Will McClean Unveils Raw New Single “The Bubble Will Burst”

Aotearoa hip-hop artist Will McClean continues his streak of powerful, soul-baring releases with his brand-new single “The Bubble Will Burst”. Known for combining introspective lyricism with evocative melodies, McClean once again opens a window into his personal journey — one marked by loss, resilience, and growth.

At its core, “The Bubble Will Burst” is a meditation on grief and healing. The track finds Will grappling with the passing of his father, vividly recalling the funeral in lines like: “drove from home to the church to the cemetery in the back of the van he worked.” This raw honesty is paired with his trademark flow, weaving together themes of family, legacy, and the difficult process of confronting pain through music.

Speaking on the track, he says:

“This song is about confronting the moments you can’t escape — grief, addiction, the harsh truths of life. But it’s also about finding the strength to keep going. The whole song poured out of me over the course of one night sitting at my desk.”

This single marks the first track of the year Will McClean has released that is not self produced, however the signature blend of jazzy undertones and grounded, heartfelt delivery, allows “The Bubble Will Burst” to sit at the crossroads of classic hip-hop storytelling and deeply personal confession. It’s a track that resonates not only as music, but as a statement of vulnerability and resilience.

With his recent album HIGH GROUND, and a growing list of major festival appearances and support slots, “The Bubble Will Burst” reinforces Will McClean’s reputation as one of Aotearoa’s most authentic and moving hip-hop voices. 

Listen here : https://music.drm.co.nz/tbwb 

Something They Call Myth Unveil a Live Folk EP ‘Too: Matheson Bay Sessions’ In Collaboration with Ms. Mia And Amylia

Something They Call Myth are set to release Too: Matheson Bay Sessions, a live-recorded, four-track folk EP created in collaboration with fellow New Zealand artists Ms. Mia and Amylia. 

Captured over a single weekend in a cosy bach in Leigh, this collection distills the warmth of togetherness, late-night conversation, and shared musical moments.

With no overdubs or added production, and the subtle presence of creaking floorboards and off-mic laughter, the EP is real and intimate. The stripped-back soundscape was recorded only with two acoustic guitars, cajón, and rich three-part harmonies captured with six microphones. 

"This is the sound of friendship in real time," says Clarissa Chai from Something They Call Myth. "The aim of this project was not about reaching perfection, but rather the presence of the current moment”. 

The full EP is set to release September 25, with advance duet singles "Embers" with Ms. Mia out now and "Jack" with Amylia due to release September 12. Full tracklist: 

1. Embers - 28 August 

2. Jack - 12 September 

3. Magic Place - September 25 

4. House of Friends - September 25

About Something They Call Myth 

Something They Call Myth creates music steeped in melancholy, drawing on memories and conversations between friends for inspiration. The project began when New Zealand-born Malaysian, Clarissa returned to Auckland after a musical sojourn in South Korea, joining German-born Canadian, Lea whose search for adventure brought her to New Zealand upon finishing her studies in Architecture. While they draw from a vast range of experiences, their music is deeply rooted in the New Zealand landscape and the songwriting collaboration blossomed on a road trip of the South Island. Something They Call Myth’s multi-layered, atmospheric indie-folk sound is influenced by artists such as Bon Iver, The Japanese House, Sufjan Stevens, Great Lake Swimmers, Mumford and Sons, Dustin Tebutt, & Fleetwood Mac.

Gumption: Determination, Initiative, Resourcefulness, Energy, Strength of mind, Confidence, Courage…

Next week (Sept 1st & 4th) will see the release of a new Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine single ‘Gumption’ and it's top flight accompanying video – possibly the worlds first 'drone and shed' video

As a kid, Li’l Chuck (AKA David Thorpe) recalls being administered with a colossal dose of industrial strength gumption by his parents. This injection resulted in the evolution of his multi instrumental one man band and much more.

'Gumption' was written, performed and recorded by Thorpe, with the video and artwork made and edited by him - All except for flying the drone, there’s a limit to what he can do whilst playing drums, guitar, harmonica and singing simultaneously!

“I’m a one man band on many levels, a purveyor of homemade, in house, independent art”. says Thorpe.

As the song says, ”If you sit on your hands, you won’t get music done, you’ve got to have a little bit of Gumption”.

