South For The Winter 'Of Sea & Sky' Album Tour

South For Winter are back in New Zealand for their 4th national tour to celebrate their new album, Of Sea and Sky - Independently released on the 16th of May, 2024. This album was co-produced with multi-GRAMMY award-winning producer Matt Leigh (Willie Nelson, Sister Sadie) at The Sound Emporium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Since it's release, the album has reached hundreds of thousands of listeners, raised over $20,000 via a Kickstarter campaign, and sold-out shows across North America, Europe and New Zealand. Comprised of Nick Stone, Dani Stone, and Alex Stradal, together these multi-instrumentalists combine elements such as percussive guitar, cello, mandolin, and effortless harmonies into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as "impeccable".

Emerging Artist Unleashes Thirty Years of Creativity

On her 30th birthday, Hannah Virk bought a guitar. Getting the guitar unleashed a creative side to Hannah and she challenged herself to create her own songs.

The result? Thirty songs written, recorded and produced touching on moments in time, thoughts, memories and experiences that have shaped Hannah and which she believes we can all connect with in our own way.

Hannah will be performing her sweet and fresh indie-pop songs in her show 30 Songs:30 Years as part of the Wellington Fringe Festival 2025. Come along to discover what is possible in one year when planets align and worlds combine, get inspired and enjoy the show.

Hannah will be performing two shows at Meanwhile Gallery on Saturday 22nd February and 8th March at 6pm.

JENNY MITCHELL UNVEILS NEW SINGLE ‘SQUARE & PLAIN’ AHEAD OF NATIONAL TOUR WITH KASEY CHAMBERS

Award-winning artist Jenny Mitchell has released her stunning new single ‘Square & Plain’ via Civilians. The track comes ahead of her special guest spot opening for Kasey Chambers on the highly anticipated national ‘Backbone’ album tour, kicking off in Tamworth on January 23. 

The acclaimed storyteller explains, "Square & Plain is about the realisation that the person you’ve been betting on doesn’t feel the same. I love its simplicity and loungey feel, a new sound for me."

The accompanying video was shot and produced by Wellington based creative Nikki Parlane. 

Discussing her forthcoming 30-date tour with Kasey Chambers, Jenny said, "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!"

The Backbone album tour will visit every state in Australia over 5 months with Brisbane, Sale (VIC), Wyong (NSW) shows already sold out and tickets selling fast for Perth, Melbourne, Devonport, Launceston, Port Pirie (SA) and Penrith (NSW).  Jenny is also performing at Sydney’s Metro Theatre on Wednesday 29th January as part of the venue’s free ‘Country’s Always Been Cool’ series with Raechel Whitchurch and Denvah. 

Having carved herself a strong following in both New Zealand and Australia, this new single follows a huge past year for Jenny which included the release of her single ‘Where The Water’s Cold’, a performance at the Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast and a tour support slot with Australian country star Adam Harvey across NSW.  Jenny also received a scholarship from the Australian Academy of Country Music and Sister Cities Nashville, to perform at Nashville’s iconic AmericanaFest and co-write with Nashville locals in September last year. 

Originally from Gore, Jenny’s musical upbringing was firmly planted in country but her songwriting and material is a unique blend of folk, Americana and country. After winning the NZ Gold Guitar Award at just 18, Jenny has steadily carved herself a place in the New Zealand and Australian music scenes. Her 2022 album Tug Of War earned her a legion of new fans in Australia, showcasing her emotive songwriting. With an Aotearoa Music Award and 2 x Australian Golden Guitar nominations under her belt, the future is bright and bold for this unique artist. 

Thanks Wellington! Jim Beam Homegrown’s Swan Song in the Capital

After 18 unforgettable years, Homegrown bids farewell to Wellington in 2025

This March will be the last time Jim Beam Homegrown graces the Wellington Waterfront. The iconic festival is set to move cities in 2026, a massive and bitter-sweet change for organisers.

