AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN MOHI DROPS NEW SINGLE ‘JUST KIDS’ & CONFIRMS RELEASE DATE FOR MORE NEW MUSIC IN 2025

Hot off the back of releasing his single Flowers in Hendo in April, award-winning musician and Aotearoa’s neo-soul lover boy MOHI (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) has this week delivered a second track - Just Kids - and announced a release date for more tracks ahead of his full album later in 2025.

Available now, MOHI’s second single Just Kids speaks to the experience of four kids growing up in West Auckland.

MOHI says: “Just Kids was written in one morning. I couldn’t get the picture out of my head of us kids jamming bullrush in the parking lot at our old school. I started writing about things that were significant to me at that time like Purple Starz, lolly bags we’d smash before touch rugby at Strid Rd, and $2 hot chips with my mates and cuzzies.”

MOHI’s new music, which is being released under the umbrella title of The Flowers That Grow, comprises ‘Side A’ of a year-long project which will see him continue to release more fresh tracks throughout the year to complete his personal storytelling journey.

Side A - The Flowers That Grow will be available on all major streaming platforms on May 23. Featuring singles Flowers In Hendo, Just Kids and his 2024 Waiata Anthems track My Love, The Flowers That Grow will also feature two brand new songs which continue to highlight MOHI’s evolution as an artist through heartfelt and meaningful storytelling.

While Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa (NZ Music Month) is in full swing, MOHI is currently part of a contingent of Kiwi artists who are representing Aotearoa in Focus Wales Indigenous Artists Festival where he is showcasing his latest mahi to an international audience. When he returns to Aotearoa, he’s excited to share his latest and most personal singles with fans and beyond.

MOHI shares: “I’m so stoked with the feedback of my first single Flowers in Hendo. Every song on this EP is everything to me. It’s taken three months to write, but a lifetime to get to this stage in my life to release this music. This music is for me, for mine, for the people that resonate with the message, for the people it is meant for.”

Just Kids is now available on all major streaming platforms. LISTEN HERE.

MOHI’s full five tracks The Flowers That Grow (Side A of the full album coming later this year) will be available on all major streaming platforms from May 23.

Just Kids and The Flowers That Grow were produced with the support of NZ on Air

ISRAEL STARR RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE “LOVE IS ALL WE NEED” Ft. 'SIANNE'

LISTEN HERE

Aotearoa’s multi-platinum, gold-certified artist Israel Starr (Ngati Porou)  returns with a powerful new collaboration — this time alongside rising soulstress Sianne — in a heartfelt new single, “Love Is All We Need”, set for release on Friday, May 23 across all major streaming platforms.

Blending Roots Reggae, Soul, and World Music, “Love Is All We Need” dives beneath the surface of a traditional love song. It’s an emotionally rich offering, exploring not just joy, but the deeper hues of yearning, melancholy, and the quiet strength found in acceptance.

“This isn’t just a love song — it’s a frequency check. A spiritual and emotional reminder of what really matters.”
— Israel Starr

Produced by Israel Starr, with soulful horn arrangements by @unclesilverback and
deep, grounding bass by @lomezbrown, the track’s layered instrumentation delivers emotional depth and sonic elegance. From its meditative groove to its soaring vocals, this track is built to uplift, connect, and resonate long after it ends.

Israel Starr is one of Aotearoa’s most respected musical voices — a cultural storyteller, Rasta rootsman, and festival favourite. With accolades including Best Roots Artist (NZ Music Awards) and 2× Best Reggae Album (National Māori Music Awards), his music continues to uplift communities and awaken consciousness. He’s shared stages with global legends including Steel Pulse, Third World, and Katchafire, always grounded in kaupapa Māori and Rastafari.

Joining him is Sianne (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tahu) — a soulful rising star whose voice is turning heads across Aotearoa and the Pacific. First making waves with her breakout single “Azalea” at just 17, Sianne has since been featured on Kaupapa Anthems, known for her stunning live performances and ability to move seamlessly between R&B, Reggae, and Roots.

“Love Is All We Need” is more than a collaboration — it’s a sonic statement and a timely reminder in today’s world.

FOLLOW ISRAEL STARR
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Long Lost P*A*S*H Song Found

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'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.

www.facebook.com/levilightson

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

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.

Listen/watch the song here

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.

youtube.com/@spellodies

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. 

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. 

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. 

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