Toitū - a new kaupapa driven banger from Rei
After a packed summer festival season topped off by headlining Saturday night at WOMAD to an audience of thousands (with cheers often as loud as the stadium sound system) and in anticipation for gigs in the Northern Hemisphere in June, Rei drops Toitū.
After a packed summer festival season topped off by headlining Saturday night at WOMAD to an audience of thousands (with cheers often as loud as the stadium sound system) and in anticipation for gigs in the Northern Hemisphere in June, Rei drops Toitū.
Check out the Music Video Here
Toitū is the latest single from Rei’s upcoming album, Moisturise & Decolonise. With Baile Funk (brazilian trap) vibes, drill influences, bilingual reo raps and haka chants, this is the tune that Aotearoa needs right now. ‘Toitū te Tiriti’, loosely translated to ‘leave the treaty alone’, has been a call of protest all over Aotearoa in response to the current government. Rei then interpolates this protest chant with his own tongue, cheeky raps and hard hitting punchlines.
Back in studio mode with some future international gig bookings in the Northern Hemisphere to be announced, his dynamic Reo Māori-infused tunes will again shine for Matariki, further cementing his place as a global artist. Stay tuned for his upcoming tour dates, international spots and more.
Clocking up over 11 million streams, hitting the summer's biggest festivals such as Electric Avenue, Soundsplash and WOMAD, Rei has plenty more for you, so get on the waka!
Follow Rei’s haerenga here - www.musicbyrei.com
Anna Coddington releases upbeat Māori funk single, ‘Kātuarehe’, from upcoming new album
One of NZ’s most acclaimed singer songwriters, Anna Coddington (Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa) returns with the new single, ‘Kātuarehe’. The track is the first taste of a new album from Coddington, which is set for release to coincide with Matariki this year, an occasion marking the Māori new year.
Watch the video HERE
One of NZ’s most acclaimed singer songwriters, Anna Coddington (Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa) returns with the new single, ‘Kātuarehe’. The track is the first taste of a new album from Coddington, which is set for release to coincide with Matariki this year, an occasion marking the Māori new year.
Listen HERE / watch video HERE
‘Kātuarehe’, meaning outstanding in English, lays down the blueprint for Coddington’s new album. The track and album both move effortlessly from te reo Māori to English, bringing a sound which Coddington herself dubbed “Māori funk”. Pushing further forward the playful sound of her previous releases, ‘Kātuarehe’ features the same memorable hooks that you expect from Coddington, alongside a bassline and shout-along chorus which declares “you ain’t ready”, showing a mission statement for the new collection of waiata.
Due out in late-June, Anna Coddington’s new album sees her writing a full body of work featuring te reo Māori for the first time in her career. Created by Coddington alongside longtime collaborators and band, The Appreciations (Jol Mulholland, Mike Hall and Fen Ikner), the album features eight tracks of funk, indie rock and synth pop, with Coddington’s vocals a constant highlight. The result is her finest work yet, an album which sounds truly original yet still maintains her distinctive style.
Listen to ‘Kātuarehe’ HERE / watch the video HERE
Follow Anna Coddington:
INDUNA RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO ‘DIVA’
Hailing from South Africa and based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, producer and rising afro-pop artist producer and rising afro-pop artist InDuna makes a return with his latest track and music video, ‘Diva,’ now available worldwide.
Hailing from South Africa and based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, producer and rising afro-pop artist producer and rising afro-pop artist InDuna makes a return with his latest track and music video, ‘Diva,’ now available worldwide.
The single marks the South African born artist's first release of the year, following a string of hits in 2023. The track is a glimpse into his upcoming project, scheduled for release later this year and early next. Produced by InDuna himself, ‘Diva’ showcases his style and songwriting as he delves into the intricacies of everyday life, transforming the mundane into something extraordinary.
Reuniting with his close collaborator, director Mason Rudd, InDuna conceptualises an inspirational music video, supported by NZ On Air. The video opens with a backlit shot of InDuna, followed by visuals featuring the legendary Muhammad Ali, setting the mood for a narrative of resilience and dedication.
