XILE ANNOUNCE SUPPORT ACTS FOR HUGE SUMMER TOUR!

Travelling to Hamilton, Dunedin, Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington this November/December! The band are ready to wrap up their most successful year yet.

Local hardcore heavyweights XILE have announced the New Zealand Tour 2023! The tour kicks off on the 18th November in Hamilton, then heads to the South Island before heading back up north and wrapping up in Wellington on the 16th December.

XILE released their most recent album ‘I AM YOUR GOD’ on March 27th 2020, not too long after New Zealand went into its first lockdown. The band were not able to play a release show and international tour plans were also derailed. But once the world opened back up, XILE took off. Playing shows here in New Zealand, Europe, UK and Australia.

Making no compromises on their live show, Xile are guaranteed to bring the mosh to five stops in New Zealand this summer. Support acts for each stop will be announced closer to the time and are hand-picked, highlighting each regions best live heavy music. Tickets are available now from Undertheradar. 

HAMILTON - 18TH NOV @ LAST PLACE
w/ Drop Off Point, Villafied, Cease & Desist

DUNEDIN - 24TH NOV @ CROWN HOTEL
w/ Sawnoff, Stench, The Lazarus Bell

CHRISTCHURCH - 25TH NOV @ LOON
w/ Sawnoff, Stench, The Lazarus Bell

AUCKLAND - 2ND DEC @ WHAMMY BAR
w/ Soul Void, Take Hold, Darktide

WELLINGTON - 16TH DEC @ VALHALLA
w/ Brainwave, Pissbaby, Lucre 

TARANAKI SINGER/SONGWRITER LIANA HART REVEALS THIRD SINGLE, ‘’OH’

Taranaki based singer-songwriter Liana Hart shares deeply personal sentiments by combining intricate vocal hooks and passionate, conversational lyrics, with finger-style guitar and delicate harmonica melodies. Her third and final single for 2023, ‘Oh’, is now available on all major streaming platforms, following her catchy indie-folk love song, ‘Don’t Ghost’, and her debut single, ‘Your Eyes’.

While ‘Your Eyes’ is a daughters’ love letter to her father, and ‘Don’t Ghost’ a confession of adoration to her partner, ‘Oh’ is a deeper look into the heart of Liana Hart. ‘Oh’ was written during a time of mental strife,and explores feelings of self-sabotage and how difficult it can be to heal from years of battling mental illness. ‘I wrote this song when I was severely burnt out, and I really just wanted to sabotage everything good in my life by pushing everyone that loved me away’. ‘Oh’ is a very special song to Liana and will take listeners on a journey that will hopefully leave them feeling less alone. Produced by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio and featuring Krissy Jackson on fiddle, this beautiful and vulnerable country song is for the messy, the brave, the healing, the scared, the lonely, the sad, and for anyone who just wants to get better. Liana has struggled for years with mental illness and understands that while it’s important to reach out for help, it’s not always easy to do when you feel like a burden. It takes a lot of courage to speak up about what’s going on in your mind, which is one of the biggest reasons why writing music can be very healing. It’s a chance to let someone know what you’re dealing with without the harsh confrontation. ‘Oh’ is a song that is best listened to alone in a cosy environment with a cup of tea in hand. Put your feet up, press play, and breathe.

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

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

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BzVgXc2yNPfmf3gvE7hUT

Bandcamp: https://lianahart.bandcamp.com/track/your-eyes

STORMY WEATHER – NEW SINGLE BY RIQI HARAWIRA TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FLOOD RELIEF IN HAWKES BAY

Riqi Harawira (Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa) releases today his reggae rock fusion track Stormy Weather. Written about his adopted home of Hawkes Bay and Cyclone Gabrielle, which devasted communities there and around Aotearoa, Stormy Weather tells a powerful and hopeful story of a community resilience and coming together to mend.

‘Lend a hand to those in need, yeah, plant the seeds.

