Kate Owen shakes off exile with her dark new single 'Little Flowers'

After releasing her debut album Not A Proper Girl in the afterglow of Lyttelton’s creative boom, Kate Owen is coming out of exile with a merry romp about realising you’ve lost yourself.  

Don't be fooled by this song's title. Owen’s Little Flowers has a sinister side, fully realised in the single’s body snatcher music video. 

After catching the attention of New Zealand’s music media with Not A Proper Girl, Owen’s album release tour was stopped in its tracks by the first COVID lockdown in March 2020. Then, just as suddenly, Owen’s long term relationship with Lyttelton abruptly ended. 

Lyttelton has been heralded as a creative hub, but for Owen the anarchistic creativity of the port town she had fallen in love with had morphed into a cultural clique she didn’t fit. 

“I broke up with Lyttelton in 2020 after releasing that it was an unrequited love” says Owen. “I wrote Little Flowers to try and describe the realisation that I had become a silhouette of that little town, and needed to find me again”. 

Little Flowers was recorded at the renowned Christchurch studio LOHO, under the watchful eye of producer Adam Hogan with multi-instrumentalist Thomas Isbister.

Little Flowers is musically sunny, which Owen skillfully juxtaposes with dark lyrics that explore the macabre side of allowing a place to become an inseparable part of your identity. 

“I really felt like I was falling when I left Lyttelton,” Owen says. “I think that’s what most people feel like when something they believed was forever ends”. 

Little Flowers swells with layers of guitars, synths and drums (everything played by Isbister) and Owen’s vocals skillfully harmonised by Hogan, and you would be forgiven for thinking it was a happy song. 

The darker meaning is realised fully in the music video directed and shot by Hogan’s LORE films with long time collaborator Soane Pamatangi.

: https://ffm.to/littleflowerskateowen

SONGS OF RANGIAOWHIA

E ngaa mana, e ngaa reo, e ngaa karangatanga maha, teenaa koutou, teenaa koutou, kia ora mai taatau katoa. Nau mai, piki mai, kake mai raa - Maaori mai, tauiwi mai! Kua tae te waa

A powerful and emotionally charged 10-track album dedicated to honouring the survivors and their memory of the 1864 massacre at Rangiaowhia is set to be released on the 21st of February 2024, the 160th commemoration.

Following single releases ‘Apakura’ and ‘Rangiaowhia’ the album entitled ‘Songs of Rangiaowhia’, brings together a talented group of artists; Mara TK, Raakai Whauwhau, Hawkins and Ria Hall with genealogical ties to the Rangiaowhia koorero. Serving as a voice for the voiceless, ‘Songs of Rangiaowhia’ sheds light on one of the hidden histories of our nation through the elevation of a story that belongs to the Ngaati Apakura tribe and their survival after the attempted massacre.

“This is an opportunity for us as an iwi to collectivise and put our stamp in the ground,” says Hall of the project, which hosts collaborations with Te Wharekura o Ngaa Purapura o Te Aroha, Te Haona Kaha Kapahaka, with notable features by Troy Kingi, Poihakena Reid and our maatanga reo experts Maria Te Aukaha Huata and respected elder and author Dr. Tom Roa.

Creatively, the album produced entirely by Mara TK upholds blended musical styles, heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melodies that inspire listeners to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of this history. While predominantly in Te Reo Maaori, the collection of songs aims to also connect with non-Maaori audiences to foster ally-ship while acting as a catalyst for meaningful conversations.

With a blended pot of genres: R&B/Soul, Reggae/Dub, Funk,/Gospel and a Ballad. The album showcases the diverse musical influences and talents from the artists involved, each contributing their unique style and vibe to create a captivating listening experience.

Additionally, the album boasts an impressive lineup of musicians who contributed their skills and creativity such as; Julien Dyne, Leonardo Coghini, Ben Turua, JY Lee, Dallas Reti Taukiri, Sale Leilua, Kaea Ruawai, Dan Waterson, Stallone D'Souza, Richard Pickard, Adrien Brown, Gin Papāli'i, Debbie Papāli'i, Ruby Papāli'i, Crystal Lin, LaCoco Sasa-Tepania, Molee Lauititi and Hannah Ress.

Creative Natives - Kaupapa Anthems 2

https://precise.fm/kaupapaanthems2

Kaupapa Anthems 2 (Tuakana Teina Project) marks over 40 years of waiata that have helped shape the social and political sounds of Aotearoa.

The project honours the legacy of kaupapa music and the contribution it has made to decades of grassroots resistance here in Aotearoa and across Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific).

Led by Zane Graham, Creative Nātives created near faithful reconstructions of these waiata featuring the original artists (Tuakana) alongside younger established artists (Teina). The project was an opportunity to reimagine these waiata with new sounds, musicians and production resources that artists didn’t have access to 40 years ago. This is the first time some of these songs have been recorded.

