Claudia Robin Gunn - Introducing ‘Josephine’ the train that comes and goes

Everyone knows Dolly Parton’s famous Jolene, but maybe not so many folks around the world have got to meet Dunedin’s railway queen ‘Josephine’ - the double Fairlie engine at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. She’s the train that comes and goes! Introducing a sparkly new slice of country folk perfect for little train enthusiasts and any kid who loves a good yarn - just released Monday October 28th on Little Wild Music

Working together, Claudia and Em and Me are so excited to bring an old true story of New Zealand’s railway history to life for a new generation of children. 

A few years back Claudia Robin Gunn started writing a song for Josephine the train, then at this year’s New Zealand Children’s Music Awards Claudia connected with Amanda and Emery from Em and Me about the song ~ and they decided the only thing to do was to finish writing and record it together.

"Josephine is a Dunedin icon. One that we have been going to visit since Em was a baby. We are so excited to share Josephine's story in a song" (Amanda Goodwin – Em and Me)

Amanda produced this track, recording Emery’s vocals over the school holidays, with guitars by Bevan Gardiner and drums by Joe Smithies. Additional mixing and mastering is by Marshall Smith. 

Em and Me performed the song at Josephine’s birthday party at Toitū Otago Settler’s Museum this week on Monday October 28th.

BIO

Claudia Robin Gunn - 2024 Aotearoa Music Award winner (Best Children’s Music Artist), 2 x APRA Children’s Song of the Year, currently working on her 8th album for kids

https://claudiarobingunn.com

Em and Me Music - Mother and daughter duo creating fun and effervescent slices of country pop and disco for a new generation, based in Dunedin.

https://youtube.com/@emandmemusic?si=WzfjSSA_IEuOPjw-

FLAXXIES DELIVER DYNAMIC NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘HEART OF FIRE’ ANNOUNCE FIRST ROUND OF SUMMER FESTIVAL SHOWS!

Fun-loving surf-rock-reggae musical adventurers FLAXXIES drop a cracking psych-rock radio-friendly tune with their latest single ‘Heart Of Fire”.

STREAM ‘HEART OF FIRE’ HERE

Falling hot on the heels of their most recent stand-alone single and yet another Flaxxies instant Hot 20 NZ Single Chart entry ‘Blister’, ‘Heart Of Fire’ is receiving a hugely positive response from radio ears around the country for this, their feel good hit of the summer.

Recorded at The Lab Studios with help from their friends Oliver Harmer and Ryan Cruickshank, ‘Heart Of Fire’ is also produced by Tiki Taane and accompanied by a performance video filmed and edited by Jade Johnson.

An energetic fusion of Surf-Blues Rock and Reggae, with ‘Heart Of Fire’ the old high school mates Eric Goodger (lead guitar), Nick Tait (rhythm guitar), Chris Manning (bass/trumpet), Benji Humphries (lead singer) and Neo Lee (drums), resurrected a track that was written a little while ago with just an acoustic and a vocal on a summery day in Mangawhai.

Fast forward a couple of years and ‘Heart Of Fire’ was brought back into the conversation sparking the band to take it back to the drawing board to breathe new life into it. Now they are thrilled to emerge from the studio with a revived tracking bursting with a fresh, energetic feel and vibrancy.

A real vibe of a track with a groove to match, ‘Heart Of Fire delves into keeping your focus and drive to manifest your desires with fortitude, grit and determination.

Says Flaxxies: “We decided to re-craft this song and try to bring some new energy. This song discusses the feeling of yearning for something or someone, and dealing with the fact that there are always going to be obstacles getting in the way. It takes discipline, patience and the ferocity of a lion to truly capture what one desires.”

WATCH ‘HEART OF FIRE’ HERE

2023 was a busy year for the Flaxxies, dropping single ‘Liquid Gold’ and releasing their acclaimed ep SUNSTRUCK which featured singles ‘Snapped Up By The Boss’, ‘Time To Go’, and ‘Cast Me Away’ – all of which received widespread radio airplay and coveted spots on the Hot 20 NZ Single Chart.

Fast becoming one of Aotearoa’s most in-demand young live bands, anyone who has seen them live knows that the energy they bring to a show makes Flaxxies a must-see act. Now plans for summer festy shows are starting to fall into place, with Flaxxies set to hit the hot holiday spots playing festivals in Taupō, Coroglen, and Matarangi at the end of the year and heading into 2025!

