DEBUT ALBUM FROM ŌTAUTAHI’S GOODWILL - ‘KIND HANDS’ OUT NOW
Prolific Ōtautahi producer Goodwill (Will McGillivray) has unveiled his debut full-length album “Kind Hands” today - a project which has found its way to completion in bits and pieces - being constantly added to, tweaked and nudged toward the finish line over the last few years while he worked as a producer for hire.
Prolific Ōtautahi producer Goodwill (Will McGillivray) has unveiled his debut full-length album “Kind Hands” today - a project which has found its way to completion in bits and pieces - being constantly added to, tweaked and nudged toward the finish line over the last few years while he worked as a producer for hire.
Following his 2022 EP “Incontrol”, McGillivray set out to create a record which challenged him “to write in a way where a feeling of hope or positivity isn’t far away at any point, even if the song is on the moodier side”. The album covers themes of gratitude, committing to yourself, “prioritising the good stuff” and is woven with stories seemingly unassuming things which, upon reflection, still hold a lot of meaning.
“Kind Hands” came together in small pieces over time, and despite initially intending to hand the reigns over to another producer, the album graduated from ‘perpetual demo mode’ to the point of no return. Aside from a smattering of guest performances and some mixing from Andrew Maury (Victoria Canal, Lewis Del Mar, Shawn Mendes), McGillivray recorded, produced and performed all instruments for the entire album on his own.
Will reflects on the experience: “The recording process is truly a blur to reflect on… progress is often made in big waves, few and far between. There’ll be an hour of pure inspiration where everything I try works and I know exactly what to do, and then 3 weeks where I’m not quite sure what the next move should be. This record is the sound of one person spending unknown amounts of time in one living room studio - running back and forth from a synth to the computer to press record, lying on the couch in moments without inspiration. There’s always some hope in these songs, and I’m proud of that.”
Masterfully blending the laid-back energy of his beach-side studio with the polished production that comes from years of honing his craft, Goodwill’s “Kind Hands” is an album as cohesive as it is varied. It covers huge ground with sparse, intimate moments of folk over a bed of classic Alex G and Andy Shauf-esque Lo-fi Indie, littered with dramatic flourishes evocative of Perfume Genius. All guided and tied together by McGillivray’s unique ability, and his living room studio.
KIND HANDS, is out NOW via Winegum Records, and features all previous singles Kill the Guilt, Obamas, Plans, Goner and title track Kind Hands. Vinyl is available online and in all good record stores across Aotearoa.
Wellington Post-Hardcore band Adult Friends to release new single ‘Smart People’
Adult Friends take on a Pixies-esque sound on their new song, ‘Smart People’, with break-neck dynamic shifts, guitar squeals and vocals frys. The band describes it as “a song that shifts between eerie restraint and empowered emotions”.
Adult Friends take on a Pixies-esque sound on their new song, ‘Smart People’, with break-neck dynamic shifts, guitar squeals and vocals frys. The band describes it as “a song that shifts between eerie restraint and empowered emotions”.
The new single moves away from their earlier releases, such as ‘Ryan Gosling’ or ‘Brittle’. After recently releasing a cover of Have a Nice Life’s ‘Bloodhail’, the band are marking a shift in their sonic influences.
‘Smart People’ drops the guise of metaphor and subtlety, delivering its themes on the nose. With lyrics regarding suicidal ideation and the reverence we have for those who die too young. It’s about one’s longing to be at the centre of a great, dramatic tragedy; and for their memory to be met with grief and regret by all those who knew them.
‘Smart People’ will be available on all major streaming platforms as of October 4th.
Adult Friends seek to find solace in a sea of noise. The Wellington-based four piece blends the cacophony of Post-Hardcore with gothic and melancholic tendencies. Influenced by bands such as At The Drive In, Failure and The Cure, Adult Friends create music that challenges listeners to derive what they like from the songs, so long as they keep coming back for more.
"“Legacy” – CAITLIN’s Honest Take on the Reality of Artistic Pursuits
October 4th, 2024, CAITLIN, a talented artist from Ōtautahi, releases her highly anticipated new single, "Legacy." The song delves into the challenging reality of artistic pursuits, with meditations on giving up on your dreams and the complex emotions that come with it.
October 4th, 2024, CAITLIN, a talented artist from Ōtautahi, releases her highly anticipated new single, "Legacy." The song delves into the challenging reality of artistic pursuits, with meditations on giving up on your dreams and the complex emotions that come with it.
