Award Winning Maori Artist Troy Kingi to Record at Abbey Road Studios and Play Debut show in London.
Album #10, the finale of Troy Kingi's 10|10|10 project (ten albums in ten genres in 10 years) closes with the most ambitious project yet: recording at the iconic Abbey Road Studio, the most fitting place to round off this project. Troy, a huge film fan, has written the treatment to 10 imaginary Bond films from across the decades of the franchise, and then created the theme songs with orchestral arrangements.
Album #10, the finale of Troy Kingi's 10|10|10 project (ten albums in ten genres in 10 years) closes with the most ambitious project yet: recording at the iconic Abbey Road Studio, the most fitting place to round off this project.
Troy, a huge film fan, has written the treatment to 10 imaginary Bond films from across the decades of the franchise, and then created the theme songs with orchestral arrangements.
Accompanied by his band mates Treye Liu and Markia Hodgson, Troy will record these tunes at Abbey Road Studio this August.
You can Pre Order the Album Here
Limited Special advanced edition of the 10th Album in Troys 10|10\10 series of albums being recorded this August at Abbey Road studios in London.
This very special limited edition vinyl purchase will help fund Troy and the bands trip to record this incredible record.
Troy Kingi
A genre-bending artist and a cornerstone of contemporary Kiwi music
Troy is a musician, actor, and storyteller, a man with many hats. He has undertaken the 10/10/10 series — ten albums, in ten genres, over ten years — an ambitious project that has become one of the most distinctive catalogues in Aotearoa music.
Each release has explored a new style in depth:
Guitar Party at Uncles Bach (2016) – Indie Garage
Shake That Skinny Ass All the Way to Zygertron (2017) – Psychedelic Space Soul
Holy Colony Burning Acres (2019) – Indigenous Political Roots
The Ghost of Freddie Cesar (2020) – Funk
Black Sea Golden Ladder (2021) – Folk
Year of the Ratbags and their Musty Theme Songs (2022) – 80s Synthpop
Timewasters: Soundtrack to Current Day Meanderings (2023) - Instrumental Soundscape Soul
Leatherman and the Mojave Green (2024) – Desert Rock
Night Lords (2025) - Hip Hop
Yort, Ignik Yort ( 2026) - Film Themes/Orchestral
The series has earned him multiple awards and nominations: the Taite Music Prize, APRA Silver Scroll, Maioha Award, Aotearoa Music Awards, Māori Music Awards alongside vast collaborations across film, theatre, and television.
With one album left to complete the cycle, Kingi has created a discography ambitious in scale and significant in its contribution to New Zealand’s musical history.
"it seems very strange indeed to be planning the last in the 10|10|10 series. Time has past so quickly, each project despite their complexity, something wonderful to look forward to, and figure out how to help Troy have the space, resources and team, to bring his next creative child into being.
There is no doubt that combined with a deep sense of accomplishment at the end of this project, there will be a hole where the next album we need to bring to life in the next 12 months once lived.
Its been such a privilege and joy to be on this Hikoi with a man who inspires me and an artist who's work touches the heart of so many people. Troy's ethic and mahi are inspiring up and coming artist to believe and extend themselves beyond what they thought was possible. I know this from the experience of speaking to fans and musicians alike. It feel like a true legacy beyond just the music. What a ride!"
TeMatera Smith -AllGood Absolute Alternative Records
Delaney Davidson releases “Tumbleweed ft. Kommi “ out NOW
Baby Heavyweight, born in a kitchen in Switzerland, is Delaney Davidson’s 11th solo album. Somewhat more groovy than his previous releases, this is the second album he has made with Merk (Mark Perkins). Building on the smooth depth of the previous album “Out Of My Head”, and taking it into a new realm of story telling and emotive music.
Tumbleweed is film collaboration between Falling Films, Martin Sagadin and Chris Reddington. The miniature footage of the train is all my dads train set that I ended up inheriting. I remember thinking I am sure I can do something with this.
We spent some time in old childhood haunts of mine. Woolston railway tracks and the Port Hills. It’s amazing how many old threads are woven through this song and how much of it feels like rediscovering things in a new context.
