NOFO! Drops Irresistible New Single “Do You” Featuring Lion Rezz

Stream ‘Do You’

Following up on his recent success, New Zealand’s rising reggae star NOFO! is back with his highly anticipated second single ‘Do You’ featuring the captivating voice of Lion Rezz. Set to release this Friday, November 1 ‘Do You’ brings a refreshing blend of reggae and R&B rhythms, showcasing a mellow yet energising vibe that’s perfect for any mood or moment.

‘Do You’ is a tribute to self-expression, individuality and love. With lyrics like “You do you, like I do me” NOFO! and Lion Rezz encourage listeners to embrace their true selves, creating a powerful anthem for authenticity. NOFO!’s smooth, heartfelt delivery pairs flawlessly with Lion Rezz’s rich, soulful tones, creating a unique harmony that’s bound to resonate deeply with audiences.

NOFO! shared his inspiration behind the track: “I wrote ‘Do You’ for people to be themselves and as a reminder to myself that wherever I go, to never try and be something I am not. Over blessed and super grateful to have my boy Lion Rezz bless this track. So, ladies, you don’t need to do much to impress us men and to all gentlemen, be the best you for you and your whānau”

The song begins with NOFO! introducing listeners to a mysterious woman whose fierce beauty leaves him entranced. As the song progresses, it delves into themes of connection and attraction, capturing the thrill of genuine chemistry. Lion Rezz’s verse adds a fresh, grounded energy, as he sings “Call it what you want, gyal, it’s clear to see… I’m looking for the natural ting” Together, NOFO! and Lion Rezz’s vocals create an immersive soundscape that draws listeners in and invites them to let go of negativity, simply celebrating life and love.

‘Do You’ combines catchy hooks, silky harmonies, and driving reggae beats, guaranteed to lift listeners’ spirits. This release builds on NOFO!’s growing reputation as one of New Zealand’s freshest voices in reggae, adding a unique twist to the genre with elements of modern R&B and soul.

Be sure to check out ‘Do You’ on all streaming platforms this Friday, November 1, and join NOFO! and Lion Rezz in this celebration of self-love, connection, and good vibes.

Aotearoa alt-pop trio PAPERCITY share cinematic new music video for hit single ‘Sofa’

Watch the video HERE

Listen to ‘Sofa’ HERE

PAPERCITY (Alex Hargreaves, Sam Edmonds, Jack Rollinson) have today shared their epic new music video for recently released hit single ‘Sofa’!

The extraordinary new music video was directed by PAPERCITY’s own lead singer and guitarist Alex Hargreaves - who has directed all of the group’s videos thus far, alongside videos for the likes of Alien Weaponry, Jujulipps and Devilskin. Today’s clip was loosely based off the 1960’s science fiction TV series The Prisoner and was filmed across Tāmaki Makaurau and Queenstown, creating a cinematic feast of imagery that pairs perfectly with the driving and synth-heavy new banger.

“In The Prisoner, A guy wakes up in a strange village and, if he tries to leave, a great big orb chases him down and tries to swallow him,” explains Alex. “It ties into the song’s feeling of your emotions or thoughts chasing you - but in the video, it’s the whole band trying to get away from the orb, because you’re not really alone.”

Don’t wait a moment longer - watch this new visual treat from PAPERCITY now!

Straight out of Nelson, NZ, PAPERCITY is a hard-edged pop band that packs a punch. They blend relatable lyrics with a dose of guitar-based aggression, unforgettable pop hooks, and a twist of emo and punk, to create a sound that's both raw and infectious. Their live shows are a high-octane blast, charged with a distinctive punk-inspired energy that leaves a lasting impression.

‘Sofa’ follows the trio’s 2019 and 2020 singles ‘Plastic’ and ‘Feel’, the latter of which saw huge love across Aotearoa and abroad - placing on both the Hot NZ Singles Chart and the NZ iTunes Chart. The track saw radioplay across NZ, was added to BBC Radio One’s Hot New Music and Alt Indie & Electric Pop playlists, and the music video won the Top of the South Film Festival Best Music Video award.

