Superb original NZ music, on East FM, Saturday from midday
New original Kiwi music by Karra Rhodes, Jack Moser, Black Smoke Trigger, Flaxxies, Courtnay and The Unholy Reverie, and Fin Rah Zel, features on tomorrow’s She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor, midday to 4pm (NZ time, July 20) on East FM.
All these musicians have been brought to our attention by the good folk at Blackout Music NZ. Thank you.
Aōtearoa-based Scottish-born Karra Rhodes is an exciting rising talent. An accomplished songwriter with a special flair for pouring her emotions and melodies into every song and lyric, Karra’s music resonates with authenticity and depth. Her new song, Tell Me Mama, follows previous singles Burn It Down and country-pop banger Why Can’t I Love You Less.
Blackout Music NZ says, ‘for Karra, the personal sentiment in Tell Me Mama moved her to get more involved in supporting causes important to her. She’s decided to donate 100 per cent of proceeds of all streaming royalties from her upcoming debut album for one year to go towards domestic violence charity Shine’.
Karra says: “As I prepare to crowd-fund for my debut album, I want to honour the support I receive by paying it forward. It doesn’t sit right with me asking for support without giving something back. A few of the songs in the album touch on domestic violence and I feel that Shine is a dedicated organisation that truly helps and supports victims.”
Blackout Music NZ says Tāmaki Makaurau-based indie songwriter Jack Moser ‘fearlessly channels his personal experiences into heartfelt compositions. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, he bares his soul into each and every song’.
His newest single, Where You Are, ‘a gentle ode to the broken-hearted, is a spacious, dreamy trip of a tune that delves into the black hole of a dying intimate relationship, from the early signs signalling separation, to the inevitable breaking away that sets you floating lost and powerless in a dark and lonely orbit’.
Jack Moser says: “I wrote Where You Are as my relationship was coming to an end. It was clear from the signs, and I knew it was coming. The lyric ‘And I wonder where you are’ describes the helplessness I had as I saw my partner becoming more distant emotionally, while the lyric ‘I can sense you’re not that far’ displays the hope and optimism I was holding onto.”
Rock stars Black Smoke Trigger, who’ve featured previously on She’ll Be Right, are putting out their highly anticipated debut album Horizons on August 2, and in the lead-up their newest single Sun Cries Red has been released.
Guitarist and band leader Charlie Wallace says: “Sun Cries Red came to life while we were in pre-production for Horizons. After the initial writing session, we stayed up all night recording the demo. The song lyrically is about looking back at something that’s important but neglected, seeing something in a shadow of its former glory. Continuing the recording process, producer Nick Raskulinecz suggested we experiment by adding a string section to the song. Josh ended up writing all those parts and it took the song to another level. We are beyond excited to finally release the album Horizons. It has been such a crazy journey to get to this point and we poured everything we have into it.”
Another SBR favourite, Flaxxies, have a new single Blister, described by Blackout Music NZ as ‘a momentary departure from their signature sun-drenched surf-rock-reggae blend’.
Blister is Flaxxies’ first release for 2024, following on from last year’s stand-alone single Liquid Gold, and the release of their acclaimed EP Sunstruck, which featured Snapped Up (By The Boss), Time To Go, and Cast Me Away, that all received widespread radio airplay and spots on the Hot 20 NZ Single Chart.
The new single by Courtnay and The Unholy Reverie, entitled Lost at Sea, is ‘a soul-stirring folk-country anthem that delves deep into the universal experience of loss and the healing power of unity’.
Courtnay and The Unholy Reverie – Chad Williams (drums), Keith Parker (bass), Courtnay Low (rhythm guitar / lead vocal), Anna Brooks (backing vocals), and Tim Lloyd (lead guitar) – are ‘steeped in the mystique of genre bending alt-country-folk and blues-swamp vibes, melding a tantalising blend of traditional blues instruments and contemporary elements’.
