Thabani Gapara Releases ‘Matunga’ Music Video Ahead of Dzindza NZ Tour

Following the announcement of his Dzindza NZ Tour and his recent nomination for Best Jazz Album at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, acclaimed saxophonist and composer Thabani Gapara today shares the official music video for "Matunga" directed by Flora Driessen.

A highlight from his 2024 album Dzindza, "Matunga" is a dedication to Gapara’s father.

“Matunga is about honouring the people who shape who we are,” says Gapara. “For me, it’s my father, my family, and the traditions they passed down. I wanted the video to carry that same warmth and joy the song was born from.”

The release of "Matunga" builds anticipation for Gapara’s upcoming Dzindza NZ Tour, where he will bring a powerful celebration of African jazz fusion to audiences across Aotearoa.

MUSIC VIDEO CREDITS

Thabani Gapara - Artist 

Flora Driessen - Director

Creative Pwele - Project Management

Tafry Ambadar - Director of Photography

Leyla Marandi - Assistant

Cameron McCormick - Editor

Vion Slinger - Drummer 

Jabulani Moyo - Bass Guitar 

Elijah Wilson - Keyboard 

Adrian Brown - Guitar

Kisha September - Choreographer

Madison Kaycee Tipene-Thomas - Dancer

Faith Su'a - Dancer

UPCOMING SHOWS 

Tickets available at www.thabanigapara.com 

FLYNN ADAMSON RELEASES NEW SINGLE “HONEY”

Flynn Adamson was born and raised in Lyttelton. Now based in Auckland, he’s an artist who does it all: writing, producing, singing, mixing, mastering, and performing. Music is how he makes sense of the world. His sound is rooted in the music he grew up on: “basically my mum’s faves... and everything she didn’t want me listening to.” All of it comes through his artistic voice that cuts through the sea of 2025 pop music. Whether he’s playing to tens of thousands at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park or selling out his own headline shows, there’s a warmth Flynn carries that never gets lost in the crowd. Over the past two years, he’s shared stages with NZ icons like Will Swinton, The Butlers, PRINS, Foley, Vince Harder... the list keeps growing.

“Honey” is Flynn Adamson’s latest release and is his hopeless romantic take on the honeymoon faze of a teen relationship that guarantees butterflies.

From his unique storytelling, vibrant production, ripping guitar, and charming voice, “Honey” is set apart.

The track draws inspiration from the likes of America, SuperTramp, Harry Styles, Tame Impala, and his Lyttelton small-town folk music upbringing.

At 12 Flynn started songwriting, performing, producing, mixing and releasing. Now at 19, “Honey” is a testament to the years spent working at his craft.

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