Post-rock bands distance (NZ) and Myriad Drone (Au) teaming up for NZ Tour

Aotearoa post-rockers distance have been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, with highlights including playing Twisted Frequency Festival three times, opening for international acts such as NYC post-hardcore heavyweights Quicksand and Irish post-rock legends God Is An Astronaut. Their 2022 release 'everything in exchange for nothing' was voted #7 in “Best Post-Rock and Metal Albums of 2022” on the site WherePostRockDwells. They have earned a reputation as one of the premier active post-rock bands in New Zealand, casting a spell over audiences with their self described “quite nice music”.

distance are excited to bring Aus post-metal quartet Myriad Drone over for a tour in Feb/March. Myriad Drone have strong ties to NZ, having recently toured here with USA post-metal titans Russian Circles, and including footage of our breathtaking landscapes in the video for their latest single, DYHAMTTAJ. This will be a homecoming of sorts for guitarist and vocalist Shane Mulholland, who originally hails from Nelson.

Myriad Drone will be releasing a new record entitled A World Without Us on 8 March 2025 via Birds Robe Records (Au) and dunk! Records (Eu). This follows from their critically acclaimed debut, Arka Morgana (2019), further exploring an exhilarating spectrum of cinematic sounds and textures that made their first album so compelling. Myriad Drone are excited to celebrate the release of their new album on this tour, and will have limited CDs, records and merch available.

distance and Myriad will be playing the following dates:

Friday 21 February – Valhalla, Wellington w/ Their Eyes Were Flowers + Spiral

Saturday 22 February – Paisley Stage, Napier w/ FVKVSHIMA

Friday 28 February – Wunderbar Lyttelton, Christchurch w/ Necropolis + Ragweed

Saturday 1 March – Coastal Carnage Festival 

distance: https://lnk.bio/distancenz
Myriad Drone: https://myriaddrone.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/myriaddrone/

PRINS Ignites 2025 with Explosive Comeback Single "Run!"

A Bold Anthem of Empowerment Sets the Stage for a Monumental 2025

New Zealand’s reigning pop queen, PRINS, is back with a vengeance, unveiling her highly anticipated new single "Run!" . Marking her first release in over a year, "Run!" is more than just a comeback—it's a statement. With its explosive energy, defiant lyrics, and a powerful beat, this track cements PRINS as one of the most exciting voices in modern pop.

The past year has been transformative for PRINS, who spent her time refining her artistry and assembling a powerhouse team while diving deep into songwriting and collaborations in Los Angeles. This creative sabbatical has paid off, with "Run!" standing as a sonic testament to her evolution—an anthem brimming with raw power, emotional grit, and unyielding ambition.

2024: A Year That Redefined PRINS
Last year saw PRINS conquering stages and hearts alike. Highlighted by a jaw-dropping performance at SYNTHONY in the Domain in front of a staggering 35,000 fans, where she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Rudimental and John Butler. She then delivered an iconic headline show at the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch, affirming her status as one of New Zealand’s most magnetic performers.

PRINS also extended her reach globally, with festival appearances and headline slots in Germany and Australia. These milestones solidified her reputation as a pop powerhouse on the brink of global superstardom.

The Birth of a New Era
Now, PRINS is gearing up to unveil her boldest era yet. Immersed in Los Angeles’s pulsating creative scene, she has been meticulously crafting her forthcoming record, with "Run!" serving as its electrifying lead single. The track is a battle cry for resilience and self-discovery, chronicling the journey of rising above betrayal and reclaiming strength.

"Run!" captures the turbulence of heartache and the catharsis of breaking free. With soaring vocals and a thunderous production, PRINS transforms vulnerability into power, delivering a song that dares listeners to shed the past and charge fearlessly into the future.

A New Chapter for PRINS
Known for her high-octane performances and undeniable charisma, PRINS is ready to reignite the pop landscape in 2025. Her fiery return with "Run!" isn’t just the start of a new chapter—it’s the beginning of the revolution.

Don’t miss the anthem that will define the year for one of New Zealand’s brightest stars. "Run!" is out now, available on all streaming platforms. Turn it up, and join PRINS as she ushers in a fearless new era.
 

