Black Smoke Trigger DROP KILLER NEW SINGLE + MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘K.M.T.L.’
New Zealand’s rock powerhouse Black Smoke Trigger release an undeniably anthemic rock radio banger with new single ‘K.M.T.L.’, a superb track accompanied by an equally dynamic music video that perfectly captures the song’s raw intensity.
International Tours With Filter and Bruce Dickinson Begin Next Month
Tickets HERE
New Zealand’s rock powerhouse Black Smoke Trigger release an undeniably anthemic rock radio banger with new single ‘K.M.T.L.’, a superb track accompanied by an equally dynamic music video that perfectly captures the song’s raw intensity.
The Hawkes Bay 4-piece heavy-rock outfit continue to ride the high of their driving rock, anchored by the distinctive guitar work of Wallace and the commanding vocals of Baldrick, combined with their pummelling rhythm section courtesy of bassist Dan Fulton, and drummer Josh Te Maro.
Fast becoming known for not only churning out certified 10/10 arena ready rock bangers, Black Smoke Trigger are also quickly garnering a reputation for creating arresting and often death-defying music videos.
‘K.M.T.L.’ speaks to the relentless derive and sometimes dizzying pursuit of making dreams a reality. Partly written at Nashville’s historic Sienna Studio and recorded by producer Nick Raskulinecz at his Rock Falcon Studio, the band channeled the grit and determination required to achieve success against the odds into their latest offering.
The track sprang to life in the jam room, the initial riff playing out almost as if by instinct, guitarist and band leader Charlie Wallace recounts: “’K.M.T.L.’ began in the jam room, I was talking to the band and noticed my hands were playing the beginning motif of the song. I just kept playing it and we started jamming. It felt like it was building to something so we wanted to write a chorus with tons of energy, and I think we got just that by the end of the jam session.”
Renowned for delivering epic visuals to accompany their killer tunes, the music video for ‘K.M.T.L.’ is a stunning adrenaline-fueled visual spectacle. “The opening line ‘it all keeps spinning’ was the inspiration for what was a highly energetic shoot on a circular camera dolly track”, explains Wallace.
Filmed on a massive theatre stage, it features continuous rotation mirroring the song’s theme of pushing through the spin of life’s challenges to come out victorious on the other side. “It’s lit up like a big stage because we just wanted to show what people can expect when they see us play this track live.”
‘K.M.T.L.’ follows the success of their previous singles, ‘Proof Of Life’; ‘Perfect Torture’; and ‘The Way Down’, the video for which saw the band perform at night, atop the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere with Wallace jumping off the edge, shredding a guitar solo whilst plummeting 630ft and has now clocked up over 1.3 million views on YouTube. The release sees Black Smoke Trigger continue to deliver on their promise of high-energy rock music that’s both entertaining and deeply relatable.
Prior to this new string of singles, the band put out track ‘Caught In The Undertow’, the video for which was also a feat of extreme conditions. Filmed at Muriwai Beach in Auckland and at a helicopter crash testing facility in a 3.6M deep pool, the whole band performed much of the song underwater creating a stunning visual that has clocked up 3.2 million YouTube views, and highlighting the band’s dedication to creating unforgettable visual accompaniments for their hard-hitting rock anthems.
Black Smoke Trigger will be supporting Filter on the Australian and New Zealand legs of their Algorithm World Tour next month, and will be hitting the road to support Bruce Dickinson The Mandrake Project on their run of shows in the UK, France, and Holland this May. For full dates and tickets head to www.blacksmoketrigger.com.
With their debut, full length album HORIZONS set for release this year, the horizon shines bright for these Kiwi rock trailblazers. Stay tuned for much more to come.
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ALT-RAP ARTIST RAY LESLIE UNVEILS DREAMY SINGLE + VIDEO: ‘THE FRIDGE ALL STOCKED’ FEAT. AWGGEY
Dynamo Filipino-Kiwi artist RAY LESLIE continues to boldly carve a distinctively unique musical path with melodious alt-hip hop track ‘THE FRIDGE ALL STOCKED’ FEAT. AWGGEY, the second single preluding the release of her most ambitious project to date, the bold FANTASY & FUTURE EP + MOVIE project.
OFF UPCOMING EP + MOVIE PROJECT FANTASY & FUTURE
DUE OUT FRIDAY 27 JUNE!
