On July 31, Christchurch songwriter Madeleine Howard released Reaching Out, the third single from her upcoming September-release EP. Produced by Nomad‘s Will McGillivray, the song is special to her. “It’s about two people who I was once really close with, and for various reasons have since drifted from. The song is my way of essentially reaching out to them.” As lovers of a good playlist, we asked her to weave one around the new song, and give some of her picks a bit of personal context for us. Have a listen to Madeleine‘s collection of songs from some of her favourite Kiwi artists; songs that she “can’t get enough of”, as she tells us.
Anika Moa and Brooke Fraser were huge influences for me growing up. I taught myself guitar by playing along to their songs, and felt their style of music closely reflected the sort of music that I wanted to create. Running Through The Fire inspired the sound for my second single, Missing Pieces. It’s driving and upbeat and I love the harmonies in the chorus.
I find it hard to choose my favourite Brooke Fraser song, but Flags is stunning. I love how it slowly builds into a haunting yet comforting conclusion. I also think it’s an important song that sums up how I’m feeling about the current state of affairs in the world.
This is nostalgic for me, I remember watching the music video for this on TV when I was a kid. I love the guitars and Kirsten Morrell’s vocals.
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m obsessed with Broods. I met Caleb before their Dunedin show back in 2014 and I had lipstick all over my teeth. Super cool. Peach is the ultimate pop song, that euphoric chorus gets me up dancing every time.
A new artist that I discovered earlier this year. I love Georgia’s smooth, effortless vocals. Her debut EP came out in March and I’ve had it on repeat ever since. Vacant Cities showcases her stunning vocal range.
When Green Light came out I was going through a tough time with some friendships that had broken down, (which in turn because the subject matter for my latest single). This was the song that I would blast to get over those people. What a tune.
A classic, but a song that I never really fully appreciated until recently.
Arguably the queen of NZ singer-songwriters, Bic Runga is up there with Anika Moa and Brooke Fraser for me, three women who inspired me to start creating my own music.
At the ripe old age of 15, I was obsessed with Evermore. I had every album, every single, posters on my walls, you name it. I used to drive my friends mad. Their album ‘Real Life’ was my favourite.
A perfect pop song. I had a lot of fun doing a cover of this, and am looking forward to playing it with my band at our upcoming EP show in September.
