Holly Arrowsmith shares single 'Blue Dreams' - title track from upcoming album

Holly Arrowsmith releases moving Americana single 'Blue Dreams', completing her trilogy of deeply personal tracks from her upcoming album, also entitled Blue Dreams, scheduled for release on 26 July 2024 on Leather Jacket Records.

Holly's storytelling in 'Blue Dreams' explores her experience of first-time parenthood, her honest narrative and intimate vocals caressing the song's imagery into the ether. Although these moments are very much her own, they are profoundly understood by many others. Holly says, "I was a first-time parent in the middle of a pandemic, surviving in those early days of chronic sleep deprivation. I realised I had never heard a song about this transition, especially about how hard it can be in those first months when you are so exhausted and trying to work it all out. I felt this huge burden of responsibility, bringing life into such a turbulent world." Finding solace in community, Holly sought refuge in conversation with other people. A repetition of themes emerged: loneliness, worry, exhaustion, loss of identity, evolution, awe, deep love, protectiveness, responsibility. "I wanted to show a real domestic scene, not a glorified one. The often invisible work of Mothers, especially. Those messy, imperfect, sometimes lonely, tender and mundane days with your beautiful baby, time in suspension - for a time."

'Blue Dreams' begins with multi-tracked acoustic guitar, followed by the warm resonance of Holly's vocals, creating an Americana groove reminiscent of early 1970s Neil Young. Holly's lyrics skillfully paint a narrative depicting the challenges of retaining your sense of self that is suddenly and unexpectedly consumed by new parenthood. The scenarios are familiar, the ending uplifting.

Holly's journal of musical ideas is teeming with words and phrases, jotted down as they bloom. "The two words ‘Blue Dreams’ were so beautiful to me that I wrote them down for safe keeping. Sometimes a song just springs from two words like this, and the meaning is revealed in the process."

Holly's innate and honed songwriting talents were celebrated in May, the second time she has taken home the coveted APRA Country Music Song of the Year; on this occasion, Holly's song 'Desert Dove', also on the upcoming Blue Dreams album, nabbed the award.

Produced by Tom Healy (Marlon Williams, Bic Runga), and accompanied by an all-star cast of New Zealand musicians (Cass Basil, Anita Clark, Alex Freer), 'Blue Dreams' transports us through the essence of early parenthood isolation to a hopeful and positive familial future.

BLUE DREAMS MUSIC VIDEO 

The music video for 'Blue Dreams' was shot on film in the beautiful Mackenzie Country of Southern Aotearoa. The wide-open spaces are a contrast to domestic life which can feel constricting at times. Under the direction of Naomi Haussman and Si Moore, Holly wades into an icy cold pond of swans to take a dip in mid-winter; maybe it was a baptism, which becoming a parent is.

Kayla Mahon 'Right On The Money'

Country artist Kayla Mahon is set to release her debut solo album, "Right On The Money," this Friday, June 21. This album, two years in the making, marks a significant milestone in Kayla's musical journey.

Kayla, who began songwriting with Ryan Sorestad in Nashville, felt an instant connection to the songs they created together. "The quality of the songs encouraged me to want to record them all on an album," she said. "I had something to say through life experience as a mum, a nurse, and grieving the loss of my music hero, my Grandad."

While this is Kayla's debut solo album, she is no stranger to the recording studio. She has previously released two albums as part of The Heartleys and an EP with Australian producer and singer-songwriter Roger Corbett. However, "Right On The Money" holds a special place in her heart. "This project is very special to me because it’s taken this long for me to dig deep and really be who I want to be as a singer-songwriter," she explained.

The album's singles showcase a range of emotions and stories from Kayla's life, offering listeners a mix of moving, amusing, and sassy tracks. "It was a deliberate move to make the singles different as I didn’t want to have a common theme," she said. "Music is all about showing emotion, making people feel happy and sad, showcasing my life with children, how much friendships mean to me, and relationships."

One of the standout tracks, "Man Who Doesn’t Like Country Music," is written about her husband. "I think there would be a lot of people who would be in the same boat as me: they love country music and their spouse doesn’t," she shared. The title track, "Right On The Money," is described as a "good old country rock song and a real feel-good song."

Kayla filmed the music video for "Right On The Money" at the river near her home in southern New Zealand, adding a personal touch to the visual representation of her music.

With a sold out hometown album launch this month she is now planning shows around New Zealand, house concerts, a breast cancer awareness fundraiser show, and festival performances. Kayla is eager to share her new music with live audiences. "I want to be able to sing my songs live - that is my biggest goal and has been from the start," she said. "My absolute goal would be a dream to travel with my music because of this album."

