Making Tracks with The MOST FM: Artist Interviews: Recent Episodes
The MOST FM
New music and casual chats is what Making Tracks is all about, thanks to NZ On Air.
Every week The MOST 100.4 FM features the freshest tracks coming out of Aotearoa with Making Tracks. We top it off with an interview with the artist each Friday – a special treat to kick-start the weekend.
Based in Wellington, this year, First Reserve has played alongside international acts Hot Mulligan (US), and Movements (US), as well as local legends Wet Denim, There's A Tuesday, and Daffodils. Previous singles have received airplay on Radio One, and new single "alice" combines hard-hitting rock instrumentation with ear-worm hooks.
Aotearoa’s beloved and platinum-selling Avalanche City (AKA Dave Baxter) has today released an introspective new single ‘Keep That Love’ - his first in five years.
A delicate acoustic guitar creates the bed for a gently expanding soundscape; layers of backing vocals, gentle synths and atmospheric guitars working together to evoke a sense of poignant reflection and hope.
“‘Keep That Love’ is really just an encouragement to keep looking for love and beauty, kindness and compassion,” says Dave. “It acknowledges some of life’s deep sadness, but also the hopefulness and beauty of the world. It’s where I end up spending most of my time, for better or worse
Ardon England, a multifaceted force in New Zealand's music landscape. A Māori artist, Ardon is a bold advocate for diversity and inclusion, infusing his unique blend of genres with unapologetic creativity and raw emotion.
With a background steeped in dance and performance artistry, Ardon's journey into music was inevitable. Over two decades, he's traversed stages nationwide, captivating audiences with his electrifying presence.
A culmination of dreamy vocals and experiential sound, Goodnight My Darling is the vision and project of up and coming Wellington based singer-songwriter Maxine Macaulay.
With elements of shoegaze, folk and dreamy melody, Macaulay says her ever evolving vibe is a poetic expression of her life and the places around her. Her songs take you on a cinematic journey, while her ethereal vocals lull you into a quiet sense of peace and appreciation.
Goodnight My Darling started as an electronic project when Macaulay released her EP of self produced songs “Levitate”. She then joined forces with a band to create and release her latest nine-track self-titled album, with a mix of soul-stirring tunes including ode to love, loss and rebirth ‘The Carriage’, ‘Until I Return’ and the story of a relationship’s end in ‘The Trees Have Eyes’.
NZ born, international breakthrough artist Robinson has returned with her first single of 2024, the soaring new track ‘The War On Art’, out today.
An impatient, driving guitar with dark undertones are matched with Robinson’s emotive, powerfully raw vocal performance. When the chorus hits, ‘The War On Art’ is stadium ready; stacked with vocals and a massive rhythm section, as Robinson lyrically opens fire on the darker realities of creative industries “where they turn our dreams into a business.”
“‘The War On Art’ is the very message I have come to stand for as an artist,” explains Robinson.
“All too often, I’ve heard and experienced the horror stories that people in the creative industries go through. They’re taken advantage of, financially struggle (even with their success), are victims of power plays, are told how to act and dress in order to ‘sell’, and are treated as nothing more than a brand that must be fine-tuned.”
Auckland-based Daily J continue to take the globe by storm with their signature blend of indie-rock and indie-pop; today dropping a new tune - the nostalgic and sentimental ‘Happy Slides’.
It’s been an action packed few years for the local lads (three brothers Jayden, Jonny and Jesse Paul and good mate Rick Everard), who have earned a reputation as one of New Zealand music’s most successful exports with tens of millions of streams across platforms and sold out tours across countries.
The release of ‘Happy Slides’ - along with the video - marks the first new music from Daily J since last year’s double EP release SLUSH HONEY Side A and Side B. And it finds the band in reflective mode, dipping between past and present; creating a melodic postcard that anyone would hope to receive.
Aotearoa’s rising indie artist Rita Mae has returned with her first single of 2024, the unapologetically anthemic new single and video ‘Kiss The Sky’, co-written with The Naked and Famous’ award-winning artist Alisa Xayalith.
Oscillating between chill, acoustic verses and full noise, grungy, stadium-ready choruses, ‘Kiss The Sky’ sonically mirrors its lyrical meaning, being a “greedy, indulgent song about wanting everything and being unapologetic about it.”
Sam Cullen’s sound is far from what you might expect of a 23 year-old born and raised on theedge of the world in Invercargill - the bottom of New Zealand. With genuine lyrics drawn from lived experience and a rock and roll meets pop driving energy, the now Auckland-based artist is a
force to be reckoned with.
Since 2022’s ‘Run’ - EP, Sam has honed his stadium rock influences and completes his next era of releases on April 19 with his ‘Love Again’ - EP. Sam wears his heart on his sleeve with this body of work with songs about growing up and homesickness while figuring himself out a little more.
Over the past 3 years, he has steadily climbed the ladder of success; releasing three EP’s, playing on some of New Zealand’s biggest stages (including the main stage at R&V), selling out a number of headline shows and playing support slots around the country. Following a massive 10-date
solo tour of NZ in 2023, this next era introduces a 5-piece live band that brings an incomparable onstage energy.
Following the success of her 2023 singles ‘Runway of Reality’ and ‘Cellular’, today’s release puts on full display Frau Knotz’s drive to consistently push boundaries. An ethereal and mysterious piece, ‘Odyssey I’ showcases what Frau Knotz does best; emotive storytelling through vocal performance amongst unchartered sonic realms.
Skinnyandsoft is the moniker of Lou Smith, a 24-year-old singer/songwriter from and based in Taranaki. He previously released a single with Tyson Ritter, the frontman of the All American Rejects, and released a single with fellow NZ artist Rita Mae. dmg_cntrl is one of two singles that release on 03/29, leading off the rollout of skinnyandsoft's debut album "showhilla".
The vibrant and dynamic Taranaki based 9-piece band, Banana Mundo, is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Driving Around". Known for their electrifying live performances and a unique blend of musical styles, Banana Mundo takes listeners on a journey with a song that encapsulates the freedom and exhilaration of hitting the road.
"Driving Around" is a lively, upbeat track that combines the infectious grooves of funk with the warm rhythms of Latin music, creating a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic. The song aims to evoke the joy and adventure of embarking on a road trip, capturing the sense of escape and discovery that comes with driving through unknown landscapes.
NZ-South African band The Transits have released their self-titled debut album + new single/video 'Heartbreak Queen' - both receiving local and international praise! Since they started releasing music just one year ago, they have been on the South Africa Top 40 multiple times and NZ RadioScope Alt Chart – and since Friday's release they’ve placed on 3 x Apple Music playlists, shot to 25k+ streams on their new music video and had a significant boost to their fan base. ‘Heartbreak Queen' has acatchy keyboard riff that propels the verses, which are complemented by high-energy drums and guitars driving the chorus. It’s an infectious musical experience!
Tāmaki Makaurau based indie-pop delight Geoff Ong has today released his latest single ‘When it Gets Easy’.
‘When it Gets Easy’ delves into intimate reflections on the journey of growing up and unpacking big feelings.
Geoff’s knack for catchy pop hooks, paired with a driving beat and bright guitar licks, have built what he hopes will become an “upbeat and hopeful anthem for people who are also wondering when it gets easier.”
Ōtautahi indie-folk artist Fraser Ross has today released the title track single and music video from his much-anticipated upcoming album ‘Thunderhead’.
A mesh of folk, indie and soft-rock - with the perfect balance of melancholia and hope, ‘Thunderhead’ is set to become another successful track in Fraser’s discography.
‘Thunderhead’ is a deeply personal reflection written as a documentary of Frasers travels throughout America, and the experience of leaving a family. Named after Thunderhead Artist’s Refuge in Montana, a camp that brings artists together in the spirit of natural building and campfire jamming - and the place Fraser wrote the track mid-travels.
Auckland indie-rockers PARK RD return with the new single, ‘Every Night’, their first new release for 2024.
An upbeat-slice of indie-pop, ‘Every Night’ sees the band wearing its influences proudly on its sleeves, embracing a sound similar to The 1975 and Spacey Jane.
Jangly guitars from Angus Hampton-Carr and Leo Crawshaw-Bond combine, alongside a soaring call-and-response chorus ready-made for the live stage.
“Get out and see the world” is the message in this global collaboration between New Zealand based Swiss-kiwi indie pop artist Sonic Delusion and Swiss producer Timtime.
“Have you ever been to Paris, Istanbul, Peru?” Make the most of your time on this planet and enjoy the beautiful wonders this world has to offer.