“Legacy” is a deeply personal track that explores the fear of never leaving a mark and the struggle of yearning for a career as a creative. In the song, CAITLIN exposes her inner turmoil as she grapples with the idea of letting go of her dream to become a successful musician. "To be a creative is all I’ve ever wanted," CAITLIN confesses. "Is it too much?”
Produced alongside Emily C. Browning, "Legacy" introduces a fresh sound from CAITLIN. It leans into a richer, heavier production with layers of vocals and guitars that evoke deep emotion, creating a soundscape that feels like you're floating on your back in deep water.
Accompanying the release is a lyric video that beautifully complements the introspective nature of the song. The video features a montage of clips from various hikes and walks CAITLIN has taken across New Zealand, both with friends and in solitude. "Being out in nature always helps me to reconnect with myself, reflect, and take on a bigger picture view of the world around me," she shares. This visual journey mirrors the song’s themes of reflection, disappointment, and the search for meaning.
CAITLIN candidly discusses the struggles faced by many artists who dream of turning their passion into their livelihood but feel as though they fall short of the mark. "I think it’s a thing most artists struggle with—wanting your creative work to be your livelihood and have the ability to do it every day," she says.
The lyrics of "Legacy" meditate on not achieving one's goals and the feeling of potential slipping away. CAITLIN also touches on the pressure of discussing ambition due to "Tall Poppy Syndrome," a phenomenon prevalent in New Zealand culture where individuals are criticized for being ambitious or striving to be better than others. “When people ask what my goals are with music, it feels impossible to say you’d like your music to be heard. It’s so silly, but talking about ambition is almost cringe in New Zealand. I’m also an enforcer of Tall Poppy Syndrome!”
“Legacy” is not just a song; it is an open invitation into CAITLIN’s mind as she navigates the challenges of chasing dreams in an tough industry. With its thought provoking lyrics and swimming production, “Legacy” is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their path or felt the weight of unfulfilled potential.
Join CAITLIN as she releases “Legacy”.
Listen to Legacy: https://music.drm.co.nz/legacy
LOUIS BAKER releases EP, MEDICINE
Medicine reflects the bond Baker has with his craft—music is his remedy, allowing him to connect with himself and communicate with the world. Each of the 5 tracks on the EP serves as a dose of this therapeutic power, exploring themes of perseverance, self-awareness, and emotional intimacy.
shares Music Video and announces 22 dates with Fat Freddys Drop UK / Europe
Louis Baker (Ngāruahine, Ngā Puhi), one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated soul artists, releases his new EP, MEDICINE.
Medicine reflects the bond Baker has with his craft—music is his remedy, allowing him to connect with himself and communicate with the world. Each of the 5 tracks on the EP serves as a dose of this therapeutic power, exploring themes of perseverance, self-awareness, and emotional intimacy.
Influenced by artists like D’Angelo, Bobby Caldwell, and Marvin Gaye, Baker’s modern soul approach and exceptional musicality as a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist infuse the EP with depth and emotional resonance, creating a rich tapestry of sound that pays homage to these musical pioneers.
Accompanying the EP is the title track, Medicine which is complemented by an uplifting music video directed by Tom Grut, featuring dancers Ollie Caruthers and Helena May. Baker's creative process for the track began with a steady drumbeat, before evolving with a groove-driven bass line, Rhodes keys and a distinctive guitar melody that elevates the track. Lyrically, Baker explores the pressures of daily life and how music offers a sanctuary in those moments.
Medicine is Baker's third EP and his first as the sole Producer. Fans have already received a preview with singles Been and Gone featuring Wallace, which earned a place in the APRA Silver Scrolls Top 20 and his follow up single Fools Expectation which was described by Rolling Stone as “retro soul with Leon Bridges-like warmth”.
In support of the release Baker will perform a special hometown show in Wellington on October 5th, bringing his full band to the stage performing tracks from Medicine along with fan favourites from his past records.
WELLINGTON TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
MOSHTIX
Louis has been announced as tour support for Fat Freddy’s Drop, internationally regarded as one of the world’s finest live draws, on their 22-date Slo Mo headline tour across the EU and UK this November and December.
Vinyl enthusiasts will have the opportunity to get their hands on a limited edition run of the record which includes bonus track Misty in Matakana released in 2023.
