QueenB’s musical takes a bold step forward with it’s next release - #17 Broken Crayons 🖍️
Writing a musical is a huge undertaking, which is why QueenB will be sharing one single at a time, numbered for clarity, allowing listeners to piece together the entire narrative like a puzzle
Writing a musical is a huge undertaking, which is why QueenB will be sharing one single at a time, numbered for clarity, allowing listeners to piece together the entire narrative like a puzzle
#17 Broken Crayons – performed by Lisa Tui captures Marsha’s transformative journey from darkness to liberation. After years of abuse Marsha courageously takes control by tying her husband to a chair and voicing her truth declaring freedom from a life of broken dreams. Lisa Tui's soul-stirring vocals elevate the song into a testament to the unbreakable human spirit.
QueenB proudly notes that unlike in real life she had the power to rewrite Marsha’s story and gift her the strength to stand up to a bully! And that’s the most beautiful thing about writing: you can make things right!
NZ’s best kept indie-pop secret Bridges drops euphoric new single ‘Lungs’
A new chapter begins today for rising indie-pop artist Bridges with the release of a new song; the euphoric and liberating, ‘Lungs’, which is the first single from her upcoming EP.
*** Get tickets to the ‘Lungs’ release show here ***
A new chapter begins today for rising indie-pop artist Bridges with the release of a new song; the euphoric and liberating, ‘Lungs’, which is the first single from her upcoming EP.
Listen to ‘Lungs’ HERE
“‘Lungs’ is about my experience of being female and how I’ve felt ‘too much’ for others most of my life. That I talk too much, breathe too much, take up too much space - it touches on a lot of themes of social anxiety,” explains the Auckland-based singer and songwriter.
“It’s about deciding not to care what others think anymore and choosing to be as ‘too much’ as possible - the lyric being ‘Wanna scream it at the top of my lungs; not afraid that I’m being too much’,” Bridges adds.
While lyrically it’s a heavy message, sonically ‘Lungs’ is an uplifting and soaring pop anthem for the times. And it captures all that Bridges stands for - catchy indie pop with deep meaning.
“I write a lot about subjects that are sometimes difficult to talk about or hard to put into words,” says Bridges. “I write a lot about how it feels for me to exist in this world, and love turning it into something upbeat and danceable to make it all a bit more digestible (and fun).”
‘Lungs’ was co-written with Josh Naley (AKA Wells*); co-produced by Naley and Rāwiri Waters; mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studios.
To celebrate the release of ‘Lungs’, Bridges will be playing a show at Big Fan tonight (Friday, November 29). Get tickets HERE.
Bridges is the artist project of Christchurch-born, Auckland-based songwriter Rachel Hamilton. Her 2023 debut EP was met with acclaim and featured on MTV, Coup de Main, The Hits, Radio Hauraki's Locals Only Podcast, Billie Magazine, RNZ and more. The EP’s NZ On Air-funded singles ‘Pills’ and ‘Misfits’ quickly gained traction; ‘Pills’ being playlisted on Spotify’s ‘Fresh Finds Pop’ (200k), ‘The Local List Aotearoa’ (18k) and ‘Fresh Finds AU & NZ’ (18k).
In 2024, Bridges was selected to be mentored by Fazerdaze via the APRA Aotearoa Mentorship Programme; then chosen as a showcasing artist at the 2024 Going Global Music Summit.
‘Lungs’ is the first single from Bridges’ upcoming sophomore EP, which is due for release in 2025.
Listen to ‘Lungs’ HERE
Find Bridges:
Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music
The Phoenix Foundation - Whistling In The Darkness
The Phoenix Foundation refuse to take a hint and return yet again with the release of Whistling In The Darkness a jaunty psyche-folk jamboree that asks if the “chaos in the streets tonight” is perhaps a sales event for some fancy sneakers or more likely; genocide.
