LADI6 ALOFA: THE HEARTBEAT TOUR

Established Kiwi icon Ladi6 is set to re-establish herself in the music scene by releasing her highly anticipated single, Alofa. The track will be available on all major streaming platforms starting on her birthday on Nov 7th, 2024 with her nationwide tour starting the next day in her hometown of Otautahi, Christchurch alongside her long-time collaborators and producers of "Alofa," Brent ‘Parks’ Park-Tamati and Brandon ‘Bharu’ Haru.

Alofa is a vibrant blend of Kraftwerk-esque breakbeat synth electronica, dreamy arpeggio synths, and soulful vibrations. It encapsulates the essence of self-love through the tragedy of relationship breakups. Uplifting despite its melancholy lyrics, with its infectious melody and rhythmic beats, the single is poised to become a staple on playlists worldwide.

Ladi6 is well known for her authentic and innovative approach to music. She draws inspiration from her own experiences and Moana heritage. Her unique sound and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, offering a refreshing perspective in the soul/pop/electronica genre.

"I wanted to create a song that expressed the devastation of relationship break ups while simultaneously creating an atmosphere of musical resonance that expresses a kind of joy and peace in the transition of knowing you did the best you could and that's all you can hope for, and that is enough...you tried."

Ladi6 is an iconic Aotearoa artist whose music reflects her penchant for emotional authenticity and visionary musical trend-bending. With a hip hop history as founding member of Aotearoa’s first all female hip hop crew, Sheelahroc, a passion for storytelling and a commitment to self-exploration, Ladi6 makes a unique mark in the music industry, gaining a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Friday 8 November - The Church, Christchurch
Saturday 9 November - The Sawmill Cafe, Leigh
Thursday 14 November - San Fran, Wellington
Friday 15 November - Catacombs, Dunedin
Friday 29 November - Totara St, Mount Maunganui
Saturday 30 November - The Others Way, Auckland

Pre-sale tickets - 10AM, Friday 6 September
General tickets - 10AM, Monday 9 September
Tickets from www.banishedmusic.com 
 

SUBSCRIBE TO PRESALE

Country-Pop Artist, Murphy Moore, Reveals Her Sophomore Single

Aotearoa's newest country pop talent, Murphy Moore, has released her catchy new single, ‘Break the Line’. This up-beat track encapsulates what it means to break boundaries and truly live in the moment.

An anthem for the hopeless romantics, ‘Break the Line’ takes you on a musical journey exploring escapism, wanderlust and spontaneity. Inspired by the notion of seeking constant change in order to feel content, Murphy wrote ‘Break the Line’ for those who lust after a similar way of life. “Some people thrive in a routine, but I’ve never been like that. I’m in my element when my surroundings are constantly changing, my plans are non-existent and I’m free to chase whatever my heart desires”. This song encourages its listeners to live life in a playful, whimsical way.

‘Break the Line’ was recorded at Roundhead Studios with a full live band. Multi-instrumentalist, engineer and producer, Christian Tjandrawinata, worked collaboratively with Murphy on the track, creating a feel-good, uplifting country tune, worthy of blasting at full volume on your next roadtrip. 

Murphy is due to release the accompanying cinematic music video on Thursday 4th September, via YouTube. The music video, shot by Stanley Hannington, follows the journey of a thrill-seeking, exuberant couple as they ‘paint the town red’. Murphy’s desire for the music video is to leave the viewers “inspired to take their lover by the hand, run away and live life extravagantly”. 

‘Break the Line’ is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms. 

Julia Belle shares gentle and determined new single ‘rockstar’

Listen to ‘rockstar’ HERE

Watch the video HERE

Rising Pōneke-based indie-pop/folk artist Julia Belle has today released her captivating and catchy new single ‘rockstar’!

