic live performances. After their recent nation-wide tours, RDU Live-to-Air, recurring top ten features on RDU 98.5FM weekly Te Ahi Top 10, and being featured on the NZ Music Month ‘Celebrating Wahine’ playlist, Somebody Do Something are beyond excited to share their highly anticipated debut album with the world.

The sound of Somebody Do Something is characterised by the interweaving of the saxophone and violin with a traditional rock quartet. This brings to the mix a diverse range of textures and melodies, adding an almost orchestral quality to the rhythmic funk-rock sound-world of Somebody Do Something.

‘As Rome Burns’ was a true labour of love for the band, who spent the past one and a half years crafting the album. The recording process was partly funded by the band’s 2021 Boosted NZ Campaign, where with the help of their supporters they generated 110% of their $8000 fundraising goal. ‘As Rome Burns’ is available now on all major streaming platforms, as well as on CD.