BYLLIE-JEAN RELEASES NEW SINGLE HINEKOUKOU

LISTEN HERE

The first Byllie-jean single to emerge since the release of the artist’s debut EP Filter, ‘Hinekoukou’ was written at the 2023 Reo Māori Songhubs in Pōneke from a wānanga with mātanga reo (language expert) Te Haumihiata Mason. Byllie-jean already knew what she wanted to write about after regular visits from a ruru (morepork) when embarking on her reo Māori journey. “Hinekoukou was on my mind and as we spoke I realised that, despite the world’s obsession with image and our penchant for the artificial, she lives in the dark and sees everything.”

The waiata and video are an ode to Hinekoukou and the world she inhabits, to the non-human communities that have and continue to be decimated by humans: “I love de-centering humans, including myself as the artist; we are so obsessed with ourselves.”

The acoustic version of the music was written by Wellington artist and close friend Aja: “I asked her to play some of her favourite chords on the guitar and I wrote the vocal melody to that.” Later, in the studio producer Chris Wethey and Byllie-jean worked together on what became a theatrical sound journey that features dramatic backing vocals from Tame Tuari from the Tuari Brothers and solo vocalist Allana Goldsmith, with further reo Māori support from author Hona Black.

The accompanying video was co-directed by Juanita Hepi and animated by a digital collective led by animator Moretekorohunga Lloyd, comprising of Illustrator/Animator/Concept artist Christian Morgan Joseph and Concept Artist/Illustrator/Storyboarder Noah Foreman. The video’s style is simple, leaning into the foreboding edge of vintage noir that both Byllie-jean and Juanita Hepi are drawn to in their visual collaborations.
Byllie-jean (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Pahauwera) is a multi-disciplinary storyteller who writes and performs in te reo Māori and English,  her sound is described as Swamptrap, Fairyhop, Soulfolk and Indiehorror.
The artist has co-directed theatre works such as I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden and Wāhine Toa. She is a published poet, researcher and academic. As an indigenous island dweller and a kuia/grandmother of three, Byllie-jean is brimming with content, winning the 2022 Te Maioha Silver Scroll Award for her single ‘Te Iho’ with AJA and Chris Wethey. Her EP Filter was released in 2024 including two accompanying videos for 'Desperate Fools' (2023) and ‘Running Amuck’ (2023). Filter was chosen as one of The Sampler’s favourite NZ albums of the year for 2024 by Tony Stamp.

Impostor Syndrome – Sleep & Violence

A memory half-remembered, here right now.

Forgotten thoughts come around once in a lifetime.

I am alive, so are you.

Engage in chaotic divergence and sleepy anxiety with Impostor Syndrome's new genre-bending album Sleep & Violence.

Sleep & Violence, the Auckland based recording outfit's sophomore album, explores the realms that exist between the planes of anxiety and neuro-divergence. Clocking in at 23 minutes, this upcoming mini album is free from convention, demanding the listeners' attention, not their time. Shannon Coulomb (producer/instrumentalist), Ryan Culleton (vocals) and Scott Nicolson (drums) became friends during their high school years with the idea to create music together lingering for years. Sleep & Violence is their second self-produced album, having dived into their current fascination of the analogue realm of recording.

"It turns out the brain has a storage limit for songs kept only in one's memory. Impostor Syndrome is essentially the result of documenting our love of learning music production. That attempt to bring all of our thoughts to life, through a focused, experimental approach." 

A big step up in self production from their debut album ‘Oriens’, Sleep & Violence retains some roughness around its edges while keeping an eye firmly on the future. From the orchestral depth of opener Lore and the nod to 90's electronica in Silhouette, to the cathartic and heavy Know Me Well to the Psychedelic roots of Freedom is a Thought, self production became as much of a necessity and a means to an end:

“Limitations are important for creativity, but your own set of limitations should present themselves to you as opposed to confining to an external construct”

MAZBOU Q RELEASES CLONING.

Mazbou Q continues his groundbreaking "Rap Science" series with its th installment, "CLONING." A fusion of Jersey Club energy, emotive synths, and pounding 808s, the track is an intricate exploration of the struggle to balance artistry, family, and ambition. With his signature technical precision, Mazbou Q weaves a narrative that resonates with creatives and entrepreneurs alike—those who grind nonstop, wishing they could clone themselves to keep up with their relentless pursuits.

Lyrically, "CLONING." offers an introspective glimpse into Mazbou Q’s life as a multidisciplinary artist. The pressure to succeed is compounded by deep-rooted familial and cultural expectations, where the pursuit of creative passions must often coexist with the responsibility of providing stability and his family's sacrifices.

