Lazy Fifty – Sitting In The Shadows

Kiwi rockers Lazy Fifty release

 another banging rock anthem with 

new single Sitting In The Shadows

Sitting In The Shadows is “a song that wakes you up” says composer and frontman Adrian Athy. 

“I love the intro’s feel, it’s a hybrid of Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden.” 

Adrian says “the lyrics are about releasing your ego and doing what you want to do without worrying about what others think.”

“‘Makes no sense to the asinine, they’re walking blind’ refers to the fact that so many of us waste time worrying about what “they” think. But who are “they” and are “they” thinking at all.” 

Thoughtful lyrics, melodic guitar phrasing and memorable choruses combine to create a rock anthem that by the second chorus you’re singing along.  

This song is pure rock. Kick back, blow up that air guitar and let loose. Sitting In The Shadows is telling you to own it.

Sitting In the Shadows is the fourth single off Lazy Fifty’s upcoming album Neighbour of the Beast. This album is the second collaboration between Adrian and renowned producer Greg “not my problem” Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Tom Jones (Reload), Catatonia, Bullet For My Valentine, Devilskin). 

Greg says “it was great to revisit 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.”

Adrian wrote all of the songs, sang lead and backing vocals, played lead, rhythm and bass guitar on the new album. 

In addition to producing the album Greg also performed drums and percussion, bringing a huge sound with the help of his vintage Ludwig kit and Zildjian ‘crash of doom’ cymbal.

Neighbour of the Beast was recorded at Roundhead Studios, Auckland, New Zealand (owned by Neil Finn Crowded House/Fleetwood Mac)

MANU TAUPUNGA Announce New Matariki Single 'Hine Mokemoke'

MANU TAUPUNGA
Announce New Matariki Single

‘Hine Mokemoke’
Pre-save ‘Hine Mokemoke’ here

‘Hine Mokemoke’ is the new waiata from artists TAWAZ, Jordyn With a Why, Mārei, MĀ, Chase Woods, Henare Kaa of Dillastrate, and Kings - members of artist collective MANU TAUPUNGA. From participating in Waiata Anthems to this new venture, these artists proudly announce the Matariki release of their new musical collaboration.

The waiata is the labour of a 48-hour collaborative songwriting intensive made possible through the support of NZ On Air, Manu Taupunga ki Ruātoki, that saw seven ‘city-slicker' Māori artists ‘go bush’.

In late May, ngā Manu Taupunga ventured into the heart of Te Urewera, guided by Tūhoe 'artivist' Tame Iti and music legend Whirimako Black. Guided by music producer and Tūhoe son, Kings, the seven artists then crafted a waiata inspired by the essence of their exploration into te taiao and its cultural connection to Matariki.

“‘Hine Mokemoke’ is that lonely little voice inside of us who cries out for real connections and longs for genuine relationships with one’s land and people - those present and those who are now shining down on us, up in the sky.

Like Matariki and the stars, allow ‘Hine Mokemoke’ to guide you back to your whenua, to your people, to your whakapapa.”

- TAWAZ

ALLANA Goldsmith Unveils Waiata for Matariki: MANAAKITIA

Contemporary Māori artist ALLANA Goldsmith releases ‘MANAAKITIA’, a beat-heavy waiata (song) produced by Juse. True to herself, the singer and songwriter once again transcends genre boundaries, letting the story of ‘MANAAKITIA’ unfold through beautifully woven lyrics, imbued with integrity and mana throughout the track.

Stream MANAAKITIA here

The waiata is a call to cherish and care for one another and for all of us. It speaks of te aka matua, the parent vine that Tāwhaki climbed to reach the heavens. To nurture our taonga—precious tangible and intangible treasures—so we are never lost, e kore e ngaro. ALLANA shares, “This single is for you to feel secure and embraced in eternal threads that bind us all. You’re invited to soak up metaphors of well-known and ancient wisdoms passed down over generations. This soothing waiata is a powerful message speaking to us all through the unity of mankind, ngā tāngata katoa”.

Accompanying the release is a stunningly intimate music video directed by Shivani Karan and filmed in Auckland at Unitec’s Te Noho Kōtahitanga Marae and Te Rangimārie Pā Harakeke. The visuals introduce us to ALLANA’s taonga, her whānau, and feature them making putiputi (flax flowers) on the mahau (front of the wharenui). 

Today’s Matariki release is the first of three te reo Māori singles all funded by Te Māngai Pāho, due for release this year ahead of ALLANA’s trip to Mundial Festival (Canada) as a creative New Zealand delegate.

MUSIC VIDEO  launch party for MANAAKITIA 

 3rd July 2024. At TE NOHO KOTAHITANGA MARAE, Unitec.

 Hosted by UNITEC.  

 Matariki Celebration - Puna Kōrero: HERE

Midwave Breaks are Standing Inside Out

Standing Inside Out, the second single and title track from the band’s recent EP,  delivers an exhilarating up-tempo ride, with ascending guitar motifs, intricate melodies, and a hook-laden chorus that harks back to the layered vocal harmonies of iconic 1980s pop-rock anthems.

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Bruce Conlon and drummer Paul Russell have been riding a wave of support at Rock Radio, with five independent singles in the Top 10 Radioscope Rock Chart and a further five in the Top 20. Their hard graft and growing success was recently acknowledged with a Best Rock Act finalist nod at the prestigious Aotearoa Music Awards in May.

Fans can catch Midwave Breaks performing Standing Inside Out Live for the first time as they return to the stage in Mount Maunganui on Saturday July 13.

