Award winning NZ Pirate - Captain Festus McBoyle - Mr Cheese if you Please.

A rather hot topic indeed – Identification.

Lots of opinions on this but I believe best each to their own.

Definitely not a topic I set out to write about but in hindsite, something I’d actually encountered first hand. 

My second guitarist and co-writer on a number of quirky songs started out as Mr Henry Hubbard - 100% light fingered and very much a Man. 

He left the Troupe around 2013 for personal reasons only to return again in 2018. This time he identified solely as a Rat – Mr Cheese if you Please.

Now not being one to judge and very much preferring to celebrate difference and diversity within family and community, I welcomed him back into the Pirates with open arms – But there was one definite clause firmly set in place – Do not steal my Cheese Mr Rat!

This song is the last single before Album # 5 – Captain Festus McBoyle – The Prose and Cons is to be released into the world in all its glory on August 23rd.

New Single - Mr Cheese if you Please - Captain Festus McBoyle

Produced by Rich Manic and Amos Clarke

Engineered by Amos Clarke @ sHOWpONY Studio, Auckland

Mixed by Rich Manic and Amos Clarke

Mastered @ sHOWpONY Studio, Auckland

Written by Rich Manic

Lead Vocals – Rich Manic

Piano Accordian – Larissa Lofley

Backing Vocals – The Ilford Workingmen’s Club Choir

PRESAVE LINK -  https://music.drm.co.nz/mciyp-cfb

RELEASE FOLDER - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15gQ9uge2Bq_aB11VOqn-RzCysyOBzRHE?usp=sharing

SHOWREEL LINK – https://youtu.be/96wDhkdLxsY?si=VgQhSWESg7OLoa6N 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE - https://captainfestus.com/

BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES – rich@manic.co.nz

InDuna Releases New Single “Go High” and Announces Sophomore EP Out 28 July

What if you could rewrite your story? That’s the question InDuna poses and answers in his bold new single “Go High,” the first release from his upcoming sophomore EP of the same name, set for release on 28 July.

The South African-born, New Zealand-based artist continues his steady streak of emotionally honest Afro-pop bangers with a track that blends melodic groove, vulnerability, and power.

“It’s about breaking cycles,” says InDuna. “Choosing to believe in something bigger than what you were handed. And becoming the version of yourself you’ve always seen in your head.”

Backed by smooth rhythms and soul-stirring production, “Go High” captures what listeners have come to love about InDuna: lyrical honesty, vibrant energy, and a genre-blending sound rooted in lived experience.

His latest release is no outlier,  it’s part of a consistent pattern. InDuna has steadily built one of the most compelling Afro-fusion catalogues in Aotearoa, marked by standout releases:

• “Dreams” – No. 6 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart
  
  

• “All My Love” – No. 1 on Apple Music Dance charts (NZ & PNG)
  
  

• “Black Man Running” – No. 1 on RadioActive Top 11, Top 3 on SRN and iTunes Hip-Hop (NZ)
  
  

• “Dreams” was also awarded Best Original Song at the Online Web Fest for the documentary "Ink and Gold: An Artist’s Journey to Olympic Glory.

In 2024, InDuna was recognised internationally with the The King’s Trust, formally known as Prince’s Trust Global Young Achiever Award, solidifying his place as a rising cultural force.

With his upcoming EP set for release 28 July, this single is more than a moment, it’s the start of a bigger story.

'GO HIGH’ EP RELEASE SHOW 

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Casual Healing breathes life into ‘HAU,’ the second of four elemental EP’s to be released Friday 18th July

While the chilling winter breeze of Aotearoa sweeps away the autumn leaves, Casual Healing breathes life into ‘HAU’ - the second of the elemental series to be released in 2025.

Intimacy, connection and worship is etched into the foundations of Nikau Te Huki’s artistry (AKA Casual Healing). Redefining himself as an artist in 2025, Casual Healing will record and release a series of 4 EPs inspired by Te Taiao, the natural world. With HAU, we begin to hear a new sound taking shape, alongside a more focused direction in lyrical content. Casual Healing draws strength from his roots, deeply leaning into soul, reggae, psychedelic, RnB, and folk.

HAU marks a moment in time as Te Huki takes a step into the unknown, continuing to document his life through music. He states, “This EP is a mihi to that wise old gust of wind that hollowed me out and prepared me for the times ahead. Life is always changing, and right now I'm facing my karma from years of hurting others and myself. This EP is a karakia for everyone willing to face the wrong they've done and choose a different way”

In this age of AI, war and misinformation Casual Healing is part of a revolution using art to inform and empower listeners to remember and fulfill our true mission on Earth, which Te Huki believes is “to find our calling and fulfill our ministry”.

While the chilling winter breeze of Aotearoa sweeps away the autumn leaves, Casual Healing breathes life into ‘HAU’ - the second of the elemental series to be released in 2025.