The Phoenix Foundation refuse to take a hint and return yet again with the release of Whistling In The Darkness a jaunty psyche-folk jamboree that asks if the “chaos in the streets tonight” is perhaps a sales event for some fancy sneakers or more likely; genocide.
“We’ll open carry with open hearts” sings Samuel, a human who has never even held a gun. What's he on about? “The squeaky wheel gets the grease, while the butcher gets the golden geese.” Something is happening here but I don’t know what it is, but it's catchy like covid. Definitely the song of the summer, potentially the song of the Willenium.
The double A side of Whistling In The Darkness paired with the no-wave funk of Ritual Hex (out December 12th) was recorded live-ish at Surgery Studios in between two weekends of Camp A Low Hum. The band was joined by 7th Phoenician Anita Clark (violin and vocals on Whistling In The Darkness), a fun time was had by all.
TOURING IN DECEMBER TO RUIN YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY PLANS
Yeah, hey wow, the band is also on tour. Just before christmas as an olive branch to indie rock fans who just can’t stomach another team bonding quiz night. This sentence is where we announce the truly amazing, professional support acts. Dream Chambers will synthesise the fabric of reality in Te Whanganui-a-tara and Louisa Nicklin will stop time in Tamaki Makaurau. The band will play their new songs, and it will be “fresh” and “dope”.
Auckland - Double Whammy - Friday 13th December
(tix https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/26710/The-Phoenix-Foundation.utr)
Wellington - Meow - Saturday 14th December
(tix from https://moshtix.co.nz/v2/event/the-phoenix-foundation/173534?skin=MEOW)
Tickets to both Shows here - https://linktr.ee/thephoenixfoundation
Michaela Tempers set to release debut singles ‘Good Woman’ & ‘Forest Fire’
“Sometimes life sweeps right through you, burning everything away, and it’s hard and painful, and then you walk out the other side, different. Better? I don’t know. I think that’s what I was trying to understand”.
Michaela Tempers is a writer and musician based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa. After moving home from Melbourne in 2019, Michaela Tempers rediscovered her lost love for songwriting. While studying for her master’s in Creative Writing, she began to write a collection of songs exploring the complexities of womanhood. The resulting work forms the basis of her debut EP ‘Good Woman’, which is out on Te Whanganui-a-Tara label Home Alone in early 2025.
Tempers’ debut single ‘Forest Fire’ (due out on November 29th) is a folk-rock number written about the strange relationship between pain and happiness. Recorded at The Surgery in early 2024, ‘Forest Fire’ is both intimate and full, drawing on electric guitar, organ, piano, bass and drums. It was written during a difficult time in Tempers’ life and, like many artists, she was trying to figure it out through her music. She says of the song, “Sometimes life sweeps right through you, burning everything away, and it’s hard and painful, and then you walk out the other side, different. Better? I don’t know. I think that’s what I was trying to understand”.
‘Good Woman’, the second single and EP’s title track, will be released on December 13th. A deviation from Tempers’ norm, ‘Good Woman’ flirts with the slide guitars of country music and a more contemporary, explosive sound. “It’s about watching an abusive relationship and feeling utterly powerless to stop it. It was very hard to write. I wanted the recording to reflect the highs and lows of a woman who is trapped and while I think it was my way to grieve, I also wanted to empower.” ‘Good Woman’ comes out ahead of a concert in her hometown, alongside fellow Home Alone artist Tessa de Lyon (Mystery Waitress).
Tempers’ four-track EP was recorded at Surgery Studios with Lee Prebble and an all-star folk band of Chris Armour (guitar), Dayle Jellyman (organ), Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (drums), Phoebe Johnson (bass), and Brooke Singer (keys). It was mixed and produced by Brooke Singer and Chris Armour and mastered by Carl Saff.