Tumbleweed started in the old house I first moved to in Switzerland. It used to belong to my great Aunty in law and is now the Kendra Jane Patrick Gallery. Beginning with the rhythms of Tone Loc I worked with Pierre Omer (originally from the Dead Brothers), and it grew to be a representation of fresh beginnings and the idea of there always being a new opportunity.
Baby Heavyweight - The Album
Baby Heavyweight, born in a kitchen in Switzerland, is Delaney Davidson’s 11th solo album. Somewhat more groovy than his previous releases, this is the second album he has made with Merk (Mark Perkins). Building on the smooth depth of the previous album “Out Of My Head”, and taking it into a new realm of story telling and emotive music.
Delaney pitches himself headlong into the realm of shaman and trickster, navigating themes of trauma, loss, heartache, poison and cynicism and love, reinventing himself song after song to give a fuller and more multifaceted picture than we have ever seen of him before. Collapsing roles as quickly as they are introduced the albums fluidity and movement is at times cathartic and others polemic.
The theme of Lucifer seeking his own redemption through recontextualising his past, is the strongly themed undercurrent that weaves the albums 13 songs together. Universal concepts such as coming to terms with the roles we have been cast, learning to see our own trials as heroic, accepting love and surrendering the anger that masks the pain, are abundant.
Charting through a heady mix of influences, Delaney weaves a circular story of the hero’s journey circling the full gamut of emotional experience. Featuring co-writes with Kommi, Barry Saunders, Marlon Williams, Sean Wheeler ( LA’s Westcoast skater punk scene), Tami Neilson and old Dead Brother - Pierre Omer, Delaney shows again his diverse range of musical connections and versatility as both songwriter and collaborator.
Delaney Davidson On Tour in July
Hitting the road with a stacked band featuring Heather Webb, Cass Basil, Alex Freer and Ryan Fisherman, Delaney sets his sights on a show that will deliver the album in all its complexity and nuance. Truly something to be witnessed. Do Not Miss Out.
This nationwide tour is possible thanks to NZ On Air funding and the support of the NZ Music Commission.
Banished Music Presents - Delaney Davidson - Baby Heavyweight NZ Tour
Fri 03rd July - Auckland Cabaret Festival, Wintergarden: The Civic
Sat 04th July - Auckland Cabaret Festival, Wintergarden: The Civic
Wed 08th July - Last Place, Hamilton
Thurs 09th July - 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth
Fri 10th July - St. Peter’s Hall, Paekākāriki
Fri 17th July - The Boathouse, Nelson
Sat 18th July - Meow, Wellington
Sun 19th July - War Memorial Centre Concert Chamber, Whanganui
Fri 24th July – Hanover Hall, Dunedin
Sat 25th July - James Hay Theatre, Christchurch
Thur 30th July - The Small Halls Sessions, Pukehou Church, Hawkes Bay (DUO)
Friday 31st July - The Small Halls Sessions, Te Awanga Hall, Hawkes Bay (DUO)
Sat 01st Aug - The Dome, Gisborne (DUO)
Sun 02nd Aug - Ātea, Whakatāne (DUO)
Tickets from Banished Music Subscribe to Banished presale
SOUTH AUCKLAND SINGER-SONGWRITER LUANA GORDON SHARES HER MOST VULNERABLE SINGLE YET ‘WAITING FOR YOU’
South Auckland singer-songwriter Luana Gordon releases her heartfelt new single, ‘Waiting For You’, accompanied by an official music video. Created alongside her brothers Peter and Oliver Leupolu and supported by NZ On Air New Music Pasifika funding, ‘Waiting For You’ explores loss, longing, and the people who continue shaping us long after they're gone.
South Auckland singer-songwriter Luana Gordon releases her heartfelt new single, ‘Waiting For You’, accompanied by an official music video.
Created alongside her brothers Peter and Oliver Leupolu and supported by NZ On Air New Music Pasifika funding, ‘Waiting For You’ explores loss, longing, and the people who continue shaping us long after they're gone.
The track marks Luana's most emotionally candid songwriting to date. "I wanted to lean into melancholy with this track," says Luana. "It's about missing somebody, knowing that your paths will never cross again, and accepting that you may miss them forever. I wanted to capture pensiveness and regret, but also an edge of frustration."
