Butter Wouldn’t Melt announce national tour and homegrown album ‘Where the roots grow deep’
Where the roots grow deep is the first chapter in a two-part album journey, to be followed by Beneath the Stars Above in 2026. Together, these albums form a story in contrast—two sides of the same mountain, two worlds intertwined: one bathed in light, the other steeped in shadow.
Old River Records is thrilled to announce the release of the Sophomore album from award-nominated New Zealand folk/Americana band Butter Wouldn’t Melt, Where the roots grow deep, available everywhere August 9th 2025. Digital singles from the album will be released every few weeks, with the first single Song for Maurice released March 28th.
Where the roots grow deep is the first chapter in a two-part album journey, to be followed by Beneath the Stars Above in 2026. Together, these albums form a story in contrast—two sides of the same mountain, two worlds intertwined: one bathed in light, the other steeped in shadow. Both records will showcase Butter Wouldn’t Melt’s signature local storytelling and rich harmonies, weaving contemporary folk, country, bluegrass, and Americana into a sound that is as timeless as it is deeply personal.
Finalists for the 2023 Best Folk Artist Tūī | Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa, Butter Wouldn’t Melt is the very definition of a grassroots, do-it-yourself band. Every note, every frame, every brushstroke of this project is their own— written, recorded, mixed, mastered, promoted, filmed, and designed. Featuring Andrea Reid (Vocals and rhythm guitar), Nick Burfield (Vocals and lead guitar), Cara Brasted (Fiddle and vocals), Marz Connelly (Double bass and vocals), and guest appearance from Kim Bonnington (Vocals).
This album isn’t just music; it’s a labour of love from front to back. From the songs to the artwork and even the wild Oracle Card merchandise. Recorded and produced at Old River Records, located in the windy hills of Papakowhai, and stitched together with blood, sweat, and sheer determination.
Butter Wouldn’t Melt will be hitting the road in April on a thirteen destination tour across Aotearoa, from Whangārei to Gore, bringing their music to towns and cities all over the motu.
Tour Details:
● April 12 - Te Pahu, Waikato
● April 14 - Whangateau Hall, Whangateau (w/ The Pipi Pickers)
● April 15 - Oneonesix, Whangarei (w/ Gary, Dusty and The Advocators)
● April 16 - Auckland Bluegrass Club, Auckland
● April 18-21 - Hamsterfest, Paeroa
● May 2 - Whanganui Musicians Club, Whanganui
● May 3 Pop-up Gigs Taranaki, Palmerston North
● May 22 - The Globe, Dunedin (w/ Rufous Whistler [AUS])
● May 22 - Wellington Bluegrass Society (w/ Rufous Whistler [AUS])
● May 28 - Wunderbar, Christchurch
● May 29 - Pearl Diver, Dunedin (w/ Rufous Whistler [AUS] and Lara Rose)
● May 30-31 - Tussock Country Festival, Gore (w/ Elias Bartholomeo [AUS])
● June 2 - Ruby Bay Store, Nelson
Tickets for the tour and pre-orders for the album are available via www.oldriverrecords.co.nz/butter-wouldnt-melt
Social Links:
Website: https://www.oldriverrecords.co.nz/butter-wouldnt-melt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butterwouldntmeltmusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrhA0jsXMACngM9YzXv5_wg
Instagram: www.instagram.com/butterwouldntmeltmusic
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@butterwouldntmeltmusic?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
NZ producer and turntablist teams up with music wizard “MoDre”
At it again, Scizzorhands has knabbed the Audio tracks to MoDre’s latest track and given it the Iron Finger Flip
At it again, Scizzorhands has knabbed the Audio tracks to MoDre’s latest track and given it the Iron Finger Flip
One morning Scizzorhands was chillin’ in the studio listening to “They Don’t Know” - a new release from Producer / Songwriter MoDre. After inspiration hit, Scizzorhands put on his best Camouflage and hit the bushes. Using his best Rambo sneaking tactics, he was able to knab MoDre’s hard-drive from Studio 91.
Later that day, Scizzorhands got a text from MoDre, demanding his drive back. What did Scizzorhands do with the drive? Click below to find out.
But on a more serious note, go check out the track and enjoy Scizzorhands foray into the electronic music realm merging turntablism, boom-bap and bass music.
TILT - TAYLAH (EP)
Brimming with biting lyricism that tackles everything from love, corruption, sex and magic, this EP marks Taylah as a razor sharp storyteller and artist.
Brimming with biting lyricism that tackles everything from love, corruption, sex and magic, this EP marks Taylah as a razor sharp storyteller and artist.
The heavy hitting standout Poison is a sinister, popping track worthy of Gorillaz, while Flow is an uplifting reprieve that prompts you to erupt in ecstatic dance. Taylah’s unwavering stylistic approach is woven through each track of this collection for a more sophisticated yet iconic sound.