Waiohiki, Esk Valley, Takami Makaurau, Te Awa, Ahuriri, Karanema, Omahu and Coromandel,

Taupo, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wairoa, Pakowahi, Tairawhiti, Tai Tokerau, Tangoio’

Riqi Harawira witnessed Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation firsthand, working as part of the Te Taiwhenua cleanup team in Hawkes Bay helping the Omahu and Waiohiki communities.

“My greatest desire as a songwriter is to uplift and inspire through music. I call it ‘Rongoa for the rohe, Rongoa for the people’ (medicine for the land, medication for the people). When I saw the rain had marked Te Mata Peak and it looked like the maunga was crying, I felt a calling to put pen to paper and use my skills to unite people for a common cause. I just couldn’t sit around and do nothing. So, I wrote a song with a hopeful narrative that will bring people from Hawkes Bay together and as a tribute to their resilience” said Riqi.

The Karanga featured in Stormy Weather is by whaea Dianne Hilton (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) from Te Hauke.

A testament to the power and importance of honouring those who have passed away, it serves as a traditional goodbye to those lost during Cyclone Gabrielle. This type of karanga, known as hui ora, expresses deep sadness for the living who have experienced death, sickness, and grief. It reminds us that we must not forget those who have passed away during Cyclone Gabrielle in the areas mentioned in the song and says that we celebrate and farewell them by coming together and returning to the marae of Hine-nui-te-pō. Even though we cannot be there physically, we can connect with them spiritually.

Stormy Weather was produced with the assistance from Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, Jonny Pipe Audio, Tom Pierard (drums), Caleb Robinson (Bass guitar), Chris Chetland (mastering) and Sam Henry vocalists.

All royalties/proceeds from the track will go to the charities I AM HOPE to provide counselling to impacted tamariki.

Riqi’s musical journey began as the lead guitarist and co-songwriter for the renowned band Dead Flowers. He now stands at the forefront of Māori fusion music, infusing performances with the beauty of Te Reo Māori and waiata Māori. In 2022 Riqi was a nominee for Best Male Solo Artist at the prestigious Waiata Māori Awards.  His music embodies diversity – a blending of different worlds and speaks of cultural harmony. While many of his songs are written in Indigenous Māori, they transcend language barriers through his electrifying delivery that feature, a fusion of traditional haka energy, exhilarating rock-style music from the 1980’s that echo the likes of guitar legends like Slash and Jimi Hendrix, and his commitment to his own homegrown unique sound.

Donate by purchasing via; BANDCAMP  /  SPOTIFY

Waikato-Tainui artist Theia announced as new Mātairangi Mahi Toi: Artist In Residence at Massey University

Award-winning singer and songwriter Theia ((Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tīpa) has been announced as the next Mātairangi Mahi Toi – Artist In Residence at Massey University in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).
 
Theia, who this year won the coveted Taite Prize for ‘Best Independent Album’ with her reo Māori project TE KAAHU, will be officially welcomed with a pōwhiri on to Te Rau Karamu Marae, Massey University Pukeahu campus on November 15.
 
The following night, on November 16, she will perform an intimate TE KAAHU show for students and staff from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts. There are also a small number of tickets available for members of the public. Click here for more info.

The Mātairangi Mahi Toi Residency was created by Toi Rauwhārangi in partnership with the office of the Governor General to support the development of Māori and Pacific visual arts and creative practices. Previous recipients of the residency include Troy Kingi, Horomona Horo and Lindah Lepou.

Through the generosity of the office of the Governor General artists were able to live and work in a house in the grounds of Government House. This year the college has partnered with Te Whare Hera to be able to continue the residency and provide a Māori artist with a paid opportunity to reside in Wellington and take full advantage of the world class facilities and resources available to them at Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts.

Theia is an enigmatic artist who effortlessly straddles the two worlds of her riot-pop namesake and her award-winning reo rangatira project, TE KAAHU. Both projects reflect her artistry and demonstrate a sharp wit and poetic beauty set to different sonic landscapes. Where her Theia bangers challenge and confront social injustices; TE KAAHU explores themes of spirituality, whakapapa and the environment.
 
