Christchurch-Based artist Emma Rutherford, releases haunting new single "Living in Exile".

“Living in Exile” is a song of loneliness, loss and isolation. A song that speaks to the core of anyone who has ever felt alone, heartbroken or vulnerable, “Living in Exile” is a powerful reminder of the human need for connection and belonging.

Pop/soul artist Emma Rutherford, originally from North Canterbury and now based in Ōtautahi, is pleased to announce the release of her latest single "Living in Exile." Composed by Christchurch duo Andy and Victoria Knopp from ‘The Response’, the song captures what it means to be struggling to find yourself and your place in the world.

Inspired by artists such as Adele, Elton John and Sara Bareilles, Emma continues to develop her sound and identity as an artist. Enhanced by the choir-like backing vocals and orchestration, “Living in Exile” showcases Emma’s powerful voice, while evoking imagery of a personal and painful journey, one that many of us can understand on a deep level.

“Living In Exile” is the beginning of Emma’s expressive, new body of work to be released in 2024.

GROOVE INCORPORATED 'BAND OF GOLD'

Band of Gold is the 3rd single release from Auckland based Groove Incorporated, a project spearheaded by ex-Auckland club DJ Michael Fredrickson. The song has a laid back reggae vibe and is a story of a newlywed couple's marriage falling apart from the perspective of a woman. “Band of gold" refers to the wedding ring, symbolizing the material record of marriage, but without the expected intimacy and happiness. The ring continually reminds her of what has been lost and of the deeper connection that was never achieved. 

TIKI TAANE - PRESAVE NEW SINGLE 'WADDA DAY'

In October 2022, some of you may recall that Tiki made the journey to South Africa as a performer for the first ever WOMAD South Africa. While there, he linked up with local traditional musician Azah and local Amapiano producers TPO and TTZ to see if they could cross-polinate their musical styles and cultures.

After a 3-hour session at AMPD Studios in Johannesberg, the result is a tune called “Wadda Day”; a soulful, bass heavy, sunset vibe that describes Tiki’s “unforgettable journey” in South Africa. 
“This was a beautiful experience for me. To share our culture, stories, struggles, dreams and music with each other is a powerful potion. And to now have a song that represents that experience is liberating.” - TIKI 

”Wadda Day” will release on Friday 26th April and is available here now, via pre-save.

Sonic Delusion Announces South Island Tour

Get ready to catch the indie pop sensation Sonic Delusion as they embark on their South Island tour this season. The dynamic trio is set to captivate audiences across several key locations, bringing their unique blend of pop folk and funk to fans new and old.
The tour will kick off in the coastal town of Picton, marking the beginning of a series of live performances across the island. Sonic Delusion will then carry their infectious melodies through Havelock, Nelson, Onekaka, and Mapua, promising an engaging mix of their latest tracks and beloved classics.
For complete details on tour dates, venues, and ticket information, please visit www.sonic-delusion.com. Join Sonic Delusion for a memorable musical journey across the South Island — a tour not to be missed!

Aotearoa country star Steffany Beck shares fiery sophomore EP PILLARS + single ‘What Would Dolly Do’

Listen to PILLARS HERE

Ōtautahi-based country singer-songwriter Steffany Beck has today released her new EP PILLARS - the ultimate journey of self discovery and empowerment.

This EP takes its name from the five tracks, which Steffany says represent the “Pillars that hold me up so that I can reach my full potential.” PILLARS features previous singles ‘Carpenters Daughter’ (Juice TV, CMT AU/NZ, Southern Cross Country Radio), an emotive tribute to the artist’s late father, as well as punchy and defiant track ‘Foot Down’(The Most FM, CFM, Juice TV, 13th Floor).

The EP was recorded at The Sitting Room in Lyttelton, where the artist says she felt; “safe to explore new sounds in the studio, that's how we got the vocal sounds for ‘Foot Down’.” Recorded with musicians Nick Burson, Emily Farrell, and Rosanne Burdett, PILLARS was produced by Ben Edwards, and mastered by Chris Chetland at Kog Studio.

Also released today is sparkly new single ‘What Would Dolly Do’ - an anthem of unapologetic confidence, complete with 10 references to Dolly Parton songs. The track builds through its driving verses, and then with a "sprinkling of Dolly dust” listeners are launched into a bouncy, hook-filled chorus. “This is a song about channeling your inner Dolly,” explains Steffany. “To be yourself and overcome any obstacle by putting your brave Dolly face on.” An exciting new music video for ‘What Would Dolly Do’ is set for release in the coming weeks.

With today's release, Steffany Beck is showing no signs of slowing down. “I feel like I’ve ‘arrived’ with this EP, and I’m just so excited about every step of the journey.”

Steffany Beck PILLARS Aotearoa tour

Friday May 31, 2024 - Tussock Country Music Festival, Gore

Thursday June 20, 2024 - Meow, Wellington - Tickets from Moshtix

Saturday June 22, 2024 - Big Fan, Auckland - Tickets from UTR

Saturday June 29, 2024 - TSB Festival of Lights, New Plymouth

Friday July 5, 2024 - A Rolling Stone, Christchurch - Tickets from UTR

Jason Parker presents Crash (single & video)

On Friday the 12th of April, Aotearoa New Zealand popstar Jason Parker will mark his seismic return to music with the release of his electrifying single ‘Crash,’ a track that entrances while it devastates, glistens while it shatters. 

Through his fearlessness and agency as a songwriter, Parker has become a magician at harnessing the power of pop to embrace darkness while simultaneously offering a cathartic release. ‘Crash’ is a testament to Parker’s depth as a songwriter, exploring the collision of emotions after a calamitous love, and the relentless indifference of the passage of time after one of life’s deep shocks.