The joint venture from opposite ends doesn’t stop there, Timtime remixed this upbeat positive Sonic Delusion song into an unusually “happy” deep house banger, merching the two complete opposite ends of the musical spectrum.
Nelson originating indie-rock band, Steezy’s Touch is thrilled to announce the release of the first single of their upcoming EP for 2024 ‘Lemoncake’.
Front man Tom Mitchener stated “Lemoncake is without a doubt our biggest song yet, it’s been in the works for a while now and we’re unbelievably stoked to be able to release it”
Lemoncake is the band’s first release for 2024 and they are in high hopes for the year to come in terms of releases and shows as they spent the majority of 2023 in between shows, recording and finalising the release of their 2nd EP set to release in April and their 3rd EP in November.
Steezy’s Touch is a 6 piece indie-rock band originating out of Nelson, New Zealand and have as of the past couple years moved to Auckland and Wellington, with members currently residing in all three locations.
Fool of Stars are a synth-rock/shoegaze outfit based in Ōtepoti, New Zealand. Consisting of Olive Ward on vocals and guitar, Jacob Smith on organ/bass, and Max White on drums, the group fuses the textural paintings of shoegaze with the instantly appealing melodic hooks of dream pop.
“Sol 127” is perhaps the catchiest release from Fool of Stars thus far. The intro features every instrument entering one by one and after the drums kick in the song gets going and never stops. The roaring guitar and angelic organ line reach a nice balance while the motoric drums propel the song to rocketing heights. Such a soaring instrumental paired with endearing lyrics about longing to see someone again make for an immediately memorable track that leaves listeners with a spellbound but bittersweet catharsis.
Thomas Powers, co-founder of the award-winning synth-pop band The Naked And Famous, has today unveiled ‘Sleep and/or Rest’.
The fourth single to be shared from his upcoming debut LP A TYRANT CRYING IN PRIVATE, set for release this year.
TWIN TIGER is a four piece Indietronica band who's synth-heavy, 80's inspired pop confidently rests on a dance-ready groove.
Laced with plenty of catchy licks and memorable melodies, Twin Tiger are destined to be your new favourite band.
Based in New Plymouth, New Zealand Twin Tiger's endearing collection of songs have been written under the influence of Taranaki's sunny skies and endless black sand beaches.
Codes Hoskin (Keys), Marc Gernhoefer (Drums), Nate Betteridge (Bass), Craig Jones (Vocals, Guitar).
The track is one of 4 songs that I wrote and recorded this year after making a conscious decision to get back into doing some song writing, something I hadn't done much of for a long time.
The song talks about a fictional couple who behave and expect to be treated like they are royalty. It's really taking a dig at today's influencer culture and how people seem to be focused on appearances more than character.
It's the product of a project as a solo artist, recorded and mixed by myself, mostly at home.
I had Jared and Riley provide the rhythm section on the recording and a bunch of friends (including Jared & Olivia) provide the backing vocal 'choir'.
The plan is to keep writing more tunes with the aim of releasing an EP next year and hopefully start doing some live performances.
Celine is a guitar-based noise rock trio from Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau. Originally active in the mid 90’s and led by Rob Lundon (Wrong White Crowd, Dam Native) and Andrew Moon (Goblin Mix, RST, Cindytalk), the band re-grouped in 2019 to record and play new music.
Returning to the live scene in 2023 with new bassist Kirsten Smith and drummer Marty Doo, Celine headlined January's Powerwest Fest, and joined Vorsen (John Halvorsen of Bailterspace/Skeptics/Gordons) for the Auckland date of their World On Fire tour earlier this year.
Celine are releasing 'The Cure For Everything' EP on Saturday November 4 via Powertool Records. Mixed by New York-based engineer Andrew Schneider (Unsane, Cave In), and mastered by Bob Weston (Shellac), the recordings reflect the band’s shared love of outsider melancholic pop, 90’s noise rock and golden era Flying Nun.
Ra Charmian Toia-Booth is a performer and vocalist who performed around the world for almost 10 years before returning to Aotearoa. Since being back she’s been a featured artist on RNZ, Air NZ and radio stations around the country, as well as performing on TV and radio - including being the voice for the 2023 NZ Radio Award-winning jingle ‘You’ve Sure Got A Friend In The Breeze’.
Hayden Booth is also an experienced musician who has toured and performed internationally for many years - playing in bands opening for the likes of John Mayer, Jools Holland and Paul Weller. Hayden has won 2 international awards for his media production work.
This Silent Divide are a rock band from Wellington, New Zealand that mix driving drums, wall-of-sound guitars and melodic overtones to create catchy, high-energy songs. They are known for their tight and powerful live sound that gets audiences moving.
'Outside' is the band's third release of 2023, following on the heels of singles 'Beautiful Creature' (released in May) and 'Morning' (July), which received positive reviews and radio play in New Zealand, the US & UK.
Lyrically 'Outside' touches on a darker theme of obsession. Once again the band recorded at Wellington’s award-winning Surgery Studios, with the song produced and mixed by Toby Lloyd from Tiny Triumph Recordings (Sea Mouse, Macho Macho) and mastered in Germany by Robin Schmidt (The Hives, Royal Blood, Arctic Monkeys)
Off the back of a huge 10-stop NZ spring tour celebrating his hit single ‘Forever’, emerging rock n’ roller Sam Cullen has today unveiled his rousing new single ‘The Cold Midwinter’.
Described as an introspective snapshot of home, ‘The Cold Midwinter’ is an honest, catchy, raucous rock n roll track that hits you like a freight train - physically and emotionally. In time, it’s sure to have the whole pub, club and car singing at the top of their lungs.
“This song is me down to the ground,” says Sam. “It feels like it’s in a rush, which is what I feel like all the bloody time. It’s about my experiences as a teenager in pub culture and noticing the place that I’m from. It’s also about growing up out of your teenage years and realising your own flaws and weaknesses.”
The 23-year-old multi-instrumentalist and songwriter grew up in the deep south, Invercargill, honing his craft performing in Southland pubs. With genuine lyrics drawn from lived experience and a rock and roll meets pop driving energy, the now Auckland-based artist is a force to be reckoned with. “For me, ‘The Cold Midwinter’ is the kind of song that arrives once in a blue moon. I’d had the opening verse written for months, which I am so proud of, but it was a long time before I found the rest of the song. Mainly because it’s so honest. It took a moment there to open up to myself.”
From Ngāmotu
10 Nov 23
Single
In stark contrast to her previous two singles, ‘Cellular’ is a drumless track that sees Frau Knotz at the piano, shapeshifting between electronic experimentation and acoustic texture. With ex London-based producer Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio and mastering engineer Chris Chetland at Kog Studios, she has created a haunting production that solely uses piano and analog bass as a foundation to highlight her vocal performance with new purity and detail. Drawing inspiration from the basslines of Mick Karn from British 80s new wave band ‘Japan’ and the eerie dystopia of the Blade Runner soundtrack, ‘Cellular’ renders an evocative soundscape.
Frau Knotz’s prickly introspections divulge some of her most vulnerable lyrics to date. The second verse draws you in, almost literally with nothing but a whisper; “there’s a world out there, it lies beneath my thumbs’’ followed by a sudden pang of the piano with a grandiose declaration; “we are all icons on a plastic screen”. Lauren explains “After watching the Netflix documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’, I advised my friends on social media that I was going to delete my accounts in 1 week and gave them my cell phone number and email address. Then I completely deleted my Facebook and Instagram for the next 18 months. This song was written during that 18 month hiatus over one Easter weekend; 4 uninterrupted days spent at the piano.”
Previous singles ‘Supernova’ (2022) and ‘Runway of Reality’ (2023) have charted on the Radio Control 99.4FM Top 10, featured on Most FM’s Making Tracks & been playlisted on several community radio stations, with videos premiered on Juice TV & MTV Upload and her second video hitting 1.2k views on YouTube. Her debut headline show during New Zealand Music Month this year drew a crowd of 100 people to The King’s Theatre in Stratford, a tiny town 40 minutes from New Plymouth city. She has just returned from the Wellington Jazz Festival as a featured guest with the Other Futures Big Band.
Ever since their self-titled debut album dropped at the end of 2022, fans of Õtautahi band 1 Drop Nation have been treated to electric live performances and two hit singles. Now, the band have released their eagerly-awaited second album MOMENT IN TIME and it will not disappoint!
An outstanding amount of Aotearoa talent, dedication, aroha and countless hours in Surgery Studios with Dr Lee Prebble have resulted in a thrilling ride of funk, roots, reggae, pop, rock, RnB and a massive dose of groove.