Artists contributing to the multi-generational project include descendants of Ngā Tamatoa, Polynesian Panthers, He Taua, Black Women's Liberation and HART (Halt All Racist Tours).

“These are the songs we all grew up with, and the album is a chance to acknowledge these icons,” says Te Whenua Harawira, Creative Director of Kaupapa Anthems. “It was inspiring to work with these artists, to hear the intent behind their waiata and to share this kaupapa with a new generation.”

Released on Waitangi Day, the album is freely available on all major streaming platforms

including Spotify and YouTube. 

Book now for Syncposium 2024: Bringing Hollywood’s best screen music talent to Auckland

Syncposium 2024 is the hottest ticket in town. A two-day public conference, held at Auckland’s Q Theatre, it showcases the best in the business from the US and Aotearoa’s screen music industries.

Syncposium brings together Grammy and Oscar-winning composers Pasek and Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Only Murders in the Building), top Hollywood television and movie executives and a group of Aotearoa’s best music talent.

Over the two days on February 23-24, Syncposium ticketholders will get a rare opportunity to gain insights, knowledge and inspiration from some of the most influential voices in the entertainment industry.

With a stellar line-up, whose talent has shaped the fabric of popular culture, Syncposium offers a rare chance for enthusiasts, professionals, and aficionados to immerse themselves in the world of music, film, and creativity. From panel discussions and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to cutting-edge industry trends, each speaker will share invaluable perspectives and experiences, making Syncposium a must-see event for anyone passionate about the intersection of music and screen.

"This gathering represents a convergence of unparalleled talent and expertise," says Karyn Rachtman, producer of Syncposium. "This isn't just a conference; it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of music in cinema. Attendees will walk away not only inspired but armed with invaluable insights to fuel their own creative journeys."

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of Syncposium and witness history in the making. There are only limited tickets left - secure your spot today and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hollywood's sonic landscape. BOOK HERE.

www.Syncposium.org

Debut release from Outergalactic Music, a new NZ-founded, Berlin-based label dedicated to creativity in dance music

Outergalactic Music is proud to announce their debut release, "This Is Wild". Released 9 February, the track is a collaboration between Berlin's Lars Moston and tech-house legend David Keno, and features vocals by New Zealand's own Murmur Tooth. The track is set to be a bleep-bloop dance floor favourite, infusing quirky modular synth with charismatically sassy vocals. 

Listen: https://listen.murmurtooth.com/thisiswild

But don’t expect the next release to follow suit. Tired of algorithms that favour homogeneity over creativity, Outergalactic Music founders Murmur Tooth & Lars Moston just want to release great music. “We aren’t interested in songs that fit neatly into specific sub-genres. We’re not saying we’re going to be wildly experimental - we just want to release great tracks, no matter how they’re categorised. House not-House, Pop not-Pop, it's anything but boring - expect the unexpected!”

Outergalactic Music is excited to contribute to the electronic music tapestry, and cordially invites music enthusiasts and dancers alike to join us on our sonic journey! 

Stay tuned for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and exclusive releases by following Outergalactic Music on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outergalactic.music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Outergalactic.Music/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutergalacticMusic

Award-winning artist General Fiyah releases feel-good new single, ‘One True Love’

Award-winning, 18-year old Aotearoa and Tongan artist General Fiyah has today unveiled his laid-back summer anthem ‘One True Love’.

Listen to ‘One True Love’ HERE

An easy-listening, reggae feel sets the tone for a hook-laden melody; General Fiyah’s impeccable vocal performance expressing a poignant lyrical narrative.

“The verses are all about evoking a sense of serenity and wonder, as a person discovers their true love,” explains General Fiyah. “The chorus then becomes a heartfelt declaration, and a promise of unwavering devotion - regardless of the challenges faced.”

Written by Rob Pome’e, the track was then produced by Sheldon Palmer before being mixed and mastered by Errol Brown in Jamaica.

“I have been working behind the scenes with my father and my uncles, trying to fine tune my new music now that I am no longer a 10 year old,” says General Fiyah. “I have to put my music out there for the world to hear the new General Fiyah as an adult.”

General Fiyah, aka Lotima Nicholas Pome'e, is no stranger to performing; the youngest member of the highly successful reggae-pop band Three Houses Down, he’s performed on stages across the globe and is recognisable across the Pacific. At 15, his single ‘Here To Stay’ ft. Three Houses Down won Best Music Video, Best Song and the People's Choice Award at the 2018 Pacific Music Awards. The track currently has over 10 million streams on Spotify alone; the music video racking up over 2 million views on YouTube since its release.

‘One True Love’ gives an exciting taste of what’s to come from this talented artist - watch this space for more!

