TAMI NEILSON TO PLAY GOLDIE ESTATE
A special Christmas holidays afternoon on Waiheke Island with Tami Neilson and her Hot Rockin’ Band of Rhythm, and Waiheke's own Americana duo, Dollface, opening the show!
A special Christmas holidays afternoon on Waiheke Island with Tami Neilson and her Hot Rockin’ Band of Rhythm, and Waiheke's own Americana duo, Dollface, opening the show!
Award-winning country soul singer-songwriter Tami Neilson and her Hot Rockin’ Band of Rhythm are set to entertain a vineyard full of holiday making concertgoers at Goldie Estate on Dec 27th.
For more than a decade, Tami Neilson has been queen of New Zealand's country music scene, with countless accolades and achievements to her name, including six New Zealand Best Country Album Awards, three Best Country Song Awards, the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll for excellence in songwriting and a Grammy Award nomination for her most recent record, Kingmaker.
She has also built up a loyal fan base who know they're guaranteed one hell of a show when it comes to her live performances, and that's certainly what's in store for the event at Goldie Estate.
“The Kiwi queen remains an imperious talent.” Neil Spencer, The Guardian
“Neilson is at the forefront of the women who are taking back country music. This is the Album of the Year.” No Depression
“Vocals with the swagger of a feral Peggy Lee. Immensely touching.”
Mojo - 4 Stars
Waiheke duo Dollface are an Americana powerhouse, beloved to local audiences on the island.
In 2016, Katy Soljak and George Gardner found synergy in their songwriting and love for country/Americana music, and thus Dollface was born. Their melodic harmonies, backed by twin guitars, are a treat on any stage.
“We call it Americana,” says Soljak. “We’re a bit bluesy, country and a little bit jazzy at times, with a few harmonies and George’s blues harp thrown in.” Gardner says, “We’re excited to be opening for Tami - we’re huge fans! And Goldie is a fantastic venue for live music.”
Catch them warming up the stage for Tami on 27th December!
About the event:
Goldie Estate
18 Causeway Road
Surfdale
Waiheke Island 1081
Gates open at 2:00pm
Water is allowed to be brought in; drinks and food to be purchased at the vineyard.
Goldie Estate is a licensed restaurant, and will provide a range of reasonably-priced food and drinks.
Free water stations will be on-site.
Bring a blanket, and dress for outdoor conditions: sunhat, sunscreen, jacket, etc. Shade is minimal on the gorgeous hill atop Goldie Estate!
Kids 5 and under are free
Transportation:
Please bicycle, walk or take public transportation to Goldie Estate. There is no on-site parking, and illegally-parked cars might be ticketed. Your neighbours live on Causeway Road - please consider them in your decision-making.
Youth talent on display in new SongCatcher compilation EP
"SongCatcher and Youthtown are thrilled to announce the release of the SongCatcher/Youthtown EP Volume 1 on November 21 2023.
"SongCatcher and Youthtown are thrilled to announce the release of the SongCatcher/Youthtown EP Volume 1 on November 21 2023.
Creator and founder of SongCatcher, Jackie Bristow, has been mentoring a host of young songwriting talent from the Central Lakes District who feature in this collection, singing their own songs and writing songs that connect with their own age group. All songs have been written though Jackie's creative songwriting programme SongCatcher.
Jackie says "it was super-exciting for the kids to write songs they’re connected to for their age group, although these gorgeous pop songs have genuine crossover appeal for adults too. I have designed SongCatcher to be a ‘find your happy place’ and I am so proud of the girls and these songs.”
SongCatcher, supported by Youthtown, aims to empower children and young people, supporting emerging artists through songwriting experiences to help build their creative identity through music."
ANGITŪ "777"
In the heart of New Zealand's vibrant musical landscape, Angitū, a Māori-led musical collective, unveils their debut masterpiece, "777."
ANGITŪ SHAKES UP THE NZ MUSIC SCENE WITH
"777": A JOURNEY INTO NEW ZEALAND'S MUSICAL FRONTIER
In the heart of New Zealand's vibrant musical landscape, Angitū, a Māori-led musical collective, unveils their debut masterpiece, "777." This enchanting single represents international love, utilising powerful vocals, romantic guitar licks and introducing heavy 808s, creating a genre-defying experience that shakes the very foundations of the music industry.
Angitū is no stranger to pushing boundaries, seamlessly blending an array of Rnb, surf and pysch rock with raw sexual energy and a captivating stage presence. Their unique blend of sounds not only pays homage to their Māori & rock band roots but also sets a new standard for musical innovation in Aotearoa.
At the core of Angitū's ethos is a commitment to dynamism and evolution. With every song, the band orchestrates a unique and unpredictable journey, constantly switching band members and instrumentalists. "777" is a testament to this commitment, offering a musical odyssey that is both daring and intoxicating.
"With “777”, I wrote the song about forbidden fruit - a girl I fell in love with, who flew back to her healthy & stable relationship on a Boeing 777. With “777” we set out to challenge musical norms and create an relatable experience that defies genre. It's about embracing the unexpected and celebrating the things you hold dear." - Taiwere, 2023.
Dive into “777” on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube and more.
XILE ANNOUNCE SUPPORT ACTS FOR HUGE SUMMER TOUR!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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:
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).
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