NEW ZEALAND INDIE-ROCK BAND MILD ORANGE ARE BACK, REVEALING NEW LAID-BACK SINGLE: ‘MOOD’
'Mood' is the first release from Mild Orange since the band relocated to London UK two years ago off the back of a mostly sold out world tour and multiple successful album releases. It’s a new bigger and twangier sound from the band, with poetic lyrical approach, and an overall laid back feel.
'Mood' is the first release from Mild Orange since the band relocated to London UK two years ago off the back of a mostly sold out world tour and multiple successful album releases. It’s a new bigger and twangier sound from the band, with poetic lyrical approach, and an overall laid back feel.
Frontman and producer, Josh Mehrtens, wrote ‘Mood’ to reflect his playful inner battle with living in the moment. With a tendency to daydream of “craggy coastlines” in his head in order to escape the real-time pressures of his newfound city life, he ultimately decides that when he does face the moment, it’ll be met with calm, a little dance and in good spirit. The band build on this with a slacker groove to alleviate.
This tongue-in-cheek take on presence (or lack thereof) in ‘Mood’ is reflected in the accompanying music video showing Mehrtens filmed in 30 locations around Greater London, directed by longtime collaborator of the band, Rob Thorogood.
‘Mood’ is sign of more new music to come from MO.
“Mild Orange has mastered the art of making music for the nostalgic”
- BILLBOARD (USA)
“New Zealand’s dreamiest indie-pop band”
- MONSTER CHILDREN (AU/US)
“A gem out of New Zealand... the most beautiful music I’ve heard lately”
- LYRICAL LEMONADE (USA)
“..tongue-in-cheek indie dream-pop”
— RIOT MAGAZINE (UK)
Jason Parker presents Happy Days
Jason Parker, continues his journey to fulfil his 'Popstar Fantasy', with a new autobiographical and bittersweet single, "Happy Days".
Jason Parker, continues his journey to fulfil his 'Popstar Fantasy', with a new autobiographical and bittersweet single, "Happy Days," out now via Bigpop Records. Drawing from personal experiences of love, loss, and hope, Parker offers a nostalgic yet hopeful track that explores the complexities of life while spreading his signature message of positivity.
The inspiration for "Happy Days" is rooted in a deeply personal connection of Parker's. "My youngest brother Jake is the most positive person in the world. He’s always smiling and saying ‘happy days’ when we’re together, and I was really missing him when I wrote this song," Parker reflects.
During a difficult time, juggling life in a new city, a new job, and a new relationship, Parker found solace in his brother’s optimistic demeanour. "His voice gave me hope," he adds.
"Happy Days," is the closing track of Parker’s forthcoming EP, ‘Fairy Bread’, and tells a story of shame, self-reflection, and personal growth. "In the first verse, I describe the shame I felt after messing up a relationship, but my brother’s voice is there, reminding me that happy days are coming," Parker explains. As the song progresses, he explores themes of reconnecting with himself and finding gratitude in the healing process. "By the end of the song, I’m fully convinced ‘Happy Days’ are here to stay."
Creating "Happy Days" was a collaborative journey, with Parker teaming up with Maude Minnie Morris on production. "I came in with a very strong idea of what I thought production should sound like, but by the end of the day, I knew the vibe I initially wanted wasn't right for this track," Parker recalls. He credits Morris for helping bring his ideas to life while being open to reworking the track when needed. "There’s no ego, only ideas and laughter," Parker says of their creative partnership.
The cover art for "Happy Days," photographed by Lane Worrall, ties into the broader visual concept of ‘Fairy Bread’, each song representing a colour of hundreds and thousands. "We liked the contrast of blue, a typically unhappy colour, with the title ‘Happy Days’," Parker shares.
Parker hopes listeners find a sense of hope in this song, especially through the difficult times. "A lot of people are struggling right now, and maybe this song will remind them that happy days are coming. We could all use a little of my brother’s positive voice in our heads."
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.