Aotearoa’s BORDERLINE release fresh new single ‘HEARTBEAT’

Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)-based indie pop group Borderline have been generating significant momentum in Aotearoa/NZ in recent years. Their blend of tight indie arrangements, coupled with natural confidence and charm as stage performers have firmly positioned them on the Aotearoa/NZ radar as ones to watch.

With the release of their new single, ‘Heartbeat’, the four-piece have kicked things up another notch in offering new and longtime fans alike an indication of exciting things to come.

The band, comprising Ben Glanfield (vocals, guitar), Matthew McFadden (guitar), Jackson Boswell (drums, vocals) and Max Harries (bass), have known each other since childhood. Together, they have grown a natural chemistry as friends and now, musicians. As a band, Borderline’s debut EP Perfect Movie Scene introduced a band with a clear vision, and music to match their bright and vibrant energy.

‘Heartbeat’ continues to fuel this connection and journey. Recorded at the iconic Roundhead Studios with producer Joel Jones (Will Swinton, alayna), Borderline also worked with the talented Nic Manders (Georgia Lines, Six60) and Vivek Gabriel (The Paper Kites, Mice on Stilts) on mixing and mastering.

Of the song, Borderline explains that ‘Heartbeat’ is the start of a new era for the band.

“We’re starting to focus more on what the song makes you feel and that was really exciting to explore in the studio. We put real emotion into the songwriting and sound choices, and it really captures the essence of not only who we are as a band, but as people too. That’s something others will be able to resonate with.”

BORDERLINE

Accompanying the release of ‘Heartbeat’, Borderline have shared the single’s music video, directed by collaborator Tom Grut (Jujulipps, Foley). Rich in colour and warmth, the video captures the essence of the band with ease.

The nostalgic energy matches some of the messaging of the song itself with the band commenting, “Lyrically, ‘Heartbeat’ was inspired by the portrayal of high school proms/balls in nostalgic movies and series. We tried our best to capture the high energy and good feelings you get from those moments on screen.” BORDERLINE

WATCH ‘HEARTBEAT’ MUSIC VIDEO

As a live band, Borderline have been racking up impressive support slots in Aotearoa, performing alongside artists including Drax Project, ZED and Teenage Dads. To support the release of ‘Heartbeat’, the band will be bringing their fun live show to Australia performing three shows in New South Wales this October, including a single launch party alongside friends FOLEY and YAHYAH.

BORDERLINE LIVE SHOWS

‘Heartbeat’ Release Party

Friday October 25th The Loft on Broadway SYDNEY

w/ special guests FOLEY & YAHYAH  TICKETS

Saturday 26 October Shark Bar MANLY RSVP

Sunday 27 October The North Gong WOLLONGONG RSVP

Friday 1 November, U18 Warehouse Party, Auckland  TICKETS

PRAISE

“...catchy tunes, with pop-oriented tracks occasionally taking a rockier or funkier turn, as clear influences The 1975 are prone to doing. Think bright guitars and synth lines, swirling chorus hooks…”

ROLLING STONE AU/NZ

“Their genre bending melodies are not only unique but incredibly catchy…”

RED RAVEN NEWS (NZ)

“..they have managed to bring together elements of the classic Dunedin sound with 80’s UK indie bands such as Pulp and Suede to create something which has some nice guitars yet also contains plenty of pop melodies.”

MUZIC.NET.NZ (NZ)

‘HEARTBEAT’ is out Friday 25 October.

BORDERLINE: Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

TSENATE ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE ‘ WORST THING I COULD DO’

New Zealand R&B songbird TSENATE embarks on her journey in Melbourn and unveiled her latest single “worst thing i could do” produced by Christian Tjandrawinata.

“worst thing i could do” is one of TSENATE’s most lyrically complex tracks, drawing inspiration from artists like  Faye Webster , Clairo, and boygenuis. This track reflects the indie musicians TSENATE is drawn to and highlights her exploration beyond her familiar R&B and Neo-Soul sound. 

Listen to ‘worst thing i could do’ here

While she has thoroughly enjoyed these genres, she sought to venture into and experiment with a variety of different sounds, adding a fresh dimension to her music. “I think it’s super important for me to play around with different vocal and production styles,” she explains. “Especially so early into my career, I think it’s good to explore different avenues and see what best suits me and my overall vision.”

‘worst thing i could do’  displays the ways in which TSENATE struggles to move on from things of the past. “I used to seriously think that falling in love was a waste of energy or time if it didn’t ‘last’ or if it wasn’t a ‘forever’ thing,” she reflects. “I’ve grown to understand that there’s something super beautiful about appreciating a period of time with someone and, regardless of whether it ends up working out or not, that it was something I was meant to experience.” 

