NEIL MACLEOD 'I NEED A BATTLE'
Aotearoa’s dynamic musical force, Neil MacLeod, has released his EP, ‘I Need A Battle’. This project encapsulates a confronting, expansive, and intense journey over seven powerful tracks, each woven with the intricate threads of personal growth and artistic evolution.
Aotearoa’s dynamic musical force, Neil MacLeod, has released his EP, ‘I Need A Battle’. This project encapsulates a confronting, expansive, and intense journey over seven powerful tracks, each woven with the intricate threads of personal growth and artistic evolution.
MacLeod’s journey with ‘I Need A Battle’ didn’t begin with a singular moment of inspiration. Instead, it was an organic process born out of sporadic yet intense creative bursts amidst a busy schedule. The turning point came with the creation of the title track, a piece so profoundly impactful that it became the cornerstone of the entire project. “The songs came together over many years in between intense periods of production and mixing work. It was also a time of intense personal growth. When I wrote the song ‘I Need a Battle,’ it moved me so much that I decided to build the next record around it. I’m certain that the song revealed itself to me so that I could learn from it.” MacLeod recounts.
In a bid to immerse himself fully in the music, MacLeod spent a week mixing the EP at Bigpop's Drake Street Studios, away from the everyday distractions of Wellington. “I slept at the studio for multiple nights on the couch – I essentially lived in the world of the music,”. This period of intense focus allowed him to shape the EP into a cohesive and impactful body of work, embodying the raw and unfiltered essence of his vision.
‘I Need A Battle’ delves into a myriad of themes, each track contributing to a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. “There are themes of fear, obsession, dreams, sadness, and anger… but to be simple about it, ‘I Need a Battle’ is a reminder to confront the things that scare us. It’s not a new idea, but it’s one that humans seem to need constant reminding of, myself included. I’m confronting things when I write these songs and I hope that they can help others to do the same,” MacLeod elaborates.
To expand the universe of 'I Need a Battle' even further, Macleod collaborated with director Oscar Keys on a short film by the same name. “The idea for creating a piece like 'I Need A Battle' was born not long after meeting each other. Working together quickly revealed to be very synergistic, which is really rare.” Keys reflects. As co-directors, MacLeod and Keys were able to explore the themes of the EP whilst being sure to leave space for audience interpretation. “I Need A Battle (the film) is not trying to be prescriptive about how the music should be imagined, and to this note, it’s purposefully open-ended," Keys states.
Filming was the result of extensive planning from both MacLeod and Keys. “We had done so much work in the lead up to filming, and so on the day, with Neil being the only actor, there was really very little for me to dissect,” Keys explains. The dedication of the crew and MacLeod’s commitment to the role added depth to the project. “I think there is always this interplay or exchange between performers and people behind the camera, and I think it’s a good sign when you can feel this vibe while filming,” Keys adds.
The EP showcases the collaborative efforts of several talented musicians. Sam Thompson contributed to the writing on ‘Tunnel Vision’ and ‘Never Over,’ while Leonardo Coghini added his piano skills to ‘I Need a Battle’ and ‘Coda.’ Salina Fisher brought her violin expertise to ‘Coda,’ enhancing its emotional depth. The EP was ultimately mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Ryan Schwabe, ensuring a striking and cohesive finish.
‘I Need A Battle’ releases via Aotearoa, New Zealand’s independent label Particle Records on Friday, 23rd August, promising a profound experience for listeners. Through MacLeod’s evocative music and the accompanying short film, the EP invites audiences to confront their emotions and embrace their battles.
STANLEY T RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘HOME WITH ME’
Introducing Stanley T’s newest tropical reggae hit, ‘Home with Me’ With a sound that is both soulful and infectious, Stanley T draws inspiration from the rhythms of reggae and the laid-back vibe of tropical music.
Click Here to stream ‘HOME WITH ME’
Introducing Stanley T’s newest tropical reggae hit, ‘Home with Me’ With a sound that is both soulful and infectious, Stanley T draws inspiration from the rhythms of reggae and the laid-back vibe of tropical music.
‘Home with Me’ is a heartfelt ode to that pivotal moment in a relationship when two hearts decide to commit to each other. Through smooth melodies and captivating lyrics, the song beautifully captures the emotions of love, trust, and vulnerability that come with choosing to make a life together.
Known for his unique blend of reggae and tropical influences, Stanley T has already made waves in the music scene with previous releases alongside Jaro Local, Sean Rii, Onetox and the likes. With a talent for crafting unforgettable melodies and deeply personal lyrics, ‘Home with Me’ is sure to resonate with listeners who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and soulful grooves.
As he continues to make his mark on the music world, Stanley T’s vision is to spread positivity and love through his music, creating a sense of unity and connection with each song.
