Shepherds Reign to open for Disturbed at Spark Arena

The anticipation is building as the hard-hitting metal band, Shepherds Reign, announces their highly anticipated opening performance for the legendary rock group, Disturbed, at Spark Arena on March 15, 2024.

Taking the stage at Spark Arena, one of New Zealand's premier music venues, Shepherds Reign will set the tone for the unforgettable evening, delivering an adrenaline-fueled performance that will leave fans craving for more. Their set will feature Polynesian dancers and percussion players as well as fire dancers from Wahine Toa Siva Afi.

"We are beyond excited to be opening for Disturbed," says Shepherds Reign frontman Filivaa James. "It's a dream come true for us to share the stage with such an iconic band. We can't wait to bring our energy and passion to the Auckland crowd and show them what Shepherds Reign is all about."

Hailing from South Auckland, Shepherds Reign is a band of Pacific, Maori, and Asian descent. They have quickly gained recognition for their electrifying live performances and signature blend of Polynesian culture with heavy metal music. With their powerful stage presence and unique sound, Shepherds Reign has captured the attention of both local and international audiences.

Known for their chart-topping hits such as "Le Manu" and "Aiga," Shepherds Reign has been making waves in the music industry. Their sophomore album, ALA MAI, was released in August of last year, receiving critical acclaim from fans and music critics alike. The album showcases their unique fusion of heavy metal and the traditional rhythms of the Pacific, further establishing their place in the music scene.

Disturbed, a multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated rock band, needs no introduction. With over 17 million records sold worldwide, six RIAA certifications for their albums (including 5× platinum for The Sickness), singles from all eight albums reaching the top ten of the Mainstream Rock chart, and two Grammy Award nominations, Disturbed ranks alongside Slipknot and Godsmack as one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century.

The collaboration between Shepherds Reign and Disturbed promises to be an unforgettable experience for metal and rock enthusiasts alike. Fans can expect an evening filled with raw energy, exhilarating guitar solos, and a powerful display of musical talent.

Tickets for the Shepherds Reign and Disturbed concert are available now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness two powerhouse bands unite on one stage for a night of pure rock and metal madness.

For more information about Shepherds Reign, please visit www.shepherdsreign.com.

Rising star Sam Heselwood releases emotive new single ‘I Remember’

LISTEN TO ‘I Remember’ HERE

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

While taking his music to the international stage in London, Darfield-raised Sam Heselwood has today released his new soulful ballad ‘I Remember’.

The emotionally charged single, written and produced alongside Joel Jones (Macey, Will Swinton, Balu Brigada) and Alex Stacey (Ella Henderson, OneRepublic) is the result of “just wanting to pour my heart out into something.” After a whirlwind session of just 4 hours at Auckland’s Parachute Studios, Sam says he drew inspiration from a heartbreaking fictional scenario of his partner passing away. Using music for both expression and comfort, Sam hopes that ‘I Remember’ will be “whatever the listener needs it to be. Whether you’ve lost someone, missing someone, or just need to pour your heart out.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘I Remember’ follows the release of Sam’s 2023 EP HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS and the raging success of single ‘Home’ (#1 Hot NZ Singles Chart, over 1 million streams on Spotify, ZM, The Edge). Sam says today’s release explores a different part of his artistic growth by “showing I’m able to stand alone with a piano ballad and not hide behind huge production.”

Also released today is a stunning music video filmed by Sam and his partner Sophie and edited by previous collaborator Gordon Duff. Shot in the serene Cotswolds, England, the video follows Sam as he walks and sings his way through the countryside, while incorporating still shots of the world around him. Sam says the clip hopes to “convey the simplicity and beauty of the song, while reflecting on time spent with a significant other”.

About Sam Heselwood

Rugby player turned songwriter Sam Heselwood has quickly sky-rocketed to Kiwi fame. Exploring themes of family, love, and mental health, Sam is trying to break down boundaries through his music. With each release, Sam showcases his versatility as a songwriter, blending elements of folk, rock, and pop to create a sound that is uniquely his own. Growing up in rural Darfield, he wrote his first song at 19, and became a finalist at the Golden Guitar awards for his song ‘High Off Love’ at 21.