“Validating. I wanted to create something that validates people’s feelings and makes them feel less crazy. Because if you look around, none of this is ‘normal’, it’s absurdity manifest, so I wanted to provide a lens that helps you see the absurdity in it all.” - Taylah.
NEW ROCK OUTFIT SAM BARTELLS & THE OUTSIDERS RELEASE DEBUT SINGLE ‘NO REASON’
New Zealand contemporary rock artist SAM BARTELLS today releases monstrous new single ‘NO REASON’, with his brand new project SAM BARTELLS & THE OUSTIDERS, marking his exciting return to hard rock.
New Zealand contemporary rock artist SAM BARTELLS today releases monstrous new single ‘NO REASON’, with his brand new project SAM BARTELLS & THE OUSTIDERS, marking his exciting return to hard rock.
STREAM ‘NO REASON’ HERE
A highly versatile artist, Sam is also a well-known voice in the country music scene, but for now his focus is firmly set on Sam Bartells & The Outsiders, a fresh and growing organism as Sam handpicks talented musicians who suit the project and will be happy to tour and play shows into the future.
Bartells’ signature style and wide-ranging vocal prowess is naturally suited to his soulful, modern rock songs, and he’s thrilled to be back with this new rock collaboration with talented musicians and friends JP Carroll and Tim Skedden.
The song came into being after a long period of personal struggle, where Bartells was feeling disconnected and isolated from people. After stepping back and reflecting on his situation, Bartells experienced a re-birth of sorts, and feeling empowered to go with it, he seized the moment to create a whole new project.
Explains Sam: “I felt like I needed to find my own groove in the rock scene, and this song came to life when my good friend JP sent me one of his masterful riffs and I wrote lyrics to it and it all started from there. My friend Tim also writes similar riffs, and we were sitting on a bunch of songs so we decided to go into the studio with JP and start recording with a plan to do an EP in the future.”
‘No Reason’ was recorded at both Roundhead Studios and renowned Sound Engineer/ Producer Dave Rhodes studio in Whitianga, with Rhodes on producing and mixing duties.
Bartells continues to document his honest and heartfelt journey of self-redemption through his music, allowing his gritty lyrics to expose the fragility of human nature and the relatable struggle to maintain emotional stability through the ups and downs of life, brutal though they may be.
As such, his new project was bestowed a name that evoked the overall feeling he was experiencing at that time: The Outsiders. “That’s when I felt like I only had a few people who were in my life, like I was on the outside. I’m sure others know the feeling, so it feels like a really good fit”, he says.
‘No Reason’ is a revelatory song, and speaks to the moment when you suddenly take stock of your situation and come to the realisation that there’s nothing to lose, it’s time to get up and take on the world, no matter what, and that it’s now or never.
Says Sam: “For me, it was acknowledging the beast within and accepting it –working with what you are, and what you have. Pushing it to the very limit at the risk of losing it all is a very vulnerable but also empowering space to be in. It was about being on the edge and seeing things more clearly, and I realised that I love writing rock songs with these guys, and it was time to go for it. Take the risk and fight for my shot.”
TALENTED ALT-INDIE ARTIST MIM JENSEN SHARES SOPHOMORE EP SHADOW OF THE GIFT
Following on from the release of latest single ‘Safe In Body’, MIM JENSEN today unveils her second EP SHADOW OF THE GIFT, a collection of six powerful, poignant and emotionally illuminating tracks.
“…the EP [SHADOW OF THE GIFT] confirms Mim Jensen as an artist who continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of her sound while staying true to the lyrical rawness that defines her work.” – 13th FLOOR
Following on from the release of latest single ‘Safe In Body’, MIM JENSEN today unveils her second EP SHADOW OF THE GIFT, a collection of six powerful, poignant and emotionally illuminating tracks.
With her unique, confessional song-writing style, SHADOW OF THE GIFT is a captivating exploration of introspection and longing, as Jensen mines her own emotions and relatable experiences in a heartfelt showcase of vulnerability with purpose.
STREAM SHADOW OF THE GIFT HERE
A naturally gifted writer, Jensen’s heartache-fuelled music continues to impress as a bold explorer of self-reflection, discussing deeply personal topics such as historical trauma and emotional conflict that can propel people forward towards a path of self-healing.
With SHADOW OF THE GIFT Jensen is very centred in her healing era, and the songs on this EP symbolise her growth and journey as both an artist, and an individual. Taking the listener on an aural trip of introspection and longing, the EP title refers to shining light on the dark parts for the ‘gift’ to reveal itself, and how everything we experience is interconnected and an integral part of the process.
Jensen explains: “A huge part of healing involves being brave enough to go to those dark places, but the irony is that the darkness isn’t good or bad, it is simply parts yet to be welcomed with love. If you flip Shadow Of The Gift, it reads Gift of the Shadow – a non-dualistic portrayal being the essence of this body of work. It means so much to me, and I can’t wait for her to be yours!”