"Right On The Money" is more than just a collection of songs; it's a testament to believing in oneself and the power of collaboration. "I had that barrier that I wasn’t good enough to write my own songs before, but I got through that by co-writing because getting out and writing with other people builds your confidence," she reflected.

Kayla Mahon's debut solo album, "Right On The Money," will be available on all major streaming platforms starting June 21, 2024.

Find Kayla Mahon 

Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Adam Hattaway Announces Live Shows in Celebration Of Upcoming Single 'High Horse' + pre-orders for 7" vinyl

Adam Hattaway and his 4 best friends The Haunters have announced two live shows this coming July. The quick snap tour is in celebration of his upcoming single 'High Horse'.

'High Horse' will be streaming July 12th and will be available on 7 inch vinyl featuring b-side 'She's Gone' via Leather Jacket Records soon. Pre-orders available now on Bandcamp.

Expect a different sound from what we are used to from Ōtautahi's alt-rock'n'rollers. Recorded in Diamond Harbour's Te Ra Studio, the track features Erny Belle and was produced by Marlon Williams. 

High Horse Tour
July 25
Tāmaki Makaurau - Wine Cellar
w/ support from Milan Borich
July 27
Ōtautahi - Wunderbar
w/ support from Just Janie

Tickets available from Under The Radar

PRE-ORDER HIGH HORSE 7"
PRE-SAVE HIGH HORSE SINGLE

ADAM HATTAWAY ONLINE
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp
Follow: Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

Rising Pasifika RnB-pop star Tyrun lights up the dancefloor with steamy new single ‘do it’

Listen to ‘do it’ HERE

Niuean-Samoan Tāmaki Makaurau-based creative Tyrun has today released his steamy, upbeat RnB-pop single ‘do it’!

Bringing summer vibes all year long, ‘do it’ is a track sure to get any listener out on the dancefloor - and is a showcase of Tyrun taking his artistry to the next level.

An ode to summer love, Tyrun says the single “lets me explore the upbeat, fresh and a little bit of the naughty side of me.” ‘do it’, made with the support of NZ On Air, was recorded and mixed alongside Sam Minot in Pōneke, produced by LA-based producer Mark Evich, and mixed and mastered at KOG Studio, Auckland. Smooth, sultry RnB vocals, catchy melody lines, and a perfectly pop beat, come together into what Tyrun calls “the perfect song to shake your a** to”.

Stay tuned for more from this talented creative, with a new music video for ‘do it’ set to be released in coming weeks! Tapping into yet another layer of Tyrun’s creativity, the video is fully choreographed by friend and collaborator Joseph Asi.

“Creativity for me doesn’t stop with music,” says Tyrun. “It includes movement and dance and visuals, so I’m proud to be able to explore that here.” Directed by previous collaborator Chris Antonio, the video creates a stunning visual to accompany the upbeat track, embodying all the movement that ‘do it’ induces. “I don’t want to be one dimensional, I want my music to engage with viewers on multiple levels.”

Along with this new release, Tyrun is treating fans to a special b-side, ‘take u out’. “I started writing it shortly after ‘do it’ so naturally it shares a similar energy and meaning. It’s a mid-tempo RnB leaning pop song with a cruising beat. To me, they are different sides of the same coin. If ‘do it’ is the party, ‘take u out’ is the afters.”

‘do it’ follows the release of Tyrun’s 2023 RnB dance singles ‘only one’ and ‘movin’, and previous to that, a five year hiatus from releasing music, when he focused on other aspects of his multifaceted creativity - such as co-directing creative organization All My Friends (AMF) - something he says has contributed to the the exciting creative output we get to enjoy today!

About Tyrun

With a refreshed sound as a solo artist, Tyrun is already making waves in the music scene as co-director of All My Friends (AMF) and through his involvement with projects that champion queer / BIPOC creatives such as OMW!, LYCHEE BAYBEE and Niu Gold Mountain. His songwriting explores diverse themes of cultural identity, sexuality, and the struggles of navigating adulthood as a queer Pacific Islander in Aotearoa. With a background across many areas of creativity through dance, AMF, and studying commercial music at Massey University Wellington, Tyrun is ready to take Aotearoa by storm with fresh music!

Find Tyrun

Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple

Sexual Harm Prevention in the Music Community

Kia ora

My name is Jess Haugh, and I am currently a Masters student in the School of Psychology at Waipapa Taumata Rau (The University of Auckland), supervised by Professor Virginia Braun. I am also involved in the music community as a musician, producer, and audio engineer, and run a community organisation that supports women and gender diverse musicians called Women About Sound.

For my Masters’ research I am doing a project exploring men’s understandings of the issue of sexual harm, and men’s/their role in prevention, within the music community in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Through the research, I hope to invite men to be part of a solution-focused project that contributes to making the New Zealand music community a more inclusive, safe space for all.

