Rising indie-pop star Lizzy Kula is cool, calm and collected with new single ‘afterthought’

Listen to ‘afterthought’ HERE 

Rising Mount Maunganui-based alt pop artist Lizzy Kula has today shared her empowering new anthem of self-worth, ‘afterthought’!

Born from the trauma of heartbreak, ‘afterthought’ invites listeners with similar experiences to reclaim their power, recognise their worth, and get lost in the hypnotic melodies, edgy instrumentation and fiery storytelling of Lizzy Kula.

“I want the song to act as a reminder that you shouldn’t have to settle for being a placeholder in the back of someone’s mind,” says Lizzy. “You’re not an afterthought and I hope you never accept being treated like one.”

Today’s release follows Lizzy’s debut single - the upbeat and groovy track ‘i dreamt about you’ - which saw love from media across Aotearoa (Tearaway, Hype Medium, Welcome To The Gig, Creative Bay of Plenty) and abroad; featuring on Dutch blog Lefuturewave and UK radio station The Sound Lab.

Already, the two releases are a testament to Lizzy’s creative range - showcasing her ability to seamlessly drift through different genres and influences. “I love to use genre as an additional tool to emphasise a narrative,” explains Lizzy. “Best way I can put it is that I like to define what I’m painting before I choose the brushes.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘afterthought’ was produced alongside Lizzy’s brother, Daniel Kulasingham, after the track was originally written on a piano at the artist’s family home. “Dan remains my favourite person to collaborate with. He is the only one who can truly bring those emotions out from my crusty voice memo and into something that beautifully tells the story - and still sounds like me!” The track was then mixed and mastered by Edward Liu (EDY).

Fans can also look forward to a rollercoaster-ride music video - out September 27! Perfectly capturing the journey of recovering from a painful relationship and bouncing back better than ever, the video was created alongside Luke Penney (Director) and Nick White (DOP).

With today’s new single solidifying Lizza Kula as one to watch, and more new music on its way shortly, Aotearoa music lovers are bound to find their power in ‘afterthought’!

Follow Lizzy Kula

Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple

Based on a true Aotearoa story Sabreen releases beautiful new folk single ‘Countryman’

Listen to ‘Countryman’ HERE

Watch the video HERE

Bengali-NZ singer songwriter Sabreen has today shared her cinematic new folk-pop single ‘Countryman’!

Through skillful storytelling, beautifully layered vocals and both gentle and soaring instrumentation, ‘Countryman’ brings to life the true story of Joe Kum Yung - a Chinese gold-miner who came to New Zealand in the late 1800s. Following a mining accident, he eventually moved to Wellington - the center of the local Chinese community at the time - where he was shot and killed by a white supremacist in 1905.

"His story really moved me,” explains Sabreen, “I wanted to write a song to humanise his and the wider story of Asian immigrants in this country, including my own parents. We know so little about Joe, and yet there is a wealth of information and sympathy for his killer. I wanted to fix that imbalance, and shine a light on the humanity and history of the New Zealand Asian community.”
Made with the support of NZ On Air,  ‘Countryman’ was then co-produced and recorded with producer/engineer Nate Selway between Depot Sound and SAE, with contributions from Nick Jones (strings), Joshua Taylor (cello), Matt Holden (electric guitar) and Noah Page (drums and mandolin).

“I wrote this song in 2021 and it’s the longest time I’ve ever spent working on a song. It gave me a real sense of creative purpose that I’ve never felt before, trying to get it right.”

Sabreen’s contact with the NZ Chinese Association and Wellington Chinese historian Lynette Shum - who has done a lot of work on Joe and others stories - was also crucial to the song’s process.

Also being released today is a new music video, made with Angle3 Productions, including director Léah McVeagh and cinematographer Daryl Wong. Reflecting on identity and community, the video was filmed at Auckland's Howick Historical Village, and jumps between Sabreen in the present, and Joe in the past - who is played by Kevin Yee.

Watch the video HERE

Follow Sabreen

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |  YouTube

 Spotify | Soundcloud | Apple | Linktree

Auckland-raised, twenty-two-year-old Sabreen is an artist, songwriter and author who crafts earnest and heart-wrenching stories. Her single ‘Glow’ was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2020 International Songwriting Competition, and she has performed extensively across Aotearoa, including at Music in the Parks and the Others Way Festival. Sabreen is also a published poet, releasing her poetry collection ‘spring clean’ in 2022. Proudly Bangladeshi and Muslim, the artist is a fierce advocate for her community, which often finds its way into her music.

