TESS LIAUTAUD UNVEILS NEW SINGLE 'JOLIE LOUISE'+ ANNOUNCES RELEASE SHOW
“Ma jolie, how do you do?” Franco-American, now Aotearoa's folk-country sweetheart Tess Liautaud has released a new song, for the first time she showcases her two mother tongues in a bilingual ballad. For this feat Tess Liautaud chose to sing ‘Jolie Louise’ written by French-Canadian singer and producer Daniel Lanois. Lanois' version was released in the year of Liautaud’s birth, it crept into her subconscious and has followed her around ever since. Tess Liautaud’s own interpretation of ‘Jolie Louise’ marks a significant personal and artistic milestone.
“Ma jolie, how do you do?” Franco-American, now Aotearoa's folk-country sweetheart Tess Liautaud has released a new song, for the first time she showcases her two mother tongues in a bilingual ballad. For this feat Tess Liautaud chose to sing ‘Jolie Louise’ written by French-Canadian singer and producer Daniel Lanois. Lanois' version was released in the year of Liautaud’s birth, it crept into her subconscious and has followed her around ever since. Tess Liautaud’s own interpretation of ‘Jolie Louise’ marks a significant personal and artistic milestone.
“I was born in Paris. I’ve sung in English on every record I’ve ever made, until this one. Jolie Louise felt like the right song to finally cross that line.”
Tess Liautaud
Written and originally recorded by Daniel Lanois in 1989, Jolie Louise draws on the Acadian and Québécois roots of its characters. It has since been recorded by Francis Cabrel, Maxime Le Forestier, Alain Souchon, and Isabelle Boulay, becoming a touchstone of francophone popular music.
Liautaud’s version is saturated in unbridled rawness and honesty, she leans into the song’s lyrical heartbreak while her band roll out a country romp featuring; Acadian-influenced fiddle, pedal steel, banjo, double bass and shimmering acoustic guitars. It is a song that moves along and carries your heart with it.
To celebrate the release of ‘Jolie Louise’, Liautaud has announced a special hometown show at Lyttelton Coffee Company, on June 27th. Tess will be accompanied by her band, an ever evolving alt-country ensemble featuring pedal steel, banjo, double bass, shadowy guitars and soaring harmonies. Don’t miss this last ditch show before Liautaud sails away to tour her songs throughout Europe (a follow up to her successful 2025 ‘Sleepless in Europe Tour’.)
RISING COUNTRY TALENT, KEITH PEREIRA, RELEASES “DRINKIN’ BUDDIES” AND ANNOUNCES SHOW AT JOLENE BAR WITH ROSIE TEESE AND THE WESTERN GUIDE
Keith Pereira’s star continues to burn bright, with the Country Music rising star showing once again that he certainly is one to watch. His new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies”, is a high-energy, honky-tonk anthem with influences rooted deep in 90’s country. For the release, Pereira boarded a flight to Queensland to work with one of Australia’s hottest country producers, Jared Adlam. The track also features steel legend, Travis Toy best known for his work with US heavyweights Alan Jacksonand Luke Combs.
Keith Pereira’s star continues to burn bright, with the Country Music rising star showing once again that he certainly is one to watch.
His new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies”, is a high-energy, honky-tonk anthem with influences rooted deep in 90’s country.
“I grew up listening to the best of 90s country music”, says Pereira. “I loved the high energy, the incredible guitarists, the fun associated with listening to these honky tonk songs and of course the incredible voices of my country music heroes”.
For the release, Pereira boarded a flight to Queensland to work with one of Australia’s hottest country producers, Jared Adlam. The track also features steel legend, Travis Toy best known for his work with US heavyweights Alan Jacksonand Luke Combs.
“I waited a while to find the right producer to bring this song to life, and boy did Jared Adlam do just that! Honestly, I had the best time cutting this record and having Travis Toy, one of my favourite musicians growing up, play on the track - was truly the cherry on top!
