ADAM HATTAWAY RELEASES NEW SINGLE 'AIN'T NO SURPRISE' WITH VIDEO GAME
Adam Hattaway has released single 'Ain't No Surprise' with interactive video game / music video today. With rich layers of strings and nostalgic Sega-like midi keyboards, the track is driven by a surge of acoustic guitars in the style of Jeff Lynne.
WATCH HERE | LISTEN HERE
PLAY VIDEO GAME HERE
Adam Hattaway has released single 'Ain't No Surprise' with interactive video game / music video today. With rich layers of strings and nostalgic Sega-like midi keyboards, the track is driven by a surge of acoustic guitars in the style of Jeff Lynne.
Inspired by Hattaway's love for kitschy 90's computer games. A story of someone spending their 20's in a windowless room glued to their computer. The lyrics reflect the turmoil they have been thrown into since that time, experiencing the wide world and the terrifying experiences they've had with love. In keeping with the theme, the music video is a literal video game.
Directed by Finn Johansson, the accompanying video is footage taken from the aforementioned game. A surreal mix of early 90s platforming and cult classic Shadow Of The Colossus. In the game, the player steps into a shrinking robotic sphere in order to cure Adam's hangover - by swinging with a grappling hook deep into Adam's body and shooting the spiders that have infested him in his moment of weakness. This is the second game from Finnsoft, Johansson's video game studio which specialises in 'Music Video Games' for musicians worldwide.
Ain't No Surprise is the third and final single ahead of Adam Hattaway's forthcoming album 'High Horse' produced by Marlon Williams - out November 8th via Leather Jacket Records.
Along with todays single, Hattaway and his band The Haunters have announced supports for their upcoming album release tour across Aotearoa and Victoria including Lorina Harding, Arahi, Mads Harrop, Just Janie & Sig Wilder and AC Saunders.
Tickets at adamhattaway.com
Unwaged and waged tickets available
Indie Artist Rachel Louise enchants with Debut Single ‘Wasted’ - a dreamy soft-pop ballad for anyone feeling behind in life
Fresh onto the scene, Rachel Louise has been writing songs since she was 9 years old and is sending her first one into the world with her debut single ‘Wasted’. Grounded by a lilting, organic piano riff, ‘Wasted’ speaks to the frustration of feeling behind in life.
Fresh onto the scene, Rachel Louise has been writing songs since she was 9 years old and is sending her first one into the world with her debut single ‘Wasted’. Grounded by a lilting, organic piano riff, ‘Wasted’ speaks to the frustration of feeling behind in life.
Produced by and co-written with Joel Jones (Balu Brigada, alayna), and mastered by Chris Chetland, dreamy pop synths and live strings layer to create a nostalgic, whimsical feeling, taking the listener on a journey of coming back to oneself.
Rachel describes the song coming out of a quiet season following burnout, where everything seemed to be happening for everyone else and she was being asked to stand still. ‘I love a bit of irony and it feels significant that the first song I share speaks to the frustration of not being able to do so. Of the realisation that though this current moment is a gift, the journey getting here has been an even greater one.’
‘I’ve had time to hone my voice as a writer, my sound and identity as an artist, not to mention the growth that’s happened on a much deeper level. The waiting hasn’t been for nothing.’
Thinking about the nature of music today, she reflects, ‘the music industry seems to be built on output and content right now, but so much of what goes into making music, or art in general, is unseen. This song dignifies that hidden work. It’s no less important.’
A taste of her work to come, ‘Wasted’ is aching and hopeful, dreamy and honest, ultimately about coming back to life and realising you’re right on time.
Aotearoa triple-threat Sally Stockwell shares poignant and unsettling single + video ‘Far & Wide’
Multi-faceted Ōtautahi-based artist Sally Stockwell has made a charged return to releasing music with today’s new indie-rock single + video ‘Far & Wide’
Listen to ‘Far & Wide’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
Multi-faceted Ōtautahi-based artist Sally Stockwell has made a charged return to releasing music with today’s new indie-rock single + video ‘Far & Wide’
A blend of her seasoned experiences across theatre, songwriting and performance, ‘Far & Wide’ takes listeners on a vivid journey and paints an exciting new era for Sally’s music. The haunting track uses driving guitars, huge dynamic shifts, raw and gritty vocals, and a pulsing rhythm section to accompany Sally’s intimate navigation through a complicated subject matter.
