Katie Thompson’s Anthemic New Single “The Best Is Yet To Come” Set to Inspire This Summer
Alt-country artist Katie Thompson is set to captivate audiences with her upcoming single, The Best Is Yet To Come, an anthemic track with a fire-under-your-feet attitude.
Alt-country artist Katie Thompson is set to captivate audiences with her upcoming single, The Best Is Yet To Come, an anthemic track with a fire-under-your-feet attitude.
Known for her authentic storytelling and sharp wit, Katie’s latest release embodies her signature style, blending heartfelt lyrics with a driving beat and undeniable energy. The Best Is Yet To Come draws from her experiences and conversations with other musicians, delivering a message of resilience and optimism.
“My day job involves working with other musicians on their digital marketing, so I hear about the highs and lows of their journey," Katie shares. "I often find myself playing the role of life coach, reminding them to stay focused when times get tough, keep their eyes on the prize, and push through the struggles to reach their goals. This song is for anyone chasing their dreams.”
This release follows a year of significant achievements for Katie, including being named a finalist for Best Country Song 2024 and performing at major festivals like the The Great Kiwi Beer Festival earlier this year and South Island Wine & Food Festival this month. Katie’s impressive career highlights also include opening for legendary artists Don McLean and Sir Elton John, performances that have helped cement her as one of New Zealand’s most compelling alt-country voices.
CALLA 'BURN CYCLE'
Burn Cycle is an evocative and dynamic composition that encapsulates the raw power and transformative symbolism of fire.
Burn Cycle is an evocative and dynamic composition that encapsulates the raw power and transformative symbolism of fire. Composed for the burning of a three-storey effigy at Kiwiburn festival in Aotearoa (New Zealand), the 18-minute piece reflects the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal. The work weaves between moments of ecstatic intensity and contemplative calm, echoing the primal rhythms of a tribal communion with the elements.
The three-part structure of Burn Cycle reflects life's perpetual pulse. Hear, Now, This captures the raw immediacy of existence, inviting listeners to embrace the present moment. Inheritance builds towards a collective revelation, celebrating the release found in shared surrender. The final movement, Frame of Reference, turns inward, exploring memory, whakapapa, and the transformative pain that often accompanies rebirth
Blending acoustic and electronic soundscapes, Burn Cycle portrays fire as both a fierce force of destruction and a profound agent of creation.
Multifaceted, Queer Creative ARDON ENGLAND Unveils Dark Club Anthem F.T.S (Fuck The Speaker), Just in Time for Headline Show
Following the resounding success of his genre-defying debut EP That’s Camp, which established him as a trailblazer in Aotearoa's music scene, ARDON ENGLAND (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ati Awa, Kahuranaki Marae) is back with a gripping new single, F.T.S (Fuck The Speaker)
Following the resounding success of his genre-defying debut EP That’s Camp, which established him as a trailblazer in Aotearoa's music scene, ARDON ENGLAND (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ati Awa, Kahuranaki Marae) is back with a gripping new single, F.T.S (Fuck The Speaker), releasing December 13th. This electrifying track leans into the darker sounds of nightlife, crafted specifically for DJs and those who revel in the heavy bass and intensity of the club scene. ARDON will also debut a high-energy club mix and a shorter radio version.
Inspired by the edgy, immersive world of Euphoria, F.T.S came to life after Ardon heard a bass line on the show that sparked the song’s vibe—a sonic embodiment of connections that are chaotic yet irresistible. "I wanted something heavier, something that didn’t quite make sense at first, but hit perfectly when it all cames together in the club,” says ARDON. This track captures that elusive moment when the music hits, and for a few minutes, you’re lost, ready to “Fuck The Speaker.”
Produced alongside Kez Emm, F.T.S is ARDON’S first release since That’s Camp, a critically acclaimed EP that explored deeply personal themes and resonated widely within the queer community. Featuring bold, unapologetic tracks like F.E.M Man, which confronts the impact of religion on LGBTQI+ individuals, and collaborations with Aotearoa talents such as Krisy Erin (Plastic) and Keisha (Neon World), That’s Camp was celebrated as a powerful, camp-house manifesto.
ARDON ENGLAND, a dynamic queer, Māori creative with roots in Whanganui, is known for his boundary-pushing sound and artistry. From representing Aotearoa in dance to gathering fans with each new release, he has become a voice for queer inclusion and resilience in New Zealand’s electronic music scene.
To celebrate F.T.S, ARDON will headline Auckland’s Cassette Nine on December 14th, bringing a stacked DJ lineup to make this a night of unforgettable beats and immersive energy.
SHOW LINK
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/92914/Ardon-England-Thats-Camp-Auckland-Show.utr
Taite Music Prize 2025 Nominations are now open
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ announce the return Taite Music Prize for 2025.
