Delaney Davidson to release 10th Solo Studio Album “Out Of My Head “ March 22nd 2024, With Chamber Music New Zealand Tour
What does 10th solo studio album mean to a man standing on the precipice of 50 as his touring world territory cross fades into his house and backyard? Out Of My Head presents songs written over the global pandemic lockdown period with Davidson navigating the personal political landscape he seems to feel at home in.
First Single out December 1st 2023 “Don’t Walk Away From Love”
Listen/ Buy the first single “Don’t Walk Away From Love” Here
Pre Save the Album “Out Of My Head” Here
And Here On Bandcamp from December 24th
Pre Order Vinyl and CD’s From these Great NZ Record Stores:
JBhiFi | Southbound | Flying Nun | Marbecks | Flying Out
Delaney Davidson “Out Of My Head"
What does 10th solo studio album mean to a man standing on the precipice of 50 as his touring world territory cross fades into his house and backyard?
Out Of My Head presents songs written over the global pandemic lockdown period with Davidson navigating the personal political landscape he seems to feel at home in.
Mortally convinced, skeptically tender, reflective, yearning, gravitas and anguish, need, forgiveness, wry self-acceptance, frustration and release. We run the gamut from rage and despair to protection and love. Spells to conjure a lover in a moonlit dreamscape. Intimate whisperings in the close darkness. Velvet dark water and silver.
Co producer Mark Perkins (Merk) brings his own luscious synth atmospheres to Davidsons songs, giving a cinematic and deluxe feel to the album. Guest appearances from Marlon Williams (Drive Me Wild) and Reb Fountain (Heaven Is Falling) help fill the role call with Davidsons voice coming into its own.
“I have always helped other people like Tami, Marlon and Troy Kingi make these rich albums and when I asked Mark to come co produce with me I think what I was really wanting to do was finally make one of these albums for myself.
Recorded in Kurow and Diamond Harbour (New Zealand), the songs were written largely by Davidson with notable co-writes Hayley Westenra, Sam Scott, Marlon Williams and Miranda Eastern.
Given the time to stand still in his globetrotting schedule produces a rare album from Davidson and Out Of My Head presents a body of work that makes up a poised and polished album.
Embarking on a journey through Chamber Music New Zealand’s CMNZ Series, Davidson’s performance will be elevated to new heights with the integration of a string ensemble, providing audiences with a distinctive opportunity to immerse themselves the rich sounds that truly complements and enhances the album’s essence.
Chamber Music New Zealand Presents : Delaney Davidson - Out Of My Head Tour
April 4 Nelson Theatre Royal
April 5 Hawkes Bay Toitoi, Hawkes Bay Arts and Events Centre
April 19 Wellington Public Trust Hall
April 20 Auckland Rangitira, Q Theatre
April 27 Christchurch Great Hall
Ticket info :www.delaneydavidson.com
Website | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp
JINGLE BEATZ! Aotearoa’s very first Afro-Kiwi Christmas concert!
Afro-Kiwi Holiday concert ready to bring you Christmas cheer with a difference! Black Creatives Aotearoa (BCA) is excited to partner with UBUNTU (specialising in events, home decor and accessories) to bring you JINGLE BEATZ! Aotearoa’s very first Afro-Kiwi Christmas concert!
Afro-Kiwi Holiday concert ready to bring you Christmas cheer with a difference!
Black Creatives Aotearoa (BCA) is excited to partner with UBUNTU (specialising in events, home decor and accessories) to bring you
JINGLE BEATZ! Aotearoa’s very first Afro-Kiwi Christmas concert!
Produced by Jane Benney and with musical direction by Thabani Gapara, the 90 minute concert will showcase six exceptional performers from the Afro-Kiwi community. These include Mazbou Q, Domingo Candelario, Jane Benney, Nesu, Munashe Tapfuya, Keshia and Layla Pitt and will feature a range of songs including Silent Night, The Little Drummer Boy, Do You Hear What I Hear, This Christmas and many more.
For Benney, whose experience over the past two decades has included a rich portfolio as a singer and actress, this concert is particularly meaningful to her:
“For most of my life, Christmas and the holiday season has been populated with songs that were distinctly characterised by white Christmases’ and snow bells, however, an African Christmas in Aotearoa promises to bring the heartbeat, the DRUMBEAT - of Africa to the jingle bell rock of yore.”