Taranaki based country-folk singer/songwriter Liana Hart shares deeply personal sentiments by combining intricate vocal hooks and passionate, conversational lyrics, with finger-style guitar and delicate harmonica melodies.
The songstress is musical theatre trained (NASDA, 2018) and has strong roots in country and folk music. Liana takes inspiration from classic greats such as Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, and Stevie Nicks, and while she infuses her writing and performance with contemporary elements, her connection to the Taranaki countryside consistently shines through her music.
Jeline is an indie-pop artist who's always finding little parts of her thoughts and feelings to write about and amplify through music. A proud Filipino born and raised in Pōneke/Wellington, she’s always been singing from a young age from karaoke, musical theater tunes to the hot 100 on the radio.
Eventually she started songwriting at the age of 11, honing in her songwriting skills and creating melodies in her head ever since. Studying Commercial Music at Massey, she met her producer Jack Hegarty where both their skills meshed perfectly and the duo continue to make music together. jeline has surrounded herself in different genres and music tastes.
Bush Buds are a 6 piece West Coast indie-roots band, born and bred in Taranaki, Nz. Formed in 2018, Bush Buds take inspiration from bands like Lab, Six60, Sticky Fingers and Ocean Alley.
Our new track Heavy Nostalgia is based on the feeling of looking back on golden memories of good times with great people. It was recorded by the talented Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio in Ōakura, and mastered by Chris Chetland from Kog mastering in Auckland.
Indie-alt-rock act NO CIGAR have today released the chill and emotive new track ‘The Vibrance (Somebody To Blame)’. This is the second single to be released off their anticipated upcoming album, THE GREAT ESCAPE.
Warm guitars, spacious backing vocals and a captivating vocal performance from Willy Ferrier work together to create a subtle undertone of melancholy. Though sonically chill and carrying a steadily relaxed groove, ‘The Vibrance (Somebody To Blame)’ has an ache to it; mirroring the themes explored in the lyrics.
A stunning new voice from within the burgeoning Ōtautahi music scene, Amber Carly Williams has announced the release of Kids On The Internet, the firs single from her upcoming EP, 21 Roses.
Paired with producer/musician Terence O’Connor as part of NZ On Air’s Development programme, the two Ōtautahi creatives have combined to present a song that beautifully showcases a singer/songwriter whose crat immediately sits comfortably alongside the likes of international stars Julien Baker and Lizzy McAlpine, and fellow Christchurch wahine Emily C. Browning and Mim Jensen.
Saurian, an octopedal rock unit (aka four-piece band) from Dunedin, New Zealand, is set to ignite the rock scene with their highly anticipated new single, ‘Sheep's Clothing.’ Known for their electrifying performances and unapologetic sound, Saurian has been captivating audiences for the past eight years with their unique brand of hard-hitting rock music.
Written about the perils of a misunderstood situationship gone awry, ‘Sheep's Clothing’ delves into the realm of human emotions, exploring the treacherous nature of hidden intentions and shatteredtrust. With its gritty lyrics and powerful storytelling, the song serves as an anthem for those who have experienced the deceptive allure of false promises.
Award-winning, Ōtautahi based folk singer and songwriter Amiria Grenell has released her dreamy new single and video ‘Romeo’, out today.
A romantic earworm laced with melodic guitar lines and sweet vocal harmonies, ‘Romeo’ has an alt-country and folk feel; giving a tasteful nod to 1950’s doo-wop with its 6/8 feel and chorus of male backup singers supporting Amiria’s blissful voice. Above all else, ‘Romeo’ is a playful song about dreaming up a person to love.
Hamilton’s rising alt-pop-rock duo Bird Machine (Luke and Jenna Grbin) release their eagerly awaited new single ‘Hellos and Frowns’.
The track, inspired by the perspective of their autistic son, is sure to captivate fans with its use of grunge guitars, powerful vocals, and nostalgic 90s alt-rock influences.
‘Hellos and Frowns’ is a striking addition to the duo's musical repertoire. The song provides a unique viewpoint into the world as seen through the eyes of their young son. Bird Machine explains, "the song tries to give one perspective on what life might be like for someone with autism," hoping to bring greater understanding to the diverse experiences of individuals on the spectrum.
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara band NOVA have released their reflective and vibe-filled new single ‘Temple’, out today. ‘Temple’ is the third track to be released off their upcoming EP, out July 21.
Stacked synths and moments of ear candy fill the sonic space of ‘Temple’, with a hook-laden rhythm section woven in to create an all-encompassing, infectious groove. The vocals, performed by NOVA’s Bryn van Vliet and Eliza Pickard, oscillate between more staccato verses and expansive, layered choruses; the latter creating a poignant yet uplifting tone which leans into the meaning of the song.
Originally from Christchurch, Oceans are a five piece shoegaze band no based in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia.
With inspirations varying from Joy Division and Slowdive to Boards of Canada and Tycho, the heart of Oceans’ sound is a dedication to experimentation and timbre, creating vast sonic landscapes inspired by ambient, new wave and 90’s shoegaze.
No Reply (Tauranga) is stoked to announce the release of their debut single “Departure Lounge” available everywhere on 13 July 2023.
No Reply formed in 2022 as a ska cover band playing their favourite hits from the 90’s and 2000’s. Practices turned into jams of original music and the collaborative process blossomed. No Reply tries to emphasise the magic of the horn section with catchy pop melodies.
Not many of us get a shot, years later, at correcting the past, of rediscovering the dreams of our teenage youth, back in the company of the very same people that made it special way back when – your friends, colleagues, creatives, like-mindeds, the people that know you best.
But this is what’s happened to the members of reborn New Zealand-via-South Africa punk-rock outfit, The Transits. 30 years after the formation of their teenage first band – after divergent musical journeys comprising live, chart and radio success - they’ve gone back to the future like Marty McFly and gotten the band back together, man. But first, let’s rewind.
In his latest song ‘Closer’, which was funded by the NZ on Air new music development fund, Brian Norton reflects on that often conflicted and confusing experience of being young and male in a world obsessed with image and having the cool factor.
In his opening lines, ‘he walks around with his head held high, he wears a smile for the people passing by, covered in tattoos with the cool shoes on’ he’s describing someone who looks all fine, from the outside. It’s a tendency he notices among young guys he observes around him at work and as a trainee builder mentor, and even in himself. “You know, dressing up cool, making things look real mean, wearing good brands - but sometimes there are other things going on.”
Sonic Delusion’s latest single release “Be Free” sends a strong motivational message to encourage dreamers to follow their passion, even if that can mean taking a leap and quitting your day job to pursue your life goals.
Although that can be a very hard thing to do, the reward is much greater once you’ve gone through with it. Life is short so make the most of it and follow your feelings and instincts.
The groovy, uplifting and soulful single “Be Free” is out on Friday 16th June 2023 on all your favorite music platforms, right in the middle of Sonic Delusion’s 7th Europe tour.
The vibrant Swiss-kiwi, high-energy performer, Sonic Delusion (André Manella) has played over 1000 live shows at venues and festivals across Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia and Germany over the past 10 years and released 5 studio albums and countless singles.
Tāmaki Makaurau-based five-piece Marmalade are a group of friends that write music in their living room. Swinging somewhere between clean-pop and indie-rock, Marmalade’s soaring female vocals and honest lyricism float above a steady musical backbone to create a juicy jar full of sounds.
Despite being a fresh new band, they’ve already played support for a number of notable acts including Hot Potato Band (AUS), 10:32 (UK), and Beach Bunny (US). With their debut EP on the horizon Marmalade are bound to make your winter cosy, and summer even sunnier.
Wellington rock band This Silent Divide meld driving drums, wall-of-sound guitars and melodic overtones to create catchy, high-energy songs.
‘Beautiful Creature’ was recorded in late 2022 at Wellington’s Surgery Studios, produced by Toby Lloyd (Sea Mouse, Hollie Smith, Ingrid & The Ministers, Macho Macho) and mastered in Germany by Robin Schmidt (Placebo, Arctic Monkeys, Pixes, Royal Blood).
The song is about society's desire to write-off and punish people who lash out when pushed beyond their limits.
Formed in 2018, This Silent Divide are regulars on the Wellington live music scene, bringing their style of melodic rock to crowds around the city. In 2021 debut singles 'Lucinda' and 'Don't Give Up' received radio play at a range of independent radio stations across the country and was supported by a North Island Tour.
Aotearoa-based electronic music producer and songwriter, Lauren Gin, is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of her latest single, ‘Flight’ featuring Reshma. This high-energy track is the third release off her forthcoming EP titled ‘Adrenaline,’ and promises to deliver the hard-hitting Trap and Future Bass sound that Lauren Gin is known for.
