Suzy Cato and Claudia Robin Gunn present ‘The Mountain Song’

Suzy Cato and Claudia Robin Gunn present ‘The Mountain Song’ out on Jan 17th

With this release, Suzy and Claudia aim to inspire a new generation of little folkies to sing, dance and find joy in simple singalong songs.

The Mountain Song is a folk tune about finding your calm in nature and the great outdoors, encouraging kids and families to embrace the wonder to be found, and resilience gained, up in the mountains both real and metaphorical.

This brand new cowrite will be played live for the first time in Suzy and Claudia’s sets for kids at Auckland Folk Festival next weekend. 

With a focus on sensory engagement and actions you can participate in through the song - feel, breathe, taste, hear, sing, feel, dance, and twirl, it is recommended for kids yoga sessions, circle dances and calming scarf play

InDuna Presents (NZ) A Whammy Gig “A Night of Fusion Afro-Pop, Soul and Modern Electronic Sounds”

Whammy Bar, Auckland  

Friday, 31st January 2025 

Hailing from South Africa and now based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, 

Afro-pop producer and artist InDuna is set to light up Whammy Bar with his unique blend of vibrant South African rhythms and modern electronic sounds. 

This electrifying performance celebrates the launch of his upcoming EP, 'Go High,'  with a night of music and storytelling you won’t want to miss.

About InDuna

A self-taught music artist and producer, InDuna seamlessly fuses Afro-pop with the rich cultural essence of his South African roots. Recognized for his talent and resilience, he was awarded the Young Global Achiever Award at the 2024 Prince’s Trust Awards in London, an honor celebrated at Buckingham Palace with King Charles III.  

Beyond his artistry, InDuna’s track 'Dreams' was featured in the short documentary 'Ink and Gold: An Artist’s Journey to Olympic Glory,' earning Best Original Song at the International Online Web Fest (IOWF) and climbing to #6 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart.

Joining InDuna on Stage

Rei 

From Wellington, now based in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Rei (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Pākehā) is a genre-blurring artist whose music combines urban beats, electronic influences, and Māori culture. With over 10 million Spotify streams, six Waiata Māori Awards, and four NZ Music Awards nominations, Rei is captivating audiences globally.  

Tusekah 

Neo-soul and RnB singer-songwriter Tusekah mesmerizes listeners with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice. From her debut track 'Childhood Friends' to her latest single 'I’ve Changed,' Tusekah continues to deliver powerful anthems that resonate deeply.  

Every ticket purchase includes an exclusive pre-release digital copy  of InDuna’s EP, 'Go High,' available only to attendees before its mid-year official release.  

ELEMENO P WITH SPECIAL GUESTS DARTZ

THURSDAY 13 MARCH - DOUBLE WHAMMY, AUCKLAND

Banished Music is proud to announce a night of iconic Kiwi music with none other than Elemeno P, joined by special guests DARTZ, live at Double Whammy on March 13, 2025.

Elemeno P, one of New Zealand’s most beloved rock bands, has defined a generation with their multi-platinum hits and unforgettable live shows. Known for their energy and unmistakable sound, they are true icons of the Kiwi music scene. Fittingly, Double Whammy—just steps from Verona Café, immortalized in their 2003 hit “Verona”— hosts this special event, celebrating the track’s place in Auckland’s cultural history.

Joining them on stage are Pōneke pub-punks DARTZ, who have flown the flag for scrappy Aotearoa garage rock since 2019 when frontman Danz yarned his way into an opening slot for The Chats, before realising he might need a band and some songs.

A very limited number of tickets will go on sale via from 10am NZT, Friday, January 17th, 2025 with presale access for subscribers from 10am Thursday, January 16th. Being the first Elemeno P headline show in New Zealand since 2021’s High Fidelity Vinyl Release Tour tickets are expected to sell quickly for this rare, one-night-only event. 

This is a rare opportunity to witness a slice of New Zealand music history while celebrating the past and present of local talent in an intimate setting.

ALIEN WEAPONRY Announce New Album, Te Rā, + First Single + Video 'Mau Moko'

Modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY are pleased to announce their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, out March 28, 2025 via Napalm Records.

Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori. With their third full-length album, ALIEN WEAPONRY expand on their hallmark messages of cultural, societal and environmental resilience while delivering their most massive-sounding, focused musical output ever. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth) and featuring a guest vocal appearance from longtime ALIEN WEAPONRY champion Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill.

With today's album announcement, the band have unleashed a brand new, grooving single, 'Mau Moko'. The track honours Tā moko while delving into the costs of maintaining customs that are at odds with dominant cultural norms. 

'Mau Moko' lyricist/bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds says:

"Māori have a rich history of marking traditions that were nearly lost during colonisation. These traditions are currently in the process of a much needed cultural revival, and I was inspired by that. I wanted the lyrics to remind people that moko is, and always will be, a part of who we are. With the song's video, we wanted to show the darker side of the history of moko and how the head trade played a part in the near extinction of the tradition. We fought through it and continue to fight for its revival still today!"

On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of ‘Taniwha’, a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw aforementioned guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds' lyrics in Māori on songs like ‘Tama-nui-te-rā’ and ‘Ponaturi’ draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong's English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day. ‘Crown’ and ‘Hanging by a Thread’ take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on ‘Blackened Sky’ and ‘1000 Friends’, Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer ‘Te Kore’, Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on 'Mau Moko', he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. Taken as a whole, Te Rā grapples with what it’s like to be caught in the pull of divergent cultures – not just for the descendants of colonised people, but for all of us. 

ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Te Rā is a bold and unwavering call to celebrate and uphold the rich legacies of Māori and other communities within Aotearoa—voices that are not only part of us but essential to shaping our shared future.

ALIEN WEAPONRY frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong adds:
"We really stepped it up this time, as we understood that this album had to go further. We went through a lot of songs and scrapped entire sections of songs. We kept working them and working them until we got them right. Then, with the way we were pushing ourselves musically, I knew it was important to challenge myself lyrically as well. This time I delved into difficult emotional places and mental states. There’s a lot of existential dread running through the album, and I tried to find the right words to describe the indescribable.” 

e Rā will be available in the following physical formats:       

• 1-LP Deluxe Gatefold Splatter Vinyl w/ 20'' Booklet, Patch, Slipmat Napalm mail order only, limited to 300

• 1-LP Gatefold Splatter Vinyl (Black on Smoke) - Alien Weaponry Web Store Exclusive

• 1-LP Gatefold Marbled Vinyl - Napalm mail order only, limited to 300 

• 1-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl

• 1-CD Digisleeve   

---

ALIEN WEAPONRY are set to hit the road for a nationwide tour, bringing their unparalleled fusion of cultural and heavy metal storytelling to audiences across Aotearoa. Joined by fellow heavyweights Shepherds Reign, the tour promises a night of raw intensity, combining multi-lingual narratives, thunderous rhythms, and blistering riffs that will captivate metal fans and newcomers alike. 

Fans across the motu can expect to experience the same intensity and connection to Māori traditions that have made ALIEN WEAPONRY one of the most exciting acts in modern metal, the trio has performed alongside legends like Slayer, Gojira, and Anthrax, while continuing to stay true to their roots. Don’t miss your chance to witness this acclaimed metal act as they dominate stages across Aotearoa in 2025. Tickets are on sale now, get them from alienweaponry.com/tour.

ALIEN WEAPONRY Headlining New Zealand:

03/14/25: Kirikiriroa (Hamilton, NZ) @ Factory

03/15/25: Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington, NZ) @ Jim Beam Homegrown

03/20/25: Ngāmotu (New Plymouth, NZ) @ TSB Showplace

03/21/25: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, NZ) @ Powerstation

03/22/25: Ōtautahi (Christchurch, NZ) @ James Hay Theatre

03/23/25: Tāhuna (Queenstown, NZ) @ AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

In addition, Alien Weaponry is bringing their incredible journey to the big screen this Waitangi Day with the release of their documentary, ALIEN WEAPONRY: Kua Tupu Te Ara. The film, which premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, offers a deeply personal look into the first six years of the band's touring career, spanning Australasia, Europe, and America. Directed by Kent Belcher and produced by Nigel McCulloch, the documentary captures the highs and lows of life on the road, offering an intimate glimpse into the band’s journey and their unwavering commitment to performing in te reo Māori. Fans will have the chance to witness the story of ALIEN WEAPONRY in cinemas across Aotearoa this Waitangi Day—a fitting date to celebrate.

