Kyla Greening feat. Aidan Fine 'Getaway'

‘Getaway’, the new single from Lyla Greening, is channelling a 90’s groove and silky RnB vocals, with a smooth feature from hip hop artist Aidan Fine.

Already recognised as one to watch, Greening reached No4 on the NZ artist chart with her collaboration‘ Better With Time’ with rapper Swizl Jager, and has opened for local artists Sam V and Yah Yah. The video will feature a live, in-studio performance from Greening and Fine with co-producers and musicians Lucy Graves and Andre Brown (Modre) of The Feel Good Service.

On the writing process Modre says “Working with Kyla is always so organic and ‘Getaway’was just one of those songs where everything from the track to melody ideas and lyrics just flowed, including asking Aidan to feature. Effortless.”

Māori rock band KIKO share powerful new reo single + video ‘Haurua’!

Listen to ‘Haurua’ HERE

Watch the video HERE

Tāmaki Makaurau-based Māori rock group KIKO have today shared their electric new single + video ‘Haurua’ - a defiant reflection on Māori identity and tino rangatiratanga in Aotearoa.

An epic fusion of rock, reggae, blues, psychedelic and waiata reo Māori, KIKO are taking Aotearoa by storm while breaking down stereotypes of what Māori music sounds like - with today’s new anthem ‘Haurua’ doing just that.

Made up of Rewi McLay (Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Hine), Lukas Wharekura (Ngāti Kahungunu), Kara Gordon (Ngāi Te Rangi), Phillip Peters (Whānau a Apanui and Rangitāne) and Windon Bradfield - KIKO’s new single ‘Haurua’ explores the complexities of identity and growing up half-caste - with one foot in te ao Māori, and the other in the Western world. “It’s a thin line where two worlds meet,” says lead vocalist and guitarist Rewi. “‘Haurua’ is about the journey of pursuing one's identity and navigating those worlds.”

The band’s co-lyricist, and Rewi’s cousin, Hohepa Maclean (Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Hine) adds that ‘Haurua’ expresses a common theme felt amongst many Māori who, through no fault of their own, have been disconnected with their identity and struggle to reconcile their place in Aotearoa. “It comes from a true experience of being outcast by both my mainstream world and my Māori world,” he says. “Though despite the colour of my skin, my whakapapa is still strong and undiluted. The call of this waiata is, don’t let people tell you who you are, and at the same time, explore and find your true deeper identity and not leave it skin deep.” 

Made with the support of Te Mangai Paho, the striking new single was recorded at Rageous Records in Tāmaki Makaurau, and produced by Nathan Judd.

A powerful continuation of what has already been a whirlwind career for the group, KIKO are represented by Waatea Music, and have shared stages with some of Aotearoa’s finest -  performing at events such as Waitangi Ki Waititi, Matariki ki Waitakere, and Psycred Alliance, alongside artists like Black Slate, Stan Walker, The Herbs, Che Fu, Ladi 6, and more. They’ve released two EP’s RANGINUI BLUES and WAHAROA, alongside a range of singles and music videos - one of which, ‘Ka Puta’ saw international success after being an official selection at SXSW 2022 Austin and Clipped Festival.

With a strong kaupapa of empowering indigenous people across the globe through music, KIKO has also released a captivating and gritty new music video to accompany today’s anthem. Directed by Francis Baker and Lukas Wharekura, the video follows KIKO, Swizl Jager and their canine companions as they band together to preserve tino rangatiratanga in a dystopian war zone.

With today’s release and video, a passion for revitalising waiata reo Māori, and lot’s more exciting music on the horizon, now is the time to join KIKO on their journey!

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Tîmmy the First presents Degrees

Aotearoa’s  expressive  musical  talent,  Timmy the First,  is  set  to  release his  catchy  new single,  ‘Degrees,’  on  Tuesday, 6th August.  This  track encapsulates  a  hyper,  reflective,  and  dynamic journey,  presenting  a captivating  narrative  of  personal  growth  and  boundless  energy.