Currently enjoying a reputation for always bringing their infectious fun-filled energy to every show, Flaxxies are fast accumulating a solid live following wherever they perform, so round up the wider whānau and snap up your tickets to see them live now. Go to www.flaxxies.net to check for any new shows added and for all the details.

SEE FLAXXIES LIVE THIS SUMMER!

FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER               LE CURRENTS 2024                     TAUPŌ

MONDAY 30 DECEMBER            SUBLIME WITH ROME                 COROGLEN

SATURDAY 4 JANUARY              CORO CLASSIC 2025                          MATARANGI

For more information and tickets, go to: https://linktr.ee/flaxxiesband

MCBOYLE DELIVERS HOT HALLOWEEN SINGLE

People kept saying to me “Why dont you write a Halloween Song Captain” so thought ok, I blimmin’ well will then. 

Now I aint writing the usual muck about Zombies, Vampires, Ghosts and Ghouls. I aint singing about Horror, Knives, Axes and all that Blood Stuff – Nah - its just not me!

I’m gonna tell you about an actual ‘true life’ story. 

Now I spends a lot of my time travellin’ around the world with my crew in The BlackBlister (me boat) and I meet all sorts of different kinds of people on my travels. I’m never one to judge, I always accept people for who and what they are and I like to celebrate difference and diversity – In a nutshell - each to their own.

A few months back we met a lovely tribe on a rather distant Island. They welcomed us ashore, covered us in oils (Canola I believe), gave us a lovely massage and then put us into a large tub of warm water (Cooking Pot) 

After months at sea, we were only too happy to be, spoilt with an exotic bath. Next minute we’re floating with cabbages and enjoying what I thought was some kind of local skin moisturizing treatment. 

I was wrong - Turns out the evening meal we were being ‘prepared’ for was infact me and the Wife (Miss Lucy Drawers). 

Now I’ve always been one who posseses the ‘Gift of the Gab’ so to speak and before long I managed to talk me way out of it quite nicely by convincing ‘em to try my old Mums special Vegetable Goulash recipe.

Well what do you know – next minute, ‘Bobs your Uncle’ we’re both presented with a nice clean towel and a comfy pair of slippers, welcomed into two plush armchairs as the local ‘cover band’ starts to play the Beatles – Brilliant it was - I like the Beatles!

Well it must have been the ultimate ‘Boyle up’ because ever since that hearty broth was consumed, they’ve completely changed their ways.

Now Full vegetarian and off the meat for life – Job done!

PS – my skins never looked so good – Turns out ya just cant beat a good cabbage facial – I suggest you try it!

Enjoy the song and try to keep out of trouble – thats my job!

Over ‘n’ Out!

PRESAVE LINK -   https://music.drm.co.nz/beu-tcs

Winners of “DigThe Gig” 2024 - Th’ Goodside (aka Bliss) release “If Only” ahead of NZ Tour

Th’ Goodside (formerly known as Bliss) win the first nationwide DIG THE GIG competition that will see them being flown to L.A to play the prestigious ‘Whiskey A Go Go’.

Ahead of their first NZ Tour - Th’ Goodside release Scott Seabright produced, new indie rock track  “If Only” from the forthcoming EP “Close To Home”

Pre Save “If Only” Here 

Originating from the picturesque beach town of Orewa on the Hibiscus Coast of Aotearoa/NZ, Th’ Goodside (formerly known as Bliss) has quickly emerged as a vibrant force in the alternative and indie rock scenes. Formed in 2019, the band comprises five talented musicians, Harry (vocals), Ollie (lead guitar), Grant (guitar), Evan (bass), and Visko (drums), who bring a wealth of experience and creativity to their sound. Their name pays homage to the “good side” of vinyl records, reflecting their ethos of positivity and excellence in music. 

Since their forming in 2019 the band released their first single ‘Hideaway’ in November 2023 which gathered airplay on Hauraki, More FM, and The Edge, with Spotify gaining a total 90,000 streams.

Also playing with acts like: The Feelers, Jordan Luck, Dolphin Friendly, Hello Sailor, The Butlers, Flaxxies, Great Gable, South Summit, and many more. Recently winning the first nation wide DIG THE GIG competition that will see them being flown to L.A to play the prestigious ‘whiskey a go go’ Th’ Goodside are going from strength to strength .

Get “Close to Home” with  Th’ Goodside

Oct 19 Christchurch DTG Dux Central

Nov 15 Raglan The Yard 

Nov 16 Tauranga Palace 

Nov 22 Whangarei Butter Factory 

Nov 30 Whangaparaora Paroa Brew Co

Dec 13 Auckland Galatos

Dec 14 Orewa Drifters  - Unplugged!