ALIEN WEAPONRY is:                      

Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals

Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals

Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Bass, Backing vocals

EXPLORE AND ELEVATE YOUR DIVERSE SKILLS

The Skills Discovery Workshop is a collaboration between Auckland City of Music, UK training provider CLOCK, and Auckland education provider SAE Creative Media Institute. The workshops have been run in Melbourne by the Victorian Music Development Office for the last 2 years, and it now comes to Auckland for the very first time.

As creatives we can take for granted or miss the value in the many integrated and transferable skills we acquire throughout a career. The 3-hour CLOCK Skills Discovery Workshop is a space where our team of CLOCK mentors help you:

·       Uncover your sector-specific and transferable skills.

·       Recognise, appreciate, and value all the skills you have learned and developed in any context.

·       Gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and use that insight to move forward with your creative projects and ideas with renewed confidence and belief.

The CLOCK Skills Discovery Workshop is suitable for anyone at any stage of their career. Whether you work in the Auckland music community as an employee, freelancer, volunteer, trainee, intern, senior manager, or entrepreneur, come join us!

SKILLS DISCOVERY WORKSHOP
SAE Creative Media Institute
12 Heather Street, Parnell, Auckland
Saturday 22 February and Sunday 23 February*
*Two workshop session times per day available, limited to 12 participants per workshop.
Cost: $250 per person

FACILITATORS
Denise Stanley - CLOCK Founder
“I am passionate about practical learning and the EU directive of 2012 that states: ‘Every citizen has the right to have their learning recognised and validated irrespective of the context in which it occurred.’

My current role is developing strategic Peer-to-Peer Learning Programmes and engineering positive cultural changes and inclusion for industry, charities and education contexts.

The groundbreaking CLOCK Programme is an example of this. CLOCK is based on 13 years of field research with employers and practitioners in the creative and cultural industries across 15 countries. CLOCK creates a level playing field for skilled creatives and entrepreneurs irrespective of where or how they learned their skills, and creates a pathway for non-formal and creative learners to access Higher Level learning and qualifications. CLOCK makes invisible skills visible and valued.”

N’Fa Jones - CLOCK Peer Reviewer

N’fa F-Jones is an Australian/Sierra-Leonean music artist, university lecturer, workshop facilitator, documentary producer, and CLOCK sector expert. N’fa’s journey in the music industry began with his ARIA award-winning Hip Hop band “1200 Techniques,” which played a crucial role in solidifying the Australian Hip Hop movement. Touring both locally and internationally with his multi-award nominated Afro-beat group “Cool Out Sun,” N’fa has gathered a wealth of experience and cultural insight. His commitment to the local musical community aims to inspire and nurture the diverse landscape of music and industry experts.

FRANK ON TAP, KICKING OFF 2025 WITH LATEST TRACK ‘RUSH’

Frank On Tap, rising indie rock band from Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand. Known for their high-energy performances and captivating tracks, the band keeps going from strength to strength in the Aotearoa music scene.

Kicking off 2025 with the release of their latest single, Rush. Dropping January 22nd, this indie rock anthem highlights the band’s knack for combining high-energy sound with relatable themes.

"Rush is about coming to terms with a future apart after the end of a relationship" says the band."It exploresthe tension between letting go and holding on, capturing both the joy and challenges of moving forward."

Rush is a bold statement from Frank On Tap, blending heartfelt storytelling with a dynamic rock sound.

To celebrate the release of Rush, Frank On Tap will perform live on January 24th, at Whammy Bar, Auckland. This show promises a new set, with a sneak peak at some fresh material and a hint of what's to come for 2025.

