Aotearoa alt-pop artist Blake releases stunningly honest new single and video, ‘Breakdown Breakthrough’
Hot off performing as a featured artist for June’s NZ On Air Showcase, alt-pop artist Blake is back with an honest and intimate new single and video, ‘Breakdown Breakthrough’, out today.
Hot off performing as a featured artist for June’s NZ On Air Showcase, alt-pop artist Blake is back with an honest and intimate new single and video, ‘Breakdown Breakthrough’, out today.
Listen to ‘Breakdown Breakthrough’ HERE
A gritty cinematic alt-pop anthem, ‘Breakdown Breakthrough’ perfectly encapsulates the unsettling notion of being at a crossroad in life. Swirling synths, emotive guitars and hook-laden backing vocals sonically mirror the subject matter, with Blake’s exceptional songwriting and textured vocals keeping listeners hooked throughout the song.
“I was trying to reconcile the fact things were going well in my career, while also harbouring intense feelings of anxiety around what my future might hold,” reflects Blake. “The song touches on themes of imposter syndrome and wanting to relinquish responsibility for yourself.”
Made with the support of NZ On Air, the track was recorded at Parachute Studios as well at Blake’s home studio, before being mixed by award-winning engineer Simon Gooding. Before arriving at the final version however, ‘Breakdown Breakthrough’ began after a friend spotted the potential for the song in Blake’s social feed.
“The initial inspiration came about whilst on a walk trying to clear my head,” explains Blake. “I was filming an Instagram story saying I felt as though I was on the verge of a breakthrough or a breakdown, and my friend Eliot replied saying it would make for a great song concept. I then came home, sat at the piano, and the chorus pretty much wrote itself!”
Also out today is the captivating accompanying video, co-produced by Blake herself along with Jolin Lee. Diving into a stunning visual representation of the music, the concept for the video is based on real and raw footage filmed by Blake and posted on Tiktok, after heading home from a night out at a house party.
“The video emulates my lived experience of walking home from a flat on Karangahape Road in Auckland; of processing feelings of being overwhelmed, and stuck at a crossroads,” says Blake. “In that moment, I really loved the quietness of what is usually a chaotic part of the city - feeding into feelings of trying to navigate something on your own.”
Watch the video HERE
Hailing from Queenstown, the now Auckland-based Blake is ascending quickly within the Aotearoa music scene. After spending five years in London honing her craft, she was nominated for ‘Best Vocalist’ at the 2017 Drum and Bass awards and has amassed over 10 million streams on Spotify on her feature tracks. Her 2022 solo EP SKEPTICAL garnered wide-spread support from local media including ZM, The Edge, TVNZ, Sniffers and more, with her single ‘CPU’ notably reaching #6 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart.
Get to know Blake by absorbing today’s stunningly honest release, and be ready for more to come from this exceptional artist!
Listen to ‘Breakdown Breakthrough’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
FIND BLAKE
Mazbou Q Releases "Now I'm Whole"
Aotearoa-based Nigerian hip hop artist Mazbou Q has dropped his much-anticipated, powerful action movie soundtrack-esque anthem titled “Now I’m Whole”, the third single off his upcoming waterfall album 'The Sum of Unfinished Businesses.’
Aotearoa-based Nigerian hip hop artist Mazbou Q has dropped his much-anticipated, powerful action movie soundtrack-esque anthem titled “Now I’m Whole”, the third single off his upcoming waterfall album 'The Sum of Unfinished Businesses.’
This cinematic track, reminiscent of "What's Up Danger" from the blockbuster film "Enter the Spiderverse," is paired with a slow-motion music video directed by Gal Hochman ('Best of You ft. Cee Blu', 'Go and Be Free’), depicting core moments of Mazbou Q's past, projections of his future, and sobering scenes of his final days.
‘Now I’m Whole’ comes off the back of the album’s previous afrobeat-inspired single ‘Follow My Lead ft. Magugu’ released earlier this year, and the synth-wave Hip hop single ‘Like Deja Vu” off the collaborative album NIGHTWAVES with Jessie Booth released in June. Both tracks debuted on Spotify’s editorial playlist “The Drip”, with ‘Follow My Lead’ also featuring on “Afro Fusion” and ‘Like Deja Vu’ on “Mellow Styles”.
