SINGER-SONGWRITER DAN SHARP REVEALS CANDID NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘MAN DON’T CRY’

OFF UPCOMING DEBUT ALBUM BETWEEN THE BRAVE, BOLD AND GIVEN UP DUE FOR RELEASE EARLY 2024.

Armed with his guitar, an inimitable knack for writing unifying songs, and captivating crowds from festival stages to small clubs, New Zealand’s DAN SHARP is skilled in the art of creating thoughtful, considered music with an impact that leaves audiences wanting more.

“I always aspire to be authentic in the pursuit of something beautiful. That can mean being vulnerable at times, but if it's not real, then it's not worth it” says Sharp.

Following the release of two EPs and numerous singles in recent years, resulting in over a million streams on Spotify alone, Sharp is gearing up towards the next stage of his career, with debut album BETWEEN THE BRAVE, BOLD AND GIVEN UP set to arrive in early 2024.

From early years as a solo singer-songwriter, Dan Sharp has spent years honing his skills to evolve into an accomplished, dedicated musician and producer who approaches the craft with integrity and authenticity.

Dan’s commitment to his art runs deep, and his music is courageous, thoughtful, and disarmingly honest, deeply connected with age-old traditions of artists sharing stories and emotions through their creativity. Drawing on the timeless writing of artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Van Morrison, Dan delivers his brand of indie-rock with a throwback production aesthetic to bands of the 90’s.

Entirely self-funded and self-produced, Dan drew together a band of accomplished musicians to play on his new project: Stan Bicknell on drums (Black Comet, formerly of 48May, Kimbra), Brad Craig on bass (Flamingo Pier, Mini Simmons), Will Henderson (Janine, Yah Yah) on keys and Johnny Mclean (formerly of Tahuna Breaks) on horns and percussion.

An acknowledgement that we don’t always get to choose our struggles, ‘Man Don’t Cry’ is an exploration of the internal cycle of generational pain that stems from childhood trauma, a quiet wound on the soul which ultimately serves to shape the man. ‘Man Don’t Cry’ exposes this hurt as the lyrics pose the question “What is a boy, but an extension of the man who made him?”

Very much a non-fictional story, ‘Man Don’t Cry’ speaks to a cycle of emotional disconnect born of a sense of abandonment, deep-seated insecurities and a detachment to emotional pain.

Growing up in rural Aotearoa, Dan knows many stoic Kiwi men and the delicate tightrope they often walk in regards to their own mental health. Honing in on a story he found himself close to while broaching the broader issues at play, Dan relays a common scenario: a fatherless boy having to grow up too quickly with his best example of manhood being the Dad who walked away. Years of misplaced anger, self-doubt, and misguided attempts at validation eventually exposing a grown human who stills need the nurturing of a child, but unable to ask for help. This is the essence of ‘Man Don’t Cry’.

Sharp explains: “The song felt important to me as it touched on something real. The cyclical nature of damage and misunderstanding that is unresolved, passed down through generations and permeating outwards. I thought of some of the men I knew and something clicked. It’s everywhere. We carry our wounds in the way we talk and walk. Overlay our societies stoic approach to masculinity, and we are where we are in terms of suffering mental health and the tragic implications that has.”

Follow up singles and the album are set to follow, meanwhile Dan is making plans for a national tour with shows in Australia and the UK to follow. Filtered through a modern lens, his heartfelt, guitar-driven compositions result in a sound as moving as it is gripping, and one that cements Dan as a powerful voice flying his own flag.

Ella Pollett New Single “Lost"

Ella Pollett is an emerging singer/songwriter from Hawke’s Bay.  The 18 year old tells her story of life through her songs. Ella has just recently performed at the Mission as the opening act for Rod Stewart where she charmed the crowd with her powerful and enthralling vocals. This year she was also a finalist in the prestigious Play it Strange competition. In 2021 and 2022, she won first place at the Rockquest competition, representing Hawke’s Bay in the solo/duo category.

“Lost” is the forth single that Ella has released in 2023. Lost delves into the experience of feeling lost in the world, grappling with a sense of not quite finding your place in it. It is a reminder that such moments are part of life, reassuring that this is normal. The aspiration is for this composition to resonate with others fostering a sense of understanding in the world today.

TABLEFOX 'RECKLESS'

To celebrate their 10th Anniversary, Tablefox release a special new single. It's a track that has held a fond spot in the bands live set over the last 10 years. With this Australian Crawl track, Tablefox wanted to give a nod to one of their favourite writers whilst injecting the distinctive sound that has defined Tablefox. After 15 original singles the band wanted to do something different to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. Singer Clinton Bell explains "This track has been a staple in our live set and we have always had so much positive feedback about our version, the time feels right to get our version out there. I suppose, in a way, the song is a bit of medicine for the soul for me with all the distressing things going on in the world at the moment".

Tablefox are out on tour for their 10th anniversary playing some special venues along with The Sun Gods and Sandtrap. The new single is available digitally on Nov 10.

CHRISTOPH EL TRUENTO “Circle of Friends”

We are pleased to announce the highly anticipated album release from Christoph El Truento “Circle of Friends”

As a 2023 Silver Scroll nominee for production on Avantdale Bowling Club’s “Trees”, Christoph El Truento is a well respected Aotearoa based producer with a large internationally dedicated fanbase.

This album will be his 9th self released title.

Circle of Friends is primarily a Jazz based album featuring vocals from Ma, Lui Tui, Troy Kingi, Tom Scott and Ladi6. With session artists Julien Dyne, Mara TK, JY Lee, Cory Champion, Ben Turua, Guy Harrison this album is a true collaboration of the talented multi-faceted genius behind Christoph El Truento.