Since then, he’s released 3 EPs and various singles with incredible success. His single ‘Home’ debuted No 1 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart and placed on the NZ RadioScope Most Added + NZ charts. He’s placed No 4 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart and no 29 on the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart for his 2022 single ‘18’, and he’s had strong support from radio (ZM Locals Only, The Edge). Sam’s had millions of digital streams - including 3 million on single ‘Book Full of Answers’ and over 1 million on single ‘Home’; received back-to-back single funding and support from NZ on Air; and featured on playlists Coffee + Chill (500k), Spotify’s Fresh Finds (1m), Spotify’s Fresh Finds Pop, Spotify’s Fresh Finds AU & NZ, Apple Music’s New, Music Daily, Apple Music’s A-List Pop, Apple Music’s New in Pop!

FIND SAM HESELWOOD

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK

 YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE

Aotearoa Indie-folk artist Fraser Ross unveils stunning title-track single ‘Thunderhead’ ahead of new album!

Listen HERE

Watch video HERE

Pre-save album HERE

Ōtautahi indie-folk artist Fraser Ross has today released the title track single and music video from his much-anticipated upcoming album ‘Thunderhead’.

A mesh of folk, indie and soft-rock - with the perfect balance of melancholia and hope, ‘Thunderhead’ is set to become another successful track in Fraser’s discography. Following the success of recently released single ‘Cards’ (NZ On Air NewTracks, RDU, Radio One, The Most FM), today's track is sure to build even more excitement for the artists new album THUNDERHEAD - out March 22 - pre-save HERE.

‘Thunderhead’ is a deeply personal reflection written as a documentary of Frasers travels throughout America, and the experience of leaving a family. Named after Thunderhead Artist’s Refuge in Montana, a camp that brings artists together in the spirit of natural building and campfire jamming - and the place Fraser wrote the track mid-travels.

“My experience at Thunderhead was one of recovery and redirecting,” explains Fraser, “It was the physical and metaphorical place I turned around and stopped running away from the guilt of leaving.” ‘Thunderhead’ carries the emotional weight of this turning point for Fraser, with reflective lyrics and expressive instrumentation, while a warmth in Lee Prebble’s mixing emulates a bright optimism for what the future holds. Made with the support of NZ On Air, the track was recorded at Surgery Studios Wellington and mastered by Mike Gibson.

Also released today is a stunning music video which Fraser hopes will further “illustrate the song's journey of moving on”. Filmed with good friend Robyn Jordaan, the clip follows Fraser on a turbulent journey through Christchurch via electric scooter, collecting various clothes and memorabilia en route. Shots of Fraser cruising down wide roads, sitting atop a chest of drawers and the scooter, were inspired by seeing someone do just that! “It was just the funniest, most resourceful thing I’d seen,” says Fraser. “I thought the visual metaphor of moving house by sitting on your clothes while riding a scooter might make an accurate theatrical representation of the song.”

Complete with epic shots of clothes and a scooter being flung off New Brighton Pier at sunset, both the ‘Thunderhead’ music video and single are charming insights into Fraser’s quirky sense of humour and paint beautiful imagery for moving on.

About Fraser Ross

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 today's release, and the success of recent single ‘Cards’ from his highly anticipated album THUNDERHEAD, set to be released in the coming weeks, there is no doubt that Fraser Ross has secured his place in the Aotearoa music scene.