Follow PRINS:
TikTok / Spotify / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram

NO CIGAR’s new single ‘Problem’ takes fans on a “beautiful journey”

LISTEN TO ‘PROBLEM’ HERE

+    Announce tour dates for March

NO CIGAR is on a winning streak with the release of their new indie-rock anthem, ‘Problem’.

Listen to ‘Problem’ HERE

A blend of jangly guitar and infectious riffs, with a driving beat and laid-back vibe, ‘Problem’ captures the NZ rockers in their element and hints at some exciting plans on the horizon.

‘Problem’ and the band’s December single ‘Chantilly’ were both written on a writing trip to France, providing a raw and intimate window into life on the road and the challenges faced: "If everything you touch turns to ash, should you still pluck the flower when it’s in bloom?"

‘Problem’ finds NO CIGAR in their most cruisy state and is a highly recommended listen when driving, out for a walk, sitting on a bus or train or meeting a friend for a drink. “It’s a versatile song, with a beautiful journey. Much like we had when writing it,” says the band.

Expect a video for ‘Problem’ in the coming weeks, with the band teasing A Clockwork Orange influences. Keep your eyes peeled on the band’s social media channels for this.

Fans of NO CIGAR will also be delighted with news that after a gruelling touring schedule in Europe last year, they’re bringing their critically-acclaimed live show home for a run of shows in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Tickets are on sale now from www.nocigar.co.nz

Thursday March 13 - San Fran, Wellington

Friday March 14 - Double Whammy, Auckland

Saturday March 15 - Errick's Bar, Dunedin

Sunday March 16 - Loons, Christchurch

NO CIGAR formed in 2019 and has had a rapid rise to recognition as one of the country’s most promising acts. They have toured the world with their signature blend of psychedelic rock and groovy guitars, all the while drawing critical acclaim for albums such as 2023’s  THE GREAT ESCAPE, which featured the #1 rock radio smash hit, ‘Concubine’. The track also debuted at #10 on 2024’s The Rock radio annual yearly countdown – the highest debut for a new band. THE GREAT ESCAPE continues to chart in the top 20 on the Aotearoa albums chart, where it has remained for 55 weeks.

Their debut album BIENVENIDO, released in 2022, and their 2020 EP RADICAL ROAD have also earned them critical acclaim.

 Find NO CIGAR:

Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Youtube | TikTok | Soundcloud

Saint Lane teams up with beatmaker Mattymadeit to drop high-energy garage-infused banger, ‘Flashback’

The multi-talented Saint Lane is kicking 2025 off in a big way! The Gold Coast-based NZ/Fijian rapper-singer/songwriter has just dropped ‘Flashback’ - a collaboration with Australian ‘beat maker and rump shaker’, Mattymadeit.

Listen to ‘Flashback HERE / Watch the video for ‘Flashback’ HERE

‘Flashback’ arrives as Saint Lane heads out on tour across Australia with Keli Holiday (created by Adam Hyde from Peking Duk). The new single gives listeners a taste of his fun side, with its high energy, UK garage grooves.

“This is probably the most upbeat song I have ever released,” says Saint Lane.

The collaboration between Saint Lane and Mattymadeit came about through a mutual appreciation for each other's work. “Matty has been occasionally sending me beats for a few years now. Then at a mutual friend’s gig we talked about our shared love of stand up comedy, which really started a friendship.”

It led to Mattymadeit sending the beat for ‘Flashback’ and fans will be pleased to hear it’s not the only track to emerge from this exciting musical partnership. ”Immediately I was hooked. We teed up our first session together and recorded this song, then another, then another. After a few sessions we have completed an entire album. It's the fastest but most natural turnaround for a record I've ever had.”

Saint Lane, who is also an in-demand stand up comedian, adds that the vibe of ‘Flashback’ was also influenced by a comedy tour throughout the US and Europe last year, opening for Australian comedian, Frenchy. “Travelling through Europe was where I really got inspired to want to make this sort of UK garage-influenced music,” he says.

‘Flashback’ comes with a video, directed by Monteemadeit, who has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, Troye Sivan, Kid Laroi.

