Today, October 11 Aotearoa band Revulva release their hotly anticipated self-titled album

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Today, October 11 Aotearoa band Revulva release their hotly anticipated self-titled album. 

Following on from their first EP, Girls Gotta Eat (2022) and the road-rage jazz-funk and orgasmic uptempo R&B of recent singles ‘Beep Beep’ and ‘Bush Bash’, Revulva’s self-titled debut album is a musical snapshot of the hijinks, realisations and adventures they’ve lived through over the half-decade. Recorded at Doctor Lee Prebble’s Surgery Studios in Wellington, its ten-song tracklist captures the dynamic energy and juxtapositions that power their percussive grooves, spellbinding horn section and Johnson’s silky smooth songcraft and spoken word strut.

Described by Rolling Stone Australia as “strangely alluring,” the femme-fronted eight-piece formed in Wellington under the de facto leadership of the composer, lyricist, bassist and vocalist Phoebe Johnson in 2019. Since then, Johnson and her clown van full of hyper-busy musical collaborators, Lily Rose Shaw, Toby Leman, Hector McLachlan, Kaito Walley, Lennox Grootjans, Mysty Cooke, and Zane Hawkins, have won over bar, nightclub and festival audiences across New Zealand.

“This album is the culmination of five years of growing pains and hard work” shares Phoebe Johnson. “I started this project in 2019, as I wrapped my honours year studying jazz bass at Te Kōkī / New Zealand School of Music. I had written these songs primarily around frustrations I was having. At the time the jazz school had a male heavy cohort, and there were no female tutors - I felt like I had travelled back in time. Most bands I was seeing perform in Wellington had no women in their lineups. I wanted to make something that I wanted to see - a funky, exciting, fun, live set that was led by a woman.” 

For five years the band have played live shows across the motu, refining their sound, and nuanced vibe, and becoming better friends each step of the way. “Each of the members is jazz-trained, and their incredible ears, musicality, empathy, and trust have shaped this project into something more layered, funky, and beautiful than I could have imagined" shares Johnson. “Even though we share a musical language, each of us comes from a different tasting palette  - this has expanded the sound beyond anything I could have forged on my own.”

Like TLC, Revulva is CrazySexyCool, but they’re also puzzled by driver behaviour, mad at landlords, cheeky jokers, unashamedly feminist, and all too well aware that sometimes CrazySexyCool ends in CrazySexyAwkward. 

The final single is the closing track to the album ‘Nigel’. ‘Nigel’ is based on the gannet of the same name from Mana Island, off of the north west coast of New Zealand (opposite Kapiti Island). Nigel was a lonely gannet selective about the friends he made, and refused to befriend any sea birds. Only a concrete gannet, that the Department of Conservation introduced, would Nigel hang out with. He died in late 2018 surrounded by the replica birds on the uninhabited island. 

Johnson, draws comparisons to the experiences of being in your mid-twenties and seeing all your friends leave the town you spend your early adulthood in - to that of Nigel's.  “The song explores themes of grieving a chapter of your life, feeling behind, but also contentment in learning to accept loneliness.”

Taking cues from Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Jamiroquai, Steely Dan, Herbie Hancock, Minnie Ripperton and Prince, Revulva reimagines the anything-goes energy of New York City’s 1970s downtown scene and London’s 1990s funk and soul renaissance through an antipodean lens informed by the deadpan humour and the realities of 21st-century life in New Zealand. The result is a hedonistic whirlwind of acid jazz, avant-funk, disco, AOR and art-pop, where polished playing leaves room for improvisation in the heat of the moment, and real statements come bundled up with just enough laughs to soften the snarl. 

To celebrate their self-titled album, releasing on October 11, Revulva will play a nationwide tour this October and November. 

REVULVA NZ ALBUM RELEASE TOUR 

31st October - Space Academy, Christchurch 
1st November - Yours, Dunedin 
2nd November - Secret Garden, Hāwea Flat, Wānaka*
*address to be released to ticket holders upon purchase
7th November - The Yard, Raglan
9th November - Neck of the Woods, Auckland 
16th November - Porridge Watson, Whanganui 
23rd November - San Fran, Wellington*

Tickets are on sale from undertheradar.co.nz & *Moshtix for Wellington

The album release is accompanied by a run of 200 records via Holiday Records' new crowdfund campaign. The record comes with a 12 page photo/lyric zine designed by the band’s close friend and designer, Daniel Kingston. The band will also be doing a small run of DIY CDs again, after selling out their run of 100 Girl’s Gotta Eat CDs in 2022. 