SHADOW OF THE GIFT is a wonderful collaboration between Jensen and Õtautahi Engineer and Producer Will McGillivray aka Goodwill, who also mixed the songs and played multiple instruments on the tracks.
The first single to be released off SHADOW OF THE GIFT was ‘Same Blood’, closely followed by ‘Past Life’ which enjoyed impressive international traction having been added to more than a dozen college radio stations in the United States. It also saw huge growth on Spotify and Apple Music streaming numbers due to being added to numerous playlists.
Powerful and poignant, ‘Safe In Body’ was the next track to be dropped, and fans should look out for a soon to be released video. Finally, the focus track for the EP is ‘PTP’, a song that captures the feeling of desperately wanting to feel safe in our bodies, and can be seen as a love letter to Self.
A stunning young talent, Mim Jensen boldly showcases her vulnerability through her beautiful music and finely-crafted lyrics. With her fearless ability to do emotional deep-dives, Jensen is a unique and honest song-writer who readily shares of herself as she continues her mission towards living a life based on unconditional love and the interconnectedness of all.
RINGLETS SHARE ‘HEAVENLY WHEEL’
‘Heavenly Wheel’ rumbles at a steady pace. World-weary sentiments freighted across vast landscapes of gnarled, crushing bass and guitar tones and the drums of Father Time’s atomic clock.
ANNOUNCE SOPHOMORE ALBUM
THE LORD IS MY GERMAN SHEPHERD
(TIME FOR WALKIES)
OUT JUNE 27TH
Today, Ringlets announce details of their highly-anticipated sophomore album, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies).
To be released on June 27th via Flying Nun Records and Leather Jacket Records, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies) is the band's shimmering follow-up to their distinct eponymous debut in 2023 and a vibrant expression of their singular song craft.
Produced by Ringlets - Arabella Poulsen (bass & vocals), Arlo Grey (drums), László Reynolds (guitar & vocals) and Leith Towers (lead-vocalist) - in Auckland at The Lab alongside Michael Logie (The Mint Chicks) and mixed by Isaac Keating at Abbey Road Studios, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies) conjures mystic visions; takes raucous, unkempt yet solely committed turns, twists, and tiptoes delicately between the absurd and the divine.
Lead single ‘Heavenly Wheel’ rumbles at a steady pace. World-weary sentiments freighted across vast landscapes of gnarled, crushing bass and guitar tones and the drums of Father Time’s atomic clock.Accompanying the track is a music video directed and produced by Joe Curtis; vocalist Leith Towers shares:
"The song is about in-escapism—being trapped in the bed you've made for yourself. The video captures this concept through vignettes of endless and pointless tasks, ultimately suggesting that it's not so bad when you're in said bed together."
The celestial wheel is the oracle of time. Is the wheel fated to fall down forever and crash to the bottom? Or is it gaining speed to launch off a vast, heroic ramp to be propelled into the lofty firmament of the stars?
The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time For Walkies) is available for pre-order now on Translucent Green Vinyl with Obi Strip and on Exclusive Flying Nun Black. Pre-order or Pre-save here.
CLAUDIA ROBIN GUNN - Dinosaur Garden Party
Taking the kids party out into the garden and throwing in a dinosaur treasure hunt was the inspiration for the latest production from Auckland song crafter and mum Claudia Robin Gun
"@claudiarobingunn you've done it again!
An on-repeat, special interest joy explosion for my kiddos” [friends on instagram]
Taking the kids party out into the garden and throwing in a dinosaur treasure hunt was the inspiration for the latest production from Auckland song crafter and mum Claudia Robin Gunn. Tom Fox (Groove Song, Bright Blue) brings his signature guitar licks to the sound production, additional instrumentation is care of Marshall Smith (The Sound Room, Marshmellow) while Evie Kemp’s imaginative garden set lights up the Michele Sokolich directed video.
Working with this team, Claudia’s Little Wild Music label is thrilled to expand the visual world for these original kids songs, with support from NZ on Air Tamariki. “I really wanted to bring a little more of the energy from my live shows into the visual content for this new album project, to show my face and connect with families who listen to my work from all around New Zealand. I’m fizzing over with joy for my little fans and their families to be able to stomp with me through a garden of imagination in this series of videos and songs.’
DINOSAUR Garden Party is one of 6 songs and videos in the ‘Playful’ tracklist, leading to a longer album out mid year with many more bubbly songs to come. Claudia’s creative songs are grounded in her innate curiosity for understanding her audience and channeling the things that make kids tick. Feedback from families at shows and from DM’s on Insta inspire new material, just as much as her own experience and reminiscences of early motherhood.
