SUN VAULT SET PLAYS WAIHEKE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Sun Vault - the new 7 piece rhythm collective based out of Waiheke Island.

They are led by guitarist Derek Solomon (Space Waltz,Solomon Cole Band)  and veteran UK musician Lee Catlin, on their newly based label Hoop-La Records.

Sun Vault Set merges chilled electronic elements, soothing harmonies over big rhythmic foundations. Influenced by Massive Attack, Leftfield, Prince, Jungle and so much more, they'll release their first single 'BLEED' for the NZ summer. Mixed by none other than iconic NZ musician Eddie Rayner, the collective are also laying the foundations for 2024 by debuting Sat night at annual The Waiheke Jazz Festival at Artworks Theatre. 

They urge Jazz-fest goers to come and witness one of the most unique events at the Waiheke Jazz Festival in 2024.

Artworks Theatre will be transformed with light and sound immersion as SUN VAULT SET brings Festival Club to you. You will have never seen a show like this in that venue.

The band will create a performance that draws the audience in the round. Expect an ambient mix of sound and vision where you can dance the night away.

You are urged to Book your ticket NOW! Sat night shows always sell out. Be part of a new era in 2024 for Jazzfest.

https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2024/mar/festival-club

Liana Hart plays The Most FM Live Lounge

Taranaki singer/songwriter Liana Hart has released three singles and to celebrate, the songstress is bringing her magic to The Most FM Live Lounge on December 16, 2023! (New Plymouth).

Liana shares deeply personal sentiments by combing intricate vocal hooks and passionate, conversational lyrics, with acoustic finger-style guitar and delicate harmonica melodies. She will be playing her three released singles alongside a bunch of her favorite unreleased gems.

The show will feature fellow songstresses Dani Ela & Josie Hick on backing vocals, delivering lush three-part harmonies guaranteed to have you melting in your seat. The trio have been working hard on Liana's songs and cannot wait to share them with you x

Supporting the show will be local alt-folk singer/songwriter Izzy Bublitz. Izzy's hauntingly rich and soulful vocals, combined with her melancholic lyrics and soft-grunge guitar style, will have you hypnotized. This young creative is one to watch out for!

This is an intimate sit-down gig and tickets are limited to 40, so get in quick. Doors open at 7pm, show kicks off at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased from Under The Radar:

https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/86724/Liana-Hart---Single-Release-Show-with-Guest-Izzy-Bublitz.utr

EMWA Delivers a Resonant Year-End Message with Her Latest Single, "Lose Control"

EMWA is set to end the year on a heartfelt note with the release of her latest single, ‘Lose Control’

This track is a reflection of the artist's personal journey through the challenging months of 2023, culminating in a positive and uplifting message as the year comes to a close.

EMWA's desire to encapsulate her personal journey in her music is evident in the emotional resonance of "Lose Control." This latest release is a poignant reflection of where she finds herself personally at the end of a transformative year.

The single features the compelling lyrics, "I don't want to lose control," a sentiment that can resonate with anyone facing their own trials and tribulations.

EMWA intentionally leaves the interpretation of these words open, allowing listeners to infuse their own experiences and emotions into the song. This creates a connection that makes "Lose Control" deeply relatable and personal for each individual

In "Lose Control," EMWA explores a fresh sound design that is more up-beat, brighter, and evokes an almost euphoric feeling. This shift in style showcases EMWA's artistic versatility and growth, as she continues to push boundaries and experiment with her sound.

EMWA's single "Lose Control" is a testament to the power of music to convey personal experiences and emotions, connecting with listeners on a profound level. As EMWA looks forward to the future, this track serves as a remarkable conclusion to a year marked by resilience, growth, and a positive outlook.

To experience the magic of "Lose Control," the latest single from EMWA, please visit https://found.ee/CAE-OMM

Tîmmy the First presents Where Do I Begin EP alongside feature track 'Pedestrian'

On Friday the 8th of December, Tāmaki Makaurau based rapper and musician Tîmmy The First returns with his dynamic and reflective body of work, the Where Do I Begin EP, and new track, ‘Pedestrian.’

He describes the EP as a series of conversations between different sides of himself in conflict. The body of work is a peep behind the veil into the inner workings of the artist’s mind. 