‘Diva’ is more than just a song for InDuna; it's a reflection of his upbringing and the resilience instilled by his mother and sisters. Reflecting on the release, InDuna shares, "Diva was inspired by a jam session with my friend James. I transformed my living room and kitchen into a makeshift studio to bring my vision to life. From humble beginnings to the collaborative efforts with the likes of Jpec and Joost at Bigpop Studios, 'Diva' evolved into an anthem of empowerment and ambition.”
In recent years, InDuna has been on an upward trajectory, garnering attention with each release. Since his debut, he has been steadily making a name for himself in the music scenes of Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. His talent has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recent recognition as the recipient of the prestigious Prince's Trust Global Young Achiever Award.
With his distinct style, impressive songwriting prowess, and unwavering work ethic, InDuna is undoubtedly an up-and-coming Afro-kiwi artist making waves in the music industry.
CONNECT WITH INDUNA HERE
SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
Sol Fide - ‘The Hermit’ EP Release
The band’s recent addition of a saxophone makes The Hermit a soulful collection, and emphasizes that Sol Fide's ever-evolving discography just keeps getting better.
With the fresh release of their debut EP ‘The Hermit’, emerging indie rock band Sol Fide are making a name for themselves as a staple in Pōneke’s alternative music scene. The band’s recent addition of a saxophone makes The Hermit a soulful collection, and emphasizes that Sol Fide's ever-evolving discography just keeps getting better.
Preceding the release of The Hermit, Sol Fide’s upbeat debut single ‘Alamein’ proved its catchiness, having surpassed 5000 Spotify streams and counting. Alamein was followed up by the mellow and moody ‘Cuban Rum’, showcasing the band’s versatility.
Sol Fide have kicked off 2024 gracing the stages of Pōneke’s most iconic alternative venues, including the likes of Meow, MOON Bar, and San Fran. Coming up next month, the band are set to perform their second headline show at Valhalla on May 23rd.
Listen to The Hermit EP: https://open.spotify.com/album/3cZH73q2qQKIybkJFq9Qtf?si=YzRlybPsTnuGODPxqoZ8xg
Frau Knotz returns with mysterious and compelling new track Odyssey I, and announces her upcoming debut EP
Aotearoa electronica artist Frau Knotz has released her first single of 2024, the enigmatic and enchanting new track ‘Odyssey I’.
Aotearoa electronica artist Frau Knotz has released her first single of 2024, the enigmatic and enchanting new track ‘Odyssey I’.
Stream ‘Odyssey I’ HERE
Watch video HERE
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.
A detuned 5-note piano figure emerges from the ocean’s depths to expose a hushed, gorgeous vocal, each sung phrase spaced perfectly to let the story unfold and the soundscape to flourish. A song about the unknown depths of the ocean, lyrically ‘Odyssey I’ is through-composed and freeform, a nod to Caroline Polachek’s ‘Pretty In Possible’. Rhythmically elusive, the track percolates with disquiet as subtle, rootless drums beckon the ear to sink deeper into the song until sudden stabs of punchy sub bass burst the dreamlike soundscape, alerting the listener to a sense of sinister danger.
“This piece was composed over 4 Saturday evenings, as an exercise in production. The vocal line is completely improvised with both the melody and lyrics sung in one take, during a single stream of consciousness. The repetitive arpeggiation was essential for getting lost inside the song, to sail over a hypnotic groove in a way that feels good but is entirely unpredictable.” - Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham)
‘Odyssey I’ is a tantalising glimpse into the musical brilliance that lies ahead for her debut EP Nextraterrestrial - set for release later this year. Lauren explains: “A consecutive series of 7 vignettes, this EP is a snapshot in time; a documentation of my production journey of 2021-2022. It’s taken years to get to this point, so it’s really special to finally start sharing what I’ve been working on over the past 3 years.”
