Country Pop Songwriter Oni Kidman Releases Heartfelt Single 'What If I Don't Know?'

Rising star Oni Kidman, quickly becoming known for her refreshing blend of country and pop, is set to drop her latest single, 'What If I Don't Know?,' captivating listeners with its relatable lyrics and soul-stirring melody. The song, born out of Kidman's own teenage uncertainties, resonates with anyone grappling with the daunting prospect of growing up.

At just 17, Kidman penned 'What If I Don't Know?,' as a reflection of her fears and apprehensions about the future. "When I was a kid, I had all these big plans and dreams that by 18, I’d be a famous country singer. And well... I wasn’t even close as I neared 18!" Kidman candidly shares. "All of my friends seemed to have their lives together. They were moving out and finding new relationships, and I still felt like a little kid. So I sat down and I wrote this song."

Her poignant lyrics, coupled with her soulful vocals, offer a glimpse into the complexities of adolescence, resonating deeply with teenagers navigating the uncertainties of life and identity.

'What If I Don't Know?,' which features Aotearoa’s finest string ensemble, The Black Quartet, follows the success of Kidman's debut EP, 'Screw Society,' which soared to #7 on the NZ Official Hot Music Charts, and made it on to the NZ on Air New Tracks Hit Disc, showcasing her undeniable talent.

In addition to her musical prowess, Oni's dad, Rikki Morris, who produced the single, expresses his pride in her growth as an artist. "Watching Oni evolve into the artist she is today has been an incredible journey. Her honesty and vulnerability in 'What If I Don't Know?,' truly showcase her depth as a songwriter," Morris shares.

To celebrate the release of 'What If I Don't Know?,' Oni will be hosting a release party at the 13th Floor venue on Friday April 12 at 7.30pm, where she will perform the single along with tracks from her debut EP, 'Screw Society.'

The release party will also feature the premiere of the music video, filmed by Lyndon Katene and Harry Kidman and edited by award winning film maker Mark Tierney.

And with further tracks set to be released later in 2024, Oni envisions taking her music to even greater heights, with a tour of New Zealand already in the planning. "I am so excited to be taking my music on the road and meeting fans across New Zealand!" Kidman shares enthusiastically.

With 'What If I Don't Know?,' Oni Kidman solidifies her status as a rising star in the country music scene, captivating audiences with her authenticity, vulnerability, and undeniable talent.

Listen here https://drm-nz.ffm.to/wiidk-ok

Banana Mundo EP Release Show - Planet Lafroskunk

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable musical adventure with "Banana Mundo" as we rock the stage at the much-anticipated "Planet Lafroskunk" event! This vibrant soirée is set to unfold at Eight Ball Pool and Darts in the heart of New Plymouth on Saturday, 13th April, promising an evening brimming with energy, excitement, and eclectic sounds. We're thrilled to announce that this performance isn't just any show—it's a grand celebration of the release of our latest EP, "Intercultural Appreciation Day", a sonic exploration that celebrates the rich tapestry of global cultures through our unique sound.

As "Banana Mundo" unveils tracks from the new EP for the first time, expect a fusion of rhythms that will make it impossible to stay still. This EP release show is a testament to our journey, passion, and the vibrant community that music can create across cultures. It's an invitation to dive deep into the heart of what music means to us all—connection, joy, and the celebration of diversity.

Tickets are already flying off the virtual shelves at eventfinda.co.nz, so make sure to secure yours and be part of a night that promises not just memories but a new way to see the world through the universal language of music. Join us at "Planet Lafroskunk" and be part of the movement that dances, celebrates, and appreciates the beauty of our diverse world. See you there, where the music plays and hearts unite!
Stream "Intercultural Appreciation Day" now on all online music platforms.

Indie-Pop Songwriter Heidi Simpson Drops Burning New Single Vampire

Rising indie-pop star Heidi Simpson released Vampire on Friday - with a raucous & suitably themed dress up release party at “No 7”on Pitt Street in Auckland. Vampire is a sweeping and sonic dream pop ballad that delves into the complexities of emotional entanglement. 

Have a listen to Vampire HERE

Vampire opens serenely, with acoustic guitar and dreamy vocals, before building into a full band showpiece. Lyrically the song explores the internal conflict of being in a toxic relationship. "Vampire is about that person that exerts a magnetic pull on you, even though you know they are not good for you. It's about  wanting to stay away, but not being able to" says Heidi. Vampire captivates the listener and unveils Heidi Simpson as an exciting creative talent.

Heidi emerged as a new solo artist last year with her catchy debut single, What's on TV?, the first release for her after being in LAIIKA, a teenage girl pop duo who toured New Zealand, played major festivals like Rhythm and Vines and released an EP in 2021.

After the release of What’s on TV?  Heidi and her band performed a string of shows, including a mini tour with There's a Tuesday and an opening slot for cult indie artist Princess Chelsea. With a talented live band line up that comprises the pick of Auckland’s new wave musicians, and an incredible set of original songs  Heidi is bringing a fresh and exciting presence to the indie pop scene. 