Saint Lane has established himself as a dynamic force in the New Zealand and Australian music industry. Since his inception, Lane has collaborated with Andrew Dawson (Kanye West’s producer) and Mike Malichicoff (Kids See Ghosts' producer), and locally featured on tracks with Bootleg Rascal, Robbie Miller, and Travy P. His previous releases have been widely embraced by the likes of triple j, The Edge, Mai fm, NIU fm, ZM, Apple Music’s 1 Radio, Spotify and Apple Music, with Lane also receiving online praise from The Needle Drop, NME, Billboard (USA), Pilerats, The Guardian, Sniffers (NZ), GQ, Pedestrian TV and MTV Upload.

 Find Saint Lane:
Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Spotify / Apple Music

The Warratahs Announce New Single “Little Victories”

New Zealand's The Warratahs release a stripped-down, old-school acoustic country ballad as their first single for 2025. Little Victories follows the band’s recent performance at Music In The Country Wairarapa Music Festival in mid-January and continues their legacy of heartfelt storytelling and timeless sound.

Written by Barry Saunders in a simple, traditional style, the track reflects on keeping life simple—taking pieces of the past and moving forward. Featuring Caroline Easter’s harmonies and Al Norman’s soulful organ playing, Little Victories carries a warm, introspective feel inspired by Saunders’ love for autumn, a season he describes as melancholic and reflective.

“Autumn’s calling my name, saying, you’re just another link in the chain,” Saunders shares, capturing the song’s poignant theme. Recorded in just two takes at The Surgery in Wellington with acclaimed producer Lee Prebble, the track highlights The Warratahs’ signature authenticity and raw musical energy.

Little Victories is another heartfelt addition to The Warratahs’ celebrated catalog, inviting listeners to embrace life’s quiet, meaningful moments.

New release from Li'l Chuck

To celebrate 10 years since the release of Li'l Chuck's first album and Drummie Dan's significant birthday, today sees a surprise new release from Lil’ Chuck the one man Skiffle machine.

 After a clash with his other band members, Li'l Chuck has stepped away from his traditional one man band format to join forces with legendary Shane MacGowan and Exploited drummer Dan Heatley aka “Drummie Dan”. 
 This six track E. P. features the nostalgic and heavier side of Lil’ Chuck drawing on his and Dan’s teenage rock n roll influences from the 70’s & 80’s. Driven by Dan's pounding drums and saturated with Li'l chucks signature harmonica and slide guitar, the result is a much bigger sound than we have come to expect from Li'l Chuck in his previous recordings...

 This E. P. was recorded in one room over a few afternoons with Li'l Chuck and Dan jamming and feeding off each other. It's augmented with overdubs and is arranged and produced by Lil’ Chuck and Drummie Dan... 

As Li'l Chuck says, “This project has made the most of our friendship and has given Dan and I the opportunity to drink a lot of tea, have some long laughs and yarns but most importantly, to have a loud blasting sessions in my studio!”

Li'l Chuck meets Drummie Dan at the mansion on the hill (Vol1. Bribing the dog) will be available on all platforms from 28th Jan 2025. 

Foley reveal final teaser ahead of new album, with the sun-soaked single ‘Fever’

*** Album THAT’S LIFE, BABY! out February 28 ***

Pop duo Foley have entered the final countdown to their sophomore album THAT’S LIFE, BABY!, releasing the hot new single ‘Fever’; the final puzzle piece before the full record drops on February 28.

Listen to ‘Fever’ HERE / Pre-save THAT’S LIFE, BABY! HERE

Packed with ear candy and pops of sonic colour, ‘Fever’ leans into Foley’s signature sound of highly addictive bass lines paired with jolty and eclectic percussion tracks. Sassy lyrics complete the picture as the duo tell an all-too familiar tale of unrequited love; something Foley hints at being a theme of in the forthcoming album.

“‘Fever’ is the extension of THAT’S LIFE, BABY! in terms of unrequited love,” they expand. “In a way it's the continuation of that story where a past love is lingering on and they can’t quite find closure. It was inspired by an experience where a friend's ex kept showing up at every party, every cafe, and felt like they were almost around every corner!”