Keith Pereira is a country singer, songwriter and guitarist making a mark on the NZ country music scene. His rich country voice, high energy performances and guitar style, blend a uniquely 90's country sound with a modern twist. His love for country music started very young as he listened to a country music radio show hosted by his uncle in the Middle East.
After performing at the 2023 Top Paddock Festival and being nominated for 2 songs at the MLT Songwriting Awards, Keith travelled to Canada to open for country music star, Caroline Jones, and headlined the Viva Goa Festival in Toronto. After the successful release of his debut single "Yeehaw" in 2024, 2026 has seen the release of “Goosebumps” which reached #6 on ABC Country's Most Played and has seen 10 Weeks on the Country Radio Chart peaking at No.7 and featured on the Hot 40 and Hot NZ 20 (#6) on the Official NZ Music Charts.
See Keith Play
June 25th
Jolene Bar - 164 Ponsonby Rd
With Rosie Teese and The Western Guide
Tāmaki Makaurau’s poetic songsmith, Greta O’Leary, releases rollicking new single - ‘Year of the Dog’
2026 sees wordsmith & talented singer Greta O'Leary take a new turn - absurd, lively, galloping, perfect to ring in the Year of the Horse! With this new energy comes the rollicking and captivating new single ‘Year of the Dog’, out today.
2026 sees wordsmith & talented singer Greta O'Leary take a new turn - absurd, lively, galloping, perfect to ring in the Year of the Horse! With this new energy comes the rollicking and captivating new single ‘Year of the Dog’, due for release on June 12th.
O’Leary, known for her eclectic writing and arrangements, presents her latest release, following in the well paved footsteps of her breakthrough debut album ‘River Dark’. Released to great acclaim in 2025, a Top 10 Aotearoa Album Chart & numerous #1 SRN & alt radio airplay charts, the album clearly established O’Leary as a rising figure in Aotearoa’s varied musical landscape.
Greta’s voice is ‘imbued with earthy, smokey tones’, ‘reminiscent of a hāngī pit’ - Under The Radar (NZ).
‘Year of the Dog’ takes a dramatically different path, filled instantly with enticing and hypnotic guitar riffs, an unfaltering rhythm section and real momentum, this track lets loose, beautifully tied together by O’Leary’s unmistakable vocals.
‘Serene with a sting in the tail’ - Tony Stamp
Undeniably infectious and impeccably pieced together, ‘Year of the Dog’ is a journey into an absurdist childhood dream. Created with long time collaborator, Jol Mulholland at the famed Lab Studios, who co-produced the track with O’Leary, alongside acclaimed Emily Wheatcroft-Snape on mastering duties.
While River Dark took the listener on a tender and reflective path, ‘Year of the Dog’ does the opposite, galloping out the gate, not looking back.
‘Year of the Dog’ is animal spirit, it’s racing forwards and upwards, fast and free. It's renewal’
The single is released alongside a hazy and vigorous music video made with frequent collaborator Adam Rohe, set in gold rush country in Victoria, Australia. Produced and Shot by Adam Rohe & Co-directed by Rohe & O’Leary and brought to life thanks to New Zealand on Air.
After the success of her debut 2025 album, Greta toured River Dark through winter 2025, With 10 dates across Aotearoa and Melbourne. Joined on the tour by members of her stellar live band Jol Mulholland (Anika Moa, Neil Finn), Nava Tekela-Pule (Erny Belle, LEAO), Amy Borovich (HINA, Anna Coddington) and Alistair Deverick (Come Together Band, Carnivorous Plant Society).
O’Leary also received in 2025 an APRA Artist Mentoring Programme Award, leading to collaborations with producer Tom Healy (Marlon Williams, Folk Bitch Trio). She has recently performed on several successful tours across Aotearoa, Te Waipounamu and Australia, while making appearances at Newtown Festival, Earthbeat, Performance Arcade, Wellington Gardens Magic Festival, and Te Papa’s Rongo Rehutai Summer Music Sessions alongside Vera Elle. Late in 2025 she was also invited to open for Australian folk and blues legend C.W. Stoneking on his 2025 NZ tour.