The sound of the EP is intentionally versatile in sound and ethos, and Tîmmy describes it as ‘a life on display.’ Born in Zimbabwe, and growing up in different cities around Aotearoa and Canada, there’s no one place that fully feels like home for Tîmmy, an experience he also finds reflected in his approach to music. 

“On this EP, I am exploring themes such as self acceptance, change, and growth. I do this both lyrically and sonically, which you see in the different sounds explored. It’s a body of work that’s reflective, energetic, and empowering. As an artist I’m authentic and at times unpredictable. This EP reflects that and where I’m from.”

When talking about the process of making the Where Do I Begin EP, Timmy reflects on the importance of timing. 

“I made all these songs separately but in a very important season of my life. These songs are a few of the diamonds in the rough that got me through a period of transition. The production element was so fun. Working with people like Stuss, Abraham Kunin and Frank Eliesa as producers and TJ (ZËxÏÏ) creative support in the studio was amazing. These songs were almost effortless in the creation phase. Everything just felt right, and that’s on timing.” 

On the creation process of 'Pedestrian,' Tîmmy muses on how he wanted to make something to take back control of your life and to stop letting other people have control of your emotions.

“This song is a combination of personal experience but also experiences I've seen in friends and family, all coming together into one track. I've seen some friends go through some rough things in relationships, which led to this track the next day at the studio.”

“In my music, I like to express myself and say things that people normally wouldn’t say or talk about,” says Tîmmy. “Despite the dark themes of some of my songs, I like to have some sort of positive in the music. Some light at the end of the tunnel. I like to leave people with a sense of, ‘it’s all good.’”

The ‘Pedestrian’ music video is made by  Siān Fenwick.  "I love this video,” says Tîmmy. “It takes me out of the picture and illustrates the journey in a very abstract way. The aim after my previous video for 'Robot Heart Chakra' was to keep it broad so people can see their own story reflected back at them in the visuals. It compliments the vibe of the track, which is the ability to say something deep in a playful way.” 

If you haven’t already, seeing Tîmmy The First perform live is not to be missed. “When I perform a song like ‘Rent,’ I have such an exciting time. It's probably the most playful track on the EP and I get lost in the energy of the song. With songs like Pedestrian, I feel like I can really connect with people and say some deep things with a smile on my face. It feels great to address something real in a fun way. I’m stoked that with this EP I’ve created a world that acts as a journey that allows me to express different parts of my art and myself.” 

‘Pedestrian’ and the Where Do I Begin EP release Friday the 8th of December via Aotearoa New Zealand indie label Bigpop Records.

ERSHA ISLAND 二沙岛, IRIS ZHANG AND GEOF ONG RELEASE ‘LIKE THE OTHER KIDS’ THE SECOND SINGLE OFF THE SIBLINGS DUO’S UPCOMING EP

Sibling duo Ersha Island 二沙岛, alongside local artists Iris Zhang and Geoff Ong, proudly release their Pop/R&B single titled ,‘Like The Other Kids.’ Produced by EDY 'Like The Other Kids' is the second track from their upcoming debut EP ‘Back To Our Roots.’ 

Listen to: ‘Like The Other Kids’ HERE

Paired with a music video premiering on VEVO on 17 November 2023, the single embarks on a vivid journey through the universal experience of feeling like an outsider while growing up. With its resonant vocals, emotive guitar licks by guitarist Sam Nakamura , and relatable lyrics, the track paints a vivid picture of the uncomfortable emotions tied to those formative years.

Ersha Island 二沙岛 share "The music video, shot in a playground, reflects the carefree spirit of our childhood. It's a nod to those times when we all struggled to fit in and to find our place” the duo continue to share that “As we grow, we realise we're not alone in feeling this way. ‘Like The Other Kids" speaks not only for us, but for a lot of people, including our collaborators EDY, Iris Zhang, Geoff Ong and Sam Nakamura."

'Like The Other Kids' promises to leave a mark on listeners. Stay tuned for their upcoming releases and be prepared to be moved.

11 of 91 AAUDREY RELEASES BEAUTIFUL SINGLE 'STRANGERS'

AAUDREY’S music always offers a duality; a mixing of two sounds, two waves and bodies of music meeting in the middle to create sounds and songs for all. 

