Liberty Debut single ‘I Wanna’
Liberty is ready to inspire audiences everywhere. From her honest songwriting to her captivating stage presence, Liberty demonstrates a rare authenticity that resonates with her growing fanbase.
Nineteen-year-old singer-songwriter Liberty from Hawkes Bay is redefining the pop landscape with her infectious energy and compelling lyrics. Her debut single ‘I Wanna’ set to drop on November 8th, 2024, through UK company, B-Unique Records.
Liberty is ready to inspire audiences everywhere. From her honest songwriting to her captivating stage presence, Liberty demonstrates a rare authenticity that resonates with her growing fanbase. Her relatable lyrics, such as “I wanna get drunk and I wanna kiss a guy,” embody the raw emotions and struggles of youth, creating a genuine connection with listeners. Liberty states, “I was capturing exactly how I felt. I always thought I would change that line, but nothing else resonated with my feelings.”
With an impressive social media following of over 300K followers and 7M likes across Instagram and TikTok. Her success on these platforms showcases her ability to engage and inspire, drawing in fans with each performance and lyric shared. Liberty has already made waves in the Hawkes Bay music scene, performing at local wineries and major events like Outfield Festival 2023 and 2024.
After graduating from Napier Girls’ High School in 2023, Liberty dedicated 2024 to living at home, saving money, and wholeheartedly pursuing her music career. Singing from a young age and writing since 13, she thrived in high school competitions like Rockquest and Play It Strange, nurturing her passion for performance and songwriting.
Despite considering ‘I Wanna’ her debut single, Liberty does have two songs out through Play It Strange– Meet Me In Rome and Echo. Both tracks seeing a significant rise in streams from Liberty talking about them during her Tiktok lives. Liberty states “They feel to me to be in a different direction to where I am wanting to go, very high school me, I mentioned them on my live hoping to get one of them up to 5000 streams as a component of the NZ On Air funding, Meet Me In Rome now has 68,000 streams which to me is pretty crazy considering my lack of promotion, it makes me so excited to see how people receive ‘I Wanna’ - a track that I am truly proud of”
Liberty’s social media presence is a powerful asset. In just 18 months, she grew her TikTok following from 2K to 249K, alongside gaining 97K Instagram followers this year alone.
Liberty’s success with social media Her success on social media and her creative lyrics captured the attention of B-Unique Records, who invited her to their Los Angeles studios to work with their US based writers. Liberty referred to this experience as “inspiring and eye-opening”. Within a few months of coming home from that trip, Liberty wrote ‘I Wanna’ in her home studio. She made a demo to send to her team which ultimately is the production on the final track. Liberty said she was only ever “putting her ideas down” when initially producing the track, even playing the slide guitar part with the glass of water she was drinking out of, however, she decided that the imperfect “bedroom pop vibes” really gave the song its sound and a point of difference.
‘I Wanna’ expresses feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation, capturing the universal desire to escape for one unforgettable night. Liberty explains, “The song came really naturally to me and it was one of those things that just came to life in my head as I was writing, I immediately had a vision for the production of the song, wanting it to sonically represent everything that ‘I Wanna’ do, hence the 4 on the floor dance like kick and the signature pop side-chained choppy backing vocals”
Thabani Gapara Announces The Dzindza Album Tour
Shortly after releasing his highly anticipated album Dzindza, renowned New Zealand-based saxophonist Thabani Gapara and his band are back on the road for the Dzindza Tour.
Shortly after releasing his highly anticipated album Dzindza, renowned New Zealand-based saxophonist Thabani Gapara and his band are back on the road for the Dzindza Tour. After kicking off at Wellington Jazz Festival 2024, the tour continues at The Meteor Theatre on 23 November 2024, followed by performances at Totara Street and The Tuning Fork.
23 November – The Meteor, Hamilton
28 November – Totara Street, Mount Maunganui
30 November – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
Dzindza, meaning "Ancestry" in Shona, is a tribute to Gapara’s African roots, blending traditional sounds with the bold energy of contemporary jazz. With this album and tour, Gapara invites us to connect with both his cultural heritage and musical vision. Known for his flamboyant live performances, you can expect an unforgettable night of rhythm, storytelling, and rich musical textures.