This June O’Leary has joined with fellow indie artist Neive Strang for a run of southern shows showcasing both their work in true intimate style. O’Leary will be joined on stage by instrumentalist Will McGillivray (Goodwill, Mousey).
Greta O’Leary’s latest single release & video, ‘Year of the Dog’, is due for release via all digital outlets on June 12th 2026, thanks to NZ on Air Music.
Greta O’Leary - Winter Tour Dates:
Wellington - 13 June 2026 - Vogelmorn Bowling Club with Michaela Tempers
Christchurch - 19 June 2026 - Lyttelton Coffee Co. with Neive Strang
Dunedin - 20 June - Pearl Diver with Neive Strang
Auckland - Date/Venue- to be announced
More info & tickets - HERE
New Samoan Language Music Videos Launched During Samoa Language Week 2026
Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (MMAA) proudly launched four new bilingual Samoan children's music videos during Samoa Language Week 2026, continuing its commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating gagana Samoa for future generations. The music videos formed Part Two of a collaborative project between Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and award-winning children's music duo The KaRs, led by Kane Parsons and Regan Taylor.
Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (MMAA) proudly launched four new bilingual Samoan children's music videos during Samoa Language Week 2026, continuing its commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating gagana Samoa for future generations.
The music videos formed Part Two of a collaborative project between Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and award-winning children's music duo The KaRs, led by Kane Parsons and Regan Taylor. The project was proudly supported through the Creative Communities Scheme, administered by Palmerston North City Council, over both 2025 and 2026.
Building on the success of the 2025 project, the partnership previously released 10 original bilingual Samoan songs and two music videos. One of those videos, I'a Mase'ese'e (Slippery Fish), attracted more than 100k views on YouTube, highlighting the demand for engaging and accessible Samoan language resources for children, families, educators, and communities across Aotearoa and beyond.
The launch took place on Thursday 4 June 2026 and brought together children, families, educators, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the richness of Samoan language and culture.
This year's Samoa Language Week theme, "‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu‘u" – "From the high mountains are the blessings of the village," acknowledged the collective contributions of families, communities, leaders, and educators who nurture and strengthen future generations. The theme reflected the spirit of this project, which was made possible through collaboration, partnership, and a shared commitment to language revitalisation.
Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata Centre Manager, Tiana Fauolo, said the project continued to respond to the growing need for quality Samoan language resources.
"We were delighted to share these new resources with our families and community during Samoa Language Week. We hope these resources encourage families, educators, and communities to use gagana Samoa every day."
The videos featured the voices and talents of Malamalama Moni tamaiti alongside The KaRs, whose work is widely recognised for creating educational music and resources that inspire children to learn through song and play.
Kane Parsons of The KaRs said the collaboration demonstrated the power of community partnerships in supporting language learning.
‘Music has an incredible way of bringing language, culture, and community together. Seeing tamaiti singing confidently in gagana Samoa through these songs and videos has been incredibly rewarding for all of us involved. This project has always been about creating resources that families can use together at home, in centres, and out in the community. We’re also incredibly proud of the visual storytelling in these videos, captured beautifully by videographer Trent Skeet, a recent UCOL graduate, whose creativity and passion helped bring the songs to life for tamariki and audiences everywhere.’
At the heart of the partnership between Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and The KaRs is a shared belief in the power of music to inspire learning. Both organisations are passionate about supporting young children during their formative years, when language, culture, identity, and confidence are developing rapidly. Through songs, movement, and storytelling, they have worked together to create resources created for use both in the classroom and at home, the resources support learners of all ages to hear, speak, and enjoy gagana Samoa in meaningful and engaging ways.
The project reflected a simple but powerful belief: language thrives when it is spoken, sung, shared, and celebrated together.
Acknowledgement
Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata, The KaRs and Hokozoo Productions gratefully acknowledges the support of the Creative Communities Scheme, administered by Palmerston North City Council. Funding received over the past two years made it possible to develop and produce bilingual Samoan language songs and music videos that promote gagana Samoa and celebrate Pacific culture through music, learning, and community connection.