Off the bat of her last E.P ‘asleep at sea,’ AAUDREY takes on the music world once again with a beautiful single that sheds light on how the hardest part of a break up is becoming a stranger to someone who once held your hand through your mothers sickness, your dad leaving and your life restarting. 

‘Strangers’ is out now, alongside a self directed visual “Strangers.” as the first of many incredible songs from AAUDREY. 

DHEM 'SLIDE'

Collaboratively crafted by Los Angeles artists Yelohill, RNBKT, and San Diego's Stone II, this marks DHEM's third single release.

"Slide" explores the emotional and cathartic process of letting go, backed by the production of DHEM's fusion of laidback guitar melodies and the pulsating energy of 808 trap percussion. RNBKT's classic R&B vocals grace the hook, infusing the track with soulful emotions. Yelohill's verse mirrors his disdain for his ex-partner with a raw and honest perspective, while Stone II delves into his ex's return to her previous relationship, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The combination of these elements creates an immersive musical experience that resonates with the listener's soul, delivering a compelling story of love, loss, and self-discovery, all within a Rap/R&B ballad style, making it easy for many to relate to the subject matter.

DHEM is a Brisbane-based producer/songwriter/DJ. DHEM's genre-blending style combines Hip-Hop, R&B, Trap, Afrobeats, and House,

resulting in a distinctive sound. With exciting releases and collaborations on the horizon, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for DHEM, bringing more live shows and captivating music.

Global chart topping kiwi musician and songwriter, Merv Pinny, releases brand new single, ‘How to Say Goodbye’

The Catchy guitar driven track is out in time for his 2023 spring tour and is the second single to be released, off his forthcoming album, due for release in 2024.

Homegrown musician and songwriter, Merv Pinny, is set to kick of a new chapter of his music career with the release of two new singles late in 2023 and with a brand new album due for release in 2024. Latest release, ‘How to say Goodbye’ is out on November 24 and follows on from two global songwriting nominations, for the Northland based musician, with Pinny recently being selected as a semi-finalist in two categories, in the latest Nashville International Songwriting Competition. One in the Rock category, for his song, Little Demons and one in the Blues category, for, I. 

Largely seen as an alternative rock artist, but with his unique style of songwriting, he expertly blends Rock, Blues, Soul and modern country into his music and energetic live shows. New release ‘How to say Goodbye’, captures his often seen & loved catchy guitar driven sound and shows his vocal strength.

‘How to say Goodbye’ is one of those songs that just flowed out for Pinny, written on a cold, rainy day in his Kerikeri studio.

“The main vocal and guitar were performed and recorded as I wrote the song. That same afternoon I sent the recording to my band, who were in Perth, to record bass and drums, with me on Zoom. At the time I was also working on a show with some ballroom dancers in the theatre in Kerikeri, They heard the track & loved it! Nick Barker was teaching local Celebrities for Battle of the Ballroom, a fundraising show, and Craig Jordan, one of Dancers, was called to help make it a good old kiwi local project. We started making plans for the dance video, featuring the pair and including some of the far North's amazing locations for filming.”

The rest is history.

After his song OB, can you hear the children cry went viral on Facebook in 2016. Merv’s Facebook page has reached more than 80 million people and his music has been streamed more than 30 million times. His music has made the charts in Brazil, Canada, USA, Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Ukraine and in late 2020 he had his first global hit when he made the Amazon world music charts with his song Amazing.

Now a long-time resident of Northland, Merv Pinny was born in the King Country and grew up in the small town of Te Aroha. He started playing music at only ten years old when he bought a guitar off his brother for $10, two years later he was singing and playing in a band with his two older brothers. After leaving school at 15, working on a dairy farm & playing in a band six nights a week, this odd mix of farming and music became a unique icon of Merv as an artist and  farmer,  over the years - rising to the top of both industries. With the farming now behind him and his music the focus these days, he also runs a recording studio and runs production for local theatre and performing arts in Kerikeri.

‘How to say Goodbye’, is due for release on November 24th via all digital outlets and is out in time for his North Island Spring tour.

Merv Pinny - Dark to Light Tour Dates 2023:

●        27th October, Whangarei,  One One Six

●        25th November, Whitianga,  Monkey House Theatre 

●        7th December, Mount Maunganui, Totara street

●        8th December, Hamilton, Nivara Lounge 

 Tickets available from www.undertheradar.co.nz and www.mervpinny.com 

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