Estère brings her live show from the UK to Aotearoa this summer!

Feb 23 • Splore 

Feb 29 • Takaka - Roots Bar

Mar 1 • Nelson - East St.

Mar 2 • Wellington - Vogelmorn

After relocating to London in mid-2023, the Empress of electric-blue witch hop, Estère has been filling her days writing and recording with other songwriters and producers, landing DJ gigs around the city, and flying to Cameroon to feature at the Douala Arts Festival.

Now Estère returns to Aotearoa to share her new, dynamic, rhythm-focussed performance, creating a mesmerising summer-vibe show for her fans across the motu.
 

Continually creating innovative and captivating stage shows, Estère says, "I'm going to be bringing a new concept to audiences which will be really fun and engaging. I've had the opportunity to absorb some pretty special things and places in 2023 - and all of this is going to culminate in my live set. People can expect joy, fresh musicality and dynamism."

Estère will be performing twice at Splore on Friday February 23rd: First up is a dance-inducing afternoon DJ set at the Crystal Palace Stage, followed by her night performance, where Estère will be accompanied by renowned dancers Kalya Paige (WOW choreographer) and Astarte Iman (House of Iman) at the Naked Eye Cabaret Stage.

Estère's intimate club shows will feature Estère's solo performance, incorporating bangers from her Mākara Peak tour as well as new jams inspired from her world experiences over the past six months.

Check out Estère's Instagram for more music, and her Patreon to follow her journey of self-discovery in London, Paris and Cameroon.

Get your tickets for Estère's tour quick for Splore, and through undertheradar for club shows!

Waguan Drops Visual Feast: "OUTSIDE" Music Video

The wait is over as Pōneke's very own rapper and producer, Waguan, drops the long-awaited music video for his latest single, "OUTSIDE." Directed by Tom Grut, featuring Waguan alongside local rappers Gino October and Jujulipps.

Produced by WHO SHOT SCOTT, "OUTSIDE" is a sonic and visual feast set in the jungle, offering a sneak peek into Waguan's upcoming project, 'ZULU MILK,' scheduled for an early 2024 release.

In the heart of the track, Waguan, Gino October and Jujulipps lay bare the essence of their journey as diaspora kids. "The hook “it ain't safe outside” is a poignant and powerful reflection of our migrant story," reveals Waguan "It speaks of the places we come from, often fraught with challenges, and the courage it takes to forge ahead, carrying our essence, magic, and wisdom. ‘OUTSIDE’ is a testament to how our generation moves in the world and how we choose not to be silent."

Throughout the upcoming project, Waguan embraces "The Monkey Man'' persona, a playful expression inspired by conversations with his family about his artistic personality. This alter ego embodies monkeys, which for Waguan symbolise strength and resilience, a symbol of his artistic spirit, a theme that will continue in his 2024 release.

The artist mentions “The creation of this track felt like Gino October, Jujulipps, WHO SHOT SCOT and I were all superheroes doing a crossover, or doing a link up. I felt like we were the young avengers or the young justice league and it was a chance for us to showcase to one another and the world what we were up to”. Gino October, the ringmaster of the track, sets the stage for Waguan's entrance with his “Monkey Man” persona, accompanied by percussion and the sounds of the African jungle. Jujulipps adds the finishing touch with her unstoppable and confident energy.

With 'ZULU MILK' on the horizon, Waguan's upcoming project promises fire music and visuals. 

MOHI 'ELEMENTS OF AROHA' TOUR

Aotearoa’s rising star MOHI embarks on his highly anticipated “Elements of Aroha” Tour!

Prepare to be swept away on a sonic adventure as award-winning artist MOHI embarks on his very first headline tour, presenting the masterpiece that is Elements of Aroha. A spellbinding fusion of ancestral stories and sounds, seamlessly blended with neosoul, pop, and funk, this live experience promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

This summer, MOHI along with his 6-piece band take his infectious reo rua (bilingual) music across the country with this eight-show tour.

TSB Festival of Lights - Jan 6th
Music in Parks - Maraetai Beach Park - Jan 13th
SoundSplash Festival - Jan 20th
The Yard, Raglan - Feb 10th
Newtown Festival - March 3rd
Big Fan, Auckland - March 8th
Cuba Dupa Festival - March 23rd

MOHI's inaugural headline tour promises more than just a concert; it's a celebration of musical innovation, reo revitalisation and the power of storytelling through sound. Prepare to be taken on a journey that transcends time and space, as MOHI delivers a live performance that is as visually captivating as it is sonically mesmerizing.

Miriam Clancy shares captivating single “Wicked Little Town”, poignant cover of song from cult movie Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Miriam Clancy shares her latest track, a cover of “Wicked Little Town” from the 2001 cult film, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Miriam's delivery showcases the depth of her powerful, melodic explosions of heart, rage, and release - echoing themes from her early 2023 album, Black Heart.

Where Black Heart was reminiscent of the great female artists at the fore of 90s alt-music and the era's definitive sonic aesthetic, "Wicked Little Town" harnesses the sorrow and the outrage, the compassion for people who suffer at the whims of the masses in wicked little towns.

"Wicked Little Town" builds on themes incorporated into Miriam's intensely personal album, Black Heart, featuring complex characters, stories of intergenerational history, longing, desire and shattered dreams. Her reworking of "Wicked Little Town" describes Anytown USA, or for that matter, Anytown Anywhere. It's a deeply relatable story, and the accompanying video shows the struggles of people demonstrating for their rights and their safety, fighting to be heard and respected in each and every wicked little town. This rendition beseeches the listener to see and understand the struggles that are real for people, everyone. It's heavy, it's gorgeous, it's compelling.

