Ōtautahi-based contemporary folk artist Keren Mara shares emotive new single ‘Under the wind’

Listen to ‘Under the wind’ HERE

Ōtautahi-based rising contemporary folk singer and songwriter Keren Mara has today released her vulnerable new single ‘Under the wind’.

Today’s stunning release is telling of Keren Mara’s knack for raw and emotive storytelling - as she shares her journey of overcoming trauma to help others do the same. "This song acts as a mantra of knowing your inner strength,” says Keren. “It’s about finding peace in the darkness, and also knowing it's ok to feel and express emotions.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, this reflective new single was recorded at Keren’s home studio, alongside co-producer Harry Finlayson-Hood. It was then mixed and mastered by Jackson Levi.

‘Under the wind’ combines Keren’s gentle and emotive vocals, with the folk-driven instrumentation of harmonicas, tambourine, acoustic and slide guitars. Keren says ‘Under the wind’ is part of a collection of music she’s currently working on, all written during a five-year period in which the artist overcame immense trauma.

Having released a range of singles since 2020, Keren has cultivated an undeniably warm sound that is sure to bring comfort to any listener, especially those experiencing hardship. “For anyone who's been through trauma and heartbreak - you are stronger than you think,” says Keren. “You deserve to be happy and enjoy the good times as they come.”

A peaceful accompaniment to the track is the beautiful, soon-to-be-released ‘Under the wind’ music video. Filmed with Neato Productions at Te Onepoto/Taylors Mistake in Ōtautahi, Keren says that she, “wanted to include the stunning views of Taylors Mistake because being out in nature is very healing and soothes my soul. Set to be released over the coming weeks, be sure to press play on this stunning track now and stay tuned for more from this exciting up and coming talent!

About Keren Mara

Growing up as a ‘Third Culture Kid’ in a sheltered Christian environment across Asia, Keren spent much of her childhood in Thailand and moved around a lot. This upbringing led Keren to delve deep within herself and take comfort from artists such as Leanne Rhymes, Mariah Carey and Faith Hill. Alongside these artists, she was primarily exposed to Christian folk/pop music. It wasn't until Keren was older, and having lived through some unimaginable loss, that she went back to her first love, music. She began her music career by getting her degree at Ara Institute of Canterbury (2021), and hasn't stopped since. Keren has been gigging around Christchurch with her duo partner and co-producer, Harry Finlayson-Hood, and in 2023 joined the gypsy fair for 4 months as a musician and stage manager. Keren Mara’s narrative-driven songwriting and ethereal vocals paint a stunning image of her uplifting resilience - with her latest single ‘Under the wind’ set to make waves across Aotearoa!

Find Keren Mara

Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Apple | Spotify

Aotearoa legend Vince Harder drops hot new latin-infused RnB single ‘Mamacita’ feat. rapper Kings

LISTEN HERE + WATCH HERE

Award-winning Aotearoa artist and producer Vince Harder has today released his new RnB single ‘Mamacita’, featuring rap star Kings and infused with latin flavours!

RnB legend Vince Harder has graced stages and screens; is responsible for multiple #1 hits and an array of Gold and Platinum certified NZ songs - won several Pacific Music Awards and the APRA Maioha Award. Today’s new release ‘Mamacita’ is an instantly catchy, feel-good RnB jam, with upbeat latin influences which Vince credits to his time spent in LA working with Sheila E on her Salsa record. An ode to some of his favourite iconic 90’s RnB artists, the track features groovy instrumentals, sensual lyrics, soulful vocals, and a rap verse from rising Aotearoa star Kings!

“Kings and I have managed to foster a really cool, creative environment where we can explore heaps of ideas,” says Vince. “I was really in that 90’s R&B zone and surrounded by a whole lotta latin style music, and that vibe worked so well with him.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘Mamacita’ was written and recorded at both Parachute Studios and Vince’s home studio in Auckland, and is being released alongside a new music video, made with longtime collaborator Ethan Harris, from Lucent Films. The video showcases talent from Freshmans Dance Crew, West Auckland, and rising Sydney dance star Tarnia Renee. “We want to show you a good time and want you to feel good watching it too,” says Vince. The music video also features Kings and Vince performing in dazzling custom-made outfits by upcoming fashion label Fugawi Clothing (Morghan Ariki Bradshaw).

