Jordyn with a Why’s bilingual Matariki single ‘Hey Love’ featuring MOHI

Jordyn with a Why, releases her latest bilingual single ‘Hey Love’ featuring MOHI.

The single was funded by Te Māngai Pāho as part of the ‘Waiata Takitahi’ initiative and is a part of Waiata Anthem’s Matariki release.

Jordyn says the song is an 80s reclamation ballad.

“Hey Love gives words to the calling I could feel to reclaiming my reo Māori.

It’s written from the perspective of our tūpuna and acknowledges the difficulties of reclaiming at the same time as offering hope.”

The release of ‘Hey Love’ marks Jordyn’s 5th release of original music. The emerging artist is a finalist for both 2023 Pacific Music Awards Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist and the 2023 APRA Maioha Award.

LOUIS RHIAN 'GORSE INTO FLOWERS'

Emerging artist Louis Rhian releases debut project ‘Gorse Into Flowers’, a spoken word infused hip hop release centered around mental health. 

The intimate five track project takes the listener through a journey of heartbreak, hardship and heaviness to emerge on an uplifting note with Unity - a spoken word piece featuring euphonious singer Sophie Gibson - as the final track on the project.

“For myself as an artist it was really important to put out a project with a theme and a story, not just singles. That comes from my ‘why’ around music. I wanted to share my story and be completely vulnerable around what I’ve been through, so that it can hopefully help others out there who have experienced similar challenges in life.”

Gorse Into Flowers is a raw and intimate listen, with Louis Rhian sharing his experience of depression and the hurdles that he has had to overcome, in order to find more peace and acceptance within himself. 

“I hope that by putting myself out there and sharing in this way, it might spark some conversations with others or give hope to someone out there who is struggling. I wanted to show you can go through dark hardships and emerge from them stronger. We have the highest suicide rates in the world here in Aotearoa, so this project was a priority for me to get out there. It’s about the kaupapa, and if I can help one person with this, then my work is done”

Louis has found community and a sense of purpose through music, relishing the learnings taken from the journey as an artist and is feeling grateful to have a means in which to express himself.

“I started addressing my mental health around five years ago, and in that time a lot has changed and I have found much more peace, purpose and direction, particularly since making music and creating video content. It was something that was always missing in my life. I’ve shed a lot of tears through songwriting, and creating music and expressing myself has given me great fulfillment and purpose. Self expression is a beautiful thang!”

Reflecting more on the project and what’s to come, Louis Rhian is excited to move on to the next project:

“This project was really a reflection of some of the times in my teens and mid-early twenties, as opposed to how I am now, so I’m excited to move on from this and start creating some fresh music that’s more of a reflection of where I am at now.”

Gorse Into Flowers, mix and mastered by Jordan Tannen, and featuring vocalists The AJ Sound and Sophie Gibson, is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Tami Neilson - “Kingmaker” Live with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Tami Neilson  - “Kingmaker” 
Live with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra 

Recorded By Radio New Zealand at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland, July 30th 2022

To be released on all Digital Platforms : July 14th 2023

Experience the magical evening when Tami Neilson premiered her cinematic album Kingmaker, bringing it to life with the soaring 80-piece Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra to a sold out crowd at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Auckland, New Zealand. Recorded for broadcast by Radio New Zealand, it is now being released for her fans around the world to enjoy. 

Released July 15th 2022,  KINGMAKER marked Neilson’s most provocative and powerful album to date. 

Fueled by the world-changing events of the previuos two years, the album’s songs expose and explode the patriarchal structures that pervade the music industry, family life, and society as a whole. While Neilson has previously explored these themes on such acclaimed albums as 2018’s SASSAFRASS! (hailed by PopMatters as “a potent social and political statement dressed up in catchy melodies and infectious choruses that sometimes belie the more serious elements taking place deep within the choruses.”),  KINGMAKER draws these challenging ideas out even further, shining a dramatic musical light on what the late bell hooks referred to as “the politics of domination” that render women nameless and voiceless. 

Songs like “Baby, You’re A Gun” and the cinematic title track, see Neilson giving her own resonant voice to women everywhere – to their strength, power, fierceness, and resilience in the face of structural and cultural barriers to their full participation in society. 

CRYSTAL teases new EP with latest single ‘Break’

Auckland based alternative pop artist and producer CRYSTAL has shared her second single of the year ’Break’ ahead of her sophomore EP ‘Dead Ends’, due for release on the 25th of August.

Following on from her first release of the year ‘Skin’, her newest instalment ‘Break’ captures CRYSTAL’s signature introspective lyricism. With the chaos of life becoming too much, CRYSTAL finds herself on the verge of a breakdown while dealing with the stress of finding a new flat, on top of working full time and pursuing music. Co-written and co-produced alongside Joel Jones (YAHYAH, Dallas James) in October last year, the track explores the days leading up to moving flats and how disconcerting big life changes can feel.