Lauren Gin is an electronic music producer and songwriter from Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand). She has become a renowned figure in the electronic music scene, captivating audiences with her blend of heavy Trap and Future Bass. Inspired by producers and DJs such as Skrillex, Flume, and Quix, Lauren Gin is breaking down barriers in a male-dominated industry as a third-generation Chinese-Kiwi woman.
Viices are thrilled to announce our new single “Sandcastle”. This song is a step in a heavier direction for us which we’re very excited about, and it’s reflective of the sound we aim for when we perform live as a hard rock duo.
We’re following this up with a four-show tour in the North Island with some awesome bands, including gigs in Hamilton and Auckland for the first time.
Tour dates:
Thursday 4 May - Dead Witch, Auckland with Fools Lagoon and Lost Vessels
Friday 5 May - Nivara Lounge, Hamilton with Static and special guests
Saturday 6 May - Eight Ball, New Plymouth with Onebadweekend, Carbis Bay & Sam Egli
Thursay 18 May - Valhalla, Wellington with Burnt Out Graduate and Crying Club
The RVMES are releasing a smooth new single called 'Say Something' on the 20th of April to tie off this year's somewhat questionable Summer. Say Something was written about conversations with a new found love and fits like a glove into the NZ music scene, weaving a sweet and warm mood of reggae, complimented by a bed of jazz chords.
Catchy new single ‘Surf Club’ from Aotearoa’s indie pop-rock band Coast Arcade is sure to hook all summer escapists!
Becoming known for their fun music and live performances, ‘Surf Club’ does not disappoint. The vibe is fast, upbeat and energetic - but unlike previous singles, it has a more surf-influenced flavour and raw, indie sound.
“‘Surf Club’ has a few different meanings,” says lead singer/guitarist Bella Bavin. “On a surface level, it’s the perfect summer-highlights reel, and I hope that’s what people take away after listening! On a deeper level, and to me personally, it’s about feeling out of place in your life and not having your normal coping mechanisms to deal with a rough time.”
Featuring former Supergroove drummer Paul Russell, and singer-guitarist Bruce Conlon, the pair also co-founded late-90s band Eight, and are no strangers to the stage, promising a captivating and dynamic show, accompanied by full visuals throughout.
While the tracks may have been recorded in a farmhouse in rural New Zealand, most were mixed in the U.S by Grammy Award winning engineer Mark Needham, most notable for his work with The Killers (Mr Brightside), and Imagine Dragons.
Deva Mahal releases TRAVEL WITH ME from her upcoming EP - FUTURE CLASSIC: VOL 1 – CLASSIC which is confirmed for release on Friday March 10.
A deeply personal and timeless song for the ages, ‘Travel With Me’ is stripped bare and in its truest form, making for an incredibly raw, vulnerable and honest love song that pierces the listener to their core.
“This song is about the accumulation of sleepless nights and empty encounters while travelling on the road as a musician,” says Deva.
“The deep longing for that one person you want to speak to at the end of your night. That one person you wish was next to you when you lay your head down in an empty hotel bed. It's about finding that person to travel the long road of life with. That person who's road meets yours.”
New Plymouth's freshest rock outfit Eden Ivory share their electrically-charged rock anthem, 'Ecstasy', with an official video depicting the best of live-band parties in all their beer-fuelled, headbanging glory.
Featuring members Tyler Melody, Toban Sutton-Swete, Michael Shields and Jarad Melody, Eden Ivory formed in 2021 after Tyler penned their upcoming debut album Forever, For Anything, eventually recruiting his twin brother Jarad Melody on drums and recording the music video for their first single 'Going Out Proud'. On a plane flight home from Australia in 2022, Tyler serendipitously bumped into Toban Sutton-Swete, an old friend and expert guitarist who quickly joined the brothers in their new project. Once Michael Shields was enlisted on the bass, the four quickly found their footing, enjoying an exciting collaborative bond that often only comes with years of working together.
Popular Pōneke nine-piece band Revulva have released their new dark and punchy single ‘This Town’. A tale of avoiding your ex in public and the lack of romantic anonymity in a small town, Revulva’s sound is a mix of soul, funk, pop and jazz, but ‘This Town’ might surprise some fans with its spoken word for the lead vocal, dark harmony, and an exciting percussion solo section at the end - known to the band as the “break up” section, as opposed to the typical “break down” section.
A supergroup of talented musicians, Revulva is made up of - Phoebe Johnson (NOVA, Ebony Lamb), Lily Rose Shaw (Dawn Diver, The Gallery), Hector McLachlan (Raiden Freeman), Lennox Grootjans (Hummucide, Len Blake), Toby Leman (Hummucide, The Gallery), Olivia Campion (Yumi Zouma, Mystery Waitress), Zane Hawkins (Dr. Reknaw, Zoe Moon), Hayden Richardson (Dr. Reknaw), and Kaito Walley (TOI, Bret Mckenzie).
Rashtop is the new project of Christchurch artist Sam Dunlay (And$um). Blending elements of Breakbeat and Garage, Rashtop’s tracks have a distinctly unique flair.
Rashtop is gearing up to release his debut album, ‘Insomniac’. Drawing inspiration from battles with insomnia, the album features an array of Breakbeat-influenced songs.
Tailored for immersive headphone experiences, or dancefloor beats, ‘Insomniac’ sees Rashtop seeking to announce himself to the world.
Ōtautahi/Christchurch husband-and-wife, Lauren and Matt Barus, as Terrible Sons share their new single and video ‘Hold Your Light High’. The release follows ‘Sunset Swimming,’ and 'Tomorrow Always Comes', the first new music since their much-lauded third EP, Mass (2021).
Matt says the track came about "reading Reginald Dwayne Bett’s book of poetry Felon and thinking of our broken prison system in New Zealand where Maori make up 52.7 percent of the prison population despite only making up 15 percent of the population of the country was the stimulus for this song. We wanted to hold that story and then look at hope.
Te Whanganui-A-Tara's four-piece legends Macho Macho have today released their new single ‘Blink’.
A danceable, groove-focused song that has already been celebrated by audiences nationwide, but has now been given a whole new lease of life with this studio recording.
Produced, engineered and mixed by Toby Lloyd at Tiny Triumph Recordings, then mastered by Robin Schmidt, the band says it captures the essence of their live performance. “Toby’s efforts on the recording present the song as razor sharp and loud, just as it has been performed to sweaty
Rising Kiwi singer, songwriter and rapper JAKE is rounding off a hugely successful year with the release of another killer single ‘What’s Happening’ – out now!
‘What’s Happening’ is a smooth and silky tune, which brims with the euphoria of summer. JAKE’s effortlessly cool vocal delivery sits atop a funk-filled beat, which draws you into the carefree lyrics.
“The song was inspired by my experience of young summer love in the city of Barcelona,” explains JAKE.
BETSY AND THE RECKLESS is a Taranaki Based, 4 piece band who’s style could be described as a RnB twist on kiwi roots. The original music creator, Betsy Raines, founded the band in 2020.
Ghost is a modern Soul song about the modern dating issue of "ghosting". Defined by the urban dictionary; Ghosting is " When a person cuts off all communication with their friends or the person they're dating, with zero warning or notice before hand." This songs plays with the metaphor of ghost's and is generally a pretty playful take on heartache!
Ngāmotu/New Plymouth band Green Bathing released their debut single, Fire in the Southern Wind, on the same day as they play their biggest show to date supporting King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard at the TSB Stadium in Ngāmotu.
Fueled by soaring harmonies and thunderous beats.. the mountain lies dormant no longer.
A radio-edit of the most popular track from their debut album WALK INTO THE SUN, LOVE DON’T KEEP ME WAITING is a colourful re-release of the emotionally resonant track by Wellington-based group SKRAM, which also features remixes by JAN, Auckland legend WAJA, and KREMIX.
SKRAM consists of Henry Ashby, Felix Nesbitt, Lee Pryor, Tane Butler and Conall Ryan. With a combination of emphatic vocals, dynamic rhythms and memorable melodies, Skram brings crowd-pleasing energy to the stage and their music. Having had a successful debut album release in their first year, and sold out tour shows, with an exciting festival laden summer ahead - you definitely want to stay up-to-date with SKRAM!
From Tāmaki Makaurau.
Just in time for summer, popular seven-piece roots-reggae band Corrella have today released their new single ‘Skankin’.
Following on from their NZ Music Chart success (NZ Music Singles, Te Reo Māori Singles), ‘Skankin’ is another exciting feel-good modern roots reggae song from this talented up-and-coming band - and a must for every Aotearoa playlist!