Imani-J ‘Blind’

“There is no doubt in my mind Imani-J is set to be one of the great New Zealand talents of our generation. She has an incredible voice, beautiful lyrics, at the age of 16 has already tackled many different musical genres and has a style that is truly her own. Imani-J's talent is undeniable and it is a privilege to watch her musical journey unfold.  I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her”. 
Stephanie Brown - CEO Play It Strange 2024

16-year-old singer-songwriter Imani-J, from Nelson/Whakatū, has released her new R&B single ‘Blind’ in collaboration with Play It Strange and Producer EDY. In Alyahna’s words, the song is about “how we are currently living in a world full of violence, hardship and suffering. Blind is about how some people choose to turn a blind eye to this because it’s easier to pretend not to see it. I want this song to get people thinking and reflecting and I really hope they choose to not be blind”.

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.

THE OFFICIAL AOTEAROA MUSIC CHARTS 2024 END OF YEAR CHARTS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED AT AOTEAROAMUSICCHARTS.CO.NZ

Compiled by Recorded Music NZ, the End of Year Charts are the only charts to combine all major sources Aotearoa music fans use throughout the year to buy and stream their favourite music. Data from sources including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Bandcamp, gig sales and other physical retail provide the authoritative snapshot of what New Zealanders were buying and listening to over the course of 2024.

Taylor Swift once again takes top honours on the Kōpae Tiketike 50 Ōkawa | Official Top 50 Albums End of Year Chart with The Tortured Poets Department. The triple-platinum collection went to #1 in April and stayed there for four weeks. Doing so bumped Swift to become the solo artist with the most #1 albums in Aotearoa,14. She leads a cohort of female artists at the head of the End of Year Album Chart – the top five is completed by Billie Eilish (#2), SZA (#3), Sabrina Carpenter (#4), and Chappell Roan (#5).

US artist Teddy Swims' remarkable connection with Aotearoa continues as his five-times platinum ‘Lose Control’ takes the premiere spot on the Tukutahi Tiketike 50 Ōkawa | Official Top 50 Singles End of Year Chart. The song first charted in 2023 but it was not until this year that it really took off, spending almost the entirety of 2024 (40 weeks) inside the Top 10. The artist, who played three sold out shows locally in July, has credited his fans in Aotearoa with sparking his global viral success.

L.A.B top the Kōpae Tiketike 20 Ōkawa o Aotearoa | Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums End of Year Chart with their Introducing L.A.B compilation, also charting at #3 with L.A.B VI. Six60 take the #2 spot with The Six60 Collection – while Kaylee Bell (#7), DARTZ (#10) and Georgia Lines (#17) all land in the End of Year Top 20 for the first time.

L.A.B also hold five positions in the Tukutahi Tiketike 20 Ōkawa o Aotearoa | Official Top 20 Aotearoa Singles End of Year Chart, with 'Casanova' (#2), 'Take It Away' (#3), 'Oh No (Pt. 2)' (#12), 'Ocean Demon' (#14) and 'Give Me That Feeling' (#16) – although they surrender the top spot to Corrella and their double-platinum banger ‘Blue Eyed Māori’, which was awarded Te Tino Waiata ā-Iti Rearea o te Tau | Breakthrough Single of the Year at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards.

Another artist familiar with topping charts, Stan Walker, secures the remaining End of Year #1 in 2024. ‘Māori Ki Te Ao’ has ruled the weekly Tukutahi Te Reo Māori Tiketike 10 | Te Reo Māori End of Year Chart for 41 consecutive weeks. TAWAZ follows at #2 with the track that propelled him to win both Mana Reo and Te Manu Taki Māori o te Tau | Best Māori Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, 'He Aho'.

The Official 2024 End of Year Charts are based on sales and streaming data for all singles and albums that were eligible to appear in the weekly Official Aotearoa Music Charts for some or all of 2024.

The weekly Official Aotearoa Music Charts are published at aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz every Friday at 4pm, including through the holiday period.

Top 50 Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
 
Top 20 Aotearoa Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
 
Top 20 Te Reo Māori Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music