Pre-Save Forest Fire (out 29 November)
Kyla Greening’s brand-new single "Poly Boy Smooth" is dedicated to the Romeo’s and Cassanova’s of the Pacific
From Aotearoa, New Zealand, up-and-rising artist, Kyla Greening delivers a fresh summer track with “Poly Boy Smooth” dedicated to the Romeo’s and Casanova’s of the Pacific.
From Aotearoa, New Zealand, up-and-rising artist, Kyla Greening delivers a fresh summer track with “Poly Boy Smooth” (out Nov 29) dedicated to the Romeo’s and Casanova’s of the Pacific. This island R&B jam features playful vocal and light-hearted lyrics, with familiar sounds of our Polynesian world interwoven in the production.
Proving herself to be a mainstay, Greening flexes her muscles as a whole-package independent artist, writing and co-producing this track. The song is a celebration of our Tāne in the Pacific, “Polynesian boys naturally bring a humble, warm magic that should never be overlooked,” says Greening.
Creative directors Sarai Kennerley, Ethan Magalei and Tane Wilson are set to bring the track to life in a music video releasing on the same date (Nov 29), featuring talent and smoothness from some of Lāi’e, Hawaii’s finest poly boys.
The Story Behind the Song
After high school, Greening moved to Lā‘ie to attend Brigham Young University and worked as a bass player, singer and demonstration guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Follow Kyla Greening:
AJA’s long-awaited, ethereal debut album KĀWAI is here
Award-winning Aotearoa artist AJA has today shared her timeless, unraveling and hypnotic bilingual debut album KĀWAI. 7 years in the making, today’s body of work from this bona fide talent is a truly authentic display of an artist finding her voice and inviting listeners into the inner-workings of her world.
Listen to KĀWAI HERE
Award-winning Aotearoa artist AJA has today shared her timeless, unraveling and hypnotic bilingual debut album KĀWAI.
7 years in the making, today’s body of work from this bona fide talent is a truly authentic display of an artist finding her voice and inviting listeners into the inner-workings of her world. Alongside producer Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle, Meeting House Records), and a talented network of band members, collaborators, and features, AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) effortlessly blends her ethereal melodies and flexes mesmerizing vocal agility with introspective musings on the world around her.
“KĀWAI is a reflection of who I am, who I love, what I have respect for and what I value,” says the artist.
Rich in influences from te ao Pākeha and te ao Māori, KĀWAI births a unique fusion of these worlds, a new flavour of indigenous soul music reflective of AJA and her community. Gently pulling apart the fourth wall, the Pōneke-based creative invites listeners into the homes in which the record took form, to experience the kōrero, whānau, and aroha that fill these spaces. “These spaces became sanctuaries for the creative process,” explains AJA. “In between takes, kōrero would unfold - moments of reflection, connection and laughter found their way into the fabric of the music.”
The album’s creative roots date back as far as 27 years ago with 2023 single ‘Te Reo Ki Whakarongotai’ - an ode to the preservation of mātauranga, reo, and traditions of Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai - the marae and iwi to which AJA belongs. Explorations of motherhood, mana wāhine, the digital age and consumerism, whakapapa, whānau, and community are all rife in the thematic foundations of KĀWAI.
The record also features recent single ‘Quiet Storm’ - the breathtaking collaborative fruit between AJA and rising Pōneke MC MĀ. Today, listeners are engulfed in the dreamy warmth of new single ‘Mutual Behaviour’ - which reflects on AJA’s upbringing in Porirua. She describes the track as “a journey from ever since, until now - an introduction to me.” ‘Kōpere’ joins the list as another previously unreleased stand-out track, musing on sibling relationships and taking inspiration from a poem written by Keita Newbery, which was then adapted into theatre-art show ‘Toi Aamai’ - produced by brother Tola Newbery (actor, theatre practitioner and multidisciplinary artist).
