HA THE UNCLEAR RELEASE NEW ALBUM ‘A KINGDOM IN A CUL-DE-SAC’

A new album from Aotearoa / New Zealand band Ha The Unclear is here.  “A Kingdom in a Cul-de-sac” releases today (April 19). 

This 12 track album features exciting new releases including hit single Fish (released October 20), a cover of iconic 80s French number ‘C’est Comme Ça’, ‘Alchemy’, and ‘Mind and Matter’, alongside highlight tracks from their back catalogue.

“This is an immense release for us, stylistically, the album shifts through a lot of our gears and so we feel like it represents a good chunk of who, how, and what the band is about” share the band. “ We’re grateful for the opportunity to put it to the wider world, to tell a bit of our story, and excited for what’s next.”

Ha the Unclear  formed in Dunedin, but later migrated northward to Auckland are now signed to Paris-based label Think Zik !  

“We initially travelled to Paris and met Think Zik before signing with them and we really felt good about who they were, the values they espoused and how they understood our musical world” says Ha the Unclear. “ It is an entirely unique label, they hold vinyl in high regard and that suited us. They also serve up a banging macaroon.” 

The band have been warmly embraced by French audiences with playlisting on significant national radio including Europe 2, FIP, RTL 2, and France Inter and a milieu of college radio taste harbingers. 2023’s Handprint Negatives EP was recently released in the EU to critical acclaim with French press describing it as “a sweet madness” (Rolling Stone), “a real triumph…maybe confirmation of a major band” (Benzine) and a “spontaneous enthusiasm with a feeling of freshness” (Revue Pop Moderne).

Ha the Unclear  will spend the month of April in Europe playing shows in Paris. 

“This will be our second time performing in France, but it feels exciting to be returning with a new album” shares the band's frontman Michael Cathro.  “We are playing iconic venues in Paris and Nantes which we are very excited about and looking forward to connecting with media, like-minded acts and bringing a bit of our perspective to an overseas audience.” 

A Kingdom in a Cul-De-Sac is Ha the Unclear’s (whose name is an anagram for 'nuclear heath') second album. The band released their debut album Bacterium, Look At Your Motor Go in 2014, follow-up album Invisible Lines in 2018, and most recently Handprint Negatives EP in 2023. 

Speaking to the evolution of Ha the Unclear’s sound Cathro shares ``in the beginning I was writing songs influenced by the simplicity and faux-naivety of outsider folk, I think I enjoyed how it was kind of disruptive, that there was a criticality to it, they were emotionally honest.  Then I became a bit more interested in harmonic development, I'd started incorporating a lot of backing vocals into my demos I think to fill frequencies, create depth, and add extra hooks and that became pretty characteristic of our sound. As we became more of a touring band, we were influenced by how particular songs in the set created better energy and excitement and we started writing and arranging with that in mind a bit more, more frantic instrumentation, more dance-able. That probably also reflects that relational growth. While we still place importance on the role that slower, more introspective songs play within our creative world, I think over time we have created a space for ourselves to blend and move across and between those worlds.”

Michael Cathros academic pursuits have also influenced the new songs. Cathro recently completed a Master of Science (first class honours) the research topic for his psychology thesis was on wellbeing and music making. He shares ”developing a relational ontology, an understanding of everything as in relationship with itself, has pretty much coloured how I see everything in music. From the creation and production of it, to the places and spaces in which it is performed, the communities and cohesion it creates, to the socio-political environments and economic frameworks that people who do music work have to subsist in." 

Thematically A Kingdom in a Cul-de-sac dives deep.  ‘Alchemy’ is about “being bombarded with unrealistic ideals to live up to in our lives is a recipe for never feeling good enough, never feeling fulfilled.” Cathro continues “This song was meant to be about shifting that, untethering from that kind of rigid ideal and defining actualisation on our own terms.”  ‘Mind and Matter’ is about flattening time and existence, and ‘Fish’ talks about “feeling powerless, an exploration of agency”. 