An empowering love letter to ‘sad girl’ music, through folk-infused acoustic guitars, a gentle rhythm section, and tongue-in-cheek songwriting - “you’re so classic rock and I’m just too pop-culture” - ‘rockstar’ offers a delicate, playful and defiant antidote to the misogyny and hypocrisy faced by wāhine in pop.

“The song stemmed from an interaction where a friend made me watch a 14 minute video of a rock band’s drummer,” says Julia. “After making a joke about making them watch Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well’ short film, the conversation veered very nasty and they made a comment about how women can’t make good music.”

Reminiscent of the aforementioned world-star’s early sound, ‘rockstar’ skillfully manages to hint at pop-icon influences while showcasing Julia’s unique sound that has garnered her in playlists such as Fresh Finds Spotify and Apple New Music Daily, and set her apart early on in her career. In late 2020, Julia won a competition run by Toby Lloyd (Stan Walker, Hollie Smith, Shapeshifter) by submitting a demo of what would become her debut single ‘no way i can sleep’, completed with the celebrated producer.

Now, ‘rockstar’ is an exciting continuation of the duo’s creative friendship. Produced and mixed by Toby at Tiny Triumph Recordings in Johnsonville, the single was then mastered by Robin Schmidt. 

“I’ve always been told that my music is too sad and too slow, so this song is also a playful jab at that, asking: would you like me better as a rockstar?”

Also released today is a sparkly new music video, made alongside Taylor Nixon, which showcases Julia performing as her true self - regardless of what people say.

A defiant picture of girl power, and an artist coming into her own, ‘rockstar’ will no doubt win over fans across the motu - proving the rising star one to watch!

Christchurch-Based artist Emma Rutherford, releases soulful new single ‘Indigo’.

‘Indigo’ explores the journey of moving on and feeling empowered. With its rich, emotive vocals and poignant lyrics, ‘Indigo’ will resonate with anyone that is navigating their own path to healing.

Ōtautahi pop/soul artist Emma Rutherford announces the release of her latest single and music video ‘Indigo’. Exploring the journey of moving on and finding empowerment, this song captures personal exploration of healing and self-reclamation.

The release of ‘Indigo’ is complemented by a visually stunning music video, layered with symbolism that enhances the song’s emotional depth. ‘Indigo’ resonates with listeners navigating their own paths to recovery and strength.

Emma Rutherford, based in Christchurch, continues to make her mark in the pop scene, drawing inspiration from artists such as Adele, Elton John, and Billy Joel. Emma's music combines emotional depth with contemporary pop influences, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners. ‘Indigo’ marks a significant milestone in the evolution of her musical journey.

Emma will be opening for ‘The Lost Knights’ for their ‘New Zealand and Back Again Tour’ in Wellington and Auckland in September.

REVULVA RELEASE ANTI-CAPITALIST ANTHEM ‘HEROIN CHIC’

Today (August 30) Aotearoa band Revulva release ‘Heroin chic’ an anti-capitalist anthem, and the third single from their forthcoming album. 

‘Heroin Chic' is a bold commentary on the relentless pressures faced by artists in today’s hyper-competitive music industry. Inspired by the glorified gaunt, malnourished, and overworked appearance, the track delves into the dark side of the relentless pursuit of success. In an era where the line between personal and professional life blurs, and social media perpetuates a face of endless productivity, ‘Heroin Chic’ exposes the unhealthy glorification of burnout. 

'Heroin chic’ is the third single from Revulva’s self-titled album releasing in October (pre save link here) with limited edition crowd-funded vinyl pressings from Holiday Records. (Crowdfunding link here)

“This song is about the nuance of working too hard, then liking it, but feeling angry that you want it - because most likely, you’ve been manipulated into that” shares an impassioned  Phoebe Johnson, Revulva’s composer and lyricist. “I felt myself celebrating it too - feeling like the more I took on, and the more exhausted I was by it, the better. I feel disappointed by what social media has done for music creation.We see the highlight reels of people’s personal and creative lives, but don’t see how hard constant work and creation can be on your mind and body."

