Ōtautahi’s Steffany Beck embraces her inner cowgirl on her rollicking new anthem, ‘Country Strong’ and grabs the attention of Dolly Parton’s camp!
Christchurch’s very own rising country-pop star Steffany Beck has released her first song of 2025, the rocking ‘n’ rowdy anthem, ‘Country Strong’.
Listen HERE
Watch the video HERE
Christchurch’s very own rising country-pop star Steffany Beck has released her first song of 2025, the rocking ‘n’ rowdy anthem, ‘Country Strong’.
Listen to ‘Country Strong’ HERE
2025 is indeed looking strong for Steffany, having grabbed the attention of music consultant Steve Guest, who has worked with Dolly Parton for over 20 years, and now resides in NZ, when he saw her play her hit ‘What Would Dolly Do?’ randomly at a fair in Rangiora last year. Steve is now mentoring Steffany in the ways of international country music alongside Bianca Lindstrom - ex Sony Australia - who is a marketing genius in the music industry. There are plans afoot to elevate Steffany as the country music scene continues to explode. Beck is one of the first performers to be confirmed to play at The Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch (date to be announced), as part of the theatre’s initiative ‘Live and Local’, and NZ Music Month, which gives artists the opportunity to showcase their talents and their voices onstage at the prestigious venue and help them on their musical journeys.
Steve Guest said, "Steffany is a talented singer and songwriter with a relentless work ethic. Her songs are very good. She reminds me of a young Dolly Parton, and we all know how her hard work paid off. Stef has a promising future ahead, with opportunities in Nashville, Europe, and beyond. I'm glad to be part of her journey.”
Bianca Lindstrom said, "Steffany is the real deal - equal parts talent, grit, and pure country heart. She writes with authenticity, performs with joy, and works like someone who knows exactly where she’s going. ‘Country Strong’ isn’t just a great song - it’s a statement. I’m thrilled to be supporting her journey as she sets her sights on the world stage.”
A rock ‘n’ roll, toe-tappin’, ode to country music, ‘Country Strong’ was co-written with longtime collaborator Nick Burson, who stumbled across the song’s killer riff while playing around with some song ideas at home in Steffany’s living room. “I was like ‘Woah! What was that? Play it again’,” Steffany says.
“Once I heard it the second time the lyrics and melody just started pouring out of me. When inspiration strikes, it strikes hot, and this song was like lightning.”
Steffany says that the inspiration for the lyrics for ‘Country Strong’ comes from the phenomenal popularity of country music right now. “Country music has always been cool. But there is a worldwide movement right now and this song embodies it - connecting our country roots to the worldwide modern country music fever,” she explains.
The palpable energy of ‘Country Strong’ is captured in a slick music video made by Neato Productions. It features members of the Christchurch Western Riding Association and saw Steffany brushing up on her horse wrangling and riding skills and embracing her inner cowgirl.
Watch the video HERE
“I had four riding sessions and literally practiced daily for a couple of weeks to improve my lasso skills. I was so determined to look like a natural born cowgirl. The horse, Elle, which I was blessed to ride, was perfect for me. She was a patient, experienced showgirl, who knew how to make a rookie look like a pro,” says Steffany.
Supported by NZ on Air and recorded and produced by Andy and Victoria Knopp (The Response), ‘Country Strong’ is the first single from Steffany this year, and follows the release of her 2024 EP, PILLARS, which received a rave review from MuzicNZ: “It’s hard to find fault in the songwriting… Beck proves she has a knack for writing a catchy hook, all while telling compelling and heartfelt stories.”
PILLARS and now ‘Country Strong’ have established Steffany as ‘one to watch’ on Aotearoa’s country-pop music scene and showcase a talented artist, who’s enjoying the ride. “I feel strong and confident in who I am and ‘Country Strong’ reflects me embracing being strong, loving country music and having a hell of a good time doing it.”
To celebrate the release of ‘Country Strong’, Steffany is playing a string of shows, including this weekend’s Country Rock Music Festival in the Bay of Islands (May 9 and 10), the Live and Local Showcase in Christchurch (May 11) and Go Live Festival (August 23).