D.Matthews Unveils “Tomato” — A Bold Afropiano Statement Positioned for Global Impact
Australian-based Nigerian recording artist D.Matthews is set to further cement his rising international presence with the release of his highly anticipated new single, “Tomato,” arriving worldwide today.
Australian-based Nigerian recording artist D.Matthews is set to further cement his rising international presence with the release of his highly anticipated new single, “Tomato,” arriving worldwide on June 12, 2026.
A polished fusion of Afropiano’s rhythmic bounce, Afro-fusion’s melodic sophistication, and mainstream commercial appeal, “Tomato” is a strategically crafted record designed to resonate across streaming platforms, radio, nightlife, editorial playlists, and global digital audiences.
Driven by infectious percussion, emotionally engaging songwriting, vibrant melodic performance, and dance-centric production, “Tomato” captures the essence of modern African music’s evolving global influence while reinforcing D.Matthews’ distinct creative identity.
The single reflects themes of attraction, movement, celebration, and confidence — delivering both immediate listener appeal and long-term commercial versatility.
“Tomato is about energy, rhythm, and connection. It’s a record built to make people feel good, move, and experience my sound on a global level.”
As African music genres continue dominating international charts and cultural conversations, D.Matthews strategically positions himself at the forefront of this movement through disciplined artistry, brand consistency, and globally relevant releases.
“Tomato” serves as a significant next chapter in his growing catalog, demonstrating both artistic evolution and commercial readiness.
About D.Matthews
D.Matthews is a Nigerian-born, Australian-based recording artist whose sound blends Afropiano, Afrobeats, and contemporary Afro-fusion into commercially strategic, culturally resonant music. Through consistent artistic growth, strategic branding, and international market positioning, D.Matthews continues building momentum as a formidable emerging voice in global African music.
JUNE MEMBERS ONLY ONLINE SESSION: INTEGRATING AI INTO CREATIVE BUSINESSES
Join MMF Aotearoa for our June members only online seminar. If you think integrating AI into your creative business means handing over your work to a machine, Emily Makere Broadmore wants to challenge that assumption.
Join MMF Aotearoa for our June members only online seminar, focused on Integrating AI into our creative businesses.
If you think integrating AI into your creative business means handing over your work to a machine, Emily Makere Broadmore wants to challenge that assumption.
In this session, Emily will unpack what it actually means to integrate AI into a creative business, addressing the most common misunderstanding head-on: that AI adoption is a technology problem. It isn't. It's a thinking problem. She'll explore how to reframe AI as a creative thought partner, why resistance in creative industries is so common (and so understandable), and how your human skills of judgement, voice and influence remain the irreplaceable foundation of everything you do.
Make it stand out
Emily Makere Broadmore is a novelist, publisher and creative intelligence practitioner based in Wellington. She builds creative businesses and ventures - and helps other creative people use AI without losing what makes their work theirs.
She is the founder behind Folly, the fastest-selling new literary journal in Australasia, and Folly Press; she also built the Wellington Writers' Studio, New Zealand's first co-working space for writers. Prior to this she was a political advisor to government ministers, an experience that led her to founding a nationwide strategic communications consultancy which she led for six years.
Emily now helps organisations move their people from AI-hesitant to AI-fluent, redesigning how the work gets done along the way. She sits on the Creative Industries Working Group advising the NZ AI Forum and wrote AI for Communicators. Her angle is practical and creative-first: she runs a publishing house that bans AI-generated writing, while advising leaders on how to use AI well. As she puts it - machines are fluent, fast and powerful, but not yet wise, and that gap is where she works.
MMF AOTEAROA MEMBERS ONLY ONLINE SESSION
INTEGRATING AI INTO CREATIVE BUSINESSES
Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026
Time: 6pm – 7pm
RSVP: For MMF members only. RSVP to Rachel admin@mmf.co.nz.
Spaces are limited so RSVP is essential.