Earlier this year, Gapara’s shows have drawn attention, with his last appearance at Auckland’s Tuning Fork celebrated for its electrifying atmosphere, bringing together listeners from diverse backgrounds to experience his sound. In addition to recent performances at the Nelson Arts Festival, Wellington Jazz Festival, and SYNTHONY, Gapara has been a staple in New Zealand's music scene for over a decade.
“When Gapara moved to New Zealand, he barely knew anything about the local music scene. Now, he’s one of Aotearoa’s 'go-to' saxophonists, not just in jazz, but also in soul, reggae, and even kapa haka.” — RNZ Concert
Having worked with some of the country’s favourite acts, including Stan Walker, Corrella, Vince Harder, The Modern Māori Quartet, House of Shem, Three Houses Down, and Katchafire. He has also contributed to major projects like Five Minutes of Fame on Whakaata Māori, Symphony, and the Rugby World Cup Sevens theme music. Gapara’s musicianship and presence on stage know no bounds.
His recent interviews with NZ Musician, RNZ Concert, The Hits Breakfast with Jono and Ben, and The 95bFM Jazz Show has given listeners a closer look at his journey and upcoming projects.
Lomez Brown Announces Upcoming Single "Cruise"
Internationally acclaimed artist Lomez Brown is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of his new single, Cruise.
Internationally acclaimed artist Lomez Brown is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of his new single, Cruise. Scheduled to drop on November 8th, this chill and romantic track combines R&B and Hawaiian Reggae elements, creating a soothing sound that captures the essence of escaping everyday stresses and reconnecting with loved ones.
Cruise emphasizes themes of love, understanding, and the importance of nurturing relationships. With its positive vibes and smooth melodies, the song offers listeners a moment of relaxation and connection, perfect for unwinding and embracing quality time.
As the third single from his forthcoming album Underrated, set to release in 2024, Cruise is supported by a global marketing plan to reach audiences worldwide. Lomez Brown's previous hits have garnered over 10 million combined views and streams, with the single "Sweet Lover" achieving double platinum status in 2023. He currently enjoys over 480,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Mark your calendars for November 8th and get ready to embark on a musical journey with Cruise.
About Lomez Brown
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, with Māori and Cook Island roots, Lomez Brown has been a vibrant force in the Polynesian reggae scene since 2013. Blending reggae, old-school soul/R&B, and Polynesian grooves, his music resonates deeply with listeners. A member of NZ’s FeJoint Productions, Lomez has toured extensively across New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, and the USA, gracing stages at major festivals like One Love NZ.
Connect with Lomez Brown
Rise-the-Wicked to ‘Collide & Conquer’ in Hamilton this November
Waikato Heavy Rock band, Rise The Wicked, playing Biddy Mulligan’s 29th November in celebration of two major releases
Waikato Heavy Rock band, Rise The Wicked, playing Biddy Mulligan’s 29th November in celebration of two major releases
Rise the Wicked (RTW) is an electrifying five-piece Rock and Metal band from Waikato, Aotearoa, New Zealand. Formed in 2019, they unleashed their debut album, ‘State of Oblivion’ on digital platforms in 2023, quickly attracting a dedicated fanbase with their high-energy guitar-driven sound, intense rhythms, and commanding vocals paired with powerful lyrics.
The band has two major upcoming milestones to celebrate. The inaugural first physical release of their album ‘State of Oblivion’ - a limited edition CD format with a stunning 8 page graphic booklet and full lyrics. To really smash November out of the park, the band is also releasing the highly anticipated video for their top streaming track on the album ‘Small City’.
The CD and video release will ‘Collide & Conquer’ on Friday 29 November at a one-off show in Hamilton at Biddy Mulligan’s back bar. Doors will open at 8pm, coinciding with the exact minute the video and CD will be released. Ticket holders at the show will have exclusive first access to the CD and receive the first links to view the video.
