MOZIE delivers sunshine groove with joy-filled new single + video
Emerging Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based Samoan singer, songwriter and performer MOZIE, has today released her exciting new RnB-pop single ‘Sonshine’.
Emerging Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based Samoan singer, songwriter and performer MOZIE, has today released her exciting new RnB-pop single ‘Sonshine’.
With an addictive upbeat groove, catchy hopeful lyrics and stunning vocals, ‘Sonshine’ is a song that effortlessly fills any space with warmth. Following her debut single ‘Not Done Loving’ (RNZ, Mai FM, SRN, NZOA NewTracks) and made with the support of NZ On Air Pasifika Single funding, the talented 24-year-old MOZIE (Moana Leota) joined forces with NZ pianist and composer Leonardo Coghini to co-write ‘Sonshine’.
“I was stoked to finally work on a song with one of my besties,” says MOZIE, “and hope that whoever listens to it, or watches the video, lets it resonate with them in their own way.
“Essentially, it’s about knowing that when you lose something or someone, the sun will rise again. For me, when we were writing it, the song’s meaning took a slight detour - I was in the early stages of pregnancy. Each time Leo and I would come back to it, I would be slightly further along and, as I was singing/writing the lyrics, I found that the ‘sun rising again’ was my soon-to-be son - my ‘Sonshine’!”
Also released today is a new music video filled with joy, humour and human connection. Filmed at Wellington’s Breaker Bay, the video sees MOZIE make her directorial debut alongside cinematographer and editor Havea Latu of Vain Creative, and NZ artist Brett Taefu and 7-year-old actor Roman Hamlin - who both deliver glowing performances!
“I’m so happy with it!” delights MOZIE. “The concept was all about the joy children bring to us. Whether it’s through our own children, nieces, nephews, friends' children, or just a child we pass by. The making of the video was so fun. Brett, the actor who plays the father figure, is also my real-life partner - and I went to school with Roman’s mum. It was so cool that they were willing to be part of this creative journey. Roman is an absolute superstar and his mum is his biggest cheerleader. She came along with him and would hide behind the rocks to secretly watch so he wouldn’t get nervous. I also have a great behind-the-scenes video of us all dancing to help Roman to dance on his own.”
MOZIE (Moana Leota) is a 24-year-old Wairarapa-raised, Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based Samoan artist who has a passion for storytelling. Music has always been an integral part of her life, coming from a family of singers and being actively involved in music and musical events from a young age. Her first professional work was at the age of 11, when she became the voice of the new Interislander commercial followed by the Tip Top Real New Zealand Summer commercial.
These jobs paired with her passion for the arts have opened many doors for her within the performing arts industry. After receiving her Bachelor of Creativity in 2020, she has been providing backing vocals for some of Aoteroa’s finest artists, as well as performing at commercial and private events. In 2022, after releasing her debut single ‘Not Done Loving’, she toured Aotearoa and all over America with award-winning composer, musician, comedian and actor Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords, The Muppets) on his NZ/US tour of ‘Songs Without Jokes’. This took her on many adventures and has given her fresh inspiration for her future work as an artist. With much more to come from this rising star, now is the time to experience the joy of MOZIE with this new single ‘Sonshine’!
Find MOZIE
Ōtautahi based folk artist Fraser Ross unveils reflective new single ‘Cards’, ahead of forthcoming album THUNDERHEAD out in 2024
Ōtautahi based folk singer and songwriter Fraser Ross has today unveiled his new single ‘Cards’. This is the first single to be released off his upcoming album THUNDERHEAD, which is set for release in March 2024.
Ōtautahi based folk singer and songwriter Fraser Ross has today unveiled his new single ‘Cards’. This is the first single to be released off his upcoming album THUNDERHEAD, which is set for release in March 2024.
Listen to ‘Cards’ HERE
Sparkling moments of guitar ear candy are woven in and around a steady rhythm guitar, creating a charming relaxed rock vibe with country songwriting sensibilities. At first listen ‘Cards’ appears easy-going, but there’s an underlying lyrical melancholy as Fraser documents a summer of heartbreak in the ‘game’ of love. “‘Cards’ is about dealing with the loss of someone I could have gone ‘all in’ with," reflects Fraser, “and how I’ll hopefully be better at playing future hands.”