Listen to ‘One True Love’ HERE

FIND GENERAL FIYAH:
Instagram | YouTube|Spotify

TAMI NEILSON ANNOUNCES RETURN TO WILLIE NELSON’S LUCK RANCH WITH SONG RECORDED AT HIS STUDIO

What better way to celebrate Tami’s return to the iconic Luck Reunion festival held on Willie Nelson’s ranch than with “Sister’s Coming Home”, one of her favourites from his extensive songbook. Featuring exciting new artist and Texas native Nicky Diamonds (The Black Opry) and engineered by GRAMMY award winning Steve Chadie who works in-house at the storied Pedernales Studio, Tami said recording this song was special for many reasons:

“Growing up performing in a family band, I’ve always loved this song from a sibling perspective. This track documents the first time me and my two brothers have recorded music together in 25 years. It wasn’t planned- Jay performs and tours with me regularly and our little brother Todd creates my visuals and has produced many of my music videos and album covers throughout my career. Todd was there to film and document this project- which was supposed to be just Jay and I recording a little acoustic love letter to Willie for his 90th birthday present. We walked into the studio and Chadie had scavenged around the studio for some percussion and rustled up a kick, snare and a floor tom- (no cymbals a la Willie!) I asked Todd if he would mind hopping on the makeshift kit and The Neilson Family was reunited once again!”

After the surprise 2022 live performance at Luck Reunion of their duet, “Beyond the Stars”, Tami and Willie went on to win New Zealand’s “BEST COUNTRY SONG 2023” at the Country Music Awards. Neilson says she will be bringing along the plaque to present to Willie for him to add to his archive. “You know, in case he wants to prop it up next to his 14 GRAMMYS!”, she laughs.

WATCH Willie Nelson crash Tami Neilson’s acceptance speech at the NZ Country Music Awards

“Sister’s Coming Home” is the the first release for Neilson, since her Award winning album “Kingmaker” stunned fans and press alike in 2022.

Local artist unites a community of collaborators through music, film, and the seven psyches.

Nelson-based artist, Silk Satin Suede, is working with a diverse collective of local creatives to tell his story of self-discovery by producing an immersive studio album and short film, balancing the beauty with the darkness in his emotive avant-garde style.

Set within the breathtaking landscapes of the Nelson Tasman region, this sonic and visual experience, combining music, surrealist visuals, light, and theatre, is a visceral reflection of the past three years of Silk Satin Suede’s life, swirling through the stinging pains of confusion, and the gracious kisses of love.

He is making this work to raise questions about the human condition in the hope that it will inspire, shock, and guide audiences to form a deeper, more loving and meaningful relationship with the ‘true self’ and the ‘shadow’ – acting as an artistic analysis of Jungian psychology.

The recording of the music began in June 2023 at Birdling Studios in Richmond, Tasman (his parents' beautiful home). After three separate, but equally symbolic and productive weeks, the seven songs are now fully recorded and are currently being mixed. He worked with seven musicians in total: Composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Denison; Pianist and percussionist, AJ Hickling (who sadly passed away six months after the recording sessions); Violinist, Pascal Roggen; Drummer, Sam Edmonds; Vocalist, Di Duncan; Guitarist, Richard Sherlock; and Bassist, Rua Sargent.

In November 2023, Silk Satin Suede got filming permits from the Department of Conservation to shoot the first of seven music videos at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. This location was specifically chosen because Max experienced a spiritual awakening there after taking a seven minute ice bath in the lake in 2021.

‘Cocoon’ opens the film with striking images of our country's natural beauty and tells the story of the relationship between the ‘Lady of the Lake’ (The Mother, played by Max’s actual mother, Di Duncan), and The Hero (Silk Satin Suede), illustrating the gifting of humanity to Mother Earth, our absolute vulnerability, our battle with our own psyches, and our curiosity to search for new experiences.

This video was produced with British Director, James Grimley (Silk Satin Suede’s cousin, currently living in New Zealand on a working holiday visa); Director of Photography, Macca Clark; Producer and Drone Pilot, Jonathan Lopardo; Set Production Assistant, Jayden Seddon; and Actor, Di Duncan.

The production of the studio album and the first music video were completely funded by money from Max’s own pocket. However, to turn this immersive and emotive album into a cinematic experience, Silk Satin Suede and his local team of talented and passionate creatives need to raise $30,000 to make the next six videos and cover the hard cost of a film production.

They are currently running an all-or-nothing crowdfunding campaign via Boosted (The Arts Foundation), ending on February 27. The $30,000 will go towards the following…

• Fairly paying the team for their many hours/days/weeks of work

• Feeding the crew

• Securing high-quality equipment

• Travel costs and accommodation

• Paying for DOC National Park filming permits

• Ensuring health and safety on location

They have already raised $10,000, but they need the full thirty to receive any funding and bring this surreal world to life. To donate, go to https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/antique-angel.

This journey of self-discovery, told through the eyes and voice of a deeply passionate artist from the Nelson Tasman is planned to be released in theatres throughout the country this year, alongside a documentary telling the story of how it was all made possible through the belief, talent, hard-work, and love of a community of local creative collaborators.

Website: https://www.silksatinsuede.com/

Boosted Campaign: https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/antique-angel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silksatinsuede

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silksatinsuede/