Sponsored by Underground Skate

Tickets at www.Undertheradar.co.nz & Galatos  

Find the Goodside 

Spotify | Apple Music | You Tube | Instagram | Facebook 

The Black Seeds celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album ON THE SUN with limited edition vinyl

The double-LP vinyl release and digital re-release includes bonus tracks ‘Rogan Josh’ and ‘Koia Ko Koe’ - the reo Māori version of the band’s hit song ‘So True’

The Black Seeds are thrilled to announce that their classic album ON THE SUN will be available on vinyl for the first time ever, with a limited drop on November 29. 

Pre-order the vinyl HERE  

The upcoming vinyl release and digital re-release marks the 20th anniversary of ON THE SUN and to celebrate the occasion, the band have revealed an unreleased track from the album, ‘Rogan Josh’, which is included on the vinyl and streaming platforms. 

Listen HERE

The uptight funk cracker ‘Rogan Josh’ was left off the original record but went on to become a firm favourite to play live in the mid 2000’s. 

ON THE SUN took Aotearoa’s unique style of roots, reggae, funk n’ soul to the world and put Wellington firmly on the map, while firming up The Black Seeds’ reputation as one of the country’s most celebrated bands. 
 
The iconic record was originally released in 2004, when a wave of Wellington culture was sweeping across the entertainment world. Elements of funk and soul were infused into The Black Seeds’ established roots-reggae sound and embodied the capital’s cultural golden weather. Going on to reach triple-platinum status, ON THE SUN fired off three memorable singles, which include the band’s biggest hit to date, the quadruple-platinum ‘So True’.
 
The accompanying video shot by Gareth Moon captures slices of the ubiquitous New Zealand summer as the trio of Barnaby Weir, Dan Weetman and Bret McKenzie cruise sun-drenched spots in a classic Holden wagon.
 
“In terms of memorable music videos, in the land of actual music TV in New Zealand back in 2004, the ‘So True’ video was beautifully filmed by Nektar Films in the Coromandel and really captured a wonderful celebration of that kiwi summer road trip we all long for. It suits the song beautifully and has become a treasured production and vibe for the band over the years,” says Barnaby. 
 
The Black Seeds also explored their love of funk music on ON THE SUN, with songs like ‘Fire’, ‘You Get Me’ and ‘Bring You Up’. This was combined with some tough and tight reggae/dub expressions like ’Turn It Around’, ‘Tuk Tuk’ and ’Shazzy Dub’. They then added the sweet soul and lovers style reggae rhythms of ’So True’ and ‘Lets Get Down’. Meanwhile, songs like ’Sort It Out’, ‘On The Sun’ and ‘Senegal Champions Of Africa’ brought quirky character to the record and were heavy on the horn section. 
 
“We had a lot of fun making ON THE SUN with Dr Lee Prebble at the original Surgery Studios in Newtown,” says Barnaby. “We were young and energised and you can hear that in some of the tempos. With the release of ON THE SUN, it really felt like The Black Seeds had arrived.”
 
Original bass player, Shannon Williams, adds that he’s “super excited for fans to hear the recorded version of ‘Rogan Josh’. “It started from a disco-ish bass line I had, then everyone added their parts and it became a favourite live tune that we would sometimes jam for 8-9 minutes. 
 
“It was left off the original album, not because it lacked in quality, but because we already had two instrumentals. I was a bit gutted at the time but stored it away on a hard drive for later. My favourite parts of the tune would have to be Mike Fab/Lord Echo’s alter ego Mark Dangerous and his funky/nasty guitar solo (played through a dying Wah pedal in one take), and of course, Chris O’Connor and Dan going hard on the percussion is nice!”

All 11 original songs on ON THE SUN have been carefully remastered for this format by Mike Gibson, from the original masters by Don Bartley at 301 Sydney way back in 2004, and it comes on two 180gm black vinyl with printed inner sleeves. 
 
The Black Seeds have also included ‘Koia Ko Koe’ -  their 2023 Waiata Anthems te reo Māori version of ‘So True’ - as a bonus track on the album. 
 
“For those of you buying the album again, tēnā koe!” says the band. “And for the new listeners, nau mai haere mai ki ngā waiata.”

Triggar Happy Releases Powerful Debut Single ‘One of a Kind’ From Forthcoming Album Talk Is Cheap

Stream ‘One Of A Kind’

Emerging artist Triggar Happy brings his unfiltered, raw storytelling to the forefront with his new single ‘One of a Kind’, set to release this Friday. 