‘Cards’ was recorded at Massey School of Music, with further tracking and mixing at The Surgery in Wellington by Dr. Lee Prebble, before being mastered at Munki Studios by Mike Gibson.
“I wrote two-thirds of the song in a van driving between Murchison and Golden Bay, enroute to a Summer holiday,” says Fraser. “And a week later, in Golden Bay, I had the last bit.
Lyrically, the song documents how I found someone new that January, but I was still too heartbroken to ‘play another hand’ when it happened.”
Fraser Ross is a Christchurch-based folk musician who has traveled the world playing and supporting bands including Phoenix Foundation, Nathan Haines, and Nadia Reid. His EPs, AND BIRDS DO SING (2009) and TO PLACES (2012) established him as a serious talent and a brilliant, loud-shirted presence within the New Zealand underground. Numerous shows, time in Scotland, and two Albums - MONGRELS (2015) and LIFE IS MAGIC, WHERE IS MY RABBIT? (2018) - later, he has built a dedicated following in both the UK and New Zealand. Dubbed a 'Kiwi Billy Connolly' for his tongue-in-cheek stage presence, he'll mix a light-hearted quip with a lonesome tune no problem. Fraser has played at numerous arts festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, LitCraw (Verb) Wellington, the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, Wellington City Summer Sounds, and the Christchurch Nostalgia Festival.
With an album in the pipeline for release early this year, there’s guaranteed to be more excellent music to come from this local artist. Keep an eye out!
Listen to ‘Cards’ HERE
Find Fraser Ross
Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Spotify | Bandcamp | Website | Apple Music
Ashy to perform Electric Avenue
After finishing 2023 full of highs, ASHY ended her year with performances at the inaugural SXSW Sydney, a spread in Rolling Stone AU along with a No.9 placement in their annual ‘Top 25 Best New Zealand Albums of 2023’ list. Following her recent endeavours, it’s expected that there are many more great things on the horizon.
After finishing 2023 full of highs, ASHY ended her year with performances at the inaugural SXSW Sydney, a spread in Rolling Stone AU along with a No.9 placement in their annual ‘Top 25 Best New Zealand Albums of 2023’ list. Following her recent endeavours, it’s expected that there are many more great things on the horizon.
ASHY will be performing at NZ’s biggest festival, Electric Avenue before heading to Austin TX for SXSW for the second time. An intensive set of songwriting sessions in Nashville, TN will follow before she heads to the UK. As one of only 4 NZ acts selected, she will perform at The Great Escape festival in Brighton UK alongside band members; Emily C. Browning and Georgie Clifford.
With many more plans in fruition, ASHY is preparing for a big year ahead.
Delaney Davidson Releases New Single “Heaven is Falling” ft. Reb Fountain
A co-write between Delaney Davidson and Hayley Westenra, this song features Reb Fountain on co vocals and a Dr Karl Steven string arrangement.
A co-write between Delaney Davidson and Hayley Westenra, this song features Reb Fountain on co vocals and a Dr Karl Steven string arrangement.
Initially the test track for Mark Perkins and Delaney to try working together this recording set the stage for Delaney's 10th studio solo album Out Of My Head and guest stars some accidental kettle whistling and other ambient noise. Video features Delaney Davidson and Reb Fountain. Director : Jonathan King
About “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
About Delaney Davidson
Massey University Artist In Residence 2022, Producer of the Year 2021,
Country Music Artist of the year 2020 & 2019, APRA Professional Development Award Winner 2019, Artist Laureate of New Zealand 2015, 4 times winner of the NZ Country Music Song of the Year Award, Awarded NZ Country Music Album Of The Year, finalist for the coveted NZ APRA Silver Scroll Award, and Winner of the One Man Band Competition in Zurich.
Delaney Davidson is a New Zealand Singer Songwriter, Musician, and Visual Artist.
Forging his own identity as a figure of the European Tour Circuit, he has been a strong part of the Voodoo Rhythm Family of Switzerland since 2003 and has started to build a name for himself in the USA.