“I was supposed to move flats, and I was having the worst luck finding a new one. It got to the point where I was going to be homeless within a matter of days. The tenancy ended because the landlord was useless with fixing many things which were in need of repair, so we all decided it was best to leave. I was gutted because I felt like I had finally settled and found a home after being there for 8 months. At the time, I had a lot going on with working full time at a cafe and working on my music project. I was going to as many flat viewings as possible trying to secure my next home. I felt super desperate and vulnerable not having my parents in the same city to lean on for support. This time period really tested my ability to push forward. In the end, I found a flat two days before I had to move out”.

CRYSTAL will be playing her first Auckland show, opening for indie- pop artist Sofia Machray on the 19th of August at Whammy.

 Te-Whanganui-A-Tara/Wellington-raised and Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based CRYSTAL made her live music debut in 2019 while studying Commercial Music at Massey University, playing Wellington festivals, Cuba Dupa and Newtown Festival, and supporting Australian artist KIAN, before ever having released music online. Her debut single, ‘My Flowers Are Dead’ featured on TVNZ’s body swap comedy series ‘Life Is Easy’, while her previous release ‘Expectations Suck!’ landed on Spotify's 'New Music Friday AU & NZ', 'Pop n Fresh', and ‘EQUAL AU & NZ’ playlists and featured on ZM’s Late Night Show.

MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM AOTEAROA 'BACK TO BASICS' SEMINAR RETURNS TO AUCKLAND

Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, with support from Recorded Music New Zealand, is proud to announce the return of the free Back to Basics seminar to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland! The seminar will take place on Tuesday 8 August 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 of Sir Dave Dobbyn, Avantdale Bowling Club, Aaradhna, Aidan Fine, Home Brew, Rizvan) will be joined by Mikee Carpinter (manager of Georgia Lines, Alae, Hooks, Alex James). They will present and share their indispensable knowledge, and answer questions from attendees.

Back to Basics Seminar Auckland    

When: Tuesday 8 August 2023

Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Venue: APRA AMCOS Boardroom, 113/23 Edwin St, Mt Eden, Auckland 

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.

Mikee Carpinter is a musician, director and producer who has played an instrumental role in bringing some of New Zealand’s finest music-based visual content to life.

Mikee brings a passion for the New Zealand music industry with his 20+ years of experience. Much of that time has spent working on his own musical projects, while also managing acts including Alae, Georgia Lines, Hooks and Alex James.

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

RSVP is essential.

VÏKAE first independent release for 2023 brings her new track: PANDORA'S BOX into the ether.

Listen to

PANDORA'S BOX HERE

Coming hot off the release of her recent collaboration with Prank Sinatra, 'Answers',  which was released on High Tea Records, VÏKAE has her first independent release for 2023: 'Pandora's Box' (release date 7 July 2023). Produced by long-time collaborator, Abigail Knudson, and mastered by Dan Martin. It's a heavy hitting experimental alt-pop track with dubstep elements. Performing the track for the last three years, VÏKAE had genuine demand to release this track with it popping off at every show she's played at, even having DM's after shows asking where people can find the track. Pandora's Box release date is a 777 date: in numerology this number stands for courage, strength, rejuvenation and healing.

 Pandora's Box originated as a poem. Much like the rest of VÏKAE's catelogue which addresses taboo subjects like mental health and toxic relationships, the song itself focuses on VÏKAE's diagnosis with Bipolar. By addressing the mental healthcare system, VÏKAE believes more can always be done for those who are suffering with their own mind:

 "system keeps us sick, so we depend on it, just a lunatic... bottle top, spinning top, Pandora's Box"

VÏKAE is the moniker of Veronika Bell; a Ukrainian-born, NZ based queer artist and singer, songwriter and classically trained musician; graduating from the University of Otago with an honours Music Degree in Jazz with a minor in Composition and Songwriting.  VÏKAE’s distinctive sound blends the best of emo rebellion and pop sensibilities. Her compelling style of songwriting intertwines with brooding cinematic soundscapes and sits somewhere in the realm of ‘alternative pop’. 

Releasing her debut EP in 2020; Finelines, during the pandemic. It debuted on The NZ Official Music Charts at #5 and the lead single, Finelines was playlisted by Radio One 91FM, The Hits and Radio Active. After a successful tour with kiwi Pop Princess PRINS, VÏKAE began her journey through the New Zealand summer festival circuit with her first festival being Baydreams Nelson. 