Mazbou Q says the new single “is for everyone who believes their journey in life hasn’t made a whole lot of sense up until this point. I want them to understand that just like Superman’s power is only constrained by his level of self belief, your own potential is limited only by your imagination and willingness to accept and embrace everything that has made you, you"
The ex-Metal band frontman's fresh brand of highly syncable ‘Cinematic Hip hop' gained attention earlier this year with the release of the ‘METAHUMAN’ EP in collaboration with Kansas City based producer xJ-Will. The EP’s lead single “Lucky All Day” featured on an official promo campaign for the recent blockbuster hit movie Creed III. Mazbou Q also produced and performed the cinematic Drill track behind the campaign for Footlocker’s Nike TN Kombat sneaker release across social media, entitled “Feelin’iin Tune”.
‘Now I'm Whole’ marks a magnificent milestone in Aotearoa's music scene, unveiling an exciting new era of cinematic hip hop.
Follow Mazbou Q:
The Human Kind are back with a new line up and edgy-alt pop single and video, ‘I’m Eternity’
The Human Kind have today released their new single and video ‘I’m Eternity’ and launched their new merchandise line, with all profits from the single release over the next three months going to the charity, Mates In Construction, who support the prevention of suicide in our construction industry.
The Human Kind have today released their new single and video ‘I’m Eternity’ and launched their new merchandise line, with all profits from the single release over the next three months going to the charity, Mates In Construction, who support the prevention of suicide in our construction industry.
Featuring the vocals from member Chrissy Diamond, the edgy alt-pop single features minimal instrumentation in the first verse, reflecting the sense of isolation expressed in the lyrics.
The chorus speaks of our indestructible nature chanting the song title, ‘I’m Eternity’ and leads to a melodic homecoming with Jason Slade singing overlapping harmonies in falsetto enhanced by the intuitive drumming of Hayden Wharewaka.
Frank Marinthe's spacious production blends the complementary artists together while still allowing each to stand in their own light.
“‘I’m Eternity’ is about being left alone feeling brokenhearted in a dark void. There in the darkness you surprisingly discover that the pain doesn't kill you. Something rises up within you that is indestructible and cannot be broken, and you experience your essential nature which is the energy present in all of eternity,” says Chrissy Diamond, the group’s spokesperson.
The track was produced by Frank Marinthe, and co-written by THK Founders Frank Marinthe and Chrissy Diamond along with prior THK contributor Mitch French.
Accompanying the single, the music video highlights the indestructible human nature displayed in the strength, endurance and spirit of athletes and individuals affected with physical disabilities.
Alongside with the release, the group have also launched their online merchandise shop with all of the profits from purchases being donated to the various charities they support.
The charity The Human Kind are supporting along with the release of ‘I'm Eternity’, is Mates In Construction, and the vital mahi they do for suicide prevention in the construction industry in Aotearoa.
The release joins a handful of songs from The Human Kind this year including, ‘Tell Me How’, ‘Water and Fire’ and ‘Mā Te Wai’ remix featuring Tiki Tane and Black Comet, with more to follow from this exciting up and coming music project.
Yung Maac releases "40ROZAN" - A Collaboration with Playboi Carti's Homixide Gang Producer, 1Lucas
Yung Maac, a rising star of the Kiwi rap scene, drops his latest single, '40ROZAN'. The track, includes a beat by producer 1Lucas of Playboi Carti's Homixide Gang, showcases Yung Maac's unique energy and his story and lyrics constantly reminding listeners of his distinct Gisborne roots.
Yung Maac, a rising star of the Kiwi rap scene, drops his latest single, '40ROZAN'. The track, includes a beat by producer 1Lucas of Playboi Carti's Homixide Gang, showcases Yung Maac's unique energy and his story and lyrics constantly reminding listeners of his distinct Gisborne roots.
The beat of "40ROZAN", masterfully crafted by the talented 1Lucas, sets the stage for Yung Maac's captivating flow, leaving listeners entranced and wanting more.
Following the success of "Handle" (Ft. RVNNAH), which made a significant impact featuring on the Hot 20 NZ Singles charts, Yung Maac continues his upward trajectory as a promising talent in the evergrowing rap scene. "40ROZAN" further cements his status as an artist poised to make a lasting impression on the Kiwi music scene.
The track is accompanied by a captivating music video produced by 24KMedia, that takes viewers on an immersive journey highlighting the heart of new-age Kiwi rap culture.
Yung Maac's ascent within New Zealand's vibrant rap scene signifies the genre's growing momentum, enriched with global influences and the rhythm of internet culture. His compelling sound and charisma embody the new generation of artists reshaping the musical landscape of Aotearoa.
