Long Lost P*A*S*H Song Found
The band believe their music has stood the test of time and can help bring people some happiness. “The world needs Pash right now” one friend said. A reunited Pash will play support for the Lemonheads May 28 at Double Whammy.
A recording thought gone forever in a studio fire has been discovered in a basement.
Rocking 90s Auckland band Pash recorded the song ‘All the Way’ at Slab Studios the night it was infamously gutted by a fire. A smoldering cigarette is believed to have been the cause of the blaze which ignited after the band left the studio. The recorded track was thought to be completely lost in the fire, the loss of which started a downward spiral for the group. Much finger pointing and acrimony over who was at fault followed, and Pash disbanded just weeks later.
A mislabeled DAT tape of the song, thought lost in the fire, has been discovered in mysterious circumstances, bringing joy to the surviving members, which is all of them. The good news has proved a catalyst to mend frayed relations between the members. They have come together and want to make the band's material available to the public for the first time in nearly 3 decades, starting with ‘All the Way’. The song features Pash in full flight, with high powered rock’n’roll jets firing and an epic trumpet solo played by NZ music legend Greg Johnson.
The band believe their music has stood the test of time and can help bring people some happiness. “The world needs Pash right now” one friend said. A reunited Pash will play support for the Lemonheads May 28 at Double Whammy.
Pash were a fixture of the 1990s NZ music scene, with a string of songs on bFM and Channel Z, videos on Max TV and tons of shows across Auckland and countrywide. The band played Big Day Out, Summer Series, bFM Private Function, toured with Exponents and supported internationals such as Garbage, Ash and Veruca Salt.
“All The Way” releases this Friday May 23 on all streaming services. Pre-save here
Levi Lights On Project Releases Stirring New Single The People Awake
Levi Lights On Project returns with a compelling and timely new single, The People Awake - a raw, soulful call to awareness and unity in a world aching for change. With an intro reminiscent of Arabian Nights in the Old Sahara and an emotive choir section, the track builds into a powerful chant that echoes the collective spirit of a people ready to rise.
Levi Lights On Project returns with a compelling and timely new single, The People Awake - a raw, soulful call to awareness and unity in a world aching for change. With an intro reminiscent of Arabian Nights in the Old Sahara and an emotive choir section, the track builds into a powerful chant that echoes the collective spirit of a people ready to rise.
Levi's lyrics don't shy away from self-accountability. Lines like "Been waiting around for us to take a stand/As the people who got the world to be this way" offer a mirror to society, challenging listeners to reflect, confront, and ultimately awaken. The minimalist yet resonant structure of the song is intentional, drawing listeners into a meditative space where awakening is not just a message but a movement.
The People Awake is not just a song, it's an anthem for those seeking a deeper connection to community, purpose, and change. It arrives at a time when the world needs music that doesn't just entertain, but also inspires.
Join the awakening and be part of the sound of change.
https://www.instagram.com/levi.lights.on
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ODOLNNzjAYIJuIPrBHMlg?si=V-WwrNU9TLiv9U5Rn_UiFQ
Michael Llewellyn delivers poetic and raw sophomore record I’M GORGEOUS
Known for his raw storytelling and evocative poetics, the world of I’M GORGEOUS calls the heart into question: mining its infinite layers to confront grief, lust, greed, longing, and ultimately, hope.
Listen HERE
Te Whanganui-A-Tara based songwriter Michael Llewellyn today releases his sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS, with focus track ‘Stalin’.
Known for his raw storytelling and evocative poetics, the world of I’M GORGEOUS calls the heart into question: mining its infinite layers to confront grief, lust, greed, longing, and ultimately, hope.
From the opening crank of the guitar, the 10-track record thrusts listeners into an alternate dimension, whose mountainous and vast landscapes are painted by resounding drums, lilting keys, vertiginous guitar riffs and, of course, Michael’s resonant, intimate voice.
I’M GORGEOUS follows on from Michael’s debut record OH MY DARLING (2021), and features beloved singles ‘Home Sometime’, chart residents ‘Down By The Packs’ (RadioScope Alt, RollingStone AU/NZ, TAHI FM, UTR) and ‘The Fish Song’ (RadioScope alt, 95bFM Top 10), and Michael’s most recent release, ‘Pray For Rain’ featuring the Avondale Intermediate Choir.
“It's an album in narrative form, an ever swirling story about what it means to confront the many masks we find buried within our own reflection,” says Michael.
Today, the record features the new focus-track single ‘Stalin’ featuring Isabella Smith. The warm guitar riffs, reminiscent of the Velvet Underground, paired with lush vocal layers and a retro drum machine beat creates an unlikely soundtrack to the experience of falling in love.
“It's my favourite track on the record,” says Michael. “Many of the other songs are dark and brooding… to me this song encapsulates the nervous excitement of new love.”