Made with the magic of Waiheke Island - the location that cooked up much of the album - ‘Fever’ came to life with Foley’s Ash and Gabe being joined by Harry Charles and Josh Naley (Wells*) on songwriting and production. The track was then mixed by Hamish Patrick and mastered by Sam Moses.

“The production style and vocal layering is definitely very Foley,” say the duo. “The song is all born of the bass line and the groove which are always the staple of a Foley track.” 

“This one was fueled by the sunshine, diet coke, a few beers and good chats with friends. It was honestly more wholesome than anything else!”

Today's release is the sixth and final single to come from Foley ahead of the upcoming album, recently releasing ‘Heartstrings’, a track which saw them feature on Sniffers, Rolling Stone AU/NZ, The Hits and ZM. Other notable singles from the album include ‘Time Of My Life’, which proved to be a NZ chart success reaching #3 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart and peaking at #6 on RadioScope’s Most Added Chart, and ‘Low and High’ which garnered a huge 100k streams in just three days, as well as landing on Spotify playlists including Pop Sauce, Pop n’ Fresh, chill AF, Happy Pop Hits, New Music Friday’s AU/NZ, Denmark, Netherlands, and UK, New Pop Revolution and many more.

 Having released their debut album CROWD PLEASER in 2023, which hit #2 on the Official Top 20 NZ Albums Chart, Foley also established a dynamic reputation as a live unit across Aotearoa prior to the release, touring consistently as headliners and support for artists including Remi Wolf, Tove Lo, Flight Facilities and BENEE.

 2024 saw the duo become Aotearoa Music Award nominees (Best Pop Artist) and enjoy a sold-out five-date tour through Los Angeles and New York in April/May. They also found themselves on one of pop culture’s biggest radars when ‘Killing Me Babe’ was featured on the recent season finale of The Kardashians.

Foley’s forthcoming full-length record THAT’S LIFE, BABY! marks the next step towards a new era. Get ready; it begins on February 28.

Listen to ‘Fever’ HERE / Pre-save THAT’S LIFE, BABY! HERE

PRAISE FOR FOLEY:

“Sharp, analytical, and deeply confessional, Crowd Pleaser reminds you of the kind of trouble you welcome with open arms.”

ROLLING STONE AU/NZ

“Crowd Pleaser, Foley’s debut album, is a bold entry as a debut project...“What Got Into You”, setting the tone and the expectations high immediately—and they don’t disappoint from there.”

TONEDEAF

“Though the pair's widescreen, electric pop music is entertaining on record, it takes on a whole other life when vocalist Ash Wallace and guitarist Gabe Everett present it in the live arena.”

THE MUSIC

“This bouncy, breezy new offering from Foley is an absolute blast.”

CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND

Follow Foley:

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Triple J Unearthed

Indie artist Lepani’s next release ‘Y’ was chosen by the people

Manchester-based NZ artist Lepani is releasing a new song ‘Y’ on Feb 7

A fresh voice to the UK music industry, Lepani will be starting 2025 off explosively with his emphatic, energetic track “Y” on Feb 7. Shedding light on the struggles experienced of working under a major label, “Y” an alternative pop track, is more fiery than Lepani’s usual soulful pop tracks and gives a taste of his string of releases to come in 2025. 

Written, recorded and produced by Lepani himself, “Y” has gathered interest on social media whilst he was publicising his songwriting on his Instagram page. Lepani put it in the hands of his followers to decide which track they wanted released, and votes were unanimous. Lepani’s evocative words pull you straight into the frustration he feels.

“Broken promises, they told him he could make it if he gave ‘em everything he had. Spoken honestly, he could’ve been the greatest but the lane that they provided was a one way ticket to his DOWNFALL.”

Amassing over eight million Spotify streams over his career, of Lepani’s most well known are “Next to Me” and “Wait To Wake Me Up”. “Y” is only the beginning of his shift to a more creative journey, with a myriad of eclectic and expressive releases coming this year.

CONNECT WITH LEPANI ON:  Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple | Youtube | Amazon