Yurt Party Shares new single, ‘Fela’

Yurt Party is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Fela," originally inspired by the Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, and transmogrified by the band’s signature mischief, flair and dub.

Their latest tune comes after nationwide release tours and a series of explosive performances at festivals across New Zealand, including Cuba Dupa, Tora Bombora, and Twisted Frequency. 

Instrumentally, "Fela" features the unmistakable sound of a Farfisa organ drenched in dubbed-out tape delay. The tape delay unit used was found on a side quest during their recent tour in Auckland. “We’re loving the sound and soul of this old tape machine,” says the band, “but the actual tape isn’t made anymore! So when it breaks, out comes the sellotape!”

Musically, “Fela” revolves around the key of D minor, with verses and solos dancing between the four and five chords, G and A. “It’s funny,” Tom adds philosophically, “we’ve anchored it in D minor, but it’s the G and A that really drive the song forward.”

Known for their energetic live shows and genre-blending sound, Yurt Party continue to push musical boundaries, blending traditional inspirations with modern twists and playful experimentation. The release is a precursor to a festival filled summer and an album release next year.

Available now on all major streaming platforms, "Fela" is a must-listen for fans of off-the-grid dance music and those who appreciate music that defies convention.

TALI - 'FLIP THE SCRIPT' - 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR

This summer, Aotearoa's award winning, and internationally renowned electronic artist TALI - is bringing a live and intimate show to a town near you - in celebration of an illustrious 25 year career, and 20 years since she released her first album. 

This event encompasses Tali's back catalogue of eight albums, and numerous singles, with inflections of Jazz, Soul, and Low Fi, all interwoven with personal stories, giving us a glimpse into the inspiration behind her songs. 

Joining her onstage will be two of her long-time collaborators and band mates, the talented Harry Charles on guitar, and the exceptional Cam Sangster on drums, alongside the brilliant Orlando Cooper on bass guitar for some of the bigger shows.

Catch Tali and her 20 year Anniversary show at one of these towns across Aotearoa this summer, with more to be announced.   

HANNAH VIRK 'UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS'

Hannah Virk is an emerging indie-pop artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. Hannah has recently discovered a passion for writing, recording and producing indie-pop songs which touch on moments in time, thoughts, memories and experiences that have shaped her and which she believes we can all connect with in our own way.

Hannah grew up in the Dunedin musical community, but had never given much thought to experimenting with music herself except for the occasional ukulele song. On her 30th birthday in May 2024 she bought a guitar. Getting the guitar unleashed a creative side to Hannah and she challenged herself to create some of her own songs over Aotearoa music month. She now has a collection of songs which she is excited to share, on her debut album Upstairs/Downstairs. Here are the places that you can find it: https://linktr.ee/hannahvirk 

Hannah will be celebrating her release with performances during the Wellington Fringe Festival in Feb/March 2025 and has more music lined up for release – watch this space!

RDU 98.5FM PRESENTS KICK-ONS

With

KEEPSAKES ◆ JOUSEY ◆ TIKKA ◆ JAGĀ B2B SOCIAL SPORT

SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER, 9 PM–1 AM MILTON STREET SUBSTATION

To celebrate hosting the 2024 Aotearoa Alternative Awards right here in Ōtautahi, RDU 98.5FM is throwing an after-party.

There’s a line-up of thoroughly dance-focused expertise assembled for your after-party pleasure featuring KEEPSAKES, JOUSEY, TIKKA, JAGĀ and SOCIAL SPORT.

Boosted audio, with visual stimulation provided by Offline Collective and bar indulgences thanks to Three Boys Brewery and Main Divide Wines.

All ticket holders get early access to the venue from 6.30 pm to attend the official watch party for the Aotearoa Alternative Awards.

And, once the Awards wrap up... The Kick Ons begin!

LIMITED CAPACITY – only 200 tickets available. EARLY BIRDS ON SALE NOW!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FROM SALTBOX.FLICKET.CO.NZ

Jujulipps presents Good Guys

Fierce  and  boundary-pushing  rapper  Jujulipps  is  back  with  an electrifying  new  single,  ‘Good  Guys,’  out  now!  Closely  following  the  release  of  her  recent  single  ‘GAME  OVER,’  Jujulipps  continues  to  make  waves  in  the  Hiphop  scene  with  bold  lyrics  and  unapologetic  style  and  attitude. 

Produced  by  musical  collaborator  WHO  SHOT  SCOTT,  ‘Good  Guys’  delivers  a  heavy-hitting  bassline  paired  with  infectious  80s-inspired  synths,  setting  the  stage  for  Jujulipps’  assertive  verses.  The  track  speaks  to  her  experiences  as  a  woman  navigating  male-dominated  spaces.  From  working  in  an  all-male  night  shift  environment   to  being  an  artist  in  the  largely  patriarchal  hip-hop  industry,  her  lyrics  are  sharp  and  unflinching,  a  rolling  culturally  charged  narrative. 

Listen to 'Good Guys'

“Being  in  your  20s  ain't  a  joke,  and  when  writing  this  EP  I  was genuinely  going  through  it,”  Jujulipps  opens  up  of  the  song's background.  “Everywhere  I  turned,  people  were  complaining  about their  partners,  it  seems  like  the  men  in  power  don't  think  critically ever,  and  we’re  still  fighting  for  equality.  If  people  take  anything  from this  song,  I  hope  that  it’s  to  never  settle  -   in  life,  in  your  careers,  and  in  your  relationships.”