Timmy  the  First’s  journey  with  ‘Degrees’  began  as  a  response  to  newfound  freedom  post-lockdown.  “The  seed  for  this  song  started  at the  end  of  Tāmaki’s   lockdown  period  -  and  we  were  finally  able  to move  freely.  I  had  this  feeling  that  I  wanted  to  come  back  into  the world  of  music  with  a  different  energy  after  having  spent  so  much time  reflecting,  I  could  finally  let  loose,”  Timmy  recalls.

Degrees’  explores  themes  of  introspection,  ambition,  and transformation.  “This  song  is  an  internal  dialogue  which  comes  to  the  conclusion  that  ‘I’m  about  to  turn  up  the  heat.’  I  reflect  on  the past  and  ponder  the  present  and  the  future.  My  journey  as  Timmy the First  is  one  of  creating  my  own  lane  and  making  my  own impact,”.  The  song  serves  as  a  powerful  anthemic  encourager  of  self-determination  and  self-motivation,  subtly  inspiriting  listeners  to  pursue  their  passions  without  hesitation.

The  creation  of  ‘Degrees’  was  a  collaborative  effort  with  Frank  Eliesa (who  created  the  slamming  beat),  and  John  Garcia  mixing  the  single.  The  initial  demo  was  crafted  in  Timmy’s  home,  but  the  final version  was  perfected  in  the  studio,  where  he  brought  his  vision  to life.

To  visually  represent  the  vibrant  energy  of  ‘Degrees,’  Timmy  has created  a  dynamic  visualiser,  drawing  from  live  performance  footage shot  at  Auckland's  Neck  Of  The  Woods  where  Timmy  played alongside  peers  Jujulipps  and  Freddie  Reynold  (masterfully  captured by  theStudiobutter  crew). “Creating  the  visuals  was  really  fun.  The feel  of  the  song,  especially  the  beat,  is  static  and  distorted,  so  it  felt right  implementing  that  feel  into  the  visual  editing  too,”  Timmy elaborates.  Whilst  filmed  by  Studiobutter  most  of  the  visualiser  was edited  on  Timmy’s   phone,  demonstrating  his  resourcefulness  and adding  another  layer  to  the  meaning  of  the  song.  “It  really  showed  to  me  that  if  you  have  a  vision,  you  can  always  make  it  a  reality regardless  of  what  tools  you  have  available  at  the  time.”

Zimbabwe  born  TîMMY  developed  his  sound  in  the  bustling  Otago music  scene,  carving  a  niche  for  himself  as  a  hip-hop  act.  Over  the past  few  years,  TîMMY  has  developed  his  sound  into  a  sharp  point, boldly  exploring  his  truth  across  infectiously  energetic  recordings  and live  performances.  He’s  forged  a  name  for  himself  within  New Zealand’s  music  community,  performing  at  festivals  like  the  annual Africa  Day  and  opening  for  Savage,  JessB,  CHAII,  Gold Fang,  Rubi DU and  others.

Timmy  the  First  hopes  listeners  take  away  a  message  of empowerment  and  action.  “What  I  want  people  to  get  from  this song  is  that  you  can  decide  at  any  time  to  take  action  when  it comes  to  any  passion  or  idea  you  have.  You  don’t  have  to  wait  for people  around  you  to  get  it,  just  shoot  your  shot  and  turn  up  the heat  in  whatever  you  do,”  he  emphasises.

'Degrees'  is  set  to  release  on  Tuesday, August 6th,  via  Aotearoa’s independent  label  Bigpop Records.

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Delaney Davidson and Barry Saunders Announce “Happiness Is Near” New Album and Tour Dates.

 “It’s always amazing to see what comes from Barry 

………. it always feels like home somehow.”   

Delaney Davidson

“ Delaney is a true artist to the core 

and we always seem to be able to find a spark" 

Barry Saunders

“Happiness Is Near” is out Sept 27th Vinyl / CD / Digital (AAA Records)

First single “Man Of Few Words” out  August 2nd 

Watch the Video Here

Barry saw it written on a wall late one night on Russian TV, behind a reporter broadcasting from Odessa. Happiness Is Near became the thread running through this next collection of songs .

When the world is taking huge steps, and we are sitting in uncertain times, waiting and watching can feel like losing momentum. Like fear and like doubt. This album is a reminder to move, to think and to act.There are still shadows in the trees, and there are still big clouds up ahead, but there is also something friendly waiting for you out there. Still possibility. Still an adventure to be had. 