Get ready to groove and feel the love with ‘Home with Me’ – the perfect soundtrack for those special moments in life.
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Jaz Paterson Releases New Single “Jealous” ft. Phodiso
Jealous is the first of three upcoming singles from Jaz’s upcoming EP. By combining alternative pop beats with contemporary R&B vocals, the gifted New Zealand based artist juxtaposes light and dark themes to produce an introspective and confessional style of music.
Electronic pop artist Jaz Paterson has released her new single Jealous.
Jealous is the first of three upcoming singles from Jaz’s upcoming EP. By combining alternative pop beats with contemporary R&B vocals, the gifted New Zealand based artist juxtaposes light and dark themes to produce an introspective and confessional style of music.
Jealous is an upbeat track inspired by the human condition of jealousy. Jealous was lyrically inspired by her ex partner’s friendship with another woman, and draws on production influences of artists such as Kito and BANKS.
Listen to Jealous here - https://music.drm.co.nz/jealous
“Jealous was initially inspired by my gut reaction to an ex partner’s friendship with another woman. As I continued writing the song I began to realize it was also a bigger reflection of my own struggles with the human experiences of jealousy, envy, and comparison in a broader sense” says Jaz.
“I’m thrilled to have Phodiso feature on this track. I met him at a music event where we worked together on a song with some other artists. I appreciated his thoughtful and wise approach to writing, so I’m really stoked that he’s added a verse to Jealous”
Jealous has been produced by Silver Scroll Award-Winning Producer Dan Martin. Jealous is the first of three singles from Jaz’s upcoming EP.
Frau Knotz releases spellbinding debut EP ‘Nextraterrestrial’
On her spellbinding debut EP, the Aotearoa singer-songwriter-producer shifts from danceable electropop to a seamless cinematic, otherworldly odyssey steeped in experimental retro-futurism.
On her spellbinding debut EP, the Aotearoa singer-songwriter-producer shifts from danceable electropop to a seamless cinematic, otherworldly odyssey steeped in experimental retro-futurism.
Consisting of seven different vignettes produced at home over two years, these post-pandemic snapshots were carefully re-ordered and fine-tuned at Rhythm Ace Studio within one week, resulting in a cohesive narrative through the continuous flow of music. The resulting Nextraterrestrial EP also contains a multimedia project, including seven animated videos sewn together to form a short film made by 3D graphic designer Halfofnothing that attempts to expand on the EP’s themes of futurism and the unknowability of life, the universe and the depths of the ocean.
Frau Knotz has taken a painterly composition approach with this offering, using genres as colours and textures on her tracks. Brush strokes of R&B, ambient, trip-hop, techno, experimental beats and spoken word have been daubed with discernment across this truly unique canvas. Textures dazzle with passion by Downbeat Mastering, bringing forth glitchy chip-tune and 808 kits, fat rumbling bass notes that punch as hard as they bounce, shimmering arpeggiation and an upright piano fed through muffled effects units intended as though heard underwater. Ramping up to a rollicking acid techno finale featuring a soaring Roland 303, Frau Knotz disappears in a flash, leaving the listener breathless at the finish line.
Carving a reputation for her shrewd idiosyncrasies, Frau Knotz is not afraid to expose all sides of her 3-dimensional self. Through the juxtaposition of home-produced MIDI instruments and vocal takes with vintage analog synthesizers, she allows us to peek at humble beginnings through a polished lens of studio finesse. Her vocals are just as elusive, delivered occasionally through the organic warmth of a 1950’s ribbon microphone, at other times presented with a deliberately detached vocaloid-like autotune, as well as downright de-tuned anonymity. This shapeshifting artist thrives in presenting the many voices that dwell within her; half-human, half-electronically enhanced.
Revealing the coming-of-age of Frau Knotz, her first significant body of work wields songs conceived just as often from the far reaches of her imagination as the lived depths of her heart, spun into an avant-garde, cinematic world where we can reach out and grab hold of Other Futures. Nextraterrestrial walks the tightrope between terror and euphoria, between the fictional and the unashamedly bold, the enigmatic and anthemic, the uplifting and the devastating.
To celebrate the release of Nextraterrestrial, Frau Knotz will be performing a live show at The Stomach in Palmerston North with support from Synthetic Children and Just George. Tickets are available HERE.
Over the past four months, Frau Knotz has tantalised listeners with three enigmatic singles, all met with eager support from local and international media. 'Odyssey I' has racked up almost 10,000 Spotify streams, ‘Other Futures’ charted on the Top 20 NZ Hot Singles Chart and ‘The Heart of Spring’ hit number 4 on the RDU FM Top 10. Together they featured across 95bFM, Radioactive FM, RDU FM, Radio One, The Most FM, Radio Control FM, The Hits, More FM, Access Radio, Under The Radar, NZ Musician Magazine, 13th Floor, 4ZZZ (Australia), Zone Nights (Argentina), Voxwave Magazine, Expansión Radial (Mexico) and reviewed by Flash-Trax.