Fans won’t want to miss the chance to see ‘Sofa’ live when PAPERCITY support kiwi legends Drax Project at their show at Abbleby Vibes in the trio’s hometown Nelson on November 23! Tickets and more info from Ticket Fairy.

Find PAPERCITY

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The Warratahs Release Live Recording Series, Starting with “Kupe's Tears”

Iconic New Zealand band, The Warratahs, are closing out 2024 with a series of live recordings, kicking off with their beloved track "Kupe’s Tears." Known for their distinctive blend of country and roots influences, The Warratahs continue to capture the spirit of Aotearoa through their timeless sound.

Frontman and songwriter Barry Saunders shares, "While we’ve recorded many albums and songs, the band has always shone live. I think it’s a big part of who we are musically, and it’s great to bring that side of us to the forefront."

Fans can look forward to hearing these recordings ahead of their much-anticipated performance at the Wairarapa Music In The Country Festival in January 2025. The new series offers a glimpse into the raw energy and emotion that has made The Warratahs a staple in New Zealand's music scene for decades.

Kupe's Tears is out November 1st and can be streamed here.

Find The Warratahs :  Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Beloved Aotearoa album THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES now available to stream!

Listen to the album HERE

Watch the wondrous videos HERE

Celebrating the 25-year anniversary since its CD release - music-lovers are invited to celebrate a piece of history with the digital-release of the quirky and illustrious album THE UNDERWATERMELON MAN AND OTHER UNREASONABLE RHYMES!

As a tribute to its late creator, artist Fane Flaws - who sadly passed away in 2021 - the legendary album is now available across all streaming platforms for all to enjoy. The record, which stole the hearts of adults and children alike across the country, was created alongside composer Peter Dasent and released by the duo as The Bend. It features a star-studded tracklist of some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians and entertainers; Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Chris Knox, Bic and Boh Runga, Dave Dobbyn, Jenny Morris, Don McGlashan and many more.

Joining previously re-released tracks ‘Neville The Enchanted Rug’ (ft. Neil Finn) and ‘The Hide And Seeky Bird’ (ft. John Clarke) in the digital world is today’s ridiculously fun focus-track single ‘The Girl With The Porcupine Coat’ featuring legendary kiwi songwriter Jenny Morris! Jenny and Fane began their collaborative friendship with award-winning pop group The Crocodiles, before Jenny would go on to establish herself as one of Aotearoa’s established and decorated kiwi songwriters throughout her solo career - receiving two ARIA Awards and inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

Watch ‘The Girl With The Porcupine Coat’ HERE

Enjoy the full album HERE

Pool House drop highly anticipated sophomore EP + new single SANDFLIES

Listen HERE

Popular Ōtautahi-based indie surf rock band Pool House have dropped their highly anticipated sophomore EP SANDFLIES - and it does not disappoint!

Featuring hits ‘Another Day’, ‘Draw the Line’ and ‘Burning’ - these tracks have seen Pool House (Samuel Crisp, Flynn Fierro, Harry van der Gulik, Will Georgeson) regularly place in the NZ Official, Radioscope and SRN Top 10 Charts; added to playlists such as Apple’s New Indie, New in Rock,  and Spotify’s Local Noise, Coastal Drive and Air New Zealand’s Runway Tracks.

Today’s release follows Pool House’s debut EP FLIGHTS OF DREAMING, and performances across Aotearoa, playing alongside major AUS / NZ  acts such as Daily J, Bootleg Rascal, and The Grogans, to crowds of up to 1500 people.

The band say SANDFLIES has been about exploration - with all four tracks embracing a distinct vibe while still being sonically cohesive. Title-track, and new single, ‘Sandflies’ opens the EP with a unique flavour, skillfully layering Sitar and drone-like guitar parts.