Vampire is written by Heidi and produced with Tomi Banx (Paddy Echo, LA Women, Cellarr and more). Heidi is currently collaborating with an array of impressive young producers, including Hugo Chan, Harry Charles, Josh Naley, and Lucian Rice, as she emerges as one-to-watch.

Listen to Vampire on Spotify

CASTAWAY 'SATELLITE'

Building on their success with their recent single Supernova, which reached 16th on the NZ Hot 20 and received National airplay, the rising pop-rock phenomenon Castaway returns with their latest electrifying offering, Satellite. This dynamic track marks the second release from their highly anticipated EP 'Nondual,' set to bring a captivating fusion of pop and rock to the Aotearoa music scene.

Satellite explores the universal challenge of searching for hope. Taking influence from Coldplay and The Script, Satellite is a high-energy pocket rocket that is as fun as it is profound. “As humans, we often navigate similar struggles and emotions without realising. For me, a ‘Satellite’ serves as a comforting reminder of our collective journey and that we are never truly alone,” says lead singer Jackson Stewart.

Since teaming up with the acclaimed producer Greg Haver, Castaway has experienced an unstoppable surge. This collaboration has provided the perfect platform for the band's distinctive pop-rock essence to truly blossom, catapulting them to unprecedented levels of creativity. Haver himself expresses his excitement for the project, remarking, "I was captivated by Satellite from the moment I heard the demo. The blend of atmospheric verses and soaring falsetto choruses immediately grabbed my attention, prompting us to dive straight into recording." Castaway wholeheartedly embraced Haver's production approach, from his insistence on incorporating the 'crash of doom' to utilising gospel choir effects; his creative decisions undeniably enriched the track.

Hailing from the picturesque city of Ōtautahi, New Zealand, the band's origin story traces back to the University of Canterbury, where fate brought them together in the halls of Wilson House. Inspired by the sound of guitars echoing through the corridors, they coined the name "Castaway"  - “a homage to our drunken nights of yelling 'Wilson!' to each other," reveals Jack.

The band's lineup includes Jackson on guitar and vocals, Joe on drums and vocals, Jack on saxophone and keys, Rhys on guitar and backing vocals, and Austen on bass. Together, they craft a dynamic sound that mirrors the diverse landscapes surrounding them.

In pursuit of their musical aspirations, Castaway took a significant step forward in 2021 when they enrolled in SOLE Music Academy. Here, they dedicated themselves to honing their craft and music business acumen by successfully completing their artist development programme.

Backed by the guidance and support of SOLE Music Academy, Castaway is gearing up to treat fans to a stellar lineup of releases this year, including six singles that will culminate in an EP titled 'Nondual.'

Satellite is now available on all major streaming platforms, inviting fans of bands such as The Killers, Coldplay, Inhaler, and The 1975 to immerse themselves in Castaway's unique blend of infectious melodies and powerhouse instrumentation.

Former Atlas frontman, Sean Cunningham unveils brilliant new indie-rock single ‘Whatever That Is’

Listen to SINGLE HERE

Nashville-based artist, and former frontman of record-breaking NZ rock band Atlas, Sean Cunningham is stepping into the solo-artist spotlight with his introspective new single ‘Whatever That Is’ - out now!

No stranger to stardom, Sean has released music with several different projects over the past decade - including Atlas (2005-2008) - the career-launching band that brought the Louisville-raised artist to New Zealand. The group's single ‘Crawl’ set a new record for the longest-running Number 1 hit in Kiwi history; saw radioplay across Aotearoa (Hauraki, The Rock, The Edge, ZM, More FM); and was nominated for an MTV Australian Music Video Award in 2008.

Today’s release launches an exciting new chapter for Sean Cunningham’s career. ‘Whatever That Is’ is a deeply reflective song, filled with optimistic messages for what's to come.

Inspired by a conversation Sean had with his late father, just before he passed, he says they were “talking about how strange it is to be getting older, while still feeling like a kid. Still looking through the same eyes, thinking the same thoughts, making the same mistakes and just doing the best we can... ‘Whatever That Is’.”

This stirring new indie-rock, coming-of-age anthem incorporates tender finger-picked guitars, raw vocals, and epic instrumentation - which includes cinematic strings. Written alongside friend and collaborator Christian Trich, ‘Whatever That Is’ was recorded and mixed by Joey Liechty at The Pantry, Nashville TN and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios, Finland.

With a stunning music video soon to be released, and a solo debut album dropping later this year, Sean Cunningham is a name you’re going to be hearing a lot - with today’s single ‘Whatever That Is’ the perfect example why!

Find Sean Cunningham

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Former Mutton Bird, Alan Gregg introduces new project Polite Company, with catchy single ‘Circulation’

Listen to ‘Circulation’ HERE

Watch HERE

‘Circulation’ is the catchy new single released today by London-based, New Zealand songwriter and former Mutton Bird, Alan Gregg’s latest project Polite Company.

Described as “the happiest song about being depressed you will ever hear,” ‘Circulation’ is a song about trying to be optimistic in difficult times.

