Ersha Island 二沙岛 proudly present their highly anticipated debut EP "Back To Our Roots"
Ersha Island 二沙岛 proudly presents their highly anticipated debut EP, "Back To Our Roots," marking a significant milestone for the indie-folk sibling duo. This beautiful EP serves as an audio and visual feast, exploring themes of identity, biracial upbringing, and the cultural bridge connecting Ersha Island 二沙岛 to Aotearoa and China.
Ersha Island 二沙岛 proudly presents their highly anticipated debut EP, "Back To Our Roots," marking a significant milestone for the indie-folk sibling duo. This beautiful EP serves as an audio and visual feast, exploring themes of identity, biracial upbringing, and the cultural bridge connecting Ersha Island 二沙岛 to Aotearoa and China.
Out today, the EP’s kaupapa involved working with an Asian-led team, produced by EDYONTHEBEAT (Edward Liu), and features artists Geoff Ong and Iris Zhang. Alongside the EP, a mini-documentary by Cadby Kong chronicles the duo’s journey during the creation of the work as they searched inward and gathered stories of other Asian New Zealanders who have inspired the EP.
Listen to Back To Our Roots Here
Elsewhere, singles like “My Mother’s Mountains and My Father’s Sea 母亲的山，父亲的海” delve into the acceptance of their cultural journey, and the lead bilingual single "Beijing 北京" strips things back to the bare essentials of piano, violin, voice, telling the story of their experience living in Beijing during 2012-2014. They studied full time as classical musicians at the Beijing Conservatory of Music, a dark and lonely time in their childhood that left a lasting impact on their lives, identities, and relationships.
The EP also comes with two music videos directed by Hong Kong-New Zealand director Daryl J. Wong with a primarily Pan-Asian crew.
In a genre-blurring blend of sounds, Ersha Island 二沙岛 invites listeners on an emotive voyage through their personal experiences, painting a vivid sonic landscape of the challenges and beauty of straddling two worlds.
On what their EP means for them, the siblings shared, “This EP is an exploration into our Chinese and mixed-race identity, a celebration of culture, and empowerment by heritage. Drawing inspiration from our 爷爷's (Grandfather) recorded stories and experimenting with Chinese traditional instruments, we've woven these elements into our contemporary sound.”
“Back To Our Roots” promises a captivating fusion of folk instruments, pop sensibilities, and poetic lyricism, all delivered with the duo's unique Kiwi-Chinese perspective. With their thought-provoking songs, Ersha Island 二沙岛 invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of navigating the intricate tapestry of cultural identity.
Follow Ersha Island 二沙岛 for updates here: https://linktr.ee/ershaisland
RISING SOUL SENSATION TO CASUALLY HEAL AOTEAROA WITH FRESH REGGAE ANTHEM ‘UP AND DOWN’ FROM UPCOMING ALBUM ‘DRIFTWOOD’
Casual Healing (AKA Nikau Te Huki) has released the fourth single, 'Up & Down,' from his debut album, 'DRIFTWOOD’. Nikau Te Huki fondly refers to ‘Up and Down’ as his “golden child”, with an upbeat, melancholic anthem taking us through the highs and lows of the human experience.
Casual Healing (AKA Nikau Te Huki) has released the fourth single, 'Up & Down,' from his debut album, 'DRIFTWOOD’.
Nikau Te Huki fondly refers to ‘Up and Down’ as his “golden child”, with an upbeat, melancholic anthem taking us through the highs and lows of the human experience. In this track, Casual Healing shares a “story of life” to uplift, inspire and call out those elements of life that we all battle with, referencing childhood simplicity and freedom. Casual Healing shares a flawless and robust message, reminding humanity that hitting rock bottom and reaching new heights are all part of our emotional holistic pilgrimage.
