Imani-J ‘In The Dark’
‘I wrote In The Dark after I had a falling out with a close friend, so this song is about losing contact with someone very close in your life and feeling lost now that they are not around.’
“Imani-J is unquestionably a star in the making. A highly skilled songwriter and performer, she displays maturity well beyond her years. In the studio, she stands out as one of the most cooperative and delightful artists to work with, and being part of her artistic journey has been a genuine pleasure.”
- Christian Tjandrawinata - Producer, 2024
Listen to ‘In The Dark’ https://promo.theorchard.com/XI7UvVuTa15DlRn8Yqgd
16-year-old singer-songwriter Imani-J, from Nelson/Whakatū, releases her new single ‘In The Dark’ on Friday 13th December in collaboration with Producer Christian Tjandrawinata. In Alyana’s words, ‘I wrote In The Dark after I had a falling out with a close friend, so this song is about losing contact with someone very close in your life and feeling lost now that they are not around. Friendships and connections with others is how we survive and thrive socially as humans, so it's completely normal to feel very low after losing a friendship. I want the people who listen to my song to feel comforted and remember that everyone feels the same at some point in their life.’
Imani-J is known for her captivating blend of indie pop, R&B and soul music that is characterised by introspective lyrics and beautiful emotive melodies. Drawing inspiration from Jorja Smith, Arlo Parks, Kehlani and Tems, Imani-J infuses a unique style into her soulful heartfelt compositions.
Performing since age 12 and singing in English, Te Reo Māori and French, Imani-J has been a repeat national finalist for Play It Strange, Smokefree Rockquest, Bandquest and Tangata Beats. Imani-J has played a number of shows this year and has a string of summer dates on both her solo project and also as a pop-electronic duo JOLA BURNS.
As an emerging solo artist Imani-J is currently recording her debut EP set for release in 2025. With her talent and dedication she is poised to make a significant impact on the NZ and global music scene
Indie Artist Rachel Louise hits her stride with pop anthem ‘Our Time’
Following the success of her debut single, Rachel Louise lays her heart on the table in B-side pop anthem ‘Our Time’, completing her first solo project ‘Wasted / Our Time’.
Following the success of her debut single, Rachel Louise lays her heart on the table in B-side pop anthem ‘Our Time’, completing her first solo project ‘Wasted / Our Time’. Opening out with a floating synth and live piano, ‘Our Time’ gives way to a hard-hitting beat that drives home the feeling of meeting someone you’ve waited your whole life for.
Produced by Will Henderson (Janine, YAHYAH, CHAII), and mastered by Chris Chetland, cinematic pop synths and driving acoustic guitar build towards an electric high point; alive and dazzling with possibility.
Excited to continue the story, Rachel describes writing the song just after heading into the studio with ‘Wasted’, knowing the two songs were meant to sit together. ‘If ‘Wasted’ is about loosening your grip on your longings to honour where you are, then ‘Our Time’ captures the mild disbelief and wild hope when those dreams might actually be beginning.’
‘It’s scary to admit you really want something, that you long to love, because it means opening yourself up to disappointment. But it’s so brave to hope for more. This song makes the acknowledgement of those desires feel triumphant and empowering.’
Powerfully rounding out Rachel’s first release as an artist, ‘Our Time’ carries an infectious energy, building anticipation for what’s to come.
‘Kiss It Better’ is a masterclass in dreamy organic soul music, capturing the feeling of sorting through your memories from a late summer’s night
Tamaki Mākaurau-based Chinese-New Zealand singer, musician, and visual artist Crystal Chen shares her new single, ‘Kiss It Better.’
Tamaki Mākaurau-based Chinese-New Zealand singer, musician, and visual artist Crystal Chen shares her new single, ‘Kiss It Better.’
An emerging musical powerhouse, Crystal’s songcraft draws from the storied influence of mid-20th-century American jazz, swing, and gospel singers like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin while bringing their sensibilities into harmony with the ornate sounds of 1970s soul music (in the mode of Minnie Riperton and Al Green) and the modern Latin jazz lilt of Esperanza Spalding. Vividly imagined, her songs reach out to the listener like a warm hug or a late-night video call between besties.