The movement of the road will bring joy, challenge, despair, hope, meditation, solace, and triumph. But mainly it will bring momentum. And movement is life. 

In the middle of isolation and loss, from looking back, it’s easy to forget there are good times just around the corner.

Barry, “ I can’t work out if the world is changing or I am just standing still? In some ways the more things change the more they stay the same, I think people’s needs are the same, you can have the world you want, don’t have to join anyone’s circus.”

Some songs were the result of our work together and some had come to us solo. They were looser songs, less band, more reflective, more folky. Like we were looking into a void to see what the shapes were that made up this vacuum we felt connected us.

Delaney, “As the album began to stack up we looked for the balance. Just chucking the songs down. Loose as. Barry playing most of the lead guitar, pulling in some strange greek psychedelic spirit. It was made in the living room. This was a quieter collection. More folky. Just two guys with their guitars and their songs. “

Barry, “it’s been  great working together we both have a love and a view of the world , some of which makes its way into the music, our conversations are as much about family, recipes, films and the way of the world, but music is at the centre of it.”

Barry’s childhood in the plains and rivers of Selwyn, singing together at my dads funeral, giving Barry a guitar strap with Long Gone Daddy stitched into it symbolising both our dads. late am TV broadcasts from faraway countries, a midnight drive together through the farmlands of Wairarapa his concern for people growing top today, for his two kids, our musings on outsider life, falling firework sparks slowly fading through the air into some deep blue river, songs written in dreams, a tattoo of a song bird, industrialism, capitalism, mad evil people steering the world into the ditch, blind greed, a doomsday fireball, flowers and children. 

Our partnership has become deeper and at the same time more distant. Less time together and more care. It’s always amazing to see what comes from Barry and his world of green black windbreaks and burning white sun, magpies, pale grass and fresh crisp blue mornings, it always feels like home somehow.   

Join Barry and Delaney On Tour, for an evening where 

“Happiness  Is Near”

“You can have the world you want, 

you don’t have to join anyone’s circus.”

Barry Saunders

Sept 27, 28, 29 Hawkes Bay Small Halls Sessions

Oct 12   Leigh Sawmill

Oct 13 & 14 Auckland Frieda Margolis 

Oct 22 & 23  Wellington - Suite Gallery

www.undertheradar.co.nz &   www.delaneydavidson.com  

Pre Order “Happiness Is Near” is out Sept 27th Vinyl / CD / Digital (AAA Records)

Waiata Māori Music Awards 2024 - Finalists Announced

The 17th National Waiata Māori Music Awards will be a celebration of Aotearoa - New Zealand's leading Māori music artists, performers, and songwriters.

The events Executive Director - Ellison Huata, has released the names of this year’s finalists showcasing a diverse mix of talented, emerging, and accomplished musicians, composers, and performers in the Māori music industry. This marks the start of Te Marama Pūoru Waiata Māori – Māori Music Month (August), ahead of the awards event scheduled for Friday, 6th September at the Toi Toi Hawkes Bay Arts and Events Centre.

The theme for the 2024 awards is ‘Toitū te Toiere’.

‘'Toitū te Toiere’ is a powerful statement that emphasises the importance of preserving and protecting the messages within our waiata. It is a call to ensure that our voices and the messages we convey through music remain undisturbed and continue to inspire and empower our people to decolonise their minds. Just as 'Toitū te Tiriti', 'Toitū te Māori Mana Motuhake', and 'Toitū Te Reo' have highlighted important themes in our journey towards cultural resurgence, 'Toitū te Toiere' reminds us of the significance of our music in carrying forward our stories, teachings, and aspirations. Let us uphold and safeguard the integrity of our waiata, for they carry the essence of who we are and the dreams we hold for future generations.

Anna Coddington, Mahina Lawrence, Paige, Te Kura Huia, and newcomer Haanaa are finalists for Best Māori Female Solo Artist. The male contenders are, former winners Mohi, Rei, Seth Haapu, Hori Shaw, and Shane Walker are finalists for Best Māori Male Solo Artist. The depth and breadth of talent within the Māori music industry are evident in this year's nominations, showcasing the richness and diversity of Māori music and its contribution to the cultural resurgence and storytelling of our people.