Musical Director and Jazz Musician Thabani Gapara is equally excited to bring this collection of African talent together, especially as it offers a glimpse into how classic Christmas songs can get an exhilarating African-makeover.
“This is going to be an exceptional event that celebrates the joy of Christmas and the holiday season with a community of outstanding artists in a completely novel way,” he says.
Gapara is creating unique arrangements for each singer to complement their style and voice and is drawing upon influences from hip-hop, afro-beat, R&B, Mbaqanga and Zouk and more.
The event will also feature a phenomenal five-piece live band; musicians Warren Duncan, Jay Moyo, Vion Slinger, Nesu on guitar, and of course Thabani Gapara himself on the saxophone to share the sounds of the African diaspora with an Auckland audience, and hosted by MC Menzi Mdwara. The evening will conclude with a lively set by one of Aotearoa’s best DJ’s: DJ ORIKoL, guaranteed to have you dancing into the night!
Tickets available via Eventbrite HERE
JINGLEBEATZ! will be taking place at 8pm on the 9th December at Anthology Lounge, K Road, Auckland. Tickets available here: https://tinyurl.com/JingleBeatz
Volts Unveil Electrifying New Single: This All Ends Tonight
Powerhouse rock band Volts gears up to release their highly anticipated single, This All Ends Tonight. This electrifying anthem is set to smash the airwaves.
Powerhouse rock band Volts gears up to release their highly anticipated single, This All Ends Tonight. This electrifying anthem is set to smash the airwaves.
With an unmistakable fusion of high energy music and soul-stirring melodies, Volts has carved a niche for themselves in the national music scene. This All Ends Tonight is poised to be a game-changer, showcasing the band's evolution in style and sound.
About the Song:
Lead vocalist Lorna Coll shares insight into the inspiration behind the single, stating, "This song is a about confronting the dark times we all feel sometimes and emerging into the light.” This All Ends Tonight is a sonic embodiment of the transformative power that lies within all of us.
The lyrics will take listeners on journey, set against a backdrop of cutting guitar riffs, rolling bass lines, and edgy vocals that define Volts' signature sound.
About Volts: Volts are a dynamic alternative rock band, known for their raw rock sound and high-octane live performances. Comprised of five fiercely talented individuals, Volts have released a string of rock radio hits and performed throughout New Zealand at range of major festivals including: The Rock 2000 @ Spark Arena, and Electric Avenue.
Catch them on tour this summer on tour supporting UK rockstars The Darkness and at Rock the Park NYE and Homegrown Festival 2024.
Stay Tuned: This All Ends Tonight is set to drop on Wednesday 6th December, and the single will be available on all major streaming platforms.
Connect with Volts:
BRIAN BAKER RELEASES NEW EP - “LEAN INTO IT”
New Zealand guitarist/producer BRIAN BAKER celebrates the release of his latest mini EP, “LEAN INTO IT”, produced and recorded at his Kaipara based studio facility.
New Zealand guitarist/producer BRIAN BAKER celebrates the release of his latest mini EP, “LEAN INTO IT”, produced and recorded at his Kaipara based studio facility.
The last release of 2023 for Brian Baker is a double header - and both instrumental tracks to boot. “LEAN INTO IT” has been ensconced in his live set from it’s inception. A ridiculously up vibe, toe tapping guitar rip snorter! Shades of Herbie Hancock mixed with a little Stevie Ray Vaughn. An up beat number where guitar licks optimistically sing out over an old school hip hop feel. The perfect TV theme for that show about the grimy Edinburgh streets hosting the comedy duo’s first tour.
But wait there’s more…Brian has covered Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “MERRY CHRISTMAS MR LAWRENCE”. From Brian - “I see this as a tribute to two musicians that have inspired and heavily influenced the way I think about music”. Both Sakamoto and Jeff Beck’s passing have been poured into this moving piece, full of Brian’s trademark guitar without straying too far from the original soundtrack.
Brian will be performing both these pieces at Blockhouse Bay Blues on Feb 2nd 2024 as part of the Auckland Music In Parks Festival.
ON SPOTIFY. ON YOUTUBE. INSTAGRAM. FACEBOOK
“LEAN INTO IT” with “MERRY CHRISTMAS MR LAWRENCE” is released 1st December 2023.