Christoph El Truento is a long time player in the Aotearoa music industry as a producer and skilled DJ.

He is widely known for his genre-bending formula, expertly demonstrating his multi-faceted musical genius in production varying across jazz, hip-hop, footwork, reggae and dub.

Playing to such vast strengths creates the heady combination of his mysterious, selective and international sound. This is apparent in his collection of self-titled albums such as LWMP18, Peacemaker Dub and Live from the Cloudy Subtropical.

As a household name he is most recognisable as the producer behind @peace, Tom Scott's Avantdale Bowling Club and his various collaborations with musicians Team Dynamite, Julien Dyne, Ladi6, Fat Freddy's Drop and others.

This notoriously elusive maestro continuously surprises his dedicated fanbase and critics with each release, gaining international traction as the producer to watch.

Chur Da boys unveil their groundbreaking Te Reo waiata ‘Taku Whenua’ celebrating their mana for Aotearoa

Tamaki Makaurau has a rising musical trio. Chur Da Boys proudly present their latest masterpiece, ‘Taku Whenua’, marking a significant milestone in their journey. This culturally rich and vibrant single, sung entirely in Te Reo Māori, is a heartfelt tribute to Aotearoa and the deep rooted connection that each member has with their tipuna and those that walked on our whenua before them.

‘Taku Whenua’ is the third single the band has launched and the first of many Te Reo waiata, as it signifies Chur Da Boys and their commitment to our indigenous language. This release follows their previous chart topping single ‘Anthem’ hitting no# 12 on the New Zealand Hot Single Charts. In addition to the Te Reo version, Chur Da Boys are excited to announce the simultaneous release of an English version titled ‘My Whenua’. The bilingual approach aims to bridge cultures, enabling a wider audience to appreciate the beauty and significance of the lyrics while honouring the depth of the Māori language.

In a statement the group expressed their enthusiasm about the release stating “‘Taku Whenua’ is a labour of love for us. Its a way of paying homage to the land that has given us so much. We wanted to create something that resonates with the hearts of tangata whenua and people around the world, fostering a sense of pride and connection to Aotearoa”.

Chur Da Boys invite music enthusiasts, cultural enthusiasts and everyone in between to immerse themselves in the melodies and powerful lyrics of ‘Taku Whenua’ and ‘My Whenua’. These singles are not just songs; they are a celebration of identity, culture and the beauty of New Zealand.

Both songs are available for streaming and download on all major platforms starting 03/11/2023.
For more information about Chur Da Boys and their music, please visit https://linktr.ee/churdaboys or follow them on social media platforms @churdaboys

GEORGIA LINES ANNOUNCES U.S. TOUR DATES

New Zealand's very own Georgia Lines is joining American based singer Abraham Alexander on his U.S. tour this November.

With her enchanting voice and chart-topping hits, Georgia Lines is ready to bring her unique style to American audiences in partnership with the soulful sounds of Abrham Alexander.

After concluding her U.S. tour with Abraham Alexander, Georgia Lines will take centre stage in Los Angeles for a headline show at the renowned Hotel Cafe. 

This solo performance promises to be an unmissable experience for devoted fans of Georgia's music.

Abraham Alexander - U.S. Tour Dates (with supporting artist Georgia Lines)

- November 10 - Wayne, PA @ 118 North

- November 11 - Boston, MA @ The Red Room at Cafe 939

- November 13 - New York @ Mercury Lounge

Georgia Lines - Headline Show

- November 16 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Cafe

Tickets available here https://linktr.ee/GeorgiaLines

Song From Legendary Carol Grimes Finds New Lease Of Life With DJ Shadow.

A song written by Maciek Hrybowicz and Carol Grimes entitled ‘Work’, has been sampled by  DJ Shadow on his latest release.

‘Work’ was originally released in 1986 on Carol Grimes ‘Eyes Wide Open,37 years later the track is enjoying a reincarnation thanks to DJ Shadow who has sampled it on the final track, ‘She’s Evolving’  of his latest Album ‘Action Adventure’ released 27th Oct 2023.

Thanks to MMF for their help and advice through legal mentor David McLaughlin.
Maciek is a New Zealand jazz guitarist born in Poland. After spending much of his life in London, he moved to New Zealand, where he lives with his wife. He currently composes and records his own music, produces records for Kiwi artists, plays live music in and around Aotearoa, and has performed at several jazz and blues music festivals.

Olivia Foa’i to release Sophomore album, ‘Tūmau Pea’

,,,,blending cultural with contemporary

and themes of meaningful introspection. 

Olivia Foa’i’s sophomore album Tūmau Pea (“everlasting”) will be released November 2nd . It promises to continue her signature blend of Pacific Island sounds and modern Pop/ R&B. The 9 track album will include the singles Sunlight, for which Olivia recently won “Best Female Artist” and “Best Language song” at the Pacific Music Awards, and Mai Anamua, a song written fully in Tokelauan for which Olivia was featured in The Guardian - “in push to revive threatened Pacific languages through song”. The addition of Abraham Kunin, Producer (Teeks, Homebrew, Dalai Lama) alongside Olivia’s brother, Matatia Foa’i, broadens the palette further into the contemporary R&B/soul realm than her first album, Candid, with songs like Party for 1 and the final single Nada which was released on October 13.

“For me this album has been a search for meaning and meaningful things that last. In a world where much is fast and temporary, I found inspiration in the long term, the patient, the wholesome, the fulfilling” - Olivia Foa’i

Olivia is Tokelauan, Tuvaluan and British, born in New Zealand and resides in Australia.