New Zealand Artist Murmur Tooth Teams Up with Berlin’s Lars Moston & Mat.Joe for Deep House Rework of The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Today” — A Nostalgic Anthem Reimagined for the Dancefloor

As Aotearoa settles into the winter months, a fresh burst of summery nostalgia arrives from one of our own. Murmur Tooth — the moniker of New Zealand’s Leah Hinton — has teamed up with Berlin-based producers Lars Moston and Mat.Joe to release a deep house reimagining of The Smashing Pumpkins’ alt-rock classic “Today.”

This genre-blurring collaboration began a few summers ago, when the three artists, friends and Berlin-based creatives, came together in search of a sound that captured the joy of memory and the pulse of now. “We were chasing something nostalgic yet fresh,” says the trio. “Something that felt like golden hour on the best day of your life.”

The track took shape across seasons — starting as a spark one summer, then evolving further between tours the following year. It finally came together this May, as Berlin emerged from winter and the sun began to own the sky — the perfect moment to finish a song born of long days and longer nights.

Originally from Dunedin, Murmur Tooth is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter whose musical journey took her through London, before settling in Berlin, where she has been dabbling in electronic music. Her work often reflects both her classical roots and her rock band travels — a blend of depth and edge that shines in this new collaboration.

Lars Moston brings his underground, groove-driven style honed through years in Berlin’s club scene, while Mat.Joe contributes the peak time polish that’s made him a favourite from Ibiza to Tulum.
The result is a deep house version of “Today” that honours its emotional heart while giving it new life on the dancefloor — a nostalgic anthem reborn for the party.

Out 16 May on all major platforms: https://listen.murmurtooth.com/today

TAMI ENLISTS COUNTRY ICON ASHLEY MCBRYDE ALONG WITH SHELLY FAIRCHILD AND GRACE BOWERS ON NEW SINGLE "BORROW MY BOOTS" OUT TODAY

WATCH THEM PERFORM "BORROW MY BOOTS" LIVE ON THE GRAND OLE OPRY HERE

NEW ALBUM NEON COWGIRL OUT JULY 11 ON OUTSIDE MUSIC

Today, Canadian native and New Zealand musical royalty Tami Neilson is releasing the second single from her upcoming album release Neon Cowboy. "Borrow My Boots" is an exuberant, high-octane track celebrating female empowerment and giving a sister a leg up; it's written by Tami and features Nashville powerhouses Ashley McBryde, Grace Bowers and Shelly Fairchild. The Grand Ole Opry is releasing a video performance of the gals tearing it up live performing the song at Tami's Opry debut. Watch the video HERE.

STREAM / PURCHASE "BORROW MY BOOTS" HERE

PRE-SAVE/ PRE-ORDER NEON COWGIRL HERE

Tami shares how the single came together: 

"After getting to perform on an absolute dream show with an all-star lineup singing the music of Patsy Cline at the Ryman, I woke up the next morning to a DM from one of my favourite country stars, Ashley McBryde. She’d been on the line up and after seeing me perform, she had immediately dug into my catalogue of music and wrote to me to lift me up and encourage me, saying she was a fan. A few weeks later, she tagged me in a post of her getting ready for the red carpet of the CMAs, playing “Careless Woman” as her hype song! A couple months after that, she asked for permission to create a t-shirt with my photo on it and a line from that song, “I Wanna Be Her When I Grow Up” so she could wear it around town as she hosted CMA Fest and champion my music.

That’s how you say, “Hey Sister, you can borrow my boots.”