About Steffany Beck:
Steffany Beck is a country pop singer-songwriter with an impressive list of career highlights, including her country debut EP, PILLARS, recorded with multi-award winning producer Ben Edwards. The EP charted at #6 in The Top 20 NZ Albums. Steffany has written with celebrated Aotearoa singer-songwriter Bic Runga and has performed live with legends such as Jason Kerrison and Anika Moa. She has won a national songwriting competition and is a semi-finalist for the International Songwriting Competition. This past summer, Steffany performed at Christmas in the Park, NZ Spirit Festival, Summer Sundays, South Island Wine and Food Festival, opening for Kaylee Bell, and many more! On top of that Steffany Beck partnered up with Miranda Easten to release girl power country duet single ‘Hell & Back’ charting at #12 on the Tasmanian & OZCMR Top 40 Country Chart.
Find Steffany here:
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CHRISTCHURCH ARTIST PHOEBE VIC ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE ‘IT’S MY PLEASURE’
Hot off her appearance at Nostalgia Festival and following her country-tinged track ‘Mad Woman’ comes ‘It’s My Pleasure’, an explicitly fun and fizzy ode to sex and sexual desire.
Hot off her appearance at Nostalgia Festival and following her country-tinged track ‘Mad Woman’ comes ‘It’s My Pleasure’, an explicitly fun and fizzy ode to sex and sexual desire.
“This song was born from a long dry-spell of lacking in the intimacy department” says Vic.
“So if I wasn’t getting any action, I decided I wanted to make something really hot and horny - that champions owning your sexual fantasies and desires!”
It’s My Pleasure’ was created with APRA Silver Scroll nominee and producer, Emily C. Browning, with mix and master by Math Bishop.
“I really like minimalist prod and it was an exercise in using less elements to create something in-your-face.” Emily says. “We both wanted it to feel like a punchy little arcade game or something, with little reward sounds and different levels.”
“The metal breakdown was Phoebe’s idea and I had to quickly figure out how to play guitar and bass like a metal head. Very fun day in the studio!”
Alongside this song comes a music video, made in collaboration with Adam Hogan (Lore Films), with thanks to NZ On Air’s New Music Single grant
“We wanted to make something cheeky, visually stimulating and silly that matched the vibe of the song, while adding an additional heightened story-telling element to it!”
‘It’s My Pleasure’ is available on all streaming services and is available to purchase on Bandcamp and iTunes.
PROTEINS OF MAGIC ‘Angel Hieroglyphics’ (EP)
Your hand holds on to the moment , just before you learn to let go, I stand at the foot of the mountain , I climb against my will, born free
Your hand holds on to the moment
Just before you learn to let go
I stand at the foot of the mountain
I climb against my will
Born free
Now tied to liberty
“Family” is a photograph you can’t stop looking at.
Even though it hurts.
Especially because it hurts.
Miranda Easten Releases Poignant New Single “When I Dream” – A Heartfelt Tribute to Those We’ve Lost
Chart-topping New Zealand country artist Miranda Easten unveils her most moving release to date with When I Dream - a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the bittersweet ache of longing for someone who has passed on.
Chart-topping New Zealand country artist Miranda Easten unveils her most moving release to date with When I Dream - a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the bittersweet ache of longing for someone who has passed on. The single is available on all major streaming platforms from May 9, 2025.
Co-written with UK friend Chris Childs, When I Dream explores the surreal comfort of dreaming about a loved one who is no longer here - where memory and imagination collide, and love lingers in the silence of night.
The track features a world-class production team:
Produced by Greg Haver (Melanie C, Manic Street Preachers, Kimbra)
Mixed by Adrian Hall (Shakira, Tori Amos, All Saints, Robbie Williams)
Mastered by Ryan Smith in Nashville (Coldplay, Britney Spears, Adele, Beyoncé)
The result is a sonically rich, emotionally stirring track that fuses Easten’s signature country storytelling with lush, cinematic instrumentation.
