LADI6 LE VĀ: ALBUM RELEASE TOUR

LE VĀ: ALBUM RELEASE TOUR
AOTEAROA, JUNE/ JULY 2025
A Journey of Sound, Healing, and Gratitude

'...electronic beats, gut thumping bass, wiry synths, and hallmark vocals, elevated the crowd to a higher level. You could see the joy on people's faces.'  ​​​​​​
- RNZ Live Review

Thursday June 19 - Dropkicks, Dunedin
Friday June 20 - Loons, Lyttelton
Saturday June 21 - Devilles, Nelson
Saturday June 28 - San Fran, Wellington
Friday July 4 - The Yard, Raglan
Saturday July 5 - Hollywood Avondale, Auckland
Friday July 11 - Artworks Theatre, Waiheke Island
Saturday July 12 - Butter Factory, Whangarei
Friday July 18 - Sherwood, Queenstown
Saturday July 19 - Rhyme x Reason, Wānaka

Pre-sale tickets - 10AM, Monday 28th April
General tickets - 10AM, Wednesday 30th April

Tickets from Banished Music
Subscribe for presale at www.banishedmusic.com/subscribe

Ladi6 returns with Le Vā – her long-awaited new album and most personal project to date. Years in the making, Le Vā represents a creative reinvention and a recalibration of the signature wavey electronic soul sound she’s known for. It also marks a profound chapter of personal growth and healing.

At its heart, Le Vā is a dedication to Ladi6’s beloved mother, Fuarosa, who passed in 2020. Her memory and spirit are woven through every note and lyric – the album standing as a tribute to her life, her influence, and the space her absence has created. "Le Vā explores that sacred space between us – the seen and unseen, what we carry and what we release,” says Ladi6. “This project is both a farewell and a becoming.” 

To celebrate the album, Ladi6 will embark on the Le Vā Album Tour – a series of live shows that will bring the new project to life while revisiting iconic songs from her back catalogue. This tour is infused with gratitude – a thank you to the loyal community that has walked alongside her journey for over two decades. “We’ve curated a show that honours where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who has held us up through all the seasons.”

Le Vā is a sonic offering of healing, transformation, and legacy. The album and tour together serve as an invitation: to feel, to remember, and to move forward – together.

Ladi6 is well known for her authentic and innovative approach to music. She draws inspiration from her own experiences and Moana heritage. Her unique sound and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, offering a refreshing perspective in the soul/pop/electronica genre.

Ladi6 is an iconic Aotearoa artist whose music reflects her penchant for emotional authenticity and visionary musical trend-bending. With a hip hop history as founding member of Aotearoa’s first all female hip hop crew, Sheelahroc, a passion for storytelling and a commitment to self-exploration, Ladi6 makes a unique mark in the music industry, gaining a loyal following and critical acclaim.

VINYL RELEASE

Working closely with longtime collaborator Robert Wallace from Parallel Teeth, Ladi6 has also created a stunning 12” vinyl edition of Le Vā that captures the spirit of the project.
The vinyl is peppered with original poetry by acclaimed published author Grace Iwashita Taylor featuring celebrated actor Bella Kalolo-Suraj.

Le Vā is available on 12” pink coloured vinyl at 180gm, with full colour sleeve insert.
This limited first pressing will be available alongside exclusive tour merch at shows

Music can open the door to a lifetime of reading.

Claudia Robin Gunn Celebrates World Book Day with new Call and Response Song ‘Library Card’

Aotearoa Award-winning children’s songwriter Claudia Robin Gunn is back with a calming sing along perfect for rhyme time just in time for World Book Day. 

Her latest single, Library Card, is a gentle and joyful call-and-response style song about the magic of reading and the wonder of libraries.

Library Card is part of Claudia’s upcoming EP Helpful, created with support from NZ On Air Tamariki.

This release builds on Claudia’s growing catalogue of literacy-themed songs, including I Love Books, This Book Belongs to Everyone, Alphabet Phonics, and One More Story. Together, these tracks create a musical through line celebrating the incredible adventures that begin inside a book”

Library Card is available now on all platforms. Perfect for classrooms, storytimes, and singalongs, it’s a tune that invites kids to join in and fall in love with reading—one call and response line at a time.

Claudia will be performing Library Card and more of her new Playful Helpful and Wonderful songs on May 3rd at Mt Albert Library

https://vyd.co/LibraryCard

Https://claudiarobingunn.com

BIRDIES IN THE BUSH: A FOLK-FILLED FOREST ADVENTURE FOR TAMARIKI

This April, beloved children’s entertainer Suzy Cato joins forces with enchanting folk duo Parrot in the Pocket to release Birdies in the Bush—a joyful new song that takes listeners on a magical stroll through Aotearoa’s native forests.