This song's roots, rock, and reggae fusion instantly earns it the status of a classic; with its creamy chorus-drenched guitar and punchy-crunchy tape-sounding drums, ‘Up and Down’ has Casual Healing’s signature production style written all over it. The sound of Casual Healing is impeccably paired with Te Huki’s boyish charisma and endowed with the power and sense of meaningful dialogue that can only originate from a seasoned mind. For Te Huki, the tidings of life become blends of seasonal change through those wavering intervals of observation and life tuition, emerging sensitively through his lyrics and sound.
Brilliantly captured by Mason Rudd, Kerry Pulham, and Francesca Sewell, the accompanying music video walks us through ‘up and down’ concepts in a retro broadcast style woven with delicious contrasting visuals. The video encapsulates that sense of winning and losing and the holistic lessons we learn whilst pulling ourselves back out of the doldrums. These positive messages hit those nerves of reality when adversity leaves us flapping around like a fish out of water. Rudds' team captures vibes of high and low tides, representing the fluctuations of life through insightful winter-summer variance. Te Huki is a natural storyteller who shares his interpretation of life through an authentic and personal lens.
Casual Healing believes in creating a “golden-era sound” as part of his mission and journey to heal generations through musical kōrero. Te Huki frames this crazy world in a simple message of hope and desire to pick ourselves up and grow a sense of knowing that life will always fluctuate. The waiata of Casual Healing urges life lessons of aroha, peace and harmony through powerful lyrical scribe woven into smooth reggae soul rhythm.
In April 2024, Casual Healing will release his debut album ‘DRIFTWOOD’. This represents four years of Nikau’s most personal and intimate recordings compiled into a collection of Soul, Folk, Hip-Hop, Dub, Trap, R&B and Marae-style tracks. In 2023, Casual Healing released 'Mauri Tau' in October, initiating the drip-feed release for 'DRIFTWOOD' with 'Hori House' following in December, and most recently, 'Chasing Rainbows'. These tracks have achieved notable success, securing positions on the NZ Official Hot Singles chart and garnering substantial airplay on radio and various Spotify editorial playlists, including Fresh Finds AU/NZ, Waiata Reo Māori, Dinner Mood, R&B Feels, and Apple Music’s New Music Daily, Late Night Menu, ALT-R&B, R&B Now, Glow and The Sound.
On behalf of Casual Healing, Nikau Te Huki and the C*H*u*R whanau, we thank you for tuning in and supporting this local independent artist. We look forward to hearing these sounds resonate through the streets of Aotearoa and beyond. CHUR.
BACK TO BASICS SEMINAR DEBUTS IN NEW PLYMOUTH
Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, with support from Recorded Music New Zealand, New Zealand Music Commission and NZ On Air, is proud to announce our Back to Basics seminar is travelling to Taranaki for the very first time! The seminar will take place in New Plymouth, on Tuesday 26 March 2024.
Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, with support from Recorded Music New Zealand, New Zealand Music Commission and NZ On Air, is proud to announce our Back to Basics seminar is travelling to Taranaki for the very first time! The seminar will take place in Ngāmotu | New Plymouth, on Tuesday 26 March 2024.
Aimed at all who are in the early stages of artist management, including self-managed artists, this seminar explores the fundamentals and inner workings of the music industry. Topics will cover planning a release, artist development and the business of music.
Lorraine Barry (manager of Sir Dave Dobbyn, Avantdale Bowling Club, Aaradhna, Aidan Fine, Home Brew, Rizvan) will be joined by Barnaby Weir (songwriter/performer/producer).
They will present and share their indispensable knowledge, and answer questions from attendees.
Back to Basics Seminar New Plymouth
When: Tuesday 26 March 2024
Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Venue: Bryan Robb Lounge, TSB Showplace, 92-100 Devon Street West, New Plymouth
Lorraine Barry began working with Sir Dave Dobbyn 19 years ago. Avantdale Bowling Club, Aidan Fine, Home Brew, Rizvan and Aaradhna complete her current roster.
She’s a keen mentor for the MMF Aotearoa and sits on the Board of the Music Commission.
In her former life at Virgin Records in London she was International Marketing Manager for acts including Ice T, Spice Girls, Massive Attack, Neneh Cherry, Placebo and The Verve before taking on the role of running the International Department.