With today's release, and his already impressive array of accomplishments, Vince Harder is showing no signs of slowing down - so press play and get amongst the feel-good vibes of ‘Mamacita’ today!

About Vince Harder

RnB legend Vince Harder is responsible for 3 #1 hits and an array of Gold and Platinum certified NZ songs for artists such as Stan Walker, Titanium and his own timeless house party anthem ‘Everything’ with P Money. Vince has twice won ‘Best Male Artist’ at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards, along with ‘Best Urban Artist’ and ‘Best Producer’ in 2016. He has also picked up the APRA Maioha award for writing and producing the Te Reo chart-dominating anthem ‘Aotearoa’ with Stan Walker.

Vince’s solo artistry has received love from across the motu, with single ‘Not Gonna Let Go’ (2018) and ‘Next To You’ (2019) both topping charts and dominating airwaves. Vince adds ‘accomplished musical theatre artist’ to his bow, having played lead roles in both Australia and Aotearoa. Roles have included Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (Australia) and Barry Belson in the Australia/NZ tour of Jersey Boys. In 2021, he was a panelist for TVNZ’s popular Popstars reboot, alongside Grammy winner Kimbra and NZ rock royalty Nathan King. He’s toured four times with Guy Sebastian, and his third studio album HORIZON (2022) has now racked up over 712,000 streams on Spotify! Vince Harder is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars from Aotearoa.

Find Vince Harder

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Apple | Spotify

TOM LARK RELEASES NEW SINGLE, 'DUMB LUCK'

Aotearoa artist Tom Lark (Shannon Fowler) is back with a brand new single, ‘Dumb Luck’. The track is the first release from the Ōtautahi-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist since 2023’s Brave Star.

Earning him a finalist nod for both this week's 2024 Taite Music Prize, and Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa | Best Folk Artist at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards in May, Brave Star was both a return and debut from Fowler – who had previously released two eponymous EPs before taking time out to work on his pop craft as Shannon Matthew Vanya.

Brave Star also won Tom Lark an APRA Silver Scroll Award Top 20 nomination, and reviews like these:

"Brave Star is an album adrift on a sea of memory bliss, cleverly produced and like a sonic mood-piece. It's an album which gives dream pop a very good name."
– Graham Reid, Elsewhere / The Listener

"Brave Star is the work of a well-rounded songwriter, as comfortable in the pop realm as he is crafting country-inflected folk-rock tunes, casual and confessional in equal measure."
– Tony Stamp, RNZ The Sampler

‘Dumb Luck’ is the first taste of new material from Tom Lark, and captures the artist’s whimsical yet pragmatic sensibility.

“When I began writing ‘Dumb Luck’ I was thinking a lot about perseverance but also how funny ‘dumb luck’ is as a phrase,” says Fowler. “Despite hard work, sometimes things don’t pay off and other times things work out in total naiveté, for no other reason than some weird cosmic alignment. That said, I don’t really subscribe to the idea of ‘dumb luck’. Instead, perhaps being ‘lucky’ is the ability to make the best of circumstances as they present themselves; maybe luck is no more than finding a silver lining.”

The single is accompanied by a video directed by Sam Kristofski, that sees Fowler panning for gold and fending off snakes and spiders in the Waitākere Ranges.

"We had a so much fun making it," the hardy cowboy recounts. "A highlight for me was trying to capture the perfect rubber snake movements, so perfect we somehow managed to catch a real eel twice.

"I think the artist way is often not so dissimilar from gold panning; you spend all day sifting through conceptual rocks and dirt to find something of value – and depending on how things go, people say “that's so lucky” or “that’s hard luck.” And, really, it's just hard work."

Meanwhile, Tom Lark's hard work has seen him selected to play at The Great Escape festival in Brighton in mid-May. Before leaving, he and his live band play a UK tour fundraiser show at Wine Cellar on May 9. Full details below.

** STRANGE NEWS PRESENTS **
Tom Lark UK fundraiser show

Thurs 9 May – Wine Cellar, Tāmaki Makaurau w/ Paul Cathro

Tickets available now from UnderTheRadar

MMF MEMBERS ONLY ONLINE SESSION: MASTERING THE ART OF PITCHING

The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa are pleased to announce their May Members Online Seminar is with Gavin Downie and Cuillin Hearty.