"40ROZAN" is now available for streaming on all major platforms, here. Don't miss the music video produced by 24K Media
Follow Yung Maac on Instagram @Yung_Maac
NAIL - LEAD GUITARIST OF AWARD WINNING BAND DEVILSKIN, BECOMES FIRST GIBSON NEW ZEALAND ARTIST
In an exciting first for New Zealand music, Nail, lead-guitarist of multi-platinum award-winning band DEVILSKIN has been invited to join the Gibson family, being formally selected as a Gibson Artist!
In an exciting first for New Zealand music, Nail, lead-guitarist of multi-platinum award-winning band DEVILSKIN has been invited to join the Gibson family, being formally selected as a Gibson Artist!
Having always been a huge fan and player of the iconic guitar brand throughout his career, Nail now joins the ranks of distinguished guitarists such as Tony Iommi and Dave Mustaine, having also had the privilege of sharing the stage with fellow Gibson Artists Slash and Lzzy Hale during their New Zealand, Australian, and European tours.
Nail states: “This is such a huge honour for me, I am thrilled to be named as New Zealand’s first Gibson Artist - it’s actually a dream come true! As a kid I grew up watching my heroes play these legendary instruments. And they have always been an essential part in my tone, from the moment I plugged in my very first Gibson, there was an instant magic that I had never experienced before.”
As the commanding guitarist of the beloved hard-rock/metal band, Nail’s searing guitar work and electrifying, high energy performances bring a real intensity to the live show.
Ecstatic to receive his new Custom Shop EDS-1275 Double Neck Guitar last week, Nail can’t wait to play what will be a fantastic addition to Devilskin’s upcoming live shows in Wellington and Napier at the end of this month.
Says Nail: “I am at my most creative when I have my Gibson Les Paul, and have written my biggest songs with that guitar. Without fail, it consistently delivers the powerful sound I want to impart with my playing, every time. But man, I’m super excited to break out with the new Double Neck Gibson when we hit the stage next, it’s going to be a real treat. Gibson Guitars are second to none and it’s an incredible privilege to be assigned this honour.”
DEVILSKIN have two more dates left to perform on their nationwide LET ME BREATHE TOUR, a sold out Wellington show before their final show of the tour in Napier, which was rescheduled due to the ruinous effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.
For those fans who purchased tickets for the original Napier concert in April, those tickets are completely transferable to the revised date.
With special guests EAST YORK in tow, DEVILSKIN have invited a fresh, equally kick-ass band to fully complement their legendary high-octane performances, ensuring fans get a sonic, rock-charged night to remember!
A Devilskin audience already knows what a phenomenal show they are in for, and a DEVILSKIN show with special guests EAST YORK, is one hell of a party you don’t want to miss!
Wellingtons is now sold out, and Napier tickets are limited, so secure yours now.
DEVILSKIN LET ME BREATHE TOUR 2023
+ SPECIAL GUESTS EAST YORK
FRI 28 JULY - SAN FRAN, WELLINGTON - SOLD OUT
SAT 29 JULY - BEV RIDGES ON YORK, NAPIER - LIMITED TICKETS
Tickets on sale now from: eventfinda.co.nz
Sofia Machray releases ‘Language Of Flowers’, her highly anticipated debut record
Derived from an obsession with flowers, Sofia Machray releases ‘Language Of Flowers’, her highly anticipated debut record. A masterful, hypnotic tapestry of emotions! ‘Language Of Flowers’ is accompanied by her national release tour through August with full 5-piece band!
Derived from an obsession with flowers, Sofia Machray releases ‘Language Of Flowers’, her highly anticipated debut record. A masterful, hypnotic tapestry of emotions!
‘Language Of Flowers’ is accompanied by her national release tour through August with full 5-piece band!
Langauge of Flowers is a masterful debut record that’s constantly on the brink of exploding into reverberating distortions. Sofia’s hypnotic vocals and powerful songwriting weave together a tapestry of emotions, blending the introspective feelings of melancholy and solitude with bold, anthemic sounds. The 6-track EP dips in and out of tranquil guitar tones, punchy drums, and moments of delicacy, tackling themes of worry, doubt, and growth though overcomings. Language of Flowers was written by Sofia Machray, co-produced with engineer and bandmate Robbie Pattinson and expertly mixed by James Goldsmith. Sofia Machray’s debut record, released on July 21st, is followed with a national ‘Language of Flowers’ release tour.
