TOI takes listeners on a soul-searching journey with sophomore album WAVES
TOI has today released their highly-anticipated new album WAVES - an honest and soulful collection of songs, which takes the listener on a journey and reinforces their reputation as one of the tightest bands in the land.
GET TICKETS TO ALBUM RELEASE SHOW - SEPTEMBER 2O HERE
PURCHASE WAVES VINYL HERE
TOI has today released their highly-anticipated new album WAVES - an honest and soulful collection of songs, which takes the listener on a journey and reinforces their reputation as one of the tightest bands in the land.
Listen to WAVES HERE
The album includes already released songs ‘Wired’, ‘We Got This’ and ‘Essence’ as well as new single ‘Get To Know You’ - an upbeat, feelgood song with an irresistible groove, that’s set to become a summer favourite. Listen to ‘Get To Know You’ HERE
Other stand-out songs on the record include ‘Slow Down’, which serves as a reminder to ‘trust the process’ and ‘Fly On’, which is packed with catchy hooks.
WAVES showcases TOI’s signature sound of modern soul, infused with old school funk and R&B. But the band also bravely pushes into new sonic territories as well.
“We deliberately set out with the intention of simply writing music that we truly love. We allowed ourselves creative freedom to experiment further with some styles and approaches that we would’ve perhaps avoided, or not been brave enough to dive into, in the past,” says the band’s co-founder and guitarist Jules Blewman.
The album also sees TOI at their most vulnerable. “We were just boys back when the band started. Over the years, a lot has changed for us all and it’s shaped who we are today. The result is a record that touches on far more personal topics than we’ve ever written about before. Many of which are all part of the cycle of life; feelings and experiences that others can hopefully relate to.”
TOI’s only goal when writing and recording WAVES was to make a record that came from a genuine and honest place. “We didn’t write this record thinking ‘will it get played on radio’ or ‘what playlists does it fit on’. We just went ‘F*** it! Let’s write from a true and genuine creative inspired by the music we really love; from feelings we truly felt and lessons we have learnt,” says Jules.
The majority of the songs on WAVES were produced by local legend Neil MacLeod, with Ben O’Leary from Drax Project, also turning his hand at production on the tracks ‘We Got This’ and ‘Essence’.
Poignantly the album was recorded at TOI’s own studio Te Māra in Wellington - their first record completed in the studio. “The studio is really cozy with good vibes. We were able to really take our time with the whole process, knowing that we could work until 4am if the creative vibes were flowing, which often happened,” says Jules.
For the first time ever, TOI is releasing the album on vinyl to enhance the listening experience.
“The album was written and produced as a concept album, where all the tracks - when listened to in order - relate to each other and tell a bigger story. So we’re really excited to present the record on vinyl.”
Fans of TOI can catch the band in their home town of Wellington at Meow on September 20 for a one-off WAVES album release show. Get tickets HERE
“Expect to hear the album played in full for the first time ever. We’ll also be playing some old and classic numbers of ours too. Bring your dancing shoes because you’ll want to move. Good vibes only!”
The band is also offering a discounted ticket and vinyl package, which allows fans to pick up their vinyl on the night of the show and have it signed in person.
Theia drops seething protest anthem ‘BALDH3AD!’
After a northern hemisphere summer of playing back-to-back shows across the United States and Canada, Theia today releases ‘BALDH3AD!’.
After a northern hemisphere summer of playing back-to-back shows across the United States and Canada, Theia today releases ‘BALDH3AD!’. The haunting, emphatic protest anthem premiered earlier this week on Seattle’s famed KEXP.
Listen to BALDH3AD! HERE / Watch the video HERE
“BALDH3AD!’ is my musical assault on the plague of colonisation, which has impacted our people since the 1800s and continues to threaten our language and culture under the current government. It’s an expression of seething anger but also a call to action for my fellow wāhine Māori, rangatahi Māori and indigenous folks worldwide,” says Theia.
Lyrically ‘BALDH3AD!’ hits hard: “Baldhead, you’re so well fed on my destruction. Fetishize our women, silence our children. Plunder my motherland, pollute the sea. But still, I survive though you clip my wings. Baldhead, you tricked us with your treaty”.
