REB FOUNTAIN REIMAGINES STEVE EARLE’S CHRISTMAS FOLK CLASSIC FOR AOTEAROA ‘CHRISTMAS IN WELLINGTON’

Christmas is the perfect time to re-envision an Xmas song to bring good cheer to folks and raise funds for charity to boot.  Reb Fountain shares Christmas in Wellington; a poignant reimagining of Steve Earle’s classic, ‘Christmas in Washington’. Christmas in Wellington is set in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Only the names have changed but the sentiment is the same. In these times we need a guiding light to shine the way.  Come back Woody Guthrie to us now. 

In 2023, Reb Fountain released her cover of, ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’, by John Lennon and Yoko Ono; a beautiful rendition of a classic tune calling for peace that rang resonate in our current times.  This year, in the spirit of the great folk singer Woody Guthrie, award-winning New Zealand artist Reb Fountain shares her powerful reworking of Steve Earle’s ‘Christmas in Washington’. In Christmas in Wellington, Reb reflects on where we are, where we might be headed and the role of the artist in navigating challenging the road ahead. 

Calling upon the spirit of folk singer and activist Woody Guthrie, Reb summons beloved kiwi heroes, urging them to rise again and guide us toward a brighter, more unified future.  

With the backdrop of recession, increasing inequity, breaches of Te Titiri, inaction over climate change and genocide and the ongoing hardships experienced by creative artists, communities and ecosystems across the country, Reb has reverently evolved Earle’s lyrics to reflect the unique struggles and hopes of life in Aotearoa, whilst celebrating the resilience of it’s people and environment. 

The release of ‘Christmas in Wellington’ is not just a call for reflection but also a meaningful action for change. All profits from the song will be donated to MusicHelps, an Aotearoa-based charity that uses the transformative power of music to support hundreds of projects across New Zealand. MusicHelps has positively impacted the lives of thousands of New Zealanders offering aid to those in need through emergency assistance to music people experiencing hardship.

This holiday season, join Reb Fountain in celebrating the power of music to inspire, heal, and unite. 

Visit Bandcamp to download ‘Christmas in Wellington’ and donate to MusicHelps.

Chanelle & Friends Release Fun, Foot-Stomping New Single “Creature Groove” Featuring Tami Neilson and The Topp Twins

Chanelle & Friends are bringing the barn dance to the backyard this summer with their new single Creature Groove. 

Featuring legendary kiwi icons The Topp Twins, powerhouse vocals from Tami Neilson, and a hoedown-worthy fiddle solo from Marian Burns, the track is a riot of rhythm, humour, and heart — a toe-tapping celebration that invites everyone, big or small, to get up and dance. Equal parts country banger and kids’ party anthem, Creature Groove is bursting with playful energy and kiwi spirit.

“This song got more and more wild with every artist that jumped on, it makes me so happy every time I hear it!” says Chanelle. “It’s about letting loose and having fun together - dancing, singing - joking around, we all need more of that!”

A Comeback Rooted in Resilience

After releasing her first children’s album, The Little Green Turtle And Other Songs for Kids! in 2017, Chanelle’s creative journey paused as she navigated motherhood, the pandemic, and personal transformation.

“When my marriage ended in 2023, I felt completely lost and burnt out,” she shares. “Then NZ On Air announced their first funding round for kids’ music — I was lucky enough to receive a grant to make an album and It reignited everything. At 42, my joy is back and I’m living my best life again.

Creature Groove and Other Songs for Kids! marks her vibrant return to the world of children’s music.  The 12-track album drops January ‘26 and features guest appearances from famous friends including Suzy Cato, Craig Smith (The Wonky Donkey), Claudia Robin Gunn, Music with Michal, Loopy Tunes Music, and The MikMaks (AUS).   

Chanelle weaves together pop, country, blues and reggae, while singing about things that are unmistakably Aotearoa - our love of chips and road trips to encounters with native creatures like the giant wētā, glow worms, and pekapeka.

Creature Groove - produced by Morgan Samuel and Chanelle Davis.  Recorded at All Round Audio, Te Awamutu.  Written by Chanelle Davis, Daniel Munro(Lead Vocals/Guitar) and Hayley Munro(Backing Vocals).

The single is released through DRM New Zealand and will be available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music from Friday, 21 November.

TALI RETURNS WITH UPLIFTING NEW SINGLE “LIFE ON THE LINE”

Internationally acclaimed vocalist and lyricist Tali is back  with a powerful new single, “Life on the Line” - a vibrant,  emotionally resonant liquid drum & bass anthem that signals a  bold new chapter in her artistic journey. 

The track, produced by the talented Polaris, drops soon via  Ranger Records and is the first taste of Tali’s forthcoming  album, Empress Era.  

“Life on the Line” is both a personal statement and a  collective rally cry - a track that lifts listeners while  encouraging them to disconnect from the pressures of digital  life and reconnect with what truly matters: presence,  authenticity, and real-world connection.  

“With this song, I wanted to talk about the emotional  exhaustion that can come from constantly being online, chasing  validation, and feeling like your life always has to be ‘on  display,’” says Tali. “It’s about the power of stepping back,  breathing, and remembering the value of real relationships and  self-worth beyond the screen.”  

