FLAXXIES + TIKI TAANE TEAM UP ON INFECTIOUS NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘DAYWRECKER’
Delivering a sarcastic yet playful commentary on New Zealand’s drinking culture, ‘Daywrecker’ shines a light on the challenging habits many of us fall into whilst being stuck in, or surrounded by, our problematic national past-time.
Aotearoa’s fun-loving musical larrikins FLAXXIES unleash brand new single ‘DAYWRECKER’, featuring everyone’s favourite Kiwi artist, the legendary TIKI TAANE – singing on the track, featuring in the video, and of course, at the helm producing and mixing. A fresh, authentic reggae-infused banger, ‘Daywrecker’ is the perfect playlist addition and soundtrack for your carefree summer mish!
STREAM ‘DAYWRECKER’ FT. TIKI TAANE HERE
A sunshiny reggae anthem imbued with the spirit of summer, ‘Daywrecker’’s contagious rhythm and catchy hooks embodies the vibrant energy of Flaxxies sonic persona. Delivering a sarcastic yet playful commentary on New Zealand’s drinking culture, ‘Daywrecker’ shines a light on the challenging habits many of us fall into whilst being stuck in, or surrounded by, our problematic national past-time.
But in true laid-back Flaxxies fashion, this playful tongue in cheek peek at drinking culture also carries a hopeful message: that not all of our days will be wrecked, and our struggles won’t define us forever.
A magical Flaxxies and Tiki Taane mix are not a new blend of musical goodness, as Taane has been working with the young band for a few years now, having produced and mixed many of their recent songs, including the acclaimed SUNSTRUCK EP.
However, with ‘Daywrecker’, this is the first time Tiki Taane has gotten out from behind the mixing desk and onto the mic with Flaxxies, the idea developing earlier this year when Taane discovered their demo and expressed interest in working with the band to develop the track to its full potential.
Flaxxies share: “We enjoyed experimenting with new production techniques and instruments, including trumpets, percussion and Tiki’s famous vocal dubs. There are some really cool moments in the song that we can’t wait for you to hear - especially Tiki's verse, which seamlessly ties everything together and elevates the energy of this track to a new level.”
Old school mates Eric Goodger (lead guitar), Nick Tait (rhythm guitar), Chris Manning (bass/trumpet), Benji Humphries (lead singer) and Neo Lee (drums) are renowned for their energetic surf-rock vibes and reggae grooves, and ‘Daywrecker’ stays true to form as the band keeps the energy high while experimenting with a fresh twist on their usual reggae sound.
“With ‘Daywrecker’ our goal was to create a true Kiwi classic – one that encourages listeners to reflect on our culture, while also presenting as a fun and light-hearted banger for your Kiwi Summer roadie. BOSH!” state Flaxxies.
Taane would not only end up involved musically on ‘Daywrecker’, he also seals the deal by embracing the fun role of the TV anchorman in what can only be classed as a quintessentially humourous Flaxxies video.
WATCH ‘DAYWRECKER’ FT. TIKI TAANE HERE
As with all things Flaxxies, the song continues the bands strong connection to the Coromandel and to New Zealand’s classic summers with the single artwork created by local artist Jason Tahatika from Whitianga.
The new tune will undoubtedly garner the love from radio ears around the country and add to the widespread radio airplay lists Flaxxies have managed to accrue with their most recent feel good summer hit ‘Heart Of Fire’, and all their instant Hot 20 NZ Single Chart entries ‘Blister’; ‘Liquid Gold’; ‘Snapped Up (By The Boss)’; ‘Time To Go’, and ‘Cast Me Away’.
Fast becoming one of Aotearoa’s most in-demand young live bands thanks to their infectious fun-filled energy, Flaxxies are a must-see act. Set to hit the hot holiday spots, Flaxxies are playing summer festy shows in Taupō, Coroglen, and Matarangi at the end of the year and heading into 2025.
Flaxxies accumulate a solid live following wherever they perform, so round up the wider whānau and book your tickets to see them live now. Go to flaxxies.nz for all the details.
SEE FLAXXIES LIVE THIS SUMMER!
Friday 27 Dec Le Currents 2024 Taupō
Monday 30 Dec Sublime with Rome Coroglen
Saturday 4 Jan Coro Classic 2025 Matarangi
For more information and tickets, go to: https://linktr.ee/flaxxiesband
Underwire 'Always'
With both feet in the two-tone movement of the 1980s, and the ska of such icons as The Clash, The Ruts, and Stiff Little Fingers, ‘Always’ is a breakup song, but one of acceptance rather than melancholy: about picking yourself up and moving on with life.
From Wellington, New Zealand’s Underwire, ‘Always’ is a heartfelt skapunk / reggae song of love and loss. With both feet in the two-tone movement of the 1980s, and the ska of such icons as The Clash, The Ruts, and Stiff Little Fingers, ‘Always’ is a breakup song, but one of acceptance rather than melancholy: about picking yourself up and moving on with life. Since the band’s formation, ‘Always’ has been the ray of sun in Underwire’s stormy live sets: a bright counterpoint in their genre-jumping musical range. Producer Scott Seabright has caught the love of the band for this song, delivering a great little track with light, shade, and panache.
‘Head first, heart first, hopeless - what the hell?’
A departure from the more familiar indie / alternative rock of Underwire releases to date, ‘Always’ is sung by the band’s guitarist and the song’s author, Mark ‘Spike’ Roxburgh, who says: “The lyrics just kind of poured out over the riff when I wrote it: a simple reggae style riff, which had a starkness to it, and seemed to fit the sense of loss at the time. It’s more of a punk riff really, but that’s just how I write.”
Underwire play like they mean it, with a distinctly fun, stormy, alt-rock sound – with hints of surf punk, garage rock, swampy blues, and psychobilly – and in the case of the new single, ‘Always’, two-tone ska and reggae. Formed from the collision of Clash and Pixies covers bands, Underwire quickly became a popular live act on the energetic Wellington indie music scene. Since their debut single ‘Gravity’ in 2023, Underwire have released a string of singles produced by Scott Seabright; clocked up over 27,000 YouTube views of their self-made videos; received airplay on indie radio around New Zealand, Australia, the US, UK, and mainland Europe; and have spent more than six months on Apple’s global New Rock and other playlists.
In their current lineup, Underwire features members of Wazzo Ghoti / Wazzo Clash, Proxies, Shanakie, and Head Like a Hole: with founding members Johnny Mills (guitar, vocals), Jane Brimblecombe (vocals), and Mark ‘Spike’ Roxburgh (guitar, vocals) being joined by Mark Hamill (drums), and Steve Tremewan (bass).
The new single ‘Always’ is out now for download from Bandcamp, and streaming from Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon. Find Underwire: B
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