Find Fraser Ross

Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Spotify | Bandcamp | Website | Apple Music

Banana Mundo Announces the Release of Their New Single "Driving Around" - A Funk-Latin Fusion That Captures the Essence of Road Tripping

The vibrant and dynamic Taranaki based 9-piece band, Banana Mundo, is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Driving Around". Known for their electrifying live performances and a unique blend of musical styles, Banana Mundo takes listeners on a journey with a song that encapsulates the freedom and exhilaration of hitting the road.
"Driving Around" is a lively, upbeat track that combines the infectious grooves of funk with the warm rhythms of Latin music, creating a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic. The song aims to evoke the joy and adventure of embarking on a road trip, capturing the sense of escape and discovery that comes with driving through unknown landscapes.
Banana Mundo has always stood out for their ability to merge diverse musical genres into a cohesive and compelling sound. With "Driving Around", the band continues to push the boundaries, offering a track that is not only a testament to their musicianship but also a celebration of life's simple pleasures.
Front man André Manella said, "With 'Driving Around', we wanted to create a soundtrack for those moments when you just want to escape the routine and explore the world around you. It's a song for anyone who's ever felt the thrill of the open road and the freedom it represents."
Recorded with the energy and passion that Banana Mundo is celebrated for, "Driving Around" features the band's full nine-piece lineup, including horns, percussion, and a rhythm section that brings the song's vibrant textures to life.
The single is now available across all major streaming platforms, inviting listeners to kick off their own journeys, whether literal or metaphorical.
Stay tuned for more music and live show announcements by following Banana Mundo on social media and their official website.
The band is celebrating the release with a short North Island tour with shows at the Awakino Hotel on Friday, the secret garden in Waihi Beach on Saturday and Music in Park in Auckland on Sunday. Tickets and details can be found on www.bananamundo.com

TAITE MUSIC PRIZE - FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) is excited to announce the finalists for the Taite Music Prize 2024 with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ. This prestigious honour will be presented on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 alongside the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award. 

As we look forward to the 15th year of the Taite Music Prize in 2024, the coveted Taite Music Prize acknowledges outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained in one recording. The award highlights outstanding New Zealand albums released in the past year. The award is open to all genres of music and judged on artistic merit regardless of genre, sales, or record label. The prize winner will receive a cash prize of $12,500, thanks to founding partner Recorded Music NZ. 

A voting academy of all current members of IMNZ, musicians, and music industry personnel voted to produce the shortlisted finalist albums. An independent panel debates and scrutinises the shortlisted albums to decide the winner. That panel comprises musicians, journalists, and music industry professionals with a wide variety of different professional backgrounds and personal tastes.

The ten albums in contention for the 2024 Taite Music Prize span genres from hip hop to indie folk to metal and include some of Aotearoa's finest and pigeon-hole-defying musicians.

The 2024 Taite Music Prize finalists are:

Dick Move - Wet (1:12 Records)
Ebony Lamb - Ebony Lamb (Slow Time Records)
Erny Belle - Not Your Cupid (Flying Nun Records)
Home Brew - Run It Back (Years Gone By)
Mermaidens - Mermaidens (Independent)
Shepherds Reign - Ala Mai (Golden Robot Records)
Tiny Ruins - Ceremony (Ursa Minor)
Tom Lark - Brave Star (Winegum Records)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - V (Jagjaguwar Records)
Vera Ellen - Ideal Home Noise (Flying Nun Records)

IMNZ Chairperson, Pippa Ryan-Kidd says, “IMNZ are proud to support this year's finalists.  Supporting independent music is vital for a music industry that is creative and diverse. These finalists are representative of the best in our landscape this past year, and we champion them!" 

Recorded Music NZ CEO, Jo Oliver says, “Recorded Music NZ are proud supporters of the Taite Music Prize, and we are delighted to once again honour the critical success of artists at the top of their game in partnership with Independent Music NZ." 

MIDWAVE BREAKS Deliver a triple-scoop treat to see out the summer with their New EP ‘Standing Inside Out’

The Tauranga Alt-Rock duo have gone full waffle cone, 3 scoops, with choc dip on their latest offering, taking time to deliver the full-production flavour, reinforcing Midwave Breaks infectious sound, seamlessly blending familiar Rock sensibilities, with their distinctive modern flair.

The first radio single from the trio of tracks is All She Was, essentially a love song from lead-singer Bruce to his wife, stylistically channeling some Bruce-Springsteen energy, with a typically catchy chorus, and up-beat rousing instrumental outro.