A wry sense of humour, some theatre of unease, and a voice classed as “not conventionally beautiful” all combine to breathe life and space into the niche he has carved out for himself, winning him critical acclaim across the world for his original take on things.
His seminal influence and work with Marlon Williams on their “Sad But True” series as well as his visionary production on Tami Neilson’s acclaimed album’s “Dynamite”, “Don’t Be Afraid” and “Chickaboom!”, have also earned him great praise from the media and huge respect amongst his peers.
Initially inspired by the songs of Hank Williams and the Birthday Party, and the performance styles of distilled Johnny Cash and dead-pan Buster Keaton, Delaney synthesizes this into his own persona.
Generally dealing with the darker side of things, Davidson’s lyrical content ranges from classic murder ballads to songs with a deeper insight into the human condition and a sympathy and acceptance of the quirks of life and human foibles. Combining the older style of beerhall musician and the traditions of pantomime and audience involvement his live show is renowned for its sublime dance competitions and bawdy sing-alongs.
Davidson works in Visual media aswell as music and his wide cast net of interest has seen him haul in and land some ambitious and unexpected projects. Collaborations with Tame Iti, Troy Kingi, Shayne Carter, Te Kaahu, Matt Hyde (Beastwars). Ever curious and not commercially driven his work continues to reinvent and to surprise.
Out Of My Head is out March 22nd 2024 CD/LP /Digital - Southbound Distribution NZ & Gutfeeling Records (Europe).
Listen/ Buy the first single “Heaven Is Falling" ft Reb Fountain
Pre Save the Album “Out Of My Head” Here
Pre Order Vinyl and CD’s From these Great NZ Record Stores:
JBhiFi | Southbound | Flying Nun | Marbecks | Flying Out
Where’s Jai are back with their second single ‘Pull Me In’, from their upcoming EP
Where’s Jai return with ‘Pull Me In’, the second single from their debut EP titled ‘Avenues’. This arrives hot on the heels of their single ‘Citrus Mistress’ released in November, a poppy and upbeat tune made to be blasted loud on speakers everywhere.
Where’s Jai return with ‘Pull Me In’, the second single from their debut EP titled ‘Avenues’. This arrives hot on the heels of their single ‘Citrus Mistress’ released in November, a poppy and upbeat tune made to be blasted loud on speakers everywhere.
The song depicts someone coming to the sad realisation that their relationship has turned bad, and wondering whether it's beyond repair. This person realises that they are being treated badly and are tired of going through a cycle of endless failed relationships. The lyrics explore this idea, asking “When did love turn into a heartbreak, when did this turn into a mistake?” The catchy, sentimental lyrics are accompanied by detailed instrumentation, featuring new ideas and another avenue for the band. It steps away from their usual sound into a pop-country feel that has an undoubtable uniqueness due to the band's many inspirations.
Once again produced with incredible precision by Christian Tjandrawinata, Pull Me In is a fun and catchy tune sure to become the next big earworm for listeners around the world. It’s a highlight of their live shows, gaining notoriety supporting acts such as Teenage Dads, Muroki and Reece Mastin.
The band are ready for you to hear their next big hit and hope that you are pulled into the sound they have been cooking up for some time.
Catching the Sunshine with Jackie B and the Mini Band
Catch the feeling of summer with a sparkling new collection of original songs from Jackie B & the Mini Band, featuring imaginative tunes for kids by a new cast of young songwriters from the SongCatcher programme.
Catch the feeling of summer with a sparkling new collection of original songs from Jackie B & the Mini Band, featuring imaginative tunes for kids by a new cast of young songwriters from the SongCatcher programme. The EP is proudly supported by NZ On Air Music.
Jackie is delighted to continue nurturing a new generation of songwriters with her brand ‘Jackie B and The Mini Band’. Following on from 2022's Shooting Star EP, a new group of young Wakatipu singers have worked with Jackie to write and record this latest Mini Band EP of sparkling, radio-ready pop songs called ‘Summertime’. First single Spooky Hollywood already released late 2023 with one of Edmund Iffland’s incredible videos, and his work will also help lead single Summertime to greet the world. Get ready to catch some dreams and soak up some sunshine!