This track perfectly tells how two seemingly conflicting emotions can coexist, revealing the complexity of her journey through love and healing.

With new music on the horizon and more tunes coming soon..

Mac Summer Unleashes Hypnotic New Single 'Revitalise'

New Zealand Producer Rises to the Challenge of Electronic Music Evolution with a Novel Liquid Drum & Bass Release

Get ready for an explosion of musical ecstasy as Mac Summer, one of New Zealand’s finest producers, unveils his latest single, “Revitalise.” Known for his diverse discography—from upbeat garage dance tracks to mellow tunes—Mac Summer takes Liquid Drum & Bass to new heights with “Revitalise,” a track that masterfully blends unexpected electronic textures and otherworldly vocals into an experience that is bound to hypnotise listeners.

“Revitalise” stands as Mac Summer’s most complex and captivating piece to date, solidifying his position in the global electronic music scene. The track unfolds with a hypnotic blend of electronic sounds, gradually transforming into an ethereal journey that transports listeners to a euphoric realm. Plush basslines merge seamlessly with intricate percussion and poignant vocals, creating a perfect juxtaposition between introspection and exhilaration—embodying the essence of transformation through music.

As the track builds towards its climax, it bursts into a radiant fusion of shimmering synths and vibrant harmonies, delivering a transformative sonic experience that resonates deeply with the soul. “Revitalise” is a musical treasure that transcends borders, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of revival and connection.

Prepare to be spellbound by the essence of “Revitalise.” This sonic masterpiece is set to uplift and inspire music lovers across the globe.

“Revitalise” will be available on all major streaming platforms from 18 October.

Black Comet ‘Episode 1: Looking For A New Planet’

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...Black Comet came together with a shared mission. The mission of bringing back the funk.

Featuring previously released singles ‘Ooh Yeah Baby’, “Sleep’ and ‘R.C’, ‘Episode 1: Looking For A New Planet’ showcases their craft of writing and playing music from a live perspective, with going on a journey, not just songs to fit the radio criteria. They have had the freedom to follow the story through experiences and experimentation sonically.

Bringing back jams and musicianship, Black Comet are celebrating the release of their debut album with an album release party on the same day at Totara Street in Mount Maunganui.

Supporting the album is the single of the same name ‘Looking For A New Planet’, a tale of finding a new home, a fresh start. Frontman Laughton Kora explains ”The home we live on at the moment, being Earth…sucks ass! It’s full of war, racism, money, vanity and the cause of this hate is made from humans. They’re the only thing wrong with this world. I want to find a new planet where nature comes first”.

With recently completing a Winter Tour and headlining at Nuit Blanche Street Festival in Napier, the band has a very exciting Summer ahead with WOMAD 2025 announced this week and more announcements coming soon…

InDuna Releases New Single "Runaway"

Hailing from South Africa and based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, producer and Afro-pop sensation InDuna returns with his electrifying new single, "Runaway," available worldwide.

STREAM/LISTEN TO "RUNAWAY"

"Runaway" is an exhilarating Afro-Pop track that blends infectious rhythms with sleek modern electronic production. The song was inspired by a spontaneous moment in the kitchen while cooking with friends—a fitting origin for a track that celebrates freedom, joy, and the thrill of living in the moment. The high-energy anthem invites listeners to break away from the daily grind and embrace life's wild and unrestrained moments.  

Reflecting on the track, InDuna says, "The genesis of 'Runaway' came to life in a kitchen while cooking with friends. That spontaneous moment sparked creativity, leading me to lay down the first notes that would grow into this anthem of joy and connection.”  

After building the demo in his living room, InDuna took "Runaway" to Big Pop Studios, collaborating with Jpec and Maude to refine the sound and bring the track to its final form. With its pulsating Afro-dance beats and vibrant production, "Runaway" is set to captivate global audiences.

InDuna is an Afro-Kiwi artist whose unique blend of Afro-Dance-Pop draws on his South African heritage and global musical influences. Growing up immersed in the dynamic sounds of Kwaito and influenced by global pop from the UK and USA, InDuna weaves these elements together to create a rich and uplifting sound. His music celebrates cultural diversity, youth, and adventure, all while spreading positivity and inspiration.

InDuna's rise has been marked by impressive accolades, including receiving The Prince's Trust Global Young Achiever Award in 2024. His previous single, Dreams, charted at No. 6 on the New Zealand national music charts, and his growing discography has garnered thousands of streams on platforms like Spotify. 

"Runaway" is more than just a song; it's an invitation to escape the mundane and embrace life's spontaneous adventures. InDuna's distinctive Afro-Pop sound, paired with his powerful message of freedom and joy, makes "Runaway" an anthem for those yearning for more from life. Get ready to lose yourself in the pulsating beats and vibrant energy of "Runaway."

