Kiwi rockers Lazy Fifty go back to their blues roots with haunting new single ‘Lost’
Lazy Fifty’s new single ‘Lost’ is musically and lyrically raw, a traditional blues ballad. “It’s a heartfelt song that anyone can listen to and relate to their own sorrow. The song wrote itself, the lyrics and the music came naturally.”
Lazy Fifty’s new single ‘Lost’ is musically and lyrically raw, a traditional blues ballad.
Composer Adrian Athy says he “wrote ‘Lost’ at a sad time in my life.”
“It’s a heartfelt song that anyone can listen to and relate to their own sorrow. The song wrote itself, the lyrics and the music came naturally.”
Adrian says he grew up with this style of the blues. “Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter and Roy Buchanan, were all a big influence”.
Since recording the song the Lazy Fifty team have lost close friends, so for Adrian “the song feels more poignant than ever. At the moment I cry every time I play it, but I guess that’s the blues.”
Lazy Fifty usually play stonking blues rock, this is the first time they’ve released an acoustic blues number.
Lazy Fifty, bringing you modern blues, with a kiwi feel.
Lost is the fifth single off Lazy Fifty’s upcoming album Neighbour of the Beast. This album is the second collaboration between Adrian and award winning producer Greg 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 of Crowded House/Fleetwood Mac fame).
Volts – Make Up Your Mind
Powerhouse rock band Volts are set to smash the air waves with the release of their new single, Make Up Your Mind. Released today, the track promises to electrify fans, setting the stage for the band's debut self-titled album.
Powerhouse rock band Volts are set to smash the air waves with the release of their new single, Make Up Your Mind. Scheduled for a global release on September 20, 2024, the track promises to electrify fans, setting the stage for the band's debut self-titled album.
Singer Lorna Coll describes Make Up Your Mind as an all-out rock anthem about trying to battle through all the noise of modern technology, following your own path and striving for success.
“Every song we write has been a piece of our journey together as a band. It’s exciting to feel our music gather momentum and to see how our songs resonate with people."
The single's release will be followed by Volts' self-titled debut album, hitting streaming platforms in October. The album will feature some of the bands earlier singles as well as brand new songs.
Make Up Your Mind was made with support from NZ On Air.
The band are playing an album release show at A Rolling Stone in Christchurch on Saturday 19th October.
Volts have been capturing the attention of fans and industry with their unique blend of melody with a raw rock intensity. With Make Up Your Mind, the band aims to cement their status as one of New Zealand’s most exciting rock acts.
For more information about Volts and their upcoming releases, visit their official website www.volts.band or follow them on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/voltsnz & https://www.instagram.com/volts_nz/
Chur Da Boys Release New Single "You & Me" Featuring IR1E 3YED – A Harmonious Celebration of Love
Chur Da Boys are excited to announce the release of their latest single, "You & Me," a love song that beautifully captures the connection between two people on all levels.
Chur Da Boys are excited to announce the release of their latest single, "You & Me," a love song that beautifully captures the connection between two people on all levels. With lyrics like "the reason why, the apple of my eye," the track embraces love at its best and showcases the group's signature harmonies.
This release marks Chur Da Boys' fourth single of 2024 and features a special collaboration with Auckland-based rapper and singer IR1E 3YED, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to the song. The track was expertly mixed and produced at Ghostlike Studios, ensuring a high-quality sound that listeners will appreciate.
"You & Me" is available on all major streaming platforms from 20th September, allowing fans to experience this enchanting love anthem anytime, anywhere.
Chur Da Boys have also announced plans for several summer shows, where fans can enjoy live performances of their latest music and more.
Uncle Is Drops New Single “All That” — A Sensual Groove Just in Time for Summer
Renowned for his soulful vibes and smooth delivery, Uncle Is is back with his latest single, ‘All That’ an infectious, laid-back anthem that blends R&B grooves with irresistible lyrics. The track captures the heat of new love, connection and passion in a way that only Uncle Is can deliver.
Renowned for his soulful vibes and smooth delivery, Uncle Is is back with his latest single, ‘All That’ an infectious, laid-back anthem that blends R&B grooves with irresistible lyrics. The track, set to drop September 20, captures the heat of new love, connection and passion in a way that only Uncle Is can deliver.
‘All That’ kicks off with a melodic, chill beat that sets the mood for the story Uncle Is unfolds—a tale of admiration, desire and the subtle art of keeping things cool. With playful lines like "Christmas how she lighting up my phone it might be blow out" and "All that energy, got its own time, I just wanna be in time with you" Uncle Is brings his unique flair to the theme of romantic pursuit.
The hook is as smooth as it is catchy, asking the irresistible question: "Can I get a piece of all that?" It's a call for love on his terms, blending intimacy with a touch of casual connection, all wrapped in a signature groove that will have listeners hitting repeat.