It’s this attitude that keeps Thorpe's seemingly endless creative energy and passion alive.

With 4 full length Li’l Chuck albums under his belt and a 5 track EP released earlier this year, Gumption is yet another stupendous, industrious offering to add to his growing discography.

Hear Gumption and view the video first via his Patreon site on Monday 1st September 2025 https://www.patreon.com/backayardmusic

For the the rest of you, you’ll have to wait until Gumption is available on all digital platforms from Thurs, 4th September 2025 but we all know Bandcamp is the best option for the independent musician. skifflemachine.bandcamp.com

All links and more info at backyardmusic.co.nz - The creative and musical world of David Thorpe.

New Album by Award winning New Zealand Pirate Captain Festus McBoyle - The Prose and Cons

This is my Fifth Album to date and I have to say, I’m so very proud of this one.

An Album which appeals equally to both Kids and Adults, its content very Multi Genred and a project which I feel, is completely honest and authentic from Start to Finish – all 15 Tracks!. 

This one’s straight from the Heart and I really hope it brightens your day, brings much joy and laughter and really manages to Tickle ya fancy in a most delightful way.

Much thanks to my ever-supportive family and Friends, My wonderful Crew and of course to you lot for taking the time to have a listen.

Much thanks to NZ on Air for believing in me and supporting me on this  Epic Journey.

Captain Festus McBoyle -The Prose and Cons is now fully afloat – Thank Goodness! May it well stand the test of time - Enjoy

Wellington-Based artist Emma Rutherford releases new single Midnight, a heartbreak anthem that captures the feeling of moving on.

Following the success of her previous single Better Days, Aotearoa pop/soul artist Emma Rutherford returns with Midnight, a heartbreak anthem, pulsing with energy. Midnight captures the silent ache of letting go, even when love still lingers. It's a song for anyone who’s waited, hoped, and finally chosen to walk away. 

After recently relocating to Wellington, Emma worked with Toby Lloyd from Tiny Triumph Recordings to craft a sound that is more expansive and emotionally layered than ever. Midnight is one of Emma Rutherford’s most emotionally charged releases to date. 

With this release, Emma sets the tone for a promising year ahead, honing her signature soul-pop aesthetic while leaning into a more refined and expressive sound. As her catalogue grows, so does her presence, steadily shaping a unique voice within the New Zealand music scene.

Join Kingston Rose, an emerging artist from Wellington, on his North Island tour.

After releasing his debut album Violet Heartbreak earlier this year, Kingston is back with his brand-new single “Don’t Even Know Why” - a passionate, emotionally relatable pop track.

This tour will showcase an energetic live performance, bringing his heartfelt songs to life with the support of talented musicians. It also marks the first official tour from his own label, Wilfred Records, which is dedicated to creating positive change and accessible support for artists across Aotearoa.

Tickets available now from Under the Radar. - 

https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/index.php?task=searchall&q=kingston+rose

TOM SCOTT TEASES NEW SOLO PROJECT WITH SINGLE ‘TILL THEN’, ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

Releasing music for the first time under his name, Tom Scott announces his latest album ANITYA, arriving on 10 October - born of the blood, sweat, and tears shed with Homebrew, @Peace, Average Rap Band, and Avantdale Bowling Club. Today (22 August), Scott shares the first single from the record, “till then”. 

Speaking on “till then”, Scott says, “this was the first honest song I wrote after the break up. wasn't trynna protect my ego or defend my image. Wasn't being bitter or resentful. This was the first time I felt like I just wanted her to be happy. With whoever it was. I'd just found out she was seeing someone. And I was still cut but I wasn't mad. I'd heard some of my homies say they get along coparenting. I just wanted that. But we weren't there yet. And I don't know if we're there yet now. But the most important thing is to just try pretend to get along. For the kids. And that's basically what this song is about. Just wanting the best for someone you loved.”

Raw as exposed nerves after a car crash, and as tender as the final kiss goodbye, ANITYA is the first solo album from Tom Scott, one of the most acclaimed New Zealand artists of his generation, hip-hop or otherwise. Recorded with a cast of 30 of the most versatile musicians, beatmakers and vocalists in his contact list and the award-winning studio engineer and producer Ben Lawson, it represents a significant creative breakthrough for one of Avondale’s finest.

