Aotearoa’s Ra Charmian band delivers moving tribute with new release ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’
Tāmaki Makaurau-based band Ra Charmian have today released their new single + video ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ - a stunning te reo Māori interpretation of ‘What a Wonderful World’.
Tāmaki Makaurau-based band Ra Charmian have today released their new single + video ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ - a stunning te reo Māori interpretation of ‘What a Wonderful World’.
Listen to ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ HERE
Conjuring up summer, whānau and bringing people together, ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ is based on the Māori mythology of Ranginui and Papatuanuku. Lead singer Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) explains that it’s also a dedication to how beautiful the world is and taking time to appreciate it. “Aotearoa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and we can get so caught up in ourselves that we forget to appreciate it sometimes,” says Ra.
“I first sang this at a Matariki event, and it went down so well we thought we had to record and release it. Our friend Dixon Nacey came over for a jam and, between the three of us, we wrote the arrangement you hear today.” Recorded at Lopdell House in Titirangi, Tāmaki Makaurau, ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ was mixed/produced at the bands home studio and is sure to quickly become an Aotearoa treasure this summer and beyond.
Something else that inspired the waiata, was the passing this year of both Ra and fellow band member/husband Hayden Booth’s fathers. They say that performing ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ helped them move through their grief and feel grateful for the time they had with their Dads - and appreciate the time they have with those still alive.
Also being released today is a special music video. It features footage taken at Tauwhara Marae, as well as beautiful footage of Aotearoa and a glimpse into the bands life travelling and performing. “It was made by Hayden and a big part of the video is capturing the essence of the Marae - whānau, love & connection. It was taken behind-the-scenes during my Dad’s Tangi, which was a big event. Tauwhara is a magical place, with children running around freely, singalongs, stories and amazing kai (my cousins are awesome cooks!)”
Watch the video HERE
Ra Charmian Toia-Booth is a performer and vocalist who performed around the world for almost 10 years before returning to Aotearoa. Since being back she’s been a featured artist on RNZ, Air NZ and radio stations around the country, as well as performing on TV and radio - including being the voice for the 2023 NZ Radio Award-winning jingle ‘You’ve Sure Got A Friend In The Breeze’. Hayden Booth is also an experienced musician who has toured and performed internationally for many years - playing in bands opening for the likes of John Mayer, Jools Holland and Paul Weller. Hayden has won 2 international awards for his media production work.
He’s also known as one of the best guitarists around and has played on many TV and radio ads over the years.
Ra and Hayden are excited to be releasing their music and, with an album in the works, ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ is a wonderful way to be introduced to Ra Charmian. Listen and follow now!
Listen to ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
HINA releases sophomore project ‘Omen’
Aotearoa songstress HINA has released her second body of work, mini album ‘Omen’, following a dynamic live debut at a packed out Raynham Park on Tamaki Makaurau’s K’ Rd.
Aotearoa songstress HINA has released her second body of work, mini album ‘Omen’, following a dynamic live debut at a packed out Raynham Park on Tamaki Makaurau’s K’ Rd.
The 6-track collection of songs speaks to the dark renewal of a new moon - the death of the idea of self and the rebirth that can follow from that experience.
‘Omen’ is released hot on the tails of receiving an APRA Maioha Award earlier this year for ‘Me Pēhea Rā’ written with Mohi Allen, Noema Te Hau III, and Hēmi Kelly. Both the award and this project are a testimony to HINA’s evolving artistry.
Co-produced with award-winning producer Greg Haver, this new record showcases a more mature approach to HINA’s songwriting and composition.
“Omen” is out now on all streaming platforms with physicals available for purchase on Bandcamp. Keep in touch @hinabeaming
DEBUT LP "EDYONTHEBEAT" BY RISING STAR EDY: A TEASER OF THE FUTURE OF R&B IN AOTEAROA
Pacific Music Award-nominated producer EDY is thrilled to announce the long-awaited release of his debut album, EDYONTHEBEAT LP. This album is a soulful journey into the heart of R&B, a testament to EDY's love for the genre.
Pacific Music Award-nominated producer EDY is thrilled to announce the long-awaited release of his debut album, EDYONTHEBEAT LP. This album is a soulful journey into the heart of R&B, a testament to EDY's love for the genre.
An artistic metamorphosis, EDYONTHEBEAT LP is a carefully curated blend of innovation and classic R&B. The tracklist provides a lyrical narrative and a sonic journey, echoing the sentiments and aspirations of an artist on the rise. The album features tracks with frequent collaborators and friends including Sam V, HALES, JARNA, BKIDD, LNGSLV, XUZZ, William Singe, Amila, Hamo Dell, and ELENA.