I’M GORGEOUS was recorded at Roundhead Studios, Tāmaki Makaurau, alongside Michael’s band Isabella Smith (backing vocals), James Morgan (guitar), Reuben Topzand (keyboards), Henry Smithers (bass), Josh Dominikovich (drums), Nick Jones (violin), Conor Feehly (Percussion) and Edward Mee (Trumpet). Produced and mixed by Paddy Hill at Roundhead Studios, the record was then mastered by Kelly Hibbert at Almachrome in Los Angeles.
To celebrate the release of his honest and captivating sophomore album I’M GORGEOUS, Michael Llewellyn has announced a nationwide tour of Aotearoa, alongside widely adored indie stars French For Rabbits. Tickets and more info HERE.
Thursday June 19 - Pearl Diver, Dunedin
Saturday June 21 - Space Academy, Christchurch *
Thursday June 26 - Dawn, Taranaki
Friday June 27 - The Yard, Raglan
Saturday June 28 - Grey Lynn RSC, Auckland *
Thursday July 3 - Meow, Wellington *
Friday July 4 - Small Hall Sessions, Hawkes Bay *
Saturday July 5 - The Dome Cinema, Gisborne *
* w/ French For Rabbits
Follow Michael Llewellyn:
Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok
Night Light by Spellodies
A new song from local family band Spellodies - “Night Light” is a high energy, hair metal jam for the whole family. Inspired by 80s bands like Twisted Sister and Motley Crue, the NZOA funded video is a fun tribute to this era of theatrical rock, while also secretly helping kids with the spelling of tricky “igh” words.
A new song from local family band Spellodies - “Night Light” is a high energy, hair metal jam for the whole family. Inspired by 80s bands like Twisted Sister and Motley Crue, the NZOA funded video is a fun tribute to this era of theatrical rock, while also secretly helping kids with the spelling of tricky “igh” words.
Spellodies is a family band made up of Steph Brown and Fen Ikner (of Silver Scroll winning band Lips) and their son Freddy (age 8). In 2024 they won the APRA Children’s award for Best song for primary age kids for their song “Because.” They have made it their mission to write fun, funny songs that secretly help kids with literacy.
Watch out for one of their live shows around Aotearoa which are packed full of catchy songs and funny jokes fit for the whole family.
https://linktr.ee/spellodies
Rising electro-pop sensation Soulti shares the video for her powerful anthem of resilience, ‘Rise and Fall’
Up-and-coming electro-pop artist Soulti has today followed up the release of her latest single ‘Rise and Fall’ with a cinematic music video, perfectly capturing the hard-hitting sentiment of the song.
Up-and-coming electro-pop artist Soulti has today followed up the release of her latest single ‘Rise and Fall’ with a cinematic music video, perfectly capturing the hard-hitting sentiment of the song.
Listen to ‘Rise and Fall’ here RISE AND FALL
Watch the video for ‘Rise and Fall’ here RISE AND FALL
The Raglan-based singer, songwriter, producer and film-maker released ‘Rise and Fall’ late last year. The emotive electro-pop anthem opens with a moody, melancholic piano motif before surging into a beat-driven soundscape. Soulti’s ambient vocals glide effortlessly over a pulsing four-on-the-floor rhythm.
‘Rise and Fall’ also comes with a refreshingly frank message, which sees Soulti wearing her heart on her sleeve and opening up about the challenges of being a solo female artist in the music industry. “The path I’ve chosen isn’t always easy - there are times it’s felt lonely, even endless. But I’ve carved it myself, and it’s mine to walk. This song is about rising again and again, through every fall, through every fear.“
The song was produced by the award-winning TALI - who is an internationally recognised drum and bass MC in her own right. ‘Rise and Fall’ was born from a powerful creative partnership and crafted alongside TALI, who has been a guiding force and true inspiration for me,” says Soulti.
“In an industry where female artists are still too often overlooked—especially on main stage line-ups—TALI’s relentless dedication to her craft has been something I deeply admire. We shared many raw, honest conversations about the uphill battle women face in music, particularly here in Aotearoa. The stories echo across the scene: isolation, being underestimated, and the weight of ‘tall poppy syndrome’ that so many of us carry.”
Soulti’s raw and honest lyricism, coupled with the infectious electro-pop soundscape of ‘Rise and Fall’ is depicted in an exquisitely shot music video, which has just dropped today.
“It’s a cinematic journey through themes of freedom, transformation, and self-discovery. The video weaves together vivid imagery - motorbikes slicing through foggy landscapes, echoes in abandoned buildings - to mirror the inner terrain we all travel when chasing our dreams. It’s a song born from moments of doubt, shaped by struggle, and ultimately lifted by resilience,” says Soulti.