Dynamo Filipino-Kiwi artist RAY LESLIE continues to boldly carve a distinctively unique musical path with melodious alt-hip hop track ‘THE FRIDGE ALL STOCKED’ FEAT. AWGGEY, the second single preluding the release of her most ambitious project to date, the bold FANTASY & FUTURE EP + MOVIE project.
A powerfully reflective and honest hip-hop anthem, ‘The Fridge All Stocked’ theme speaks to something very important to Ray: the pursuit of the dream. Giving voice to the reality of the artist’s path, it paints a picture of hardships faced and sacrifices made when chasing one’s dream as she meditatively sings: ‘I’ve been chasing dreams, I’ve been in the city’…
Ray explains: “It leans into when I moved out of home for the first time and was living in the city with my best friend. Such an eye-opening experience as I discovered what pursuing the dream really means – struggle, sacrifice, scarcity of money, loneliness...”
But with that narrative, Ray also acknowledges the light amidst the darkness of day to day struggles, that hope persists on the road to growth: “But while it’s hard, it’s worthwhile, and filled with endless passion – I work well in that space, being with my friends constantly creating – always working, never letting up.”
Layered by enchanting instruments, synths, and hard-hitting lines, ‘The Fridge All Stocked’ was produced by local legend and regular collaborator Abraham Kunin, and sees the pair create a soothing sonic landscape that showcases the eclectic artist’s lyrical and melodic prowess.
Says Ray: “’The Fridge All Stocked’ was another impromptu creative jam session with Abe at Big Pop Studios. We had been experimenting different sounds that fit in the same universe as previous release ‘Who Do You See’, and as soon as I hear something that inspires me, I am immediately driven by a melody or lyrics. In this case, it was both and within 5 minutes I had the intro and hook written.”
For ‘The Fridge All Stocked’, Ray teamed up with fresh up and coming talent Awggey, whose lyrics and rap flow are the perfect complement to Ray’s lyrical and musical adroitness. An unsurprising fit given that Awggey is also a member of Ray’s collective of urban creatives, Light Beings, a cooperative of artists whose principles stem from creative freedom, unlimited expression, and community.
“Awggey is a disciple of that life, and as a fellow artist is living and breathing what I speak about in this track. In his own words, he recounts what music and this dream means to him, and beautifully so”, adds Ray.
Supported by NZ On Air and Big Pop Studios, Ray has been able to elevate every facet of the track including its visuals. Directed by Luke Penney, the video follows Ray’s collective Light Beings as they navigate through life, with pain, with loneliness, with boredom…and still persist.
‘The Fridge All Stocked’ follows first offering off the Fantasy & Future EP, the silky funk of ‘Who Do You See’, also produced and directed by Luke Penney and made with the support of NZ ON AIR.
Within the past five years, Ray has released a total of two albums and three EP’s that have revealed an artist perfecting her sound as she continues to tap into her boundless potential. Last year’s lo-fi aural delight ‘Dog Days’ placed on the Top 20 Hot NZ Singles chart and secured airplay on Mai FM, and chill cathartic single ‘Blue Cold’ built on the buzz this razor-focused and determined rapper has been creating since first hitting the scene in 2018.
This progressive young, queer rapper is a shining light of raw hip-hop talent thriving in the fertile, burgeoning Auckland underground music scene.
With an ear attuned to rhythm and a mind sensitive to flow, Ray’s distinctive cadence is earning her a solid and impressive reputation as a bold voice in the pioneering alt-hip-hop scene and she revels in the hard-working energy required to persevere as a self-managed indie creator.
As the world remains captivated by the future of the rap genre, Ray Leslie is a unique and dynamic artist who dares to forge her own path. Destined to be one to watch, keep your ear to the ground as Ray Leslie's star rises, and you'll witness an artist evolving into an unstoppable force. Watch out for the upcoming release of the Fantasy & Future EP + Movie this 27 June!
YAHYAH DELIVERS ANOTHER BANGER WITH ‘RUN’
Run is about a new hopeful kind of love for YAHYAH with her second release of 2024. She explores the vulnerability of opening up her feelings to something scary and exciting…a future love interest.
Run is about a new hopeful kind of love for YAHYAH with her second release of 2024
She explores the vulnerability of opening up her feelings to something scary and exciting…a future love interest.
“Run was a surprise treat for me!! It’s one of my favourite songs I’ve ever created at a writing camp by the beach in Onemana with friends Joel Jones, Will Henderson and Chris Bates. It really ticked all the boxes of the new pop sound I wanted to emerge with in 2024. It feels like a big pop sound, while still feeling sassy and FRESH!” reflects YAHYAH.