The blend of Jackie’s music and vocals with the children’s voices and Mark Punch’s quality production has a fresh and commercially appealing sound. Jackie reports that there has been a lot of excitement and interest around the project and that for her personally, it has been such a joyful experience writing and recording with the kids. The members of Jackie B and the Mini Band have emerged from the songwriting workshops she has run with SongCatcher, which is her creative songwriting programme focused on children 7 to 11 years old, teaching small groups how to write a song and express themselves through songwriting and singing.
All songs in the project were written by:
Jackie Bristow, Freya Jeffery, Lacey Bristow, Charlotte Martin and Edie Yandall performing as Jackie B and the Mini Band.
Production by Mark Punch & Jackie Bristow
Mixed by Mark Punch, Mastered by Nash Chambers
Video for Summertime Animated and Directed by Edmund Iffland
This project is supported by NZ on Air
Presave the EP:
Bird Machine release new single ‘You’ll Be Fine’ + announce title of sophomore EP
Today, Kirikiriroa duo Luke and Jenna Grbin continue their trajectory of alt-pop/rock enchantment with their shoegazy new single ‘You’ll Be Fine’, complete with music visualiser.
Today, Kirikiriroa duo Luke and Jenna Grbin continue their trajectory of alt-pop/rock enchantment with their shoegazy new single ‘You’ll Be Fine’, complete with music visualiser. Inspired by artists like The Killers, Coldplay and My Bloody Valentines, the couple find great satisfaction in combining synth-pop, piano-rock and the fuzzy, warbly tones of shoegaze in today’s release. The mix of styles culminates in a dark and moody reflection on the human experience of oscillating between commitment and uncertainty, even when presented with something you know is good. The song dives into the themes of retreat, unreciprocated love, and an unwavering desire for positive change amid adversity.
Following the success of October’s single ‘Closure’, which ascended to the number one spot on LifeFM’s YouChart, today’s release is the second from Bird Machine’s upcoming sophomore EP. Today, the band announce that the EP will be released on 23 February 2024 and will be titled Hey Human. It will showcase five songs from their rapidly-growing repertoire. An independent record, Hey Human was recorded, engineered, and produced primarily by Jenna and Luke in their home studio in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.
Voodoo Bloo - 'Hot Garbage'
New Zealand-based band Voodoo Bloo is set to ignite with the release of their scorching new single, New Zealand-based band Voodoo Bloo is set to ignite with the release of their scorching new single, ‘HOT GARBAGE’,
New Zealand-based band Voodoo Bloo is set to ignite with the release of their scorching new single, New Zealand-based band Voodoo Bloo is set to ignite with the release of their scorching new single, ‘HOT GARBAGE’, scheduled to drop on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.
This latest offering from Voodoo Bloo captures the essence of a transformative experience, delving into the complexities of relationships and the unexpected twists they take. Inspired by the metamorphosis of an individual into something entirely unexpected, "HOT GARBAGE" embodies the frustration and bewilderment that ensues when someone known becomes, in the words of the band, "an absolute idiot."
Recorded by the band at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, the track showcases Voodoo Bloo's signature sound, blending raw energy with poignant lyricism. Produced by Jackson Kidd (The drummer of Voodoo Bloo) alongside the band, and skilfully mixed by Scott Seabright, whose repertoire includes collaborations with esteemed acts such as Alien Weaponry, Mumford & Sons, and Six60, "HOT GARBAGE" promises an electrifying auditory experience.
"Creating 'HOT GARBAGE' was an exploration of music without borders, and the whirlwind that accompanies it, " shares Voodoo Bloo frontman. "We really tried to return to our punk roots in this new LP, and in the pursuit of that, the lyrics that came out were much more visceral and to the point, we didn’t want to hold back on this track."
Known for their innovative approach to music and unapologetic authenticity, Voodoo Bloo continues to push boundaries with their distinct sound, earning them a dedicated following both in New Zealand and beyond.
Fans and music enthusiasts alike can anticipate the release of "HOT GARBAGE" on all major streaming platforms from February 2nd, 2024. Brace yourselves for an intense sonic journey as Voodoo Bloo unleashes this incendiary anthem.
‘HOT GARBAGE’, scheduled to drop on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.