Revulva’s self titled album is out now. (October 11)

QUEENDOM by Kenzie From Welly

QUEENDOM is a reminder to peel away western beauty standards piece by piece, a calling to activate internal indigenous wisdom and a surge of energy to jumpstart the heart.

Kenzie From Welly is the product of life challenges, self-belief, and ‘90s hip hop. Like her name proudly states, Kenzie was born in Wellington, Aotearoa, to Māori and Samoan parents, who, along with her Grandparents and culture, shaped her to become the strong woman she is today. From openly freestyling in the garage to developing her style in the privacy of her bedroom, Kenzie’s love for the hip hop artform blossomed. As her confidence grew, she began experimenting and started to collaborate with her family which include her brother Cole and well-respected MC out of Apia, Samoa, her cousin, Poetik. Once she found her feet with writing and rapping, Kenzie delved into production, engineering and ghostwriting; further cementing her as a well-rounded artist. Kenzie thrives in the space found somewhere between tradition and not conforming to society’s expectations; from her unique style of fashion to her firm understanding of her cultural roots to her unwavering sense of community and activism to, of course, her writing and performance. All of which can be found in the character she plays in the New Zealand drama miniseries, The Panthers, and her forthcoming debut album, Greenstone Door. As inspired as Kenzie is by world affairs, global music and travel, there is no place like home. Her love for music and her culture is embedded in her heart, soul, and mind state.

Yurt Party Shares new single, ‘Fela’

Yurt Party is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Fela," originally inspired by the Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, and transmogrified by the band’s signature mischief, flair and dub.

Their latest tune comes after nationwide release tours and a series of explosive performances at festivals across New Zealand, including Cuba Dupa, Tora Bombora, and Twisted Frequency. 

Instrumentally, "Fela" features the unmistakable sound of a Farfisa organ drenched in dubbed-out tape delay. The tape delay unit used was found on a side quest during their recent tour in Auckland. “We’re loving the sound and soul of this old tape machine,” says the band, “but the actual tape isn’t made anymore! So when it breaks, out comes the sellotape!”

Musically, “Fela” revolves around the key of D minor, with verses and solos dancing between the four and five chords, G and A. “It’s funny,” Tom adds philosophically, “we’ve anchored it in D minor, but it’s the G and A that really drive the song forward.”

Known for their energetic live shows and genre-blending sound, Yurt Party continue to push musical boundaries, blending traditional inspirations with modern twists and playful experimentation. The release is a precursor to a festival filled summer and an album release next year.

Available now on all major streaming platforms, "Fela" is a must-listen for fans of off-the-grid dance music and those who appreciate music that defies convention.

TALI - 'FLIP THE SCRIPT' - 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR

This summer, Aotearoa's award winning, and internationally renowned electronic artist TALI - is bringing a live and intimate show to a town near you - in celebration of an illustrious 25 year career, and 20 years since she released her first album. 

This event encompasses Tali's back catalogue of eight albums, and numerous singles, with inflections of Jazz, Soul, and Low Fi, all interwoven with personal stories, giving us a glimpse into the inspiration behind her songs. 

Joining her onstage will be two of her long-time collaborators and band mates, the talented Harry Charles on guitar, and the exceptional Cam Sangster on drums, alongside the brilliant Orlando Cooper on bass guitar for some of the bigger shows.

Catch Tali and her 20 year Anniversary show at one of these towns across Aotearoa this summer, with more to be announced.   

HANNAH VIRK 'UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS'

Hannah Virk is an emerging indie-pop artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. Hannah has recently discovered a passion for writing, recording and producing indie-pop songs which touch on moments in time, thoughts, memories and experiences that have shaped her and which she believes we can all connect with in our own way.

Hannah grew up in the Dunedin musical community, but had never given much thought to experimenting with music herself except for the occasional ukulele song. On her 30th birthday in May 2024 she bought a guitar. Getting the guitar unleashed a creative side to Hannah and she challenged herself to create some of her own songs over Aotearoa music month. She now has a collection of songs which she is excited to share, on her debut album Upstairs/Downstairs. Here are the places that you can find it: https://linktr.ee/hannahvirk 

Hannah will be celebrating her release with performances during the Wellington Fringe Festival in Feb/March 2025 and has more music lined up for release – watch this space!