At the start of 2024, Crystal reintroduced herself with her R&B/boogie single ‘Love Letter’ (created with fellow Tamaki Mākaurau musician and producer Kenny Sterling of Mānuka Recordings). In a testament to the synergy between her sound and visual sensibilities, the ‘Love Letter’ music video (co-directed with Kenny) won ‘Best Music Video’ at the HALO International Film Festival. It was also nominated for an LA Independent Women Film Award and ‘Best NZ Music Video’ at the 2024 Vision Fest Film Festival.
‘Kiss It Better’ is a masterclass in dreamy organic soul music. Rendered richly, it captures the feeling of sorting through your memories from a sweaty late summer’s night spent bar hopping and tearing up dancefloors with your best girls. As the double bass keeps pace, the song’s instrumentation unfolds into a free-flowing confluence of RnB, jazz, bossa nova and soul. With elegant percussion shuffling in the background and sultry vocal harmonies surrounding her, Crystal sings with the intensity of a slow-burning flame, relating stories of bad bitches getting the party started, sexily lit cigarettes and smoky sexual chemistry while imploring a nameless paramour - or perhaps even a friend - to kiss it better.
Playing-wise, ‘Kiss It Better’ showcases the vivid, emotionally interpretive skills of Joe Kaptein (electric Rhodes and synthesiser, guitar, glockenspiel), Adam Tobeck (drums), Hank Trenton (double bass), Francesca Parussini (tenor saxophone), trumpet (Jack Thirtle), Harrison Chau (Harp), and Kenny Sterling (percussion and conga).
Written by Crystal, her keyboardist Joe Kaptein (who also arranged it) and Annika Rani, ‘Kiss It Better’ was mixed by Christoph El Truneto and produced by Kenny Sterling. In late January 2025, she will unveil an accompanying Y2K-style music video to complete the picture she’s painting here.
Recorded between Roundhead Studios, Sterling Studios, and Hansa Studios, ‘Kiss It Better’ offers us an intimate window into the studio sessions that went into her forthcoming debut album, due for release next year. Created with support from her creative community (via a recent Boosted funding campaign), the album features an extravagant cast of collaborators from Tamaki Mākaurau’s red-hot modern jazz, soul, and funk music scenes.
Outside of the studio and video shoots, this year has also been significant for Crystal on the live front. In May, she played her first headline show at Big Fan in Morningside. Since then, she has shared stages with the Melbourne alt-indie trio Telenova and the Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based acid jazz, disco-funk and post-punk eight-piece Revulva.
‘Kiss It Better’ created with the support of NZ On Air’s New Music Single fund
AOTEAROA BAND VALLEY KIDS EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN NEW SINGLE ‘STUCK IN MY HEAD’
This track explores “the intricacies of the creative mind” share the band. “When you have a burning desire to create and write, it can be something that you feel needs to be expressed.”
Today (December 6) Valley Kids release their new single and music video ‘Stuck In My Head’.
This track explores “the intricacies of the creative mind” share the band. “When you have a burning desire to create and write, it can be something that you feel needs to be expressed.”
Listen to ‘Stuck In My Head’ HERE
Watch ‘Stuck In My Head’ music video HERE
This song was written as part of a creative challenge. “We wanted to see if we could write a full song with just 1 chord and this was the result. Creating this track was fun because there is no chordal movement (just one chord) so we challenged ourselves trying to make it sound dynamic.”
Valley Kids describe this track as “A tip of the hat to west coast style hiphop with elements of NZ lyrical flavour.”
For the music video Valley Kids collaborated again with Will Wragg, who created their 'Otherside' video. They share “we wanted to film a clip that was reminiscent of our days in the cover scene; booking gigs at bars and having to play to a room full of people that only want to watch the rugby and be able to hear their conversations. It's a nod to our fellow hard working musician family.”
Poneke Wellington based five piece band, Valley Kids is made up of Nai (Te Atihaunui-a-paparangi, Ngati Maniapoto) on vocals, Peter Riley (Ngaruahine, Ngati Manuhiakai) bass, Daniel Sugrue guitar/vocals, and Ihaka Tukapua (Muaūpoko, Ngati Kahungunu) - Keyboard/Vocals.