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TESS LIAUTAUD RELEASES NEW ALBUM BLUE MIND + MUSIC VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK

LISTEN HERE | WATCH HERE

Among the folk singers and the rock'n'rollers on the east side of Ōtautahi, a small corner of nowhere that feels like everywhere, comes Tess Liautaud's sophomore album 'Blue Mind'. 

Sharing the stage with collaborator Adam Hattaway, Lyttelton legends The Eastern and even Bruce Springsteen, Liautaud has made her mark during her short time in Aotearoa. A reflection of that time, the ten track, folk-rock long player sings of bruised hearts, burdensome bonds, self care and personal growth. The songs are intense but easy, in that Jackson Browne, dreaming of Laurel Canyon, Americana sort of way.
 

The album will have it’s awaited celebratory launch in Ōtautahi with her musical companions at Space Academy on the 26th October, with support from Emily Fairlight.

Title track, 'Blue Mind' is a soulful anthem that serves as a heartfelt reminder to pause amidst life’s hustle & bustle. Tess says "it encourages listeners to prioritise their mental health & find joy in everyday moments, inviting them to embrace tranquillity & self-care.''

Paired with a music video by Max Liautaud and Caleb McDonald filmed in the southern high country. We follow Tess solo trekking through the untamed surroundings of Arthur’s Pass, dense bush, torrid rivers and cascading waterfalls to find her blue mind.

"Tess Liautaud found her people in Ōtautahi, she nestled in and quickly became a part of the region's wider story of folk'n'country rock'n'roll. Her new album Blue Mind, is an assured work of rootsy Canterburycana (a genre title we're workshopping... Featuring familiar Christchurch cohorts like Adam Hattaway, Elmore Jones, and Jessie Shanks, the shining star here is Tess Liautaud's warm and heartful voice, riding high over her fantastic new set of songs". - Flying Out

She by Avya

She is the second instalment and the title track of Avya's upcoming 3-track EP.

A thoughtfully crafted yet quietly powerful song, She is an ode to breaking a cycle of generational hurt.

This emotive track depicts two sides of a coin - how you were treated and, as a result, how you will treat her.

In defiance of how many generations have justified bad behaviour by saying, "This is just how I was raised" and "This is all I know," She is a song about recognising that behaviour and actively choosing to do differently.

Though the Colleen Hoover novel didn't inspire the song, coincidentally, She feels like the song embodiment of the 2024 film 'It Ends With Us'.

The opening line of the chorus, "She will never feel this way," represents a mother actively deciding to give her daughter a life in which she won't need to experience the same pain as her. 

Sitting at the intersection of soft country and folk-pop, She was sonically inspired by the likes of Laci Kaye Booth, Kacey Musgraves and Matt Corby and was produced by LA-based co-writer Joel Jones. 

She will released to all streaming services on 25 October. Pre-save She, here.

You can catch Avya performing at Festival One at Hartford Farm in January 2025

"Kahurangi: Little Treasures", Loopy Tunes album for kids!

Children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, are excited that their latest album, "Kahurangi: Little Treasures", is now released and being enjoyed by so many whānau, already, around the motu!  

The sisters are known for their bilingual Māori and Pasifika children’s music, and with the support of NZ On Air Music, they have created a 23-song assortment of gorgeous wee songs that tamariki will love jamming along to! This fourth addition to their 'Rainbow Collection' of children's music albums (the Kahurangi album), not only means blue in te reo Māori, it can also mean something precious or treasured, giving the album title a beautiful double-meaning.

The album begins with a welcome song, "Nau Mai, Haramai", and then gets tamariki up and moving with a Tongan action song "Lele Means Run". The kids will then get to be a "Little Taniwha", before "Uenuku" teaches them their colours in Māori. They will get to listen out for different transport sounds, in "He Aha Te Tangi?" (what’s that sound?), they will learn how to say ‘I Love You’ in the bilingual Māori, "Ka Nui Taku Aroha Mou", before finishing off with a relaxing breathing song, "Hā Ki Roto", then a bilingual Māori lullaby to end, "Taku Kuru Pounamu". 

There are so many gorgeous wee songs that tamariki and the whole whānau will enjoy singing along to. The album also features two shaker songs, a couple of peek-a-boo songs (one that is offered in three languages), a Māori movement song and a bilingual Tongan animal song. Check out two of their new waiata, featured in their new YouTube series, "Music Time with Loopy Tunes". New episodes will be offered every two weeks - click on the link to head to their channel to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!

Find them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Digital music platforms: Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more!