Celebrating the rich birdlife of Aotearoa, Birdies in the Bush is a gentle, melodic track introducing tamariki to manu such as the tūī, kākā and ruru through playful lyrics, simple te reo Māori, and acoustic folk melodies.

Performed by Suzy Cato and Parrot in the Pocket—aka Thomas Hamill and Miriam McCombe—the song is designed to delight young listeners and their whānau with catchy tunes and nature-inspired storytelling.

“The song is like a musical bushwalk,” says Suzy Cato. “You can almost hear the birds calling back as we sing. Parrot in the Pocket are amazing musicians—and big kids like me! This collaboration has been a joy.”

Parrot in the Pocket say the song is designed to feel like “a singalong in the forest.”

“As a new folk duet, collaborating with Suzy was an absolute delight for us—her musicality and instinct for what captures tamariki made the whole track shine,” says Thomas Hamill. “We wanted to create something that felt playful and organic. Suzy’s voice weaves through the melodies so naturally, bringing the birds—and the music—to life in such a joyful way.”

Birdies in the Bush has come to life onstage already at Wild Dunedin – NZ’s Festival of Nature, where Suzy performed the song alongside 25 members of the Dunedin Children's Choir at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Looking ahead, the trio plan to bring their music to even more audiences, with upcoming appearances at Auckland Play Week in October 2025, where they’ll perform Birdies in the Bush and debut their next single, Monsters in the Moana. They’re also set to take the stage at the Auckland Folk Festival in 2026.

These releases will form part of a small collaborative EP celebrating Aotearoa’s environment through music for Tamariki, blending folk storytelling, playful lyricism, and ecological themes in a uniquely local soundscape.

With an earworm of a chorus, rich imagery, and a focus on environmental appreciation, Birdies in the Bush invites tamariki to move, sing, listen and learn—all while celebrating Aotearoa’s taonga species.

Jack Robertson Unveils New Single “Easy”

Following the chart-topping success of his latest single ‘Lovesick’, rising pop artist Jack Robertson returns with ‘Easy’, the first single from his highly anticipated debut EP, set for release later this year.

 Robertson, a multi-instrumentalist from East Auckland, blends infectious melodies with vivid storytelling, delivering another anthem of desire and uncertainty. This time, ‘Easy’ comes wrapped in a high-energy, full-band production with an unforgettable hook—tailor-made for the live stage.

“Easy is a whole lotta fun. It walks the line between a playful crush and blinded infatuation,” Robertson shares. “I've always loved that classic movie cliché—the popular girl everyone wants, and you think, ‘maybe I have a chance.’ Well… the joke’s on me.”

With an album’s worth of original music already released and a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and undeniable energy on stage, Robertson has been leaving audiences across his home city captivated. ‘‘Easy’ is yet another testament to his ability to craft songs that linger long after the final note.

Easy drops April 24th at 4 PM NZT on all streaming platforms worldwide.

STREAM:

Easy - Jack Robertson

INSTAGRAM:

Jack Robertson: https://www.instagram.com/jaaaaack.robertson/

Hannah Virk Releases Single Can’t Outpace the Algorithm and Announces Upcoming Sophomore Album “Pocket Clocks”

Aotearoa singer-songwriter Hannah Virk releases new futuristic single ‘Can’t Outpace the Algorithm’. The single showcases Hannah’s recording and producing talents, blending different beats to delve into the complexities of new technologies.

The single comes with the announcement of Hannah’s upcoming sophomore Pocket Clocks, to be released in August 2025. Pocket Clocks follows the release of Hannah Virks debut album, 2024’s Upstairs/Downstairs, which launched her musical career and put her on the map as an independent artist.

Upping the quirkiness and intrigue from her first release, Pocket Clocks is set to deliver even more of the authenticity that Hannah has to offer. Join Hannah for the coming of a new digital age in Can’t Outpace the Algorithm and look out for more to come.

TOI pays tribute to ANZACs with raw and reflective new waiata, ‘Lest We Forget’

With ANZAC Day fast approaching, TOI is paying a powerful and moving tribute to those who have served and died in war and peacekeeping operations, with the release of a new song, ‘Lest We Forget’ on April 25.

Pre-save ‘Lest We Forget’ HERE

‘Lest We Forget’ is a raw and reflective waiata about remembrance and sacrifice, which has been sitting in the band’s song vault for seven years, waiting for the right time for release. 

“We wrote it after attending ANZAC Day service at the National War Memorial,” says the band’s frontman, Conway Jeune. 

“Being there in person, hearing the Last Post, and standing in silence with everyone, that's a huge energy. It made us think deeply about the people who went to war, especially those who never made it home.” 