Barnaby Weir Wellington-born long-time musician and songwriter Barnaby Weir is a founding member of well-loved bands, Fly My Pretties and The Black Seeds. Also well known as a songwriter and producer in his own right, Barnaby’s professional musical career spans more than 23 years, performing in almost 20 countries and writing and producing on over 24 albums.
With a number of award-winning and multi-platinum albums under his belt and a reputation for engaging stage performances, Barnaby’s regular solo performances are the culmination of all his musical treasures. Weir also brings his wealth of experience as a music mentor with frequent appearances and workshops at YAMI in Wanaka and similar education offerings around Aotearoa.
Barnaby and The Black Seeds are currently working on their 8th studio album and playing summer shows across NZ and Australia.
FREE ENTRY to all (come armed with your questions!). RSVP to admin@mmf.co.nz is essential.
Email here to secure your seat.
Music Managers Forum Aotearoa is the collective voice for music managers and self-managed artists, both signed and independent. The MMF Aotearoa is an independent, non-profit trade association dedicated to helping grow artist manager businesses through education, networking and advocacy.
The MMF Aotearoa work towards a fairer, honest and more transparent music industry which operates with the highest of integrity in the interests of the artists our members represent. We aim to represent the wide diversity of voices and backgrounds of music managers and their artists.
Recorded Music NZ® represents recording artists and right holders in Aotearoa through licensing, advocacy and promotion. Recorded Music collects broadcast and public performance income from music users and distributes it to right holders and recording artists, advocates to government and others on behalf of recording artists and right holders and promotes artists and recorded music through initiatives such as the Aotearoa Music Awards.
Recorded Music NZ also operates The Official NZ Music Charts® and data analysis services and supports the wider music community through collaborations and its music grant programme.
The New Zealand Music Commission Te Reo Reka O Aotearoa is a government funded organisation that promotes music from New Zealand and supports the growth of New Zealand music businesses – both culturally and economically, at home and abroad. The hub of NZ Music Month, the Music Commission also deliver contemporary music programmes in schools, including the Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme; provides music upskilling tools and resources; and runs the international market development & trade show programme Outward Sound.
NZ On Air is an independent government funding agency that funds the development, recording and promotion of single songs and multi-song projects that reflect Aotearoa New Zealand and have the potential to reach both significant broadcast and online audiences. We do this by funding artists and musicians to professionally record and create content that resonates and engages with audiences. Alongside New Music Single and New Music Project funding streams, NZ On Air Music also offers Waiata Takitahi, New Music Pasifika, Pan Asian and Kids focused funding rounds.
The Fuzzy Robes release second single COLLECT FOR MIDDAY
Enigmatic spiritual-meets-psychedelic group The Fuzzy Robes release second single Collect For Midday ahead of sophomore effort Midday Prayers.
Enigmatic spiritual-meets-psychedelic group The Fuzzy Robes release second single Collect For Midday ahead of sophomore effort Midday Prayers.
Following a surprise return with single Invocation, prayer-psychedelia group The Fuzzy Robes today release their second single Collect for Midday ahead of their new album Midday Prayers, a continuation of the group’s efforts to adapt the New Zealand Prayer Book, He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa into modern musical metaphor.
Collect for Midday summons simple melodies and optimistic strings to wrap around the literal collect observed at midday, inviting us all to be loving and caring despite the contrasting imagery of Jesus suspended on the cross. The track is moody but simultaneously buoyant with hopeful energy in its instrumental section, allowing time for reflection in prayer at midday.
Midday Prayers releases on Holy Wednesday (27th March, 2024) via Ōtautahi’s Winegum Records. Pre-orders for vinyl are available now on Bandcamp.
ZED DELIVER SUMMER SINGLE ‘MEANT TO BE’
ZED’s hot summer single, "Meant To Be," featuring a special collaboration with Kiwi icon, Kings is out today. This highly anticipated third track off their upcoming full-length album offers fans a taste of what's to come on release in July 24. .