“A crash is sudden and so was the breakup. Sharp and unexpected,” says Parker on the inspiration of the track. “I felt terribly guilty for breaking a promise to a person I'd loved and devastated that I had been so blind to the warning signs. I think the line that sums up the themes of ‘Crash’ best is 'I feel like a dead man walking.' A reminder that no matter how shocked you're feeling, life just keeps going.”

 Produced by Maude Minnie Morris, 'Crash' showcases both artists’ ability to stir the souls of listeners while weaving dramatic pop tapestries that stay with the audience long after the song ends. “Working with Maude has been an incredibly fulfilling experience,” says Parker. “I feel like we were destined to meet and make this record together. From the moment I played Maude my demo of ‘Crash’ she was so excited. Maude is supportive, receptive, and super talented. Before working with her I had mostly worked on production remotely, so even the experience of being physically next to Maude for every decision has made me more inspired by music and so proud of the bangers we have created.”

Adding to the allure of ‘Crash’ is the stunning music video shot in the alleyways of Osaka, Japan with Daisy Thor-Poet of Tinted Productions. “Daisy had moved to Osaka and invited me to come stay to shoot the video for Crash. I'd never traveled further than Sydney so jumped at the opportunity. It was a full day of running around the streets of Osaka singing in alleyways and train stations. We had people coming up to us all day excited and inquisitive about what we were filming. I literally started the day dying my hair in a hostel bath room and ended it at the biggest sushi train I'd ever seen. The whole day was really a popstar fantasy moment.”

This is not the first time Parker and Thor-Poet have worked together, winning Best Music Video at the New Zealand Youth Film Awards for Parker’s track ‘This Is My Year.’

Parker has already garnered attention for his unique approach to music that merges unapologetically pop bangers with fearless emotional depth.

He is the founder and curator of Little Gay In, a gig series showcasing the best of Aotearoa’s queer talent quickly becoming a staple of the music scene. He also made significant strides in 2022 with his hit single ‘How To Be Lonely,’ with the song reaching #4 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles chart and #32 on the Hot 40 NZ Singles chart and receiving significant airplay. Parker's success extended beyond radio, with features on TV One's "1 NEWS Tonight" and Juice TV's "The Plug Show," as well as coverage in various publications like NZ Musician, Express Magazine, and STYLE Mag. 

‘Crash’ also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Parker as the first track off his upcoming EP, Fairy Bread. “The idea of Fairy Bread really is about taking something and making it better. For example, plain white bread and adding sprinkles, and that is what Fairy Bread is. Coming from darkness into light.” 

SAM FOWLES INTRODUCES HIS BRAND OF PSYCHEDELIC SOUL WITH DEBUT SINGLE ‘BUTTERFLY BABY’.

Sam Fowles has teamed up with Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties) to co-produce Fowles’s debut offering, a brand-new single set for release on Friday, April 12th, 2024. The single will be independently released via DRM.

Sam Fowles creates music that moves the body, speaks to the heart, and touches the soul. Driven by groove and the desire to find meaning in the moments of this journey we call life. Based in Pōneke | Wellington, Aotearoa | New Zealand, the musician, songwriter, and producer has a signature sound that stands out and stuns.

‘Butterfly Baby’ serves as an introduction to Fowles’s unique brand of psychedelic soul, blending influences reminiscent of Bill Withers meeting Fat Freddy’s Drop with a dash of Hendrix. The track showcases his creative approach to music-making, driven by steady grooves and a thumping bass line, nicely complemented by digital sonics, classy piano, and psychedelic guitars. The result is a sound world where Fowles delivers his soulful vocal, reaching its height in the anthemic chorus.

“'Butterfly Baby' is song that portrays love as a butterfly in flight, delicate, free and beautiful. If you grasp at it, it slips away; Hold it tenderly, it dances in your hand. Essentially it explores the idea that authentic love is rooted in freedom.” Says Fowles.

The track was recorded at Massey Studios, Pōneke | Wellington, Aotearoa | New Zealand, engineered by Sam Fowles and Jonas Persson, mixed by Lee Prebble (Surgery Studios), and mastered by Mike Gibson (Munki Studios).  

Nathan Grey Unveils Sensual New Single "Motion"

'A Captivating Journey of Love and Intimacy'

New Single LISTEN HERE  "Motion"

Nathan Grey,  Ngāti Tūwharetoa, has garnered widespread acclaim for his soul-stirring melodies. His latest single, "Motion," delves deeply into the realm of emotional connection, resonating with the rhythm of passion.

With poignant lyrics and heartfelt vocals, Grey skilfully captures intense emotions and sensations, crafting a profoundly moving sonic experience for listeners. "Motion" serves as a testament to Grey's evolution as an artist, showcasing his versatility and depth as he ventures into the intimate and passionate realms of love.

Produced by Nathan,   "Motion" boasts a sultry musical arrangement that perfectly complements Grey's seductive vocal style. Drawing inspiration from both classic R&B icons and contemporary soul maestros, Grey infuses "Motion" with a unique blend of timeless romance and modern sensibility, creating an enchanting musical journey for listeners to immerse themselves in.

"MOTION" will be available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. This release is a precursor to Nathan Grey's highly anticipated EP, set to captivate audiences with a collection of soul-stirring tracks that further explore the realms of love and emotion.

Grey's commitment to authenticity and emotional storytelling shapes a narrative that resonates with listeners on an intimate level.