Her catalogue in reo Pākehā has drawn a loyal fan base across the globe, receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Pigeons & Planes, Rolling Stone, Clash and Billboard Magazine. Her songs have earned her a multitude of nominations at the New Zealand Music Awards, the Waiata Māori Music Awards, the George FM Awards, as well as commercial radio play in NZ, Australia, and Asia, alongside local chart success.
 
TE KAAHU has also seen local and international success. Alongside being awarded the Taite Prize for Best Independent Debut, in the last 18 months TE KAAHU has been a finalist in the Rolling Stone NZ Awards, the AMAs, the APRA Maioha Award, the Waiata Māori Music Awards, and the Student Radio Network Awards. Theia has also toured TE KAAHU in Canada, performing at the iconic Calgary Folk Music Festival and Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife.
 
Theia is excited to take up the residency and is looking forward to completing her debut Theia album and writing new waiata for TE KAAHU during the residency.  “I’m honoured to join in the legacy of Mātairangi Mahi Toi for 2023/24 as both a proud young Waikato woman and a passionate composer and performer.”

News of the residency comes on the back of the critically acclaimed GIRL IN A SAVAGE WORLD Tour, which brought Theia and TE KAAHU together for the first time on the same stage. Although now officially over, Theia has just announced that she will present one final show for Auckland friends and fans, with an intimate performance at Freida Margolis in Grey Lynn on December 3. Only a few tickets remain for this show. Click here. 

Find TE KAAHU here:

Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube 

Find Theia here:

Instagram / Facebook / Website

Spotify / Apple / YouTube

Dynamic, queer Māori artist, Ardon England unveils energetic & powerful dance anthem ‘F.E.M Man’

Get ready to groove to the energetic beats of ‘F.E.M Man’, a hot new dance track & unapologetic celebration of queerness from multifaceted, queer Māori artist Ardon England (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ati Awa, Kahuranaki Marae).

Listen to F.E.M Man HERE

‘F.E.M Man’ (Feminine. Emotional. Masculine Man) transports you back to the iconic club techno vibes of the 2000s - with a modern twist. This infectious dance sensation is a joyful, high-energy experience that invites you to hit the dance floor and enjoy a memorable fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Following on from the artist’s popular debut track ‘Leather Daddy’, which was released earlier this year, ‘F.E.M Man’ is a powerful queer anthem calling for transcendence of societal limitations.

“‘F.E.M Man’ is a bold declaration of self-acceptance and embracing every facet of our identity as queer individuals,” says Ardon. “It challenges the reductive term ‘fem boy’ which has, in the past, confined individuals who embody their feminine energy into a limiting label, stripping away their masculinity.” The track is also confronting the impact religion has had on many of the LGBTQ+ community - including the artists own struggles attending a religious school. Ardon says he hopes the track will encourage conversations about the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ identity and celebrate resilience within the queer community. “Ultimately, I aim to initiate discussions that contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

Ardon says that having the track recorded, mixed and mastered in his hometown, Whanganui, allowed him to rewrite the challenges he experienced into a fun, creative, and empowering narrative. “It’s incredibly meaningful for me. This project is a tribute to growth, resilience, and the ability to turn adversity into art.”

Also released today is a powerful ‘F.E.M Man’ music video, filmed in St Augustine’s Church, Petone, Wellington by Mark Russke, The Renegade Peach Project and Lighting Fergus, Whanganui Tech Services. The team took the opportunity to reimagine what a church environment might be like if it embraced queer culture - blending elements of queer culture with religious symbolism. “The intention was to be bold, brave, and boundary-pushing in order to create a thought-provoking and impactful visual representation of the song's themes,” explains Ardon. “It was incredible to witness the willingness of numerous churches to offer their spaces for our video shoot. The transformation of these places over the years and their newfound openness was heartwarming and it was also important to us that we were respectful in how we operated in them. Striking the right balance was paramount. We aimed for a video that was both tasteful and respectful, all while effectively sharing my personal narrative.”

