RISING ELECTRO-POP WHIZ KIDS BROTHER SISTER DROP RETRO BANGER WITH NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘OASIS’

Tāmaki Makaurau electro-synth trio BROTHER SISTER today unveil new track ‘OASIS’, a synth-driven 80’s inspired anthem that blends nostalgic charm with a modern edge. Packed with retro vibes, it pays homage to the golden era of electronic pop, echoing the sounds of iconic bands like The Human League and Thompson Twins.

A band of siblings, Brother Sister are an energetic trio that have shared a womb and now share the stage - featuring Dave Thomson (synth and lead vocals), Taz Thomson (bass and lead vocals) and Ben Thomson (drums).

With driving basslines, shimmering vocoders, chugging guitars and heartfelt, catchy lyrics, ‘Oasis’ captures the spirit of vintage electro-pop while adding a fresh twist. A track that sticks in your head and tugs at your nostalgic heart, ‘Oasis’ firmly embodies the 80’s electronically-enhanced synth-pop soundscape, reminiscent of your favourite ‘80’s movie soundtrack, reimagined for today.

Says the band: “We were born in the 80’s and grew up on a steady diet of 80’s television movies and radio hits. We were even lucky enough to have some mentoring and production input on this song from one of our favourite 80’s synth pop legends Tom Bailey from the Thompson Twins. Having some involvement from Tom on this song has been a huge honour.”

Their devotion to the decade of bold colours and tech advances also extends to their visuals, ‘Oasis’ is accompanied by a vibrant video featuring Japanese actress Mayu Sugamoto and Isaac Griffiths in a neon blend of retro-futuristic animation with graphics by vfx artist Tim Armstrong. Overseeing this strong visual aesthetic, the video is Directed and Produced by band member Dave Thomson, whose production company Imaginary Friends has produced music videos for artists Alien Weaponry; Shepherds Reign; Team Dynamite; Coast Arcade and many more.

“This music video has been so much fun to make, from borrowing an original Commodore 64 to building 80s styled VR headsets out of our vintage toy collection. I hope it takes people on a journey back to their first childhood game computer game console. We have even had people asking where they can buy “The Oasis” we might have to consider building it for real!” says Dave.

 To date, the highly motivated trio have released their 2024 self-titled debut album, which landed at #7 on the NZ Album Charts, three self-produced EP’s, are continuing to build a solid fan base nationwide, and have amassed over 45,000 views for their music videos.

Now Brother Sister are preparing to hit the road to celebrate the release of ‘Oasis’, with a couple of local shows lined up before they return to Japan for the second time where they will be playing six dates through October.

SEE BROTHER SISTER LIVE

Saturday Aug 30 - @ Dead Witch for Back To The 80’s - Auckland

Friday Sept 5 - @ Double Whammy with Minuit – Auckland

Thursday Oct 23 - @ Ruby Room -  Tokyo - Japan

Friday Oct 24 - @ Makeshift – Kobe - Japan

Saturday Oct 25 - @ Pop Pizza – Kyoto - Japan

Thursday Oct 30 - @ Club Stomp – Osaka - Japan

Friday Oct 31 - @ The Den – Tokyo – Japan

For tickets and more info, go to linktr.ee/brothersisterband

Black Comet’s Latest Release ‘When You’re So Young (Apology Letter)’

‘Episode II: The Force Between Us’, Black Comet’s sophomore album, launched into the world on July 25th, featuring singles ‘We Can Call It Love’ and ‘Happen To You’. Now the band unveils the music video for ‘When You’re So Young (Apology Letter)’.

‘When You’re So Young (Apology Letter)’ reflects on the challenges of raising four young boys at a young age.

“This is an apology letter to my parents who had us when they were quite young. Back then I didn’t understand why we couldn’t do certain things. But now, having my own family, I completely understand. It’s about acknowledging my parents and recognising the amazing job they did raising four boys.” – Laughton Kora

The single is accompanied by a powerful visual collaboration with Mark Russell and Marcus Winter (The Sandman). Wanting the video to capture the raw emotion and beauty of the song, the band turned to Marcus’s evocative sand art and Mark’s keen eye behind the lens. Together they created something truly special—bringing to life the story of Laughton and his brothers, from their childhood through to stepping onto the big stage as Kora and beyond.

Tablefox announce new single ‘Runaway’ - out Sept 26

Alt-rock band Tablefox return this September with their new single Runaway (out September 26).