“It’s about needing to escape from the inner turmoil and conflict of being a parent - struggling with the demands of motherhood and escaping to find self-preservation,” says Sally. “So it’s about wanting independence and identity away from my children, but also the guilt and fear of being perceived as abandoning them, and the redemptive power of a child’s love.”
Today’s release is the first since Sally’s 2015 debut album WEIGHTLESS - a tribute to her late brother which saw much aroha from across Aotearoa (RNZ - NZ Live, The Herald, NZ Musician, Elsewhere, Denizen, Sunday). Since then, she’s seen huge success touring the motu with her theatre shows (Splore, Auckland Festival of Arts, The Ōtautahi Tiny Festival, Taranaki Arts Festival) - including ‘We’ve Got So Much To Talk About’ - the show that inspired much of her new music, and features ‘Far & Wide’.
“Far & Wide’ has taken a lot of renditions. In the stage show, it starts out as a lullaby then goes into a full throttle punk song,” says Sally.
Helping translate the theatrical nature of Sally’s performance into today’s electric single, the track was recorded at LAB Studios alongside producer Eden Mulholland (Ngāti Porou), before it was mastered by Chris Chetland at Kog Studios.
More exciting illustration of Sally Stockwell’s vast artistry, a new music video has been released alongside the track! Further solidifying the deeply personal and intimate nature of her storytelling, the video features Sally and her kids, and was directed by good friend Jacqueline Nairn, with additional collaboration from David Paul (DOP).
“I’ve been a mother for the last 10 years, so my music is a reflection of how I’ve navigated that journey - finding my artistic voice and changing identity alongside being a parent,” says Sally. “It’s been a struggle and I think that’s common amongst mothers, so I want my music to reflect that reality.”
Find Sally Stockwell
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp |Linktree
Eve Kelly cruises into spring with warm new single ‘Dreaming’
Aotearoa soul-pop lovers are bound to fall in love with Eve Kelly’s blissful new track ‘Dreaming’ - a love letter to the Bay of Plenty - out today!
Aotearoa soul-pop lovers are bound to fall in love with Eve Kelly’s blissful new track ‘Dreaming’ - a love letter to the Bay of Plenty - out today!
The newly Ōtautahi-based artist hails from Whākatane, and today’s uplifting single is the result of a natural collaboration with Tourism Bay of Plenty - because who better to narrate the beauty of the region than the soulful voice of honey that is Eve Kelly.
“They wanted something to help capture the essence of this dream destination,” explains Eve. “There’s so much natural beauty in the Bay of Plenty, so we really wanted to capture those dreamy, sunshine vibes.”
Eve Kelly has quickly established herself as an exciting Aotearoa talent, known for her sunshine-filled pop hooks with hints of jazz, soul and funk.
Today’s release follows her most recent single ‘Summer Lovin’ (NZOA New Tracks, 13th Floor, JUICE TV), and singles ‘Boy’ (Apple Music New Music Daily, New In Pop (AU/NZ), NZOA NewTracks, The Feed), ‘Mr Big Shot’ (RDU Top 10, SRN, The Project), ‘Dance with Me’ and debut ‘Gotta Let Go’ (2022) - not to mention her classical training and extensive background in musical theatre!
‘Dreaming’ was written alongside regular collaborator and guitarist Jason Herbert, before being recorded at Wyre Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, with some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians Tom Broone (drums), Chip Matthews (bass), and Christian Mausia (trumpet). Another regular collaborator, Christian Tjandrawinata, worked his magic as engineer and producer to bring the lush track to life.
