Velvet Arrow new single 'Runaway Girl'

Velvet Arrow's darkly cinematic new song 'Runaway Girl' is an empowering soundtrack for escape from the everyday.

Through pure storytelling with a gothic soul, 'Runaway Girl' takes the listener on a risky journey of self discovery, reminding you of the stoic saying - memento mori “Remember, thou art mortal.” 

Alt-country guitar melodies help create a spaghetti western soundscape that ultimately drives off a cliff into a Pink Floyd inspired slide solo afterlife.

Velvet Arrow aim to reach the lost and lonely with mesmerising melodies and dynamic harmonies layered over intensely haunting lyric. 

Their music will meet you wherever you are, offering a lyrical balm that promises you are never alone.

OUT NOW: Mr Organ OST

Lachlan Anderson (Die! Die! Die!) will release the soundtrack album to David Farrier’s Mister Organ on the 10th of October, which was released in Aotearoa last year following a North American release this month.

Here are some links to how the film is being received overseas: New York Times has given it Critics Pick for the week (https://www.nytimes.com/ 2023/10/05/movies/mister-organ- review.html) The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/oct/05/mister-organ-movie-documentary-review-david-farrier)

After a set of Q and A screenings with David Farrier the film expands nationwide across the US and Canada beginning October 13 via Drafthouse films.

The score undoubtedly adds to the film's tone, and especially to the suspense as the story unravels. LACHLAN ANDERSON took it on, whom FARRIER had been a keen fan of for sometime.

“I've always loved Lachlan Anderson's band Die! Die! Die! - and when Mister Organ editor Dan Kircher told me Lachlan was doing some scoring work I jumped at the opportunity, reached out, and found that we had a bunch of things in common besides loud music.” said FARRIER. “Lachlan's unsettling score is such a key element in Mister Organ, as we get drawn into Michael's reality, or "unreality" I suppose: Things are always off kilter and uncertain, and Lachlan manages to ride the balance of quirky investigation, and the much darker elements of the film.”

To create the unique palette of sounds in MISTER ORGAN Lachlan worked with guitar pedal maker Ryan Nicol of Glacial Creative, to create “The Clamp”.

ANDERSON explains, "It's an acoustic box with a whole bunch of discarded mechanical machinery such as typewriter parts, cranks, springs, traps, objects that make a strange sound when bowed, plucked, tapped or scraped. Fittingly the final result looks like an antique cash register from hell. Throughout the score you hear things ticking away sounding more and more unhinged as we discover more about the Clamper."

“I'd describe The Clamp as a terrifying but beautiful music box imported directly from the world of a Hellraiser film. The sounds echo the unhinged parts of the human
brain” says FARRIER. “The end result is a score that has you feeling sonically Mister Organ (in a good way!) - as things are increasingly untethered.”

EDYONTHEBEAT IS DROPPING A BRAND NEW SUMMER ANTHEM “HAVE YOU EVER” FEAT. BKIDD, HALES, and LNGSLV

Pacific Music Award-nominated artist Edward Liu, known by his stage name EDYONTHEBEAT, is set to launch an exciting new single this Friday, October 13th. "Have You Ever," featuring BKIDD, HALES, and LNGSLV, is all about spreading good vibes. It seamlessly combines the classic elements of old-school R&B with a modern twist, creating an uplifting anthem that's perfect for the season.

EDYONTHEBEAT draws inspiration from the thriving UK R&B/Hip Hop scene, infusing his unique style into "Have You Ever." As described by EDYONTHEBEAT, the track is "a light-hearted, fun, upbeat R&B/Pop tune that reminisces about old-school R&B with a new-school twist. The song conveys a sense of appreciation, making it a love song that will keep your head bopping all summer long."

At just 26 years old, EDYONTHEBEAT has already amassed an impressive discography. He earned two nominations for "Best Producer" at the Pacific Music Awards in 2021 and 2023. Additionally, he has produced, co-written, and handled audio engineering for two-time Pacific Music Award-winning artist Sam V. EDYONTHEBEAT is poised to leave an indelible mark on Aotearoa's music industry.

This captivating single effortlessly melds soulful vocals with an infectious rhythm, ensuring that "Have You Ever" is destined to have listeners grooving along. It's set to be a standout addition to this year's upcoming summer playlists.

Cloudboy announce Down at the End of the Garden 20th anniversary Aotearoa tour!