Made with the support of NZ on Air, the journey of capturing KĀWAI took flight in Mara TK’s home studio in Newtown, Wellington. Weaved with the impressive musicianship of AJA’s band; Mara TK (producer/engineer, sitar, bass, guitar, vocals), Riki Gooch (drums), Cory Champion (drums), Peter Riley (Bass), Te Kawairirangi Herangi (guitar), Jules Blewman (guitar), Trey Ropata (guitar), Briar Barnsley (vocals), Daniel Hayles (keys), Leonardo Coghini (keys), Louisa Williamson (flute), Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper (strings), and Tola Newbery (vocals) - the work continued across AJA’s homes in Ōtautahi and Porirua, before mixing was completed by Mara and mastering by Bennytones (Ben Horton) of Organik Music and Mike Gibson. “This process wasn’t just about making music - it was about creating memories, sharing stories, opening the door to our life with whānau at the center of it all.”
You can also get very excited about seeing AJA perform live on the upcoming L.A.B summer tour! For more info and tickets head HERE
Vince Harder Releases' Final Track of 2024 “Ur My $ign”
Aotearoa’s R&B powerhouse Vince Harder is closing out 2024 with a bang, releasing his highly anticipated single “Ur My $ign”
Aotearoa’s R&B powerhouse Vince Harder is closing out 2024 with a bang, releasing his highly anticipated single “Ur My $ign” on Friday, 29th November. The NZ On Air-funded track delivers an uplifting R&B groove infused with pop melodies and a hip-hop-inspired beat that demands attention.
Written alongside hip-hop legend Kings, one of Vince’s favourite collaborators, “Ur My $ign” explores the joy of finding your perfect match. The track playfully dismisses the importance of Zodiac signs when true love aligns with the stars.
Listen to Ur My $ign here.
About Vince Harder
Vince Harder is a true icon of Aotearoa’s music scene, with three #1 hits and a catalogue of Gold and Platinum-certified songs for artists such as Stan Walker, Titanium, and P-Money (“Everything”).
This year, Vince achieved global acclaim by contributing to Sheila E.’s GRAMMY- nominated album “Bailar”. A multiple award-winner, Vince’s accolades include:
Two-time Best Male Artist at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards
APRA Maioha Award for the Te Reo anthem “Aotearoa” with Stan Walker
Best Urban Artist and Best Producer (2016)
Vince’s solo releases, including “Not Gonna Let Go” (2018) and “Next To You” (2019), have topped charts and dominated airwaves.
Beyond his music career, Vince has made his mark in musical theatre, starring as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (Australia) and Barry Belson in the NZ/Australia tour of Jersey Boys.
In 2021, Vince joined TVNZ’s Popstars reboot as a panellist alongside Grammy-winner Kimbra and Nathan King. He’s also toured extensively, including four tours with Guy Sebastian. His 3rd studio album, HORIZON (2022), has amassed over 850,000. Spotify streams.
With a dynamic career spanning music, theatre, and television, Vince Harder remains one of Aotearoa’s brightest stars.
“Ur My $ign”
Is a testament to his talent and passion, promising to be a must-listen track as the year comes to a close.
Jujulipps presents SUPERSTAR
Jujulipps is BACK with her aptly titled sophomore EP, ‘SUPERSTAR’, a genre-defying project that boldly blends hip hop, alternative, and punk influences into a unique and vibrant sound.
Jujulipps is BACK with her aptly titled sophomore EP, ‘SUPERSTAR’, a genre-defying project that boldly blends hip hop, alternative, and punk influences into a unique and vibrant sound. Available Friday, 29th November via Bigpop Records, ‘SUPERSTAR’ showcases Jujulipps’ signature lyrical prowess, fearless experimentation, and the unapologetic confidence of an artist only intending to go up!
The EP opens with the focus track of the project, “Nightshift,” a pulsating anthem of frustration and drive, capturing the artist’s lived experiences working late hours and dreaming of stardom. Written during a grueling period of juggling a full-time night shift job and sessions in the music studio, ‘SUPERSTAR’ reflects Jujulipps’ personal journey through the challenges of balancing artistic passion with the demands of survival. As she explains, “It’s such a common story for creatives juggling this world of capitalism while simply wanting to create. I’m just grateful I was able to put that in my music, and I hope others can learn and relate to that all-too-common story.”
