French for Rabbits continue their EP release tour following release of mini-documentary
French for Rabbits have revealed a miniature documentary about the making of their 2023 EP ‘In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home’ ahead of the final two shows of their release tour with string quartet.
French for Rabbits have revealed a miniature documentary about the making of their 2023 EP ‘In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home’ ahead of the final two shows of their release tour with string quartet.
The five minute documentary gives us a glimpse behind the scenes into the recording process and also an insight into the band’s favourite caffeinated beverages. The tour continues in May following a sold out Whanganui show and a debut Waiheke Island performance in March. The band have added a new show in Palmerston North at the Globe Theatre on Friday May 3rd before they finish the tour with a bang with a hometown show on Sunday May 5 at Meow, Wellington.
Buy tickets to Palmerston North
The band also share news of a hiatus from live shows for the remainder of 2024, following some big changes in the band. Read on for the band’s statement:
Kia ora friends!
We thought we would share some big news with you all. After 12 years in the band, our wonderful guitarist and founding member of French for Rabbits John Fitzgerald has decided to hang up his guitar to focus on his career outside of music and his first true passion (surfing!). His understated guitar playing has been the backbone of the rabbits sound since the start, we reckon he plays like no-one else, and he is the most modest person around when it comes to his musical abilities. While we will miss hearing his wild cackles, latest schemes and surf escapades during rehearsal, we’ll all be friends for life - and undoubtedly we will tempt him back into the fold one day.
Additionally, Brooke also has some other big news with the arrival of a bébé rabbit expected with her partner Will in August.
This means that following our two shows in May and a Mansfield show at the Taranaki Arts Festival in June that the band will be going on a hiatus from live shows for the remainder of 2024.
This tour has been really wonderful so far, and we’d love our friends and fans in Palmerston North, Wellington and from around the motu to join us to celebrate and so that John gets to go out from this French for Rabbits journey with a bang!
French for Rabbits with the Elliot Vaughan Strings
In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home - Release Tour
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Whanganui - 1 March - St Peter’s Church (SOLD OUT)
Waiheke Island - 2 March - Artworks Theatre
Palmerston North - 3 May - The Globe Theatre
Wellington - 5 May - Meow
More information and tickets from frenchforrabbits.com or see below:
Friday 3 May,
Globe Theatre, Palmerston North
Show starts: 8pm
Tickets available from the venue box office and online here:
https://nz.patronbase.com/_GlobeTheatre/Productions/FFR1/Performances
Sunday 5 May
Meow, Wellington
Doors: 7pm
Show Starts: 7.30pm
Tickets:
https://moshtix.co.nz/v2/event/french-for-rabbits-elliot-vaughan-strings/162265
LIVING STATE 'STALKER'
Tāmaki Makaurau rockers Living State are set to release their fifth single Stalker, on May 3rd.
Tāmaki Makaurau rockers Living State are set to release their fifth single Stalker, on May 3rd.
The four piece took their tight live act into Neil Finn’s Roundhouse Studio to lay down Stalker with producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Opshop).
The spooky single, while catchy, is a more experimental frame for vocalist Marissa’s storytelling; powerful vocals punctuating dark, jazz-influenced chords, with flavours of Karnivool and Buckethead.
The release is accompanied by an action-packed fever dream of a music video, which stands as the group’s highest level production to date.
Well established in Auckland’s rock scene, Stalker drops on the finale of Living State’s debut North Island tour.
TOUR DATES
April 5 l Ahuriri Napier l The Cabana with This Silent Divide
April 6 l Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa Gisborne l Smash Palace with This Silent Divide + Spikey
April 12 l Kirikiriroa Hamilton l Last Place with Static + Wolf Wizard
April 20 l Tauranga l Voodoo Lounge with Dead Empire + The False Waltons
May 3 l Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland l Ding Dong Lounge with The Sun Gods + Shadowless
Tickets from Under The Radar
Toitū - a new kaupapa driven banger from Rei
After a packed summer festival season topped off by headlining Saturday night at WOMAD to an audience of thousands (with cheers often as loud as the stadium sound system) and in anticipation for gigs in the Northern Hemisphere in June, Rei drops Toitū.
After a packed summer festival season topped off by headlining Saturday night at WOMAD to an audience of thousands (with cheers often as loud as the stadium sound system) and in anticipation for gigs in the Northern Hemisphere in June, Rei drops Toitū.
Check out the Music Video Here
Toitū is the latest single from Rei’s upcoming album, Moisturise & Decolonise. With Baile Funk (brazilian trap) vibes, drill influences, bilingual reo raps and haka chants, this is the tune that Aotearoa needs right now. ‘Toitū te Tiriti’, loosely translated to ‘leave the treaty alone’, has been a call of protest all over Aotearoa in response to the current government. Rei then interpolates this protest chant with his own tongue, cheeky raps and hard hitting punchlines.
Back in studio mode with some future international gig bookings in the Northern Hemisphere to be announced, his dynamic Reo Māori-infused tunes will again shine for Matariki, further cementing his place as a global artist. Stay tuned for his upcoming tour dates, international spots and more.