11 November - Oamaru, Grainstore Gallery

17 November - Vogelmorn Hall, Wellington
18 November - Auckland, Unitarian Church
8 December - Christchurch, Loons *
16 December - Dunedin, Te Whare o Rukutia

*All shows are all ages, except Loons.

On Record Store Day 2023, Dunedin’s dream pop originators, Cloudboy, released their remastered, revered 2001 album, ‘Down at the End of the Garden’ on vinyl for the first time, with the limited edition selling out nationwide.

Now fans will be able to experience the full glory of Down at the End of the Garden performed live throughout Aotearoa, in intimate seated venues, enveloped by Cloudboy’s master musicianship and a densely-textured, immersive full-length film.

Called a “wildly ambitious record...fearless and far-reaching” by RNZ’s Tony Stamp, Down at the End of the Garden is an album that easily leapt into Aotearoa’s ‘classic album’ list, featuring band members Craig Monk, Jo Contag, Demarnia Lloyd and Heath Te Au. Jo said, “The main aim of Cloudboy was to frame Demarnia's songs and compelling voice in unusual and evocative ways”, and intricate musical arrangements set to a pop sensibility sailed this record into the collections of the nation.

Cloudboy’s touring band is comprised of Demarnia Lloyd (vocals), Craig Monk (violin, guitar, synth), Johannes Contag (guitar, flute, bass), original drummer Heath Te Au, backing tracks and John White (violin, backing vocals); live visuals created by Ōtautahi Christchurch-based photographer/film-maker Stuart Lloyd-Harris.

Don’t miss experiencing this incredible classic album live!

PRAISE FOR DOWN AT THE END OF THE GARDEN

"Imaginative pop of just-so poise with a hint of darkness..." - Russell Baillie, NZ Herald

“Every so often an album is reissued that’s especially deserving.” - Tony Stamp, RNZ

"Stubbornly individual and curiously beautiful; and yet this is a pop album" - Nick Bollinger, NZ Listener

“A startlingly original avant-pop album. Nothing like this has ever appeared from our enchanted isles." - Noel Meek, Loop

"An eclectic slice of brilliance that will be treasured by those that possess it" - John Taite, Real Groove

BRETT HIGGINSONS ‘There Is Only Love’ IS AN ANTHEM

Emerging Auckland, alt-folk-pop, singer-songwriter, Brett Higginson’s, debut single ‘There Is Only Love’, grows from an acoustic guitar base to a catchy almost orchestral-like chorus.

Says Brett, “the inspiration for There Is only Love was a relationship that gave me so much. Essentially ‘There Is Only Love’, is about unconditional love. It’s about love found, love celebrated and love lost… It was inspired by an uplifting relationship, where love was the reward, the guide, and the key, even after the relationship was over. “

“For me, the realisation that, ‘There Is Only Love’ came like a revelation. To put it simply, if it isn’t love, let it go… There Is Only Love! This thought was freeing and it helped me through difficult times. And so it’s appropriate that There Is Only Love’ is the 1st single off my upcoming album, as this song has followed me around. It’s also been a catalyst, a sort of signpost to a lot of other songs.”

Something They Call Myth Are Back With Playful Popper “Counting Friends”

After a 2 year-long hiatus, indie-folk/pop duo Something They Call Myth are coming back with new music, kicking off this new chapter with the playful and sweet-sounding single ‘Counting Friends’.

The bouncy, syncopated piano riff sets a light-hearted tone to the overall production, artfully masking the vulnerability of the subject matter. The song tells a story about two best friends, exploring the growing pains and insecurities that develop as they progress through life and make new connections. While this can be exciting, sometimes we just want things to stay exactly as they are. The playful lyrics and feel of the song make a heavy subject easier to talk about, and can also be taken as a bit tongue-in-cheek.

The release of ‘Counting Friends’ is accompanied by a fun music video, based around the concept of Lea and Clarissa from Something They Call Myth literally “making” new friends. The music video was shot at the creative community hub, MoveSpace, in Auckland by filmmaker Talia Hazelwood, who also directed and edited it.