The second verse cranks up the heat, as Uncle Is confesses how he’s been captivated by his love interest from the moment she walked in: "Took the better part of me, makin' it hard to leave, baby" The storytelling is raw and relatable, capturing those moments when someone special turns your world upside down.
The bridge takes us even deeper into the vibe with a sultry invitation: "Ooh mama wanna break one off for ya baby, whether it's clothes or us that's takin' off, ain't no maybe" It’s a signature Uncle Is blend of smooth sensuality, with just the right balance of passion and cool confidence.
With a sound that feels perfect for late summer nights and drives with the windows down, ‘All That’ is set to become a staple on playlists everywhere. Uncle Is has once again proven that he can blend emotion, rhythm and lyricism into a track that hits all the right notes.
‘All That’ will be available on all streaming platforms starting September 20. Don’t miss out on what promises to be one of the hottest singles of the season.
New Underwire single 'Greener
Underwire's sixth single "Greener" is a no holds protest song, with slamming hooks and a chanting anthem chorus.
Presave https://music.drm.co.nz/greener-u
Underwire's sixth single "Greener" is a no holds protest song, with slamming hooks and a chanting anthem chorus. Recorded and produced by Scott Seabright, 'Greener' brings new textures to the band's developing sound, and swaggers with influences like the Stooges and psychobilly.
‘Greener’ calls out green-washing, after the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle and the tide of forest slash that brought to light the folly of offset schemes without action, and the downside of a culture of profit before people.
Underwire have been a busy band since releasing their first single ‘Gravity’ in May 2023 – more than six months on Apple’s global New Rock and other playlists, over 28,000 Youtube views of their self-made videos, New Zealand and international indie radio play, working with Scott Seabright – more singles to come – and playing shows with more than a dozen other bands in the energetic Wellington indie music scene and beyond. Catch Underwire at Nui Hui 30 November, Valhalla & more coming up.
Find Underwire:
Facebook / YouTube / Bandcamp Spotify/Apple/Tidal/Deezer/Amazon / Instagram
False Heights create a lasting impression with breathtaking cover of ‘Zombie’
Definitive Taupō Rock duo False Heights today unleash their explosive adaption of the immortal 90’s Cranberries song, Zombie.
Definitive Taupō Rock duo False Heights today unleash their explosive adaption of the immortal 90’s Cranberries song, Zombie.
With today being the day that the original turns 30, April and Ashley Pirie have brought Zombie to a whole new level with racing guitars, thrashing drums and expressive vocals.
Injecting the iconic protest song with their own unique blend of fast-paced and fierce punk-rock, False Heights have paid homage to the timeless classic by adding in their own personalised heavier alternative edge
“Channelling the beautifully haunting vocal melodies of Dolores O’Riordon, False Heights supercharged pop punk take on The Cranberries’ ‘Zombie’ pulses with an intense new life while capturing the emotional ride of the original.” - Kris Raven, Muzic.net.nz
False Heights are known for bringing a theatrical alternative edge to the mainstream world. Their material offers a uniquely independent feel, melding the 2000’s rock sound of Jimmy Eat World and Blink182, to the commercial singer-songwriter energies of Taylor Swift and Paramore.
Co-produced, tracked and mixed by Evan Pope at Studio11b in Mt Maunganui, and mastered by Joshua Llewellyn of Downbeat Mastering, Zombie follows False Heights’ previous releases Inside Your Head and A Little Bit More. With another single set to drop later this year, False Heights are a band worth keeping an eye on.
False Heights Zombie is out now.
Listen Here
Arjuna Oakes – Catch Me
There's a sense of longing captured in the floating peacefulness of Catch Me. Drawing as ever from jazz, in Arjuna’s lush sonic universe, rich with strings and soaring flute we can hear inspiration from artists like Moses Sumney and Kadhja Bonet.
“Watch out for a great singer from New Zealand called Arjuna Oakes” - Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 6 Music)
"Continuously moves from strength to strength" Under The Radar Mag
"An emerging artist you should definitely keep on your radar!" Secret Eclectic
Releasing his next single on Albert’s favourites, London based Arjuna Oakes has had some great milestones! He had the chance to perform in Paris for the New Zealand Olympic team, while top of his list for shows recently, was Performing at The Jazz Cafe in London, supporting Nathan Haines album launch. If you are in London, he is playing at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney on the 25th of September.
There's a sense of longing captured in the floating peacefulness of Catch Me. Drawing as ever from jazz, in Arjuna’s lush sonic universe, rich with strings and soaring flute we can hear inspiration from artists like Moses Sumney and Kadhja Bonet.
“I can remember the day I started writing Catch Me in the middle of winter 2019. I had not long moved to Wellington from Auckland (in New Zealand). I was just improvising at the piano waiting for a piano student to arrive and suddenly this song starts to present itself. I had the melody ringing through my head the whole time teaching the lesson. As soon as we finished I grabbed a notebook. I walked around the botanic gardens just down the road, and wrote all of the lyrics. I rushed home and recorded a demo with just keyboard and vocals. All of the backing vocals and vocal effects you hear in the song were from that original demo.”