No stranger to live performance, Frau Knotz’s festival highlights include opening for Beacon Bloom at the 2024 TSB Festival of Lights, performing at the 2023 Wellington Jazz Festival as a featured guest with the Other Futures Big Band and being selected by Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds) for a curated show at TAFT's Spiegelfest. With exciting live show announcements upcoming, get ready; Frau Knotz vows to take you on a deep sonic odyssey through her 3-dimensional world.
Louis TM 'This Flame Ain't The Same'
Inspired by modern soul revival, classic soul cannon, R&B, funk and indie, Louis TM brings his unique style of soul from Aotearoa New Zealand to the world.
From backing the likes of Ria Hall, Barnaby Weir, Laughton Kora and many more over the years on the keys, the next track off Louis TM's upcoming debut album arrives Friday 30th August. Inspired by modern soul revival, classic soul cannon, R&B, funk and indie, Louis TM brings his unique style of soul from Aotearoa New Zealand to the world. Recorded with the authentic soul approach with legendary (Dr.) Lee Prebble of The Surgery (The Black Seeds, Phoenix Foundation) and mastered by JJ Golden in Ventura California (Black Pumas, Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley) this release is the third single off his upcoming first full length album released on Diver Records.
“Louis is a force to be reckoned with on Aotearoa’s incredible soul scene” - Muzic.net.nz
This Flame Ain't the Same - single out now on all digital platforms. Full length album 'Shelter for a Broken Soul' out 13th September on all streaming platforms and 180 gram LP vinyl release.
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"My Life" by Turkey The Bird
Get ready to be captivated by Turkey The Bird's latest single, "My Life”. As the final teaser before their highly anticipated third studio album drops at the end of September, this folk trio delivers a poignant reflection on living life to the fullest.
Get ready to be captivated by Turkey The Bird's latest single, "My Life”. As the final teaser before their highly anticipated third studio album drops at the end of September, this folk trio delivers a poignant reflection on living life to the fullest.
With lyrics that delve into the ebb and flow of happiness, the mysteries of the future, and the beauty of everyday moments, "My Life" is a heartfelt anthem about making the most of every day. Available on all major streaming services, this track promises to resonate deeply with listeners.
Don't miss out on experiencing the essence of "My Life" and get ready for the full album release next month!
Black Comet ‘R.C’
With the album release unfortunately having to be pushed back, Black Comet wanted to reward the funky fans with another single in the meantime.
With the album release unfortunately having to be pushed back, Black Comet wanted to reward the funky fans with another single in the meantime.
‘R.C ‘ is a heavier track bringing some raunchy rock to the upcoming album. The song is a journey about having an affair…and getting away with it.
Those who have attended a concert from their tour so far would have had a preview of what’s to come on their debut album, ‘Episode One: Looking For a New Planet’.
There has been such amazing support so far from concert goers, with some sold out shows.
With the album release tour nearing completion, you will need to keep an eye on social media for the band to announce the new release date of the album.
Black Comet is super appreciative of all the love they’re receiving so far, and cannot wait to finish the tour and share the album with everyone.
Voodoo Bloo unveils their most out-there album yet “Dead-end Rodeo“
Indie rock gems Voodoo Bloo are back with a noisy outing! Their latest record, “Dead-end Rodeo”, marks the band’s third studio LP, incorporating the sounds that fans love with new twists, which will hit all listeners at full force.
Indie rock gems Voodoo Bloo are back with a noisy outing! Their latest record, “Dead-end Rodeo”, marks the band’s third studio LP, incorporating the sounds that fans love with new twists, which will hit all listeners at full force.
“Dead-end Rodeo'' departs from the methodical lyricism and conceptual work of the past two albums in the pursuit of no holds barred bangers, and a frenzied whiplash of a record. Voodoo Bloo delivers their most expressive and explosive tracks without hesitation.
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 all released singles this year.
The last single “Ambassador” made the NZ Official Alternative Charts at number 35, and “I Don’t Want This Scene To End” landed at Number 23 on the NZ Official Rock Charts for 5 weeks.
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 "Dead-end Rodeo'' on all major streaming platforms now. This “everything that’s good” influenced LP celebrates the bands short but eclectic career thus far.
With no plans to slow down (and further music slated for release next year), this full-on project will not be one to miss. 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, "Dead-end Rodeo" promises an electrifying auditory experience.