Clocking up over 11 million streams, hitting the summer's biggest festivals such as Electric Avenue, Soundsplash and WOMAD, Rei has plenty more for you, so get on the waka!
Follow Rei’s haerenga here - www.musicbyrei.com
Anna Coddington releases upbeat Māori funk single, ‘Kātuarehe’, from upcoming new album
One of NZ’s most acclaimed singer songwriters, Anna Coddington (Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa) returns with the new single, ‘Kātuarehe’. The track is the first taste of a new album from Coddington, which is set for release to coincide with Matariki this year, an occasion marking the Māori new year.
Watch the video HERE
One of NZ’s most acclaimed singer songwriters, Anna Coddington (Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa) returns with the new single, ‘Kātuarehe’. The track is the first taste of a new album from Coddington, which is set for release to coincide with Matariki this year, an occasion marking the Māori new year.
Listen HERE / watch video HERE
‘Kātuarehe’, meaning outstanding in English, lays down the blueprint for Coddington’s new album. The track and album both move effortlessly from te reo Māori to English, bringing a sound which Coddington herself dubbed “Māori funk”. Pushing further forward the playful sound of her previous releases, ‘Kātuarehe’ features the same memorable hooks that you expect from Coddington, alongside a bassline and shout-along chorus which declares “you ain’t ready”, showing a mission statement for the new collection of waiata.
Due out in late-June, Anna Coddington’s new album sees her writing a full body of work featuring te reo Māori for the first time in her career. Created by Coddington alongside longtime collaborators and band, The Appreciations (Jol Mulholland, Mike Hall and Fen Ikner), the album features eight tracks of funk, indie rock and synth pop, with Coddington’s vocals a constant highlight. The result is her finest work yet, an album which sounds truly original yet still maintains her distinctive style.
Listen to ‘Kātuarehe’ HERE / watch the video HERE
Follow Anna Coddington:
INDUNA RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO ‘DIVA’
Hailing from South Africa and based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, producer and rising afro-pop artist producer and rising afro-pop artist InDuna makes a return with his latest track and music video, ‘Diva,’ now available worldwide.
Hailing from South Africa and based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, producer and rising afro-pop artist producer and rising afro-pop artist InDuna makes a return with his latest track and music video, ‘Diva,’ now available worldwide.
The single marks the South African born artist's first release of the year, following a string of hits in 2023. The track is a glimpse into his upcoming project, scheduled for release later this year and early next. Produced by InDuna himself, ‘Diva’ showcases his style and songwriting as he delves into the intricacies of everyday life, transforming the mundane into something extraordinary.
Reuniting with his close collaborator, director Mason Rudd, InDuna conceptualises an inspirational music video, supported by NZ On Air. The video opens with a backlit shot of InDuna, followed by visuals featuring the legendary Muhammad Ali, setting the mood for a narrative of resilience and dedication.
‘Diva’ is more than just a song for InDuna; it's a reflection of his upbringing and the resilience instilled by his mother and sisters. Reflecting on the release, InDuna shares, "Diva was inspired by a jam session with my friend James. I transformed my living room and kitchen into a makeshift studio to bring my vision to life. From humble beginnings to the collaborative efforts with the likes of Jpec and Joost at Bigpop Studios, 'Diva' evolved into an anthem of empowerment and ambition.”
In recent years, InDuna has been on an upward trajectory, garnering attention with each release. Since his debut, he has been steadily making a name for himself in the music scenes of Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. His talent has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recent recognition as the recipient of the prestigious Prince's Trust Global Young Achiever Award.
With his distinct style, impressive songwriting prowess, and unwavering work ethic, InDuna is undoubtedly an up-and-coming Afro-kiwi artist making waves in the music industry.
CONNECT WITH INDUNA HERE
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Sol Fide - ‘The Hermit’ EP Release
The band’s recent addition of a saxophone makes The Hermit a soulful collection, and emphasizes that Sol Fide's ever-evolving discography just keeps getting better.
With the fresh release of their debut EP ‘The Hermit’, emerging indie rock band Sol Fide are making a name for themselves as a staple in Pōneke’s alternative music scene. The band’s recent addition of a saxophone makes The Hermit a soulful collection, and emphasizes that Sol Fide's ever-evolving discography just keeps getting better.
Preceding the release of The Hermit, Sol Fide’s upbeat debut single ‘Alamein’ proved its catchiness, having surpassed 5000 Spotify streams and counting. Alamein was followed up by the mellow and moody ‘Cuban Rum’, showcasing the band’s versatility.
Sol Fide have kicked off 2024 gracing the stages of Pōneke’s most iconic alternative venues, including the likes of Meow, MOON Bar, and San Fran. Coming up next month, the band are set to perform their second headline show at Valhalla on May 23rd.
Listen to The Hermit EP: https://open.spotify.com/album/3cZH73q2qQKIybkJFq9Qtf?si=YzRlybPsTnuGODPxqoZ8xg
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’.
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
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!
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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