So, when I had a song idea about women supporting and empowering each other, she was the first person who came to mind. I asked if she would do a long-distance writing session and she invited powerhouse songwriter and artist Shelly Fairchild to join us and “Borrow My Boots” was born, and recorded on the album the next week. I met Grace Bowers back when she was 15 and had just moved to Nashville and I asked her to play her first paid gigs with me at Americanafest - we had to hide her backstage because she wasn’t old enough to be in the venues. She’s rocketing to stardom now and after playing with everyone from Dolly and Slash, to rocking the Grammys, I didn’t know if she’d have time for a little guitar solo on my album. Not only did she contribute a blistering solo, she changed her flights in the middle of a tour to join me, Ashley and Shelly to perform this song at my debut on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

That’s how you say, “Hey Sister, you can borrow my boots.” — Tami Neilson

NEON COWGIRL will be released on July 11 on Outside Music, with Tami and her band joining Willie Nelson, and then Willie and Bob Dylan, on this year's Outlaw Festival tour. She will also be playing Willie's Fourth of July Picnic, and will return to the Grand Ole Opry stage in June. Also in June, Tami will hit Europe for shows in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Her huge, glorious voice and powerful live performances have won the admiration and support of some of country music's biggest names and fans worldwide. Check this space for tour dates: https://www.tamineilson.com/tour

TOUR DATES 

*Outlaw Music Festival Tour 2025

WED 25 JUN - Franklin, TN @ FirstBank Amphitheater*

THU 26 JUNE - Nashville, TN @ Grand Ole Opry

FRI 27 JUN - Memphis, TN @ Radians Amphitheater @ Memphis Botanic Garden *

SAT 28 JUN - Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater *

SUN 29 JUN - Ridgedale, MO @ Thunder Ridge Nature Arena *

TUE 1 JUL - Oklahoma City, OK @ Lucky Star Amphitheater *

FRI 4 JUL - Austin, TX @ Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic

SAT 5 JUL - Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion *

SUN 6 JUL - Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion *

Greta O’Leary draws listeners into the obscure, dreamlike world of her debut album, RIVER DARK

Listen HERE

Buy the vinyl record HERE

Aotearoa “spook-folk” singer-songwriter Greta O’Leary has today unveiled her highly anticipated debut album RIVER DARK. Tender, steadfast and unravelling, the arresting nine-track record which includes the new single, ‘IDKALA’ is available in a limited-edition vinyl LP version and on all streaming platforms.

RIVER DARK is a project created against the odds, that sees Greta invite listeners into the soft, dark and idiosyncratic corners of her inner world. Through soaring instrumentation, astute (sometimes absurd) lyrics of self-reflection, and her clear and unmistakable tone, Greta O’Leary’s debut body of work is a remarkable sonic collection of confession, truth and poetry.

“My first record, a collection of personal, ridiculous and truth telling songs. It took a long time to get here. I was a child shy and unclear, completely confused, absolutely not onboard with future, with goals or activity. I was in the field below the house, I was at the pond with the dog, I played make believe longer than most. I was taught to be quiet”

RIVER DARK includes Greta’s breakthrough 2024 singles ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ and ‘Baptised at the Desktop Computer’ - the bold and unapologetic tracks that each shot to #1 in the Student Radio Network Top 10, the latter of which also topped the RadioScope Alt Airplay Chart. Recent 2025 releases ‘Prelude’ (TAHI FM, RollingStone AU/NZ, SRN, UTR) and ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ (Radio Active video premiere, R1, The Most FM) also decorate the record with Greta’s signature songwriting.

Also featured on the record is new focus-track single ‘IDKALA’ - a comforting yet haunted ode to the desolate, featuring additional vocals from celebrated indie songwriter ARAHI. Their transporting voices intertwine in the gentle lament of Greta’s poignant lyrics;

‘I don’t know about love anymore,

What's wrong with the quiet,

I don’t mind it’

Fans can expect yet another captivating self-directed music video from Greta, to accompany ‘IDKALA’, in the coming weeks.

Written during what Greta describes as “a very inward year, where I turned away from everything except music,” RIVER DARK was curated with the support of Greta's APRA mentor Tom Healy, before being brought to life at The Lab Studios alongside producer Jol Mullholand. Dynamic and soaring instrumental layers were built with indie superstars Cass Basil, Alastair Deverick, Callum Passels, and Anita Clark. Additional recording for ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ took place at Roundhead Studios alongside De Stevens and Dave Khan, and the record was mastered by Joe Lambert in New York.