The title track Standing Inside Out is a high energy flavour combo, with elements of 1970’s guitar motifs, modern Pop-Rock flow, and an unapologetic nod to the multi-layered anthemic vocal styling of their late-80’s youth.

The vision behind the track Here We Go, was to create a captivating opener for their live performance, building through repeated sonic layers, hinting at what’s to come, culminating in an explosive display of energy, which promises to set a powerful scene for their live show.

Standing Inside Out is available NOW on all streaming platforms!

BYLLIE-JEAN RELEASES DEBUT EP FILTER

Multi-disciplinary Māori artist Byllie-jean (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Pahauwera) has released her debut solo EP Filter featuring the focus track of the same name. Out via Distrokid, Filter is an experimental sonic journey of contrast and drama from starlight to the swamp – the grimy and the ethereal effortlessly combining with sides of satire. According to Byllie-jean, these are the sounds from her world as an island dweller, a jungle lover and indigenous storyteller in her colonised country of Aotearoa.

As well as focus track ‘Filter’, Filter features previously released singles ‘Desperate Fools’ (2023), a spine-tingling noir ballad; beat-driven single ‘Running Amuck’ (2023), which boldly speaks to the history of Māori land loss; and ‘Heck’ (2021), a track in the style of a hiphop fairytale. You can now also listen to ‘E moko’ feat. Marlon Williams and author/poet Isla Huia. The stunning waiata is an ode to tīpuna and mokopuna using taonga puoro and electric synth. The EP also features unusual interlude ‘Korimako’ feat. Pōneke / Wellington RnB artist Aja.

“There's healing in these songs for me, and stories within stories, they are recorded snapshots of moments in time – lots of blood and water and bush and memory and suburbia. This collection of completed songs was grown and documented from a friendship come recording project with producer Chris Wethey; we would met each Thursday and a sound soon emerged that was acoustic and clean as well as electronically muddy and hard-hitting due to my partiality to 808s.” Byllie-jean

Byllie-jean has been raising her whānau, studying and working – she has performed live, produced shows and composed prolifically. At this stage in her life she finds herself with the capacity, experience and guts to tell her stories as a wahine Māori, whaea, kuia and artist in Aotearoa. She won the 2022 APRA Maioha Award for her song with Aja ‘Te Iho’, and has been creating and releasing visual and sonic content steadily ever since.

TESS LIAUTAUD Releases New Single & Video 'GOLD DIGGER' + Announces Aotearoa Tour

Today Franco-American artist Tess Liautaud releases a rockin’ alt-country banger.

The recipe for any country hit worth its weight is a catchy hook and a healthy measure of wry wit, all rolled up with swagger and aplomb.

Liautaud wrote Gold Digger in Otago while imagining a song that John Prine might sing, and though the result is uniquely her own, there is a throughline; honest truths cloaked in humorous word play and a simple melody.

After releasing her debut album in 2022, Gold Digger is bursting with crunchy guitars and that Americana feel-good delivery, a taste of good things to come.

The song is paired with a playful, old-timey music video filmed in the wilds of Arthur’s Pass and Otira. Tess and her band will celebrate its release with a tour of Aotearoa.

'Gold Digger' Tour tickets are on sale now at Undertheradar.co.nz 

- full tour dates below.

TESS LIAUTAUD - GOLD DIGGER TOUR
AOTEAROA 2024

MAY 02 - Featherston / Common Ground

MAY 03 - Wellington / Rogue & Vagabond

MAY 04 - Auckland / Wine Cellar

MAY 17 - Ophir / Peace Memorial Hall

MAY 18 - Oamaru / Grainstore Gallery

MAY 24 - Pigeon Bay / Pigeon Bay Social Club

MAY 25 - Lyttelton / Wunderbar

MAY 31 - Mapua / The Playhouse

JUN 01 - Onekaka / Mussel Inn

Tickets from undertheradar.co.nz