Reflecting on the challenges of translating the studio sound to the stage, drummer Paul Russell shared, “As a duo, we construct our songs layer by layer in the studio. With Standing Inside Out it wasn’t until afterwards we realised the unique live challenge for Bruce, balancing vocals and guitar at the same time, as there’s a lot going on. Thankfully, Bruce is a pro, but I may need to take over the mic between tracks so he can catch a breath after this one!”

The Totara Street headline show marks Midwave Breaks’ first hometown performance in over a year, with support from rising local talent Bloody Overalls from Otumoetai High School. The event is open to both 18+ and supervised under 18s, offering younger fans a chance to experience a full-noise rock 'n' roll show when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 

Rising country stars Steffany Beck & Miranda Easten partner up for a powerful country duet single – ‘Hell & Back’

Ōtautahi-based country singer-songwriters Steffany Beck and Miranda Easten have today released their new duet single ‘Hell & Back’ – a song about hard times, sticking together and girl power!

Individually, these rising country stars have been making waves with their latest releases, Beck’s ‘What Would Dolly Do’ (NZ on air New Tracks, Juice TV, CMT AU/NZ, Southern Cross Country Radio)an anthem of unapologetic confidence, complete with 10 references to Dolly Parton songs, as part of her fiery sophomore EP PILLARS, and Easten’s cleverly-crafted toe-tapping hook ‘Kip Moore Smile’(NZ on air New Tracks, Newstalk ZB, Southern Cross Country Radio) a light-hearted swipe at the male ego and wannabe player who’s full of himself, as part of her sophomore album’ Concrete & Honey’ due for release in July.

These Saddle up Sisters first met through following each other online and eventually met up in person one night at a music networking event. “It was sister love at first sight, we just clicked and became instant best friends”, Said Easten. “It felt like we were long lost sister’s finally being reunited, and we’ve been inseparable since,” said Beck.

With a newfound die hard friendship and a long list of things in common, the dynamic country sirens co-wrote ‘Hell & Back’, alongside with Chris Childs (Toured with the Spice Girls), with a message of hope for those burned by the music industry, going through the highs and lows of being a self-managed artist and how important it is to reach out find your tribe or a sister you can rely on to ride the rollercoaster alongside with you.

This song was recorded at Rockfield Studios, UK (Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen, Coldplay) and at Parachute Studios, Auckland, produced by Greg Haver and mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound, Nashville.

Alongside an invitation to judge the prestigious Golden Guitar Awards, upcoming live performances for the duo start with a show at Gore’s Tussock Country followed by a national tour through June/July ‘to celebrate the release of Beck’s EP PILLARS and their duet single ‘Hell & Back’.

The two are partnering up on the Saddle Up Sisters Tour, bringing their new original cowgirl country music to the major centers with a full band in tow. So, round up your friends, dust off your boots and saddle up to join them for an unforgettable night of country music at a town near you!

SADDLE UP SISTERS TOUR DATES:

Fri 31 May - Gore - Tussock Country Music Festival

Thu 20 June - Wellington – Meow with Danica Bryant

Sat 22 June - Auckland - Big Fan with Jenni Smith

Fri 28 June - New Plymouth - TSB Festival of Lights

Fri 5 July - Christchurch - A Rolling Stone with Karra Rhodes

For more information + tickets, go to: https://mirandaeasten.com

Anna van Riel 'The Nurdle Song'

Aotearoa’s Environmental Superhero Waste Free Wanda is releasing a colourful new music video for tamariki in conjunction with Plastic Free July 2024

The Nurdle Song, written by Anna van Riel (NZ) & Katie Herst (USA) shares the story of an unfortunate turtle, named Myrtle who is impacted by microplastics in the ocean.
Although this cabaret-style track is both humorous and uplifting, the reality of Myrtle’s scenario is a growing concern globally.

A 2022 report from oceancare.org states that:

“There are an estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles floating on the surface of the ocean, which together weigh 269,000 tonnes. That is equivalent to the weight of about 2,150 blue whales. Bacteria and algae gradually colonise these plastic fragments, which in turn become heavier and sink. Even the depths of the ocean are now contaminated with microplastics.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Waste Free Wanda takes a solutions-based approach around what we CAN do, using her ‘Simple Swaps’ philosophy.

Using the Rule of Thumb, Wanda helps us to understand how we can be the change.

RULE OF THUMB

REFUSE- say no to single-use items

REDUCE- take less of what you can when it comes to single-use plastics

REUSE- reusable cups, bottles, beeswax wraps, straws etc. are the answer

REHOME- find a new home for items you no longer use

RECYCLE- rinse, recycle and repeat. Reducing means less in all bins and oceans

ROT- find a compost to put food and green waste in for the worms

With plastic Free July upon us, we have a fantastic opportunity to make some ‘Simple Swaps’ in our homes, schools and communities to impact a real and positive change for Papatūānuku.

“My hope is that, through the modalities of song and the creative arts, I can help tamariki and their whanau to understand the life cycle of plastics, and what they can do to reduce the negative impacts of single-use items on the planet. Children are incredible advocates for Mother Earth and it’s important that we provide them with solution-based tools so they can step confidently into the future”, states Waste Free Wanda.

Created with the help of the Southern Institute of Technology's animation team, and Meek & Wild Creations, The Nurdle Song officially launches on July 1st where it can be found on all major platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

Presave link to The Nurdle Song here: https://music.drm.co.nz/the-nurdle-song

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