Frau Knotz returns with mysterious and compelling new track Odyssey I, and announces her upcoming debut EP

Aotearoa electronica artist Frau Knotz has released her first single of 2024, the enigmatic and enchanting new track ‘Odyssey I’.

Stream ‘Odyssey I’ HERE

Watch video HERE

Following the success of her 2023 singles ‘Runway of Reality’ and ‘Cellular’, today’s release puts on full display Frau Knotz’s drive to consistently push boundaries. An ethereal and mysterious piece, ‘Odyssey I’ showcases what Frau Knotz does best; emotive storytelling through vocal performance amongst unchartered sonic realms.

A detuned 5-note piano figure emerges from the ocean’s depths to expose a hushed, gorgeous vocal, each sung phrase spaced perfectly to let the story unfold and the soundscape to flourish. A song about the unknown depths of the ocean, lyrically ‘Odyssey I’ is through-composed and freeform, a nod to Caroline Polachek’s ‘Pretty In Possible’. Rhythmically elusive, the track percolates with disquiet as subtle, rootless drums beckon the ear to sink deeper into the song until sudden stabs of punchy sub bass burst the dreamlike soundscape, alerting the listener to a sense of sinister danger.

“This piece was composed over 4 Saturday evenings, as an exercise in production. The vocal line is completely improvised with both the melody and lyrics sung in one take, during a single stream of consciousness. The repetitive arpeggiation was essential for getting lost inside the song, to sail over a hypnotic groove in a way that feels good but is entirely unpredictable.” - Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham)

‘Odyssey I’ is a tantalising glimpse into the musical brilliance that lies ahead for her debut EP Nextraterrestrial - set for release later this year. Lauren explains: “A consecutive series of 7 vignettes, this EP is a snapshot in time; a documentation of my production journey of 2021-2022. It’s taken years to get to this point, so it’s really special to finally start sharing what I’ve been working on over the past 3 years.”

Frau Knotz ushers in a spellbinding 3-dimensional visual world for her debut EP, announcing her collaboration with Halfofnothing (Blue Hamel), an LA-based, Christchurch born animation artist and creative director who has worked with the likes of Childish Gambino, Kylie Jenner and Kanye West as well as iconic brands such as Adidas and Louis Vuitton. The first piece of this surrealist puzzle has been revealed with the music video for ‘Odyssey I’ featuring an avatar of herself falling through the depths of the ocean.

Freshly mastered by Joshua Llewellyn at Downbeat Mastering and co-produced and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, ‘Odyssey I’ takes a deep dive into what lies below, through a maximalist lense; juxtaposing muffled, ambient soundscapes with rarified vocal production, baptised in booming kicks and sub-bass that crash like the moment a 3 tonne, 25-foot shark leapt out of the sea and landed on Quint’s fishing vessel in ‘Jaws’ - “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Polite Company releases new single ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ + announces new album PLEASE GO WILD

Listen  HERE

Watch HERE

Inspired by the rise and fall of a charismatic tech entrepreneur, former Mutton Bird and Kiwi Songwriter Polite Company (Alan Gregg) has released his deceptively sweet new single ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ - out now!

While Polite Company is a new name across the Aotearoa music scene - as the previous bass player of iconic Aotearoa band The Mutton Birds, and from his previously released solo project Marshmallow, London-based, New Zealand songwriter Alan Gregg is certainly no stranger. ‘Barefoot Billionaire’  follows recently released single, ‘Circulation’ (RNZ, The Most FM), and was inspired by a story from the business section of a newspaper. “Rock stars are generally pretty well behaved these days,” says Alan, “if you really want to see bad behaviour, read the business pages.”

The story was about a young entrepreneur who had created a huge company and then fell spectacularly from grace. “Just before being forced out of the company, which he created, he was photographed on a street in Manhattan - barefoot and talking on his phone - which is where ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ came from.”

Also announced today is the release date for Polite Company’s debut album PLEASE GO WILD - which is this NZ Music Month, 24 May! Mostly recorded in a North London home studio, additional recording was done at Famous Times Studio in London, with guest artists including Sean Read (Dexys) who plays brass and percussion.

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 and releasing his first solo album under the name Marshmallow (2002) - which features well-known musicians such as Bic Runga and Ron Sexsmith. 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. Polite Company is the first solo music project since Marshmallow (2002), and it’s one to get excited about - so press play on ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ now and stay tuned!

Find Polite Company

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Star-studded duo The Feel Good Service bring the funk with new EP, DIRTYFUNKNSOUL and single ‘Feel For You’

LISTEN TO THE EP HERE

After years of working alongside some of music’s biggest names, soul-funk duo The Feel Good Service are taking over the spotlight with their groovy debut EP DIRTYFUNKNSOUL - out now!