“‘Sandflies’ touches on the struggle with the pursuit of money and conventional ‘success’,” explains Pool House. “The track describes how we have the freedom to choose a life not on the beaten corporate path, with our hearts telling us to pursue our passions and not let money dictate our decisions.”

The band says that SANDFLIES reflects what it is like to be in their current life stage - with tracks ‘Sandflies’ and ‘Burning’ touching on uncertainty and some of the negatives that come with the unknown nature of your 20s, and ‘Draw the Line’ and ‘Another Day’ being more positive and playful - communicating the freeing and fun nature of being young. “We are constantly developing as people and believe this EP gives an insight into some of the emotions and experiences we have been dealing with lately.”

The bulk of the EP was written at a friend's house in Cave - a small NZ town located about 20 minutes north-west of Timaru - before it was taken to Auckland’s Parachute Studios. ”We were fortunate enough to receive NZ on Air funding for recording ‘Another Day’ at Parachute Studios with Josh Strand. After that experience, it became clear to us that the rest of the EP would need to be recorded there and, we were also lucky enough to have Jonny Paul (bass player for Daily J) sit in and offer advice, feedback and ultimately good energy. Tunes like ‘Sandflies’ came out with extended intros and guitar solos that we hadn't anticipated, but are delighted about.”

SANDFLIES demonstrates a step up in musicianship for Pool House, and is one that is sure to quickly become another favourite with fans - old and new! This is undoubtable a band to watch.

EP release show at Flux in Christchurch - 14th November

More info and tickets HERE

Follow Pool House

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Dillastrate drop smooth and tender new track + video ‘Don’t Say It’

Listen HERE

Watch the video HERE

Ōtautahi duo Dillastrate (Henare Kaa, Tim Driver) have today released their powerful and heartfelt new soul-pop single ‘Don’t Say It’ - alongside a 1980’s inspired music video!

The dreamy new single effortlessly blends smooth vocals, a pounding beat, soaring piano, washy synths, and tender lyrics that reflect on the challenges of leaving behind unhealthy relationships.

“Inside, you are hurting and grappling with emotional turmoil,” says Tim, “despite the pain, you realise that enduring the struggle to get out is a necessary step towards breaking free and reclaiming your independence.”

The powerful message was brought to life when Dillastrate wrote the track at FiveAM Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, where ‘Don’t Say It’ was later recorded and mixed alongside producer Rory Noble. Additional piano parts were recorded at Roundhead Studios, before the stunning new single was sent to Benny Tones at Organik Muzik Workz in Wellington for mastering.

Today’s release follows what is proving to be an exponential career for the duo, having cemented their place across Aotearoa charts and radioplay, and garnering fans further afield since their debut EP in 2017. More recently, singles 'Kei Whati Te Marama’, ‘Ko Tātou Te Ahi’ ft. kiwi legend Tiki Taane, ‘Taku Aroha’, ‘I’m Crazy’, and more have seen Dillastrate become regular residents in RadioScope and NZ Official Music charts, enjoying airplay across commercial and independent radio alike. Alongside pick up on DSP playlists such as Spotify’s Island Time, Soulful, Waiata Reo Māori, and Apple Music’s New In Pop, Best of The Week and Te Reo Māori - not to mention extensive touring and festival performances that have seen the duo regularly play to crowds of over 20,000.

“‘Don't Say It’ is relatively distinctive in comparison with our previous releases,” says Tim, “but it has a continuity of vibe that speaks to the diverse influences, experience and musical ability of Dillastrate.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, the new single is released alongside a gorgeous new music video, with an unmissable 80s flare. The video was directed, shot and produced by Taine Noble at Studio 22 in Auckland, with choreography by Ihaia Yok-Gee Kereama Kunaiti. “The video sits somewhere between a good-natured jab at and a full noise piss-take of the idiosyncratic music videos of the 80s.”

With an album on its way, fans will not want to miss ‘Don’t Say It’ - an exciting new flavour from the Ōtautahi-based, Aotearoa legends Dillastrate!

Find Dillastrate

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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

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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!