ARO 'MOKOMOKO'
The perfect tune for summer, and a beautiful next musical step for the pair as they continue on their journey researching mātauranga Māori, via their music. ‘Mokomoko’ comes with an important Kaupapa to tread carefully, on our way.
2023 Silver Scroll finalists, ‘Aro’, released their new Single ‘Mokomoko’, on November 24th, the first single off their forthcoming album, ‘He Rākau, He Ngārara’ due for release early in 2024.
The perfect tune for summer, and a beautiful next musical step for the pair as they continue on their journey researching mātauranga Māori, via their music. ‘Mokomoko’ comes with an important Kaupapa to tread carefully, on our way.
Multi Award Nominees, Bilingual Duo, Aro, consists of Tāmaki Makaurau based husband and wife, Charles (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Mutunga) and Emily Looker. The pair's music expertly blends Emily's honey-voiced jazz with Charles' full throated percussive sound, with shades of haka. Well known for their multi-genre offering of music & storytelling, with their performances combining a warmth of experience, wholly original music, anchored in Aotearoa New Zealand and leaving all who are present with the feeling of having been let in on a special secret.
‘Mokomoko’, a lizard native to New Zealand, and the first track released off the pair's next album project, ‘He Rākau, He Ngārara’, is a catchy upbeat track, featuring Emily’s signature honeyed vocals and the pair's unmistakable harmonies, produced by Vivek Gabriel. The kaupapa of the waiata, comes with a tohu to be wary where we walk, to tread carefully on our way.
“Remembering and retaining the lessons and the ways that have been handed down to us to protect us”. Ko ngā akoranga tuku iho – The teachings handed down
Creation of the album, due for release in 2024, involved researching mātauranga Māori in legends and whakatauki, from the writer's iwi and hapū, about Aotearoa’s native trees (rākau) and native insects and reptiles (ngārara). Passionate about promoting te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, Aro hope this track and the subsequent album will contribute to the growth of te reo Māori amongst their audiences.
“Some of the native trees and insects that will be referenced on this album will be familiar to the general New Zealand public, and some will be new”.
It's been a huge few years for the talented pair, most recently becoming finalists (top 20) for the 2023 Silver Scroll Awards, having been finalists for the Maioha Award at the Silver Scrolls (2019), finalists at for the APRA Best Children’s Song Award for their waiata Korimako (2020) and Kia Mau (2023), and as finalists for Best Māori Group at the Waiata Māori Music Awards (2022).
Things don’t look to be slowing down any time soon for the talented pair with what looks to be another big year ahead, ‘Mokomoko ’is due for release on November 24th 2023.
Aro Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Youtube
Ōtautahi band Pool House delivering summer with new, feel-good indie delight ‘Another Day’
Ōtautahi-based indie 4-piece band Pool House have today released their new, undeniably happy, summer-filled single + video ‘Another Day’.
Ōtautahi-based indie 4-piece band Pool House have today released their new, undeniably happy, summer-filled single + video ‘Another Day’.
Listen to ‘Another Day’ HERE
Following a string of successful releases from this exciting emerging band, ‘Another Day’ could easily become the song for summer. A sweet bop designed to deliver good vibes and smiles - whether at work, the beach, a BBQ, or just lounging around at home in the afternoon sun.
Made up of close friends Will Georgeson (guitar/vocals), Harry van der Gulik (lead guitar), Samuel Crisp (bass), and Flynn Fierro (drums), Pool House say that ‘Another Day’ reflects how they want to spend the coming summer months. “It’s about spending time doing things you enjoy - purely because you love doing them,” explains Pool House. “When writing, we just pictured ourselves having a good time with our friends in the summer sun, and tried to describe what that day looks and feels like.” Made with the support of NZ On Air, the track was recorded at Auckland’s Parachute Studios, mixed and produced by Josh Strand, with input from Jonny Paul of Daily J.
Also out today is a music video that follows singer Will on a journey of escaping the ‘rat race’, by escaping a restrictive city life routine and finding freedom in the country. Directed by Hamish Johns, the band says that the video beautifully captures the song. “It shows someone finding joy in making the most of each day, and that it’s possible to find happiness even in the most random places.” They also say that they had an ‘absolute ball’ with the filming of the video. “We made the trip to Castle Hill, where the bigger-than-life rocks gave way to some awesome shots and fun activities. A couple shots are from the camera being mounted on a bike and also the side of a car. It was cool to see how well these somewhat experimental shots fit the vibe of the video!”
