Frau Knotz delivers lush new single 'Other Futures', ahead of forthcoming debut EP
Aotearoa electronica artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has returned with the beat-centric and uplifting new single 'Other Futures'.
Aotearoa electronica artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has returned with the beat-centric and uplifting new single 'Other Futures'. This is the second single to be released off her forthcoming debut EP 'Nextraterrestrial', out 23rd August 2024.
Stream ‘Other Futures’ HERE
RSVP for the music video premiere HERE
Purchase ‘Other Futures’ on Bandcamp HERE
Originally an instrumental lo-fi hip-hop beat off the album 'Other Futures' by Daniel Hayles (Hollie Smith, Lord Echo, Clear Path Ensemble), Frau Knotz has penned lyrics and adapted his track with her distinct sonic angle.
Featuring scat singing, lush chord voicings and an eighth-note piano line, the Jazz that lies at the heart of both musicians shines forth. Frau Knotz has melded these elements seamlessly with synth instruments and auto-tuned vocals for artistic effect, underpinned by a heavy-hitting electronic beat. Her undeniable skill for straddling genres to present a unique sound has been put on full display. Lyrically, Lauren says, “the song title gave me so much to work with, along with the repeated melody line, it was a no-brainer to follow this thread and pen a hopeful story of the future.”
Long-time friends and collaborators, Daniel and Lauren both gained Jazz degrees at the New Zealand School of Music, where Daniel is now in his ninth year as a Lecturer in Teaching. Last year Frau Knotz was invited by Daniel to perform as a guest artist with his Other Futures Big Band for the Wellington Jazz Festival, performing 'Other Futures' to a packed audience at Meow, amongst other Frau Knotz originals and bespoke arrangements of iconic songs from Kate Bush, Chicago and George Gershwin.
Arriving on Wednesday, June 12th, is the 'Other Futures' music video, a captivating piece of 3D animation work set on the moon, highlighting the stunning visual craftsmanship of Christchurch-born, LA-based Blue Hamel a.k.a Halfofnothing (lilbubblegum, Childish Gambino). The video will premiere on Frau Knotz’ YouTube channel at 7pm that evening for fans to experience live and chat with the artists. RSVP HERE
Mastered by Joshua Llewellyn at Downbeat Mastering and co-produced and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, today’s release is the second single to come from her upcoming debut EP, following the enigmatic vignette 'Odyssey I' which was met with eager support from local and international media, featuring on The Most FM, Radio Control FM, The Hits, 13th Floor, Muzic NZ, Zone Nights (Argentina), Expansión Radial (Mexico) and reviewed by Flash-Trax.
'Other Futures' is at its core ‘cerebral’ with its richly layered textures, Frau Knotz's voice donning a vocaloid sensitivity that still exhibits warmth and emotion. The track offers a vision of a time in which our digital accessories might become places for self-expression and improvement, in the next phase of the technological age.
Check out all things Frau Knotz below:
Aotearoa-Filipina pop-star with grit Ms. Mia unveils debut EP, LIVING IN THE SHADOWS + new single ‘Shadows’
Aoteaora-Filipina artist Ms. Mia has today unveiled her glistening and gritty debut EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS!
Listen to the EP HERE
Watch HERE
Aoteaora-Filipina artist Ms. Mia has today unveiled her glistening and gritty debut EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS!
Following the success of her previously released singles ‘Strange Life’ (Pirate Radio NZ, Kiwiradio, NZ Music Month ‘Celebrating Wāhine’ Spotify Playlist), ‘This Game’ (13th floor, R1, JUICE TV) and ‘Going For The Kill’(Tearaway, R1, NZOA Fresh Cuts / Puoro Hou), LIVING IN THE SHADOWS is a bold debut EP full of layers and theatre. Each of the five EP tracks are so well crafted and curated that the listening experience is a fully immersive journey - similar to that of a theatre production - with an accomplished band in the pit and commanding presence on stage.
“This is my debut so it is very special to me,” says Ms. Mia. “The whole EP was built around the theme of ‘living in the shadows’, so it captures that journey but also gives a hint of optimism, so I hope [listeners] go on this emotional, sonic journey and feel something – maybe be inspired to move out of the shadows and into the light.”