“For a myriad of personal and logistical reasons Homegrown is moving cities after this year. We couldn’t be more grateful for the unwavering support we’ve had from fans and the city. The support from WellingtonNZ and Wellington City Council has been massive over the years so we’re keen to knock this last one out of the park as a heartfelt thank you to Wellington”, says Andrew Tuck, Festival Director.

Since its inception in 2008 the beautiful Wellington Waterfront has served as the perfect backdrop for a festival dedicated to the celebration of Kiwi music. The festival has grown over the years from 10,000 to 23,000 fans and the wide range of genres on offer makes the Homegrown crowd one of the most diverse in the industry.

The Waterfront’s layout makes the festival truly unique, allowing fans to come and go from each of the 5 stages, all while the Waterfront remains open to the public.

“One of our favorite things about the Waterfront is seeing the general public and tourists from the cruise ships wandering wide eyed through the festival crowd; it’s gold and adds a whole other dynamic to the festival”, reflects Tuck.

To sign off in style, organisers are adding an extra night to this year’s schedule. Friday 14th March will serve as the perfect warm up with acts including Che Fu, Lee Mvtthews, and Stan Walker before finishing off with ‘Synthony’, providing an unparalleled experience where the biggest dance tracks are reimagined with a full live orchestra and light show.

Saturday 15th March will see 5 stages bursting with over 50 of the best acts in Aotearoa including, Shapeshifter, Shihad, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Kaylee Bell, Nesian Mystik, Alien Weaponry, The Black Seeds, Mitch James, Katchafire, I Am Giant, The Beths, Elemeno P, The Beths, SWIDT, Aaradhna, Kings and Drax Project.

One performance will be extra fitting for Homegrown’s farewell to the Capital. Wellington Rock legends Shihad will be playing their last ever gig!

WellingtonNZ Events and Experiences General Manager Heidi Morton said while it was sad to say farewell to Homegrown, the city had a wealth of memories from the festival. “Homegrown has been a summer staple that was always highly anticipated by New Zealand music fans. We are very proud to have supported the event as it has evolved over its almost two-decade journey in the capital”

As the team behind Jim Beam Homegrown looks toward the future, this final festival in Wellington is an opportunity to celebrate not only 18 years of incredible music and memories but also the passionate community that has made it all possible.

Jim Beam Homegrown always sells out - don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic one last time in Wellington! Limited tickets for Jim Beam Homegrown 2025 are available now at www.homegrown.net.nz, with Afterpay and payment plans to make it easier to secure your spot.

Kiwi reggae/rock band Pineja are excited to announce the release of their self-titled debut EP

Following on from their previous singles released in 2024, this 4-song EP showcases the funk fuelled, reggae-dub, rock sound of the Pineja crew.  The EP features two previously unreleased tracks “Grey Days”, and live-show crowd favourite “Burning”

Pineja, a four piece Reggae/Rock band have influences from Dub, Ska, Indie and Jazz. The band's current lineup includes: Ben Bonetti, Jack Beaumont, Cameron Stoddart and Grace Gillanders all hailing from Cambridge, New Zealand. Pineja are known for their engaging live performances, stage presence and musicianship. With an ever improving all original live set, the Pineja multi genre magic is not one to be missed. The band have already played four headline shows(three of which were sold out) at their local venue Nivara Lounge. They also have supported acts such as Strangely Arousing, Kurilpa Reach (AUS), Odessa, Albert Street, Borderline and Coast Arcade on their New Zealand tours.

The Pineja sound has been captured by Regan John McKinnon at The Porch Recording Studio. This is where the EP was recorded over a 3 day session and where the “Porch Sessions” youtube video was filmed. Pineja are growing a passionate fan base through their live shows, streaming and across all social media platforms.

Upcoming Tour dates to support the EP release are:

●      9th Jan at the Yard in Raglan/Whāingaroa. 

●      10th Jan at Totara Street in Tauranga.

●      17th Jan at Neck of The Woods in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaura.

●      24th Jan at Nivara Lounge in Hamilton/Kirikiriroa. 

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.