Her 2023 debut EP ‘room service’ (RNZ, SRN stations, 95bFM Fancy New Band Showcase, NZ Music Commission Celebrating Wāhine, NZOA Fresh Cuts), was created with Auckland producer Sophie Bialostocki. Her first headline show at BIG FAN was hugely popular and, in 2024, she received funding from the NZ On Air Pan-Asian grant for her latest release ‘Countryman’. With one EP under her belt and a second on the way, the future is looking bright for this rising artist as she shares her music with the world.

Wellington Band "Sidewinder" Touring In Support Of Critically Acclaimed "Talons" Album.

Wellington rock band "Sidewinder" are touring this September, October and November in support of their wildly successful second album "Talons" that was released in August.

The first album to feature new vocalist Jem, formerly of Mojo Alice, has received rave reviews from publications, bloggers and playlisters. Just some of these reviews are listed below.

Tour dates include:

Paisley Stage: Napier - Saturday September 28th with TUSK and Infinity Ritual

8 Ball: New Plymouth - Saturday October 12th with Pull Down The Sun and Infinity Ritual

Ding Dong Lounge: Auckland - Saturday October 26th with Brackenwood Coven and TUSK.

Valhalla: Wellington - Saturday November 15th with Planet Of The Dead and Mammathus.

Tickets available at UTR.

Album reviews:

“If you're into monster stoner metal, this is probably where you'll find the surprise of the year… They have really dug deep for the heaviest and meanest riffs, which are backed up so cool by a super tight and groovy rhythm section. And Jem's beautiful vocals stand in fine contrast to precisely the heavy deep sound from the somewhat subdued guitars… Well, isn't there anything bad that can drag you down a bit? No, actually there isn't...this is definitely one of the year's big surprise reads, and guaranteed to be very high on my top 10 list when the year is over. 10 out of 10”
METALIZED DN

“Riff City. Equal parts hard rock and smoky stoner metal, Talons is practically made to destroy your speakers.”
METAL INJECTION

“Sidewinder came out of nowhere. A sophomore album from some New Zealand unknowns was not in my cards for a list-threatening endeavour, but Talons completely blindsided me. There is so much swagger in these 8 tracks, so much groove and attitude. The riffs are unstoppable, the vocals even more so. And the band makes it all sound so simple, so natural, fitting together so well yet including enough surprises and inventions it doesn’t get old fast. There may be too few great stoner bands, but with the release of Talons, Sidewinder has become one of them.”
ANGRY METAL GUY

“It’s got swathes of monumental grooves across the eight new songs, and you can sense the spirits of Church of Misery and Kyuss being summoned from the depths of wherever they may lie. […] If this is a sign of things to come, then I’m jumping on board the Sidewinder train.”
THE SLEEPING SHAMAN

“Talons is one of those albums that you can totally chill out to, immerse yourself in, and then just let the sound waves completely wash over you.”
METAL EPIDEMIC

“With a light, bluesy opening that gives way to crushing riffs, all the while being guided by a powerful, bluesy femme vocal, this is a unique and powerful track that’s as devastating as it is beautiful.”
NEW NOISE MAGAZINE

“Difficult second album? Not with this evidence.”
POWERPLAY MAGAZINE

“If you want an enticing mix of doom, psych, stoner, metal, blues with plenty of substantial riffs along route, then look no further than The Land of the Long White Cloud’s Sidewinder.” 
MAXIMUM VOLUME MUSIC

“Even when things are quieter and more dreamy, the band knows how to impress. Their psychedelic blues almost puts them on par with genre veterans like Blues Pills or Jex Thoth, and while Sidewinder haven’t had a big hit yet, Talons could well be it.”
METAL HAMMER DE

“Talons is a bone-dry, stoner-doom-blues rocker which is a credit to the genre…” and is in no way inferior to the forefathers of the genre.” 
METAL ONLY

“Talons’ is an album that with any luck will catapult the career of Sidewinder into the stratosphere.”
THE RAZOR’S EDGE

“Sidewinder is taking no prisoners with this one – a big sound through and through.”
DOOMED & STONED

“With the grungy elements of their sound dialled slightly back and the heavy blues elements ramped up to a respectable eleven, Sidewinder have, with Talons, made an album that is a true reflection of its title, a gripping tome with the ability to lift you up to unprecedented heights of enjoyment.”
DESERT PSYCHLIST

MIRAGE 'Summer Won't Be The Same

“Summer Won’t Be the Same” is Mirage’s first radio release, and it’s a track that encapsulates the classic summer vibe. The band hopes it will not only appeal to their loyal online following but also reach a broader audience across Aotearoa. Mirage is poised for an exciting new chapter. Frontman Ben Horlock (Ngāti Porou, Ngati Ranginui, Te Arawa), remains at the helm, joined by Jaevyn Douglas (Ngāi Te Rangi) on bass, Jacob Roos (Ngāpuhi) on drums, Josh Glennie on rhythm guitar, and the newly added Angelo Cruzat on lead guitar.