The birth of the EP titled ‘Language of Flowers’ derived from Machray’s obsession with flowers. “I’ve always been drawn to flowers, the way they change with seasons and day-to-day life whether we notice them or not, I think humans are similar in many ways and I love writing about these concepts. Aside from nature fueling
my creativity the outdoor world has played a significant role in my life and wellbeing.”
Machray, already a hot topic in New Zealand’s thriving independent music scene, recently released ‘Petals in the Rain’, her first single & video off the record, to great success with huge support from both international and local media.
“Tension slowly dissipates into a sweet release that washes over us, drenching our ears and our hearts in a
stunning, seductive indie rock sound”...With grace, glistening sonics, and an unfiltered honesty that hits hard and leaves an instant, lasting mark…Sofia Machray is without a doubt an artist-to-watch moving forward.” - Atwood Magazine - Petals in the Rain
Now alongside the full release comes her next piece of sonic magic, ‘Crumbs’. Heavy yet gentle, focus track ‘Crumbs’ churns through turbulences of dreamy sonic landscapes, harnessing infectious vocal tones and guitar-driven instrumentation. The track unloads a dense emotional outpour at the intersection of indie-pop, heartland rock, and shoegaze.
“This record was like writing letters to my future self to help me get through confusing times and modern-day pressures of growing into adulthood. Over the last year of making this record, I found myself subconsciously writing about moving on before the moving on had even begun. I found it interesting that I’d been trying to let go of something whilst still trying to hold on. These moments of self-discovery can be confronting at times, I often find myself turning to nature to help me come to peace with overwhelming feelings.”
Sofia Machray is an independent dream-rock singer-songwriter from the heart of the mountains in
Arrowtown, New Zealand. With her music stretching out over moody rockers and soft-burning hooks, Sofia
delved into the realm of indie music from a young age as a self-taught guitarist from 6 years old. Often
drawing on timeless concepts and the vast landscapes that she was raised within. Over recent years she has rapidly solidified herself as a tactful, independent, femme-led outfit in the forefront of New Zealand’s
alternative indie scene. Alongside her music she is co-founder of event booking agent Peach Promotions, set up with an aim to create safe environments with equal opportunity for all creatives involved in the music
industry.
In celebration of Machray’s debut, she will be heading out on her nationwide ‘Language of Flowers' release tour, with her 5-piece band, including members Anna Wild (Jack Panther, Zö), Alex Hoare (Gallery
Orchestra), Robbie Pattinson (Sam Wave) and Alfie Parvin (Sam Wave).
Language of Flowers National Release Tour:
● 3rd August 2023: Ōhinehou / Lyttelton - Wunderbar
● 4th August 2023: Ōtepoti / Dunedin - Dive - 4 August
● 5th August 2023: Tāhuna / Queenstown - Yonder (free show)
● 11th August 2023: Te Whanganui A-tara / Wellington - Meow
● 19th August 2023: Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland - Whammy Bar
Tour tickets available from June 16th at www.peach-promotions.com
The Ruapehu Rundown - Devon Welch returns to Turoa Lodge Ōhakune, Sat July 29th.
Amongst all this mid-winter madness things have been up in the air regarding the opening of the ski fields atop our central north island Maunga / Mountain- Ruapehu. But fear not, is the call to heed and live into as things are set to be in full swing, with snow all the way down to base for you avid mountain heads!
Amongst all this mid-winter madness things have been up in the air regarding the opening of the ski fields atop our central north island Maunga / Mountain- Ruapehu. But fear not, is the call to heed and live into as things are set to be in full swing, with snow all the way down to base for you avid mountain heads!
Fresh off his five-date tour which saw him whipping up the breadth and length of Te Ika A Māui, has been in the lab writing tunes and sinking his teeth into his newfound love for making beats using Logic Pro. All the while lining up the stars to pull power forth from the ethos to create yet another show of epic proportions.
With a much-needed month break from the ins and outs of life as an artist now out the way- both here In the real world and online. It’s safe to say the foot is firmly on the gas with no signs of slowing down. This show at Turoa Lodge marks the start of the next season for this Kāpiti born star as he prepares to record his next project set for a November release.
Come get out of town and hear some of these new tracks live as we celebrate this life we live together on planet Earth.
Joined by Dj Tip Savage from Aotearoa Records- on the decks, he’ll not only be serving you up the finest tunes but the remaining copies of Dev's vinyl of "Journey to Freedom"
Doors open at 9- with FREE ENTRY before 10 pm and music kicking off shortly after til late.