I am honoured to work with Ari Leason, Matiu Te Huki, Komako Silver and Toby Leman on this EP. Its a great joy to collaborate with artists who create from the heart. I am honoured to harmonise with these artists, and their mauri is irreplaceable.” - Casual Healing (AKA Nikau Te Huki) HAU, like AHI, represents Nikau where he is today, learning, laughing, losing, crying, giving and always remaining honest and truthful to who he is. We hope HAU brings joy, wisdom and fulfillment into your life.

Rise The Wicked and the Unmissable Mid-Winter Gig

Explosive Night of Rock Awaits Auckland as Rise The Wicked Headlines Dead Witch on 26 July, with Special Guests Danny Rascal and Rancho Mirage. 

Auckland, New Zealand – Take the chill out of the city’s winter with the hot-as-hell sound of Rise The Wicked on the stage at the iconic Dead Witch, Ding Dong Lounge on 26 July. With support from the dynamic Danny Rascal and genre-blending Rancho Mirage, this promises to be a fiery night filled with scorching riffs, roaring vocals, and the raw, visceral power of live rock music. 

Headliners: Rise The Wicked 

Known for their adrenaline-charged performances and working-class sound, Rise The Wicked have steadily carved their name into New Zealand’s music rock and metal tapestry. Drawing a devoted following with their debut album ‘State of Oblivion’, they will entertain with fan favourites and unreleased gems alike. 

“We live for the stage, for the chance to connect, to make every show a celebration of what heavy rock is all about,” says the band’s drummer, Jonty Quinn. “It will be our first gig at Dead Witch.  We can’t wait to bring our music to life for our Auckland fans.” 

Special Guests: Danny Rascal and Rancho Mirage 

Joining the line up for the night will be the boundary-pushing sounds of Rancho Mirage, whose genre-defying style fuses crushing riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and ethereal vocals into a sound that is both otherworldly and relentless.   Their stage presence is magnetic, and their original tracks have been turning heads across the local scene. 

Taking the torch forward, Danny Rascal will deliver a set bursting with raw energy, introspective lyrics, and irresistible grooves.  A proven star with chart topping history himself and support to grammy nominated artists.  Danny has a reputation for crowd engagement and dynamic live shows.   Danny Rascal is primed to get the audience moving and set the perfect tone for Rise The Wicked’s main event. 

Venue: Dead Witch 

Located in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant nightlife district, Dead Witch is renowned for its intimate vibe, killer acoustics, and commitment to showcasing the best in alternative, rock, and indie acts. The venue’s unique character and loyal crowd make it the perfect setting for a night of epic music and community spirit. 

Ticket Information 

Tickets are available now for purchase online via the Ding Dong Lounge website. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the early bird pricing, valid until 18 July, to secure their spot at one of the hottest gigs of the winter. Early bird tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly, so don’t miss your chance to experience this stellar lineup at a reduced rate. 

• Event: Rise The Wicked with Danny Rascal & Rancho Mirage 

• Date: Friday, 26 July 

• Venue: Dead Witch, Auckland 

• Tickets: On sale online at the Ding Dong Lounge website 

• Early Bird Prices: Available until 18 July 

Announcing the online release of the album “Bit Players ” by Don and The Divorcees

“Bit Players” the debut album from Don and the Divorcees goes live online on 25 July.   This follows the release of 3 singles: “Seventeen” in March, “Afterglow” in May and “Summer” in June.  

Presave links for Spotify and iTunes.

About Don and the Divorcees

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).   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.  

Our approach is a bit “old school”.  We see ourselves as “spiritual folkies”, writing and performing contemporary songs.   The 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. 

About the Album

“Bit Players” was recorded over 3 days during June 2024.  Recording and mixing was by Warwick Donald, and the recordings were mastered by Mike Gibson.  It contains seven songs, three each by Hollie Wright and Don Mackay and one by Beans Wright.

For those old, steampunk or otherwise cool enough to have a CD player the album can be obtained on CD by emailing donandthedivorcees@gmail.com.

Upcoming gigs?

Well actually no!  Life doesn’t always travel in straight lines and Hollie has had to return to England for a while for family reasons. So no big gigs are possible to support the release.  However “Beans and Don” are continuing to perform around Wellington as a duo, but it is not quite Don and The Divorcees.  Keep an eye on our socials for details. 

Don and The Divorcees online

Previous releases can be found on Spotify here.

Video of live performances from a gig in April 2024 on  Youtube here.  This includes songs that are on the “Bit Players” album, and a couple of others.

And on of course Facebook 

DARK POP ARTIST MYAH EVE UNVEILS “SURVIVE” – A DARK DISCO CONFESSION OF DESIRE AND DOUBT

Dark pop singer songwriter and producer Myah Eve today releases her captivating new single “Survive”, available now on all major streaming platforms.