This dynamic ensemble has brought fresh energy to the band, reflected in their latest studio work. The track was crafted during an APRA SongHubs writing camp in Whāingaroa (Raglan), where Ben Horlock collaborated with Fran Kora of the legendary NZ band Kora, acclaimed producer Christian Tjandrawinata (Corrella), and emerging pop singer Yah Yah. This experience not only led to further recording sessions but also secured a grant from NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho through the Waiata Takitahi funding program — a support for which the band is truly grateful. Anaru Palmer translated the song into Te Reo Māori, and Mirage is proud to also release both a full Reo version and a bilingual version of the track.

“It’s probably one of the least psychedelic tracks on the album, but it’s got the best beat—it’s just got that classic summer cruising vibe,” says the band. “We wanted to give Aotearoa something good and groovy for the summer. Creating this track in Māori and English feels like a meaningful contribution to our musical landscape. No matter your background, we’ve got you covered with our music…”

Since making their debut last year, Mt Maunganui band Mirage has quickly established themselves as a must-see act at some of New Zealand’s most iconic summer festivals, including ‘Soundsplash’ and ‘One Love.’ They’ve shared stages with the likes of Masaya, Lost Tribes of Aotearoa, Corrella, Sons of Zion, and Summer Thieves, capturing the hearts of audiences with their unique sound and vibrant performances.

After an intense summer filled with live shows, Mirage retreated to the studio in early 2024. Over the past six months, they’ve been hard at work crafting a ten-track album that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Blending smooth, dreamy vibes with infectious melodies, the album is a treat for fans of Sticky Fingers, L.A.B, Mako Road, Ocean Alley, Coterie, and Six60. With tracks available in both Reo Māori andEnglish, the album offers something for everyone.

“Our goal was to blend our musical and cultural influences with our own experiences to create something real and authentic,” the band shares. “In a world that often feels saturated with superficiality, we wanted to produce music that’s genuine—something that people can truly feel and groove to.”

The creative process was nothing short of a marathon, with countless late-night studio sessions dedicated to writing, refining, and perfecting each track. The result is a meticulously crafted album that’s mostly self-produced, featuring a psychedelic and genre-bending sound that is sure to resonate with a wide range of listeners.

“We love reggae, pop, rock—pretty much anything with a cool vibe—so we wanted to create music that anyone can enjoy,” the band explains. “Whether you’re into reo music, reggae, indie, pop, or rock, there’s something here for you. Our musical backgrounds bring a heap of influences to the table, so we didn’t want to be stuck with just one genre.”

Mirage’s commitment to their craft extends beyond the music itself. The band has collaborated closely with visual artists to ensure that their album’s artwork reflects the same passion and integrity that drives their music. “Brian from the Yard in Raglan created our first gig poster, and we loved it so much that we used it for the ‘Summer Won’t Be the Same’ single. Our artist, Debs, then designed the artwork for the rest of the tracks, and we were just blown away by how everything came together,” says the band.

To accompany their singles, Mirage has also produced a series of music videos, including three animated videos that perfectly capture the spirit of their music. The video for their lead track, ‘Summer,’ was filmed on location at Waihi Beach and Raglan, further grounding the band’s work in the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa. Starting in July 2024, Mirage has been releasing  one  track  each  month,  building momentum towards the much-anticipated radio release of their bilingual track “Summer Won’t Be the Same” (Raumati Rerekē) on September 20th, 2024. Funded by NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho, this track marks a significant milestone for the band

CH!EF Unveils New Single “Take Me For a Fool” - A Funky R&B Breakup Anthem

Fijian-born, Ōtautahi-based RnB artist CH!EF (Ratu Cokanasiga) born in Labasa town on Vanualevu Island to Fijian and Samoan parents, continues to captivate audiences with his soulful, velvet-smooth vocals influenced by soul, R&B, and Gospel. Growing up in a household of musicians, CH!EF’s passion for music was sparked early on, and he has been on a journey to find and share his unique voice ever since.

CH!EF is back with his latest track, “Take Me For a Fool.” This upbeat breakup anthem delivers a funky R&B groove while narrating the empowering story that dives deep into the emotional journey of breaking free from toxic environments / relationships. ."It’s a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt trapped and is searching for the courage to move forward. The message is universal—about finding the strength to unchain yourself and grow.

“When we first crafted the music, the theme of breaking free fitted perfectly,” says CH!EF. “I wrote from that perspective, showing the difficult but necessary transition toward independence. Walking away to protect yourself is tough, but over time, it allows room for growth and healing."