The Auckland-based duo is made up of kiwi Lucy Graves and New Yorker Andre “MoDre” Brown - both established co-writers, producers and instrumentalists. Lucy’s CV includes traveling the world as a keyboardist and backing vocalist for Ceelo Green and The Black Eyed Peas; opening for Lionel Ritchie; performing alongside Gwen Stefani, and working as a songwriter for other major artists as well as TV and film - while MoDre was a recipient for the prestigious ‘Berklee College of Music Presidential Scholarship’ (one of 10 recipients from around the world); has appeared on ‘The Today Show’ with Jennifer Lopez and Lin Manuel; the Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Jidenna, and numerous performances on the iconic NPR Tiny Desk.

The Feel Good Service’s debut EP DIRTYFUNKNSOUL is a nine-track funk-filled, punchy testament

to their talent and range - both as accompanying musicians, and artists in their own right. The EP was

self produced, mixed and mastered at the duo's own studio - Studio 91 - and features mixing contribution from Preston Reid (Kanye West, Toni Braxton, Muni Longand) on previously released single ‘Hands’.

Sure to get any listener on the dance floor, this new release combines tight grooves and soulful vocals with the nostalgic funk of retro synths and catchy melodies.

“How do we take our funk?” ask the duo. “Dirty with a twist of soul.”

Also being released is the magical new EP single ‘Feel For You’, a track that The Feel Good Service say is “for the dreamers”. Partners in life as well as music, the uplifting single tells the story of the duo  “falling in love, while also falling in love with music again.”

To celebrate today’s release, The Feel Good Service is putting on an electric show tonight, April 25 at Auckland’s Cassette Nine, with support from Kyla Greening. For more info and tickets, head to UTR

Masters of their craft across all corners of the music-making scene, Lucy and MoDre are also curating an insightful songwriting workshop in partnership with CreativeNZ and Depot Sound Studio on April 28-29. Here the couple will be sharing their experiences across the music industry, and how this has impacted their artistry.“​​Because we write and produce for other artists too, we are constantly influenced and inspired by different sounds and genres of music,” says the duo.

The Feel Good Service are bringing a wave of funk to Aotearoa, with their debut EP DIRTYFUNKNSOUL being just the beginning!! Press play for the feel good grooves now!

Find The Feel Good Service

Website |Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

Apple | Bandcamp | Spotify| Soundcloud

Tāmaki Makaurau neo-soul collective Psycho Gab unveil dreamy new single ‘Gabben’

Listen to ‘Gabben’ HERE

Tāmaki Makaurau-based neo-soul band Psycho Gab have today released their lush sophomore single ‘Gabben’.

Following the group’s successful 2023 debut ‘Messy’ (Radio One, 95bFM, Muzic.net), and a year of electric live performances across Auckland, ‘Gabben’ is a groovy reflection on riding through the storm of young love. The track boasts punchy drums, smooth basslines, powerhouse vocals, and a myriad of rich instrumentation.

“At its core, I think the music we write tackles a lot of big feelings, and we make big instrumentals to match that,” says lead vocalist Rosetta Stone. “Everything is epic, bouncy, groovy and ultimately fun, so the subject matter doesn’t have to feel so heavy.”

Psycho Gab is made up of musicians and friends Rosetta Stone (vocals), Orlando Cooper (bass, production), Caleb Wong (keyboards, production), Max Henley (guitar) and Finn Mcneill (drums). The band, who have been together for just over a year, wrote ‘Gabben’ in the early days of its conception - while stuck inside their flat during Cyclone Gabrielle. 

“We wanted to paint this picture of weathering out the storm,” explains Rosetta. “It’s about persevering when things get hard, and appreciating all that you learn during those trying moments, rather than just waiting for the sunshine on the other side.”

Not only did this unsettling time inspire the creation of new single ‘Gabben’, it also influenced the band's name, Psycho Gab.

Like ‘Messy’, today's impressive new musical offering was produced, mixed and mastered by the band's keyboardist Caleb (Wongii, Mel Stevenson, Crumbly Jack), during his residency at Auckland studio Big Fan.

With an exciting year ahead, including more fresh music on its way shortly, now is the time to bask in the dynamic, soulful passion of Psycho Gab’s new single ‘Gabben’!

Find Psycho Ga

 Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp

Rising Pōneke-based Filipina indie-pop star jeline drops angsty new single + video ‘are you over her?’

LISTEN HERE

WATCH HERE

Emerging ‘Filipina girl-next-door’ indie-pop star jeline is bringing the angst with her brand new single ‘are you over her?’ - out now!

Following the success of her 2023 single ‘time stops’ (Juice TV, Tearaway, R1, Radio Control, The Most FM), jeline and longtime collaborator/producer Jack Hegarty are showing no signs of slowing down with today's release. ‘are you over her?’ is a powerhouse track that paints a vivid picture of being young, jealous, and in love.