EDYONTHEBEAT LP isn't just an album; it's a testament to the artist's unwavering dedication to music. “This album is music for musicians,” says EDY. “I want musicians here to tune in and hear my work because I’m a producer first. I want to connect with people who enjoy tuning into the production process and R&B.”
The album’s focus track, “Breathe” ft. William Singe is another nuanced and personal song following his recent singles, “Help Myself” and “Have You Ever?”. EDY shares, “The song is about taking your time with love. It highlights the inner impulsiveness inside of us, and often we have to fight those urges to protect ourselves from emotional harm.”
At the heart of EDY’s work lies a profound mission: to create a musical legacy that resonates with his generation and help pave the way for aspiring young Kiwi-Asian musicians. Previously a full-time secondary school teacher at Avondale College and now a part-time mentor at Papatoetoe High School, EDY’s love for the education sector has led him to present annual workshops titled “Schools 2 Studios Initiative”, which focuses on allowing secondary school students from lower decile schools to work alongside leading industry mentors to upskill in the creative process.
At just 26 years old, EDY has already etched an indelible mark on Aotearoa’s music landscape. With an impressive discography, he has earned two nominations for "Best Producer" at the prestigious Pacific Music Awards in 2021 and 2023, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. EDY has also lent his production prowess to two-time Pacific Music Award-winning artist Sam V, cementing his reputation as a go-to collaborator in the industry.
As EDY's repertoire and fan base expand, it's clear that his music resonates deeply with a generation yearning for authentic, relatable experiences. EDYONTHEBEAT LP is a beacon of his artistic evolution, signalling a new phase in his career. The album mirrors the pulse of EDY’s generation, packaged in the slick, soulful, and sultry conventions of the R&B genre.
Emerging Reggae Band 'MIRAGE' Release their second Single ‘Kotahitanga’ (Uprising)
'MIRAGE' .. following the recent successful release of their debut track ‘He whakakitenga mou’ are releasing a fresh new waiata ‘Kotahitanga’ which translates to ‘Uprising’.
'MIRAGE' .. following the recent successful release of their debut track ‘He whakakitenga mou’ are releasing a fresh new waiata ‘Kotahitanga’ which translates to ‘Uprising’.
This talented three-piece group from Tauranga, 'Mirage' are a reggae band building an audience around Aotearoa. The band are Ben Horlock (Ngāti Porou / Ngāi Te Rangi) 20 years on vocals, Jahvyn Douglas (Ngāi Te Rangi) 18 years, on bass and Benji Seiuli (Samoa /Aotearoa) 19 years on drums/keys.
The track 'Kotahitanga' was written by lead singer Ben, and the band's bass player Jahvyn has again translated the group’s inspired lyrics into Te Reo Maori. Ben says "this track is about the unity of the people... all of us walking and working together for change...we gotta turn things around, just because at the moment, this world we live in feels like craziness is happening every other day. Make a change, for us the people and have some sort of uprising…”
MIRAGE continues to build their momentum with various features on radio, online and releasing more music to build their fanbase. Their recent debut single release had just over 8000 views on Youtube...
Lead singer Ben recently appeared in Rolling Stone Magazine November edition alongside Tiki Taane, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Troy Kingi, Boh Runga and other notable musicians as part of the magazine essay profile on world renowned music photographer Chris Cuffaro.
The group is in collaboration talks with some leading reggae artists and producers (i.e. Christian Tjandrawinata / Blue Eyed Maori), exciting things ahead for MIRAGE…watch this space!!!
Catch Mirage live at 'One Love' Jan27 /28 2024 in Tauranga on both Saturday and Sunday!! To enhance their live show, the band will soon add more members to their line up in 2024, First up is Jacob Roos (Ngāpuhi) on guitar and drums.
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JUJULIPPS presents Get That Shot EP alongside title track
After a year of going from strength to strength, on November 24, one of 2023’s most anticipated releases, Jujulipps’ Get That Shot EP will be unleashed on the world in her increasingly celebrated bombastic style.
Jujulipps, the supremely talented and larger than life Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, New Zealand) based rapper and hip-hop artist, is back! After a year of going from strength to strength, on November 24, one of 2023’s most anticipated releases, Jujulipps’ Get That Shot EP will be unleashed on the world in her increasingly celebrated bombastic style.
Releasing alongside the Get That Shot EP is the final single and title track, a song of encouragement and pursuit which punches with urgency and ferocity.
“I want ‘Get That Shot’ to be a call out for everyone to believe in themselves and take that first step,” says Jujulipps. “While it isn’t always easy following your dreams, everyone has the power to take that first step. It can seem daunting to put yourself out there, but it’s necessary in order to learn, grow, and elevate to become the person you want to be. ‘Get That Shot’ explores the doubt I’ve felt from myself and others when I was starting out. Thankfully, I don’t care too much about people’s perceptions, pushed forward and took that shot. I’d love to see others find it within themselves to also GET THAT SHOT.”