The single marks CH!EF’s first collaborative release featuring rapper Vallè, a fellow Pacific artist from Papua New Guinea. Though CH!EF and Vallè have been long-time collaborators, this track is their first official release together.

With "Take Me For a Fool," CH!EF continues to establish himself as a rising star in the R&B scene, blending his Pacific roots with a contemporary sound that resonates with listeners. This track is sure to make waves in the music industry and further cement CH!EF's place as an artist to watch.

About CH!EF 

CH!EF’s musical journey began in his early years, with his family spending time between New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. During this period, CH!EF won several singing competitions and eventually led his church choir and a classical quartet in Fiji. At 18, he relocated to Christchurch, where he decided to pursue his passion for singing more seriously. Since then, CH!EF has performed as a backing vocalist for some of New Zealand’s top pop singers, including Stan Walker, Vince Harder, and Marley Sola.

In 2023, CH!EF made his debut with the single "Until We Meet Again," a heartfelt homage to the classic Fijian song "Isa Lei." The track quickly gained attention, earning a spot on Niu FM's playlist and climbing the Hot NZ Singles Chart. Following the success of his debut, CH!EF released two more singles, “It’s You” and “Love You Like I Should,” both of which also entered the Hot NZ Singles Chart. His music has found a home on Spotify's "Island Time" playlist and has been recognized on the Radioscope NZ Airplay Charts for “Most Added” and “Beats R&B.

Check out all things CH!EF below:

Linktree   Instagram   Youtube    Tiktok

"E Le Galo Le Mativa" by Saia Frank Sola ft. DJ

A Tribute to Samoan Heritage and Family Values

Saia Frank Sola and DJ Twitch release a powerful new Single "E Le Galo Le Mativa" Emerging Samoan artist Saia Frank Sola teams up with producer DJ Twitch for the release of their heartfelt new single, "E Le Galo Le Mativa," dropping on September 20, 2024. This slow jam, enriched with Island Sound Harmonies, pays tribute to the sacrifices of past generations while celebrating core Samoan family values like respect, unity, and honouring one’s roots.

Written and composed by Saia Frank Sola, "E Le Galo Le Mativa" is sung entirely in Samoan, offering a powerful reminder of where we come from and the importance of remembering those who paved the way for us. The collaboration between Saia and DJ Twitch merges modern sounds with cultural tradition, creating a unique and emotionally resonant track.

Saia says "Working with DJ Twitch has been an incredible experience. It's an honour to collaborate with someone who genuinely cares about me, my music, and my career. When I showed him "E Le Galo Le Mativa," which I initially wrote to a YouTube beat, he loved it and told me, "The lyrics are original, so the beat needs to be too." He went on to produce a unique beat for the song, and I even asked him to sing the second verse. Our chemistry was amazing, and creating this track together was a true joy."

Saia Frank Sola is a rising star in the Samoan music scene, known for his powerful vocals, intricate songwriting, and deep connection to his cultural roots. With a million streams across various platforms, he continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of traditional and modern sounds. "This song is deeply personal to me," Saia shares. "It reflects my life growing up in Samoa and serves as a reminder of my humble beginnings. I’m so blessed to have completed this project while my parents are still alive, and I hope it resonates with Samoans and Pacific Islanders everywhere. It’s a tribute to our roots, reminding us to never forget where we come from."

DJ Twitch is a versatile DJ, producer, and entrepreneur with a passion for creating music that resonates with audiences worldwide. His dynamic performances and innovative sound have made him a prominent figure in the Pacific music industry. “Filming the video in Samoa was a dream come true," says DJ Twitch. "It was emotional to shoot in my late father’s village, especially in front of the fale apa that my dad built for his parents. For the first time, I felt such a deep connection to my homeland, and this song made that connection even stronger."

"E Le Galo Le Mativa" is distributed by Precise and will be available on all major streaming platforms from September 20, 2024.

•  Saia Frank Sola Instagram: Facebook

•  DJ Twitch Instagram: Facebook

TALI and PAIGE JULIA collaborate on '233'

Dark cinematic soundscapes are interrupted by the sub-driven force of Paige Julia’s ‘beats so sick, they make you get iller than getting locked up in an ice cold chiller’ as MC Tali’s fire flow and lyricism takes centre stage.  

The dynamite vocalist is someone DDD founders Truth have long admired, with the duo promoting her when they used to throw drum & bass shows way back in 2005, when Tali was signed to Roni Size’s Full Cycle Records in Bristol, UK. 

Welcoming Tali to the label for the first time is a full cycle moment itself, and the results are seismic, as the MC sprays molten lava ‘got no time for patriarchy, so don’t f**k with me and my privacy’ - with Paige Julia’s ice cold production the perfect bedrock. 

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. 

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).