As a follow up to VÏKAE’s Finelines EP, she released Love Games which is a 5 track mixtape collection of songs following her heartbreak leaving Dunedin and coming to terms with her sexuality. Working with Kate Orgais from Lil Sister PR, VÏKAE had interviews with Newshub and Women’s Weekly and garnered rotation on radio stations like Radio One 91FM, bFM and The Hits and received 5 star reviews from Music.net and 13th Floor. "Love Games showcases VÏKAE’s  skill in vulnerable story-telling" - MMF (NZ, 2022). Love Games (deluxe) is set to release later this year and features an additional 4 songs. 

Generating honorable mentions in the NZ Hot 20, Top 20 Charts and The SRN Charts; and has performed at some of the country’s biggest music festivals such as Baydreams (Nelson 2020), Mardi Gras (Ohakune 2021 & 2022) , Deep Hard N Funky (2022) , Summer Sounds (2022), AUM (NYE 2022/23) and Soundsplash (2023), Big Gay Out (2023), only solidifying her performative prowess.

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Reiki Ruawai's "Working Title" - A Sonic and Visual Adventure Full of Soul, Humour, and Daydreams

Let's dive into the world of Raglan's own groovy virtuoso, Reiki Ruawai, with his track "Working Title." Released this past March, this gem blends the sultry worlds of R&B, dance, and soul, taking us on a musical journey of romantic pursuits and the art of taking things slow to avoid messing them up.

In the music video, conceptualised alongside a creative director, Reiki sets the stage in a cozy coffee shop, all psyched for a promising date. He's eagerly expecting an immediate connection but gets left cooling his heels - and his coffee - when his date stands him up. But hey, every cloud has a silver lining!

Unfazed, Reiki bounces back, transforming his disappointment into an exciting voyage across the city. His fantasies come alive, painting images of his absent date around every city corner, making the urban landscape an imaginative playground. Keeping it light-hearted, Reiki grins at his fans, saying, "Tell me I'm not the only one who fantasies when sh!+ doesn't go to plan, right?" We're with you there, Reiki!

The retro feel of the video is brought to life by the fantastic Crystal Chen and Nick Alexander, whose love for film lends a distinct, authentic quality to the video. The raw, tactile aesthetics of film have created a visual narrative that's as captivating as the soundtrack, a result that has left Reiki completely stoked.

With "Working Title," Reiki Ruawai takes us along on a delightful journey of love, dreams, and resilience. This track and its accompanying video is a party for the senses, serving up infectious beats and vivid imagery that make us want to dance and daydream all at once. Prepare to be swept off your feet and into the streets by the soulful tunes of our very own, Reiki Ruawai.

BIO

Saturate yourself in the musical universe of Reiki Ruawai, a bona fide talent emerging from the vibrant West Coast of Raglan. With his enchanting vocals and soul-drenched melodies, Reiki casts a hypnotic spell, leaving listeners entranced. His music, a mesmerising fusion of R&B, dance, and soul, pulses with raw emotion and an infectious rhythm that speaks directly to the heart.

Reiki's voice is a magical conduit, seamlessly transporting audiences to a realm where every beat is a heartfelt connection, and each groove is an irresistible call to move. His unique vocal artistry and compelling musical narratives make every song an adventure, encapsulating an intoxicating blend of heartfelt sentiments and body-moving rhythms.

Reiki Ruawai isn't just a singer; he's a musical journeyman, guiding listeners on an unforgettable voyage through a soundscape marked by captivating melodies, potent emotions, and grooves that simply can't be ignored. Dive in, and let the magic of Reiki's music whisk you away on a sonic journey like no other.

Set 4 Life (S4L) Music Presents Bad1's Latest Release "Hotbox Freestyle"

Set 4 Life (S4L) Music is excited to unveil "Hotbox Freestyle," the latest single from talented artist Bad1. Produced by Sprout, this captivating track showcases Bad1's storytelling abilities and further establishes his presence in the music industry.

"Hotbox Freestyle" combines a dark, piano-driven drill beat with Bad1's catchy freestyle delivery. The song takes listeners on a journey through the realities of street life that is lived by young people, offering a raw and authentic perspective.

Bad1's unique storytelling and distinct delivery make "Hotbox Freestyle" an engaging track that resonates with fans of drill music and authentic rap. The collaboration with Sprout demonstrates the synergy between the producer's exceptional skills and Bad1's undeniable talent that have been seen in previous releases.

This release follows Bad1's previous singles “No Statements” and “Caught In The Mix”, which have garnered attention and praise from music critics and listeners. Each release showcases Bad1's growth as an artist and his commitment to crafting impactful music that tells the real story of young people from South Auckland’s neighbourhoods.

"Hotbox Freestyle" is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

Set 4 Life (S4L) Music is proud to support Bad1 and provide him with a platform to share his talent. As a collective, we are dedicated to nurturing the growth and success of emerging artists, enabling them to express their stories through their unique musical styles, with our roster of Bad1, Nola, YoungM and 20th Boys.