Much like everything that Jujulipps puts her mind to, the music video for ‘Get That Shot’ (directed by the talented Tom Grut) is powerful, playful, and effortlessly cool.
Of the video, Jujulipps says “it was such a dope process! Tom and I had the opportunity to really dive deeply into what this track meant to me and what I wanted to portray. When you see me standing on top of the meteor, that depicts shooting for the moon and how the world is mine. Writing on the bedroom walls illustrates my journey as a young woman and artist navigating all the different scenes. Then we play with the constant pressures of coming up as a new artist by showing me being bombarded by the reporters flashing cameras and demanding attention, Importantly, I also got to work with amazing hair stylist Paida Machakaire from Kunaka Hair x Beauty to create the gorgeous hairdos. It was such an honour working with an authentic African hair braiding artist for my work.”
The Get That Shot EP features tracks such as ‘Saucy’, which has already achieved extensive success on the New Zealand Official Music Charts, Hot 20 NZ Singles, and the Student Radio Network, and ‘Airplane Mode,’ which won the 2023 Student Radio Network Award for Te Tōtahi Toa (Favourite Single), and premiered in Rolling Stone. They described Jujulipps as “a dynamic and fearless rapper, a layered and intertextual artist, [who] carries it all out in self-assured style.”
On the release of the Get That Shot EP, Jujulipps says she feels “ecstatic. Some of these songs have been in the vault for so long and I feel genuine delight now I finally have the work that myself, Abraham Kunin, Luke Berryman and the Bigpop team have worked so hard on out in the world.
“The running theme throughout the EP is of encouragement and pursuit,” says Jujulipps. “There will always be obstacles as well as trials and hardships, but the end result after taking those daunting first steps is always so rewarding. It fills me with so much pride knowing there was a time when I was afraid of standing where I am now. The only reason I am where I am is because I took those first scary steps and said yes.”
It’s been a massive year of live performances for Jujulipps, with some of her many feats including gracing the stages of Bigsound and SXSW, Cuba Dupa, the Nelson Arts Festival, and the APRA AMCOS Silver Scrolls Awards, not to mention opening for Sudan Archives at the Powerstation, and Melodownz at Auckland’s iconic Hollywood Avondale. Anyone who has had the pleasure to witness Jujulipps perform the tracks off Get That Shot live at one of the many incredible performances of the year knows she is definitely not one to miss.
“When I perform these songs I feel so empowered,” she says. “It’s always a great time to be performing and to be able to have that energy exchange with the audience. When I’m performing a track like ‘Get That Shot’ it’s super empowering having people really listen to the lyrics and get into it.”
The Get That Shot EP is produced by Abraham Kunin, and mixed by Luke Berryman. It’s a culmination of a lot of hard work, big ideas and dedication, which Jujulipps now reflects on.
“Making this EP was a character-building journey. The things I know now I would have never known a year ago. I’ve learnt lessons, had many wins, had some losses, but at every step of the way I have been ready for each outcome. I’m grateful to have had so much support during this time. This journey has been a great insight into where my artistry can go and it’s made me even more excited for where life will take me. I’ve learnt to trust myself and to venture into territories I didn’t think I would’ve before. It’s such a blessing as that’s all ‘Get That Shot’ is about. It’s been a wild ride and I really can’t wait for more!”
The Get That Shot EP, alongside its title track, releases November 24, 2023 via Aotearoa New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.
Mazbou Q and King Green Unite in Powerful Drill Track 'CLRS'
Rapper Mazbou Q is making waves with his powerful new drill track and music video, 'CLRS,' from his ongoing project 'The Sum of Unfinished Businesses.’
Rapper Mazbou Q is making waves with his powerful new drill track and music video, 'CLRS,' from his ongoing project 'The Sum of Unfinished Businesses.' Joining forces with Washington DC-based Hip-hop artist and content creator, King Green, this collaboration proves to be a magnificent union for both artists.
Watch 'CLRS here
King Green, known for his past collaborations, including a feature with renowned rapper Eminem on the 2018 track 'Caterpillar' by Royce Da 5'9, brings a dynamic energy to 'CLRS.' As the frontman of the indie rock/rap group RDGLDGRN, who have collaborated with notable artists such as Dave Grohl and Pharrell Williams, King Green's artistry perfectly compliments Mazbou Q's kaupapa.
In 'CLRS,' Mazbou Q delivers an important message to those experiencing internal conflict due to colonialism, white supremacy and encourages them to resist by unifying instead.