Casting rich spells of self-expression, finding power in softness, and inviting listeners deeper into her ethereal world, Greta O’Leary is set to turn heads across Aotearoa with her astonishing debut album RIVER DARK - out now on all streaming platforms and vinyl!

To celebrate the release of RIVER DARK, Greta will be playing an enchanting release show at Old Folks Association Hall, Tāmaki Makaurau - alongside her full band! Tickets and more info from UTR.

Find Greta O’Leary

Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Spotify | TikTok | Apple | Website | Youtube

Announcing the release of “Afterglow” by Don and The Divorcees

“Afterglow” , the second single from Don and the Divorcees, will be available on all major online platforms from 16 May.   Written by Beans Wright, who also does lead vocal,   ‘Afterglow is a wistful love letter from an introvert, the kind that never makes it as far as the postbox. ’

Don and the Divorcees is a collaboration among Te Whanganui a Tara singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Don Mackay, Hollie Wright and Beans Wright (no relation).  Beans as a soloist was one of the main stage guests at the 2023 Wellington Folk Festival.  

The three friends had from time to time performed together in various combinations.  This gave rise to the decision to try working together as a trio.  Each brings their own compositions to the table and we then work together to make the most of them.

As we each tend to write a slightly different style of song, the unifying element of our sound comes from the arrangements featuring tight vocal harmonies over multiple stringed instruments.  While this gives breadth and variety to our live performances, it does make us, in marketing terms, seriously genre non-compliant. 

We are a bit “old school”.   Our songs are strongly centred on the lyrics, which tell stories or paint pictures, and are designed to be listened to.  The instrumentation is built around a variety of acoustic stringed instruments (guitars, violin, mandolin, cello and bass).  The whole approach is pretty “wooden” and low tech. We see ourselves as “spiritual folkies” performing contemporary songs.

Since we debuted the lineup during the winter of 2023 we have performed regularly around the broader Wellington area, at music venues, around the local folk scene, and at local festivals (most recently headlining on the Songwriters Stage at the Newtown Festival 2025).

If you want to check out what we sound like live you can follow the link https://www.youtube.com/@DonandTheDivorceesBand.   You will find live recordings of five songs from a gig in April 2024.  This includes “Seventeen” and 3 other songs that will be on the “Bit Players” album.

“Seventeen” was recorded in June 2024.  Recording and mixing was by Warwick Donald, and the recordings were mastered by Mike Gibson. 

What next?

“Afterglow” is the second online single from the forthcoming album “Bit Players”, following “Seventeen” in March.  The full album (7 songs) is currently available as a CD only limited edition.  For details of how to get your copy email donandthedivorcees@gmail.com.  A further online single release is planned for June, before the full album is released online in July.

The Flow Collective Release New EP Black Swans

An intimate reflection on memory, identity, and relationships

Acclaimed Aotearoa musicians Elizabeth de Vegt and Hamish Jellyman (Ngāi Tahu) return as The Flow Collective with their deeply personal new EP Black Swans, releasing on Friday, 16 May 2025, in celebration of New Zealand Music Month and de Vegt’s birthday.

Black Swans is a contemplative body of work that reflects on personal histories and how our identities are shaped by past events and relationships. Written and recorded in 2024 at The Stomach in Palmerston North, the EP draws on themes of memory, family, and resilience. The songs express the complexities of navigating the emotional terrain of transformation, and the determination to resist disassociation.

“These songs come from a place of honesty and looking back,” says de Vegt. “They are about recognising how the past lives in us and shapes who we are today, especially as artists.”

This EP represents the first in a duo, where the underlying threads of past, present and future will link them together. While their previous release Flow was expansive—drawing on the poetry of Airini Beautrais and a collective of musicians—Black Swans is paired back and raw. With lyrics written solely by de Vegt, the EP is grounded in storytelling and emotional vulnerability. Her powerful vocal performances and melodies complement Jellyman’s multi-instrumental compositions, showcasing his skills on bass, synth, brass, guitar and keys.

