Waikato Rocks for NZ Music Month
The Waikato continues to grow its reputation as the hub for original Made-in-New Zealand rock music. This week we heard the announcement that the famous Jim Beam Homegrown festival will return to its origin of Hamilton in 2026. Waikato’s own Rise The Wicked, who self-describe as working-class rock & metal are among the many who fist-pumped, or more aptly gave the horns rock-on to the news.
The Waikato continues to grow its reputation as the hub for original Made-in-New Zealand rock music. This week we heard the announcement that the famous Jim Beam Homegrown festival will return to its origin of Hamilton in 2026.
Waikato’s own Rise The Wicked, who self-describe as working-class rock & metal are among the many who fist-pumped, or more aptly gave the horns rock-on to the news.
But, you don’t need to wait to next year to enjoy quality live original NZ Rock music filling the clear air of Hamilton. Rise the Wicked are beyond pumped to announce they are joining the line-up being bought together by promoter Waikato Rocks on 31 May 2025. Logan Nathan is bringing a high energy line up of screaming guitars, pounding drums and voices to shake the soul to Hamilton. In celebration of NZ Music Month, ten (10) bands will take the stage in Alexandra Street at Altitude venue to sign off what is a full month dedicated to celebrating our homegrown talent.
Headlining will be Luger Boa, fronted by Jimmy Christmas, the international rock star known for his role in The D4. Luger Boa are described as ‘pop-orientated with the intensity of D4’.
Starting at 4pm, Saturday 31st, Luger Boa will be joined in the line up by a succession of hot now, and up and coming, talent. Auckland Indie Rock band Tablefox, Hamilton power rock band Medusa Glare, Mount Maunganui prog rock Dead Empire, Waikatos aforementioned Rise The Wicked, Hillcrest High hardcore Hoon, Alt/grunge Intercite come up from the Kapiti Coast, Tony Lee brings his country rock style, and Foxton beach Danny Rascal, with Abstract Fish Lungs completing the line up.
Waikato dynamic 5 piece Metal Rock band Rise the Wicked released their debut album ‘State of Oblivion’ which became a recent entrant to Aotearoa top 40 at number 17, making a strong impression with rock lovers in NZ and abroad.
IA and Rei Collaborate on New Single 'He Piko He Tuna'
Taonga pūoro band IA teams up with award-winning artist Rei to launch their latest single, "He Piko He Tuna," an R&B-infused earworm fresh out now, marking the vibrant beginning of New Zealand Music Month.
Celebrating Love and Resilience
for NZ Music Month
LISTEN HERE
Taonga pūoro band IA teams up with award-winning artist Rei to launch their latest single, "He Piko He Tuna," an R&B-infused earworm fresh out now, marking the vibrant beginning of New Zealand Music Month.
"He Piko He Tuna" blends smooth RnB with minimalist beats and the soothing voices of the Punga Ihu (clay nose flute), evoking nostalgic echoes of late '90s RnB and hip-hop. The song weaves a narrative around the eel (tuna), symbolising resilience, endurance, and the complexities of love.
Inspired by the traditional Tainui whakataukī "he piko he taniwha," Rei reinterprets this into the central lyric "he piko he tuna," signifying love’s enduring presence at every twist and turn of life's journey. Rei notes, "If eels can journey to Tonga overcoming every obstacle, surely our own relationships can endure life's hardships."
IA and Rei formed their friendship at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Canada in 2023, fostering a friendship that led to this unique musical collaboration. Created remotely across Tāmaki Makaurau, Central Asia, and Ngaruawahia, the song is rooted in whakawhanaungatanga, true relationship building.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Rei shares, "It felt connected and personal, not just verses swapped remotely, but an authentic, collaborative effort from the heart."
IA’s Reti added, “It felt like writing with a cuzzy who has your back, knowing that we’ve got theirs too. It's an indescribable feeling of being inspired by someone and who you also inspire.”
Filmed in striking Taupō locations, the music video vividly captures the song's metaphorical essence. "We had great fun filming," laughs Rei, "despite sitting in freezing water from Tongariro River pretending to be relaxed, it was definitely memorable!"
Band member Moetū Smith adds, "After 25 years of marriage, this waiata resonates deeply. Love isn’t always easy, but patience and perseverance create something truly magical."
"He Piko He Tuna" offers listeners a tranquil space to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with the calm waters of their relationships. As Reti puts it, "It's a great track for winding down, offering a moment of calm amidst life's currents."
"He Piko He Tuna" is available now on all streaming platforms!
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.