Bandcamp: https://somethingtheycallmyth.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3dbizRqAZOw7EZVObM5k0o?si=OxyAzVFQT82oNSU5gpPgCg&dl_branch=1

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/something-they-call-myth

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@somethingtheycallmyth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingtheycallmyth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somethingtheycallmyth

Aotearoa get ready! 1 Drop Nation release epic new album MOMENT IN TIME + announce a hot line-up of summer shows

Ever since their self-titled debut album dropped at the end of 2022, fans of Õtautahi band 1 Drop Nation have been treated to electric live performances and two hit singles. Now, the band have released their eagerly-awaited second album MOMENT IN TIME and it will not disappoint!

Listen to MOMENT IN TIME HERE

An outstanding amount of Aotearoa talent, dedication, aroha and countless hours in Surgery Studios with Dr Lee Prebble have resulted in a thrilling ride of funk, roots, reggae, pop, rock, RnB and a massive dose of groove. Every part on every track has been performed with heart and produced with care - vocals, guitars, horns, synths, bass, drums and more. MOMENT IN TIME has an impressive 13 tracks that kicks off with the groups new hard-hitting, foot stamping single ‘Play It Loud’ - the perfect statement track for the album. Heartwarming title track single ‘Moment In Time’ was made with the support of NZ on Air and is a song about searching for, and then appreciating that special person when you find them. Previously released hit singles ‘This Heart’ (#5 Hot 20 NZ Singles) and ‘I’m Home’ (#19 Hot 20 NZ Singles) are also there, alongside two new tracks featuring fellow Ōtautahi artists - underground hip hop legend Big Sima on ‘Hold On’ and powerhouse vocalist LOVETA on ‘Ready To Go’. This album is epic.

“The journey has been amazing,” says lead vocalist Kanei Johnson (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu), “we flew up to Wellington and spent 10 days straight in the studio, going hard to finish the album. We did a few late nights working on the detail stuff and, when it was finished, Dr Lee [Prebble] added the sprinkles and Josh [Llewellyn] from Downbeat Mastering came through with his amazing mastering. Our debut album is made up of mostly songs we’d been sitting on for a number of years, but this album is majority brand-new tracks, with a new style of writing and creativity. It’s a very eclectic mix of music, which shows the different elements of music that we all draw towards and, when mixed together, this is what we have come up with. We’re excited to share it!”

MOMENT IN TIME is an album that showcases 1 Drop Nation as a band who are ones to watch - and with a summer tour and 6 summer festival performances already lined up - Fritter Festival, Electric Avenue Ōtautahi, Rhythm and Alps - Main Stage, The Great Kiwi Beerfest with KORA, North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival, The Banquet Music Festival - there are plenty of opportunities to get immersed in the 1 Drop Nation experience live, as well as through the wireless, headphones and speakers.

Listen to MOMENT IN TIME HERE

Emerging artist Vana unveils her debut EP "DIE FOR ME" - A haunting masterpiece that explores the themes of love, desire and identity with the LGBTQ+ community.

From TikTok sensation to rising artist, Vana is ready to share her debut EP, 'DIE FOR ME!,' with her loyal fans.

The highly anticipated EP, (The teasers have already gathered hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok) is set to release on the 13th of October (Friday the 13th), in keeping with the theme of her love for the horror genre.

Vana is known for her unique blend of dark pop music that takes listeners on a gripping journey. With 'DIE FOR ME!' that explores themes of love, desire, and identity within the LGBTQ+ community.

'DIE FOR ME!'—the lead single from the debut EP—cinematically weaves a mesmerising story centred around two sapphic vampires, immersing the audience in a darkly romantic narrative. The song paints vivid pictures with its lyrics, drawing upon imagery of red lace and gothic aesthetics, creating a richly atmospheric backdrop for the tale of forbidden love. Vana's ethereal and soft yet powerful vocals provide a stark contrast to the heavy electric guitars that drive the song forward. This juxtaposition of the delicate and the intense heavy guitars adds depth and emotion to the narrative, making "Die for Me!" an emotionally charged experience.

The EP, DIE FOR ME!, is a genre-blurring journey that fuses elements of dark pop, trap, and rock to create a sound that is both hard-hitting and emotionally resonant. Each track on the EP explores different facets of desire, longing, and self-discovery, making it a compelling and immersive musical experience. Vana's ability to seamlessly blend genres, her evocative storytelling, and her dedication to addressing LGBTQ+ themes in her work make Die for Me! a standout in the world of dark pop music. With "Die for Me!" as its jewel, the EP captivates and enchants, inviting listeners into a world of passion.