The result is a strikingly intimate record that sits within the evolving tradition of contemporary New Zealand folk, yet remains firmly rooted in personal experience.

Artist Bios

Elizabeth de Vegt is a composer, sound artist, singer-songwriter, performer, and researcher based in Whanganui. She is a vocal and piano teacher and holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Waikato, where she also completed doctoral research supported by a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship. De Vegt’s work spans contemporary classical, electroacoustic, theatrical, and folk genres. Her compositions have been performed across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the USA. She is a recipient of the Gill Presland Award for Excellence in Teaching and holds multiple certifications in adult education and professional coaching.

Hamish Jellyman is a Whanganui-based composer, educator, and multi-instrumentalist. He completed a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance (Trombone) at the New Zealand School of Music and has performed throughout New Zealand, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Australia. His credits include the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Royal NZ Air Force Band, Auckland Jazz Orchestra, and bands such as Niko Ne Zna and Spiral Jazz Collective. Hamish is also a dedicated music educator, teaching in schools across the country and directing jazz and concert bands. His studio work includes recordings with Shapeshifter, Gareth Thomas, and others.

Black Swans will be available on all major streaming platforms from 16 May 2025. This EP offers a resonant and courageous take on songwriting from two of Aotearoa’s most thoughtful and experienced musical voices.

ARJUNA OAKES ‘WHILE I’M DISTRACTED’

"It’s fresh nu-jazz from an emerging artist you should definitely keep on your radar!"
– Secret Eclectic, London

Listen HERE

LIVE DATES IN MANCHESTER AND LONDON

London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes draws inspiration from contemporary soul and jazz, touches of global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, with dynamic arrangements and production. Taken from his upcoming debut album, new single ‘Before It’s All Over’ forms a central focus on the record with its unusual, energetic, pulsating reversed drums.

BUY  ‘WHILE I’M DISTRACTED’ Digital : https://albertsfavourites.lnk.to/riVTmuPR  And Vinyl from all good Record Stores !

Arjuna states that one lyric from the song also lends the record its title, ‘While I’m Distracted’. “Lyrically, it's the song I’m probably most proud of,” he says. “I wrote it in a very stream of consciousness way, lyrics like “sell my memories so I don't have to forget” express the feeling of how we've surrendered so much of ourselves to social media and mass consumption, we don't have so much responsibility for our own lives anymore”.

‘While I'm Distracted’ is an album about fighting for your innocence and right to be a vulnerable and honest human. Arjuna’s songwriting explores themes of identity, depression, existentialism, social media, loss of innocence, and finding hope for the future through artistic expression.

Following the release of his debut EP ‘The Watcher’ in 2019, Arjuna has released various  projects including ‘First Nights’ and ‘Final Days’ (collaborations with longtime friend and co-producer Serebii), released by LA-based record label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah-Las). ‘First Nights’ debuted at  #5  on KCRW’s top 30 Albums chart with play on BBC 6 Music and BBC 1Xtra. He recently had the chance to perform for the New Zealand Olympic team in Paris, supported Nathan Haines at The Jazz Cafe, and played sold out shows at 91 Living Room and Servant Jazz Quarters in London. After successful summer shows in New Zealand and Australia,  Arjuna next plays live at Manchester Jazz Festival and then officially launches the album in London.

Live Dates:

24th May: Manchester Jazz Festival

31st May: The Lower Third, London

Ticket Info

‘While I'm Distracted’ is set for release on 9th May 2025 via London label Albert’s Favourites. Albert’s Favourites was formed by Adam Scrimshire, Dave Koor and Jonny Drop in 2015, and is celebrating 10 years of releasing beautiful music this year. They have recently released albums by And Is Phi, Huw Marc Bennet, Inês Loubet, Irini Arabatzi, Jonny Drop & Andrew Ashong, Scrimshire and Qwalia in their continuing mission in finding and elevating incredible artists.

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.  

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'

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!