Introducing Emperor C : 24K Legacy Music’s latest signee
Emperor C, the exciting new addition to 24K Legacy Music’s roster, has unveiled his debut single under the independent label, "chrome," making an indelible mark on the music scene.
Emperor C, the exciting new addition to 24K Legacy Music’s roster, has unveiled his debut single under the independent label, "chrome," making an indelible mark on the music scene. With his unique blend of new-age internet beats and infectious melodies, Emperor C is poised to revolutionize the sound of Aotearoa.
Since his debut in 2020, Emperor C has showcased an unparalleled level of consistency in building his musical catalog, solidifying his reputation as an artist committed to his craft. Continuously releasing singles and crafting captivating EPs and albums throughout 2021 and 2022, he has captivated audiences with his creative prowess.
Emperor C's music has already reached a wide audience, as exemplified by the success of his single "Watch Ya Step!" and its accompanying 24K Jodo Valley music video, which garnered thousands of views. Now, as he joins the esteemed 24K Legacy Music family in 2023, Emperor C embarks on a new chapter of his journey, pushing the boundaries of his sound and taking his artistic expression to unprecedented heights.
With an inherent knack for combining new age internet beats and infectious melodies, Emperor C's music resonates with listeners on multiple levels. His lyricism delves into high fashion and the aspirational lifestyle he leads, providing a glimpse into a world of sophistication and allure.
As Emperor C continues to evolve as an artist and captivate audiences with his unique sonic palette, he represents the vanguard of New Zealand's vibrant music scene. With his unwavering dedication to his craft and a vision that transcends boundaries, Emperor C is set to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
"chrome," Emperor C's debut single, is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.
YoungM Releases Debut Solo Single "Out The Mud" - A Compelling Story of Struggle, Survival, and Inspiration.
Rising artist YoungM, a talented member of the renowned Set 4 Life (S4L), announces the highly anticipated release of his debut solo single, "Out The Mud."
Rising artist YoungM, a talented member of the renowned Set 4 Life (S4L), announces the highly anticipated release of his debut solo single, "Out The Mud." Produced by the platinum award-winning duo Sprout and NT, this melodic trap anthem delivers a powerful and emotional narrative through its captivating piano-led melody and hard-hitting 808 drums.
"Out The Mud" is more than just a song; it is a personal reflection of YoungM's upbringing and the challenging experiences he endured. In this thought-provoking track, YoungM dives deep into the struggles, pain, and loss that many young individuals face growing up in poverty-stricken environments. The relatable and heartfelt lyrics shed light on the resilience and determination required to survive and support loved ones in such circumstances.
YoungM aims to leverage the power of music to create a platform where he can share his personal journey and inspire others facing similar challenges. Through tracks like "Out The Mud," he seeks to empower young individuals to rise above their circumstances and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
With his distinctive style and introspective storytelling, YoungM is honing his craft alongside the rest of talented artists on the S4L and 24K Legacy Music roster, garnering attention for their raw talent, authentic lyrics, and captivating performances.
"Out The Mud" is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.
YoungM encourages his fans, music enthusiasts, and those who resonate with his message to support him by sharing the single on social media and adding it to their playlists.
LOUIS BAKER shares empowering new single 'Been and Gone' ft Wallace
Today, New Zealand artist / producer, Louis Baker releases anthemic indie soul duet, 'Been and Gone' ft Wallace. Joining forces with long-time friend Wallace, 'Been and Gone' seamlessly merges a laid-back drum groove, Motown-inspired bass lines, Wurlitzer keyboards and retro-sounding wah-wah guitars. The song is further elevated by its honest and compelling lyrical content with the sultry vocals of both artists.
Today, New Zealand artist / producer, Louis Baker releases anthemic indie soul duet, 'Been and Gone' ft Wallace.
Joining forces with long-time friend Wallace, 'Been and Gone' seamlessly merges a laid-back drum groove, Motown-inspired bass lines, Wurlitzer keyboards and retro-sounding wah-wah guitars. The song is further elevated by its honest and compelling lyrical content with the sultry vocals of both artists.
Reflecting on the song's concept, Baker explains, "The themes of empowerment, self-knowledge, and knowing your worth were at the forefront of our minds during the writing process".
Accompanying the release is a feel good music video, shot by Director / DOP Tom Grut featuring the duo spending the day together in their beloved hometown of Wellington.
"Louis and I have known each other since we were teenagers, and were in the same year at jazz school. We've been following and supporting each other's music since day 1 so it's been lovely to finally combine our powers and write something together", shares Wallace.
'Been and Gone' is the second self-produced release from Louis in 2023, following the soul-infused boom bap track 'Misty in Matakana', which was released earlier this month. The songs mark the beginning of a new era, reaffirming the proof of his versatility as an artist.
In July, Louis sets off to tour with one of the world's finest live draws, Fat Freddy's Drop on their nineteen date European Summer roady.
Been and Gone is available now on all major streaming outlets via his independent label, Ngākau Records.