With the release of the EP comes the release of new cabaret-style single ‘Shadows’ - a song the artist says draws on the vibes of a 1920s speakeasy and sets the theme of ‘living in the shadows’ in different aspects of life – career, love, emotions. “The song’s theme is about going away from living a life according to what society dictates,” explains Ms. Mia, “especially climbing that ladder for a career which might look good on paper, but doesn’t fulfill you and slowly kills your spirit over time. This song is always a good reminder for whenever I find myself doing work that is not aligned with my soul and creative intent.”
The other new tracks are ‘Butterflies’ – a moody track with pent up angst when settling for someone, and the EP’s final track ‘Not Cryin’, an emotional song filled with optimism for the future. “Sometimes, when I’m feeling down, I’ll play it and feel a bit better,” says Ms Mia. “Maybe, somewhere in the world, it will make someone else feel a bit better by listening to it.”
Made with the support of the Asian Artists Fund - Foundations North/Creative NZ, and NZ On Air, Ms. Mia worked with an impressive range of talent for the EP. “I’ve learnt a lot on this journey and am grateful to have had all the musicians and collaborators that helped to shape it.”
Those musicians and collaborators include Fiachra Kinder (drummer for Hozier hit single ‘Take Me To Church’) on drums/percussion, Tee Hao-Aicken (Ersha Island) - violin, Sam Mandeno-Clay (Borderline)- guitar, 김연범 (B.Bum) - bass, Christian Tjandrawinata - guitar/bass/synth, Dean Rodrigues - bass/drums/percussion and Clarissa Chai - synth and all programmed instruments. Producer Clarissa Chai was also involved in co-writing, mixing and producing, while recording engineer's Christian Tjandrawinata and Emily Wheatcroft-Snape worked on it across Roundhead Studios (‘Shadows’ + ‘Not Cryin’), Parachute Studios (‘This Game’ + ‘Going For The Kill’ ) and Movespace (‘Butterflies’) - before the EP was mastered by Chris Chetland at Kog Studios.
Having burst onto the music scene with her mesmerizing melodies, heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals, this debut EP LIVING IN THE SHADOWS brings such exciting, masterful musical intrigue, that it is sure to keep listeners listening and anticipating much more from the rising star that is Ms. Mia. Press play now to begin the journey!
Find Ms. Mia
Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp | TikTok | Youtube | Soundcloud
NZ’s Tavita & Bay Road bring the funk and soul in debut single ‘Lay it down’
Tavita & Bay Road have today released their funk and soul-filled debut single ‘Lay it down’ - and it’s something to get excited about!
LISTEN HERE
WATCH HERE
Tavita & Bay Road have today released their funk and soul-filled debut single ‘Lay it down’ - and it’s something to get excited about!
Taking you on a well-driven rhythmic ride, ‘Lay it down’ is upbeat and funky, with shades of “hope and despair” delivered by impressive vocalist and lead-man Tavita De Seymour.
After a hiatus from the music scene, Tavita & Bay Road is an explosive return for the former frontman of Wellington band Weave. Hailing from the multicultural city of Porirua, Tavita draws inspiration from his Samoan and Pakeha heritage, the beautiful surrounds of Titahi Bay, family, and his experiences as a mental health practitioner. Over a two-year period, Tavita has worked closely with Bay Road pulling from the well of reggae, soul, funk, blues and folk music, and influenced by the likes of Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, and Neil young.
This new release, ‘Lay it down’ has a strong story guiding it, which Tavita explains: “It’s about a traditional family that appears normal from the outside but is imploding from the inside. Each family member is struggling with issues such as addiction, loneliness, debt, and getting mixed up with the wrong crowd. Some have found hope in love and inner peace, whilst others have a way to go.”
Tavita says that the song is for anyone who likes a wide variety of music, especially an old-school funk and soul vibe. Recorded at Wellington’s Surgery Studios with producer / engineer Toby Lloyd and mastered by Mike Gibson, Tavita says ‘Lay it down’ is an “introduction to the sound and soul of Tavita & Bay Road.”
Also being released today is a new AI music video created by Hollowfate. “I wanted an old school, urban setting for the song,” explains Tavita, “New York just seemed like the perfect backdrop to the vibe and style of the song and I wanted to depict the story of a dysfunctional family as described in the lyrics. I also wanted the redemptive qualities of love and inner peace to come through, as that is an important aspect of the song too. We also threw in a few pics of the band performing at one of our favourite Wellington venues - The Library - and pics of us at Titahi Bay. The way the AI programme morphed the photos of the band made us laugh!”