Contrasting  bratty  rap  verses  with  a  melodic  hook,  Jujulipps  explores singing  for  the  first  time  with  the  chorus’  repeated  self-affirmation, “Where  did  the  good  guys  go?  I  don't  see  them  no  more,  waited  all  my  life,   yeah  I  know  my  worth,  all  my  girls  they  treat  me  like  a goddess,  like  I’m  not  from  earth." 

‘Good  Guys’   is   the   second   single   from   Jujulipps’  forthcoming  sophomore  project,  ‘SUPERSTAR’,  out  later  this  year.  With  an  already  impressive  list  of  accomplishments,  including  sharing  stages  with  international  acts  like  Cakes  Da  Killa  and  Sudan  Archives,  as  well  as  performing  at  major  festivals  such  as  Northern  Bass,  Rhythm  &  Vines,  and  NESTFEST,  Jujulipps  is  only  just  getting  started.

Turkey The Bird Sets Sail on Their "Men, Fish, Boat" Album Tour with a Big Weekend of Shows!

Ahoy, music lovers! Turkey The Bird is thrilled to announce the official launch weekend of their much-anticipated "Men, Fish, Boat" album release tour. After letting the album make waves for a couple of weeks, the folk trio is ready to hit the stage and bring the tunes to life in their signature playful style.

Starting off with a splash, the tour kicks off this Friday 11th October at the Katikati Folk Club. Expect an evening of infectious melodies and feel-good vibes. The journey continues on Saturday 12th October at the Te Pahu Sound Lounge for a cozy night of foot-tapping folk music that'll leave you humming all the way home. Finally, wrap up the weekend on a high note with an intimate house concert in Otorohanga on Sunday 13th October, where stories, songs, and laughter will flow in equal measure.

Each show promises to be filled with the warmth, charm, and sing-along magic that Turkey The Bird fans know and love. With 13 catchy tracks on "Men, Fish, Boat" – including the uplifting anthem "Smashing Through The Fences" – there’s plenty to enjoy. Come join us on this musical adventure!

For tickets and more info, visit: www.turkeythebird.co.nz

New Zealand Artist Triggar Happy Drops Powerful Lead Single ‘Cant Complain’

Stream CANT COMPLAIN

Triggar Happy, known for his raw, authentic sound and evocative lyrics, is set to release his latest single, ‘Cant Complain’ the lead track from his highly anticipated album Talk Is Cheap, scheduled for release October 11. The song takes listeners on a journey through the emotional toil of hard work, low pay, and unyielding perseverance, reflecting the artist's personal battles and the broader human experience of pushing through adversity.

‘Cant Complain’ speaks to the heart of what it means to be resilient in the face of struggle. The lyrics, rooted in themes of labour, survival, and emotional resilience, showcase Triggar Happy's signature storytelling style. With lines like, "Sweat on my brow and I'll do it all again tomorrow" and "No one's listening anyway" the song taps into feelings of frustration, yet is underscored by a quiet strength—an ode to the unspoken struggles many face daily.

This single sets the tone for Talk Is Cheap, an album that promises to dive deep into the realities of life, shedding light on themes of hardship, perseverance, and the internal storms we weather. As Triggar Happy explains, “'Cant Complain' is about the grind we all face, how we keep moving forward, even when no one sees or acknowledges the struggle. It's a reflection of my own journey, but it’s something we can all relate to."

Triggar Happy’s rise in the music scene has been fueled by his ability to connect with listeners through raw and relatable narratives. ‘Cant Complain’ solidifies his reputation as a voice for the everyday person, turning life’s tough moments into a powerful anthem of resilience.

With Talk Is Cheap on the horizon, this single offers a glimpse into an album that promises to resonate deeply with fans, old and new. It's a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are those born from struggle—and that even when it feels like no one's listening, the music speaks volumes.

‘Can't Complain’ will be available on all major streaming platforms starting October 11. Keep an eye out for more updates on Talk Is Cheap, and be sure to follow Triggar Happy on social media for the latest news and exclusive content.

Rise the Wicked Signs Management Deal with Pauline Lewis of Silver Axe

Rise the Wicked, the dynamic five-piece metal and rock band, is excited to announce their signing with Pauline Lewis, the founder of Silver Axe, a newly established artist management company. This partnership heralds an exciting new chapter for the band, building on the momentum of their debut album, *State of Oblivion*.

Since their formation in 2019, Rise the Wicked has captivated rock fans with their high-octane sound, driving rhythms, and powerful lyrics. Their debut single, "Rush," launched them onto the music scene and helped them cultivate a dedicated following, positioning them for even greater recognition.

Pauline Lewis brings extensive commercial and business experience to the partnership, having held senior leadership roles around the globe. After spending the last six years in the United States, she returned to her home country of New Zealand in late 2023, where she is channelling her creative talent and passion for the arts into Silver Axe. Her deep experience, skills and commitment to nurturing talent align seamlessly with Rise the Wicked’s aspirations for growth and innovation. The band is eager to tap into her expertise to broaden their reach and connect with fans globally.

“Signing with Pauline and Silver Axe is a pivotal moment for us,” says guitarist Andrew Stites. “Her impressive track record speaks volumes, and we can’t wait to collaborate on elevating our music and live shows.”

Pauline Lewis shares her excitement: “Rise the Wicked possesses an undeniable energy and talent that will resonate with audiences both locally and internationally. I am thrilled to partner with them and help bring their vision to fruition.”

As Rise the Wicked gears up for their upcoming video release, live performances, and new music, fans can look forward to even more of their powerful shows and compelling storytelling. This partnership is set to enhance the band’s presence in the rock and metal scene, and they are enthusiastic about the future.