“As people were coming out of lockdown after Covid, I heard the phrase ‘getting back into circulation’ a lot,” says Alan. “The song is also about being fearless and not worrying too much about what other people think.”

'Circulation', with its lyrics ‘I’ve been out of the loop too long’ could also refer to the artist's space between releases. “It’s quite appropriate,” explains Alan, “as I haven’t released an album of my own songs for a while, so it seems like I am getting back into circulation in a way.”

Today’s release is the first since the artist’s previous solo project and album, Marshmallow (2002) - which features well-known musicians such as Bic Runga and Ron Sexsmith. It’s also the first to be shared from an exciting upcoming Polite Company album (May, 2024).

Hailing from Palmerston North, and now based in London, Alan Gregg was originally a keyboard player but has mainly played bass guitar throughout his professional life. After moving to Auckland, he joined The Mutton Birds (1992 - 1998; returning for live shows in 2012 and 2019), where he contributed bass, vocals, keyboards, and wrote a number of songs. After leaving The Mutton Birds, he acted as a producer and studio and touring musician, before recording his first solo album under the name Marshmallow (2002). Alan has also appeared as a musician on albums by artists such as Dave Dobbyn, and produced BRAND NEW - the second album by New Zealand band The Stereo Bus. Today’s new single ‘Circulation’ (and the upcoming album) is music of a quality that you might expect from an artist with Alan’s experience and achievements - including Ron Sexsmith covering is song ‘Esther’ - so press play now to get back in circulation with Alan Gregg and his new project Polite Company!

Find Polite Company

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Chart-topping Ōtautahi surf rockers, Pool House share electric single ‘Draw the Line’

Listen to ‘Draw the Line’ HERE 

Ōtautahi-based indie surf rock band and recent chart-residents, Pool House have today released their electric new single ‘Draw the Line’!

Following the ongoing success of their 2023 summer single ‘Another Day’, which continues to make regular appearances in the SRN Top 10, Radioscope Charts, NZ Official Charts, and topped the Radio One Top 11 two weeks running, Pool House (Samuel Crisp, Flynn Fierro, Harry van der Guilk, Will Georgeson) have returned with a Californian surf rock-inspired track that is destined to ride the same wave of love across Aotearoa.

‘Draw the Line’ combines moody vocals, punchy drums and driving guitar riffs reminiscent of vintage, Western film soundtracks. The track’s instrumentation  perfectly matches its playful lyrics - a commentary on how far an avid party-goer will push the boat out before ‘drawing the line’.

“During our winter tour of the South Island we met a Queenstown local at a flat party and got talking,” the band explains. “As the night - and beers - went on, we understood why he was the life of the party. We were left thinking, where does this dude's night end?”

The single was recorded at Auckland’s Parachute Studios, produced by Josh Strand and Jonny Paul, and mastered by Metropolis Studios in London.

A journey across the motu and then abroad, the creative process for ‘Draw the Line’ is telling of the heights Pool House are destined to reach - especially with more new music set to be released ahead of a sophomore EP at the end of 2024!

About Pool House

Hailing from Hawkes Bay (Flynn, Harry) and Wellington (Sam, Will),  Pool House was formed in Ōtautahi in 2021. The group’s first live performance together was at a show organised in response to a canceled end-of-year university event. Since then, they’ve been performing memorable, high-energy shows across the South Island - including with major AUS/NZ bands such as Daily J, Bootleg Rascal, The Grogans, and Summer Thieves. After winning the Canterbury based DIG THE GIG band competition in early 2022, Pool House secured a free recording deal, music video, as well as a trip to LA in early 2024 to perform at established music venues. The end of 2022 saw the band release their debut single ‘No Clue’, which has gained over 38,000 streams across all music platforms, and since then, the group have released their debut EP FLIGHTS OF DREAMING which illustrates their ability to explore new musical territory. Just this past summer, Pool House played Rolling Meadows, had consistent radio play across Aotearoa (Hauraki, RDU, Radio Active, Radio One, Radio Control) and their most recent single ‘Another Day’ was a regular in the charts. With the release of today's exciting new single ‘Draw the Line’ and more music on the way, 2024 is set to be the year of Pool House!

Follow Pool House

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Hötchiwitch on Tour

Peter Mengede is an Australian guitarist who helped to form legendary NYC alternative metal band Helmet in 1989, playing on their first two albums.

After parting ways with Helmet, he formed another group, Handsome, in 1995, along with members of other notable bands such as Quicksand, Cro-Mags, Murphy’s Law. Their self-titled album is frequently lauded as one of the most influential post-hardcore releases of the 90’s.

Almost 30 years later, Mengede has put a new band together named Hötchiwitch. They are coming on a short tour to NZ to celebrate the seminal Handsome album by playing it in full. Auckland post-metal band will be opening on both dates, with Mothra guitarist Hugh Allen pulling double duties, playing in Hötchiwitch as well.

They will be joined in Wellington by psychedelic prog rockers Mana Mushroom, and in Auckland by Swallow the Rat. Hötchiwitch dates: Friday 5 April at Valhalla with Mothra, Mana Mushroom Saturday 6 April at Whammy Bar with Mothra, Swallow the Rat