Mazbou Q Shares “CLRS’ is pronounced ‘Colours’, but omits vowels to indicate unity between the different spellings. The inclusion of the main colours red, green, and black, symbolising the Pan-African flag, further reinforces the song's message as a powerful statement of unity.” This is a timely release for the rapper with current situations in Palestine and Sudan - both of whom use Red, Black and Green in their flags.
The release of 'CLRS' follows Mazbou Q's successful Rap Science US College Tour, where he captivated audiences with his captivating performances and Rap Science content. Invited to esteemed institutions such as Louisiana State University, Southern University (HBCU), Berklee College of Music, and Harvard University, Mazbou Q's talent and presence left a lasting impact. Notably, his social media following skyrocketed from 9k to an impressive 50k followers within a month, thanks to a viral clip discussing the application of 'hemiola,' a rhythm theory concept, to rap.
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Tāmaki Makaurau Based Artist Kédu Releases Mesmerising Single "Everyday"
With the release of her latest single, "Everyday," artist Kédu takes listeners on an immersive journey through a melange of musical genres, including soul, RnB, and an electronic soundscape. Crafting an experience that invokes the essence of a nostalgic summer romance.
With the release of her latest single, "Everyday," artist Kédu takes listeners on an immersive journey through a melange of musical genres, including soul, RnB, and an electronic soundscape. Crafting an experience that invokes the essence of a nostalgic summer romance.
This track beautifully merges Kédu’s diverse influences, combining soothing vocals, evocative lyricism, and a symphony of rich instrumental elements, all laced with soul-stirring beats.
“Everyday” weaves a rich array of emotions through nuanced lyricism and symbolic expression. Its electronic symphonies and dreamlike backing vocalisations transcend temporal boundaries, creating an ethereal sonic sound that resonates across time and space.
To experience the mesmerising allure of "Everyday," listen to the track here: https://kedu.ffm.to/everyday
In breaking down the inspiration behind this song, Kédu reflects “I wanted to write a song that describes the feelings of my first serious wlw relationship and the obsessive thoughts that came with it. The track follows me reminiscing on details of moments spent together as well as thinking of moments to come”
"Everyday" is a self-produced gem, with backing vocals and guitar performed by Lola Stoodley, drums by Cory Champion, and masterfully mixed and mastered by Benny Tones. This collaborative effort has resulted in a seamless fusion of talents, enriching the song's narrative and emotional depth.
“Everyday” marks a pivotal moment in Kédu's journey, serving as the first track from her upcoming body of work.
Kédu, otherwise known as Jess Penson, is a multi-faceted musician who has explored many aspects of her musicality throughout her career. She began her musical journey as a member of the RnB girl group Techniclr before venturing into electronic music as one half of the producer, DJ, and live electronic performance duo Kédu Carlö. Her eclectic taste in music is reflected in her sound, which draws from genres such as Jazz, Soul and RnB, as well as her love for electronic soundscapes and synth based music. Kédu has had the opportunity to perform with artists such as Nathan Haines and Flamingo Pier, showcasing her versatility as a musician and her ability to adapt to different styles. With her unique blend of genres, Kédu creates a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
Follow Kédu Here:
New Zealand Dream-Rock Band Lunar Intruder Take on Isolation & Self-Doubt, With Euphoric New Single ‘House’
Blissfully uniting layers of guitar, bass, drums and vocals, throughout a soul searching exploration of loneliness and insecurity, Christchruch four-piece Lunar Intruder present the sublime new single ‘House’
Blissfully uniting layers of guitar, bass, drums and vocals, throughout a soul searching exploration of loneliness and insecurity, Christchruch four-piece Lunar Intruder present the sublime new single ‘House’ paired with a Melancholic music video directed by Amber Beaton set for release via VEVO on 8 December 2023.
Gifting a reverb-kissed embrace akin to shoegaze but with an overall brightness and clear passion to the build-up and leading vocal, ‘House’ feels like a timeless classic as it pours through - the sentiments and melodies intertwining beautifully to bring forth a fine balance between the deeply personal and the broadly relatable.
Combining the talents of rhythm guitarist and singer Cameron Buyers, bassist Matthew Genet, lead guitarist Max Wolvekamp, and drummer Ricki Allan, Lunar Intruder follow up their vastly streamed single ‘What You Wanted’, with an enchanting fusion of evocative intentions and pure musical connection.
Releasing 24 November 2023 the profoundly metaphorical ‘House’ relays a bold sense of vulnerability and contemplation, but juxtaposes this realness and grit with a clear warmth of melody and arrangement.
Promising a refreshing balance of fearless honesty and passionate conviction at the helm, Lunar Intruder have been making waves online and throughout the live scenes of Aotearoa this year, amassing thousands of monthly listeners. With the release of ‘House’, the third single from their upcoming and highly anticipated album, that reach is set to extend all the more so.
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