The National Waiata Māori Music Awards continue to be a platform for honouring and celebrating the excellence and creativity of Māori musicians, further solidifying their place in the music industry and in the hearts of the people.

17th Annual Waiata Māori Music Awards Finalists

2024

Te Tohu o te Kaitito Waiata | Best Māori Song Writer

• Mahina Lawrence

• Coterie

• Rei

• Seth Haapu

• Haanaa

Te Tohu Ataata Autaia | Best Music Video by a Māori Artist

• Grove Roots - Toitū Te Tiriti

• 1 Drop Nation - Moment in Time

• Coterie – Paradise

• Aro - Tōtara

• Rei - Toitū

• Seth Haapu - Whai Ora

Te Tohu Kaipūoru Aratini Māori Autaia | Best Pop Album by a Māori Artist

• Aro - He Rākau, He Ngārara

• Anna Coddington - Te Whakamiha

• Te Paea Seasons - Seasons

Te Tohu Kaipūoru Māori Noho Taone Autaia | Best Hip Hop & RnB Album by a Māori Artist

• C33Y - Find Your Way

• Diaz Grimm - Māui & the Sin

• Te Paea Seasons - Seasons

• Seth Haapu - Whai Ora

Te Tohu Kōpae Reo Māori Autaia | Best Te Reo Māori Album

• Aro - He Rākau, He Ngārara

• MOHI - Elements of Aroha

• Anna Coddington - Te Whakamiha

Te Tohu Kōpaeroa Autaia | Best Māori Urban Roots Reggae Album

• Come on Up - Fyah-brations

• NLC - Journey

• 1 Drop Nation - Moment In Time

Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Tāne Autaia | Best Māori Male Solo Artist

• MOHI

• Rei

• Seth Haapu

• Hori Shaw

• Shane Walker

Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Wahine Autaia | Best Māori Female Solo Artist

• Te KuraHuia

• Mahina Lawrence

• Anna Coddington

• Paige

• Haanaa

Te Tohu o te Waiata Māori Hira | Best Single by a Māori Artist

• MOHI - Me Pēhea Rā

• Mahina Lawrence - 7 Seas

• Anna Coddington - Kātuarehe

• Seth Haapu - Whai Ora

• Coterie - Paradise

Te Tohu Rōpū Māori Autaia | Best Māori Group

• Corrella

• Coterie

• 1 Drop Nation

Butterflies - New Release from Claudia Robin Gunn and Angie Who

Feel the flutterbyes and be the butterfly!

The latest single release from Aotearoa Music Award winner Claudia Robin Gunn is ‘Butterflies’ with fellow songstress Angie Who (Sydney). 

This is a super cute, gentle and simple song all about resilience, courage and bravery, from Claudia’s upcoming kids album Little Wild Learning. A helpful song for little folks starting new adventures, the lyrics teach that if we take a moment to listen to what that 'butterflies' feeling can teach us, we quickly realise butterflies help us fly!

Angie and Claudia wrote this together around the kitchen table back in 2023 around the time of the Major Minor Music Australia Awards when Claudia was visiting. Angie is a composer and performer running a diverse array of family music singalong events in Sydney, including Lullaby Club where parents attend for singing and cake and company. Creating musical moments in the busy life of raising babies and toddlers is a mutual goal for this transtasman duo!

► Find more beautiful music by Angie Who here - https://www.angiewho.com.au/

► Find more of Claudia's Little Wild Music here - https://claudiarobingunn.com/

Sam Fowles Unveils New Music Video: "Destination Unknown"

Sam Fowles invites you on an electrifying and soulful journey with the release of the music video for his new single, "Destination Unknown," a mesmerising follow-up to his debut hit "Butterfly Baby."

‘Destination Unknown’ Co Produced with Barnaby Weir, invites listeners into another dimension of Fowles' style following up on his debut release, ‘Butterfly Baby.’ The track invites listeners to embark on a sonic journey, weaving through blues-drenched sunrises and funk-infused skies that have you grooving every step of the way to its infectious beat. Trippy electronic textures blend seamlessly with bouncing basslines, layered harmonies, and blazing electric guitars, culminating in an epic chorus. The song has an irresistible flow that demands your body's response.

