Coast Arcade share charged and driving new single + video ‘City Limits’

Listen HERE

Watch the video HERE

Tāmaki Makaurau alt-rock trio Coast Arcade have today released yet another electric reflection on growing up, with their driving new single and music video ‘City Limits’!

Hot off the heels of beloved banger ‘Baited’ (#3 Official Hot NZ Singles chart, Radioscope Airplay Charts, 95bFM Top 10, ZM, Hauraki) and shows in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin supporting Lime Cordiale, Coast Arcade have swiftly established themselves as a driving force in the Aotearoa indie scene. ‘City Limits’ unpacks the complexities of outgrowing one’s hometown and yearning for something bigger. This relatable and layered feeling is unpacked through Bella Bavin’s swift guitar licks, raw vocals, and intimate lyrics, Thom Boynton’s smashing beat, and Leo Spykerman’s heavy bass chops. 

“‘City Limits’ is for anyone who has felt trapped in their surroundings, whether it’s in their hometown or life in general,” says Bella. “We hope listeners take away a sense of empowerment and validation - knowing it's okay to feel restless and that the desire to break free can lead to personal growth. It’s about embracing that feeling and letting it push you toward something new.”

A shining example of the track’s empowering message, the last three years have seen Coast Arcade grow from strength to strength. From performances alongside artists like Teenage Dads, The Beths, Princess Chelsea, and The Grogans; playing Rhythm and Vines two years running - as well as White Out Festival, Spring City Festival and a sold-out North Island headline tour - to releasing their debut EP NEXT TO ME with its multiple chart-topping singles! There really is no telling what this new chapter will bring for the young stars.

Made with the support of NZ On Air, ‘City Limits’ was recorded at BigFan Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau -  a regular creative outlet for the group - alongside engineer Tyler Burke, before being mixed by Clint Murphy and mastered by Ryan Smith.

Also out today is an electric new music video for the track, directed by David Argue - who also worked on the moody video for ‘Baited’, which has already racked up over 23,000 views on Youtube!

This coming-of-age anthem is soon to be another smash hit for Coast Arcade, who defiantly push the boundaries of their sound, message, and success. ‘City Limits’ is not a track you want to miss!

Find Coast Arcade

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp | Youtube | TikTok | SoundCloud

SOLE Music Academy Launches National Songwriting Competition and New Scholarship Opportunity

SOLE Music Academy in Ōtautahi is excited to announce the launch of its annual National Songwriting Competition! Open to solo songwriters across Aotearoa from all genres, aged 15 and above, this competition seeks to discover and cultivate emerging talent nationwide. 

Submissions are open now and will close on 1st December 2024.

ENTER HERE

The competition will be judged by world class artists, including SOLE founder Sacha Vee, Sarena Close (Mousey), and Will McGillivray (Goodwill, nomad), who will apply their decades of expertise to select the most promising song. The winner will be announced on 10th December and will receive an exciting prize package valued at over $1000, to professionally produce, mix, and master their single, and receive a one-on-one artist development session with Sacha Vee to guide them through the release process and create a release strategy. Two runners up will also be chosen, receiving prizes valued at $300+ courtesy of SOLE Music Academy and Music Works Christchurch.

“We are thrilled to hold the competition again as we were amazed to hear all of the talent come out of nowhere! It is wonderful to give people from small towns across Aotearoa a chance to showcase their work and give them the opportunity to further their talent” – Sacha Vee, SOLE Music Academy

Previous winner Jaz Paterson from Geraldine has gone on to excel in her music career. Jaz went on to complete SOLE’s Artist Release Programme and received over 35k from NZ On Air Funding with the guidance of SOLE and has been releasing and performing ever since. 

In addition, SOLE Music Academy is proud to announce the launch of a new scholarship for their 2025 Artist Development Programme, valued at $1000. This scholarship will be awarded to an aspiring artist aged 16+, providing financial support towards SOLE's comprehensive 1-year specialised programme. Specifically designed for skilled singers, songwriters, producers, and bands, this programme helps artists build their unique identity, image, and sound. Participants have the opportunity to create original music, elevate their performance skills, and gain professional-level knowledge, networks, and experience in the music industry. “SOLE’s main mission is to help ‘bridge the gap’ into the industry by helping people turn their talent into a business” explains Sacha.

With a proven track record in shaping the early careers of artists like Nat Hutton (There’s A Tuesday), Sam Heselwood, Jaz Paterson, Miranda Easten, Niamh Crooks and Castaway, SOLE is exceptionally equipped to offer winning participants the mentorship and tools they need to launch successful music careers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HERE

Applications are open now for both the Songwriting Competition and the 2025 Artist Development Programme and will close on 1st December. Don’t miss the chance to develop your music career and gain invaluable industry expertise!

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