Runaway is a story of escape - leaving behind pain, pressure, and the past. It traces the emotional journey of someone overwhelmed and lost, choosing to run not just from a place, but from a version of themselves.

But at its core, Runaway is about return. Through the light of human connection - friendship, love, empathy - the runaway finds their way back. Not just back home, but back to themselves.

With soaring guitars, heartfelt vocals, and Tablefox’s signature mix of raw energy and emotional depth, Runaway captures both the weight of leaving and the hope of rediscovery.

BENJAMIN ‘WESTSIDE’

“WESTSIDE is a love letter to the city I'm from and the people in my life that I feel I have to depart from in order to grow.  It is a romanticised story on change, and the existential realities of out growing what I know. Made in my home studio in my bedroom, written by myself and produced by NWAK. We cooked this one up in one sitting over probably about 40 mins and instantly knew that it was one of them ones.” – BENJAMIN

Hailing from Central Auckland, Rapper BENJAMIN is an artist that has had his foot on the gas in the local underground music scene over the last couple of years. Growing up, BENJAMIN was blessed enough to have had music embedded in his surroundings from the start, which has since been fostered to harness a unique passion and love for what he does.

Stylistically, his sound leans into a montage of east coast golden era rap, upon a set of modern cadences to forge a lethal arsenal of familiarity, smooth flowing pockets and head knocking frequencies. BENJAMIN is a narrator, and a true storyteller at heart, balancing his own life experiences and lessons. There is a strong sense of social responsibility in his verses that clearly point to a purpose not only at a personal level, but at a place of influence he foresees for his own future.

BENJAMIN. will follow up the DSP release with an Official Music Video (release date TBC).

Bittersweet indie rock single “Wash” captures the emotional push-pull of growth, change, and letting go in your twenties.

Aotearoa singer-songwriter CAITLIN returns with “Wash”, a bold and emotionally raw single that marks a shift into more driving, indie rock territory. The track explores the bittersweet tension of longing, personal growth, and the courage it takes to walk away from people and places you love in search of change.

Wash reflects the internal push and pull many face in their twenties - the yearning for new experiences and the grief of what gets left behind. Inspired by the wave of peers leaving New Zealand and the pull of London, the song wrestles with the regret and longing that can exist on both sides of a decision to go or stay.

Caitlin references Baldwin Street (the world’s steepest residential street in Dunedin) as a symbol for the uphill emotional labour of choosing growth and how easy it can be to slip back into comfort. The river is painted as both liberator and threat, a current that can carry you forward or sweep you away on a path that’s not driven by intentional choices. The chorus echoes this uncertainty, with the lyric: “Water your own pasture, it’ll turn green someday. Or the river will wash you away.”

“Wash” builds on the momentum of CAITLIN’s recent EP Legacy and her 2024 single What You Love, which charted at #1 on the NZ Student Radio Network and was featured on Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists including New Music Friday AU/NZ and Equals.

As a self-managed artist, Caitlin continues to grow her presence in the alt-pop and indie scenes across Aotearoa and beyond. The release of Wash marks the beginning of a new chapter, with more singles and a new EP to follow later this year.

“Wash” is available to stream on all platforms from 29 August 2025.

dān dān end of august (hand-pulled noodles) Saturday 30 August

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland-based folk-pop artist dān dān returns with her second solo single, end of august (hand-pulled noodles).

A bittersweet reflection on distance, desire, and the quiet ache of making peace with something as it slips away.

As one half of wasian sibling duo Ersha Island 二沙岛, dān dān has been known for her bilingual storytelling and emotionally rich compositions. Her solo work leans into the playful and poetic, exploring food, identity, and culture with softness and clarity.

Following the success of her debut single ‘pressure cooker’ supported by NZ On Air and featured on Rolling Stone Australia/NZ - dān dān continues to craft a distinct space for diasporic voices in contemporary indie-pop.

”‘end of august (hand-pulled noodles)’ is about the feeling of knowing something’s ending before it actually does, and being okay with that. It’s about turning what could be bitter into something tender, something sweet, something worth savouring, even as you watch it inevitably slip away.” dān dān shares. 

Produced by Dan Martin with strings featuring sibling Tee Hao-Aickin, the track blends warm acoustics with layered harmonies and ambient textures, sitting somewhere between Lizzy McAlpine and a favourite comfort meal.

With an accompanying visualiser shot in Xi’An Food Bar on Dominion Road, end of august (hand-pulled noodles) sets the stage for dān dān’s upcoming debut EP — a gentle, self-assured project about food, love, and growing up between cultures.

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.