“I wrote the song to purge all my thoughts and feelings after a longtime of obsessing over my partner’s ex,” explains jeline. “It's about the utter confusion over the mystery of her, but also that really common insecurity surrounding exes.” This is a track full of ‘mood swings’, illustrated both lyrically and instrumentally with huge dynamic shifts, swelling backing vocals, and an epic gritty guitar solo.

Also released today is a new music video directed by Francesca Sewell and Kerry Pulham (DOP), alongside the same team as the impressively moving indie music video for ‘time stops’. This new video follows jeline and her boyfriend through the whirlwind of bumping into an ex, and all the baggage that arises - with transitions from sweet memories to an angsty present, and a not-so-subtle ‘stalker wall’ - which add layers to the song that make it harder to place blame. “Francesca asked if the boyfriend should be portrayed as the villain,” says jeline, “but personally I think everyone sucks in this story. The boyfriend isn't being straight up about his feelings, the ex wasn’t a good partner, and I’m digging it all up and being obsessive.”

Perfectly capturing the visceral and complicated feelings of young love, ‘are you over her?’ was recorded last year during jeline’s final year studying commercial music at Wellington’s Massey University. Once again working alongside producer Jack Hegarty, the track was also mixed and mastered by Jpec.

About jeline

A proud Filipino-born, Wellington-raised indie-pop artist, jeline could be found singing from a young age - from karaoke, to musical theater, to the hot 100, to her own music. She started writing at the age of 11 and has completed a Commercial Music degree at Wellington’s Massey University (2023) - where she met producer Jack Hegarty. In 2022 she released her first single 'the one you adore', closely followed by her debut EP OVERTHINKING IT. After taking a step back to reflect on the development of her sound, in late 2023 jeline released her feel-good, indie-electro-pop single ‘time stops’, which saw consistent radioplay and pickup from across Aotearoa. jeline brings her music to life on stage with band W.K Bookclub, who have done shows at Wellington venues San Fran, Meow, Valhalla and Rogue and Vagabond. With meaningful lyrics, powerhouse vocals and a charming presence, jeline is sure to continue capturing people's attention with her music - so be sure to press play now and get ready for more to come from this exciting up-and-comer!

Find jeline:

Instagram | ​TikTok | Facebook

​Spotify | Linktree | YouTube

FromThePit 2024 New Zealand Music Photography Exhibition Returns to Celebrate Local Talent

FromThePit, the highly anticipated annual showcase of New Zealand music photography, is set to return in 2024 for its sixth consecutive year. The exhibition, which highlights the vibrant essence of New Zealand's music scene, will feature captivating images captured by top-notch music photographers from across Aotearoa.

FromThePit serves as a curated collection of live music photography, focusing exclusively on New Zealand musicians performing in local venues. This year, over 66 photographers will contribute their recent work to the exhibition, providing a comprehensive view of the country's diverse musical landscape.

The 2024 edition of FromThePit boasts an impressive audio-visual slideshow exhibition of over 110 carefully selected images, showcasing both established photographers and emerging talents. Supported by a soundtrack of New Zealand musicians, the goal is to celebrate the richness and diversity of talent both on and off the stage, offering a captivating glimpse into the heart of New Zealand's music culture.

In addition to its showcase of captivating imagery, FromThePit also incorporates an educational component. Throughout the year, workshops are offered to aspiring live music photographers, providing valuable insights and guidance in this dynamic field.

As the music industry and its stakeholders continue to navigate challenges, FromThePit stands as a testament to the enduring power of live music events. The exhibition serves as a vital document of New Zealand's vibrant music scene, offering a platform to both honour its past and celebrate its future.

FromThePit 2024 will be accessible online and at various locations across the country during Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa | NZ Music Month (May 2024). For more information about this year's exhibition and related events, as well as to explore archives from previous years, please visit FromThePit.co.nz

FromThePit is made possible through partnerships with Sony, Audioculture | Iwi Waiata, Auckland Council | Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland UNESCO City of Music | Tāmaki Makaurau UNESCO Pā Puoro, NZ Music Month | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa, Independent Music NZ (IMNZ), New Zealand Music Commission | Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa, and Agentx.

Designed and curated by New Zealand live music photographers Dave Simpson, Chontalle Musson, Stella Gardiner, and Maeve O’Connell, FromThePit 2024 promises to be an immersive and unforgettable celebration of New Zealand's music photography.

For updates, follow FromThePit on social media:

Facebook: FromThePitNZ

Instagram: @fromthepitnz

YouTube: FromThePitNZ

Vimeo: FromThePit

SAM BAMBERY RELEASES 24.01 FINAL SINGLE AHEAD OF ALBUM RELEASE IN MAY

Ōtautahi/Christchurch artist Sam Bambery releases his final single today (25 April), '24.01' before the release of Rubricator (available for pre-order here) releasing May 17, 2024. 