Easten’s critically acclaimed second album Concrete and Honey debuted at #6 on the Official New Zealand Albums Chart in 2024, cementing her status as a rising force in modern country music. Her work has been featured on CMT, MTV, Nashville TV, and Taste of Country, and she continues to build a strong international fanbase through striking music videos and heartfelt performances.
When I Dream is a song for anyone who’s ever loved and lost - and found comfort in the dream-filled hours that follow.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6tPllDnDr6rB7CS5diguqw?si=pgweTpSpRZ6YI76fmnPqHw
Losing Weight, a modern rock song with a sensational hook and a kick-ass guitar solo.
Dónal Gunning’s next single Losing Weight drops on the 10th May on all streaming platforms. The Irish Musician (Dublin), now New Zealand based, is churning out some great tunes in 2025.
Dónal Gunning’s next single Losing Weight drops on the 10th May on all streaming platforms. The Irish Musician (Dublin), now New Zealand based, is churning out some great tunes in 2025.
Safe to say his focus towards heavier rock songs is starting to pay off. His recent single ‘Your 1’, a song dedicated to Irish vernacular, was very well received by fans across the globe. Mind you, his second single hits even harder. It’s quite a notable change from his debut Indie/Folk EP released in May 2023.
Losing Weight is a modern rock song with everything a listener needs (and wants). An undeniably catchy chorus, guitar solos, evocative lyricism and a chaotically controlled breakdown section. The song grips you from the get-go, with cutting guitar chords and subtle Irish idiosyncrasies. ‘Losing Weight is a rock song for everyone in the audience, we love playing this song live, it always gets the crowd going’.
Dónal is a born front-man, he brings an intangible Irish charm and formative presence to the stage, Losing Weight captures this presence. The song was written originally on an acoustic guitar one somber winter evening in the Irishman’s flat in Wellington suburbs. It was presented to his bandmates months later where it evolved to the hit single it is today. Dónal confirms that he's not pointing any fingers when he sings Losing Weight(!).
The song was recorded at Music Planet studios, Wellington and produced by Peter Jamieson. The music video was filmed by Finn Zemba and is set to release later in May.
Dónal Gunning and his bandmates, The Bucks, will headline a show at Underworld Tavern, Wellington on May 10th in celebration of the release alongside New Teeth with support from Jeline.Ticket link;https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/95739/Losing-Weight---Single-Release.utr
Follow Dónal on his socials to keep up to date on all his activity, see here; https://www.instagram.com/donalgunningatb/ / https://www.facebook.com/donal.gunning
Losing Weight is the 2nd single off Dónal’s upcoming EP, which will be released later this year. Dónal and his bandmates are gearing up for a tour of New Zealand later this year in promoting the EP.
Losing Weight will be available on all streaming platforms May 10th. Pre Save link below; https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dnalgunning/losing-weight
AIDAN FINE SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘SUMMERTIME NAUSEA’ FEATURING KID REY
Today (May 2), Aidan Fine shares the second single ‘Summertime Nausea’ from his forthcoming debut album, a collaborative track with Aotearoa hip-hop artist Kid Rey.
Today (May 2), Aidan Fine shares the second single ‘Summertime Nausea’ from his forthcoming debut album, a collaborative track with Aotearoa hip-hop artist Kid Rey.
Fine blurs the lines between alternative rap and psychedelic pop, delivering a woozy, sun-blasted trip through memory and emotional fallout. Featuring playful, intertwining sitar and guitar riffs, and dripping with hazy, psychedelic energy, Summertime Nausea evokes the feeling of a sweltering summer’s day.
‘Summertime Nausea’ will be released on Friday, 2nd May 2025.
Calla announces national tour and new album, Animal Reaction
To celebrate NZ Music Month, Calla will release 3 singles followed by a full album and kick off an album release tour - all in May! Her forthcoming album, Animal Reaction, marks the first full roar under the new name: lush strings and crystalline vocals soar over gritty electronic production, delivering mythic emotive swells and sub‑shaking depth.