Sonically it hits just as hard. Theia’s signature angelic vocals and choir-like harmonies are instantly recognisable. Set against a bass-heavy backdrop of alternative pop n’ rock with touches of ethereal folk, ‘BALDH3AD!’ is a song like no other. “I love exploring new sonic worlds,” says Theia, who adds that if you listen closely, you’ll not only hear medieval accordions but the traditional Māori instrument, the pūtaratara, which is “a conch used to signal war”.
‘BALDH3AD!’ reaches its crescendo with a haka-inspired bridge before settling to a hushed whisper to deliver the song’s final message: “Ka whawhai tonu mātou, ake ake” (“We will fight on, forever and ever”). This is a direct quote from revered Tainui chief Rewi Maniapoto, who led Kīngitanga forces against the invasion of Waikato in the 1860s.
‘BALDH3AD!’ comes with a striking video, which helps to elevate the song’s powerful message. The video was filmed on the Wainuiomata coast and features students from Massey University in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where Theia was Mātairangi Mahi Toi – Artist In Residence late last year.
Theia is dripping in the finery of a British queen in an act of defiance and decolonization; whilst her fellow rangatahi Māori are adorned in traditional kākahu, symbolizing beauty and strength. The landscape is seemingly untouched and gives no clue as to whether we’re witnessing an 1800s uprising or a scene from a post-apocalyptic world.
‘BALDH3AD!’ is the first new single from Theia in more than a year. Like much of the NZ-born, LA-based artist’s recent work, it seeks to challenge social injustices and delivers a brave and poignant message.
“Through ‘BALDH3AD!’ I hope people are reminded of the atrocities that have occurred in our country and of the deep wounds that are now being reopened because of the actions of our current government.
“I also hope that other Māori, and indigenous folks, are reminded of our power. Despite a system that strives to eradicate our language and culture, we are carrying on the work of our ancestors. We will keep fighting for justice and for the betterment of our people. And as youth, we are standing strong together.”
Theia is of Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tīpā descent. Aside from gaining critical acclaim for her alt-pop catalogue, which includes hits such as ‘Roam’ and ‘Not Your Princess’, she is also the driving force and voice behind the award-winning reo Māori project TE KAAHU.
Theia is now based in Los Angeles and has spent the past five months touring both projects throughout Canada and the US. Recent festivals highlights include Belltown Bloom (Seattle), Toronto Pride, Miami Beach Pride, Women’s Freedom Festival (LA), San Diego Pride and SheFest where she has shared line-ups with heavyweights such as Tommy Genesis, Rico Nasty, Slayyyter and TOKiMONSTA. TE KAAHU has performed at Lightning In A Bottle, Calgary Folk Festival and Folk on the Rocks (Yellowknife).
Listen to ‘BALDH3AD!’ HERE / Watch the video HERE.
Follow Theia:
Instagram / Facebook / Website
Spotify / Apple / YouTube
JT+Agnostics Release Debut Album "Best More Blues" on 12" Vinyl
JT+Agnostics are proud to announce the release of their debut album "Yes More Blues" on 12" vinyl, with a digital download available through Bandcamp.
JT+Agnostics are proud to announce the release of their debut album "Yes More Blues" on 12" vinyl, with a digital download available through Bandcamp.
"Yes More Blues" by JT+Agnostics is an album that humorously and poignantly delves into the intricacies of life, love, and personal struggles. Set against the backdrop of modern Aotearoa New Zealand, the album combines a light-hearted yet reflective tone, offering a unique and engaging musical experience.
The songs explore themes such as unrequited love, the search for meaning, the allure of fame, societal chaos, and the enduring power of the blues to cope with life’s challenges. The album was self-recorded and produced by Maciek Hrybowicz, co-written by John Thomson and Hrybowicz, and features a talented ensemble of seasoned musicians from the Waikato area of Aotearoa.
This album demonstrates the depth and talent of the musicians involved and highlights the vibrant and dynamic blues scene within New Zealand.
About JT+Agnostics: JT+Agnostics is a collective of musicians from the Waikato area. They are dedicated to exploring the blues genre with a fresh perspective. Their debut album "Yes More Blues" captures their musical journey and highlights universal themes of love, life, and struggle through a modern lens.