Watch the video HERE

Calling his music and live performance CAMPHOUSE - you can experience Ardon England LIVE at his single release party, 17 November, below the S&M Bar in Wellington with guest DJs Buddy Nice and Kandy. Limited tickets are available so be sure to secure your spot at Under The Radar HERE

A dynamic, queer, Māori creative, Ardon England has represented Aotearoa as a dancer & worked alongside some of our best dancers, entertainers & choreographers. He released his debut single ‘Leather Daddy’ early 2023, and with the release of ‘F.E.M Man’, it’s clear he’s just getting started! His music is inspired by his own experiences as a queer person in Aotearoa, and he aims to be the diverse, queer & inclusive representation in NZ’s House/Dance & electronic music scene.

Find Ardon England

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Spotify | Apple

Aotearoa-Sāmoan talent EMA I’U unveils powerful new RnB-pop single, ‘Flower of Life’ + SXSW Film Festival-selected music video

Following a world premiere of her music video at SXSW Sydney 2023, Aotearoa-Sāmoan musician, actor and poet EMA I'U has released her powerful new single + video, ‘Flower of Life’.

Listen to ‘Flower of Life’ HERE

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, EMA I'U (pronounced Emma ee ‘u) aka Ema Barton is a performer with a powerful presence, undeniable skill as a vocalist and talent as a songwriter. It’s really no wonder that the music video for her catchy new RnB-pop single ‘Flower of Life’ was selected to premiere at the 2023 SXSW Sydney Film Festival.

Set in a sci-fi dystopian future - post climate catastrophe, the video shows Aotearoa as the last inhabitable place on Earth, where a gifted prisoner (EMA I’U) escapes; seeking the repatriation of an ancestral treasure to lead the remnants of humanity to salvation. It’s a visual feast that showcases Ema’s range of talents and celebrates her roots in the South Pacific.

“The video captures the magic, mystery, universal and retro-futuristic nature of this song,” says Ema. “There are a lot of layers, symbols and metaphors threaded throughout, and to have some of my culture, aiga and the beauty of Aotearoa showcased in this story…well, I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Made in collaboration with Director Francis Baker and a creative team of over 25 professionals, the video had a long development phase and was made with the support of NZ on Air Pasifika, and a Boosted x Moana / CNZ crowdfunding campaign.

“I’m so thankful for the support from our communities. It was hard mahi to make, and such an epic collective effort.”

Mixing contemporary and ancient sounds and concepts, Ema says both song and video are the start of her journey to connecting to her Moana roots. “This song is moving more in the direction of where I feel the birth of EMA I’U really begins. Call it woo-woo, but for this one I feel like we have evoked something ethereal and mixed it with some dense primal energy to get the body, heart, mind and soul moving. It’s a RnB pop track with some Age of Aquarius activation.”

‘Flower of Life’ follows two previously released singles from EMA I’U  - ‘Midnight Mistress’ and ‘Top Shelf’. All songs were worked on alongside producer Nathan Judd (Producer of the Year, Pacific Music Awards 2021) at Rageous Records Studio, as part of a NZOA New Music Development Project - and with the promise of more to come, it’s clear EMA I’U is just getting started!

Listen to ‘Flower of Life’ HERE

Find EMA I’U

Website | Instagram​ | ​TikTok | ​Facebook​ | Spotify
Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Apple Music |  ​YouTube

AARADHNA STUNS WITH SPECTACULAR VISUALS FOR ‘SHE’

Today, Aaradhna unveils the music video for SHE, her long-awaited return after a 7 year hiatus. An uncompromising, cinematic and beautiful piece of art - SHE speaks to Aaradhna’s spirit and womanhood, with layers that are equal parts darkness and light. The video delivers her music with intensity and instinct, calling out her heritage and taking full ownership of her creativity.

