Fresh Talent: Ripple Effect
In 2019, before they'd even released anything officially, Ripple Effect were approached by Hawaiian group Rebel Souljahz with a support slot opportunity. “We grew up listening to this band, so for ...
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News
Moodagent Music Streaming Service Launched in NZ
Moodagent, a personalised music streaming service with innovative recommendation and discovery features, launched here in NZ on July 21. Utilising AI technology to personalise the listening experience, the app gives users a new way to discover artists, and artists new ways to reach fans. Where other streaming services offer recommendations based on prior listening, editorial selections or current charts, Moodagent provides intuitive playlist curation, allowing listeners to use moods, songs or ...
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July 2021 NewMusic Singles Funding Results
NZ On Air have announced the results of their July 2021 NewMusic Singles funding, which sees 36 acts receive $10,000 each to create and promote their new songs in the coming months, including 13 first-time funded artists. There were a total of 171 applications across a range of genres for this round. The selection panel was made up of Brad Watson (Flava), Cushla Aston (artist manager), Harriet Robinson (Radio Active), Nadia Marsh (Te Māngai Pāho), Paddy Hill (Roundhead Studios), Rose ...
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Paraoa Brewing Co ‘Social House’ Venue Opens In Whangaparaoa
Celebrating its opening on July 15, Paraoa Brewing Co is billed as a ‘social house’, indicating the role its owners hope it will play as a multi-purpose venue for residents of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland. Newly built and big enough to comfortably combine live events, an up-market Asian fusion kitchen, bar and brewhouse, it also boasts a substantial stage area with PA and lighting supplied by College Hill. Paraoa Brewing Co was officially launched with ...
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2021 Silver Scroll Award Top 20 List Announced
APRA have announced the top 20 songs in line to claim the 2021 Silver Scroll Award and the 2021 Maioha Award top 5 shortlist. The relatively shortlist was chosen from over 250 entries by a judging panel of 10 songwriters who’ve made their own significant contributions to the NZ music community. The 2021 APRA Maioha Award Top 5 shortlist was also announced simultaneously – details below. 2021 Silver Scroll Award Top 20 List: All Your Ships Have Sailed, written and performed by Troy Kingi Anna ...
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Interviews
Video Premiere: STNDRD – Let’s Roll
The three members of South Auckland pop/RnB/hip hop group STNDRD are Johnathan Aoina (aka J), TeeRoy Leo (aka Leo) and Paul Aoina (Yannis). The two Aoina brothers went to the same church as Leo, so the group basically grew up together. With a few singles under their belt, a finalist spot for Best Pacific Band in the 2021 Pacific Music Awards, significant radio airplay and a whopping (almost) 6 million streams for their video of My Uso, the mostly Australia-based trio are about to open the next ...
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NewTracks new Artist: Onono
Wellington-based act ONONO dropped a self-titled album at the beginning of July, launching it alongside the release of the album’s second track, The Island, as a single. Onono is Jonathan Nott, recognisably from a family that comes close to deserving the badge of modern Kiwi music royalty. Cousin to those famous Broods siblings, Jonathan has been part of their touring team since 2015, and is one of those all-round talented types; writing, recording, producing the album’s 10 tracks, and mixing ...
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My Song: Georgia Lines – Call Me By My Name
It’s really not the case that Georgia Lines has an evidently split personality, but the video for her newly released single Call Me By My Name makes such prolific (and clever) use of split-screen effects, different settings and clothing styles, that it may seem she inhabits multiple versions. Despite her variously elegant outfits, and the song’s placid trajectory, there’s a classic flash of that Georgia Lines’ fun personality she reveals as a vibrant and spontaneous live performer, at about ...
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Fresh Talent: Cloudy
Rounding up the successful single releases of Dear Dunkin’ (2019) and last year’s Addicted To You Kiwi/Austrian artist Cloudy has delivered a debut EP titled ‘Good Grief’. Cloudy (Claudia Paine) is unapologetically herself. Kind, down to earth, the EP takes us on her journey with songs inspired by her life experiences, honest and open, unveiling her thoughts through her lyrics. A true artistic talent, Claudia also creates all her own musical artwork. “I love painting at home, as an ...
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My Song: Amez – Next Wave
EDM artist Amy Cunningham, aka Amez, has just released her second single, Next Wave. Originally trained as a classical pianist, Amez has teamed up with producer Ryan Beehre (Minuit), bringing a fresh breath to our local electronica scene. While her debut track Home got some airplay on George FM with nods from some of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed DJs, such as Grant Marshall, Sin and General Leigh, Next Wave is a catchy DnB track with soulful melody and velvety beats. I wanted to write a song ...
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Alien Weaponry: Amping Up The Environment
Waipu-to-the-world metallers Alien Weaponry are getting ready to release their second album ‘Tangaroa’. It's been a three-year gap since their breakthrough debut album and the first single, also named Tangaroa, or god of the ocean, is an environmentally conscious song about how we are polluting our oceans. Sam Smith spoke with guitarist and vocalist Lewis de Jong about the song and the inspiration behind it. Made with support from NZ On Air. As a band, Alien Weaponry grew up next to the ...
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My Song: Dilz – Resurrection
Dillon Lamb (aka Dilz) has been active as an artist since 2012, and hip hop has most certainly taken him on a rollercoaster ride over the last 10 years. His first album ‘Metamorphosis’ went to #2 on the NZ hip hop charts back in 2017, and Dilz subsequently moved to Sydney with his partner in order to be closer to producers and other artists. Returning from Oz to help care for his sister badly injured in a car crash, he’s had to again face up to the challenge of being a creative artist fighting ...
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Live Reviews
Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons, June 18, Auckland
Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons launched their new album ‘Everything Is As It Shouldn’t Be’ at Auckland's Thirsty Dog on K’ Rd mid-June. Taylor Tutawa headed along to review it for NZM. Cramped into the small K’ Rd corner venue was an enthusiastic crowd of around 70, more than happy to enjoy the mix of sounds on the night. Opening act Wrong Things are a genre-hopping trio that needed no vocals to draw in and hammer across the point that they have collectively mastered the art of ...
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Valere Chroma Tour, Winter 2021
The last time NZM spoke to Shana Graham, aka Valere, she had just released her second EP, titled ‘Blue’. Having graduated from Auckland University's pop music degree the singer-songwriter found that the EP particularly resonated with listeners in the Phillippines, where she was born. These days Kirikiriroa/Hamilton-based, Valere’s in the middle of touring her first full album ‘Colours’, another vibrant alt-pop offering, nationwide. Time for a quick catch up! June 25, Auckland June ...
READ MORE >Photo Galleries
The Chills, Auckland, Powerstation, May 14, 2021
On May 14, photographer Trevor Villers went out to capture The Chills at Auckland's Powerstation, supported by a stellar line-up consisting of fellow jangle legends The Bats, and the Coromandel Peninsula's ethereal duo Purple Pilgrims.
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