‘Heroin chic’ is based on the early 90’s runway fashion trend of the same name - the celebration of being gaunt, pale, and overworked in retaliation to opposite trends from the 1980s. 

The ‘Heroin chic’ music video was co-directed by Phoebe Johnson and her partner Daniel Kingston, the third directorial video for the pair.  “The concept  is a fever dream show-timey ‘gig gone wrong’ ”share Johnson and Kingston. “In this dream, the audience is at first obsessed, enamoured, and very into it. Then, without any reason at all, they are bored and unreceptive. The band begins to fight back and a riot ensues during a raging solo by the Revulva’s lead horn player - Toby Leman.” The video was shot in Wellington’s Hannah Playhouse, and features an audience of Revulva’s friends and whānau. 

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. 

Revulva’s single and music video ‘Heroin chic’ is available now  (August 30) from all streaming platforms.

Matt Rapid– ‘Follow Me’

Coromandel / Te Tara o Te Ika based sound artist and bass music producer Matt Rapid releases his new single: ‘Follow Me’, a syncopated breakbeat and bass exploration.

Follow Me is the first single from Matt Rapid this year. After a summer of festival performances on large outdoor sound systems, he has been creating new music inspired by the flex of big subs, wide open space, and dancing in all different directions. Follow Me begins with a lush wobbly vocal line floating over a sci-fi soundscape, launching into weird, syncopated breakbeats and building to fast breaks over pulsing subs: It’s a real late-night mover.

Matt Rapid is the Bass music alias of sound artist and sonic explorer Matt Sephton. Based in Coromandel Town and frequently travelling as a roaming sound engineer. Sephton incorporates field recordings and found sounds into his music, captured during his adventures around Aotearoa and overseas on his trusty field recorder. Inspired by the likes of Amon Tobin, Bonobo, Dom & Roland, and music closer to home: Paige Julia, Zuke and Dylan C. 

Drawing inspiration from our natural environment, especially the ocean where he spends much time floating, he brings this sense of energy, freedom and playful exploration to the raw power of bass music.

'Follow Me’ is set to release on Friday, August 30th, via DRM NZ

Link Tree:                    https://linktr.ee/matt_rapid

Follow Me, presave:    https://music.drm.co.nz/followme-mr

Facebook:                    https://www.facebook.com/mattrapid

Bandcamp:                  https://mattrapid.bandcamp.com/track/follow-me

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fWnp81ad4AFwvmrulfQq7?si=EhskY0V7S6u36qLXfPismg

Instagram:                   https://www.instagram.com/mattsoniclab/

La Coco drops infectious and smooth soul-house track ‘Closer To Mine’

Listen HERE

Watch the video HERE

Award-winning multifaceted artist La Coco is today sharing her latest gift ‘Closer To Mine’- a warm and nostalgic soul-house track accompanied by a candid new music video!

The Tāmaki Makaurau-based rising Pasifika star La Coco (Latoia Sasa-Tepania) has long been an exciting presence in the Aotearoa RnB, soul, and electronica space. She’s released three EPs, took home the 2020 Waiata Māori Music Best Album Award for OUT OF TIME, had several Pacific Music Award nominations, and collaborated with the likes of Nathan Haines, POETIK, Atjazz and more. Now, today's release marks an exciting new chapter for La Coco - an artist who has proved ready to push the bounds of genre, and explore new facets of her creativity.

‘Closer To Mine’ is an introspective stream of consciousness, reflecting on intimacy, vulnerability, and a deep desire to bridge the gap between two hearts - articulated through a gentle house groove, soulful vocal melodies and warm instrumental textures.

“This is a song crafted for those who have ever felt the ache of separation and the joy of reunion,” says La Coco. “It's an invitation to reflect on the power of human connection and the enduring strength of love.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘Closer To Mine’ was written alongside the artist’s big brothers Gene Rivers and Matthew Thorburn, who were sending through beats and instrumentals until La Coco settled on the soothing groove of this new track - which was recorded, mixed and mastered by good friend Christian Mausia at No Filter Studio. La Coco stresses the importance of collaborating with loved ones for her creative process to thrive: “It’s family feels for me,  it needs to be comfortable.”