'24.01' is named after the day it was written in Bambery’s Christchurch Central flat. Sam Bambery and fellow Ōtautahi/Christchurch songwriter Hannah Everingham met together for coffee and an artist date, which lead to the collaboration on this song. 

The lyrical pairing of Bambery and Everingham naturally fall into strong imagery, comparing emotional stagnation to dust in a corner and familial ties being played out in our darkest moments. 

“I remember the session well, we had different hair and smiles” reflects Bambery. “We were both heartbroken and endeavoured to shine a light on those feelings somehow. Lyrically it all spilled out somehow. It was a true action of thoughts I felt!  It was a very fond memory that I will cherish for a long time. Hannah is one of my great friends, I am really privileged to have not only a talented songwriter but a wholesome human being like her in my life.”

Bambery and Everingham are at the helm of a fresh creative community in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, where DIY approaches are like a sort of indie baptism. Music videos, photography and gig promotion all done at a small scale for great effect. Friends all gathering for gigs and hangouts - friendship going hand in hand with artistry. 

'24.01' is a classic exploration of indie pop motifs, swaying from dry guitar rhythm to  swaying melody into explorative jazz-like piano. 

“This track I feel is a real mellow introduction to the album. Really it’s a lot of two chord motifs, so we endeavoured to try and make it as sonically interesting as possible when we were in the studio,” says Bambery. “Vibraphone, synth and ethereal vocals really set the mood for Rubricator in my mind. It’s a sort of pop distillation moving into a buzzing array of textures. It’s a gentle introduction to the more dense approaches later on the album.”

‘24.01' follows the release of hit singles ‘Parasite’ and ‘The Burnout’.  

‘Rubricator’ a newly minted set of songs produced with De Stevens (Marlin’s Dreaming, Asta Rangu) and recorded in houses, old photography studios and lounge rooms across Aotearoa/New Zealand, releases May 17th. The album releases via Under Underground Records, a micro-label spearheaded by Hannah Everingham and focusing on local releases amongst friends. 

‘24.01’  is out now and available on all streaming platforms. 

Kiwi rockers Lazy Fifty release war time love song in time for ANZAC Day

One Last Time is a love story. Lyrically poetic, yet musically firm and melodic, this is another quintessential Lazy Fifty song.

The song starts with a beautiful and haunting slide guitar introduction which sets the tone for the rest of the song.

About a young soldier, who could be of any generation, going to war, the lyrics begin with “Wipe your tears away, don’t you be afraid” and continue with the feel of a narrative diary, concluding with ‘And as I lay I close my eyes. I see your face smiling one last time”.

Composer Adrian Athy says “One Last Time" is a love story, but also acknowledges the “generations that went away to war thinking it was going to be fun, but as it turned out it wasn’t”. 

This is the second song inspired by our war heroes that Adrian has written. 

Adrian says he initially wrote ‘Cassino’, a folk song about the kiwis that fought at Cassino in WW2, as he “wanted to start creating our own folk history, to take pride in our NZ history”. 

“‘One Last Time’ is a return to that. Whereas ‘Cassino’ was a documentary if you will, ‘One Last Time’ is a novel.”

Watch the official music video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LZvTBBYR8A. 

One Last Time is the third single off Lazy Fifty’s upcoming EP Neighbour of the Beast. The new EP is the second collaboration between Adrian and renowned producer Greg Haver. 

Greg says “it was great to re-visit the world of Lazy Fifty again after previously working on their ‘2021: A LAZY ODYSSEY’ album. It’s always encouraging to see a band refresh and continue on their musical journey, a path that Adrian constantly treads in his desire to expand his virtuosity and push the boundaries of the genre.”

Original Kiwi rock band Lazy Fifty has been Adrian’s brain child for 12 years. He is a prolific song writer and composes all of Lazy Fifty’s music.  

Neighbour of the Beast is the Adrian Athy show, with a bit of Greg Haver thrown in. Adrian wrote all of the songs, sang lead and backing vocals, played lead, rhythm and bass guitar. In addition to producing the album Greg also performed drums and percussion, bringing a huge sound with the help of his vintage Lydwig kit and Zildjian ‘crash of doom’ cymbal.

Neighbour of the Beast was recorded at Roundhead Studios (owned by Neil Finn).

The name Lazy Fifty comes from the saying of an old friend. When he asked you for a ‘lazy twenty’ (dollars), you knew you’d never see the money again. That was a long time ago and their friend is no longer with us. In memory of him, and allowing for inflation, they are now ‘Lazy Fifty’.