With two band members currently in Te Taua Moana, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and two being former Navy members - it won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that ‘Skankin’ was written in the middle of the ocean somewhere between the Philippines and Australia.
Aotearoa indie-pop artist EM has today released her reflective EP UNDERGROWTH, as well as the emotional and introspective lead single ‘Bonfire’.
Themes of personal growth coupled with meaningful songwriting weave throughout the intimately written 5-track EP. As an established audio engineer/producer, EM delves into new textures and moods to create an immersive experience; with sparse electric guitars featuring in songs such as ‘The Love And The Fight’ and dreamy vocals in tracks such as ‘Undergrowth’. Amongst the gorgeous indie-pop production, is a constant reflection of life, and a unique insight into the mind of EM.
Talented Hamilton-based duo Bird Machine (Jenna and Luke Grbin) have dropped their much-anticipated self-titled debut EP and single ‘Time and Space’. A gently floating and rolling single. “‘Time and Space’ is about living in the wake of personal loss,” says Bird Machine.
Described as a collection of good and bad dreams, the 5-track EP is a dreamy mix of alt-rock, pop and folk - what’s become known as the Bird Machine sound.
“We’re super excited to be releasing our debut EP and feel the songs are really a combination of our styles and musical instincts. They reflect our desire to move people in some way - whether spurring them on to action or giving comfort.
Reinforcing her growing reputation as one of Pōneke’s most exciting new acts, Goodnight My Darling has today revealed her new single and debut self-titled album; a contemplative body of work, cleverly crafted to take the listener on a soul-stirring journey.
To celebrate the release of the album, Goodnight My Darling is currently on tour. It kicked off in Auckland earlier this month and continues in Whanganui on Thursday, November 24; Hamilton on Friday, November 25; Levin on Saturday, November 26; Wellington on Friday, December 2 (with Ingrid & The Ministers); and Kāpiti on Saturday, December 2 (with Greta O’Leary).
Ōtautahi-based singer/songwriter Deep Water Creek (Matthew Smith) has released his beautiful new single ‘Bucket Spider’.
Recorded and mixed by Josh Logan at Loho studios, ‘Bucket Spider’ is the first single to be released from a new album, set to drop in early 2023. Since recording and releasing 2021's NEWS FROM THE SOUTH album with Christchurch-based producer Thomas Isbister, Deep Water Creek has been hard at work in the studio recording his new, wonderfully dreamy record.
Francisco Gerardini and the Leot's Revolution have released an EP on October 14th called Adultolesence. The first single from this release is a song called Golden Milk Skies.
They are a two piece band who formed during the Lockdown of 2020. Based in Kirikiriroa our core band members are Francisco Gerardini & Kevin Ostertag. Very much a collaborative effort resulting in the EP.
Today Ngāmotu (New Plymouth) singer songwriter Renee Millner releases her new EP - FLY ME BACK feature the new single Cambodia.
FLY ME BACK is a stunning collection of songs filled with Renée’s distinctively smoky vocals and lyrics that reverberate, empower and mesmerise. It includes motive singles ‘Not Ok’, ‘Out Their Windows’, and ‘Fly Me Back’, as well as “stirring soul-folk anthem of resilience” (Under the Radar) ‘So Much’.
It also features previously unreleased single ‘Cambodia’ - a powerful and beautifully written song about resilience.
Laid back Taranaki indie-soul band FIN RAH ZEL leave winter behind with sunny new single ‘Relax’, a charming, perfectly-formed tune that resonates with the sweetest melody and evokes a serene vibe of inner peace.
Like a mood-boosting serotonin dose of warm sunshine, ‘Relax’ washes gently over you with its soothing radiance, immediately setting the vibe to unwind. An absolute ear-worm of a song, ‘Relax’ oozes all the meditative feels, a soulful reminder to slow down, allow yourself a breather and take stock of where you’re at.
Currently in the midst of a hectic nationwide tour, selling out shows across the country, Dunedin’s finest - Summer Thieves - return with new music!
The first taste of their upcoming new album, ‘Tongue & Cheek’ and the B-Side, ‘Pieces’, are out now. ‘Tongue & Cheek’ and ‘Pieces’ both feature on their forthcoming album, which is set to be announced in the coming months.
In the thick of their current tour, Summer Thieves take the stage in Wellington tonight at San Fran and then The Powderkeg in Ohakune on Saturday. The following week they hit Christchurch’s Mono on Thursday September 22; Catacombs in Dunedin on Friday September 23 and Yonder in Queenstown on Saturday September 24.
PRINS has returned with a stunningly vulnerable new single ‘Hazardous’, the fourth track to be released off her highly-anticipated upcoming EP - LIFE IS BETTER NOW, out on September 30.
With the production and mixing taking place in Quebec, Canada, and the mastering in Nashville, PRINS recorded the vocals at her home studio in Christchurch. A dreamy piece of pop perfection, ‘Hazardous’ is honest to its core; layered in mellow synths and stacked with emotive vocals, it tells a story of the feeling of uncertainty, when falling completely for somebody you already know.
Originally from New Plymouth, now Wellington-based, singer-songwriter Tess Goodwin is enjoying the unfolding of her debut album. This single Darkness Dances Around Us, captures an exciting moment of magnetism. Written by Tess at home using her voice and guitar, it reached its full potential through collaboration with Toby Lloyd of Tiny Triumph Recordings, Wellington.
Taranaki-based artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has today released her catchy intergalactic electropop single ‘Supernova’.
A song of empowerment and encouragement, ‘Supernova’ describes the journey we go on to reach that point of confidence in ourselves. “It encourages people to be fierce - overcome their insecurities to celebrate their strengths and share their gifts with the world,” says Frau Knotz. “I wrote ‘Supernova’ as though I was writing a letter to myself during a time in my life when I felt like I had lost everything.”
‘Supernova’ was recorded and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studios and mastered by Chris Chetland. “Originally, I’d written the bare bones of this tune with an 80s keyboard sound - but Sam worked his production magic to help me move it into the realm of electronica, just as I had envisioned!”
Part of the artist’s moniker ‘Frau’ is a nod to her time living in Berlin and working in a traditional German Bakery, where she was addressed as ‘Frau Nottingham’ - and ‘Knotz’ is her family’s nickname. With more music and shows to come and such a distinguishing single, Frau Knotz’s is a journey you want to follow!
Rising Aotearoa artist Arahi, has today released the outstanding new single Her Love’s Gonna Tear Me Apart; the first from the upcoming EP Revelator, out October 30.
Recorded at Roundhead Studios, the single was mixed by Steven Marr, and mastered at KOG Studio by Chris Chetland. Today’s single gives a nod at what’s to come with Arahi explaining: “It’s a fitting introduction to an EP with many facets and a revelatory story arc across the four tunes."
Auckland band No Cigar release their fourth single, 'Say No More', lifted off their forthcoming album ‘Bienvenido’ out Fri 23 Sept.
Since the band’s inception in 2019 , the boys have grown a fiercely loyal fanbase while dodging lockdowns, playing sold out shows at Auckland’s Galatos, Tuning Fork, Whammy and Sweat Shop.
They have already surpassed over 2 million streams on Spotify alone with over 54,000 monthly listeners, had singles chart in the New Zealand Hot Chart including their 2020 single 1999 which was also playlisted on Radio Hauraki.
Christchurch six-piece 1 Drop Nation know what the world needs now, and that’s their feel-good funky tune + video ‘Groove Show’.
To visually bring the ‘Groove Show’ to life, 1 Drop Nation teamed up with award-winning director Isaac Bell and his crew - including actor/dancer Phil Brown, who is seen throughout the video ‘singing’ and dancing in Christchurch’s stunning Isaac Theatre Royal. A seemingly simple concept, this video has been executed brilliantly -
Wellington’s Wallace has released her highly-anticipated debut album AND OTHER COLOURS, as well as her poetically nostalgic latest single ‘Ae Fond Kiss’.
The 13-track album features an impressive and eclectic mix of producers and musicians from around the world, including PlaceFace, Lewis Moody, Dennis Neuer, Axel Reinemer, Feiertag, Turbo Chook, Danny Barwick, Godriguez and Yelderbert.
The lead single off their EP Halftime Orangesis a fun, vibrant, and energetic song which makes it impossible to stay in your seat. Ozone presents a sound reminiscent of a jazz big band, with soul and disco influences lurking underneath.
Ozone is an extended metaphor for shedding the parts of life that are holding you back and thriving in your newfound freedom. This song is about coming through a breakup and feeling better than ever before. Ozone differs from conventional breakup songs by substituting themes of sadness and melancholy with sass, bravado, and an air of complete and utter liberation.