This event is sponsored by Ski FM - Ōhakune's local radio station.
Official Facebook event - Is a click away here
If you can't wait until next week for the vinyl click here to get yours now
Follow Devon on:
Spotify
Facebook
Instagram - Devonwelch_
Youtube
TIKI TAANE UNVEILS AWARD-WINNING MUSIC DOCUMENTARY FILM
Fans of the multi-talented dub musician Tiki Taane are in for a full-blown cinematic audio-visual treat with the world premiere of Tiki Taane In Session With CSO, the film of his one-off 2021 concert extravaganza, ‘Ōtautahi Proud’.
LIVE ALBUM SET FOR SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE ON FRIDAY 11 AUGUST
Fans of the multi-talented dub musician Tiki Taane are in for a full-blown cinematic audio-visual treat with the world premiere of Tiki Taane In Session With CSO, the film of his one-off 2021 concert extravaganza, ‘Ōtautahi Proud’.
As part of the NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, the inaugural screening will be in Tiki’s hometown of Ōtautahi/Christchurch on Friday 11 August at the Isaac Theatre Royal, with the celebratory evening including a hosted Q&A session with Tiki, where he will get to meet film festival attendees as a ‘Film Director’ for the first time!
Filmed and recorded live in May 2021 to a sold-out audience at the fully refurbished Christchurch Town Hall, Tiki’s film has captured an emotional and explosive performance with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Stunningly shot and superbly mixed, Tiki has raised the bar of what can be achieved when collaborating with a 50-piece live orchestra as the musicians bring powerfully reimagined versions of Tiki’s beloved songs to life, set against a backdrop of striking imagery.
The genre-bending, live-looping performances make for an extremely unique and original experience, solidifying Tiki as one of the most diverse artists in Aotearoa NZ. To date the film has garnered an impressive 30 international laurels from film festivals around the globe ranging from Official Selections to wins for Best Music Documentary; Best Sound Design; Best Documentary; Best Live Performance; Best Film Score Soundtrack; Best Music Director; Best Original Score and counting. *see end notes for a full run-down of laurels
More than just a filmed concert, the film is intercut with scenes from the rehearsal providing an insight into Tiki’s fascinatingly intuitive process of working with the classically trained orchestral players and their accomplished conductor Tom Rainey.
Talking with Stuff, Tiki explains: “I don't read sheet music, I just memorise it all and see it all in my head as colours and sounds. The orchestration of ‘Always On My Mind’ ... I'm used to a beat, but this is free-form, with strings.”
From the clever scene-setting debut of live looping with an orchestra on epic opener ‘Whakapuaki’, to the stellar special guest appearances by Tali and Big Sima, to the shimmering, delicate beauty of Tiki’s #1 hit ‘Always On My Mind’ (Kei Tōku Ngākau Nei Koe), to the sheer power and grandeur of the mighty ‘Tangaroa’, Tiki delivers a uniquely diverse, commanding, and genre-bending experience that evokes all the feels.
Speaking to Newshub, Tiki revealed: “Sometimes there are 40-50 people involved in playing the music, which takes it to another level—a level that is powerful, it's unforgettable, it's moving, it's emotional, it has so much depth to it and width to it. For me, it's the pinnacle.”
With familial links to the CSO going back several generations, a special moment is shared with the audience when Tiki welcomes his talented tamariki Charlie (then 12), and Karcia (then 9) to join him to perform on stage, a sweet remembrance to be cherished by the Taane whānau for years to come.
An Artist, Producer, Activist, Engineer, and now Director, Tiki Taane has long been an energetic creative who has followed his own light, creating his reality every step of the way by allowing his unfettered artistic and musical talents to shine brightly. Now, with this self-funded, cross-cultural, cross-generational, cross-musical genre project, Tiki positively radiates!
Says Tiki: "This feature documentary film has been the most challenging project I’ve ever under taken. Being the film’s director, producer, sometimes editor, sound mixer, composer, leading musician, and project manager is a LOT to commit too! But the things I’ve learnt along the way are priceless and worth the thousands of hours and years of preparation to get me to this point. I’m so proud of what we have captured and have managed to put together in an exciting, genre bending experience for all to see. Thank you so much for supporting my music and art. YOU are part of our Tikidub Whānau, so let's see how far we can take this thing!"
Now film-festival audiences can experience this multi-talented musician at his very best - look out for the latest update of nationwide screenings of Tiki Taane In Session With CSO still to be announced through the months of August and September, with a very special Auckland event also to be revealed soon.