Tavita & Bay Road regularly perform at some of Wellington’s finest venues, have plans for a tour + more new music - including a debut EP - so press play now on ‘Lay it down’ and watch this space!
Find Tavita & Bay Road
DUBS FROM THE NEIGHBOURHOOD : A CHRISTOPH EL TRUENTO PRODUCTION
The highly anticipated “Dubs From The Neighbourhood'', like its predecessor, takes us on a musical journey inspired by road trips through small towns, sunshine, secluded beaches and deep green landscapes.
Christoph El Truento picks up where he left off with the 2019 Aotearoa dub classic Peace Maker Dub, paying homage to dub music’s founders through a truly unique South Pacific lens.
The highly anticipated “Dubs From The Neighbourhood'', like its predecessor, takes us on a musical journey inspired by road trips through small towns, sunshine, secluded beaches and deep green landscapes. However, listeners will find a sound that has matured in complexity, a sonic reflection of an artist that returns a bit older and wiser. While the idyllic scenery invoked on the cover is typically associated with a carefree joy, the album adds details and textures that nod to the inevitable flipside of grief and loss that are experienced alongside life's journeys.
Dubs From The Neighbourhood - available on Vinyl and all streaming services
REVULVA 'BUSH BASH'
“Bush Bash” is the first single from Revulva's forthcoming self-titled album releasing later this year. “ “Revulva” the album is going to be all our work to date”, shares the band.
Intimacy in the time of lockdowns inspired cheeky new song “Bush Bash”
from Aotearoa band Revulva
Revulva is back to woo you with their new sexy track "Bush Bash".
“Bush Bash” is the first single from Revulva's forthcoming self-titled album releasing later this year. “ “Revulva” the album is going to be all our work to date”, shares the band. “This includes songs from the band's beginning as a 5-piece 5 years ago, to songs written the night before recording at Surgery Studios in November 2023. We can’t wait to reveal more soon!”
Flirting with funk music, dining with disco music, and jaywalking toward jazz music - Revulva are an eight-piece femme-fronted progressive soul/ funk band from Te-Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington.
The band consists of New Zealand’s finest musicians including Phoebe Johnson (Ebony Lamb, Dateline, HEAVY CHEST), Lily Rose Shaw (The Teskey Brothers, The Gallery, OdESSA), Tobias Leman (Hummucide, The Gallery, Earl Green), Hector McLachlan (The Teskey Brothers, Rachel Andie), Kaito Walley (Bret McKenzie, TOI, L.A.B), Lennox Grootjans (Hummucide, Arjuna Oakes, Len Blake), Mysty Cooke (Exploding Rainbow Orchestra, Esbee, Richter City Rebels), and Zane Hawkins (Hummucide, Len Blake, Tusekah) and is always bursting with heart, snarky remarks, sexuality, burning improvised solos, feminist ethos, and a punk attitude.
"Bush Bash"explores passion and desire in a natural context. The song was written by the band's composer and lyricist, Phoebe Johnson, in a time when touch was not freely accessible - the 2021 Covid-19 lockdown. "My house isn't free / your house isn't free / gotta get out, just you me and the trees". Bush Bash is about finding a cosy spot, in the bushes, to "go to town".
Johnson is fascinated with finding ways to empower sexuality with a feminine voice through her song writing “I wanted another excuse to invite audiences in to be sexy with me while also acknowledging the embarrassment and awkwardness of sex” she shares. “I really wanted to champion my musical heroes (like Prince & Minnie Ripterton) with this tune by getting hyper-sexual and funky, but with an experience that was actually quite clumsy.”
The "Bush Bash" music video was co-directed by Phoebe Johnson and her partner Daniel Kingston - a directorial debut for the pair. “Working with someone I love provided the kind of comfort and confidence that comes with loving someone to show up on camera” says Johnson. “Daniel has been hearing my visions and ideas everyday for around 3 years now, and was able to help me translate the vision of Bush Bash into a self-funded budget music video we are really proud of.”