A tale told in two halves, ANITYA is a collective call from the void, offering redemption as you gaze into the house fire. Rendered through a nocturnal blend of progressive soul, dream-pop, jazzy psychedelic folk and ambient R&B, the album’s ten songs confirm Scott’s status as a preternaturally gifted lyricist with an ear for a unifying hook, revelling in the expansive possibilities of who he is still becoming as a songwriter, producer and melodist. It’s not all pretty, but it’s high art. After all, much like the truth, art can be very ugly. 

Scott’s craft as a music maker and performer is second to none. Renowned for his lived-in storytelling and electrifying stage presence, he’s spent the last eighteen years expressing himself through examined reflection, acerbic social commentary, and ever-evolving interests in jazz improvisation and pop songwriting.

Over his storied career, Scott has released nine albums (three of which debuted at number one on the New Zealand Top 40 album chart) and built a loyal live following throughout Aotearoa, Australia, and as far afield as Europe and the United Kingdom. In recognition of his considerable talents and cultural impact, he’s been awarded Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Album at the Aotearoa Music Awards, as well as the coveted Taite Music Prize (2019) and multiple APRA Silver Scroll Award nominations. 

ANITYA will be released on 10 October. till then is out now on all streaming platforms.

Club Ruby shares sunlit single 'Komorebi' following #5 NZ Single

Following a series of newfound music milestones, Auckland pop-punk band Club Ruby are returning with new single 'Komorebi'

Premiered at Studio 1 Vintage Guitars, fans will soon be formally introduced to the gently sunlit track that's illuminated by the sonic comfort of fall. The song is an acoustic-electric ballad that pivots away from its high-octane predecessors to express more abstract, picturesque lyrics grounded in gratitude.

'Komorebi' is about President Ruby’s (Jade Lewis) love for nature and the forest ecosystem. The Japanese word refers to dappled sunlight streaming gently through a canopy. Club Ruby paints the maple trees in the song as the solid roots of family, where the smaller shrubs and trees grow and thrive from the protection of the tallest timber. 

"The maple trees protect the rest of the plants and animals from too much sunlight, wind and rain," President Ruby explains. "The trees represent my family like my mother and godfather, and my realisation that I can feel safe to pursue something as unstable and confusing as the music industry—because I know their love and support is always there," she adds.

In the shifting pre-chorus, Club Ruby sing,"Kito maples always grow to protect everything they know, such steadfast dependence may come with a sentence of no one giving back or saying so, so I'll wait patiently, to let you know I see..."

“As for the phrase Komorebi, I just like exploring different languages and seeing concepts that don’t exist in English, and seeing how word connotations or lack of words may shape someones perspective on the world,” says President Ruby.

'Komorebi' came about from President Ruby and Vice President Hon's childhood with anime and manga. President Ruby even worked at a Japanese hobby store, reading Junji Ito, Attack on Titan, and Spy X Family.

“It’s the art, and the heightened reality and characters, representing feelings that we all may have that we normally don’t express in such extreme manners. I also just love the manga art style, showcased in my drawing for the cover 'Dear Diary'," she says.

“One show I love and I relate a lot is the character and show Aggretsuko, cutesy and shy during daily life, with a heaviness that comes out when I scream and release my anger onstage," she recounts. "Sometimes, I just want to sing soft and reserved too! Genres are like different facets of emotion."

It was also inspired by both the soft and heavy elements that Mannequin Pussy experiments with, especially in the Philadelphia group's song “Romantic”. The ballad's "distorted breakdowns" also take from President Ruby's earlier influences like Radiohead, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Beabadoobee — resolving into "feelings of elation that flowers when you’re feeling really present, whether with a family member or just taking a walk in nature.”

Club Ruby have been tirelessly gigging recently, including supporting Hans Pucket at Whammy Bar and Leigh Apparently at BIG FAN; playing a Silo Theatre gig for DocEdge's Immersive Wrap Party, Rat World's Issue Eight Launch, NiceGoblin HQ's 7th Anniversary; and Auckland Zine Fest beside Phoebe Rings and Clementine. 

Next up is Illuminated Horizon's Wordcore Wayfinders on 'Komorebi' release day: Friday, August 22nd at Te Puna Creative Hub. Tickets are available here.