The song talks about finding someone special and finally being able to communicate how you feel about them, TO THEM, without hiding.
Run is accompanied by a stunning music video directed by visual master Tom Grut.
Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘Run’ is out now on all streaming platforms.
FIND YAHYAH
Rising star MOLS 'Debut Album is making waves in the music scene with her soulful sound
Rising star MOLS is making waves in the music scene with her soulful sound. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, MOLS draws inspiration from her diverse ancestry, which includes roots from Ireland, Tonga.
Rising star MOLS is making waves in the music scene with her soulful sound. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, MOLS draws inspiration from her diverse ancestry, which includes roots from Ireland, Tonga.
MOLS's music is a reflection of her deep-seated desire to evoke feelings of authenticity, love, and connection in her listeners. Collaborating closely with renowned producer Andrew Spraggon over the past year, MOLS has poured her heart and soul into her debut project.
Her debut single, "Float," released on all major streaming platforms on March 8th, 2024, marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in MOLS's musical journey. Inspired by a weekend getaway to Raglan with a close friend, "Float" captures the essence of freedom and connection experienced amidst nature's beauty.
Driven by a love for community, diversity, and positivity, MOLS aims to spread her uplifting messages and values to audiences both locally and beyond. Through her music and creativity,
MOLS hopes to foster meaningful connections and inspire listeners to embrace their true selves.
Follow Mols HERE Linktree
NZ indie artist Seafarer Fables unveils new folk single + video ‘Stanislaw Lem’
Melbourne-based, Aotearoa indie-artist Seafarer Fables has returned from his music-release hiatus with an exciting, narrative-driven, syncopated folk single ‘Stanislaw Lem’.
Listen to ‘Stanislaw Lem’ HERE
Melbourne-based, Aotearoa indie-artist Seafarer Fables has returned from his music-release hiatus with an exciting, narrative-driven, syncopated folk single ‘Stanislaw Lem’.
The new single follows Seafarer Fables warm and weaving 2016 album COLD CLIMATE - which was recorded at Spaceman Sound in Brooklyn NYC and released through Aotearoa label Home Alone Music (French For Rabbits, Fraser Ross, City Oh Sigh). COLD CLIMATE saw success across the alternative music space in Aotearoa and Australia (95bFM, FBI Radio Sydney) and continues to be streamed (2,165 monthly Spotify listeners). Kelvin draws inspiration from his travels, folklore and storytelling, with ‘Stanislaw Lem’ once again showcasing him as a creator of subtle and thought-provoking music.
“‘Stanislaw Lem’ uses the metaphor of a space exploration journey, with some of the novelties about living and being in orbit,” explains Fables, “but it’s about our own journeys living abroad and traveling to new unusual/unexpected places. It is a reflection of what home is, and perhaps missing, or thinking, of a particular place or period in life.”
The track came to life across Wellington and Melbourne, in collaboration with Melbourne-based artist/producer Connor Black-Harry. “Changes in my musical preferences and interests over time are reflected in the track,” says Fables. The introspective, avant-garde writing style in ‘Stanislaw Lem’ is something listeners can expect more of from future releases, with Fables adding that he hopes his lyrics carry “enough ambiguity for people to take something away that has meaning for them.”
Stay tuned for more, with a hypnotic and intriguing new ‘Stanislaw Lem’ music video set to be released next week on March 26. Made in collaboration with Portugal-based director Andre Abrantini and filmed at the Parque Dos Poetas, Lisbon, listeners can expect the flare of early 20th century, black and white silent expressionist films with elements of Dadaism. There is even a time-traveler based on the Portuguese artist Almada Negreiros. Fables explains that he wanted the video to be “very analogue and hand-crafted, rather than polished and modern. I also wanted to bring something authentic from Lisbon to the video, to commemorate where it was shot, the time I spent there and the people involved in its production.”
With more music releases planned for 2024 - including a brand new EP - it is clear that Seafarer Fables is back and here to stay!
Rising Aotearoa pop-star Ms. Mia unveils fiery new anthem ‘Going For The Kill’
Manila-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Ms. Mia (Mia Caintic) has today released her punchy new single ‘Going For The Kill’, ahead of upcoming debut EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS!
Listen to ‘Going For The Kill’ HERE
Manila-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Ms. Mia (Mia Caintic) has today released her punchy new single ‘Going For The Kill’, ahead of upcoming debut EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS!