Revulva released their debut EP "Girl's Gotta Eat" mid-2022 to rave-reviews and an SRN "best EP" nomination. Their last release "This Town" remained in the NZ SRN and Hot Singles charts for months while the band toured the single up and down the country. Their theatrical and epic live shows have seen them performing at festivals such as 121 Festival, Tora Bombora, Nest Fest, Welcome To Nowhere, Newtown Festival, Cubadupa, and Twisted Frequency among many more.
Revulva’s single and music video "Bush Bash" is available now (June 7) from all streaming platforms.
ZED 'FACE THE RAIN'
Face the Rain is a track that is reminiscent of early ZED material, and has been a crowd favourite throughout the summer festival season.
Face the Rain is a track that is reminiscent of early ZED material, and has been a crowd favourite throughout the summer festival season.
"This song landed at the beginning of the writing process for the album, so I think subconsciously I started thinking about the early days of ZED - four teenagers on a crazy rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of being a band. There are lots of parallels with being in a relationship when you’re living and working together for months at a time, and it comes with similar challenges - and I think the song is referring to all of that”
Nathan King - ZED
Face the Rain is the 5th release of the bands forthcoming album, set for release in August.
Closing out New Zealand Music Month, Face the Rain is out now on all streaming platforms.
Listen to ‘Face the Rain’
FIND ZED
YAHYAH is Out of Sight, Out of Mind this Music Month
YAHYAH is a powerhouse writer and performer, delivering her next pop banger Out of Sight, Out of Mind. YAHYAH is coming in hot with this new release, fresh from writing sessions in Sydney, a tour speaking and performing on the National Young Leaders events, and also hosting the Smokefree Rockquest finals.
YAHYAH is a powerhouse writer and performer, delivering her next pop banger Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Made with the support of NZ on Air, and collaborating with the production power of Will Henderson and EDY, YAHYAH is coming in hot with this new release, fresh from writing sessions in Sydney, a tour speaking and performing on the National Young Leaders events, and also hosting the Smokefree Rockquest finals.
“Out of sight, out of mind came about in a jam session with EDY and Sam V. It was our first session together and we stumbled across a banger. This song is about stepping away from a situation/person that doesn’t serve you anymore. And realising your worth and telling them to sort themselves out, otherwise they’re no longer welcome in your life. It’s a stand! Man up or you’re out of my sight, out of my mind!” - YAHYAH
Out of Sight, Out of Mind is accompanied by an epic music video directed by visual master Tom Grut, that will be released next week.
Cementing her as a must watch in 2024, with a long list of bangers to get us through the winter months, YAHYAH’s Out of Sight, Out of Mind is out now on all streaming platforms.
Listen to ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’
FIND YAHYAH
The Dead Zephyrs 'Mr Stix'
The Dead Zephyrs released their brand new single "Mr Stix" on May 31st. Recorded at the illustrious LAB Studios in Tamaki Makaurau, this blues-infused psychedelic journey explores elements of rock past and present and provides a sneak peek into the genre's newer evolutions after almost a century of expansion.
The Dead Zephyrs have joined the legions of Kiwi bands who are on a mission to revive Rock n Roll. Their journey kicked off a decade ago, honing their craft through a lot of fun nights in the small New Zealand town of Masterton, the middle of nowhere, center of everywhere. With artist influences including The D4, Led Zeppelin and Jet, they offer a new approach to Alt-Rock with elements of psychedelia and blues, while still capturing the essence of vintage Rock n Roll from days gone by.
The Dead Zephyrs released their brand new single "Mr Stix" on May 31st. Recorded at the illustrious LAB Studios in Tamaki Makaurau, this blues-infused psychedelic journey explores elements of rock past and present and provides a sneak peek into the genre's newer evolutions after almost a century of expansion.
Upcoming “Mr Stix Mini-Tour”, May 22nd to June 7th
April 27th saw The Dead Zephyrs hit the stage in front of thousands of punters at the inaugural premiere event Porirua Rocks! The band will make the most of this momentum by exploding into NZ Music Month with a Lower-North Island 4-leg mini-tour containing their favorite musical hubs. This tour will see them rock their new release Mr Stix at Wellington’s beloved Valhalla, underground venue Lovelands, Palmerston North’s Stomach and last but not least, a hometown show at Jackson St Bar to return the love to the region that started it all.