MOUNTAIN BOY DELIVERS HIS THIRD CHAPTER ‘NOOM’

Following the release of ‘Let It Lie’ and ‘Lucky’, Mountain Boy delivers his next offering ‘Noom.’

Written a few years back, ‘Noom’ underwent many iterations before becoming what it is today. The Waikato based artist explains, “throughout its life cycle I scrapped and revisited the song a number of times, using it as a sort of experiment to try new sounds and recording styles.” The result is a song that harkens back to his older writing style, but clearly sits in a sonic space we haven’t heard from him before. The piano and the lap steel in particular reveal an almost Americana-inspired tilt in the production.

‘Noom’ is the third chapter in a series of songs that Mountain Boy has been releasing over the past few months and sets an exciting precedent for what’s to come. In a recurring fashion, video content will compliment the single. This time the artist showcases his skill as a multi-instrumentalist, performing ‘Noom’ as the official video for this release.

Borderline to Enchant Fans with New Single ‘Cinderella’

Indie-Pop/Rock band Borderline are on the rise and thrilled to announce the release of their stunning new single, ‘Cinderella,’ this Friday. Drawing inspiration from the iconic fairy tale character as a symbol of perfection, Borderline explores the complexities of perceiving others as flawless while grappling with the fear of inadequacy.

Lead vocalist Ben Glanfield sheds light on the tracks conception, stating, "The concept for this song came from the story of Cinderella and the idea that she represents the image of a perfect person with the thought that although nobody is perfect, you sometimes see others that way and in turn are afraid they are too perfect for you." The song invites listeners to reflect on the nuances of human connections and the quest for self-acceptance.

Borderline worked with producer Christian Tjandrawinata on ‘Cinderella’ to create a catchy and upbeat sonic listening experience, incorporating elements of indie pop, synth-pop, and alternative rock with mixing by Nic Manders and mastering by Vivek Gabriel. 

The release of ‘Cinderella’ promises to be another milestone in this young band's upward trajectory, authentically reflecting their artistic growth while captivating listeners with an engaging and relatable narrative. In support of the new single Borderline will be playing a release show at The Tuning Fork on July 1st.

Nola Unveils Follow-Up Single "All In" After Highly Acclaimed Debut EP.

Rising star Nola returns with a captivating new single that showcases his evolution as an artist and solidifies his position in the music industry. Titled "All In," this highly anticipated release is the follow-up single from Nola's critically acclaimed debut EP 'SFTLO,' which debuted at number 15 on the top NZ Albums charts.

Produced by the platinum award-winning duo Sprout and NT, known for their exceptional work in South Auckland's music scene, "All In" is a testament to Nola's dedication to creating compelling and authentic rap music. The collaboration between Nola and the renowned producers has resulted in a track that effortlessly blends infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and innovative production, showcasing the new sound coming out of South Auckland.

Building upon the success of his debut EP, which garnered widespread praise for its refreshing sound and introspective themes, Nola continues to push boundaries and showcase his unique artistry with "All In." The single captures Nola's growth as an artist, showcasing his versatility and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

With the success of his previous releases, including the breakthrough singles ‘Die For You’ and ‘One Shot’, Nola has garnered attention from music critics and industry professionals alike. his distinctive sound, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic performances have positioned them as one of the most promising artists in the New Zealand music scene.

"All In" is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms. Nola encourages fans and music enthusiasts to show his support by sharing the single on social media, adding it to his playlists, and engaging with the artist's online presence.

RESHMA presents 'Where My Asians At?!' single & video

Alt-Pop New Zealand-based Malaysian pop star Reshma is excited to announce the release of her upcoming single and music video titled ‘Where My Asians At?!’ The bold single is a call to action to shed light on the lack of representation of marginalised communities in the local  commercial music and arts scenes, alongside prejudices she has encountered from her own community.

"It's still important to ask questions and spark discussions about representation, what community means for those who come from different backgrounds, and how to bridge that gap to connect with everyone equally,” says Reshma.

‘Where My Asians At?!’ is a reflection of Reshma's personal experiences as a woman navigating the music industry and her search for community after relocating back to Aotearoa New Zealand.
"There's a line in the song where I mention the personal stereotypes people have placed against me, specifically the assumption that I’m Gujarati, which I’m not. I was nervous about putting it in the track in case it got misunderstood," she says. "The idea behind that lyric is to challenge the mistaken stereotypes people put on us based on how we might look."

The track is paired with a bold music video directed by Jolin Lee, a writer-director based in Auckland. The choreography for the video was done by well-known K-Pop dancer and choreographer Rina Chae. The Auckland City of Music, Boosted, and the POC community provided support for the production, both in front of and behind the camera.