Order 'Medicine' vinyl HERE
Ōtautahi Grim-Hop Pioneers ‘Slimivich’ and ‘Throng’ ignite Audio Visual Collaboration ‘Wound Tight
Sit back and let deep reaching bass, over saturated synth, strings and slick lyrical licks wash over you as Ōtautahi’s finest Grim Hop heads Slim Jenkins of Slimivich and Aaron Hogg of Throng serve up their inaugural collaborative audio visual track “Wound tight” to your favourite flavour of steaming service
Sit back and let deep reaching bass, over saturated synth, strings and slick lyrical licks wash over you as Ōtautahi’s finest Grim Hop heads Slim Jenkins of Slimivich and Aaron Hogg of Throng serve up their inaugural collaborative audio visual track “Wound tight” to your favourite flavour of steaming service
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A luscious vibrating track riven with hip hop, downbeat and and ambient influences, “Wound Tight” expresses the deep need to commune with the natural world through intense physical exertion in an effort to achieve quiet in a mind wound tight by the trials of life in our late capitalist world.
Accompanying the track is the full length music video directed by Luis Castanon, shot by Bevan Triebels and leveraging Aaron’s digital arts skill set. Contrasting lush landscapes with harsh studio footage the team blends performance, which constitutes the very core of the artists musical experience, with imagery of the natural spaces that help keep them centered, functioning human beings.
“Wound Tight” marks the first in a series of collaborative tracks from Slimivich and Throng seeking to explore Grim Hop, where these artists roots in Aotearoa rock, punk and metal intersects with Hip Hop, Drum & Bass, Breaks and IDM.
So relax, listen and unwind, and let “Wound Tight” be just what you need to calm the scream in your mind wound tight.
Vince Harder to release new track Be My Girl feat. Myshaan
Teaming up with Hawaiian based Myshaan, Vince Harder is dropping another feel good R&B jam this Friday 4th October.
Teaming up with Hawaiian based Myshaan, Vince Harder is dropping another feel good R&B jam this Friday 4th October.
Vince and Myshaan connected after performing at Coca Cola Christmas in the Park together in 2023 and talked about the possibility of joining forces on a track; this has now come to fruition with “Be My Girl”.
An online collaboration, “Be My Girl” features organic guitar riffs with poly reggaeton influenced production.
Listen to Be My Girl here.
Pre Save link here.
About Vince:
RnB legend Vince Harder is responsible for 3 #1 hits and an array of Gold and Platinum certified NZ songs for artists such as Stan Walker, Titanium and his own timeless house party anthem ‘Everything’ with P Money. Vince has twice won ‘Best Male Artist’ at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards, along with ‘Best Urban Artist’ and ‘Best Producer’ in 2016. He has also picked up the APRA Maioha award for writing and producing the Te Reo chart-dominating anthem ‘Aotearoa’ with Stan Walker.
Vince’s solo artistry has received love from across the motu, with single ‘Not Gonna Let Go’ (2018) and ‘Next To You’ (2019) both topping charts and dominating airwaves. Vince adds ‘accomplished musical theatre artist’ to his bow, having played lead roles in both Australia and Aotearoa. Roles have included Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (Australia) and Barry Belson in the Australia/NZ tour of Jersey Boys. In 2021, he was a panelist for TVNZ’s popular Popstars reboot, alongside Grammy winner Kimbra and NZ rock royalty Nathan King. He’s toured four times with Guy Sebastian, and his third studio album HORIZON (2022) has now racked up over 712,000 streams on Spotify! Vince Harder is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars from Aotearoa.
Find Vince Harder
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify
About Myshaan:
Hailing from Hamilton, young Maori singer Myshaan has always been drawn to music. After experimenting with different sounds and genres he found his vibe with the hit single “Sway” that became a viral sensation on Tik Tok. It caught the attention of US based singer Dinah Jane who featured on a remix of the track that has taken on a life of its own.
Now based in Hawaii while he studies, Myshaan continues to write and record wherever he can.
Find Myshaan
My Love by Avya
A folk-pop anthem about learning one's worth through neglect in a relationship, My Love tows the line between foot-stomping folk and catchy pop music. Inspired by the likes of Noah Kahan, Matt Corby, and Kacey Musgraves, My Love is a love letter to story-driven songwriting and guitar-heavy production.
24-year-old independent artist Avya is earning her place in Aotearoa’s music scene one song at a time.
Her single ‘You Don’t Get It’ received nationwide success in early 2023, landing her three weeks on the Hot NZ Singles Chart, while her previous single ‘Green’ was included in curated playlists by Spotify and Apple Music, including ’Self Care’’, New Music Daily’, ‘New in Pop’ and ‘New in Singer-Songwriter’.
