Making Tracks with The MOST FM: Artist Interviews

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 a catchy 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.

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.