Blending powerhouse vocals with moody synths, cinematic guitar, and a pulsing disco rhythm, Survive channels the emotional tension between desire and self-protection. Drawing sonic inspiration from MARINA, Dua Lipa, and Lorde, the track pairs shimmering, nightclub-ready production with introspective lyrics—marking a bold and confident step forward as the first single from Myah’s debut EP, due out this November.

Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, Myah has been immersed in music since childhood, writing songs from the age of 11, performing in choirs, and later completing a diploma in Electronic Music Production at SAE. But it was her decision to relocate to Ōtautahi in 2024 to join SOLE Music Academy’s Artist Development Programme that truly catalysed her growth. The same programme has nurtured breakout artists including Sam Heselwood, Castaway, Karra Rhodes, Lucy Gray, and Rosetta.

It’s a journey that’s already catching attention. As part of the programme Fazerdaze also mentored Myah and praised her for her magnetic presence, saying, “You command the audience with your vocals, Myah! Wow.” Similarly, SOLE founder and mentor Sacha Vee called her voice “killer…just so easily delivered.”

Co-produced by Myah herself alongside another talented SOLE alumni Liam Crawford, and mastered by Benny Tones, Survive was inspired by moments of emotional hesitation—the kind of intimacy that’s thrilling yet fragile.

“It’s about craving someone, but being scared to show them who you really are,” explains Myah. “There’s this intensity and chemistry, but also this fear that it won’t last once they see the real you.”

Following her 2024 debut single Slow (produced by Edy on the Beat), Survive shows an artist confidently stepping into her power offering a cathartic anthem for anyone navigating the complexities of connection and self-worth.

“I write songs that turn struggles into stories—creating anthems we can all relate to,” says Myah.

ASHA Unveils New Single "Summer" A Soulful Reflection on Unrequited Love

Afro-Caribbean Neo-soul artist ASHA returns with “Summer”, a tender and evocative single that captures the bittersweet ache of unrequited love. The kind of love that blooms quietly within the bounds of close friendship.

This marks her second release, following her 2023 debut single “Too Bright.” Intimate and vulnerable, ‘Summer’ offers a heartfelt portrayal of queer longing, the fear of crossing boundaries, and the quiet intensity of feelings that can’t be spoken aloud.

Reflecting on the collaboration, ASHA says, "It’s about having this deep, magnetic love for someone—your friend—while holding back out of respect, fear, and care," ASHA explains. "As a queer person, those feelings can feel especially complicated and isolating. I wrote 'Summer' from that space: tender, quiet, but burning underneath."

With her signature warmth, introspection, and a voice that carries both strength and softness, ASHA invites listeners to sit with what’s often left unsaid. Produced by Sam Nakamura, whose textured guitar contribution cradles the song’s emotion, “Summer” is both a sonic embrace and a soft exhale.

More than just a song, “Summer” is a reflection of ASHA’s gift for turning the personal into the universal, and a gentle reminder that love, in all its forms, spoken or silent, carries its own melody.

Frau Knotz returns with action-packed single ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’, announces sophomore EP

Aotearoa New Zealand electronica artist Frau Knotz has released her first single of 2025, the bubbly and eclectic new track ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’.

Following the success of her debut EP ‘Nextraterrestrial’, today’s electronica release puts on full display Frau Knotz’s drive to consistently push boundaries.

The inspiration behind this track was the Jazz Jackrabbit 2 video game soundtrack from 1998, a beloved platform game on Frau Knotz’s childhood computer. A mélange of breakbeat and house rhythms bounce through this characterful piece, with a pitch bending lead synth that thrusts you right into the heart of the action. As Frau Knotz explains, “There’s a real freedom to making imaginary soundtracks; being able to reprise thematic ideas and explore them more fully without needing to follow traditional musical formats.”

‘Victory Dance on ZR3’ is the first taste of a diverse flavour palette that lies ahead for her sophomore EP Digital Plastic Surgery - part one of a double EP project exploring the corners of electronica, wellsprings of inspiration and a dogged approach to producing a body of work in a concentrated timespan.

Freshly mixed and mastered by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’ sparks the imagination whilst championing 90’s nostalgia. Available exclusively on Bandcamp from 11th July at https://frauknotz.bandcamp.com/album/digital-plastic-surgery 

Fresh from her appearance at WOMAD Aotearoa 2025, Frau Knotz has had a busy past year, releasing 3 successful singles and a debut EP, with a sold-out hometown crowd at her Nextraterrestrial Film Premiere, a headline show at The Stomach in Palmerston North and performing as a guest artist in the Len Lye Centre to a crowd of national arts patrons. With more new music to hit the airwaves throughout the year, Frau Knotz is ready to elevate spirits with her unique and infectious brand of electronic beats.