To explore this topic, I am facilitating focus groups (group discussions) with 3-5 adult men per group.

I am currently recruiting participants, and want to reach out to as many men as I can who participate in the independent music community as musicians, promoters and music producers.

If you are interested in sharing this project, I have a recruitment flyer that I have attached that has information about the project for potential participants that you could share.

Or if you have any further questions about my research, please get in touch by emailing jhau006@aucklanduni.ac.nz

This project has been approved by the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee on 23/05/2024 for three years. Reference Number UAHPEC27669.

Ngā mihi,

Jess

Frau Knotz reveals animated video for 'Other Futures', ahead of forthcoming debut EP

Aotearoa electronica artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has today revealed the 3D music video for  'Other Futures'. The video is the visual counterpart to her single released last week, the second glimpse of her forthcoming debut EP 'Nextraterrestrial' out August 23rd 2024.

Set on the moon, the 'Other Futures' music video is a captivating piece of 3D animation work, highlighting the stunning visual craftsmanship of Christchurch-born, LA-based Blue Hamel a.k.a Halfofnothing (lilbubblegum, Childish Gambino). The video premiered on Frau Knotz’ YouTube channel on Wednesday night for fans to experience live and chat together.

A lifelike avatar of the artist herself floats from outer space in a capsule, lighting upon the moon and stops to explore her new surroundings with fresh eyes, seeing it all for the first time. Lauren explains “as much as I find my mind living in the future, I try to remember the importance of being present, taking small moments to observe beauty and experience awe from my surroundings. The video’s concept marries this dichotomy of dreaming up an alternate reality with appreciation of the present moment.”

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 nostalgic 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.

Stream HERE

Mastered by Joshua Llewellyn at Downbeat Mastering and co-produced and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, ‘Other Futures’ follows on from 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, 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 and video offers a step into the virtual, cutting-edge universe inhabiting the mind of an avant-garde artist who is uncompromising and singular in her focus and art.

Voodoo Bloo Unveils Their Catchiest Single Yet “Ambassador“

Voodoo Bloo smash out their 4th single from the upcoming 3rd album.

Indie rock gems Voodoo Bloo are back with a bang! Their latest track, “Ambassador,” marks the band’s fourth single release this year, and it’s bound to get listeners grooving.

"The 00's indie influenced catchy new single is a great successor to the last. “Ambassador” dives deep into the creative psyche, exploring how external influences shape our innermost emotions. With infectious melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, Voodoo Bloo delivers a powerful message about authenticity and self-expression.

Global Success

With a devoted fan base spanning the UK, US, and Australia, Voodoo Bloo knows how to resonate with the indie rock world. Their unique blend of indie and alternative rock made several Apple Playlists with the all singles this year.

The last single “I Don’t want this Scene to End” made the NZ Official Rock Charts at number 23.

Known for their innovative approach to music and unapologetic authenticity, Voodoo Bloo continues to push boundaries with their distinct sound, earning them a dedicated following both in New Zealand and beyond. Fans and music enthusiasts alike can anticipate the release of "Ambassador" on all major streaming platforms from Thursday June 20th, 2024.

This single is a sneak peek into their highly anticipated album, slated for release in September. Fans can expect an electrifying blend of alt-rock vibes and indie sensibilities. Recorded & Produced by the band at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, and skilfully mixed by Scott Seabright, whose repertoire includes collaborations with esteemed acts such as Alien Weaponry, Mumford & Sons, and Six60, "Ambassador" promises an electrifying auditory experience.

**'5 MINUTES' - CHUR DA BOYS' LATEST SINGLE OUT THIS JUNE**

After a string of successful single releases since their launch in April 2023, Duo Chur Da Boys are gearing up to release their newest track, '5 Minutes.'

This fun new single is relatable to many, its story of a chance encounter in a bar in Auckland, where a guy meets a girl playing hard to get. In a world where time is precious, all he asks for is just 5 more minutes to win her heart.

A recurring theme in Chur Da Boys' music is the connection through love and land. Their song "5 Minutes" embraces the joy of mutual love and the comfort of knowing you're the sole focus of someone's affection. Conclusion to the story: Having been given those ‘5 Minutes’ there have since been wedding bells and the start of a new family. Patience and perseverance go a long way.

Written by the duo themselves, the track was recorded at Ghostlike Studios and Mastered at Kog Studios. With over 100,000 all-time streams, Chur Da Boys have been steadily building a loyal fanbase. With fans spreading across Australia and New Zealand, and playing on radio stations as far as Hawaii and Tahiti.

Their music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok.

For more information and updates, follow Chur Da Boys on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok