A call to return home 'Rangiaowhia'
A waiata written by four exceptional Māori Music Artists Mara TK, Ria Hall, Rākai Whauwhau and Hawkins, each with hononga to the koorero of Rangiaowhia.
A waiata written by four exceptional Māori Music Artists Mara TK, Ria Hall, Rākai Whauwhau and Hawkins, each with hononga to the koorero of Rangiaowhia. They had the privilege of sitting with Rangatira Tom Roa, Hazel Wander, Moepātu Borell and Bill Harris while learning about the history.
Artist Hawkins shared - "Rangiaowhia is about the physical presence returning home, those who know their whakapapa.”
Title: ‘Rangiaowhia’ is a call to return home. It is the second single release following the first single, ‘Apakura’, tributing the survivors of Rangiaowhia and their descendants, celebrating their continued existence today from the collective Album expected for release 2024, in acknowledgement of the 160th commemoration of Rangiaowhia.
Originally a highly prosperous community, it was known as a peaceful sanctuary of refuge until “a day of terrorism" or “Paahuatanga”, which saw the end of Rangiaowhia in 1864—recorded as one of the most horrific but unacknowledged massacres in New Zealand’s history, an invasion of colonial troops on the 21st of February 1864 resulted in over half of the 200 locals present being wounded, captured, raped, incinerated and murdered.
With lyrics from Mara TK describing the spiritual and physical existence of Rangiaowhia, Rangi is now standing in 'rangi i aowhia', and Ngāhuruhuru is where Papa is lying.
“I a Rangi e tū iho nei, te 'rangi i aowhia'!
I a Papa e takoto mai nei, ko Ngāhuruhuru
Ko Rangiaowhia!”
Moepaatu Borell expressed her thanks to the artists - “Nga mihi. Ka akona e au te waiata nei ki taku mokopuna kia rere rawa atu tana aroha tupuna.”
Tom Roa shared - “Kei te nui te mihi ki te wairua auaha e rere nei ki ngā waiata me te haratau o te whai i te kaupapa o te hokia ki te ūkaipō.”
The waiata features Te Haona Kaha Kapahaka Ngaati Apakura descendants. It was recorded primarily at Kahotea Marae in Otorohanga—this waiata's location and creative process concord with the koorero—acknowledging the descendent's diaspora. The lyrics echo a call for descendants to return.
“Hoki mai e nga uri maheu, ngā ahi teretere”
LUKE THOMPSON DELIVERS ‘WHEN YOU LOVED ME’
Following the release of ‘A Light Calling’, Luke Thompson delivers his next offering ‘When You Loved Me’. The second single off of his recently announced, upcoming album ‘INFATUATER’.
Following the release of ‘A Light Calling’, Luke Thompson delivers his next offering ‘When You Loved Me’. The second single off of his recently announced, upcoming album ‘INFATUATER’.
The track is reminiscent of an 80s love song, with a modern twist. Written, recorded and mixed himself, the artist followed his muse and added elements of 80s pop and the power ballads of his childhood to his latest project.
“I think when I was younger I wouldn't have dared to make something like this, I would have felt compelled to stay in my lane. But the more music I make and the more songs I write, the more interested I am in exploring any itch that I have as an artist,” Thompson proclaims, “I don't want to be anything in particular anymore, just a creator and a listener and servant to the muse.”
In support of the new album Luke Thompson will be playing a release show at BIGFAN on November 5, with special guest Mountain Boy. Tickets are on sale now at undertheradar.co.nz.
‘When You Loved Me’ is out now on all streaming platforms, with the full album ‘INFATUATER’ dropping November 2.
Link to ‘When You Loved Me’
https://AugustAvenue.lnk.to/LT-WhenYouLovedMe
Tickets to the ‘INFATUATER’ Release Show
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/ticket/22037/Luke-Thompson--Infatuater-Release-Show.utr
FIND LUKE THOMPSON
YAHYAH ANNOUNCES NEW EP ‘7 LOVERS’ AND NORTH ISLAND TOUR
Pop artist YAHYAH has announced her new EP ‘7 Lovers’ will drop November 10th, and to celebrate she’s hitting the road on her first headlining Aotearoa tour.
Pop artist YAHYAH has announced her new EP ‘7 Lovers’ will drop November 10th, and to celebrate she’s hitting the road on her first headlining Aotearoa tour.
Featuring the already released singles ‘How I’m Feeling RN’ and ‘Sad Girl’, ‘7 Lovers’ will include three brand new songs. “These songs as a project are a piece of my heart and ultimately about the journey of finding love in myself,” YAHYAH explains.
Embarking on a three-date tour with her band across the North Island, they’ll head to Tauranga on November 10 and the artist’s hometown of Hamilton on November 11, before the final show in Auckland on November 17.
“To be able to piece a very special show together to celebrate the release of my new EP makes my heart so happy,” YAH explains, “I thrive when I’m on stage, it’s my favourite place to be in the world.”
Starting 2023 off with a bang, YAHYAH’s high-energy track ‘GO’ was picked up by MTV Europe and Juice TV, and featured on the likes of Rolling Stones Australia and Sniffers, with her most recently delivered track ‘I Like You,’ featuring Māori neo soul artist MOHI, having been released as a part of 2023’s Waiata Anthems Week.
The release of this EP and tour mark the end of what has been a huge year for the Pop artist, and the start of her next wave that comes with a huge amount of anticipation and promise.
Tickets are on sale at 10am today from undertheradar.co.nz & theincubator.co.nz (Tauranga only).
This tour is made with the support of the New Zealand Music Commission’s Aotearoa Touring Programme.
TOUR DATES
November 10 - Tauranga - The Jam Factory
November 11 - Hamilton - Last Place
November 17 - Auckland - BIGFAN
‘7 Lovers’ is out November 10th, on all streaming platforms.
Tickets to Tauranga Show
https://www.theincubator.co.nz/event-details/yahyah-at-the-jam-factory
Tickets to Hamilton Show
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/86578/YAHYAH--7Lovers-EP-Release-Tour.utr
Tickets to Auckland Show
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/86577/YAHYAH--7Lovers-EP-Release-Tour.utr
FIND YAHYAH
Velvet Arrow new single 'Runaway Girl'
Velvet Arrow's darkly cinematic new song 'Runaway Girl' is an empowering soundtrack for escape from the everyday.
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!) has released the soundtrack album to David Farrier’s Mister Organ, which was released in Aotearoa last year following a North American release this month.
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
"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.
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!
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.
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.
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.”