‘Rise and Fall’ follows on from Soulti’s debut single, the self-produced ‘Evergreen’ and makes way for her next single ‘Back To Blue’, which fans can pre-save now before its official release in the coming weeks.
Pre-save Soulti’s new single ‘Back To Blue’ here PRESAVE RISE AND FALL
It points to exciting plans on the horizon for the emerging Aotearoa artist, who is unafraid to boldly walk her own path and in doing so, share with great honesty the good and the bad.
“There were moments I felt held back—moments where it almost broke me. But almost isn’t the end of the story. I kept going. ‘Rise and Fall’ is a reflection of that journey—the resilience, the heartbreak, the persistence. It’s a tribute to every step taken, even when the ground felt shaky. It’s about knowing your worth and standing tall, even when the world tries to shrink you.”
Watch the video for ‘Rise and Fall’ here RISE AND FALL ON YOUTUBE
Find Soulti here:
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify / Apple Music
RISING SINGER-SONGWRITER JENNI SMITH ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER NEW ZEALAND TOUR ‘GIRL NEXT DOOR’
Auckland-based singer-songwriter JENNI SMITH is hitting the road for her first-ever New Zealand tour! Named after her upcoming album, the Girl Next Door tour will be an intimate acoustic experience, bringing Jenni’s signature blend of country and pop to audiences across the country.
Auckland-based singer-songwriter JENNI SMITH is hitting the road for her first-ever New Zealand tour! Named after her upcoming album, the Girl Next Door tour will be an intimate acoustic experience, bringing Jenni’s signature blend of country and pop to audiences across the country.
With her charting single T-Shirt, debut EP Nightfall, and brand-new release Laugh Louder—a sassy, sunshine-filled anthem about leaving toxic relationships behind—Jenni has been making waves in the New Zealand music scene. Now, she’s stripping things back for a raw, heartfelt, and up-close evening of storytelling.
Tour Dates:
🎶 Palmerston North – Snails Artist Run Spaces | Saturday, July 5
Opening acts: Shannen Georgia Peterson, Renée Therése
🎶 Tauranga – The Jam Factory | Saturday, July 12
Opening acts: Rachel Stevens, Aisha & Bebe
🎶 Auckland – MoveSpace | Saturday, July 26
Opening act: Ms. Mia
All shows are all ages, and tickets are $20.
Expect an intimate night of acoustic performances, personal stories, and the kind of warmth that makes you feel like you’ve known her forever.
Secure your tickets now—you won’t want to miss this!
Purchase tickets here:
Palmerston North - https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/95817/The-Girl-Next-Door.utr
Tauranga - https://www.theincubator.co.nz/event-details/jenni-smith-plus-support-at-the-jam-factory
Auckland - https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/95839/The-Girl-Next-Door.utr
WATCH JENNI’S LATEST MUSIC VIDEO ‘LAUGH LOUDER’ HERE
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter happily embodies the girl-next-door trope with her romantic, personal song-writing style being a perfect match for the pop-country genre. Jenni lives and breathes music, and since joining New Zealand’s vibrant country music scene at the age of 12, she can lay claim to a couple of notable achievements: taking out Songwriter of the Year at the 2018 NZCMA Entertainer of the Year Awards, and 2024’s song ‘T-Shirt’ landing at #3 on the Official NZ Singles Chart.
There's something for everyone in Jenni's country- influenced writing; whether you want a hoedown, to cry for hours, get sassy, or confess love, you can bet she's got a song for it! Jenni will be touring nationwide this July, so keep your eyes peeled and ears to the ground for tour dates and catch this uniquely talented young singer live.
FOLLOW :
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE |FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | APPLE MUSIC | AMAZON MUSIC
Meet Your New Favourite Pop-Rock Band: Castaway Drop Pretty Little Liar
After a year of building momentum, Ōtautahi pop-rock band Castaway are back with the final chapter of their EP Nondual, the addictive, mischievous new single Pretty Little Liar.
After a year of building momentum, Ōtautahi pop-rock band Castaway are back with the final chapter of their EP Nondual, the addictive, mischievous new single Pretty Little Liar.
This marks the band’s sixth release in just 12 months, capping off a breakout year that’s seen Castaway open for Drax Project, land on the NZ Hot 20, receive airplay across major stations ZM, More FM, and The Hits, and sell out a nationwide tour including a headline spot at Selwyn Sounds. With support from NZ On Air, who awarded funding for several recent tracks (including this one) and a spot in the upcoming NZ On Air May Showcase, Castaway are solidifying their place as one of Aotearoa’s fastest-rising acts.
Much of Castaway’s rapid development can be traced back to their time working with Sacha Vee at SOLE Music Academy. Through SOLE’s Artist Development Programmes, the band refined their sound, honed their performance skills, shaped their image, and gained critical industry knowledge and connections.