ABOUT LOUIS BAKER
Louis Baker is undoubtedly one of the most soulful voices to emerge from New Zealand’s fertile musical landscape. With a powerhouse voice that’s capable of a primal RnB scream or tear-inducing plea, and a love for soul, hiphop, and jazz music, Louis has gathered a loyal following that spans the world over.
From his self-titled first EP, all the way to his widely acclaimed 2019 debut album 'Open', and his most recent EP, Love Levitates - described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “luxurious funk-soul”, Baker has toured the globe, gathering fans and tastemakers along the way - resulting in over 38 million Spotify streams, sold out shows and nominations for prestigious music awards including the APRA Silver Scroll Award, Taite Music Prize and Aotearoa Music Awards.
ABOUT WALLACE
Wallace’s music has been described as a vibrant mosaic of soul, hip-hop and pop, her trademark jazz-influenced vocals and magnetic presence demonstrating her evolution as a songwriter to watch.
Her refreshing talent has granted her the opportunity to work in the studio with Dutch legends Kraak & Smaak, Australian hip-hop staples Thundamentals, Botswana-raised, Melbourne-based rapper Sampa The Great, laying vocals over beats by Godriguez, and working closely with producer Simon Cohen (behind Justin Bieber's global #1 song “Love Yourself”).
Neo-soul artist ASHA revels in self-acceptance with debut release ‘Too Bright’’
Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based neo-soul artist ASHA has today released her debut single ‘Too Bright’. The track is an affirmation to self and revelling in the feeling of self-acceptance.
Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based neo-soul artist ASHA has today released her debut single ‘Too Bright’. The track is an affirmation to self and revelling in the feeling of self-acceptance.
Beginning with gentle melodic keyboard strokes, the song kicks off with a rhythmic pause that invites listeners to enter the dreamscape where ASHA creates her music. This mid-tempo meditative lull is joined by a drumbeat and the singer/songwriter’s sultry vocals as she lists everything she had tried to be on her journey to owning her full essence.
Reflecting on the experiences of being othered, the chorus bursts into a declaration from the artist that she “is too bright for the colours that you paint me”. ASHA’s honey cadence layered with softness and warmth breaks into a carefree verse where she offers an ode to black girl magic and the ways she is limitless beyond the gaze projected on her as a Black Femme.
Produced by Unchained XL, ‘Too Bright’ is ASHA’s debut single and an embodiment of the powerful transformative energy of embracing who you are.
Born and raised in the UK, ASHA is an Afro-Caribbean singer/song-writer residing in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand).
Embodied in the acronym ASHA, As a Star Hovers Above, the neo-soul artist’s sound is an invitation to the bridge that flows in the space between the dream world and reality. Through storytelling, ASHA’s sultry vocals usher listeners to a soundscape where she explores the spectrum of human emotions.
Centring truth telling, rawness and fun in her creation process, the composer embraces the fluidity of change and transformation in life and allows it to trickle into a free flowing creative container that isn’t restrained by categories and genres.
Beginning her musical journey as a ‘band kid’, ASHA started with classical training learning how to read and write music and played the clarinet, saxophone and wind instruments. At home, she was surrounded by a family that loved soul, jazz and music, including a karaoke machine that belonged to her parents.
Worshipping at the altar of Nina Simone, Erykah Badu and Pip Millet, ASHA connects with how powerful music can be as a conduit to see things in a different way and to speak your truth including how good you might be feeling.
day13n blends Hard-Rock and Spoken Word with his raw, and thoughtful new release: ‘PA1N x SAG3’
day13n’s upcoming single ‘PA1N x SAG3’ is a story of dichotomy. A battle with the subconscious, the track is divided into two halves, and illustrates the realisation that each of us has when we decide to begin the gruelling work it takes to undergo the process of self improvement.
day13n’s upcoming single ‘PA1N x SAG3’ is a story of dichotomy. A battle with the subconscious, the track is divided into two halves, and illustrates the realisation that each of us has when we decide to begin the gruelling work it takes to undergo the process of self improvement.
Andrew Meyer, producer of Nadis’s recent charting hit ‘Auckland to Medellín’, is behind the soulful, guitar driven instrumental on this track, which was created through in depth collaboration, experimentation, and a combination of calculated composition, and freeform improvisation, which furthers the story of dialectics that this song split in two demonstrates. Recorded at the vastly acclaimed Parachute Studios, day13n and Andrew came together with their prepared contributions, and then riffed off of each other, creating two distinct vibes, and modes of production within the track.
The music video, which is day13n’s first dip into the world of videography, uses experimental editing and recording techniques, which create unique visual effects that put the video entirely in a lane of its own. The ethereal, ghostly imagery reinforces the themes of self reflection and soul-searching in the track, and captures the audience's attention with raw vulnerability.
The final single off day13n’s highly anticipated album ‘\7/13\7/’, which has been being teased, and hyped through a series of single releases, and social media marketing campaigns over the past 2 months, PA1N x SAG3 is the title track of the album, and encapsulates the message that it aims to send.