Due to the limited places please note if you RSVP and then fail to attend the session without notifying us, unfortunately you will not be eligible for future sessions
Sylvee is set to release her third EP, Tender, on June 5, 2026
Rising country-pop artist Sylvee is set to release her third EP, Tender, on June 5, 2026. A deeply personal six-track project that captures the complexities of love, self-discovery, and emotional resilience. Featuring previously released singles “Ice Grit,” “Before I Met You,” and “Hell of a Man”, Tender marks a defining moment in Sylvee’s artistic evolution. Tender is a record that feels like Sylvee at her core.
Featuring previously released singles “Ice Grit,” “Before I Met You,” and “Hell of a Man”, Tender marks a defining moment in Sylvee’s artistic evolution. Tender is a record that feels like Sylvee at her core. Her ability to write cross-genre (Country, Pop, Drum & Bass, Folk, Rock, Alternative) is a testament to her skill and experience, but this project “has been the most fulfilling and natural to explore” says Sylvee.
The six tracks are a dusty, cinematic kind of country-pop that feels like highway lights bleeding into rain on the windshield, or sitting outside long after everyone else has gone to bed because your thoughts are too loud to sleep through.
There’s heartbreak here, but not just romantic heartbreak. There’s the ache of trying to understand your own mind. The tension between tenderness and survival, and the weight of generational strength. Some songs smoulder. Some unravel slowly. Some feel like confessions you weren’t supposed to overhear. There’s a rawness to the project that feels lived-in rather than polished. Imperfect vocals kept for emotion, home-recorded moments left intact, and stories told exactly as they happened.
From the restless pull of “Ice Grit” to the vulnerable spiralling of “What I’m Talking About,” and the weathered warmth of “Grace Over Hurt,” the EP moves like a series of late-night thoughts you can’t outrun. A record more interested in honesty than perfection. Tender feels rooted in modern country storytelling, but there’s an understated intimacy running through it that gives the project its own space: raw around the edges, feminine without fragility, and deeply human.
It’s the kind of record that belongs on long drives, quiet nights, heartbreak playlists and healing playlists all at once. Equal parts grit and vulnerability, chaos and comfort.
“Ice Grit,” released in June 2025, introduced this new chapter with drive and vulnerability, landing editorial and curated playlist support. “Before I Met You” (November 2025) expanded her reach surpassing 55.9K+ streams also earning further editorial and curated playlist support, including placement on Air New Zealand’s “Runway Tracks”. With the third single “Hell of a Man” (April 2026) following, those singles are continuing to build and resonate strongly with audiences for their honesty and emotional depth.
The final three tracks on Tender reveal the true heart of the EP.
“What I’m Talking About” is a strikingly candid reflection on navigating previously undiagnosed ADHD during a pivotal life transition. Written primarily by Sylvee and brought to life with long-time collaborator Joel Jones, the track captures the internal chaos behind a composed exterior. With lyrics like “I know I look like I know what I’m doing / But I don’t”, the song offers a rare and relatable window into neurodivergence, self-doubt, and the struggle to keep up.
This song feels like trying to hold yourself together in a room full of people while your mind is running in ten different directions at once. It captures the quiet panic of overthinking every interaction, struggling to focus, masking confusion and feeling disconnected from everyone around you, all while looking “fine” on the outside. Driven by conversational lyrics and emotionally charged country-pop production, the track turns neurodivergence and anxiety into something deeply human and relatable. It fits naturally within introspective country-pop, alternative country, mental health-focused playlists, indie singer-songwriter spaces and emotionally vulnerable modern folk-pop.
“Grace Over Hurt” stands as one of the EP’s most emotional moments, a tribute to Sylvee’s mother. Written by Sylvee and produced with Aaron Clarke (Mountain Boy), the track embodies themes of compassion, resilience, and generational strength. The song carries an added layer of meaning: Sylvee recorded the vocals at home while pregnant, even capturing a moment speaking to her baby in the womb. “It felt right to leave that in,” she shares. “This song is about my mum, and I’m about to begin my own journey into motherhood.”