Polaris’ smooth, shimmering production provides the perfect  sonic backdrop - gliding breaks, lush textures, and soulful  melodies carry Tali’s message, blending introspection with  optimism in true liquid DnB fashion.  

The single is the first from Empress Era, Tali’s upcoming  album - a body of work that marks a period of transformation  and empowerment in her life and career. The project promises a  deeper, more refined sound that reflects both personal  evolution and a renewed creative vision.

SYLVEE RETURNS WITH STIRRING SINGLE ‘BEFORE I MET YOU’ FEATURING SAM HESELWOOD

New Zealand singer-songwriter Sylvee continues to redefine her sound with the release of ‘Before I Met You’ an emotive country-pop track featuring Sam Heselwood, out November 21.

Following her debut country single ‘Ice Grit’ (August 2024),  ‘Before I Met You’ marks the next chapter in Sylvee’s evolution as an artist. Blending soulful storytelling with heartfelt expression, the song explores the moment after heartbreak when you long to feel like yourself again.

“Country music has definitely been a bit of a genre shift for me, but it’s where I feel the most at home,” says Sylvee. “Storytelling, emotion and past experiences have helped to mould this story.”

During the writing process, Sylvee immersed herself in country influences, listening almost exclusively to artists such as Morgan Wallen, Ernest, Hardy, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson and Tami Neilson, a deep dive that helped shape the song’s sound and storytelling style.

Lyrically, ‘Before I Met You’ captures the ache of trying to find yourself again after love fades. Lines like “I  just wanna feel ok again, without moving away or cutting my hair”  lay bare the quiet, relatable moments of heartbreak.

Written by Sarah Ryland, Samuel Ryland, and Sam Heselwood, and completed with Heselwood’s distinctive touch, ‘Before I Met You’  brings together some of New Zealand’s finest talent. Produced by Dan Martin (Keenan Te, Reuben Fleetwood), the track features Tom Broome and Neil Watson,  both touring musicians for Tami Neilson, adding an authentic country texture with live drums and pedal steel.

“The song is about going through a breakup and wanting to feel normal again,  but also finding healthier ways to move forward,” Sylvee explains.

Adding another layer to her artistry, ‘Before I Met You’ isn’t drawn from personal experience instead, it tells a completely fictional story, a refreshing point of difference in a genre often rooted in autobiography. The song captures the universal emotions of loss and healing with authenticity and grace, showing Sylvee’s gift for empathy and imagination.

The collaboration with Sam Heselwood, a Christchurch artist now based in the UK known for his soulful melodies and genuine connection with audiences, adds depth and warmth to the track, a meeting of two voices that blend seamlessly in tone and spirit.

“I absolutely loved being a part of ‘Before I Met You’” Heselwood shares. “Country music has always been where my heart lies, I’ve always wanted to dip my toes into the genre and when Sylvee sent the song over it instantly felt right. Can’t wait for the next one!"

Sylvee’s single ‘Before I Met You’  is out November 21 and available on all streaming platforms. 

Lavvender Announces New Single “Candid”

Following the emotional depth of her recent single “Tend to Your Wounds,” Aotearoa indie artist Lavvender returns with “Candid” - a brighter, more upbeat chapter that pairs self-reflection with a summery, free-spirited sound. Produced by Ben Woolford, “Candid” shimmers with a jaunty 6/8 groove and jangling guitars reminiscent of The Sundays and Fleetwood Mac. Beneath its breezy rhythm, the song explores the tension between honesty and uncertainty - the desire to stay true to yourself while trying not to let someone down. “Candid is about being honest, even when it hurts,” Lavvender explains. “It’s that moment where you’re trying to figure yourself out, but you don’t want to hurt someone in the process. It’s messy, but real.” With this release, Lavvender continues to carve out her place as one of the most emotionally resonant voices in the local indie scene. The song marks the next step in her artistic evolution - a candid look at growth, guilt, and the courage it takes to tell the truth.

“Candid” is available on all streaming platforms from November 21, 2025.

About Lavvender

Lavvender is a Tāmaki Makaurau–based singer-songwriter who has been writing and performing since a young age. Her music has evolved into thoughtful, melodic songs with a unique blend of indie/folk-pop sweetness and alt-rock edge. With a strong, emotive voice and striking lyrical detail, her songs are both compelling and beautiful. Her recent single ‘Tend To Your Wounds’ is out now on all platforms.

NEW SINGLE BADTAB

Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s BADTAB are carving out their own kaleidoscopic corner of the music world. Weaving together synthesisers and swirling guitar strums with rock-inflected, jazz inspired drum beats, BADTAB creates a unique and refreshing sound. The neo-psychedelic project of multi-instrumentalists Ethan Downing (Vox & Gat), Hamish Mckinley (Drums), Manaaki Tibble (Bass), Kahukuranui Hunter-brown (keys) and Louis Nixon (synths), has been turning heads since their formation in 2022, quickly establishing themselves as one of Wellington’s exciting emerging acts.