“I didn’t revisit the demo until I recorded a version with drums and bass. Then I mixed the two versions together, and decided that it needed a big epic string arrangement to give it an otherworldly feeling. I had only just started writing for strings, but revelled in the challenge. After nearly driving myself insane arranging and notating string parts for the album, I assembled a quartet of my friends to perform them. I felt there was still something missing, so I asked the legendary Nathan Haines to improvise on flute, which we then cut up and used to fill the space. Serebii added some beautiful production touches, and we finally had the lush little epic that I dreamed of from the start.”
Arjuna Oakes is an accomplished singer/songwriter, pianist, composer and producer from New Zealand, currently based in London. Following the release of his debut EP ‘The Watcher’ in 2019, Arjuna has released another six projects all to widespread acclaim. Two EP's ‘First Nights’ and ‘Final Days’ are a collaboration with longtime friend and co-producer Serebii, released by LA-based record label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah-Las). First Nights debuted at #5 on KCRW's top 30 Albums chart and has had extensive play on BBC6 and BBC1xtra.
Arjuna’s Singles on Albert’s Favourites are - “Motel” and “The Love That I Feel”
Find Arjuna Oakes
Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | Website
About Alberts Favourites
Today Albert’s Favourites is a south London studio, production family and label founded by Albert's grandson Adam Scrimshire with Jonny Drop and Dave Koor of The Expansions. Home to several collaborations and solo projects from each of the creators, the label has become home to Huw Marc Bennett, And Is Phi, Qwalia, Miryam Solomon, Mark de Clive Lowe’s Rōnin Arkestra and more with new signings and projects to be announced through 2024.
In our first eight years, Albert’s Favourites has released fifteen LPs, plus numerous EPs, singles and a compilation album. We Experienced four weeks in the BBC Radio 6 Music “B” playlist in 2019 with Hector Plimmer and Andrew Ashong single Somebody else, soon followed by an “Album Of The Day” for Scrimshire’s Listeners. With regular support across the station, on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra from Jamz Supernova and Benji B, and even plays from Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2. Not forgetting support at home and around the world from a loyal and brilliant family of independent broadcasters and DJs. We’ve also hosted massive label showcases for the South Facing festival in Crystal Palace Park and in 2023 present our first EFG London Jazz Festival event.
As a growing family of writers and producers, we recently launched the Favourite Songs Ltd. publishing company, representing many artists on the label. Both Albert’s Favourites and Favourite Songs pride ourselves on providing an artist focused environment with contracts that evolve and empower the creators as they progress, while leaving ownership and control in their hands. We work hard to put back into the wider music community too with charitable donations and mentoring.
We work with amazing teams at Believe for digital distribution and Prime Direct Distribution for vinyl. Almost all of our visual art is created in house by Jonny Drop (notable exceptions being the Hector Plimmer art, created by Hector himself). Many of our releases are also mixed and mastered in house by either Dave Koor or Adam Scrimshire. We remain deeply independent and focused on finding and elevating incredible artists, being the hand at their back and the supporting voice in their corner, so they can make the music they love and believe in.
We love creating and sharing music. Our lives are shaped by what we love.
Find Alberts Favourites
DIAZ GRIMM AWARDED 2024 APRA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD & NOMINATED FOR HIP-HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE MĀORI MUSIC AWARDS
Since dropping his boundary pushing album ‘Māui & the Sin’ via a nation-wide release in cinemas, the album has received great reception from critics to the public alike. Diaz has now been nominated for HipHop & R&B album of the year at the Waiata Māori music awards, and also just been announced as one of the five recipients of the 2024 Apra professional development awards, a grant of $10,000 to pursue development within his craft.
Since dropping his boundary pushing album ‘Māui & the Sin’ via a nation-wide release in cinemas, the album has received great reception from critics to the public alike. A 14 track, 14 video, double disc album that brings Te Ao Māori into the metaverse. Utilizing different forms of AI, CGI, claymation, anime and featuring 14 of the hottest new artists and producers from Aotearoa.
From the sale of digital downloads prior to arriving on streaming the album reached #6 on the hot NZ album charts, #6 on the IMNZ album charts and remained on the official NZ music charts for four weeks. The single ‘Pepeha’ featuring 2024 Pacific music award winner Diggy Dupê has seen success on radio, reaching #22 on the radioscope dance charts, #13 on the newest adds radisscope charts and reached #8 on the SRN top10. Diaz has now been nominated for HipHop & R&B album of the year at the Waiata Māori music awards.
Diaz has also just been announced as one of the five recipients of the 2024 Apra professional development awards, a grant of $10,000 to pursue development within his craft.