Each track on ‘SUPERSTAR’ represents a different chapter of this journey, from calling out societal standards in “Good Guys” to celebrating self-love and independence in “Game Over,” and culminating in the cathartic release of “Free,” written after being fired from her job. The project is a testament to Jujulipps’ resilience and belief in her destiny, stating, “Each second I dreaded, I thought of myself on stage in five years, the crowds I’d be playing to, the people who would know my music. That drive fueled everything.”
A standout feature of ‘SUPERSTAR’ is Jujulipps' exploration of different genres and vocal styles, with production by WHOSHOTSCOTT, whose genre-bending approach to punk hip hop complements Jujulipps’ fearless artistry. “At the core, Jujulipps will always be hip hop,” she says, “but I’m inspired by so much that I can’t be put into a box just yet.”
Visuals are another key aspect of ‘SUPERSTAR’, with a recurring alter- ego character, “Superstar Juju,” who symbolises Jujulipps’ unstoppable confidence and manifestation of unbridled power. The character, brought to life with the help of makeup artist Tallulah McClean and stylist Estelle Schuller, represents Jujulipps’ belief in her inevitable rise to fame. “Superstar Juju is a reflection of who I am—a go-getter with out-of-this-world confidence. She’s the power of manifestation embodied,” she explains.
The accompanying music video for "Nightshift" was directed by the visionary team at Night Watch, who discovered Jujulipps while she was performing at the iconic Camp A Low Hum festival. "We were transfixed. Jazz danced so hard she punched Jaya in the eye and we had to spend the rest of the night in the medical tent," they recalled, highlighting the unique way their collaboration began. Straight after the festival, the team reached out to Jujulipps and went on to create not only the "Nightshift" video but also the video for her single "Game Over."
The ‘Nightshift’ video offers a narrative-driven depiction of Jujulipps navigating the grind of a night shift, while her future self—Superstar Juju—looms in the background, representing her destined future. "With 'Nightshift,' we wanted to highlight the duality of Juju’s personality: a down-to-earth working-class woman, but also a full- blown superstar," said the directors. "We wanted to get creative with how these two elements could coexist within oneself, and the concept was elevated by the looks Juju created with stylist Estelle Schuler and Hair & Makeup Artist Tallulah."
The production took a unique approach to enhancing the video's visuals and atmosphere, with the location itself becoming a character. "The space's creepy essence guided our camera work," they explained. "We played with high and low angles that sold the unsettling vibe, while leaning into street light orange tones and nighttime blue hues. Having Ben Montgomery as our Director of Photography was key to this, especially with his talent in lighting, which allowed for complex, creative setups."
'SUPERSTAR' features five standout tracks, all linked by the overarching themes of self-determination, resilience, and questioning societal norms. Tracks like “Good Guys” address frustrations with toxic relationships and societal expectations, while “Don’t Smoke My W**d” offers a humorous yet honest look at Jujulipps' personal life, created spontaneously in the studio after a long day.
On the collaboration front, Jujulipps worked closely with WHOSHOTSCOTT, who was instrumental in shaping the project’s bold sound, blending elements of punk, hip hop, and alternative influences. The EP was mixed by Josh Strand and mastered by Howard Rogers, completing the vision of a boundary-pushing project that refuses to be boxed in.
Jujulipps describes SUPERSTAR as a true reflection of her growth and determination as an artist: “This is just a small peek of what the next 20 years will hold. I feel incredibly connected to this music, and I’m excited for the world to experience it.”
SUPERSTAR will be available in CD form and on all streaming services on Friday, 29th November via Aotearoa’s independent label Bigpop Records.