WHO SHOT SCOTT TACKLES CONSEQUENCES OF TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH HIS NEW SINGLE ‘LIL BIT OF HOT’
Bursting at the seams with thunderous basslines, electrifying distorted guitars, bone-shattering drum breaks and a vocal performance sure to make you question your reality, this track is absolutely exploding on all fronts
‘LIL BIT OF HOT’ is the flaming new single by Auckland, NZ based alt-hip hop artist/producer WHO SHOT SCOTT. Bursting at the seams with thunderous basslines, electrifying distorted guitars, bone-shattering drum breaks and a vocal performance sure to make you question your reality, this track is absolutely exploding on all fronts. Never one to shy away from baring his soul - Thematically, this track touches on feelings of inadequacy in a potential relationship haunted by past baggage. Speaking on this, the artist says:
“To me, this track is a huge Stockholm syndrome type beat. Some years ago I was in the talking stages with a girl who was extremely sweet, kind and sincere. However, at the time I had just gotten out of what I considered to be an extremely toxic relationship and was still weirdly attached to the false ideas and habits that had been ingrained in my psyche as a result. In hindsight, I now see that I still needed to heal, and I’m grateful to say that I have. While that situation is somewhat regrettable, I believe everything happens for reasons beyond our understanding. Without sounding naively optimistic, at least I’m now able to channel the pain into a piece of art.”
Fresh off producing for some of the most exciting alt-hip hop talents in Australia and New Zealand (JessB & Sampa The Great, Jujulipps), ‘LIL BIT OF HOT’ cements WHO SHOT SCOTT's position as a powerhouse in the vibrant down-under music scene. The accompanying music video, directed by his long-time collaborator Connor Pritchard, features the artist sprinting away from a mysterious force, perhaps his own past…
It is safe to say that this release is another sure fire reason why WSS is on the rise, and we as an audience are left with no choice but to hang on for dear life.
NZ artist Pocket Money single release Anxious Brain on new label Pressure Cooker
On 10 September Pressure Cooker Records released the new single Anxious Brain by Tāmaki Makaurau based Pocket Money.
On 10 September Pressure Cooker Records will release the new single Anxious Brain by Tāmaki Makaurau based Pocket Money.
A single release show is on at NiceGoblins Collective on Dominion Road, AKL, on 13 September.
‘Anxious Brain' draws you in like a wave, with gentle, melodic riffs; before pounding you with its forceful raw edges, demanding your nerves to stand up and pay attention until the bitter end. Describing a fast-paced mind race, Chris Marshall opens up about anxiety in an attempt to normalise korero around expressing difficult emotions.
Conversations about mental health have come a long way in Aotearoa, however a strong and damaging narrative still exists that expects people to bottle up any so-called ‘negative’ emotions. ‘Anxious Brain,’ is a call to open up, to talk, to reach out for help, and to allow oneself to feel.
‘Anxious Brain’ is the first single from Pocket Money’s forthcoming sophomore album, which will be released in November 2024 via Pressure Cooker Records.
Pocket Money bio:
Combining a dancefloor-friendly racket with sincere motifs, Chris Marshall (Miss June, The Miltones), Kat Tomacruz (Fazerdaze, Phoebe Rings), and Chris Townsend blend their unique brand of power-pop to create Pocket Money.
The trio have abandoned their music-school roots; living somewhere between Radiohead and The Mint Chicks, the Tāmaki Makaurau legends bring an exciting atmosphere to the topics of mental health and climate change.
Their 2021 debut, ‘Silly Salpa’, takes you on an eerily upbeat journey through the anxiety of modern life. Followed by their 2023 single ‘Get Out’, the band clearly solidifies their strengths, with relatable lyrics, dynamic instrumentation and contagious energy.
INTRODUCING: THE MIGHTY AOTEAROA ALTERNATIVE AWARDS 2024!
Five student radio stations across the motu make up the SRN Network, and together they represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s contemporary, alternative music and broadcast community.
Five student radio stations across the motu make up the SRN Network, and together they represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s contemporary, alternative music and broadcast community.
The network represented by 95bFM (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Radio Control 99.4FM (Te Papaioea Palmerston North), RadioActive 88.6FM (Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington), RDU 98.5FM (Ōtautahi Christchurch), and Radio One 91FM (Ōtepoti Dunedin)
Presented by NZ On Air, and with the incredible support of our sponsors, the mighty Aotearoa Alternative Awards 2024 will celebrate the musicians, broadcasters, and volunteers who bring the energy and life to these stations and our community.