Joining RTW will be the talented band, Checaine. Checaine are a melodic progressive hard rock band from Hamilton. Their album ‘Turn the Stone’, EP ‘Symbols’ and in particular the track ‘Bring Me Down’ gained recognition across the local and international music scene.
In an extra celebratory mood, the bands and sponsors, Joe’s Garage, will be drawing a prize pack on the night featuring meal vouchers, CDs and merchandise from both bands. To be eligible for the prize pack, buy your tickets for the gig through Eventfinda and be there on the night.
Those there on the night may also get an advance listen to some of the new tracks that will hit EP release early 2025.
For the CD, Rise the Wicked would like to thank Anthony McMaster of MixMaster Audio, Porch Studio and Andrew Stites for the recording, mixing and mastering, and Stebbing Recording for the printing and pressing of this first tangible asset for the band. For the video, credit to Aaron Christiansen as Director and concept creation with d.f.l. films nz.
29 November @ Biddy Mulligan’s, Hamilton
with Checaine
Tickets $15 at Eventfinda - Rise The Wicked, Collide & Conquer
All links for Website, Socials and Streaming for Rise The Wicked
https://linktr.ee/risethewicked_nz
Kiwi music icon Ladi6 makes her highly anticipated return with the release of ‘Alofa’.
‘Alofa’ blends vibrant breakbeat synths, dreamy arpeggios, and soulful rhythms, exploring the theme of self-love through the bittersweet lens of heartbreak.
Kiwi music icon Ladi6 makes her highly anticipated return with the release of ‘Alofa’.
‘Alofa’ blends vibrant breakbeat synths, dreamy arpeggios, and soulful rhythms, exploring the theme of self-love through the bittersweet lens of heartbreak. Its uplifting melody and infectious beats balance the melancholy lyrics, positioning the track as a firm future favourite amongst fans.
To celebrate, Ladi6 will embark on a nationwide tour throughout November, joined by long-time collaborators Brent ‘Parks’ Park-Tamati and Brandon ‘Bharu’ Haru. All music and ticketing info is available on the Ladi6 website www.ladi6.net
‘I Be Free’ rocks.
The long awaited, debut album ‘I Be Free’ by independant Tamaki Makaurau artist, Brett Higginson is out now.
The long awaited, debut album ‘I Be Free’ by independant Tamaki Makaurau artist, Brett Higginson is out now.
Featuring 4 singles that are climbing on Spotify, ‘I Be Free’ is a collection of 10 passionate songs.
Some tunes like ‘In Otago’ and ‘Aotearoa’ are enchanting and mystical:
As you gaze out to Rangitoto
The islands silhouette under the moon
You see her lips, blow a kiss, to the happy child within
To all the sisters, an’ brothers on the land
There title song, ‘I Be Free’ is a driving, rocking song, and ‘There is Only Love and ‘Till the End of Time’ are anthem like tunes.
‘I Be Free’ was recorded and engineered by Auckland musician Andrew Burt, and additionally recorded, produced and mixed by Jacob Rush of Big Pop Studios.
You can Listen Here:
And Watch Here:
Midwave Breaks Reimagine Past Themes with their latest EP and Video Release
Better Days addresses feelings of uncertainty, division, and doubt that permeate both global and personal experiences, encapsulated in the line: “We’ve all seen Better Days.” Yet, as is true across all Midwave Breaks’ creative intentions, the song carries an undercurrent of hope, acknowledging the possibility of moving through tough times toward a better future.
The Tauranga Alt-Rock Duo are back with a compelling new 3 Track EP Better Days.
The title track revisits and expands on evocative lyrics from a 2004 song called ‘Fall Apart’, originally penned by singer Bruce Conlon during his early days alongside drummer Paul Russell in their first band Eight. Although the pair have no shortage of new material, they were particularly drawn to the lyrics of their earlier work, and it’s striking relevance to the seemingly volatile times we find ourselves living in.