Today’s release follows the success of Ms. Mia’s 2023 singles ‘Strange Life’ (Pirate Radio NZ, Kiwiradio, NZ Music Month ‘Celebrating Wāhine’ Spotify Playlist) and ‘This Game’ (13th floor, R1, JUICE TV). Establishing her place as a songwriter who crafts catchy hooks and soulful vocals, throughout her music the emerging artist explores themes around love, self-discovery and resilience.
Today’s unapologetic anthem of confidence is a reflection of her abilities to do just that. ‘Going For The Kill’ is a moody, upbeat and dynamic track complete with driving kicks, percussive acoustic guitar and attitude-filled vocals. It’s sure to get listeners grooving.
Made with the support of the Asian Artists Fund and NZ On Air, today's release screams “don’t mess with me,” says Mia. “It reflects another side of me which is sitting quiet most of the time, but when called upon – turns up and brings the fire!”
‘Going For The Kill’ was recorded at Parachute Studios alongside recording engineer Christian Tjandrawinata, co-written and produced by Clarissa Chai, and mastered by Chris Chetland.
The track also provides an interesting insight into Ms. Mia’s full identity as an artist. “With each release I reveal more of who I am as an artist and my worldview, as I see it in that moment of time.”
With an exciting music video expected in April, ‘Going For The Kill’ is the second single to be released from Ms. Mia’s upcoming EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS - set to drop 7 June 2024!
Find Ms. Mia
Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp | TikTok | Youtube | Soundcloud
NZ’s Indie-folk star, Fraser Ross drops charming and masterful new album THUNDERHEAD
Weaving folk, indie and soft-rock, the Ōtautahi-based indie-folk artist has achieved a masterful collection of perfectly curated songs. The journey of THUNDERHEAD is as universal as it is personal to the artist, who wrote it as a documentary of self-discovery and forgiveness through his travels throughout America.
Listen HERE
Watch video HERE
Fraser Ross has released his much-anticipated album THUNDERHEAD - and it does not disappoint!
Weaving folk, indie and soft-rock, the Ōtautahi-based indie-folk artist has achieved a masterful collection of perfectly curated songs. The journey of THUNDERHEAD is as universal as it is personal to the artist, who wrote it as a documentary of self-discovery and forgiveness through his travels throughout America.
Named after Thunderhead Artist’s Refuge in Montana, Fraser says that his experience at the artist camp was one of recovery and redirecting: “It was the physical and metaphorical place I turned around and stopped running away from the guilt of leaving.”
Fraser’s recently released title-track single ‘Thunderhead’ carries the emotional weight of this turning point, with reflective lyrics and expressive instrumentation. It was also joined by the unmissable new music video, which Fraser hopes further illustrates the song's journey of moving on. Filmed with good friend Robyn Jordaan, the clip follows Fraser on a turbulent journey through Ōtautahi via electric scooter, collecting various clothes and memorabilia en route. Both video and single are charming insights into Fraser’s quirky sense of humour and paint beautiful imagery for moving on.
Each previously released single - ‘Janice, In the Dairy’, ‘Thunderhead’, ‘Cards’ - has contributed to the anticipation for today’s release, and received support from the likes of Apple Music New Music Daily, RNZ, SRN - Radio Active Top 10, Radio One Top 11 and NZOA NewTracks. While each track can stand confidently on its own, the careful curation connects them like carriages of a train taking listeners on an enjoyable journey of infectious and heartfelt music.
The warmth, balance and blending of sounds are owed to the skillful tracking and mixing by Lee Prebble at Wellington’s Surgery Studios, and final mastering by Mike Gibson.
BRETT HIGGINSON’S ‘COME AWAY WITH ME’ IS UNIQUE
Says Brett, ‘Come Away With Me’ is sung from the perspective of someone whom Americans call, an ‘illegal alien.’ That’s the term for a foreigner, who is not legally permitted to be in the States.
Brett Higginson’s catchy new single, is a unique song about a topical subject.
Says Brett, ‘Come Away With Me’ is sung from the perspective of someone whom Americans call, an ‘illegal alien.’ That’s the term for a foreigner, who is not legally permitted to be in the States.
In the song, ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) have raided his workplace looking for him, but this ‘illegal alien’ has dodged them. He knows that if he’s caught, he’ll be deported, and this will rip him apart from the woman he loves. He urges her to join him. ‘Come Away With Me.’ They could get on this boat that’s going to New Zealand, his homeland, where they can legally, get married.’
LISTEN TO ‘Come Away With Me’ HERE:
https://gyro.to/ComeAwayWithMe