Following hot on the heels of Carousel - the first single from their forthcoming album Old Dreams - Anxiety Club will release follow-up single Lonely Dancing on 29 July 2022.
Carousel - which has landed on numerous playlists (including Spotify editorial playlist Alt Here) and radio rotations in it’s first few weeks of release - was a hazy slice of melancholic dream pop. This new song however, is an entirely different beast.
Christchurch based production duo The Response break their silence with left-field new single Circles Within Circles.
After releasing a number of singles in the last few years and winning awards for their production work on other projects, The Response have a new album in the works, their first full length since 2019’s Escaping This Cold Rotation. Their brand new single Circles Within Circles is accompanied by a thought-provoking video also created by the duo leaning into digital abstraction.
Jac Dillinger and his band “Blu Velvt Reverie” are from Ngāmotu/New Plymouth. Hot Mama is the first single from their forthcoming debut album due out later this year.
This single and the album were recorded over several months by Chris Foreman at Ngāmotu’s SwampShack studios in 2021.
Singer songwriter and guitarist Jac Dillinger revives an old school sound for the new era. With organic bluesy guitar tones and dynamic vocal range, Jac Dillinger's mission sets out to revitalise honesty in storytelling. Bringing with him youthful raw lyrics about life as a young man and the trials and tribulations of adulthood.
Coast Arcade is an emerging Indie Pop Rock band from Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand. They describe their sound as Indie Pop Rock with subtle punk and surf twists. This combination of genres crafts their energetic and fun summer sound.
Formed in high school in early 2021, Coast Arcade are already regulars in the NZ music scene. The band plays to a strong following at many of Auckland's all-ages venues and have recently expanded their audience by playing at some of Auckland's most iconic live music venues.
Ngāmotu/New Plymouth artist Sonic Delusion releases the new single "Fingertips" today.
“Fingertips” is a song about that feeling when you come home from a tour and when you’re finally experiencing playing in front of crowds again.
Being a touring musician can be one of the most rewarding lifestyles there is but sometimes you just really miss home and when you’re not on the road you really miss touring.
While sitting down at home with the acoustic guitar, and a fresh cuppa coffee I was feeling inspired to write a new song.
After putting pencil to paper and scribbling some ideas, I came up with a vision for the tune, which happened to be a representation of what was going on in my life at the time.
When I really thought about it, I had so much to be grateful but there were a few external things such as finances and work stresses which I let distract me, and lose focus on what was really important.
The first verse of the song being “If all the butterflies, spread their wings, if all the tree tops, shed their leaves, well I would tell you one thing honey, I would never let you go.
Brian - Fin Rah Zel
Social Union, comprised of Vanilla Martin (Ngāti Uenuku and Ngadju (south-west Western Australia)) and Luke Penrose, draw influence from their respective music backgrounds. Vanilla, a graduate of the internationally recognised Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with an extensive performance history and a love of both contemporary and classic jazz.
Luke, having played in punk and post-punk bands such as, ‘The Tacks, Master Blaster, Blamethrower, Zhukov, Hög, Club Stupid’ and many more. This melding brings to life an art experience that focuses on the dark synth-pop melodies just as much as it does on the art and performance itself.
Social Union is preparing to release their debut EP ‘Fall Into Me’ which draws influence from acts such as, Molchat Doma and The National, as well as the brutalist soviet architecture seen throughout Eastern Europe.
WALK INTO THE SUN is the title track from the explosive new debut album from Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based band SKRAM.
These high energy entertainers have been road testing tracks for the album since summer, and they haven’t disappointed in capturing their live performance magic. WALK INTO THE SUN is a collection of pure warmth for the winter months and high energy happiness for summer. With a combination of emphatic vocals, dynamic rhythms and memorable melodies, their pop-reggae sound makes it the perfect BBQ banger or stadium stand out.
Amamelia is the musical project of Amelia Berry (she/her), a musician and songwriter currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Amamelia's music combines breaks normally found in Jungle & Drum & Bass with a sugary synthetic pop sensibility.
Since Amamelia's last release she won the Favourite Solo Act at the Student Radio Network Awards, was profiled by Ableton, and was commissioned to remix tracks for Imugi and Summer Thieves.
Today she shares a new song 'Love Is Useless feat. Junny', a standalone single accompanied with a music video, and two remixes.
Former guitarist in platinum-selling band Fur Patrol
Paris-based, Aotearoa artist Steve Wells has released ‘Steal the Sun’ a love song to his wife, which he finished writing the morning of their wedding.
Following on from ‘Makeshift Heart’, released earlier this month, ‘Steal the Sun’ is the second single from Steve’s upcoming album SONGS FOR SUMMER RAIN (17 June)
Wellington indie act Ingrid and the Ministers have released their punk-filled new single ‘Boofhead’.
Packed with the chaotic punk energy of driving guitars, infectious rhythms, and scattered with ear-candy vocal hooks, Ingrid delivers a captivating vocal performance which exudes anger and frustration.
There’s lots more to come from this brilliant Wellington act, with future music “perhaps more blues-infused than this one - but all tackling issues of power imbalance, masculinity, and the housing crisis.”
Miles Calder is an indie-folk songwriter from Pōneke / Wellington. The former frontman of The Rumours, Miles released his debut solo album Autopilot Life in 2021, a self-reflective delve dressed in a psychedelic folk-rock palette that evoked late-era Beatles as much as contemporaries like Kevin Morby and Father John Misty.
Newly working with Sam Flynn Scott (The Phoenix Foundation) as a producer, Calder and band propel their indie-folk and psychedelic sound with chilly synths and eerie, soft backing vocals added to the song’s spacious arrangement.
Sophie Scott-Maunder (she/her), Jonathan Shirley (he/him), and Laura Robinson (she/her) make up Soft Plastics, an indie rock trio based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, NZ).
Their music takes influence from 90s shoegaze, and 2010's alt-rock. Offering a masterclass in converting fuzz, noise and reverb into nostalgic garage pop hooks. Today Soft Plastics share their new single Day Job, along with a music video directed by Stella Reid.
Ngāmotu/New Plymouth musician Dave Pope has combined forces with renowned producer and engineer Sam Johnson (Rhythm Ace Studios) to create the latest music from THIS LITTLE BADGE’s box of tricks.
An up-beat little number, with an in-your-face guitar riff, a lively (and quite danceable set of verses), and a surprising ‘broken down’ solo section. All that, alongside a set of lyrics that hint at feeling helpless in the face of faceless modernity, and voila!, we have a single!
This Little Badge will be releasing 7 songs on the 1st of each month for the next 7 months.
Touted as ‘one to watch’, Christchurch pop artist Michèle Ducray makes a bold statement today with her new single, the feminine-pop driven anthem ‘Manifesto’.
‘Manifesto’ is an edgy, suspenseful pop banger with a euphoric EDM beat that pays homage to the ‘true crime’ genre.
The empowering and powerful track was co-written and co-produced by one of New Zealand’s leading musicians and producers, Devin Abrams (Shapeshifter, Pacific Heights, Drax Project).
EM is the exciting music project by Aotearoa audio engineer/producer, Emily Wheatcroft-Snape.
Her latest single ‘Undergrowth’ is an indie-pop gem, and the first from an upcoming EP. Its hypnotic guitar strums and warm, dreamy vocals, sound like the song has soaked up ‘rays’ from a hazy summers day.
Written and recorded at her home studio - Emily then developed ‘Undergrowth’ while spending a week at Muriwai beach.
Based in the depths of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, Dutch-Kiwi indie-rock band Odds & Ends pride themselves in the fusion of multiple melodies and harmonies at the high-energy level of their live performance. All this is achieved while the four friends stay completely human, down to earth, and are one of the friendliest bands you will meet in today’s scene.
Odds & Ends are frothing to bring you their latest single and an oversized release party at the Tuning Fork! This genre blender called Something Else balances on a tightrope between indie-rock and alternative pop and if you’ve seen the band perform live, you know the outro is their favorite part.
Indie riff rock darling Wiri Donna delivers with new single + music video ‘No Follow Through’ - Out on March 25th and announces upcoming debut EP ‘Being Alone’ set for release in May 2022.
It’s been two years since Wiri Donna’s first release - a double single featuring ‘Manuka Money’ and ‘Wandering Willies’. Wiri Donna began as a sensitive indie folk act that was rooted in a time of finding her feet. Now two years later after multiple tours and supporting heavy hitters such as The Beths, Mild Orange and Soaked Oats, she is breaking her stride with a larger and emphatic rock sound.