Born in Wellington and raised in Auckland, Claudia Robin Gunn began singing at a young age, with artists like Tracy Chapman, Crowded House and Dolly Parton among her early influences. With poetry & songwriting as her outlet, Claudia went on to study drama, and then communications, leading to a twenty year career in the promotions side of television. Never forgetting her songwriting, Claudia honed her craft as a songwriter and performer through acapella groups, bands, songwriting collaborations and long running electro soul project Substax, before detouring into kids music as a solo artist after having her own babies.
A few APRA awards and a recent Aotearoa Music Award have been welcome highlights along her long and winding road into making songwriting more than just her own special interest, but also her career. Claudia is a Recording Academy voting member, MMF NZ member and mentor, and proud IMNZ member via her label.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/claudiarobingunn/?hl=en
YouTube : https://m.youtube.com/@ClaudiaRobinGunn
Website : https://claudiarobingunn.com
DEVILSKIN ANNOUNCE RE-EVOLUTION TOUR 2025
Phenomenal multi-platinum rockers DEVILSKIN are fired up and ready to bring the heat as they hit the road this May, embarking on a mammoth winter jaunt traversing the length and breadth of New Zealand.
with very special guests VILLAINY plus MIDWAVE BREAKS
DEVILSKIN ANNOUNCE RE-EVOLUTION TOUR 2025 with very special guests VILLAINY plus MIDWAVE BREAKS
Phenomenal multi-platinum rockers DEVILSKIN are fired up and ready to bring the heat as they hit the road this May, embarking on a mammoth winter jaunt traversing the length and breadth of New Zealand.
With a new album in the making, the beloved NZ rockers are full of enlivened energy, and psyched up to reconnect with the most passionate, hard rock fans across the country for an epic mid-year rock tour de force coming your way this May, June and July.
Stalwarts on the live touring scene, Devilskin are more than ready to tear through all the hits, fan favourites and debut some new songs in all their raw and pulverising glory, kicking off on 30th May in Invercargill and stopping at no less than twelves venues across the country before winding up on 5th July in Wellington. Full dates and venues below.
Devilskin have proven time and again that they are adept at curating a killer live line-up, and for the RE-EVOLUTION TOUR fans can expect another evening of powerhouse rock with two very special guests on board for the entire tour: three-time Tui Award winners VILLAINY, and alt-rock duo MIDWAVE BREAKS.
Kicking off the new year with an electrifying performance at AUM FESTIVAL NYE and performing in front of 14,000 hot and happy music lovers at MEATSTOCK, DEVILSKIN went immediately into two months of solid pre-production before entering Parachute Studios where they are currently in the process of recording their sixth album.
“This is an incredibly satisfying body of music for the band. It marks a new level for us as songwriters and as recording artists, and it’s emboldening!”, says Devilskin bassist Paul Martin. “We’re constantly re-evolving as a band, growing into the best and most exciting version of Devilskin that we can be. We’ve set, and smashed, some pretty big challenges for ourselves so right now we couldn’t be more excited to take this new energy on tour!”
Alternative rock band Villainy are thrilled to be on board for the ride, and the chart-topping, award-winning and much-lauded Auckland four piece are revved up and ready to deliver their tight, melodic tunes to avid Kiwi rock fans this winter.
Villainy singer Neill Fraser had the following to say: "We're absolutely amped to be joining forces with Devilskin and Midwave Breaks for what is shaping up to be the definitive NZ tour of the year. This is a colossal line-up of rock titans, and we can't wait to unleash the fury across the country for you. You've been warned, this will be massive."
Alt-rock two-piece band MIDWAVE BREAKS will open each night, adding their impressive, radio-friendly rock anthems to the high-energy line-up, and are equally pumped to be a part of this behemoth rock event, with drummer Paul Russell adding: “A Devilskin tour has become an iconic fixture on the NZ Rock Calendar. Midwave Breaks are stoked to be kicking off the show for these legends, and with Villainy on board too it’s gonna be a hell of a ride, can't wait!”
Renowned for their A-game live shows, Devilskin have a well-earned, solid reputation for always bringing their fierce energy and compelling presence to the stage. Featuring a solid arsenal of cracking tour hits to satiate their audience, with every sensational performance Devilskin are adept at further cementing their place in the hearts of hard rock and metal fans nationwide.
This set of dates will see the ferocious live act that is Devilskin upping the pace, and as they do, lifting the bar for themselves and their audience each time they record, and every time they tour! Round up your mates and secure your tickets now!
Tickets on sale today: go to devilskin.co.nz
DEVILSKIN RE-EVOLUTION TOUR ‘25
with very special guests
VILLAINY
plus
MIDWAVE BREAKS
From @EVENTFINDA; *Invercargill @FLICKET; **Christchurch @TICKETMASTER; +Auckland @AAA TICKETING;
++Wellington @TICKETEK