While day13n may be a newcomer to the industry, his highly active release schedule, and social media presence, have kept fans engaged, and resulted in a rapid incline in monthly listeners, and an increasingly widening global audience.
He plans to continue with this active social media presence through the rollout of this next single, which will consist of a series of videos openly discussing his recovery journey, as is outlined in the song. This will lead directly into the marketing campaign for his album release show, taking place on July 7th, which will then carry through to the album release a week later.
Boundaries dissolve, as listeners are asked to look inside of themselves, and are drawn in by the vulnerable storytelling of day13n’s lyrics. The dramatic shift in tone midway through the song will take you by surprise, and leave you wanting more as it lingers in your ears.
Follow day13n’s journey…
The Forest, by the Polly Johnson Set
Wellington's dynamic The Polly Johnson Set have returned with a raucous new single "The Forest" after being absent from the local Wellington scene for three years.
Wellington's dynamic The Polly Johnson Set have returned with a raucous new single "The Forest" after being absent from the local Wellington scene for three years. Forming 10 years ago amidst the dreaded ukulele craze, the PJ's grew a loyal and rabid fan base on the back of combustible live shows, releasing their debut self titled record in 2019.
After a short break, the band came together again at the end of 2022 with fresh enthusiasm which coalesced into their upcoming record "Flamingo", which will be released on Sept 15.
Lead single, The Forest, sees a band back with enthusiasm, energy and passion and showcases the direction of a group of songwriters ready to embrace the new and let go of the old.
Follow the Polly Johnson Set:
ISLA RELEASES BITTER INDIE-POP ANTHEM “BETTER”
Tāmaki Makaurau's ISLA worked with the inimitable Morgan Allen to craft one part inspiring, one part enraging "Better." The bitter anthem is the second single in the lead up to her sophomore EP "Low"
Tāmaki Makaurau's ISLA worked with the inimitable Morgan Allen to craft one part inspiring, one part enraging "Better." The bitter anthem is the second single in the lead up to her sophomore EP "Low"
"I had no idea how much more I deserved when I was younger. I dated a man that ground my self esteem into the pavement because he knew if it lifted I would leave. "Better" is exactly what I needed to hear when I was a teenager. I wrote it to uplift my past self, and give her some of the worth that was clearly missing at the time.
"I wanted to capture the sound of running away; I think we managed to do that with the drop and mega layers of harmonies. In the background you can hear Britomart ambience shifting in and out of earshot; it’s a bus pulling up and footsteps echoing through the CBD; the sounds of leaving."
ISLA is a sleepy singer-songwriter based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She found her feet as a performer when she attended an open mic hosted in a sea cave, and was inspired by the overwhelming talent the city has to offer. ISLA formed a band of cave people, and brought her ideas to life with the help of new friends.
Supported by "band of sisters" The Kindred, ISLA is releasing her sophomore EP "Low" in 2023. The dream-folk collection marks a new sound for ISLA. "Low" explores seasonal depression and the memories that drift by in winter.
Folk Alliance International Online Showcasing Opportunity
Ready to showcase your music to the global music community? Official Showcase applications for the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference are now open!
FOLK Alliance International
February 21 to 25, 2024
Ready to showcase your music to the global music community? Official Showcase applications for the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference are now open!
Official Showcases are an excellent way for tour-ready artists to perform their music in front of festival bookers, agents, venues, record labels, DJs, and more. Folk Alliance International (FAI) is the largest and leading non-profit organization for folk music representing the global community of artists, agents, managers, labels, publicists, arts administrators, venues, festivals, and concert series presenters.
FAI defines folk broadly as “the music of the people” and supports a diverse array of subgenres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various fusions.
FAI’s annual conference is the leading booking event for the folk music industry (with an average of 2900 attendees!). Official showcases are selected through a competitive jury process weighing artistic quality, national/tour career readiness, and national/stylistic/cultural diversity. As a result, artists often book national or international engagements, meet professionals to join their teams, and catch the interest of media based on these performances.
Official Showcases will be performed in person at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, MO, USA, from February 21 to 25, 2024. Each Official Showcase set is 30 minutes on a professionally produced stage with full backline, lighting, and sound support.
There were 200+ presenters/buyers at the 2023 conference, found here, including : Calgary Folk Music Festival (CA), Shambala Festival (UK), Telluride Bluegrass Festival (USA), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), MerleFest (USA), Levitt Foundation Venues (across the USA), Swallow Hill (USA), Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (USA), and University of Vermont Lane Series (USA). Initiatives are in place to invite even more presenters/buyers in 2024!
Previous New Zealand artists include Mel Parsons, Anika Moa, Delaney Davidson, Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikura, Marlon Williams, Graeme James and Albi & The Wolves.
Applications close July 17th 2023
https://folk.org/programs/conference/perform/official-showcase-application/