Tarn PK is a Wellington, New Zealand based artist, producer and songwriter. Having released two EP’s, ‘Fantasy’ (2019) and ‘Monarch’ (2021), and a single ‘Daylight’ (2020) Tarn is looking to explore new sonic worlds and develop a more distinct style, setting him apart from the surrounding landscape.
Hear Tarn talk about his new single Street Noise.
Lunavela, aka Auckland singer / songwriter, and former Collapsing Cities frontman, Steve Mathieson, is releasing the Third single from his upcoming album, Imposter Syndrome on 25th February. The new single, People that you know, was a co-write with Steve’s former Collapsing Cities fellow songwriter James Brennan.
Trip Change are a fresh new band from Taranaki, New Zealand, who write and perform original music – full of organic rhythm and soul.
In early 2019, the two founding members of Trip Change began their collaboration and collection of songs started to form. Trip Change’s unique sound takes elements from soul, jazz, psychedelic, ska, reggae and rock music and embodies the search for new pockets of melody, the hunt for deep bass rhythms and arrangements which take the listener on an eclectic
Journey through soulful soundscapes. Trip Change are releasing their highly anticipated debut album ‘Lies & Lullabies’ May 2022
New Zealand's folk trio "Turkey The Bird" will remind you of the famous Margarita cocktail infused with a hint of "Simon & Garfunkel", 2 ounces of "Mumford and Sons", a splash of banjo and served on ice on a sunny day. Catchy folk songs with stunning rich melodies and effortless smooth lyrics. Songs that tell uplifting stories about love and life.
We all have these moments where we struggle with making decisions, where we want to be like somebody else, or be somewhere where the grass looks way greener. What if we all remind someone that they are hot!
The single “You’re Hot” will empower you with a smile and is the first single release of Turkey The Bird's second album due to be out on the 8th April 2022.
Josette is an Ōtautahi based singer songwriter who began her original music endeavours in 2021 after finishing a Bachelor of Music Arts at Ara.
2022 has already seen her release the well received debut single ‘One Shot’, and with many more projects on the horizon,this next chapter is looking to be full of compelling moments for Josette.
Aotearoa’s wildly successful Mild Orange have dropped 'Oh Yeah' – a gorgeously lush and introspective track that’ll delight the steadfast 'day ones' and no doubt, draw in a whole bunch of new fans.
'Oh Yeah' is a song "intentionally about nothing", says the band’s Josh Mehrtens (AKA Mehrt).
"I wanted to write lyrics about nothing, which meant little to me at the time except just to purely feel good."
There’s a groundswell building on the coast of Taranaki and it’s bringing with it indie rock singalongs that’ll make you wanna party. Turn up the volume, you’re in for a treat with three piece unconventional band OTTS' recently released 'Sunday Blue'. It's a whole vibe and we think you'll love it.
Initially formed as Wellington high school band, the Māori-led post-punk four-piece Vietnam first stepped into the music scene c.1981-85.
Their self-titled debut EP on Jayrem Records in 1985 is often described as a “lost classic” of New Zealand music. Splitting up just as the EP was released, it would be more than 30 years before the band reunited and when their music would be rediscovered by US and European audiences.
Now a six-piece band based between Sydney and Wellington, Vietnam have released latest single 'What Have I Done?'. Written by Workman in 1982, this is Vietnam’s first release since 1985.
Wellington six-piece TOI have carved out a reputation as one of the tightest live acts around, a point reinforced on the release of soulful, funk-based 'I Wanna Rock' (Live). This never-before-released track, and this week's Making Tracks feature, has become a crowd favourite amongst TOI's loyal fanbase.
Recorded at the band's home turf, Meow, the track showcases TOI in their element – on stage performing to a sold-out hometown crowd.
Fool's Lagoon is an Auckland-based band with Taranaki guitarist Matt Everest. The five-piece band has launched onto the scene with debut single 'Bizarre' – and our first Making Tracks feature in 2022.
This catchy, guitar-pop single is packed with hooks, bound to get added to your favourite playlist. It's tight and modern sound gives us a clear foresight of what’s to be expected from this group.
This week's Making Track featured artist Fin Rah Zel drops new single 'Power' – a song about finding peace within, no matter the external circumstances. "You have the power!"
Tāmaki Makurau’s (Auckland) Goodspace's new single 'Kicking Stones' blends genres by diving deep into hip-hop influences while still retaining a rock’n’roll edge.
Written, recorded and produced by the group in their home studio in Auckland, the 4-piece band says the song is "kind of chill, but it has this underlying kind of spookiness to it."
Powder Chutes are coming out blazing with debut single 'Take It Or Leave It'. This week's Making Tracks feature is a statement of intent, and a joyful call to arms for anyone who likes pounding filthy rock, with a firm grounding in melodic sensibilities.
Powder Chutes are Wanaka-based garage rock miscreants with an impressive work ethic and an unmistakable groove. The all under-16 band bring a freshness to guitar driven music that combines youthful exuberance with sweat-soaked vintage grunt.
Kiwi psych and surf-rock reggae-heads SOJØURN have dropped new summer gem 'More', which fuses glorious grooves with fantastically psychedelic production elements.
This week's Making Tracks east-coast groovers have been earmarked by critics and fans as a band on the rise with lofty ambitions.
Fijian Kiwi artist SAINT LANE releases EP RAINBOWS END alongside new single 'VENOM'.
This week's Making Tracks feature offers disco grooves with the audio space of contemporary pop bundled together in the "hip-hop spectrum", SAINT LANE explains.
"I've always been an eclectic artist but I feel like 'VENOM' is my most interpolated track. I wanted to make a Daft Punk, Dua Lipa, and Migos hybrid, a combination that might not work on paper but I feel like we found an exciting new groove on this."
Like a blossom-scented spring morning comes Bellodonna's new offering 'Wide Awake' – a gentle, luscious and mood-adjusting track curiously contemplating life's questions.
Freshly released and brightening up our airwaves, 'Wide Awake' offers dreamy vocals and ethereal synth and guitar to create a sonic atmosphere that allows this pop melody to float along blissfully.
Magnetic, guitar-pop Kiwi rockers Clap Clap Riot are back again with energetic new single, 'Mama'.
This week's Making Tracks feature captures an iconic live energy through a solid, punchy rhythm section matched with unbridled guitar fuzz. The massive, stadium-worthy sing-along choruses deliver what Clap Clap Riot fans have come to know and love.
'Mama' is an emotive call to come home. “It looks at the way we often try and avoid our problems by running away”, Clap Clap Riot's Dave Rowland says. “It’s then about the realisation that we are better to come back to where we all started, and face these problems head on.”
The Black Seeds are the sound of summer for many Kiwis. Their latest single, and this week’s NZ On Air Making Tracks feature, 'Let The Sunshine Through' is every bit the New Zealand summertime banger.
The eight piece Wellington band, who for nearly 25 years, have crafted their own brand of South Pacific soul. Skill-fully blending deep grooves of reggae, funk, afrobeat and dub into an undeniably infectious mix that has embedded itself in Aotearoa's collective consciousness.
Blue River Baby's latest track 'Green Cones' is a magical reggae dub track – a cheeky smokey daydream that floats us over the weight of others' expectations. The perfect sound, to kick back with, as we come into the warmer months.
Pretty Stooked stamp their name on the NZ indie pop-rock card with their debut release, 'My Line'.
This week's Making Tracks feature embodies the over-reflective person, taking us down the rabbit hole of insecurity. Frontman Eddie Kiesanowski says the words we’ve all felt - "I’d wake up in the middle of the night and randomly start thinking about moments of my life and end up keeping myself awake for hours. It would be the weirdest stuff too, that I hadn’t thought about in years and I’d get myself all down and then have a hard time explaining why I’m in a mood." Eddie tries to make a fun loving environment with 'My Line' to counter those down moments, helping his listeners move forward and not over indulge in worry.
Sonically, the song went through a journey of its own, aside from Eddie’s geographical instability - jumping back to Christchurch from Melbourne due to COVID. It started with a hiss and a roar, naturally developing an early 2010s - Kings of Leon-esque guise - in the 30 or so minutes it took to draft. But that wasn’t sitting with the essence of Pretty Stooked, so Eddie revisited the track. With inspirational tunes in his ears from Spacey Jane and Julia Jacklin along with the help of co-producers Josh Logan and Thomas Isbister, Eddie walked away from the studio with a mixed bag of fruity indie rocks.
Is there more from Pretty Stooked in the near future? You betcha! This is but the first single on a path towards an EP - expected to be incrementally released over the next 12 months.
The Broken is a five piece band from Aotearoa New Zealand that fuses 80s inspired electronica, slide guitar and laid back vocals to create a sound that is very different, yet familiar.