"I started thinking about how much of who we are is shaped by people who may no longer be in our lives," says Luana. "Even when relationships end, parts of those people stay with us. 'Waiting For You' grew from that idea and the feeling of carrying someone with you long after they've gone."
The stunning music video directed by Christian Tjandrawinata was filmed entirely at Auckland Muriwai Beach.
Raised in a close-knit Pacific-European family in South Auckland, Luana writes and creates music alongside her brothers and fellow musicians Peter and Oliver Leupolu. Her songs centre on themes of love, relationships, home, and work, delivered through an evocative yet grounded sound that moves between indie pop, alternative rock, and folk.
Drawing on her background in classical music and creative writing, Luana combines thoughtful lyricism with understated vocals to create music that finds meaning in both life's everyday moments and its emotional turning points.
'Waiting For You' follows the release of 'Got Me Good' (2025), 'Working The Weekend' (2024), and her debut single 'Drunk In The Living Room' (2023), continuing to showcase her growth as one of Aotearoa's emerging songwriting voices.
'Waiting For You' was made possible with support from NZ On Air New Music Pasifika funding.
Luana Gordon's new single and music video, ‘Waiting For You’, are available now on all major streaming platforms.
ABOUT LUANA GORDON
Luana Gordon is a singer-songwriter and creative artist from Auckland, New Zealand. Combining her lifelong passions for music and writing, she crafts songs that explore connection, identity, relationships, and the places we call home.
With a background in classical music and creative writing, Luana's work blends thoughtful lyricism with melodic storytelling. Her music moves between indie pop, alternative rock, and folk, creating a sound that is both intimate and reflective.
Working primarily from home studios with her brothers Peter and Oliver Leupolu, Luana creates music that is deeply human, inviting listeners to find themselves in the stories she tells.
Waiting For You Credits: Luana Gordon (Vocals, Songwriter). Peter Leupolu (producer/piano), Dixon Nacey (guitar), Marika Hodgson (bass), Stephen Thomas (drums), and Tom Broome (engineering).
INTRODUCING ‘TWO DOLLAR TRIO’AND THEIR DEBUT SINGLE ‘ISN’T IT UNFAIR’
Born from a shared love of country music, soul, and three-part harmony, The Two Dollar Trio brings together three New Zealand songwriters now based in Melbourne and Christchurch. The band's debut single ‘Isn’t It Unfair’ is out today. A tongue-in-cheek meditation on the burden of carrying other people's problems.
Born from a shared love of country music, soul, and three-part harmony, The Two Dollar Trio brings together three New Zealand songwriters now based in Melbourne and Christchurch. Adam Hattaway (Adam Hattaway & The Haunters), Nick Armstrong (Sin City/The Cavemen), and Dillon Feeney (Smokestack Slim)
The band's debut single ‘Isn’t It Unfair’ is out today. A tongue-in-cheek meditation on the burden of carrying other people's problems. "Isn't it unfair I'm stuck here singing everybody's tunes?"
With Exile on Main Street inspired guitars, swooping fiddle lines and rich turnabout vocals. A classic country-soul track serving us a solid taster of what’s to come.
The origins of The Two Dollar Trio trace back to a chance connection in Melbourne in 2024. Having previously been introduced through producer Delaney Davidson, Hattaway and Armstrong eventually crossed paths with Feeney. What began as evenings spent singing old country songs together soon evolved into a songwriting collaboration and, ultimately, a band. Something of a fantasy project for all three musicians.
To celebrate the release of their debut single, The Two Dollar Trio will perform a special one-night-only show at Melbourne's Merri Creek Tavern on June 19.
Two Dollar Trio
One lonely evening in Melbourne in 2024, Dillon Adam and Nick found each other and the Two Dollar Trio was born. All from different parts of NZ, Adam Hattaway (Adam Hattaway and the Haunters) and Nick Armstrong from Sin City had been previously introduced by Delaney Davidson who produced both of their records a few years back. Nick then had the stroke of genius to introduce Adam and Dillon Feeney (Smokestack Slim) They immediately started singing three part harmony versions of old country songs, and eventually started writing together. Something of a fantasy band for each of them, with a shared love of country music and soul, the Two Dollar Trio delves deep into both genres while their respective bands outside of the trio walk other musical paths.
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.