Valley Kids brings experience from NZ heavy hitters such as Tomorrow People, Sons Of Zion, NLC, and Creative Nātives to craft full and energetic arrangements that move over solid Soul, RnB, Reggae and Rock grooves. The combination of each member's mana and skills builds a style that is both familiar and expertly layered.
‘Stuck In My Head’ follows the release of hit singles, ‘Which Side Are You On?’ released in April 2024 and ‘Money’, Hot NZ Singles charting song ‘Otherside’, ‘Make Me Feel’ produced by DJ Mu a.k.a Fitchie of Fat Freddys fam and Te Reo adaptation of their first single ‘Moni’, all released in 2023.
‘Stuck In My Head’ is out now via all online streaming platforms.
This song and music video was made possible thanks to funding from NZ on Air.
Jason Parker presents Fairy Bread
Following his debut EP How To Be Lonely, this new collection of songs reflect a new chapter for Parker—a chapter of love, discovery, and finding beauty in the small, unexpected moments of life.
LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE & APPRECIATE THE HAPPY DAYS!!!
Pop artist Jason Parker's sophomore EP 'Fairy Bread' is OUT NOW! This project captures the artist’s evolution in both life and music. Following his debut EP How To Be Lonely, this new collection of songs reflect a new chapter for Parker—a chapter of love, discovery, and finding beauty in the small, unexpected moments of life.
Written in collaboration with producer Maude Minnie Morris, ‘Fairy Bread’ emerges as a heartfelt exploration of growth, resilience, and hope, all while showcasing Parker’s distinctively sunny and optimistic musical disposition.
The EP opens with its title track, ‘Fairy Bread’, which represents the heart of Parker’s story. Inspired by the idea of transforming life’s challenges into something sweet, just like fairy bread turns plain white bread into a joyful treat, this song became an anthem for making the most of life’s simple joys. “There are always sprinkles to be added in life if you look for them,” Parker explains. “It gets better, and 'Fairy Bread' is about showing up for yourself, making the most of what you have, and believing that hope is always there.”
The EP’s second track, 'All Of You', reflects the excitement and possibility of new love. Written in the early days of Parker’s move to Auckland, the song captures the sense of anticipation and dreams that accompanied his fresh start. Parker crafted the entire song in his head during his drive up from Wellington, inspired by the hope of meeting someone special—a dream that soon became a reality.
Next comes 'Every Goddamn Minute', a deeply personal song that delves into Parker’s experience of falling in love for the first time. Full of vulnerability and sincerity, the song portrays the moment of wrestling with the weight of saying 'I love you' for the first time. 'Crash', the fourth track, marks a turning point in the EP’s narrative. Written the day after Parker’s relationship ended, it conveys the shock, guilt, and confusion that followed the breakup. The song captures the emotional aftermath of realising that a relationship you thought would last forever has come to an end. It’s a moment of reflection and processing, with Parker confronting the heartbreak head-on.
The EP then moves into The Bright Side, where Parker begins to heal and come to terms with the breakup. The song embodies the strength it takes to move on and look for the silver lining in difficult situations. The bridge cleverly pulls together lyrics from earlier tracks, including Happy Days and Crash, symbolising the emotional growth that comes with time and the journey toward closure. Finally, the EP closes with Happy Days, a song that looks ahead with optimism. As the last track, it serves as an affirmation of brighter times to come and a reminder of resilience. Parker reflects on his personal growth, having emerged stronger and more self-assured after the end of the relationship. “I knew I had to go back and finish Happy Days,” Parker says. “Now that I was out of the relationship and feeling more like myself, I could complete the song with the perspective I’d gained.”
Watch the Fairy Bread lyric video
The visuals for 'Fairy Bread' are as vivid as its message. Parker collaborated with Lane Worrall to develop playful, colorful cover art that reflects the EP’s themes of growth and joy. "When Jason first approached me with the 'Fairy Bread' concept, I started by listening to the songs and thinking about how the themes could be translated into visuals through colour," Worrall shares. Each track was paired with a dominant color, creating imagery that reflected the song’s message and vibe.
The team took a DIY, resourceful approach, often shooting in intimate, familiar spaces. “Shooting in places like driveways and bedrooms allowed us to stay low-budget while still producing magic,” Worrall explains. The use of bright, camp visuals drew on inspirations from pop art, queer high camp, and Hollywood glam, perfectly aligning with Parker’s desire for the visuals to feel “bright, camp, and fun.”