Reshma thinks of  'Where My Asians At?!' as "a fun, upbeat, feminine rage song, perfect for a gym session or walking into a job interview thinking yeah, I got this!" She emphasises you don't have to be Asian to appreciate the track, and hopes that it inspires questions about representation and inclusion for all communities.

New Zealous Music announces (worldwide) Management signing of King Cass

Announcing a worldwide Management agreement with King Cass - NZ Hiphop artist spearheaded by Hunter Wilson from Christchurch.
The deal includes an aspiring future of projects and goals that expand further than the music industry and deep into the well being of empowerment.
King Cass has had many positive features captured as he has transitioned through his journey but the signing to a Management label is a table turning milestone for him and his future in the NZ music industry.
With a massive catalogue of music and recent singles already released by King Cass, he sits on 8 tracks ready to hit the airwaves this winter. Encompassing an authenticity often lost in translation within Hiphop music. Songs written from the heart, a place of vulnerability and drawn from real life experiences whilst keeping the direction of his music rich with positivity. This has brought a connection between fan and artist to a place of understanding and loyalty.
Speaking of loyalty, have you met the #cassfam? These are his fans that expand across 10K+ active followers. There are even a number of fans with those exact words etched into their body, after a social media post went viral and King Cass fans proved their loyalty by professionally getting #cassfam tattooed on their body. 
Hunter, also known by his role as mental health advocate & motivational speaker, has been empowering the nation with his Awakening Multi-media show, traveling to various community organisations/ schools/ prisons and businesses. "My aim is to bring unity, inspire change and raise awareness around topics at the forefront of the community" says Hunter. 
"Hunter approached me (New Zealous Music) back in August 2022, and I saw a spark in this artist that really had me intrigued. We got to know each other over that 6 months and there was definitely an alignment. There is something special about working with a motivated, talk the talk and walk the walk forward moving artist. It's like an adrenaline rush that is great for both parties involved in growing a business relationship. With no two bands the same, Management is about building trust, strong communication, and working hard to tick off the goals" says Kris.
New Zealous Music has had an extensive rapport of artists across their roster over the past 14 years including the likes of NZ/Australia Roots Reggae Band, Paua, they spent 5 years under the Katchafire umbrella coordinating their Australian tours, and has kept true their values of providing a platform for NZ artists to utilise their services to build skills and gain progress within their music careers. NZM also expands into Tour Management and Booking Agent services also.

If you have any questions or need anything further from my end please let me know

WEBSITE: King Cass Movement

JULIET MCLEAN 'DARKER NIGHTS' TOUR

DARKER NIGHTS TOUR

WITH SPECIAL GUEST BEN KING

Taranaki songwriter Juliet McLean is embarking on a four date Darker Nights Tour, joined by special guest Ben King (Grand Rapids, Goldenhorse) across Te Ika-a-Māui in June. Honing her jazz / folk-infused sound from 2016's debut EP The Dance onwards, she went on to release her Unlash The Boats album in 2019, launching the stately yet fuzzy-edged six track Amaze Me EP last September — featuring multi-instrumentalist King also on production duties, with Greg Johnson on trumpet and Tom Broome on drums. Don’t miss both artists collaboratively evoking a sense of ‘magical realism’ on tour at the following dates…

June 17 THE MOST FM New Plymouth

June 18 PORRIDGE WATSON Whanganui

June 22 THE WINE CELLAR Auckland

June 23 NIVARA LOUNGE Hamilton

“I'm excited to be able to share my songs in a live setting with Ben as it was such a pleasure working with him in the studio as the producer on my latest recordings." — Juliet McLean

MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM AOTEAROA PRESENTS THE 'BACK TO BASICS' SEMINAR IN WELLINGTON AND CHRISTCHURCH

The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, with support from Recorded Music New Zealand, is proud to present the free Back to Basics seminar in Wellington on Tuesday 18 July, and in Christchurch on Wednesday 19 July 2023.  
 
Aimed at all who are in the early stages of artist management, including self-managed artists, this seminar explores the fundamentals and inner workings of the music industry. Topics will cover planning a release, artist development and the business of music.

Lorraine Barry (Manager Sir Dave Dobbyn, Avantdale Bowling Club, Aaradhna, Aidan Fine, Home Brew, Rizvan) will be joined in Wellington by Jenny Mitchell (self-managed singer/songwriter) and in Christchurch by Big Sima (self-managed rapper/songwriter). They will present and share their indispensable knowledge, and answer questions from attendees.