And like the two previously mentioned bands, Fin Rah Zel also hail from Taranaki, presently a real hotbed of excellent original NZ music, and their newest single, Going Home, is as heartfelt as you can get.
Blackout Music NZ says ‘truly heartfelt and a gentle acceptance of the fragility of life itself, this is a universal love song that offers solace in times of great grief and sadness. As such, it requires no explanation, just empathic ears and a warm, open heart.
‘Fans of Fin Rah Zel are familiar with the rising indie soul stars’ distinct blend of dreamy zen, infectious optimism and catchy summer vibes, as evoked in their radio smash hit Unity, and their growing back catalogue of impressive tunes. But a life curve ball sees the band shift gears down a notch to offer a big warm, enveloping hug of a tune with this incredibly moving, stripped-back, and gospel-tinged song, Going Home.’
Singer, Brian Norton, says: “I guess it’s easy to assume people will always be around, and it’s easy to put things off like family time and meaningful conversations. But really life is so fragile and I reckon we all need to take each step with gratitude and really appreciate the people around us.”
East FM is East Auckland’s fair-dinkum community-powered public service radio station, on 88.1FM and 107.1FM on local frequencies, nationally and globally at www.eastfm.nz... and on app iHeart Radio.
She’ll Be Right - it’s all about the vibe; it’s all about the groove. Providing a platform for NZ music and performing artists to exhibit their talents since ages ago. Ka pai. – PJ
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Homicide investigation underway in east Auckland
A homicide investigation is underway following two assaults aboard a bus in east Auckland on Monday evening.
One man has died with a second man receiving serious injuries after they were attacked in two separate incidents aboard the number 76 bus travelling from Glen Innes towards Ōrakei.
A team of investigators are actively searching for the offender, who remains at large this morning.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says Police were notified by ambulance about two separate assaults around 8pm.
At this stage Police have established the offender boarded the bus at Apirana Avenue in Glen Innes at 7.53pm.
Assault 1: Fenchurch and Taniwha Streets
“The first victim boarded the bus at 7.56pm and travelled a short distance before moving to exit the bus at 7.58pm,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says. “The only other passenger aboard initiated an attack on the victim, before he could exit the bus near Fenchurch Street in Glen Innes.”
During this assault, the victim has suffered a fatal knife wound. “The victim, is aged in his 50s, and managed to flee from the bus, before it continued on route.
Assault 2: in the vicinity of Coates Avenue and Kepa Road
The 76 bus continued on route and around 8.09pm, the second victim boarded the bus.
“A man aged in his 40s sat at the back of the bus where the offender moved towards him,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says. “The second unprovoked assault began when the offender approached the victim at the rear of the bus. The offender initiated a fight and quickly produced a knife and assaulted the victim. After a short confrontation the second victim managed to flee from the bus, along with another passenger and the bus driver near the bus stop at Coates Avenue and Kepa Road."
The offender eventually exited the bus himself and was last seen fleeing on foot.
Investigators seeking offender
Police staff have worked through the night to identify the offender responsible for both unprovoked attacks. This has included 2 scene examinations. The bus has been secured and will be examined today.
“I can advise the community that we are following positive lines of enquiry to identify this man, and our priority this morning is to locate and arrest him. Detectives are currently supported by members of the Armed Offenders Squad,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.
Police have reviewed CCTV footage from inside the bus.
Detective Inspector Baldwin says: “I’m appalled at the unprovoked violence used by this offender against two men who have done absolutely nothing wrong, and one has tragically and needlessly lost his life.
“Our investigation is still in its infancy, but we are committed to understanding the motive and exactly why such violence took place aboard a bus last night."
“I know this horrific event will leave the community unsettled, but please be assured that our investigation team is doing all we can to locate this man.”
Police have spoken with a number of people but ask anyone with additional information to come forward.
Please update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/7471 or Operation Gyle.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
-
71.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
-
18% Hmm, maybe?
-
10.4% Yes!
Loading…