This debut track paves the way for his upcoming album, Talk Is Cheap blending gritty lyrics with a compelling rhythm that speaks to resilience, identity, and the relentless drive to succeed against all odds.

‘One of A Kind’ is a gripping anthem that captures the struggle of staying grounded while facing life’s flips of fate. The song’s lyrics delve into the artist’s personal journey—he’s “on the edge” flipping coins between choices, and embracing the fact that regardless of which way life turns, he’s bound to remain true to himself. Triggar Happy’s rough-edged delivery is elevated by introspective lines like “Somebody told me that I’m one of a kind / I’m either or, or I’m either one / It never lands on the middle son” encapsulating the struggle of defining oneself in an unpredictable world.

With influences of hip hop, rock and country Triggar Happy brings a refreshingly authentic sound to the music scene. His voice, laced with grit and heart, mirrors the raw intensity of artists who wear their stories on their sleeves. The chorus reverberates with an unapologetic tone, blending powerful verses with a haunting refrain that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the highs and lows of fighting for their dreams.

“I had to lose so that I could win / And I lost it all, now I’m back again” Triggar Happy sings with fierce conviction, illustrating a theme of redemption that is sure to strike a chord with listeners from all walks of life. His style is both relatable and rebellious, capturing the essence of a comeback story in every word.

‘One of A Kind’ is only the beginning. Triggar Happy’s debut album, Talk Is Cheap promises to further explore the tension between vulnerability and strength, offering a deep dive into themes of survival, sacrifice and standing tall in the face of adversity. With ‘One of a Kind’ as the lead single, audiences can expect an album that doesn’t just tell a story—it lives and breathes it.

Catch ‘One of a Kind’ on all major streaming platforms this Friday, November 1 and experience the debut of a voice that's here to stay. 

Join Triggar Happy’s journey as he continues to break boundaries with Talk Is Cheap coming soon!

Connect with Triggar Happy

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

REB FOUNTAIN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM HOW LOVE BENDS

ANNOUNCES 11 DATE NATIONAL TOUR
+ NEW SINGLE ‘FOREVER’ OUT NOW

Reb Fountain returns with her new album, How Love Bends out March 7, 2025, continuing her reign as one of Aotearoa’s most captivating and genre-defying musicians.

PRE-SAVE THE ALBUM /  LISTEN TO ‘FOREVER’.

HOW LOVE BENDS

Produced by Dave Khan and Simon Gooding, How Love Bends showcases Reb’s poetic depth and her signature sound. Alongside her longtime band members Dave Khan (guitar/keys), Karin Canzek (bass), and Earl Robertson (drums)  they’ve crafted an album that dives into the transformative nature of love in all its forms—its tenderness, its power, its chaos.

Building on the success of IRIS (2021) and her Taite Music Prize winning Flying Nun debut Reb Fountain, How Love Bends is a haunting and magnetic offering; a dynamic dreamscape that traverses love’s endless complexities. Reb’s medium is that of a surrealist, playing with the stories that we tell ourselves, she harnesses the sage wisdom of the dream; we embark upon a limitless exploration of love, life and loss within a landscape entirely of Reb’s making. Reb’s love is the stuff of chaos and oceans, vulnerability and revolution; stirring up the depths of the human condition and dancing with the richness of who we really are.

"Reb Fountain and the team have produced another beautifully understated gem of an album with, How Love Bends. I love the exploration of new and unusual analog tones and sounds, all wrapped up in the usual excellent songs. At Flying Nun, we are all super proud and stoked to be teaming up with Reb for this new album”  - Ben Howe, Flying Nun

Unapologetic, vulnerable, heartbroken and commanding; this is How Love Bends. 

Contrasting the downbeat swagger of How Love Bends’ lead single Come Down, out today is Reb’s stunning new single Forever; an alt-pop mantra for the ages. “Forever was born of a dream; I woke up in the night with a melody, scraps of lyrics, the chorus, and a basic outline. That day Dave Khan and I built the song from this vision. I wanted the atmosphere of the song to harness the sage wisdom of the dream, to feel like a surreal exploration into the known, unseen, and mystical. It was also a chance to express the plight of the subconscious, wrestling with and coming to terms with one’s self—myself. I look forward to the next incarnation—putting this dreamwork into practice live on stage!”

 How Love Bends is 11 tracks of mystical triumph. A reverent explorer Reb traverses the turbulent and tidal with heartbreaking vulnerability and blazen courage. This is Reb’s finest work to date - we can’t wait! 