“We really created a supportive environment where everyone contributed,” Worrall adds. “Jason’s adventurous spirit made it a collaborative and exciting process, from the lighting to his Mum knitting sweaters for each look.” These vibrant visuals enhance the emotional storytelling behind each track, bringing the EP’s themes of growth and hope to life in a vivid, joyful way.
Parker also worked with Cee Blu on the lyric videos, ensuring that fans could engage with his storytelling on a deeper level. “Pop music is more than a catchy tune—it’s the soundtrack to my life,” Parker shares. “I wanted the videos to be bright, camp, and fun, so listeners could sing along with me at shows.”
Reflecting on 'Fairy Bread', Parker sees it as a milestone both in his career and personal life. “This EP will always remind me to stay hopeful and true to myself,” he says. “It captures a time in my life where I experienced love for the first time, collaborated with amazing creatives like Maude and Lane, and lived out my pop star dreams.”
With 'Fairy Bread', Jason Parker invites listeners into his world—a world where love, growth, and hope take center stage. Whether you’re experiencing first love, navigating heartbreak, or just looking for a reminder to find joy in life’s little things, this EP is for you. As Parker says, “There’s always hope. Keep making fairy bread, keep making 11:11 wishes, and never stop believing in the sprinkles that make life sweeter.”
'Fairy Bread' is out now via Aotearoa's independent music label Bigpop Records.
Jenny Mitchell to Open for Kasey Chambers
Acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter Jenny Mitchell will open for Australian country music legend Kasey Chambers on her 2025 Australian tour. The highly anticipated tour will see Mitchell perform alongside Chambers in a series of shows across the country, in celebration of Chambers’ critically acclaimed new album; Backbone.
Acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter Jenny Mitchell will open for Australian country music legend Kasey Chambers on her 2025 Australian tour. The highly anticipated tour will see Mitchell perform alongside Chambers in a series of shows across the country, in celebration of Chambers’ critically acclaimed new album; Backbone.
The announcement follows a huge year for Jenny, who’s current single ‘Where the Water’s Cold’ is receiving support from Australian radio. Originally from Gore, Jenny recently received a scholarship to play at Nashville’s iconic Americana Fest before returning to Australasia to play Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast and support another Australian country heavyweight, Adam Harvey, on a run of New South Wales shows.
“Like everyone in my generation of folk/country artists, Kasey has been a huge influence on my music. I am so deeply honoured to be able to share the stage with her and to see so many parts of Australia that I’ve dreamed of exploring!”
Known for her soul-stirring lyrics, Jenny has carved herself a strong following in both New Zealand and Australia and will travel to her 12th Tamworth Country Music Festival in January to open the first show of the Backbone tour at the hallowed Tamworth Town Hall.
Kasey Chambers – 2025 Backbone Tour Dates:
Jan 23 – Tamworth, NSW
Mar 13 – Devonport, TAS
Mar 14 – Prospect Vale, TAS
Mar 15 – Hobart, TAS
Mar 19 – Wyong, NSW
Mar 20 – Newcastle, NSW
Mar 22 – Penrith, NSW
Mar 26 – Albury, NSW
Mar 27 – Thirroul, NSW
Mar 28 – Canberra, ACT
11 Apr – Campbelltown, NSW
12 Apr – Dubbo, NSW
17 Apr – Darwin, NT
1 May – Renmark, SA
2 May – Adelaide, SA
3 May – Port Pirie, SA
10 May – Kalgoorlie, WA
11 May – Esperance, WA
13 May – Albany, WA
14 May – Bunbury, WA
15 May – Perth, WA
30 May – Shepparton, VIC
31 May – Bendigo, VIC
1 Jun – Frankton, VIC
3 Jun - Sale, VIC
6 Jun – Melbourne, VIC
7 Jun – Geelong, VIC
13 Jun – Twin Towns, QLD
14 Jun – Brisbane, QLD
15 Jun – Toowoomba, LD
Tickets available from: https://kaseychambers.com
‘LOVESICK (IN DECEMBER)’
Auckland based, multi instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Jack Robertson along with acclaimed artist, Anderson Rocio are back with a vulnerable reimagining, “Lovesick (In December).” The poignant duet follows both sides of the end of romance imploring, “what did you know that I didn't”?