Join us for an engaging online seminar where we bring together Music in Parks Booker, Gavin Downie,  and an Emerging Manager, Cuillin Hearty for an insightful discussion on mastering the art of pitching to Bookers and Promoters. 

Our panelists will delve into the intricacies of effective communication, crafting compelling pitches, and building meaningful relationships in the industry. Whether you're an artist looking to navigate the booking process or a manager seeking to refine your approach, this seminar is for you

Gavin Downie has held the role of Event organiser for Auckland Councils Music in Parks for 6 years booking over 360 acts in those years . In his freelance work he has been production manager on the huge Waitangi Waititi event in west Auckland. Toured with everyone from Wiz Khalifa to the Cranberries across the globe and checked off  hundreds and hundreds  of locals tours, festivals  shows.He  also fits in time to run a business as a media composer selling tracks worldwide since 2020

Cuillin Hearty, originally from the UK but now firmly rooted in New Zealand for nearly a decade, is a jack-of-all-trades in the music industry. With experience as an artist manager, booking agent, and event organiser. Cuillin’s journey began in Queenstown, before making the move to Auckland in 2023 to continue their career in music & events. Currently, Cuillin is managing Wellington-based artist Sofia Machray and handling bookings for several independent acts across New Zealand. Passionate and driven, Cuillin is dedicated to the Aotearoa music scene.

MMF AOTEAROA  MEMBERS ONLY SESSION

MASTERING THE ART OF PITCHING

Date: Monday 6 May 2024

Time: 6pm – 7pm

RSVP: For MMF members only. RSVP to Rachel admin@mmf.co.nz. 
Spaces are limited so RSVP is essential.

Due to the limited places please note if you RSVP and then fail to attend the session without notifying us, unfortunately you will not be eligible for future sessions

TRIGGAR HAPPY’S EP “TESTIFY” TO DEBUT ON APRIL 26

Triggar Happy, the rising star in the hip hop country rock music scene, is set to release his highly anticipated EP, "Testify," on April 26, 2024. This dynamic collection features the focus single and title track, "Testify," alongside two previously released powerful singles, "Cowboy Power" and "In My Head."

"Testify" serves as the EP's centerpiece, encapsulating the essence of resilience, determination, and pride in one's roots. With its compelling narrative and infectious melodies, the song embodies the spirit of a hardworking individual navigating life's challenges in a small town.

Joining "Testify" are Triggar Happy's signature tracks, "Cowboy Power" and "In My Head." "Cowboy Power" captures the fun-loving spirit and showcases Triggar Happy’s love for rhythm, dance and cowboy way of life, while "In My Head" takes listeners on a cinematic ride through the highs and lows of his journey – weaving personal reflections and relatable powerful stories that resonate with audiences.

Through this EP, Triggar Happy invites listeners on a journey through the heart of hip hop country rock music, blending traditional themes with modern sensibilities. From anthems of resilience to heartfelt storytelling, "Testify" offers a diverse and compelling musical experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

"Testify" will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 26, 2024.

Don't miss your chance to experience the undeniable talent and passion of Triggar Happy as he continues to make his mark on the music scene.

Is MITI New Zealand’s answer to the worldwide Country Music trend that we are experiencing?

LISTEN TO “I GOT YOU” HERE

Sonny Miti (Singer/ Songwriter/ Producer) and sister Tiana (Singer/Guitarist/Ukulele) are collectively known as MITI. After the success of their debut single “See You Again”, they have followed up with “I Got You”, a song that speaks to one of Sonny’s closest friends who was going through some hardship in his life.

“The song was written about one of my closest mates who had tragically lost his son in a car accident. He was in a really dark place and I just wanted to show him that we were all there to support him through his loss “ says Sonny “Hopefully the music video expresses that”.

With the current wave of country music sweeping the world (with the likes of Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and more recently Beyonce), MITI has stayed true to their unique style of country which is largely inspired by the 80’s and 90’s sound.

The duo understand that whilst country music is not one of the more popular genres in Aotearoa, they can sense that a new wave is coming. Their goal is to be at the forefront of that wave to represent their home land. With their refreshing sound and undeniable charisma, MITI is poised to make an indelible mark on country music in New Zealand and worldwide.