After a year-long release hiatus, deep in the creative cave writing for their upcoming album, comes the first single Cannibal for release Friday 21st November. Cannibal was one of the first tracks to emerge from their writing sessions, a successful attempt to craft something soulful and sexy. It started with Manaaki laying down a smooth bass line, which immediately set the tone for the track. Louis began experimenting with a Roland organ drum machine and tape delay, giving the track a lo-fi dub feel, until Hamish hopped on the kit and the track found its soul. What followed was a magic evening of writing where everything clicked, building on the song collaboratively.

Cannibal reflects a period when money was dominating the band’s conversations. With some members hunting for work, others landing jobs, and a few remained stuck in the ones they hated. The song captures that strange relationship we have with cash, how consuming it is once it starts to flow and how quickly it disappears. Cannibal captures the fleeting nature of something we’re taught to value above almost everything else, delivered with BADTABs signature blend of groove and finesse. 

Australian Golden Guitar Glory: Jenny Mitchell Celebrates Milestone Year With Major Award Nominations

Country/Folk Musician Jenny Mitchell, has wrapped up a meteoric year with 2 x Golden Guitar nominations in the Alt Americana Album of the Year and Toyota Album of the Year categories – for her album ‘Forest House’ (released via Melbourne based label Civilians). Australia’s 54th annual Golden Guitar Awards will take place at the Tamworth Country Music Festival on Saturday 24 January 2026 and Jenny is set to celebrate her milestone year with a special Capitol Theatre performance on Wed 21 Jan, with Australian singer-songwriter Dingo.

Jenny Mitchell, NZ Best Country Artist Winner and 2 x Golden Guitar nominee, is originally from Gore  - NZ’s capital of country music. Jenny has spent the past decade steadily carving out her place in the industry. Her name now appears on this year’s golden nomination list alongside some of her greatest musical heroes - including country music icon Kasey Chambers, who earlier this year championed Jenny with a career-defining opportunity as the support act on her 32-date Australian tour.

‘Forest House’ is everything I love about Jenny Mitchell.” Kasey Chambers

Recorded in a home surrounded by native bush in NZ’s North Island, Forest House is described by the AU Review as “a sublime slice of folk.” Produced by Tasmania’s Matt Fell, Forest House has connected deeply with listeners across the globe and led to an album release tour that filled venues across Australia and New Zealand - and as a huge reward, also generated over 200 Safe Nights for NZ women fleeing domestic violence.

“The songs of Forest House are me and all my thoughts, feelings and values out in the wide open. The experience of bringing these songs to life with my band was one of the most inspiring times of my life in music and it’s been such a joy to share the songs live this year,” says Jenny, “2025 has been a year of big change and big milestones for me.”

Since relocating to Melbourne in early 2025, Not only has Jenny played 32 dates across Australia opening for Kasey Chambers, she has also played multiple Australian festivals from the iconic Port Fairy Folk Festival to the Gympie Music Muster + shows from Tasmania to Darwin and appearing as Kasey Chambers’ special guest, to a crowd of 15,000+ at Byron Bay Bluesfest. With Australian, New Zealand and international touring plans in place for 2026, Jenny Mitchell has solidified her place as, “one of the most exciting voices in modern folk-country,” CountryTown 

Additionally, in her spare time, Jenny wrote, directed and released a film documentary: Capital of Country Music chronicling the 50 year history of the Gore Country Music Club and tells an emotive musical story about the power of volunteering, and the roots of her love for Country Music.

Greta O’Leary Releases New Single and Entirely Self-Produced Video for ‘So Lucky,’ from her album RIVER DARK

Greta O’Leary releases the latest piece of visuals from her breakthrough new album, River Dark this Thursday 20th November. So Lucky is a slow burn, blues-injected confession. Death and spiritual dread are brought to life in the arid landscapes of Greta’s River Dark universe.

The new music video - directed, shot and edited entirely by Greta herself - features a ghost-like being, inhabiting the high-alpine desert areas of Te Ika-A-Māui. Summoning truth from beyond the red curtain, this is a confrontation with death and a dark grasping at an unholy rebirth, or something like that.

The release of So Lucky follows the 9-date tour of River Dark completed this Spring. River Dark and So Lucky were recorded with Jol Mulholland, Alistair Deverick, Cass Basil and Callum Passels at The Lab, Tāmaki Makaurau, River Dark was released this May.

RIVER DARK is a project created against the odds, that sees Tāmaki Makaurau based songwriter Greta O’Leary invite listeners into the soft, dark and idiosyncratic corners of her inner world. Through soaring instrumentation, astute (sometimes absurd) lyrics of self-reflection, and her clear and unmistakable tone, Greta O’Leary’s debut body of work is a remarkable sonic collection of confession, truth and poetry.

“My first record, a collection of personal, ridiculous and truth telling songs. It took a long time to get here. I was a child shy and unclear, completely confused, absolutely not onboard with future, with goals or activity. I was in the field below the house, I was at the pond with the dog, I played make believe longer than most. I was taught to be quiet”

Casting rich spells of self-expression, finding power in softness, and inviting listeners deeper into her ethereal world, Greta O’Leary is set to turn heads across Aotearoa with her astonishing debut album RIVER DARK - out now on all streaming platforms and vinyl!