RDU 98.5FM PRESENTS KICK-ONS

With

KEEPSAKES ◆ JOUSEY ◆ TIKKA ◆ JAGĀ B2B SOCIAL SPORT

SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER, 9 PM–1 AM MILTON STREET SUBSTATION

To celebrate hosting the 2024 Aotearoa Alternative Awards right here in Ōtautahi, RDU 98.5FM is throwing an after-party.

There’s a line-up of thoroughly dance-focused expertise assembled for your after-party pleasure featuring KEEPSAKES, JOUSEY, TIKKA, JAGĀ and SOCIAL SPORT.

Boosted audio, with visual stimulation provided by Offline Collective and bar indulgences thanks to Three Boys Brewery and Main Divide Wines.

All ticket holders get early access to the venue from 6.30 pm to attend the official watch party for the Aotearoa Alternative Awards.

And, once the Awards wrap up... The Kick Ons begin!

LIMITED CAPACITY – only 200 tickets available. EARLY BIRDS ON SALE NOW!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FROM SALTBOX.FLICKET.CO.NZ

Jujulipps presents Good Guys

Fierce  and  boundary-pushing  rapper  Jujulipps  is  back  with  an electrifying  new  single,  ‘Good  Guys,’  out  now!  Closely  following  the  release  of  her  recent  single  ‘GAME  OVER,’  Jujulipps  continues  to  make  waves  in  the  Hiphop  scene  with  bold  lyrics  and  unapologetic  style  and  attitude. 

Produced  by  musical  collaborator  WHO  SHOT  SCOTT,  ‘Good  Guys’  delivers  a  heavy-hitting  bassline  paired  with  infectious  80s-inspired  synths,  setting  the  stage  for  Jujulipps’  assertive  verses.  The  track  speaks  to  her  experiences  as  a  woman  navigating  male-dominated  spaces.  From  working  in  an  all-male  night  shift  environment   to  being  an  artist  in  the  largely  patriarchal  hip-hop  industry,  her  lyrics  are  sharp  and  unflinching,  a  rolling  culturally  charged  narrative. 

Listen to 'Good Guys'

“Being  in  your  20s  ain't  a  joke,  and  when  writing  this  EP  I  was genuinely  going  through  it,”  Jujulipps  opens  up  of  the  song's background.  “Everywhere  I  turned,  people  were  complaining  about their  partners,  it  seems  like  the  men  in  power  don't  think  critically ever,  and  we’re  still  fighting  for  equality.  If  people  take  anything  from this  song,  I  hope  that  it’s  to  never  settle  -   in  life,  in  your  careers,  and  in  your  relationships.”

Contrasting  bratty  rap  verses  with  a  melodic  hook,  Jujulipps  explores singing  for  the  first  time  with  the  chorus’  repeated  self-affirmation, “Where  did  the  good  guys  go?  I  don't  see  them  no  more,  waited  all  my  life,   yeah  I  know  my  worth,  all  my  girls  they  treat  me  like  a goddess,  like  I’m  not  from  earth." 

‘Good  Guys’   is   the   second   single   from   Jujulipps’  forthcoming  sophomore  project,  ‘SUPERSTAR’,  out  later  this  year.  With  an  already  impressive  list  of  accomplishments,  including  sharing  stages  with  international  acts  like  Cakes  Da  Killa  and  Sudan  Archives,  as  well  as  performing  at  major  festivals  such  as  Northern  Bass,  Rhythm  &  Vines,  and  NESTFEST,  Jujulipps  is  only  just  getting  started.

Turkey The Bird Sets Sail on Their "Men, Fish, Boat" Album Tour with a Big Weekend of Shows!

Ahoy, music lovers! Turkey The Bird is thrilled to announce the official launch weekend of their much-anticipated "Men, Fish, Boat" album release tour. After letting the album make waves for a couple of weeks, the folk trio is ready to hit the stage and bring the tunes to life in their signature playful style.

Starting off with a splash, the tour kicks off this Friday 11th October at the Katikati Folk Club. Expect an evening of infectious melodies and feel-good vibes. The journey continues on Saturday 12th October at the Te Pahu Sound Lounge for a cozy night of foot-tapping folk music that'll leave you humming all the way home. Finally, wrap up the weekend on a high note with an intimate house concert in Otorohanga on Sunday 13th October, where stories, songs, and laughter will flow in equal measure.

Each show promises to be filled with the warmth, charm, and sing-along magic that Turkey The Bird fans know and love. With 13 catchy tracks on "Men, Fish, Boat" – including the uplifting anthem "Smashing Through The Fences" – there’s plenty to enjoy. Come join us on this musical adventure!

For tickets and more info, visit: www.turkeythebird.co.nz