Watch the video HERE
Hailing from Hawkes Bay (Flynn, Harry) and Wellington (Sam, Will), all members have been involved in music from a young age - including spending countless hours in the music room and performing in bands. All making the move to Õtautahi in 2020 for university, Pool House first performed live together at the end of 2021 - when they hosted their own show in response to a cancelled end-of-year university event. Since then, they’ve been performing memorable, high-energy shows throughout Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown. Some of these shows have been with major AUS/NZ bands such as Daily J, Bootleg Rascal, The Grogans, and Summer Thieves - with crowds of up to 1,500 people. After winning the Canterbury based DIG THE GIG band competition in early 2022, Pool House secured a free recording deal, music video, as well as a trip to LA in early 2024 to perform at established music venues. The end of 2022 saw the band release their debut single ‘No Clue’, which has gained over 37,000 streams across all music platforms. Working with award-winning director Amber Beaton helped produce a captivating music video, which has amassed over 12,000 streams on YouTube to date. Their recent single ‘Honey’ has already reached over 30,000 streams, as well as a feature on NZ On Air’s New Tracks monthly compilation. Pool House recently released their debut EP FLIGHTS OF DREAMING which illustrates their ability to explore new musical territory. With over 100,000 streams to date, today’s new summer single and set to light up stages this summer - including Rolling Meadows over New Years - Pool House are ones to watch. Don’t waste another second, tune into ‘Another Day’ now!
Listen to ‘Another Day’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
Follow Pool House
Emerging NZ indie band Back to the Hillside share hook-laden new single ‘I’m Alone’
Emerging Tāmaki Makaurau indie-rock band Back to the Hillside have today released their hook-laden new single ‘I’m Alone’.
Emerging Tāmaki Makaurau indie-rock band Back to the Hillside have today released their hook-laden new single ‘I’m Alone’.
Listen to ‘I’m Alone’ HERE
Destined to become a sing-along crowd pleaser, ‘I’m Alone’ has an instantly catchy chorus, twinkly keys, bright guitars and solid drums that drive the track's pace perfectly. The vocals are what pull it all together and make this track an absolute standout.
Lead singer and songwriter, Neo Aiono-Fukushima explains that ‘I’m Alone’ is about the struggle of trying to fit in by wearing a ‘mask’. “The vibe of the song is fun, upbeat and jumpy, but it does have a little sad undertone with the lyrics.”
Recorded, mixed and mastered by celebrated engineer/producer Scott Seabright (Mumford and Sons, Broods, Six60), ‘I’m Alone’ showcases that Back To The Hillside have a great sound that’s easy to connect with.
Made up of Neo (lead guitar/vocals/lyricist), Hamish Brown (bass), Rocielli Fernando (keys/backing vocals) and Sam Hatley (drums), Back To The Hillside takes inspiration from bands/artists such as Inhaler, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Cure, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Drums, Slowdive and Title Fight - and say they want to bring that underground new wave, with some small hints of shoegaze-type-sound, to all of Aotearoa.
Off to a great start, Back To The Hillside have been gigging and gaining fans all over Tāmaki Makaurau for the past year and a half. Shows have included Breaking Sound and opening for NZ bands Black Jack Society, The Boondocks, Wednesday’s Girlfriend, Napoleon Baby, Retro Valley and Australian indie rock band Off Judy. They’ve also had two successful headline shows.
The group came together after Neo left jazz school in 2021, and wanted to start a new band. He first got in touch with Hamish from his high school band - Minutes to Monday - which made it to the 2017 smoke-free rockquest national finals. Neo then met Rocielli at a music festival and Sam in St Andrew’s Big Band. Sam’s also in Auckland alt-rock band Slow Rage. ‘I’m Alone’ is the bands third single to be released - following ‘Overtime’ and ‘Back To You’ - but their live performances tell us there’s a lot more to come from Back to the Hillside - so make sure you’re following!
Listen to ‘I’m Alone’ HERE
Find Back to the Hillside:
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
Spotify | YouTube | Apple |Soundcloud
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