Early singles  ‘Growing Mould’ and ‘Secret Lives of Furniture’ saw the band played extensively on student radio,  more success followed with ‘Invisible Lines’ reaching #9 on the NZ Album Charts and 2020 elevator anthem ‘Strangers’ hitting #1 on the Radioscope Alternative Airplay Charts. Accompanying this, the band released a series of mind-bending music videos featuring a room full of furniture meddling in the life of their owner (‘Secret Lives of Furniture’), an astronaut crash landing on a foreign planet (‘Kosmonavt’), and the emergency delivery of a baby puppet in a broken elevator (‘Strangers’). The latter track was later released on the ‘Threads’ EP alongside the Sylvia Massy co-produced 'Julius Caesar’ and time travel lament ‘Supermarket Queues.’

“A Kingdom in a Cul-de-sac”  is out now and available on all streaming platforms. 

NZ’s rising rockstar Sam Cullen unveils epic and vulnerable EP LOVE AGAIN

Listen to LOVE AGAIN HERE

Watch video HERE

Invercargill-raised, Tāmaki Makaurau-based rising rockstar Sam Cullen has today released his much-anticipated catchy and powerful EP LOVE AGAIN.

Sam’s four-track EP is a well-crafted, vulnerable collection of powerful vocals, nostalgic synths, driving guitars and pounding drums that hook and transport listeners. “It’s a sincere, earnest body of work,” says Sam. “It’s me wearing my heart on my sleeve, talking about being homesick, growing up, and trying to figure out who I am.”

Made with the support of NZ on Air, LOVE AGAIN is an EP sure to draw a crowd - with Sam’s popularity also connected to his electric live shows, both as solo performer and with an explosive full band. Today’s release follows the success of previously released (2023) EP singles ‘Forever’ and ‘The Cold Midwinter’ (Official Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added and Rock). Both singles received great support from fans, industry and media/radio such as Rolling Stone AU/NZ, RNZ, TAHI, Hauraki, The Edge, ZM and SRN.

 Single and title track ‘Love Again’ opens the EP and immediately sets a new bar for this chapter of Sam’s music. “I distinctly remember being on a roll and the song just spilling out of my guitar - I think it took like half an hour,” explains Sam. “The track has an inviting, familiar feel to it, which harks back to the kind of music I was brought up on.”

LOVE AGAIN was partly recorded at Auckland’s Parachute Studios alongside collaborators such as Ben Malone, and Harry Parsons (MACEY) - while the other half of the EP was written and produced by Sam and mixed by Chris Scott. LOVE AGAIN was mastered at KOG Studio by Chris Chetland. Despite the EP’s Tāmaki-Makaurau conception, Sam’s Invercargill roots are at the core of his creativity. “Everything for me comes from home. I’m always drawn back there creatively.” Authenticity and raw emotion shine through LOVE AGAIN and, for Sam, it’s a reflection of where he’s heading. “I’m telling my story now. For the last few years I’ve been figuring out how to do that. I’m opening up to myself, and therefore the songs, a lot more.”

Also released today is a music video created alongside long-term friend Dave Thomson of Imaginary Friends, and filmed with Sam’s live band at a warehouse in Tāmaki Makaurau. Sam says the video “highlights the excitement and energy of the song. With each song and show we’re also growing as a band and seeing us all click in the video is an epic thing.”

The excitement continues as Sam and his six-piece band are celebrating LOVE AGAIN on April 27 at Whammy Backroom in Tāmaki Makaurau! Tickets from Under The Radar HERE

About Sam Cullen

Over the past 3 years, Sam Cullen has released two EP’s - 1000x (2000) and RUN (2022); played on some of the biggest Aotearoa stages, including main stage at Rhythm & Vines; sold out a number of headline shows, and played support slots around the country. Previously a solo performer, Sam now has a 5-piece live band that brings an incomparable onstage energy. Don’t be the last to know about NZ’s rising rockstar, listen to Sam Cullen’s new EP LOVE AGAIN!

FIND SAM CULLEN:

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
SPOTIFY | APPLE | BANDCAMP

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.”