Since placing fifth in TVNZ's Popstars, she has been a three-time recipient of NZ On Air funding, opened for artists such as Jeremy Redmore, Georgia Lines, and Jamie McDell, and expanded her collection of original material in collaboration with world-class songwriters and producers such as Joseph Faris, Noema Te Hau, Joel Jones, William Henderson, and more.
My Love is the first instalment of Avya's upcoming 3-track EP, set for release in late November.
A folk-pop anthem about learning one's worth through neglect in a relationship, My Love tows the line between foot-stomping folk and catchy pop music. Inspired by the likes of Noah Kahan, Matt Corby, and Kacey Musgraves, My Love is a love letter to story-driven songwriting and guitar-heavy production.
Hilariously, the song was inspired by an emotional episode of Australia's Married at First Sight 2024. Stepping into the shoes of one of the cast members, Avya tackles the push and pull of this particularly dysfunctional relationship through her songwriting
My Love is not a breakup song but rather a recognition that in a relationship, each party needs to learn to love themselves in order to let somebody else in - otherwise, you'll both end up in the trenches.
This felt like a message that ought to be backed by a solid guitar strum, a catchy hook and a belt-worthy melody. With this, Avya penned the chorus in her home studio in Tāmaki Makaurau
She brought the chorus to a session with co-writer Joel Jones, and the rest of the song came together beautifully
My Love is available to pre-save now. Out on all streaming services on October 4th 2024
Avya’s 3-track EP, titled She, is available to pre-save here. Out on all streaming services on 22 November 24
Following this series of releases, you can catch Avya performing at Festival One at Hartford Farm in January 2025. Tickets are available here.
PSYCH-SURF ROCKERS SOJØURN DROP ENERGETIC NEW SINGLE ‘HIPPIE CHICK’
Aōtearoa indie-surf-psych rockers SOJØURN drop a free-spirited and vibrant vibe with new rock-pop track ‘HIPPIE CHICK’.
Aōtearoa indie-surf-psych rockers SOJØURN drop a free-spirited and vibrant vibe with new rock-pop track ‘HIPPIE CHICK’.
The first single off the band’s upcoming debut album due out early 2025, ‘Hippie Chick’ is a fast-paced sonic throwback that sees SOJØURN bust out their bell-bottoms, and lean into their varied rock influences to deliver a sparkling rock-pop gem deftly fused with their unique East Coast surf-inspired spin.
The 5-piece band hail from the sun-drenched surf town of Mangawhai Heads, and comprise Isaac Hunter (vocals/guitar), James Finlay (lead guitar), Visko Bryers (drums), Tony Baker (bass), and Jacob O’Brien (sax).
‘Hippie Chick’ was recorded by Noah Page at Depot Sound, mixed by Paul ‘the Kid’ Jonassen and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studios. Characterised by sweet vocal harmonies, break-beat style drums, and blistering guitar solos, ‘Hippie Chick’ might just be the band’s most energetic release to date!
‘Hippie Chick’ sees Isaac, SOJØURN’s singer, at odds with the world-view of the song's subject; a carefree, hippie girl who is struggling to come to grips with rapidly changing times, as she tries to navigate her life and relationships within a modern world.
SOJØURN bring a fresh blend of cruisy psych-surf-rock and reggae, characterised by catchy lyrical hooks, strong vocal harmonies and psychedelic guitar and saxophone interplay, stemming from their diverse musical backgrounds blending ska, blues, classic rock and reggae to deliver a sound that is distinctly their own.
Since creating SOJØURN in 2018, the band has been busy releasing singles and EP’s in quick succession, starting with the highly regarded SUMMER TAPE EP featuring their top streaming single ‘Still A Mess’, 2021’s MYSTIC WAYS EP, and the KAIPARA LIVE SESSIONS EP released in August last year. Their ultra-cruisy reggae-dub infused Dec ‘23 single ‘Where We Go’ became a student radio fave, topping and inhabiting 95bFM’s Top 10 for several weeks over the following couple of months.
Garnering a solid reputation as a crowd-pleasing live act, SOJØURN have enjoyed blitzing summer tours at mainstay venues, and gracing festival stages coast to coast across the motu as they cement a solid live fan base with their energising and uplifting live sets.
Now with summer fast approaching, SOJØURN are busy booking shows in preparation to hit the road over the coming holiday season. Keep your ear to the ground, live dates to be announced soon!