“The song is a tribute to all the ANZACs and soldiers who’ve served, but it was especially inspired by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the memorial. The inscription on it ‘An Unknown New Zealand Warrior – He Toa Matangaro No Aotearoa’ really stuck with us. There’s something powerful about honouring someone whose name we’ll never know, but whose sacrifice still means so much,” he adds.

In keeping with TOI’s signature sound, ‘Lest We Forget’ fuses reggae, roots and dub and takes the listener on a journey from quiet reflection to the overwhelming sounds of conflict. 

“The final section hits hard, reflecting on the harsh reality and emotional weight of what’s being remembered,” says Conway.

Lyrically, it’s a stark reminder of the human experience of war. “The fear, the brotherhood, the grief - a reflection of the emotional cost of conflict and a tribute to those who carried that burden.”

‘Lest We Forget’ is accompanied by striking artwork done by TOI’s ex bass player Makura Tomoana, who also co-wrote the song when it was recorded seven years ago. “The artwork carries that same wairua as the song. It’s subtle but powerful, and speaks to remembrance, legacy, and identity.”

Adding to the song’s poignancy, is the fact that several of the band members have grandparents who served in the Māori Battalion.

“We’re proud of our roots, and we try to bring that sense of history and meaning into our music. ‘Lest We Forget’ is our way of acknowledging where we come from, and using our sound to keep those stories alive,” says Conway. 

‘Lest We Forget’ is the first release from TOI since last year’s release of their highly anticipated album WAVES, which was a top 20 album in New Zealand and featured the singles ‘Essence’, ‘Wired’ and ‘Get To Know You’. The band also added its voice to Aotearoa’s 2024 Paris Olympic campaign with the song ‘Ain’t Just Dreaming’ featuring Olympians Ellesse Andrews and Max Brown. 

‘Lest We Forget’ will be available across DSPs on Friday April 25 HERE

The 2025 Taite Music Prize Winner is MOKOTRON - WAEREA

Independent Music NZ presents

Taite Music Prize 2025

MOKOTRON - WAEREA

+

2025 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut winner; Byllie-Jean - Filter

+

2025 Independent Spirit Award presented to Rohan Evans

+

NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award to Chris Schulz for Boiler Room

+

SHIHAD - Killjoy take home the

Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award

Rātū/Tuesday, 15 Paenga-whāwhā/April, 2025 - 9:00 PM

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Independent Music NZ presents

Taite Music Prize 2025

MOKOTRON - WAEREA
+

2025 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut winner; Byllie-Jean - Filter

+ 

2025 Independent Spirit Award presented to Rohan Evans 

+

NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award to Chris Schulz for Boiler Room

+

SHIHAD - Killjoy take home the 

Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award

Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) is proud to announce the winner of the prestigious 2025 Taite Music Prize at an exclusive ceremony held at the Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau. The event celebrated outstanding New Zealand albums released in the previous calendar year and showcased exceptional local talent across genres.

Pippa Ryan-Kidd of IMNZ set the tone of the night with an inspiring opening speech, "By recognising and celebrating the most creative and talented musicians, these Awards help to elevate music as an art form and highlight its importance within our culture. It is our job to inform and remind the rest of the nation - how important Aotearoa Music is to them."

Tonight’s main prize winner, MOKOTRON, was awarded the Taite trophy for his album, WAEREA, released via local label, Sunreturn. Mokotron receives a $12,500 cash prize, courtesy of founding partner Recorded Music NZ. The award was presented by 2024 winner Vera Ellen and Nick Atkinson (Supergroove, Hopetoun Brown and Independent Artist Representative from Recorded Music NZ). During the presentation, Vera Ellen said: “May this award be a beautiful sound that echoes out to your family, kids, and community.”

The winning album, WAEREA has been recognised as a bold and uncompromising statement—reclaiming space through sound by intertwining whakapapa with contemporary narratives. This work not only confronts present-day realities but also expands the horizons of bass music in Aotearoa. Reflecting on the intent behind the album, MOKOTRON said: “Whānau, when I write music, I want people to know that it could only come from one place in the world — Aotearoa.”

Additional Honours of the Evening:

• The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut award goes to Byllie-Jean for her debut album Filter. With a distinctive blend of pop and experimental sounds, Filter has drawn acclaim for its fearless lyricism, genre-defying production, and sharp political edge. Tracks shift seamlessly from soulful vulnerability to wry social critique, marking Byllie-Jean as a vital new voice in Aotearoa music. “Well, this is going to take a young minute to process — thank you! For me, this is a win for all wāhine Māori. Congratulations, wāhine Māori! No matter what happens, we just keep holding it down,” said Byllie-Jean in her acceptance speech. Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live says: “Supporting Aotearoa’s community of independent music artists is an important part of our mahi. We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Taite Music Prize eco-system and to help empower our local singers, songwriters and musicians with their artistic endeavours. I’d like to personally congratulate Auckland Live Best Independent Debut winner Byllie-jean for her extraordinary work on Filter.” 