Frau Knotz ushers in a spellbinding 3-dimensional visual world for her debut EP, announcing her collaboration with Halfofnothing (Blue Hamel), an LA-based, Christchurch born animation artist and creative director who has worked with the likes of Childish Gambino, Kylie Jenner and Kanye West as well as iconic brands such as Adidas and Louis Vuitton. The first piece of this surrealist puzzle has been revealed with the music video for ‘Odyssey I’ featuring an avatar of herself falling through the depths of the ocean.
Freshly mastered by Joshua Llewellyn at Downbeat Mastering and co-produced and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, ‘Odyssey I’ takes a deep dive into what lies below, through a maximalist lense; juxtaposing muffled, ambient soundscapes with rarified vocal production, baptised in booming kicks and sub-bass that crash like the moment a 3 tonne, 25-foot shark leapt out of the sea and landed on Quint’s fishing vessel in ‘Jaws’ - “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Polite Company releases new single ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ + announces new album PLEASE GO WILD
Inspired by the rise and fall of a charismatic tech entrepreneur, former Mutton Bird and Kiwi Songwriter Polite Company (Alan Gregg) has released his deceptively sweet new single ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ - out now!
Listen HERE
Watch HERE
Inspired by the rise and fall of a charismatic tech entrepreneur, former Mutton Bird and Kiwi Songwriter Polite Company (Alan Gregg) has released his deceptively sweet new single ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ - out now!
While Polite Company is a new name across the Aotearoa music scene - as the previous bass player of iconic Aotearoa band The Mutton Birds, and from his previously released solo project Marshmallow, London-based, New Zealand songwriter Alan Gregg is certainly no stranger. ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ follows recently released single, ‘Circulation’ (RNZ, The Most FM), and was inspired by a story from the business section of a newspaper. “Rock stars are generally pretty well behaved these days,” says Alan, “if you really want to see bad behaviour, read the business pages.”
The story was about a young entrepreneur who had created a huge company and then fell spectacularly from grace. “Just before being forced out of the company, which he created, he was photographed on a street in Manhattan - barefoot and talking on his phone - which is where ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ came from.”
Also announced today is the release date for Polite Company’s debut album PLEASE GO WILD - which is this NZ Music Month, 24 May! Mostly recorded in a North London home studio, additional recording was done at Famous Times Studio in London, with guest artists including Sean Read (Dexys) who plays brass and percussion.
Hailing from Palmerston North, and now based in London, Alan Gregg was originally a keyboard player but has mainly played bass guitar throughout his professional life. After moving to Auckland, he joined The Mutton Birds (1992 - 1998; returning for live shows in 2012 and 2019), where he contributed bass, vocals, keyboards, and wrote a number of songs. After leaving The Mutton Birds, he acted as a producer and studio and touring musician, before recording and releasing his first solo album under the name Marshmallow (2002) - which features well-known musicians such as Bic Runga and Ron Sexsmith. Alan has also appeared as a musician on albums by artists such as Dave Dobbyn, and produced BRAND NEW - the second album by New Zealand band The Stereo Bus. Polite Company is the first solo music project since Marshmallow (2002), and it’s one to get excited about - so press play on ‘Barefoot Billionaire’ now and stay tuned!
Find Polite Company
Instagram |Facebook | YouTube | Website | Spotify | Apple Music
Star-studded duo The Feel Good Service bring the funk with new EP, DIRTYFUNKNSOUL and single ‘Feel For You’
After years of working alongside some of music’s biggest names, soul-funk duo The Feel Good Service are taking over the spotlight with their groovy debut EP DIRTYFUNKNSOUL - out now!
LISTEN TO THE EP HERE
After years of working alongside some of music’s biggest names, soul-funk duo The Feel Good Service are taking over the spotlight with their groovy debut EP DIRTYFUNKNSOUL - out now!