“SHE pays homage to my roots. It’s a reminder that I hold power, a song to never forget what is inside me, my truth, my strength.” - Aaradhna

The epic video is Directed and Produced by award-winning and acclaimed Anahera Parata, who has a long history of highlighting indigenous excellence. Her credits include SWIDT’s Bunga, which won Best Music Video at the AMA Artisan Awards, alongside videos for Louis Baker, Tipene and Yoko-Zuna.   Director of Photography and Editor is Brandon Te Moananui.

Reggae Artist Luke Whaanga releases first studio album “Home"

Luke Whaanga releases his first studio album “Home” which showcases his range and powerhouse voice. 

Luke’s recent heart surgery has led to new reflections, including “That this is only the beginning.  As long as my hearts got a beat – so will I".  He also adds that this album has been a long time coming and it’s finally here.  A whole album with my name on it and it feels so good” says Luke. 

Luke’s first album “Home” represents his return to the stage after a five year break.  “Home isn’t four walls and a ceiling, it’s a feeling, and Home for me is on a stage” says Luke. 

Now an independent artist Luke is looking to spread his wings and explore different types of music. Reggae roots will always be my happy place but I want to see what else I can do.  I just want to give it a go. I’ll never know if I don’t try. 

Funkedified is the focus track for this Album.  The song is intended to bring back some old school.  “They don’t make songs like they used to, so I wanted to bring back some funk and soul and put a little jiggle to your wiggle.  This song gets you to release your mind and get funkedified” adds Luke.

Luke is well known for his powerhouse vocals and kiwi classics such as Souljah Feeling and Irie Music and his time in Tomorrow People and on NZ Idol.  His more recent release success was Ūkaipō/Home, which is nearly at two million streams on Spotify and additionally, an adapted version for this year’s Warriors legendary season which is also included on this Album.

Release date – 10 November 2023 on all DRM digital platforms.  Pre-save link https://found.ee/Home-LW  

This is the first of many more albums to come.  Luke is thankful for the support of his little team and his loyal fans.  More Jah.

 New Album - "Home" song list

1. Ūkaipō / Home -  An Aotearoa anthem, a call to come home.  Hoki mai ki te Ukaipo.    

2. Human Eyes -  This song is for all who are struggling and in need of spiritual help.  When you hear this waiata just know that there are people here to tautoko you.  Music could be the healer and I want people who are struggling during dark times to know that they are not alone.    

3. Funkedified - is about bringing back some old school funk and soul.  They don't make songs like they used to so this waiata gets you to release your mind, put a little jiggle in your wiggle and get funkedified.    Teaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00rzfN9c-UQ 

4. Crazy Love - takes you on a ride on a rocket ship that frees your mind in a universe surrounded by feel good music.  When the music is good you can feel good enough everywhere.   Teaser - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzoKCjI5YBw  

5. Rize Up - Is about invigorating your inner vibrations to bring more love, more peace and more jah.  

6. Together -  created to bring more joy, more connection and more love through music - our universal language.  After a few years of being separated by a pandemic, divided by our beliefs, this is a message of hope and unity.  It's a gentle reminder that - together - we are stronger.  

7. Miracles - This song appreciates the miracles around us every day.  In each moment we are given an opportunity to see every day as more than what we see on the surface level.  We are miracles in our own right, along with the experience of life.  To see everything as a miracle makes you appreciate everything, and to see everything in its miraculous nature is to experience miracles in the most unsuspecting ways.  We are all miracles

8. Ūkaipō (Warriors version) - Welcome home boys.  2023 - What a year.  UP THE WAHS!!!!  

Luke Whaanga social media links

·       Youtube www.youtube.com/@lukewhaanga

·       Facebook www.facebook.com/lukewhaangaartist

·       Instagram www.instagram.com/luke.whaanga/

·       Tiktok  www.tiktok.com/@lukewhaanga

·       Website: www.lukewhaanga.co.nz