Fowles explains  “‘Destination Unknown’ is about choosing to let your internal compass guide you towards your higher purpose, and to be the light that leads the way on this journey we call life.” The music video, directed by Jack Marlin features stunning visuals that complement the song's themes of exploration and discovery allowing you to be transported along on this journey. Shot in the beautiful Pōneke, the video captures the essence of the track's bluesy and funky vibe.

Artist bio

Sam Fowles creates music that moves the body, speaks to the heart, and touches the soul. Driven by groove and the desire to find meaning in the moments of this journey we call life, the musician, songwriter, and producer has a signature sound that stands out and stuns.

Fowles would describe his music as psychedelic soul laced with blues and funk. It resonates with deep grooves and driving rhythms created by vintage drum sounds, digital sonics, and electric guitars that build and blaze into billowing soundscapes. At its core is his unique, soulful voice and the punchy, heartfelt lyrics he wears on his sleeve. This is music that makes you feel, and boy, does it make you move.

Fowles writes about the wars we fight in our hearts and minds. As someone who has seen struggles, who has overcome and risen above them, his conscious lyrics traverse the spectrum of love and loss; light and dark; personal triumphs and failures. While his journey is his own, his message is universal. Ultimately, it’s a message of hope.

His debut single, ‘Butterfly Baby,’ reached number 1 spot on the RDU FM Te Ahi top 10 chart and is currently number 4 on the NZ SRN charts. It is the first of a series of singles foreshadowing his debut album, ‘After Dark,’ set for release later this year. The album is co-produced by Fowles and Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties).

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Marmalade release playful new single “Caffeine High”

Marmalade are pumped to announce their third single “Caffeine High” ahead of their anticipated debut EP ‘Sober’.

Coming off the back of a jam-packed year of firsts, 2023 saw Marmalade’s debut single “Bright” and first NZ headline tour as well as a bunch of stellar support slots for overseas acts including Hot Potato Band (AUS), 10:32 (UK) and Beach Bunny (US).

Performing at iconic venues such as San Fran, the Tuning Fork and Totara Street even before they had released music, Marmalade have been steadily growing their indie-folk fanbase over the last few years. This year they’ve already supported Kiwi favourites French For Rabbits and Ha The Unclear with more to come.

“Caffeine High” is a playfully ironic song about working as a barista and getting an intimate look into people’s everyday lives.

“I worked as a barista for five years and throughout that time strangers have shared some pretty funny stories with me. I reference in the lyrics that being a barista is light-heartedly like getting paid minimum wage to be a therapist, just in the way that you are often the person to sit, listen and observe people’s lives judgment free” - Jemilah

“Caffeine High” is a slightly funky, secretly witty song that delves into the experience of giving more than you take from people. It’s about making coffee on the surface, but also contains undertones of much more.

The final single before their EP Sober, “Caffeine High” marks the finishing of an indication of what’s to come from Marmalade’s first body of work. Exploring feelings of inadequacy and comparison, Marmalade strive to dive deeper with their music, aiming to help people feel heard and understood.

Alongside “Bright” and “Awkward”, Marmalades first two singles, the recording of this song, and the rest of the EP has been carried out within the band with Koen as the producer.

“Other than the drums which were recorded at Broome Recordings, we’ve recorded everything else from home or from the Kenneth Myers Centre” - Koen

“Caffeine High” is mixed by Emily Wheatcroft-Snape (Fazerdaze, Tiny Ruins) and Mastered by Chris Chetland (KOG Studios).

“This has to be one of our favourite tracks off the EP and we’re so excited to finally share it with the world”

With a headline show already planned for later in the year and a handful of other support slots and festivals in the mix for 2024,  Marmalade are bound to make your winter cosy, and summer even sunnier.

“This is a band with a big future.” - Backseat Mafia

“With more tunes to come, Marmalade are already making a name for themselves in our great Aotearoa and beyond." - Muzic.net.nz

“It’s easy to get excited about what’s ahead." - Newzician Magazine

“Tāmaki Makaurau quintet Marmalade remarkably went from small shows straight into supporting international acts without having released a single song – just based on a reputation as a great live band” - NZ Musician Magazine

“I reckon it's mean as” - Tom Broome about “Caffeine High”