“These boys came to me while still in uni with a big dream,” says Vee, SOLE’s founder and a respected artist. “They’ve continuously shown up with purpose, passion, talent and great attitudes. Seeing that pay off as they carve out their space in the industry has been so rewarding to watch.”
Produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Melanie C), Pretty Little Liar channels the charm of One Direction, the edge of 5SOS, and the vibe of The 1975, delivering Castaway’s most confident track yet. Dripping with energy, self-awareness, and undeniable hooks, the song dives into the all-too-familiar feeling of falling for someone you know is trouble.
“It’s about being pulled in, spun around, and laughing at yourself after the fact,” the band explains. “We’ve all had our ‘what was I thinking?’ moments — and this song turns that into something fun and cathartic.”
A cheeky younger cousin to their earlier track It’s Not Your Fault, this latest single balances polished pop with the band’s trademark live energy — a hallmark of Haver’s production.
The release also comes with a high-energy music video, filmed at Wunderbar in Lyttelton. Set inside the surreal mind of a heartbroken bartender, the video captures the chaos and colour of youthful regret through a fever-dream lens.
With a growing fanbase, undeniable on-stage chemistry, and what they call their “next-door boy band” energy, Castaway are poised to become one of the most talked-about bands in New Zealand.
Catch Castaway live:
📍 Space Academy, Christchurch – June 19
📍 Go Live Festival – August 23
JENNY MITCHELL OPENS THE DOOR TO FOREST HOUSE
Southland born storyteller, Jenny Mitchell, opens the door to her fourth album; Forest House. Ten years after releasing her first album at age 15, Forest House is a pensive reflection on relationships, personal journeys, and the hearts that make houses into homes and families strong.
Southland born storyteller, Jenny Mitchell, opens the door to her fourth album; Forest House. Ten years after releasing her first album at age 15, Forest House is a pensive reflection on relationships, personal journeys, and the hearts that make houses into homes and families strong.
Released via Melbourne based label Civilians, the new album was recorded in a house in Pirinoa (Wairarapa) and explores all of the experiences that can happen within four walls; the welcoming, heartbreaking, healing and everything in between. The official video for track one, Little Less Lonely, is released today—offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Forest House.
From the album’s powerful centrepiece Heart Like A House to the quiet warmth of The Curse, there’s no doubt this album will be a game-changer for Jenny. Though country and folk are still very much the foundation of Mitchell’s sound – witness the rollicking cheek of No Cash, No Meal -- the introduction of horns injects a warm dose of soul into songs like Little Less Lonely and Dirt. Her drift into swampy, Southern territory with Where The Water’s Cold (inspired partly by the illicit moonshine history in her hometown of Gore) and the raw, plaintive Square and Plain, speak of an artist moving boldly into singer-songwriter territory.
Now based in Melbourne, Jenny is currently touring Australia with country music royalty Kasey Chambers. Jenny will have played in every Australian state by mid-June, with 32 tour dates in total. Most well known for her number 1 hit Not Pretty Enough, Kasey recently told Country Music Capital news, “I was so excited when I discovered Jenny, and we've had her music on high rotation in our van and at home ever since. It was a no-brainer to ask her to open for this tour,” and says her new album Forest House is a, “journey of depth and emotion. It’s everything I love about Jenny Mitchell.”
On a brief break in the tour, Jenny returns to her hometown for the Bayleys Tussock Country Festival in Gore. On Saturday May 24, Jenny will play a one-off show titled MITCHELL; a unique show featuring her sisters The Mitchell Twins, country music loving Dad Ron Mitchell, and songs from Forest House. Tickets Here
ABOUT JENNY MITCHELL:
Having carved herself a strong following in both her home country of New Zealand and here in Australia, Jenny Mitchell’s forthcoming ‘Forest House’ album release follows a busy past year for Jenny which included the release of her singles ‘Where The Water’s Cold’, ‘Square & Plain’, ‘Sister’, a performance at the Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast and a tour support slot with Australian country star Adam Harvey across NSW. Jenny also received a scholarship from the Australian Academy of Country Music and Sister Cities Nashville, to perform at Nashville’s iconic AmericanaFest and co-write with Nashville locals in September last year and has been the special guest for Kasey Chambers on her national tour since early 2025.
Originally from Gore, Jenny’s musical upbringing was firmly planted in country but her songwriting and material is a unique blend of folk, Americana and country. After winning the NZ Gold Guitar Award at just 18, Jenny has steadily carved herself a place in the New Zealand and Australian music scenes. Her 2022 album ‘Tug Of War’ earned her a legion of new fans in Australia, showcasing her emotive songwriting. With an Aotearoa Music Award and 2 x Australian Golden Guitar nominations under her belt, the future is bright and bold for this unique artist.
NZ TOUR DATES: TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!