Calla of Ursa, formerly “Calla”, reveals a name metamorphosis as dramatic as the myth behind her new moniker. Like the nymph Callisto who was transformed into the Ursa Major constellation, Calla of Ursa has re‑cast herself in the ethereal, channeling her muses into a unique cinematic‑pop universe (or “Callaverse”) where the operatic and the orchestral collide with seismic bass.
To celebrate NZ Music Month, Calla will release 3 singles followed by a full album and kick off an album release tour - all in May! Her forthcoming album, Animal Reaction, marks the first full roar under the new name: lush strings and crystalline vocals soar over gritty electronic production, delivering mythic emotive swells and sub‑shaking depth. Calla tours the album in May/June across Aotearoa before moving overseas to the UK/Europe.
Calla of Ursa ignited a 17‑show national tour in 2023, opened Twisted Frequency 2024, and twice illuminated the LUMA Light & Sound Festival (Emerging Artist ’23, Sound Artist ’24). She also was awarded the 2022 Dame Malvina Major South Island Arts Excellence Award.
ABOUT THE ALBUM
“Animal Reaction” gives voice to the Mother, not just of humans but of the earth itself. A call of resistance and reclamation, the visceral soundscapes of the album speaks to the subjugation of women, indigenous peoples, animals, and the environment. Wrought from the very essence of feminine power, wisdom, and rage, the album channels the fury of Mother Earth herself into a fierce call for justice through cinematic swells, gentle folk piano riffs, and heavy hitting tribal pop beats.
Notable collaborations for the album include producers MISSY (Dead Run, To Be Sacred) and Lola (Animal Reaction, Face Me).
TOUR DATES
● Thursday 22nd May - Tāmaki Makaurau - Neck of the Woods
● Thursday 29th May - Whanganui - Ministry of Works
● Friday 30th May - Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Moon Bar
● Thursday 5th June - Ōtautahi - The Loons
● Friday 6th June - Ōtepoti - DropKicks
“The audience was stunned silent… Calla’s soprano is a thing of beauty, and her violin adds drama and edge.” - Marty Duda, 13th Floor (2024)
Leejun Announces the Release of His Powerful New Album No Quarter
Following two and a half years of creative evolution, resilience, and reflection, No Quarter marks a bold new chapter for one of NZs best in the hip hop scene.
LATEST SINGLE ‘DRAGONS BREATH III’
WATCH VIDEO HERE
Following two and a half years of creative evolution, resilience, and reflection, No Quarter marks a bold new chapter for one of NZs best in the hip hop scene. Entirely self-produced, mixed and mastered by Leejun at his humble home studio, except for one standout track crafted alongside multi-platinum award-winning producer Aasis Beats - No Quarter is a fiercely independent project that stays true to the roots of the culture while pushing its boundaries in today’s climate.
The 11-track album features already released singles Tarzan and Dragon’s Breath 3, giving listeners a taste of the dominance, ambition, and authenticity that runs throughout the project. From the heavy bars and tough energy of Tarzan to introspective, cinematic moments that reveal the weight of Leejun’s journey, No Quarter is both a war cry and a deeply personal statement.
Reflecting on the project, Leejun shares:
"This is a drop for the culture, a salute to the hip hop greats, to penmanship, and to the artistry of rap. Every track is stacked with technical bars laid over hard-hitting beats, some old school feels for the hip hop heavies, some soulful melodies thrown in there and features from some of the best artists on offer here in Christchurch. If you love rap in all its complexities, you’ll love this album from the bottom to the top."
Taking its name from a phrase meaning ‘no mercy’, No Quarter stands as a testament to resilience, survival, and claiming your place in the world. Leejun delivers an album that demands attention, not just for its technical prowess, but for its heart and honesty.
No Quarter will be available on all major streaming platforms from Friday May 2. Celebrate NZ Music Month by getting amongst one of the year’s most raw and essential hip-hop releases.
Find No Quarter HERE.
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