The Network is particularly excited for this year’s awards with the introduction of our new moniker. The mighty Aotearoa Alternative Awards was chosen to better reflect the purpose of our ceremony. To acknowledge the immense talent and work of the musicians and passionate fans who uphold this community throughout the country.
The addition of “Mighty” is a homage to our origins. Paying tribute to the original ‘Mighty Mouth’, the first commissioned logo for the Student Radio Network. A symbol for the noise we’ve always bought, which is over 230 years’ of broadcasting combined.
The main ceremony will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch by RDU 98.5FM at the Milton Street Substation.
RDU Managing Director James Meharry says “…it has been a busy year for all the stations and so hosting everyone here in Ōtautahi is the best way to end it. Time to connect on mutual grounds. Celebrate the broadcasters and musicians we all do this for.”
The awards will kick off at 7pm, Saturday 2nd November, and can be watched live at srn.nz. The event will also be simulcast on all five SRN stations across Aotearoa New Zealand.
There will be regional watch parties in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (95bFM), Te Papaioea Palmerston North (Radio Control), Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington (RadioActive 88.6FM), and Ōtepoti Dunedin (Radio One 91FM).
Stay up to date at srn.nz
TAMI NEILSON - “Neilson Sings Nelson” Album out Sept 6th + Oct NZ Tour Dates
Tami Neilson performs songs from Willie Nelson's songbook, recorded at Willie's Pedernales studio in Luck, Texas.
“Devil In A Sleeping Bag”
NEILSON SINGS NELSON, OUT SEPT 6, 2024
Tami Neilson performs songs from Willie Nelson's songbook, recorded at Willie's Pedernales studio in Luck, Texas.
“Devil In A Sleeping Bag”
“This track documents the first time me and my two brothers have recorded music together in 25 years. It wasn’t planned- Jay performs and tours with me regularly and our little brother Todd creates my visuals and has produced many of my music videos and album covers throughout my career. Todd was there to film and document this project- which was supposed to be just Jay and I recording a little acoustic love letter to Willie for his 90th birthday present. We walked into the studio and Chadie had scavenged around the studio for some percussion and rustled up a kick, snare and a floor tom- (no cymbals a la Willie!) I asked Todd if he would mind hopping on the makeshift kit and The Neilson Family was reunited once again!”
After the surprise 2022 live performance at Luck Reunion of their duet, “Beyond the Stars”, Tami and Willie went on to win New Zealand’s “BEST COUNTRY SONG 2023” at the Country Music Awards.
Neilson Sings Nelson - the Album will be release Sept 6th CD/LP/ Digital
Listen to Neilson Sings Nelson Here
Order the CD/LP Here on Bandcamp
And from these great Music Stores:
Southbound Records / Marbecks / JBHiFi / Flying Out / Mighty Ape / Flying Nun
Tami Neilson on Tour - Neilson sings Nelson
Liberty Stage Presents
Oct 11th Wellington Opera House starts 7pm
Oct 18th Auckland the Auckland Town Hall
Oct 19th Christchurch Issac
Additional Date
Nov 3rd Nelson Arts Festival
Delaney Davidson and Barry Saunders Announce “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” New single from forthcoming album + Add More Shows to “Happiness Is Near” Tour
Yeah Yeah Yeah, the second single from their second album, Happiness Is Near created from found footage, NASA archives and self filmed snippets, features the theatre of media hype and fear-mongering, an unsolveable mountain of terror and problems, whipped up by the media in an age where there should be very tangible solutions.
“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)
Yeah Yeah Yeah, the second single from their second album, Happiness Is Near created from found footage, NASA archives and self filmed snippets, features the theatre of media hype and fear-mongering, an unsolveable mountain of terror and problems, whipped up by the media in an age where there should be very tangible solutions. Using newspaper headlines and pamphlet titles that are at least 50 years old we see the patterns of propaganda and how the things we were being told then we are still being controlled with now.
Thanks to : Ernst Fischer for Library Archives, NASA for incredible footage, Prelinger Archives
Happiness Is Near
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”
* New Dates Announced
“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 *SOLD OUT
Oct 22 & 23 Wellington - Suite Gallery *SOLD OUT
Oct 24th - Wellington - Suite Gallery *NEW DATE
Nov 3rd - Lincoln - The Shelter *NEW DATE
www.undertheradar.co.nz & www.delaneydavidson.com
Pre Order “Happiness Is Near” is out Sept 27th Vinyl / CD / Digital (AAA Records)