Of the track, Miriam says, “Wicked Little Town” (v.2023) was recorded in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, where Keith Haring grew up and also Derrick Rump - drag performer and co-owner of Club Q, Colorado where he was bartending when he died in a mass shooting Nov 2022. In response to that tragedy and the increasing anti-LGBT political discourse, anti-drag laws plus the threat against LGBTQ+ basic human rights - I found solace in playing this magical tune from the movie Hedwig and the Angry Inch, so began fashioning an alternate version where I allowed big feelings to rule the last refrain by throwing down the gauntlet of sound and guiding the listener home, with love and support for the rainbow community everywhere. Joined by Kiwi friend Paul Russell (Midwave Breaks) who beamed his drums in from Aotearoa via the science fiction of the Internet, and hip-hop legend Bassy Bob Brockman (Notorious B.I.G., TLC) who took it to Brooklyn for a deep mix, Alex Deturk (David Bowie) in NYC on mastering, and gilded with a series of surreal pictures including the single cover taken by Haring's friend, photographer Julie Stark. I'm stoked to work with this crew, and very proud to stand amongst the flowers in the field of humanity - we want to see a world where they/you/us are safe everywhere.”

LEVEL UP YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE WITH KATIE THOMPSON

Emerging artists looking to enhance their knowledge and take their music career to new heights can now apply for the "LEVEL UP" comprehensive one day workshop in Lincoln.

This workshop is designed to provide participants with the tools they need to up-skill and succeed in the competitive music industry. Led by Artist Development consultant Katie Thompson, "LEVEL UP" will offer ten participants the opportunity to take part in a one day workshop and meet fellow musicians in the region.

The workshop will cover a range of essential topics, including Goal Setting, Music Industry Insights, Image & Branding, Funding Options & Single Release Checklist.

The "LEVEL UP" programme is for artists who demonstrate talent and are currently working towards releasing original music.

Participants will benefit from the opportunity to gain insights into the music industry from a seasoned professional, receive feedback on their progress and set actionable goals for their future.

"The workshop is designed to help emerging artists develop their skills, gain knowledge and confidence," said Thompson. "I'm excited to be leading this programme for my community."

This workshop costs $29 and was made with the support of the Selwyn District Councils Creative Communities fund.

Applications for Level Up open on 1 December and close on 7 January. The workshop will be held at Lincoln Event Centre Saturday 20 January.

For more information and to apply, visit quirkymusic.co.nz/level-up-selwyn/

SOLA ROSA SUMMER GIG DATES

Adam Hattaway & The Haunters Share New Compilation Album 'Anthology 2018-2023'

+ re-recorded single
Riding The River ft. Jon Toogood

What are the Haunters and more to the point who the hell do they think they are? They don’t know. 

But at least now, after 5 albums in less than 5 years  from a band that can’t decide if it’s Arthur or Martha, they’re offering listeners, new and old, (In case they missed something) a way in. 

Handpicked by Adam Hattaway and Elmore Jones this is the greatest of all their groundbreaking smash hits. An anthology that brings everything together and makes sense of a band's history as they move out of the first phase of their existence. 

Like any good compilation, this package includes never before heard recordings - alternative versions of some earlier material, outtakes that deserved to be included, and two duets featuring Barry Saunders and Jon Toogood. 

ADAM HATTAWAY ONLINE
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp
Follow: Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

FOOLS LAGOON 'FOOL ME TWICE'

The second quest in their Fool’s Journey, FL offers the full spread of their contribution to the next breed of New Zealand Indie music. Produced, mixed and engineered by the illustrious Connor Jaine (Mako Road, No Cigar) this extended play handshakes the previous These Fools-era experimentation and doubles down on the pop, rock and funk influences that drive the band to sweaty K Road stages and bedroom studios week in and week out.

Fool Me Twice was recorded quite literally in mum and dad’s house in Auckland’s Eastern Bays, neatly mastered on the other side of the world courtesy of Metropolis Studios (UK), and stored in the back pocket for a year. This record is dedicated to 3 years of the band and the 3 different drummers who have been involved with these songs in one way or another. Oh and to mum and dad too. We love you x

FOOL’S LAGOON are performing and recording human music for movers & shakers. Proudly representing four corners of Te Ika-a-Māui and beyond from their base in Auckland, FL packages their indelible new/old school sound with a lick of zilennial nostalgia - something somewhere in between Generation Millennial and Generation Z. They build from the storied kiwi indie scene, injecting elements of funk, dance and rock from decades been and gone to cut their own groove in Aotearoa’s musical record.

The Fools have gotten into a habit of getting heard around New Zealand -  playing live from Auckland through Wellington and getting regular spins on Taranaki and Auckland radio. Their tongue in cheek attitude and professional packaging invite you to take their non-seriousness seriously, as their irresistible live performances and maverick musical style are an earworm that you won’t hear anywhere else in the NZ scene.

The Fools are gearing up this holiday season for their biggest performance to date, appearing on the bill for New Plymouth’s Festival of Lights. With performances supporting Coast Arcade, Aussie indie rockers The Vanns and a sold-out debut headliner show in the bag, you really won’t want to pity the Fool.