Back to Basics Seminar Wellington   
When:      Tuesday 18 July 2023
Time:        6.00pm - 7.30pm
Venue:      Room 1D08 
                 School of Music & Creative Media Production, 
                 Massey University, Block 1, Entrance C, Wallace Street Mt Cook

Back to Basics Seminar Christchurch   
When:        Wednesday 19 July 2023
Time:          6.00pm - 7.30pm
Venue:        The Chamber @The Piano, Centre for Music & the Arts
                   156 Armagh St, Christchurch

Lorraine Barry began working with Sir Dave Dobbyn 19 years ago. Avantdale Bowling Club, Aidan Fine, Home Brew, Rizvan and Aaradhna complete her current roster. She’s a keen mentor for the MMF Aotearoa and sits on the Board of the Music Commission. 
In her former life at Virgin Records in London she was International Marketing Manager for acts including Ice T, Spice Girls, Massive Attack, Neneh Cherry, Placebo and The Verve before taking on the role of running the International Department.
 
Jenny Mitchell is multi-award winning singer/songwriter based in Wellington. Her 2022 album, Tug of War, was nominated for a 2022 Aotearoa Music Award, and is the home of the 2022 APRA Best Country Song; Trouble Finds a Girl ft. Tami Neilson.
Jenny originally hails from Gore, Southland and has recently showcased at BIGSOUND (Australia) and Folk Alliance International (U.S).

Big Sima is a self-managed rapper/songwriter from Ōtautahi, more recently known for his mahi with seven-piece hip hop band Boomtown. Last year he released his debut album Stereotypes of a Polynesian Misunderstood with close friend and collaborator Tiki Taane, much to critical acclaim. This winter Big Sima & Boomtown will head out on their second NZ tour in 12 months. 
                                  

FREE ENTRY to all (come armed with your questions!). RSVP is essential.

NEW ZEALAND HIP-HOP COLLECTIVE 0800 RETURN WITH SOPHOMORE EP, SAY LESS

Auckland, New Zealand multidisciplinary rap collective 0800’s 2021 debut EP Attention For a Second established the supergroup both in Aotearoa’s local hip-hop scene and internationally, with viral breakout single ‘DONDE’ reaching almost 2.5 million organic streams (and featuring on Louis The Child’s radio show). Returning with their feet hard on the gas, 0800 have dropped their eagerly-anticipated sophomore EP, SAY LESS.

After molding the eclectic solo influences of each of the group’s five members into a cohesive synergy on their debut EP, on SAY LESS EP 0800 find their perfect formula in the organic magic of mutual understanding and trust between friends - resulting in authentic art where no further explanation is needed. A real-time snapshot of 0800’s natural collaborative chemistry and multidimensional dynamics, the boys challenged themselves to write the majority of the six-track project during a short weekend writing trip in Kaeo, Northland during April 2022 before completing the songs throughout the rest of the year.

Consisting of five producers, rappers, and singer-songwriters between members Josh Strand, Matt Leslie, Tino Nyangoni, Johann Frauenlob, and Daniel Keller, SAY LESS EP finds 0800 leaning deeper into the diverse identities and soundscapes that tie together the groups collective brotherhood. Lead single ‘VAPOUR’ grooves with smokey bass guitar licks, trap 808’s, and addictive hook earworms, while second single ‘YOU SAID’ is a sultry R&B/rap crossover fusing introspective and emotionally-charged verses with smooth melodies. Third single ‘COME MY WAY’ explores new territory on an alluring dance-driven track radiating sultry Afro-pop rhythms, while focus track ‘RANGER’ finds 0800 embodying the raw atmospheres of a freestyle rap cypher, with it’s confronting tag-team verses taking aim at critics and doubters atop heavy bass, cinematic sirens, and gritty old school backspin samples, alongside two more new tracks, ‘PICK IT UP’ and ‘TWO OF US’. 

SAY LESS EP arrives alongside a new music video for the project's opening track, ‘RANGER’, directed by Jodo Valley (lilbubblegum, JessB). Reflecting the single’s gritty underground cypher soundscapes, the eerie black and white visual follows 0800 as they perform in dark, sinister Auckland street scenes complete with surreal SFX and drones.

“Shortly before starting this project, we came to a realization that the charm of what makes an 0800 song work was the six of us hanging out, enjoying each other's company, and not overthinking what we were trying to say,” 0800 says of the background behind SAY LESS EP.

“Our process involved recording a lot of freestyles and rough takes and keeping the best bits of what felt intuitively good to us. We moved quickly and kept starting new rough ideas until we felt like we had enough to narrow it down and finish a project.”

The group adds, “I think we’re most proud of the way we have learnt to accept the learnings in the process and embrace each of our differences to create something that feels genuine and authentic to us. The best part about making music together is we don’t have any judgment in the room, we feel so accepted and comfortable talking about any tough subject or being emotionally vulnerable because we are all experiencing it together. It’s a lot easier trying to understand our perspective on the things that happen in our lives when we can share them with each other.”

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