ABOUT MITI 

Country music and Polynesian families may seem like an unlikely pairing, but sibling duo Sonny and Tiana Miti, known as "MITI," are breaking the mold and redefining the country music scene. With their unique blend of traditional and modern influences, they have captured the attention and admiration of industry legends and are set to make a lasting impact.

From a young age, Sonny and Tiana were surrounded by the soulful sounds of country legends. Their mother's cherished cassette tapes of Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash became their musical foundation and ignited a lifelong passion for the genre. Drawing inspiration from their Polynesian heritage and infusing it into their country melodies, MITI have developed a distinct and captivating musical style that resonates with audiences both young and old.

What sets MITI apart is their ability to reimagine classic country hits with a refreshing twist. Their innovative covers of timeless tracks like "Jolene" and "Blue Bayou" caught the attention of industry icons Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, who were captivated by their unique interpretation. With their ukulele as a key instrument, they seamlessly incorporate a Polynesian element, creating a harmonious fusion of genres that is entirely their own.

No strangers to the music scene, MITI have honed their craft through years of experience, gaining praise and recognition along the way. Their journey has taken them to national and international music awards, where they have competed against the best and showcased their remarkable talent. They have also graced the stages of renowned festivals, leaving audiences captivated with their heartfelt performances. In addition, their cover songs have garnered widespread attention, further establishing their reputation as rising stars in the country music scene.

While country music might not typically dominate the music radar in New Zealand, MITI are on a mission to change that. With their refreshing sound and undeniable charisma, this dynamic duo is poised to make an indelible mark on the country music landscape, both at home and beyond.

Sire's Single "Temporary" Reverberates with Soulful Reflection

Sire delivers a poignant message of self-reflection and appreciation with his latest single, "Temporary". Following his well-received debut EP "Food for Thought" (amassing over 5,000,000 streams globally) Sire ventures into new musical territory, blending jazzy undertones with his signature R&B style.

Crafted in 2021, "Temporary" is more than just a song for Sire—it's a personal journey of introspection and growth. Delving into the ephemeral nature of life, Sire encourages listeners to pause and assess the richness of their existence. Through warm vocals and intricate melodies, he prompts us to cherish the gifts, relationships, and opportunities that surround us, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time.

Sire's introspective lyrics resonate deeply as he shares his own struggles and quest for peace amidst life's uncertainties. With a soul-stirring hook—"Don't take life for granted, before we fall apart"—"Temporary" serves as a timely reminder to embrace the present moment and find solace in the divine.

Reflecting on the creation of "Temporary", Sire shares, "This song means a lot to me, since the message I was conveying was not only for the listeners but for myself as well." Through his music, Sire offers a glimpse into his journey of self-discovery and spiritual resilience.

As "Temporary" makes its mark on the music scene, Sire invites audiences to join him on a soulful exploration of life's transience and the enduring power of faith.

Anna van Riel reemerges in NZ Music Month

Award-winning Lake Hāwea singer-songwriter Anna van Riel making a comeback to her folk, blues and jazz roots following a long sabbatical in the children's music sector.

The three-time NZ Tui nominee stepped into the children's music scene following the birth of her 2nd child in 2014, also sitting for 4 years on the board of trustees for Kiwi Kids Music, supporting the growth of children's music and its artists.

In 2020 Anna debuted her one-woman stage show Waste Free Wanda and soon after launched the environmental arts trust The Wanda Foundation; whose focus is around 'inspiring positive environmental change through the arts'.

In the midst of COVID-19  she launched her vocal coaching business Nook Road Productions where she runs a coaching studio from her Lake Hāwea property, as well as providing singing and speaking workshops across the Deep South.

A whole decade on, and with children a little more independent, Anna is back in the studio recording her 6th studio album.

Hinting at influences from Billie Holiday to Bonnie Tyler, the album is a culmination of Anna's favourite works since her last "grown up" album Whistle and Hum' back in 2013.

With NZ Music Month on the horizon, Anna is diving in head first with studio sessions, a tour and a series of vocal workshops.
Concert-goers are invited to participate in a dynamic daytime singing workshop where they'll learn a song to share alongside Anna in her evening show.

For more details on where to catch a workshop and show with Anna van Riel head to:
www.annavanriel.com/events