ZED’s hot summer single, "Meant To Be," featuring a special collaboration with Kiwi icon, Kings is out today. This highly anticipated third track off their upcoming full-length album offers fans a taste of what's to come on release in July 24. .
‘Meant To Be’ has already become a crowd favourite, resonating with audiences coming out to see Zed play on their recent tour across Aotearoa.
Collaborating with the Kiwi legend Kings on this track brought a fresh perspective and challenged the band to explore new sonic realms. Frontman Nathan King shares, "Kings threw the seed of an idea at us to have a play with He has a great ear for a hook, so it felt good from the get-go and within 48 hours, the tune was born.”
Collaborating with someone from a different genre of music challenges you to try new things and engage in raw and spontaneous creativity. "
As ZED continues to unveil more from their forthcoming album, fans can expect a diverse and dynamic collection of tracks that showcase the band's evolution and musical prowess. The band will continue to share exclusive behind-the-scenes content and lift the lid on their musical journey on their social media channels. Stay tuned for updates and mark your calendars for the full-length album release in July.
The captivating full length music video created by Mat Beck and the creative team at Orly Creative in Ōtautahi, will be released alongside the single next week.
Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘Meant To Be’ is out now on all streaming platforms.
Listen to ‘Meant To Be’
FIND ZED
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Ra Charmian pay tribute to new life, love, and kiwi summer with new single and music video ‘Te Aroha’
Tāmaki Makaurau-based, reggae-pop duo Ra Charmian have today released their stunning new waiata ‘Te Aroha’ - an uplifting tune that celebrates loved ones past, present and future.
Listen to ‘Te Aroha’ HERE
Watch video HERE
Tāmaki Makaurau-based, reggae-pop duo Ra Charmian have today released their stunning new waiata ‘Te Aroha’ - an uplifting tune that celebrates loved ones past, present and future.
Capturing the sound of an Aotearoa summer in the form of an infectious and soulful track, ‘Te Aroha’ songwriters Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) and Hayden Booth say the song details the story of being hopeful and excited with the news of Ra expecting a child, as well as the “love we will always have for those who have gone, and the love for the people around us right now.”
The duo’s new single acts as a beacon of hope that “as our loved ones leave this world, new life enters.” Hayden and Ra describe the inspiration for the lyrics of the song as being deeply connected to their love for the Manukau Harbour: “We regularly visit local beaches which look out to the Manukau. Upon the news of Ra expecting, we went down to Titirangi Beach for a walk and the inspiration for the song came straight to us.”
Reflecting on the history of the Manukau Harbor and its place in te ao Māori (the shores were home to some of the earliest Māori settlements and the Harbour had vital transportation routes), the pair explain that, while the harbour carries such lifeforce, it can also be “wild and treacherous with many hidden dangers.” They say that this speaks to the challenges and losses we have in life. ”Its wild beauty feels like it connects us to our ancestors and also brings life to the present and future.”
Also released today is a special music video made by Hayden. Showing a newly pregnant Ra performing over the Manukau Harbour, the video also acts as a diary of the duo’s summer across Aotearoa, flooded with shots of friends and whānau gathering over music and events.
‘Te Aroha’ from Ra Charmian is a beautifully moving waiata that is sure to be added to many summer soundtracks for years to come.
About Ra Charmian
Ra Charmian Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) 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.
Find Ra Charmian:
Queer Māori artist ARDON ENGLAND advocates for bodily autonomy in new single, ‘PLASTIC’ ft. Aotearoa rapper Krisy Erin
Multi-faceted, queer Māori performance artist ARDON ENGLAND is solidifying his space in the dance music space through unapologetic self-expression, and new single ‘Plastic’ does just this!
Listen to ‘Plastic’ HERE
Multi-faceted, queer Māori performance artist ARDON ENGLAND is solidifying his space in the dance music space through unapologetic self-expression, and new single ‘Plastic’ does just this!