The heart searing, “Lovesick” gets a holiday rendition declaring, “December feels like it’s the hardest time to end”...
Auckland based, multi instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Jack Robertson along with acclaimed artist, Anderson Rocio are back with a vulnerable reimagining, “Lovesick (In December).” The poignant duet follows both sides of the end of romance imploring, “what did you know that I didn't”?
“Lovesick (In December)” offers listeners cathartic comfort for the season. “The holidays have to be the hardest time to be lovesick” says Anderson “wondering what the other person is doing and what you would be doing together…”
An intercontinental collaboration, the up and coming Robertson met Rocio when she spoke at the University of Auckland, “Anderson came to speak about her experience, seeking advice, I sent her a couple demos including, “Lovesick”... within a couple of months, we were making a version of the song together.”
The track is driven by Jack’s sincere vocal and heartworn lyrics that intertwined with Anderson’s distinctive wail paint an honest portrayal of unrequited love in all of its longing and confusion.
The original version of “Lovesick” debuted in November at #1 on both iTunes Pop and All Genre Charts as well as securing coveted playlisting with Spotify’s New Music Friday and Pop N’ Fresh. On the recent revelation of his emerging artist status Jack laments, ‘I am still trying to fathom the connection “Lovesick” has had in such a short time”
“Lovesick (In December)” arrives December 4th on all platforms.
STREAM:
INSTAGRAM:
Jack Robertson: https://www.instagram.com/jaaaaack.robertson/
Anderson Rocio: https://www.instagram.com/andersonrociomusic/
PAPERCITY unveil pulsing and introspective new alt-pop single ‘Bored’
Nelson-raised, Tāmaki Makaurau-based alt-pop trio PAPERCITY have today shared their high-energy, reflective and deep new single ‘Bored’.
Listen HERE
Nelson-raised, Tāmaki Makaurau-based alt-pop trio PAPERCITY have today shared their high-energy, reflective and deep new single ‘Bored’.
Chock full of pulsing synth layers, soaring guitars, a driving beat, introspective lyrics, and an infectious hook - ‘Bored’ is yet another smash hit in the group’s growing discography! Riding the high of recently released banger ‘Sofa’ (#1 iTunes NZ, #4 Aotearoa Hot 20 Singles Chart, #31 Hot 40 Singles Chart, RollingStone AU/NZ, Radio Control, TAHI FM), PAPERCITY - made up of Alex Hargreaves, Sam Edmonds and Jack Rollinson - are showing no signs of slowing down.
“‘Bored’ is about shutting yourself off to the world and feeling bored of it at the same time,” explains lead singer and guitarist Alex. “I hope it’s the kind of song that people blast when they’re sitting alone in their bedroom.”
Recorded across the group’s hometown of Nelson, the track came to life across Ryan Beehre’s (Minuit) studio, and in drummer Sam’s bedroom. ‘Bored’ was then sent to Clint Murphy in the UK for mixing, before being mastered by Ryan Smith in Nashville, TN.
“There’s a kind of freedom working in that kind of environment, where you can be really creative,” says Alex. “The last time we did recording at Sam’s house I was about 14, so it was cool to be back in the same place working together.”
Today’s release, and the success of smash hit ‘Sofa’, follow what has been a steady climb to the top for the trio. With just four singles released, they’ve received playlisting and support from BBC Radio One and BBC Music Introducing presenter Ollie Winiberg; their sophomore single ‘Feel’ appeared in the Official Aotearoa Hot 20 Singles Chart, and won the Best Music Video Award at Top of the South Film Festival, for the track’s impressive self-directed video.
Excitingly, another stellar music video for ‘Bored’ is on the way! Also directed by Alex - stay tuned for its release December 11. Alongside creating all the PAPERCITY music videos, Alex has directed music videos for the likes of Jujulips, Alien Weaponary and more! Fans will not want to miss the captivating new clip, which further solidifies the depth and complexity of the feelings expressed in ‘Bored’.
Even more to look forward to - the electric trio are bringing their bangers to the stage - heading on a national summer tour with Grip-Tape and The Rainfall! More info and tickets from UTR