“I wanted to lean into a real ‘kiwi’ vibe with ‘Dreaming’,” says Eve, “and having such incredible NZ musicians play on the track, really gave it that feel.”
A genuine and sweet love letter to her home, and a testament to Eve Kelly’s gift for uplifting songwriting - ‘Dreaming’ is bound for your summer soundtrack!
Find Eve Kelly
Tusekah paints dreamy picture of being in love with new single + video ‘Baby’s Breath’
Tāmaki Makaurau-based RnB star Tusekah has today released her heartfelt, groovy new single ‘Baby’s Breath’ - alongside a stunning new music video!
Listen to ‘Baby’s Breath’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
Tāmaki Makaurau-based RnB star Tusekah has today released her heartfelt, groovy new single ‘Baby’s Breath’ - alongside a stunning new music video!
A fairytale depiction of being in love, ‘Baby’s Breath’ sweeps listeners off their feet with tender and romantic lyrics, soulful vocals and lush instrumentation. “I feel like I don’t actually know that ‘Baby’s Breath’ is realistic,” admits Tusekah. “I wrote it when I felt the most genuinely in love I had been with a person, but I also felt the relationship was coming to an end for many reasons.”
Perfectly capturing the feeling of getting lost between reality and fantasy, the track follows what has already been a whirlwind career for the South Africa-born, Dunedin-raised artist. A delicate mesh of neo-soul, RnB and pop sensibilities, her singles have regularly been playlisted across commercial and student radio in Aotearoa and South Africa, and seen play on Triple J (Aus) and BBC Radio One (UK). She’s a regular in Spotify editorial playlists, and this year, Tusekah headlined her first tour of Aotearoa following the release of her empowering latest single ‘I’ve Changed’, and opened for celebrated US artist PJ Morton!
Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘Baby’s Breath’ was written after Tusekah and producer Ethan Jupe hit it off at a writing night hosted by Parachute Studios. “We arranged a studio session at Parachute for the next day where ‘Baby’s Breath’ was written.” Produced and engineered by Ethan, additional elements were recorded at his studio in Tāmaki Makaurau, before the track was mastered at Downbeat Mastering.
Also released today is a stunning new music video, made alongside director Taylor Nixon, capturing the ‘honeymoon phase’ of a relationship, an “exaggerated, heightened, love-rich version of reality”. Filmed at popular Auckland dining spot Coco’s Cantina, the music video stars Tusekah and Theo Shakes.
“It’s not the full story of a relationship, but I hope people can enjoy the moment in isolation,” says Tusekah. “I hope people use this as their wedding song.”
Today's enthralling release is bound to see love from across Aotearoa and beyond, and Tusekah is not an Aotearoa artist you want to miss!
Find Tusekah
Volt's Highly Anticipated Debut Album Set to Release on October 18th
Featuring some of their earlier singles, including the recently released radio hit "Make Up Your Mind," Volts invite listeners to explore a sonic landscape filled with energetic riffs, emotive melodies, and introspective lyrics.
Volts are thrilled to announce the release of their debut self-titled album, set to hit streaming platforms on October 18th. With a powerful collection of tracks that showcases the band's distinctive sound, this album marks a significant milestone in their musical journey.
Featuring some of their earlier singles, including the recently released radio hit "Make Up Your Mind," Volts invite listeners to explore a sonic landscape filled with energetic riffs, emotive melodies, and introspective lyrics.
In addition to existing fan favourites, the album will also include a selection of brand-new tracks that represent the band’s musical evolution.
"We've poured our hearts and souls into this album, and we can't wait for everyone to hear it," said vocalist, Lorna Coll. "It's a culmination of our experiences, emotions and progression as band. We hope it resonates with people."
To celebrate the album release, Volts will be hosting an exclusive launch party, at A Rolling Stone in Christchurch on Saturday 19th October.
4Sepi 'PTSD'
Coming from a loving, caring, immigrant household with deep values, Kam was given an understanding of how important it is to represent the indigenous culture that he comes from while speaking what he believes. 4Sepi fuses his love of music with activism.