• ​The Independent Spirit Award was presented to Rohan Evans, a true champion of New Zealand's independent music scene. As the founder of The Wine Cellar, a beloved venue beneath Auckland's St Kevin's Arcade, Rohan has been instrumental in nurturing emerging artists since 2004. His dedication has earned him immense respect within the industry. 

• Chris Schulz took home the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award for Boiler Room, his Substack dedicated to longform stories from the heart of New Zealand music. From revisiting overlooked albums to tracing cultural shifts through sound, Schulz’s work combines deep research with personal insight—bringing new light to artists and movements that have shaped Aotearoa’s musical identity.  Presenting the award, Suzanne De Spong, Senior Communications Advisor for New Zealand On Air said, “Music journalists are vital in helping New Zealand artists gain the recognition they deserve and play a key role in keeping our music industry thriving. Which is why NZ On Air is very proud to be sponsoring the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award for the fourth year in a row.”

• The Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award was presented to SHIHAD for their groundbreaking album Killjoy (Wildside Records, 1995). A cornerstone of New Zealand’s rock legacy, Killjoy continues to resonate with both fans and musicians. While presenting the award, Murray Cammick said: “What’s so special about Killjoy is the energy it captured in its time. As the decades have passed, the songs from Killjoy have become the encores people look forward to.”

Event Highlights:

The ceremony featured performances by previous Taite Music Prize award winners, including Vera Ellen and JUJULIPPS, who joined forces with other artists to celebrate the achievements of the night. The hot ticket event, attended by over 450 IMNZ members and industry professionals, was a vibrant showcase of New Zealand’s rich musical heritage.

Government Officials were in attendance including Hon. Chris Bishop - a self-confessed SHIHAD fan, Green Party Co-Leader and MP for Auckland Central, Chlöe Swarbrick; long time Taites Award supporter and Reuben Davidson, MP for Christchurch East (Also Delaney's cousin) from the Labour Party.

Danica Bryant drops anthemic new pop-rock single ‘Buzz’ + announces debut album!

Listen to ‘Buzz’ HERE

Pre-save the album HERE 

Te Whanganui a Tara indie-pop sweetheart Danica Bryant has today shared her latest banger ‘Buzz’ - a delectable taster off her debut album FEAST - out August 1!

A driving pop-rock anthem with indie twists and turns, ‘Buzz’ narrates the thrill of getting ready ahead of a night out. Danica Bryant’s clever songwriting and indie-pop edge are once again on display as she takes listeners on a dynamic journey through gentle acoustic guitar lines, to a gritty chorus, with a pounding rhythm section and dense instrumental layers.

“'Buzz' is about that magic feeling before a night on the town starts, when you feel untouchable surrounded by all your favourite people, and you're indulging in all the girly, fun rituals of makeup and drinks and gossip,” says Danica. “Looking exactly how you want to and being unapologetically yourself is the most fun way to experience the world, and I wanted to celebrate that freedom.”

Danica has already made waves across Aotearoa in 2025, with her recent single ‘Morals’ (TAHI FM, RollingStone AU/NZ, Tearaway), which joins her expansive discography and a growing list of achievements across the Aotearoa music scene - including support slots for the likes of Robbie Williams and Elton John!

Last year, her unapologetically queer single ‘Acid’ reached #2 on the Hot Aotearoa Singles Chart, and now ‘Buzz’ is joining the party as an exciting taste of what’s to come with her debut album FEAST - out August 1!

Pre-save the album HERE.

The infectious new track is also set to be joined by an epic new houseparty music video, featuring Danica’s friends and band, on April 23!

Dive head first into Danica’s powerful creative vision with her punchy new anthem of girlhood and self-expression, ‘Buzz’ - out now!

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Follow Danica Bryant  

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | Youtube |Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple

“Deliciously sweet yet shockingly bitter” (Under The Radar), Danica Bryant is no ordinary songwriter. A pop-folk musician with a gritty rock edge, her songs sink their teeth into intense topics from celebrity culture and mental health, to gender dynamics and body possession. “All hard guitar and pain-filled howl” (The Hook NZ), this woman bites back. Danica’s 2020 debut EP CIDER landed her a placement in APRA’s prestigious Songhubs course, whilst follow-up singles ‘Heart Eyes’, ‘Ready to Bite’ and the NZ On Air funded ‘Libra’ saw her introduction to the NZ Hot Singles Chart. With her 2022 sophomore EP EGO DEATH, the success of recent singles ‘Acid’, ‘Morals’, today’s thrilling release, and her upcoming debut album, it is clear Danica Bryant’s inventive sound, personal lyrics, and rich vocals make her a treat for every season.