It’s the kind of song that makes you think about the people who shaped you and choosing softness in a hard world. It feels deeply rooted and timeless, combining heartfelt Americana textures with emotional country storytelling. The song belongs in Americana, acoustic country, reflective folk-country and emotionally grounded storytelling playlists that focus on healing, family and human connection.
Closing the EP is “In the End,” a reflective and cinematic track written during a studio session with Joel Jones, inspired by the rugged, emotional landscape of Yellowstone. The song explores the journey from youthful idealism to hard-earned understanding, ultimately landing on a simple but powerful truth: “In the end, all you needed was the love.”
This is the song that plays after the dust settles. When you’ve lived enough to know life doesn’t turn out the way you imagined, but somehow that’s not the tragedy you thought it would be. “In the End” feels expansive, weathered and cinematic, blending western-inspired country with reflective storytelling about anger, mistakes, survival and love. It’s the soundtrack to long drives, open landscapes and moments where everything finally starts making sense. The track fits naturally within Americana, modern western, cinematic country, reflective road-trip playlists and emotionally driven singer-songwriter spaces.
During the writing process of this EP, Sylvee immersed herself in country influences, listening almost exclusively to artists such as Joshua Slone, Morgan Wallen, Ernest, Ella Langley, Lacey Kaye Booth and Kacey Musgraves, a deep dive that helped shape the sound and storytelling style.
“When I started writing in this genre back in 2023, Hell of a Man was one of the first songs I wrote” says Sylvee. “I remember telling Joel (Jones) that I wanted to write a country project, and he was enthusiastically all for it”.
The majority of the tracks also feature Tom Broome and Neil Watson, both touring musicians for Tami Neilson, adding an authentic country texture with live drums and pedal steel.
At a time where polished perfection feels increasingly disconnected from real life, Sylvee offers something deeply human. A body of work that’s about surviving hard seasons without losing softness. With Tender, Sylvee isn’t just stepping further into country music, she’s carving out a space within the genre that feels entirely her own.
TîMMY the FIRST stamps his mark with powerful new single ‘Air’
One of the most exciting new voices in Aotearoa hip–hop TîMMY the FIRST delivers a poignant message of belonging on his brand new single, ‘Air’. “This song captures the heart of who I am as an artist,” explains Zimbabwean-born, Aotearoa-based TîMMY. Keep your eyes and ears posted for the video for ‘Air’, which premieres on June 12.
One of the most exciting new voices in Aotearoa hip–hop TîMMY the FIRST delivers a poignant message of belonging on his brand new single, ‘Air’.
“This song captures the heart of who I am as an artist,” explains Zimbabwean-born, Aotearoa-based TîMMY.
“My music has always been about telling honest stories and creating from a place of purpose. I’m drawn to songs that explore identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to follow your own path.”
‘Air’ also perfectly encapsulates TîMMY’s unique sound, which blends African influences and global sonics with contemporary production. The song sits at the intersection of Afropop and hip-hop and is warm, uplifting, reflective and introspective all in one.
The song’s production – with Tinaye at the helm - is built around melodic guitar lines inspired by Zimbabwean and South African sounds. Those organic elements are blended with contemporary Afropop production and subtle hip-hop influences creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and modern. The result is an inspired and powerful track that is emotionally honest and deeply rooted in a sense of identity, purpose, and home.
“‘Air’ is about carrying a dream, vision, or sense of purpose that feels unrealistic to the people around you. It speaks to the experience of pursuing a path that others may not understand, while knowing deep down that you can’t ignore it,” says TîMMY.
For TîMMY the song evokes a sense of home.
“Zimbabwe is where I was born, but I didn’t grow up there. New Zealand is where I’ve built my life, but I wasn’t born here. For a long time, I’ve lived between worlds. This song brings those different parts of me together and creates a space where I feel fully at home.”
“I hope listeners take away the courage to trust themselves. No matter how unconventional or unrealistic your path may seem to others, don’t betray who you are just to fit into someone else’s expectations. Follow what feels true to you, and embrace your uniqueness.”
Keep your eyes and ears posted for the video for ‘Air’, which premieres on June 12.