  WATCH: FOREVER BY REB FOUNTAIN

HOW LOVE BENDS ALBUM RELEASE TOUR

To celebrate How Love Bends release, Reb Fountain and her full band are embarking on a nationwide tour throughout April and May 2025. Known for her spellbinding performances and ability to weave introspective narratives through her music, fans across the country will have the opportunity to witness the magic that is Reb Fountain live. Those that have experienced Reb full flight live know how compelling she is on stage, these shows are not to be missed.

Beginning at Totara Street in Tauranga on Thursday 10 April, the tour heads to Gisborne, Napier, Hamilton, and Leigh before crossing to Te Waipounamu where they will play Oamaru, Dunedin, Queenstown and Christchurch before Wellington and the final show taking place at The Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 3 May.

Tickets for all dates go on sale Wednesday 30 October at midday from rebfountain.co.nz. How Love Bends is available to pre order now on vinyl and CD.

REB FOUNTAIN - How Love Bends Album Release Tour

With special guest Pete Moriarity
April-May 2025
Tickets on sale Wed 30 October 12pm at rebfountain.co.nz

THU 10 APR
Totara Street | Tauranga
flicket.co.nz

FRI 11 APR
Dome Cinema | Gisborne
moshtix.co.nz

SAT 12 APR
MTG Century Theatre | Napier
moshtix.co.nz

THU 17 APR
Last Place | Hamilton
moshtix.co.nz

SAT 19 APR
Leigh Sawmill | Leigh
moshtix.co.nz

FRI 25 APR
Grainstore Gallery | Oamaru
moshtix.co.nz

SAT 26 APR
Errick’s | Dunedin
moshtix.co.nz

SUN 27 APR
Sherwood | Queenstown
moshtix.co.nz

THU 1 MAY
The Church | Christchurch
flicket.co.nz

FRI 2 MAY
Opera House | Wellington
ticketmaster.co.nz

SAT 3 MAY
Town Hall | Auckland
ticketmaster.co.nz

Danica Bryant returns with gritty new rock-pop single ‘Acid’

Following the success of two EPs, multiple charting singles, a headline tour, Boosted campaign and opening slots for Robbie Williams and Elton John, Aotearoa rising star Danica Bryant has today released her new pop-rock hit, ‘Acid’!

An exciting, gritty and high-energy track, ‘Acid’ is laced with a chunky bassline, driving guitars and powerhouse vocals reminiscent of the artist’s experiences headbanging at high school rock band gigs in the Hawkes Bay. “I wanted to create a vibe as fierce as theirs - but still performable solo, which is a tough line to walk!” 

Lyrically, ‘Acid’ is all about queer sexuality. Think bubblegum pop-princess meets sexy vampiress and they make a 2000s pop-rock banger. “LGBT+ relationships are so frequently softened to cutesy romances to make them more palatable to straight audiences,” says Danica, “but this can make it hard for us to accept the parts of ourselves that also crave sexual connection and intimacy. I wanted to make a song that celebrates those wild feelings, and hope [the young queer community] take a sense of joy and possibility from the song, realizing they too can have all of the intense, fun experiences the rest of the world is granted.”

Recorded at producer Jonny Avery’s studio, with support from her band, Dancia says ‘Acid’ is definitely an indication of more music to come, so now is definitely the time to tune in and stay tuned!

More about Danica Bryant  

“Deliciously sweet yet shockingly bitter” (Under The Radar), Danica Bryant is no ordinary songwriter. A pop-folk musician with a gritty rock edge, her songs sink their teeth into intense topics from celebrity culture and mental health, to gender dynamics and body possession. “All hard guitar and pain-filled howl” (The Hook NZ), this woman bites back. Danica’s career boasts national accolades from Smokefree Rockquest and Play It Strange, mentorship with Kiwi legend Bic Runga, and support slots for Elton John, Robbie Williams and Foreigner. Her 2020 debut EP CIDER landed her a placement in APRA’s prestigious Songhubs course, whilst follow-up singles ‘Heart Eyes’, ‘Ready to Bite’ and the NZ On Air funded ‘Libra’ saw her introduction to the NZ Hot Singles Chart. With her 2022 sophomore EP EGO DEATH and her upcoming debut album, Danica Bryant delivers bombastic pop production with lyrical force and an attitude like no other. “Venomous” yet “passionate” (Ambient Light), “cynical but emotional” (NZ Musician), it is clear Danica Bryant’s inventive sound, personal lyrics, and rich vocals make her a treat for every season.

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