Kam AKA 4Sepi is an up and coming rapper based in Brisbane. He was born to a Persian family but raised in Aotearoa where he grew up in the 90’s heavily influenced by Hip Hop & Rap culture.
Growing up Kam always had a passion for writing music and poetry and used these as tools for self-expression that gave him a way to navigate through life and the challenges that inevitably come. He witnessed his friends dying at a young age, falling victim to their bad choices, and this was a wakeup call for him.
Coming from a loving, caring, immigrant household with deep values, Kam was given an understanding of how important it is to represent the indigenous culture that he comes from while speaking what he believes. 4Sepi fuses his love of music with activism.
In December of 2021, Kam tragically lost his Number #1 fan, his youngest sister, Sepi. She was the youngest of three siblings, Kam was the eldest and someone Sepi looked up to as a role model. They shared an unbreakable bond.
Sepi was a victim of domestic violence, leaving behind a beautiful 5-month-old baby girl.
Sepi is the inspiration behind all of 4Sepi’s music, his first single released earlier this year “I miss You” captured the attention of multi-platinum selling, grammy nominated record producer, Scott Storch, who shared the song on his social media, along with Actor/Singer Rotimi.
His 2nd single “PTSD” is dropping on the 17th October and features New Zealand’s own R&B star Vince Harder on the hook. Again, the song is inspired by Sepi and her story.
A collaborative effort, “PTSD” started with a beat from Egyptian producer Dathunnybeats then lyrics and melody were crafted by 4Sepi, Vince and legendary songwriter Ron La Pread, an original member of The Commodore’s.
Listen to PTSD here.
BETH TORRANCE 'Tiny Flowers'
This deeply personal collection of songs explores the dynamic interplay of heartache and connection to the environment one inhibits, bringing forth a rich tapestry of sound and imagery.
Beth Torrance, the enigmatic and emotive Tāmaki Makaurau based artist, announces her second EP, ‘Tiny Flowers’, set to release Friday, 18th October.
This deeply personal collection of songs explores the dynamic interplay of heartache and connection to the environment one inhibits, bringing forth a rich tapestry of sound and imagery.
‘Tiny Flowers’ is a reflective exploration of Torrance’s teenage years in Thames, a coastal town that serves as the emotional heart of the EP. “The first song I wrote was ‘Danby Field’ in 2021. Its emotional range encapsulates the EP’s essence, from bright catharsis to potent quietude, reflecting the fluctuating nature of heartache.”
The EP is imbued with themes of nostalgia, loneliness, and a profound connection to the whenua and the sea. Torrance describes the process of songwriting as a means to articulate and understand her feelings: “Often, it’s only once I’ve written a song that I’m able to fully express what I’m feeling. The EP explores enduring heartache and the struggle to reconcile reality with desire, particularly when you’re physically present in the place where it all happened.”
The recording process for ‘Tiny Flowers’ was a blend of intimate home recordings and studio sessions at Bigpop Studios, with Jacob Rush engineering the project. Noteworthy collaborations include Los Angeles-based musician Rigby, who contributed dreamy vocals to “Ankle Socks,” and violinist Pearl Hindley, whose contributions added a folky richness to tracks like “Angeline.” Torrance’s innovative approach is also evident in “Oh, Isn’t It So Beautiful, This Life?” – a spoken word piece recorded live to capture its raw, cathartic energy.
The EP offers the focus track, “Ankle Socks”, a standout song that explores themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. The song captures the poignant feelings of revisiting a familiar place or encountering a triggering scent, the story enhanced by its surreal, dreamy music video. Described as sprawling with its evolving structure, “Ankle Socks” was recorded at Bigpop's Drake Street Studios with engineer Jacob Rush and features raw demo vocals preserved by Torrance herself, re-recorded guitar parts, and plucked strings by Pearl Hindley. The music video, filmed at the artist’s home and Muriwai Beach, visually amplifies the song’s expansive and surreal nature, reminiscent of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. The artist hopes the song resonates with listeners, evoking a deep sense of place and memory.