THE BACK STORY
Planets form from the debris and particles within the space they inhabit. As they combine, their new gravity grows, pulling more matter around them into this new orbit. The same can be said for The Broken. Previously a three-piece band of Pearl Runga, Justin Maclaren and Simon Finnel, their music and focus on their sound pulled in Gavin Downie on guitar and Ben Phillips on drums. With this new line-up cemented in 2019, they undertook the rehearsing and writing of a new album, only to be stopped in their initial steps by New Zealand’s first Covid lockdown. However, the band was nimble and pivoted to set up home studios where they continued to write and record, eventually releasing what is the band's greatest work to date, 'GRAVITAS'. All of this achieved from their individual isolated bubbles, unable to work together in the same room for months on end.
As New Zealand was plunged back into its third lockdown the album dropped unceremoniously and quietly at 10:30pm on a Friday night, without the possibility of a release party, concert, or even a listening party. The Broken is now setting its sights on the next stage一 getting out onto the live circuit in their home country of Aotearoa promoting the album and new line-up. First focussing on New Zealand, while looking to expand across the Tasman and the possibility of Australian dates.
THE BROKEN’S ‘GRAVITAS’ is a journey across ten cuts of thick analogue/digital electronica synthwave. It is an open and frank interpretation of the world surrounding THE BROKEN, exploring love, lies and that which lurks in the darkest emotional recesses of us all. You could say it is the soundtrack to a film yet to be written, with nostalgic 80s electronica underscoring film noir imagery, and then clashing with cyberpunk aesthetics.
No great album is solely in a band’s hands alone一so legendary sound engineer Chris Tate was also pulled in to produce the album, while UK mastering icon Streaky gave the tracks their final polish.
Taupō based duo False Heights have been writing infectious pop bops since they started jamming together in 2016. United by a mutual love for storytelling and their eclectic tastes in music, April Pirie (vocals/keys) and Ashley Pirie (drums/guitars/vocals) display an uncanny chemistry, co-creating an adventurous sound and delivering high energy performances.
Their latest single, 'Heavy Metal Runaway', features as our Making Tracks song this week.
Michael Llewellyn is a 'Rhaspy and Poetic' songwriter based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Influenced by The Velvet Underground, KEVIN MORBY, Leonard Cohen and the likes, Michael's vulnerable and smokey melodies pack a punch.
His first single, and our Making Tracks feature of the week, 'Whangamatā' is bouncy and wild. A psychedelic induced road trip that will throw you beneath the summer skies of Aotearoa.
Confronting in his raw honesty, Llewellyn opens and invites you into his heart. Sharing in his battles with love and pain, a seriousness can be felt throughout his work – though we never lose sight of his humour and playfulness.
La Coco is back, unveiling newest single 'Gone' – a romantically ethereal and heartbreaking ode to the space left behind after someone has gone. The song, featuring backing vocals by Freedom Setu and beats by Malachi Samuelu, makes its way to our weekly Making Tracks feature!
"Letting go of something or someone is a hard thing to do, especially when it is who or what you love most", says the South Auckland artist.
"Memories keep them alive in your mind, the dreams of them returning keep you awake at night. It is never an easy thing to let go."
La Coco is a prominent Samoan/Māori artist from South Auckland renowned for her thick soul sound and musicianship, which has seen her nominated for a Pacific Music Award, and winning best RnB album for her work on 'Grateful' at the Waiata Māori Music Awards in 2021.
Clap Clap Riot raises the bar with new single 'It’s Alright' – a short, firecracker of fuzz pop about "our ability to overthink things."
This week's Making Tracks feature reinforces the band’s reputation for turning out rollicking classic guitar pop, with raw and energetic songwriting.
Speech Act Theory is an alternative, downtempo, electronica band that began late-2019 and have already made it to our NZ On Air Music Making Tracks feature.
Live instruments fused with electronica music gives this Auckland band an edgy difference. Their new single 'Holding Out' is a banger!
Grown from solo project of New Plymouth frontman Jake McComb – son of O Juliet – three-piece Viices makes it to our weekly Making Tracks feature.
Their latest single 'Breath' signals a new direction for the Wellington-based band. Much more rooted in rock and punk, rather their indie beginnings, 'Breath' deals with the frustration of imposter syndrome and difficulty of balancing creativity with the reality of needing to work, though the lyrics are tongue-in-cheek as Jake lightly mocks himself for being "so dramatic"
While the genre may be a bit of a change, there’s still plenty of familiar style both lyrically and musically to the band's earlier work, as well as having creative input from Taranaki local Sam Johnson of Rhythm Ace.
Ghost Wave founder Matthew L. Paul gets bodies moving with dreamy debut single 'Y.O.T.D.' from new solo project LEON.
Making a splash with summery club grooves and deeply reverberant, starry-eyed vocals, the mirage-like 'Y.O.T.D.' is like a refreshing dip in a hotel pool – setting the stage for an entire album of tunes named CHERRY dropping 16 July.
Rap rocker The Robba has released new fusion tune '2020', featuring as this week's Making Tracks pick. This inspirational electro rap will get your head bopping and walk swaying!
He’s a familiar face on the Aotearoa music scene, and now this week's NZ On Air Music Making Tracks feature. Jol is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and engineer who has stepped out on his own with new single 'Theorize'.
'Theorize' is upbeat with melodic hooks galore. It’s all about that “general back and forth we have at work or home or at the bus stop, theorizing about things we don’t know the answer to”.
Written and recorded in just two hours, Theorize sets the scene for Jol’s new album due out in the coming months, on which the Christchurch-raised, Auckland-based artist wears all hats, from writer and artist to producer and mix engineer.
Taranaki rapper Chris RL brings the station airwaves a totally different sound with new single 'STILL'.
Using the shortcomings of his past, including drug addiction and being institutionalised, to focus positively on his future. Chris RL now lives in Auckland and uses his musical talents to help others.
TOI's newest single 'Chameleon' is the perfect tune to get you grooving into the weekend. Enjoy this interview with the artist!
Jon Darling is a triple threat – guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist. Hailing from New Plymouth, the singer-songwriter's latest release 'Alchemy', which is playing on our airwaves this week, is this week's Making Tracks feature.
We are proud to present listeners new Kiwi track 'Itch' by Tāmaki Makaurau indie/garage outfit Spawts this week in our usua NZ On Air Making Tracks feature.
'Itch' is a song that tackles internal frustration from the mind of someone desperately fighting to move forward as their own autonomy dissolves in-front of them.
This is the second single on the band's newest 5-track EP, "Clicks & Whistles," released last month. "Clicks & Whistles" offers an eclectic mix of style and influence, pushing the quintessential SPAWTS sound into unfamiliar territory.
Christchurch's MudBelly is a dirty-blues rock band with cranking riffs, soaring female vocals and a keenness to shake things it up.
Their latest single 'Baby U No Good' is that sweet new tune rocking your socks on the station this week as part of our Making Tracks feature!
Previously described as "Winehouse dipped into a vat of Zeppellin", the group (formerly known as Hypnumb) is fronted by swaggering rock banshee Bex together with Michael (guitar), Marcus (bass) and John (drums).
Ekko Park frontman Joe Walsh wrote the lyrics to 'Bassano Sky' – this week's Making Tracks feature – when the band was on their first tour in Italy.
"I was in this tiny little Italian car which was being driven by the drummer of Virtual Time, the Italian band we were touring with. Myself and Mene (the drummer) had the wildest conversation through a fog of little to no understanding of each others' languages and the insane winding country roads of Bassano Del Grappa. It was truly amazing. This is a really special song for me personally and I know a real favourite of the bands as a whole."
Emily C Browning is the indie-soul artist you want to keep a secret from your friends because you want to be able to say 'I liked her before she was famous.'
Her ability to craft rule-breaking earworms inspired by a love of Motown and neo-soul, coupled with introspective (and often deeply personal lyrics), has helped her win fans around the globe.
Our Making Tracks featured artist's single 'I Wasn't Into You Anyway' is as addictive as her other musical creations.
After a lifetime of having to spell her name, Victoria Girling-Butcher has opted for VGB. The New Plymouth artist is our Making Tracks feature this week with single 'The Giver And The Gift'.
'The Giver and The Gift' is a song on polarity, fuelled by driving guitars and bass remembered long after the final note.
Life in the past decade for VGB has certainly brought changes – disbanding Lucid 3, moving to Paris, returning to Aotearoa, marriage and a daughter, guitarist in Sire Dave Dobbyn's band, and becoming a ‘dudette’ for Th' Dudes' final shows.