Better Days addresses feelings of uncertainty, division, and doubt that permeate both global and personal experiences, encapsulated in the line: “We’ve all seen Better Days.” Yet, as is true across all Midwave Breaks’ creative intentions, the song carries an undercurrent of hope, acknowledging the possibility of moving through tough times toward a better future.
The resulting single showcases an emotive and captivating vocal performance from Conlon, supported by an understated musical palette, purposefully designed to allow space for the vocal melody and lyrical themes to take center-stage.
“We’ve got a backlog of creative ideas, but this track just kept coming back," says Russell. "Given the uncertainty of the times we’re living through, and the challenge that presents to our view of the world and ourselves, the lyrics from Fall Apart seem to have as much, if not more, relevance now than they did 20 years ago.”
The 3 Track EP also features a haunting, stripped-back remix of the single, alongside a keyboard-fuzz-laden warm-hug of a track called ‘If I was’.
The Music Video for Better Days was devised and edited by drummer Paul Russell, using footage from multi-award winning Australian film-maker Spencer Frost, who specialises in Adventure, Ocean, and Underwater cinematography. The concept looks at the nature of relationships in the midst of turbulence, and working towards connection despite being ‘out of our depth’.
Fans can see Midwave Breaks perform at The Great Kiwi Beer Fest in Ōtautahi this January, with more summer shows to be announced
Sally Stockwell challenges stigma with haunting new single + video, ‘Village’ + announces new album LITTLE TRIGGERS!
Well-known, multifaceted Aotearoa artist Sally Stockwell is tackling the rawness of motherhood with the release of her new single + video ‘Village’ + announces new album!
Listen to ‘Village’ HERE
Watch the video HERE
Well-known, multifaceted Aotearoa artist Sally Stockwell is tackling the rawness of motherhood with the release of her new single + video ‘Village’ + announces new album!
The gritty new track combines driving guitars, a thumping beat and powerful lyrics on the challenges of balancing motherhood and career aspirations. ‘Village’ follows her triumphant return to releasing music, recent single ‘Far & Wide’ - the first release since her 2015 debut album WEIGHTLESS. A tribute to her late brother, the album saw much aroha from across Aotearoa (RNZ - NZ Live, The Herald, NZ Musician, Elsewhere, Denizen, Sunday), and proved her a force to be reckoned with across multiple creative mediums.
A multi-disciplinary songwriter and actor, Sally Stockwell has experienced great triumph touring the country performing 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 her new music. Teaming up with producer, composer and friend Eden Mulholland, Sally has embarked on a journey of honest and raw lyrical storytelling - unpacking the weight of motherhood - the inspiration for her upcoming sophomore album LITTLE TRIGGERS - out November 22!
“I hope ‘Village’ airs what many mothers want to express, but don’t because of shame or judgment,” explains Sally. “Motherhood throws up lots of challenges. It was a time that tested every facet of my being - my identity, my creativity, my boundaries, my relationships, my notions of success.”
A new music video for the track intertwines Sally’s worlds of theatre, sparkles and dance - with the very real confines of daily domestic life and motherhood. “It’s about the frustration of being stuck in that domestic world, and the guilt of longing for freedom.” A journey of redefining and rediscovering one’s identity, the video was created alongside longtime colleagues Jacquie Nairn (Director) and David Paul (DOP), and is the first to be released from a trilogy.
Watch the video HERE
With her new album on its way very soon, Sally Stockwell is an exciting and powerful artist making an impressive contribution to the Aotearoa creative landscape.
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp |Linktree
Praise for Sally Stockwell
‘More familiar as an actress on stage and the small screen (Shortland St, Outrageous Fortune, Nothing Trivial etc)... she proves a thoroughly engaging artist with the spirit of a genuine songwriter, an astute eye for telling detail and a lyrical vocabulary deeper than most. Definitely not an actress just having a dalliance in music.’ Graham Reid - Elsewhere
‘The breakthrough moments are amazing destinations, but the underlying current of melancholy and longing in the compositions that had me hooked… I certainly recommend you give this a listen.' - Lisa Tagaloa - NZ Musician