LISTEN HERE

This release follows his previous "Rap Science" singles, "TORQUE." and "SALINITY.," solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing lyricist and producer. Most recently, Mazbou Q made history as the first New Zealand artist to perform on Brooklyn’s On The Radar Radio, a highly influential hip-hop platform boasting over a million followers on Instagram and YouTube. The channel has featured the likes of Drake, Ice Cube, and Ice Spice, marking a significant milestone in Mazbou Q’s international journey.

Beyond his own music, Mazbou Q is also the lead producer for the upcoming NZ On Air-sponsored web series Beyond the Beat, set for release in May during Aotearoa Music Month. The series brings together local artists to reimagine iconic New Zealand radio hits, further showcasing his innovative approach to music production and curation.

With "CLONING.," Mazbou Q not only adds another powerful entry to his "Rap Science" catalog but also cements his place as one of Aotearoa’s most forward-thinking artists. A relentless force in hip-hop, his latest release is both a testament to his work ethic and a raw confession of the challenges that come with it.

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PARENTHOOD INSPIRES NEW SINGLE FROM THE PHIL EDWARDS BAND

The Phil Edwards Band will release their new single and music video ‘Cocoon’ on March 14. 

‘Cocoon’ is the first single from the New Zealand band's second studio album releasing later this year. 

Listen to ‘Cocoon’ HERE
Watch  ‘Cocoon’ music video HERE

The Phil Edwards Band led by Phil Edwards supported by Adrian Ashdown and Timothy Williams have been together since 2009.

During this time they have shared the stage with well known names such as John Butler, LAB, Black seeds, Tahuna Breaks and Thomas Oliver, and toured nationally and internationally multiple times performing at major festivals such as Rhythm and Vines, Festival of Lights, Moomba water festival (Australia), and Whangamata Summer festival. 

Phil takes a fresh honest stance while writing his lyrics and creates songs based on real life experiences. The themes of love, protection and release are at the heart of this song, and are themes many parents will be able to relate to.

The inspiration for ‘Cocoon’ is Phil's experience as a new parent and watching his daughter grow. “I feel it is my/our (parents) job to be her cocoon and gently guide her and direct her with love and support” shares the proud Dad. “It's her life, not our life and I am most comfortable with viewing her as her own person and not someone we own - I want her to feel free and able to do anything she wants to do.  She will remain in her cocoon until she is ready to spread her wings and be beautiful in her own way.” 

The track has a bright, warm summery vibe, and captures the simple everyday feelings many parents experience. The bass has a playful energy , which  is a nod to the song's muse, 4 year old Rumi. 

When becoming a father of 2, Phil was concerned he would lose his ability to keep producing music, but instead parenthood has reinvigorated his creative process “I am able to do what I love the most and also include my family as well” he share.  “Previously my music was more about broken hearts, partying or summer time , but now I have a song pretty much for all aspects of my current life, I have a song about my daughter, my whole family, my partner, my dog, my willingness to live life. So  I have found a way to express myself through music about the most common kind of feelings found within raising a family, with which I thought would be rather hard or a little dull, but for me it has been exciting and a journey I didn't think I would have.” 

The ‘Cocoon’ music video captures playfulness, nature, the simple things - but most importantly it “shows real love, and not acting just a simple display of my love for my daughter” says Phil. 

The Phil Edwards Band new single and music video ‘Cocoon’ is out now via all online streaming platforms.

AROUND THE CORNER - The RVMES NEWEST SINGLE

LISTEN TO AROUND THE CORNER HERE

The RVMES are back on the radar with an extremely personal single set for release on March 8th.  Around The Corner sings about dissatisfaction of where you are in life and taking a brave leap for yourself into the unknown. The track runs you through a fantastic textural climb in energy with a unique rhythm pattern emphasised by a hard-working four on the floor by drummer Logan Fox.

And as Around The Corner nears its release, lead guitarist of The RVMES, Richard Moore, prepares for a move to Japan, leaving the band behind to explore the world and live out the meaning of this very song. This track is a farewell to celebrate Richards time in the band and a great warm up for The RVMES new album to be released later in the year.

Around The Corner was recorded and engineered in Huntly by Casey Messent at Wardrobe Studios, mastered by Luke Finlay at Primal Mastering and distributed by The RVMES newest partner, AAA Records.

FOLLOW The RVMES | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Spotify | Bandcamp

JENNY MITCHELL RELEASES STUNNING NEW SINGLE IN CELEBRATION OF SISTERHOOD OF FAMILY

‘SISTER’ FEAT. THE MITCHELL TWINS 

OUT NOW 

NATIONAL TOUR WITH KASEY CHAMBERS COMMENCES NEXT WEEK

“I am a sister, always and now

from your first steps, to my last bow

I’m a sister, always a sister”

On the eve of International Women’s Day, award-winning New Zealand singer songwriter Jenny Mitchell has released her uplifting new single ‘Sister’ available now via Civilians. 