Featuring rising Māori rap star Krisy Erin, ‘Plastic’ blends together sounds of hip hop, house, and ARDON’s unique vogue sound into the ultimate dance floor groove. Exploring ever-present stigma surrounding the world of cosmetic enhancements, ARDON is delivering a strong message of bodily autonomy through this new single.
“The song delves into the contemporary era where enhancements and modifications are prevalent,” ARDON explains. “In a world quick to judge, 'Plastic' advocates for the autonomy to make choices about our bodies.”
‘Plastic’ is the third single from ARDON ENGLAND (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ati Awa, Kahuranaki), who is already proving to span an eclectic range of genres. Following on from his 2023 techno-house releases ‘F.E.M Man’, and debut ‘Leather Daddy’, ARDON describes ‘Plastic’ as the ‘love child’ of house music and rap.
“Much like my musical journey, ‘Plastic’ represents the seamless blend of diverse influences. Offering a unique combination of electronic beats and energetic rap, it’s a fusion I feel is not commonly explored.”
The track features rising Aotearoa hip hop star Krisy Erin, who has made waves in the local hip hop scene, on social media and, most recently, the first Māori wahine rapper to be on the 2024 One Love lineup. Bringing her own flare and slick rap verses to the track, ARDON says the collaboration was a dream come true, and that the rapper had jumped on board with a “resounding YES!”
Listeners won’t be able to help but hit the dancefloor to ‘Plastic’. With its fusion of genres and unapologetic spotlighting of a topic often stigmatised, this new single captures the creative essence of ARDON ENGLAND - bold, new and exciting! More of this defiant approach and electric sound can be expected on the performer’s upcoming debut EP, set for release this NZ Music Month, May 2024. “Anticipate surprises,” says ARDON, “I thrive on keeping the audience guessing and defying predictability.”
About ARDON ENGLAND
A dynamic, queer, Māori creative, ARDON ENGLAND has represented Aotearoa as a dancer & worked alongside some of our best dancers, entertainers & choreographers. He released his debut single ‘Leather Daddy’ early 2023, followed by single ‘F.E.M Man’. The release of ‘Plastic’ continues to build anticipation for an exciting deut EP in 2024. Since ‘Leather Daddy’, ARDON has been gathering enthusiastic listeners across the country and making a name for himself in the Aotearoa music community. His music is inspired by his own experiences as a queer person in Aotearoa, and he aims to be the diverse, queer & inclusive representation in NZ’s House/Dance & electronic music scene.
Find ARDON ENGLAND
VANA UNVEILS METALCORE SINGLE "CLANDESTINE" - A JOURNEY THROUGH THE ECHOES OF EARLY 2000s ATMOSPHERIC ROCK
Vana is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of her latest single, "Clandestine," promising a visceral experience that seamlessly blends metalcore intensity with the evocative nostalgia of early 2000s atmospheric rock.
Vana, the rising sensation in the rock/metal music scene, is making waves following the success of her debut single, "RAGDOLL," that has garnered over 110,000 listens in the past month. Building on this momentum, Vana is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of her latest single, "Clandestine," slated to hit the airwaves on February 23, 2024.promising a visceral experience that seamlessly blends metalcore intensity with the evocative nostalgia of early 2000s atmospheric rock.
"Clandestine" is a profound exploration into the twisted realms of Vana's creative mind. Drawing inspiration from the atmospheric rock of the early 2000s, the track takes listeners on a hauntingly beautiful journey. The lyrics, featuring the cryptic phrase "...bury me in a clandestine garden," provide a glimpse into a hidden realm that is not flourishing with life, but rather shrouded in the echoes of death.
Vana's distinctive voice, characterized by both feminine vocals and harsh screams, serves as the driving force behind the amalgamation of metalcore intensity and the emotional depth reminiscent of a bygone era. With "Clandestine," Vana skillfully navigates the intricate balance between aggression and nostalgia, creating a musical experience that is both powerful and haunting.
The release of "Clandestine" marks a significant milestone in Vana's career, solidifying her position as an artist to watch in the evolving landscape of metalcore music.
"Clandestine," set to be available on all major streaming platforms on February 23, 2024.