Also out today is a gorgeous new music video made with regular collaborator and friend Diana Hu. Starring some of La Coco’s closest friends, supporters and collaborators, the clip brings a joyful new meaning to ‘move what’s on your mind’ - capturing La Coco and her friends doing so each  in their own unique way.

“I am not one for the cinematography look, simply not me. I love the everyday people vibe, capturing these moments of all my close ones right here doing life with me.” 

With more new music on its way shortly, now is the time to step into the world of La Coco and let yourself bathe in the warm soul-house of ‘Closer To Mine’!

Find La Coco

Instagram | Spotify | Apple | Youtube | Website

Greta O’Leary unpacks the 21st Century Artist with intimate new single + video ‘Baby I’m a Singer’

Listen to ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ HERE

Watch HERE

Media preview HERE

Tāmaki Makaurau-based alt-folk artist Greta O’Leary today offers up a dark, yet dulcet new single and music video ‘Baby I’m a Singer’.

A lush and nostalgic blend of vivid imagery, stark vocals, bright guitars and haunting strings, ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ waves hello in recognition to the fellow artist, offering a moment of respite from the hustling of the 21st century grind. “The futile nature of being an artist in today's world, is that much of the necessary work takes one away from the true work: creating and enquiring,” says Greta.

Beyond its tongue-in-cheek commentary on the realities of pursuing a career in music, the nostalgic new single ponders the elements of our identities deemed “less valuable by capitalist standards.”

“‘Baby I’m a Singer’ is also about accepting all that I am. Impractical, soft, slow, disorganised, highly creative, deeply affected by my environment, and that is just as right and good as the qualities of any other person. It’s finding strength and clarity in my role in this life as an artist. A sort of deep acceptance of my fate.”

True to the nature of its message, ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ was lovingly crafted through a soft and slow process of collaboration - Greta wrote the track with guidance and useful questioning from her mentor Tom Healy. After first working on a demo with Dave Khan, it was recorded at Roundhead Studios by De Stevens, before the track was finished at The Lab with Jol Mulholland, and then mastered by Joe Lambert. The all star studio band includes Dave Khan (guitar), De Stevens (bass), Hamish Morgan (drums) and Anita Clark (strings).

Also released today is a soothing, wintery music video to accompany the track, directed by Greta and filmed across the Auckland Domain with Adam Rohe (DOP). “I've always had a clear visual sense of this song, the colours and the mood - directing just made sense,” says Greta. “I've been in a romance with crooked, deciduous trees this winter, and ‘Baby I'm a Singer’ lives with them in this cold, lovely, blue world.”

The stunning harbinger to a new chapter in the Greta O’Leary musical universe, and a defiant statement of the modern-day creative mind, ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ is not a track to be missed!

About Greta O’Leary

Spook-folk Sweetheart Greta O’Leary is a songwriter and musician whose pervasive, yet spacious sound, cuts through the thickest of skins. Poignant, heartbreaking and occasionally absurd, Greta’s voice ‘reminiscent of a hāngī pit’ seizes us, ‘imbued with earthy, smokey tones’ (UTR). Quickly establishing herself as a rising force in the Aotearoa music scene, Greta was the recipient of APRA’s Artist Mentoring Programme, working with her mentor Tom Healy on her latest works. Her first single ‘Outnumbered’ garnered a feature on RNZ, charted on independent radio stations such as 95bFM, RDU and Radio One, and gained 140,000 views for its self-directed music video. NZ On Air development funding with producer Charlotte Yates meant a return to the studio soon after to track her debut EP. Following her EP release, Greta performed at festivals such as Newtown Festival, Earthbeat, Performance Arcade, and Wellington Gardens Magic Festival.

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