Honouring their relationship and unbreakable bond, the track features Jenny’s sisters, The Mitchell Twins, Nicola and Maegan and is accompanied by a gorgeous video shot in New Zealand.

Jenny explains, “I wrote this one with my little sister Nicola and we had so much fun thinking about all the different ‘roles’ you play as a sister. It was recorded in New Zealand, produced by our Tasmanian friend Matt Fell and is jampacked with harmonies from both Nicola and Maegan.”

On the clip, Jenny goes on to say “We spent a day shooting the video at my family home in New Zealand. The tree hut, swing set, chicken coop and everything in between are the real deal. They’re the places we grew up exploring. Our little mini-mes and their Mum’s came to our place for the day and between us + my longtime collaborators, Scrambler (Wade McLelland and Bradon McCaughey), we created something that feels extremely nostalgic to me and just full of joy and our version of girlhood.” 

Jenny is now just days out from the commencment of her special guest spot on Kasey Chambers’ national Backbone album tour which will visit every state in Australia over 5 months.  The shows in Brisbane, Sale (VIC), Wyong (NSW) and the first show at Palms at Crown in Melbourne sold out. Tickets are selling fast for Perth, Penrith (NSW) Port Pirie (SA) Devonport and Launceston.  

Having carved herself a strong following in both her home country of New Zealand and here in Australia, this single follows a busy past year for Jenny which included the release of her singles ‘Where The Water’s Cold’ and ‘Square & Plain’, 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. 

SOLA ROSA NEW TOMORROWS EP OUT NOW

FEATURING NEW SINGLE ‘CYPRESS TREE FEAT. AKOSIA’

As Sola Rosa, led by Andrew Spraggon, celebrates 25 years, New Tomorrows marks both reflection and evolution—a seven-track journey bridging past and future. Following the international acclaim of Chasing the Sun (2020), which earned a coveted four-star review from Mojo, the EP expands on Sola Rosa’s eclectic legacy while embracing fresh sonic landscapes and collaborations.

Featuring top musicians like Lewis McCallum, Julien Dyne, and Kenji Iwamitsu-Holdaway, alongside vocalists AKOSIA and Joe Probert, New Tomorrows balances contrast—light and dark, smooth and rough. Spraggon describes it as a mix of melancholy and hope, reflecting change without needing resolution. With previous singles Tears Roll Down and The Sun Doesn’t Shine receiving playlisting across Aotearoa’s airwaves and praise from Rolling Stone and NZ Listener, the EP is already resonating with fans old and new.

The latest single, Cypress Tree, featuring AKOSIA, explores inner turmoil and self-discovery through poetic lyricism and layered production. “Life is a contradiction—clarity and confusion, stillness and storms,” says AKOSIA. Spraggon adds, “Her honesty brought something raw and real, and we shaped the production to match.”

Mixed by Simon Gooding (Ed Sheeran, Pink, Neil Finn) and mastered by Joshua Llewellyn, New Tomorrows signals both an end and a new beginning. With a full-length album set for 2025, Spraggon remains committed to reinvention, embracing the unknown while honouring his journey.

Jackie Bristow Release New Single “Letter Of Love”

Acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow is excited to announce the upcoming release of a collection of previously unreleased songs that reminisce about her vibrant days in Sydney during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These recently rediscovered recordings were crafted while Jackie was signed to Liberation Music under the guidance of the legendary Michael Gudinski and managed by Norman Parkhill, capturing the raw, heartfelt essence of an artist on the cusp of finding her unique voice.

The leading single, "Letter of Love," which once graced the beloved Australian TV show Home and Away, is making its official debut after years of being hidden away. This marks the first time these cherished tracks will be available to the public, as they were never included on albums, released on CD, or made available digitally.

"Letter of Love" is a singer/songwriter pop track that captures the excitement of

connection and the dreams of love, resonating with the vibrant musical era it hails from. The single was produced by Mark Punch and Matt Fell, mixed at Electric Avenue Studios by Phil Punch, and mastered at 301 Studios in Sydney.

Jackie reflects on this period with nostalgia, stating, "Looking back, it feels like a dream—such an exciting and special time to be living in Sydney, writing and recording music. I can’t wait for everyone to hear these songs and the stories behind them."

With this release, Jackie Bristow invites listeners to join her on a journey back in time, celebrating the memories and emotions that inspired these hidden gems.

Stay tuned for the release of "Letter of Love" and the full EP, "Sydney Days," as Jackie Bristow reclaims her musical past and shares it with the world.