The Auckland-based duo is made up of kiwi Lucy Graves and New Yorker Andre “MoDre” Brown - both established co-writers, producers and instrumentalists. Lucy’s CV includes traveling the world as a keyboardist and backing vocalist for Ceelo Green and The Black Eyed Peas; opening for Lionel Ritchie; performing alongside Gwen Stefani, and working as a songwriter for other major artists as well as TV and film - while MoDre was a recipient for the prestigious ‘Berklee College of Music Presidential Scholarship’ (one of 10 recipients from around the world); has appeared on ‘The Today Show’ with Jennifer Lopez and Lin Manuel; the Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Jidenna, and numerous performances on the iconic NPR Tiny Desk.
The Feel Good Service’s debut EP DIRTYFUNKNSOUL is a nine-track funk-filled, punchy testament
to their talent and range - both as accompanying musicians, and artists in their own right. The EP was
self produced, mixed and mastered at the duo's own studio - Studio 91 - and features mixing contribution from Preston Reid (Kanye West, Toni Braxton, Muni Longand) on previously released single ‘Hands’.
Sure to get any listener on the dance floor, this new release combines tight grooves and soulful vocals with the nostalgic funk of retro synths and catchy melodies.
“How do we take our funk?” ask the duo. “Dirty with a twist of soul.”
Also being released is the magical new EP single ‘Feel For You’, a track that The Feel Good Service say is “for the dreamers”. Partners in life as well as music, the uplifting single tells the story of the duo “falling in love, while also falling in love with music again.”
To celebrate today’s release, The Feel Good Service is putting on an electric show tonight, April 25 at Auckland’s Cassette Nine, with support from Kyla Greening. For more info and tickets, head to UTR
Masters of their craft across all corners of the music-making scene, Lucy and MoDre are also curating an insightful songwriting workshop in partnership with CreativeNZ and Depot Sound Studio on April 28-29. Here the couple will be sharing their experiences across the music industry, and how this has impacted their artistry.“Because we write and produce for other artists too, we are constantly influenced and inspired by different sounds and genres of music,” says the duo.
The Feel Good Service are bringing a wave of funk to Aotearoa, with their debut EP DIRTYFUNKNSOUL being just the beginning!! Press play for the feel good grooves now!
Find The Feel Good Service
Website |Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
Apple | Bandcamp | Spotify| Soundcloud
Tāmaki Makaurau neo-soul collective Psycho Gab unveil dreamy new single ‘Gabben’
Tāmaki Makaurau-based neo-soul band Psycho Gab have today released their lush sophomore single ‘Gabben’.
Listen to ‘Gabben’ HERE
Tāmaki Makaurau-based neo-soul band Psycho Gab have today released their lush sophomore single ‘Gabben’.
Following the group’s successful 2023 debut ‘Messy’ (Radio One, 95bFM, Muzic.net), and a year of electric live performances across Auckland, ‘Gabben’ is a groovy reflection on riding through the storm of young love. The track boasts punchy drums, smooth basslines, powerhouse vocals, and a myriad of rich instrumentation.
“At its core, I think the music we write tackles a lot of big feelings, and we make big instrumentals to match that,” says lead vocalist Rosetta Stone. “Everything is epic, bouncy, groovy and ultimately fun, so the subject matter doesn’t have to feel so heavy.”
Psycho Gab is made up of musicians and friends Rosetta Stone (vocals), Orlando Cooper (bass, production), Caleb Wong (keyboards, production), Max Henley (guitar) and Finn Mcneill (drums). The band, who have been together for just over a year, wrote ‘Gabben’ in the early days of its conception - while stuck inside their flat during Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We wanted to paint this picture of weathering out the storm,” explains Rosetta. “It’s about persevering when things get hard, and appreciating all that you learn during those trying moments, rather than just waiting for the sunshine on the other side.”
Not only did this unsettling time inspire the creation of new single ‘Gabben’, it also influenced the band's name, Psycho Gab.
Like ‘Messy’, today's impressive new musical offering was produced, mixed and mastered by the band's keyboardist Caleb (Wongii, Mel Stevenson, Crumbly Jack), during his residency at Auckland studio Big Fan.
With an exciting year ahead, including more fresh music on its way shortly, now is the time to bask in the dynamic, soulful passion of Psycho Gab’s new single ‘Gabben’!
Find Psycho Ga