Taite Music Prize ceremony is confirmed for April 15th, 2025
Q Theatre, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
For the full detail on specific eligibility and nomination forms please visit:
www.indies.co.nz
Nominations for the Taite Music Prize close at 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 31st January 2025.
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) with the support of Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ announce the return Taite Music Prize for 2025. This event continues to celebrate the vibrant and diverse voices of Aotearoa's music community. IMNZ now welcomes nominations for various prestigious categories: the Taite Music Prize, the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award.
Named after the legendary journalist Dylan Taite, this prestigious award celebrates artistic excellence in music, regardless of genre, sales, or label affiliation. Dylan's legacy as a pioneer in music journalism lives on, not only through his trailblazing interviews but also through his passion for championing New Zealand artists and their stories.
IMNZ remains committed to showcasing the exceptional talent across Aotearoa's music scene. This award recognises albums from all genres, focusing solely on artistic excellence, without regard for genre, sales, or label affiliations. Any album released by Aotearoa/New Zealand artists during the 2024 calendar year is eligible. The recipient will be awarded a $12,500 cash prize, generously provided by Founding Partner, Recorded Music NZ. Last year, the Taite Music Main Prize was awarded to Vera Ellen for her album Ideal Home Noise released on Flying Nun Records.
IMNZ's Chairperson, Pippa Ryan-Kidd, remarks, "2024 was a year of significant achievements for our independent musicians, who excelled in their musical releases, awards, and tours. The Taite Music Prize is testament to Aotearoa’s thriving Arts Culture - both with Creators and Audience. IMNZ is immensely proud to support and contribute to the work of our diverse and vibrant Independent artists and it’s so great to see them kicking goals - whether it’s Vera Ellen playing all the Australian dates with Crowded House, or Princess Chelsea touring all over the USA with The Beths.”
As a founding partner of the Taite Music Prize, Recorded Music NZ CEO Jo Oliver says, “We are very proud to continue to support the Taite Music Prize and celebrate the artistic excellence of the independent music sector in Aotearoa.”
In 2025, the awards ceremony will once again usher in NZ Music Month with the event taking place on April 15th. This event, deeply entrenched in celebrating artistic talent, invites the Aotearoa music community to join in the festivities.
The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award recognises emerging talent in Aotearoa. It is awarded to debut albums or EPs (minimum four tracks) released by IMNZ members in the preceding year.
The selection process for these awards involves a diverse academy of IMNZ members, musicians, and industry experts who shortlist the finalists. An independent panel then determines the winners after a thorough deliberation.
The ceremony will also feature the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award, NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award and The Independent Spirit Award.
For complete details on eligibility and nomination forms, please refer to the information provided at the end of this page.
The Taite Music Prize nominations close at 5.00 pm on Friday, 31st January 2025.
PAPERCITY follow up electric new single ‘Bored’ with epic music video!
Aotearoa alt-pop trio PAPERCITY have today uploaded yet another inventive, unique and explosive music video for recently released smash hit ‘Bored’!
Watch the video HERE
Listen to ‘Bored’ HERE
Aotearoa alt-pop trio PAPERCITY have today uploaded yet another inventive, unique and explosive music video for recently released smash hit ‘Bored’!
Just a week after it’s release, PAPERCITY (Alex Hargreaves, Sam Edmonds and Jack Rollinson) are riding the high of their latest banger ‘Bored’ - a pulsing, introspective, and infectious new track that is now joined by an impressive new music video.
Directed by lead singer Alex - who’s behind all the group’s videos, and has directed music videos for the likes of Jujulips, Alien Weaponry and more - the new clip further solidifies the groups place in Aotearoa music, with their engaging aesthetic across music and visuals.
“I wanted to show a visual representation of feeling isolated,” says Alex. “But I also wanted to push it to the extreme so we put the band in really uncomfortable situations that were super difficult to perform in. Wrapping each other up in cellophane and performing while tied together was
a pretty good band team building exercise.”
Capturing the depth of the subject matter of ‘Bored’, the music video was shot across multiple Tāmaki Makaurau locations - a studio, swimming pool, and container - creating a visual feast that fans won’t want to miss.
The release of ‘Bored’ comes hot off the heels of another successful banger ‘Sofa’ - which saw a plethora of pick up from across Aotearoa (#1 iTunes NZ, #4 Aotearoa Hot 20 Singles Chart, #31 Hot 40 Singles Chart, RollingStone AU/NZ, Radio Control, TAHI FM). Just four singles deep, the Nelson raised, Tāmaki Makaurau-based group have also seen love further afield - including playlisting and support from BBC Radio One and BBC Music Introducing presenter Ollie Winiberg. PAPERCITY’s 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.
Yet another exciting release from this up and coming Aotearoa group - you won’t want to miss this epic new music video! What's more, fans can get amongst the PAPERCITY buzz on their national summer tour with Grip-Tape and The Rainfall! More info and tickets from UTR
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