Browsing Tag

New Zealand

Ready for a new day: Aanvi. S makes her own path through the Light

Posted on 10 July 2023

Taken from her recent 4-track EP called Emotions, Aanvi. S feels like no one will bring her down and we certainly believe her as she has the free spirit needed to succeed in life via her fresh new single called Light.

Aanvi. S is an Auckland, New Zealand-based indie alternative multi-talented and multi-instrumentalist who is youthful in age but performs like an experienced soul who is managed by her supporting parents.

”Aanvi also plays the piano, the trumpet, and the viola, and is a keen dancer, learning ballet, contemporary and hip-hop. Her musical influences include Olivia Rodrigo, Adele and Dua Lipa.” ~ taken from Aanvi’s bio

Doing things her own way and creating a path which will surely motivate other youngsters to handle their business, Aanvi. S sees her future is going so fantastically well and is only headed upwards.

Taking us into a whole new world of promise and dropping a single which is rather catchy, this is the kind of release which helps to heal all wounds.

Light from Auckland, New Zealand-based indie singer-songwriter Aanvi. S is such a brilliantly-made pop track. It shows us that music with a positive energy is so valuable, in a world which can sink many happy souls underwater forever.

If you like your music with fervency and poise, this is the kind of song to alleviate all bad moods forever. It’s that good you see.

Find the right way to turn on Spotify.

Follow her on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Hold My Hand: Standing Phase wonders when the memories shall fade on Journey’s End

Posted on 30 April 2023

Currently in the studio recording their debut album all while working with the imaginative producer/drummer Josh Gale, Standing Phase shows us what kind music sounds like and guides us through the Journey’s End.

Standing Phase is a Brighton, UK/New Zealand-fused indie alternative duo who love to spread gospel, soul and funky undertones to heal all scared hearts.

Featuring singer/songwriter Charly Jay-Wood and guitarist/co-writer Luis Wood, Standing Phase sends our heated souls into a rather special place with a gem to uncover like tomorrow’s Christmas present under the tree. It’s that good. Love in abundance is the feeling here, as we are blessed by a meaningfully brilliant release.

”Charly started her musical career playing saxophone and flute in a number of different jazz/funk bands. She didn’t originally set out to be a singer, but as the lyrics started to flow, she put voice to the melodies and quickly found herself emerging as lead vocalist and songwriter.” ~ Charly Jay-Wood

Journey’s End from Brighton, UK-based indie alternative duo Standing Phase is one of the more catchy singles made with love and shall rocket better thoughts into our tired mindsets. Sung with precision and care, this is an enchanting track to calm all choppy waters with and is one of the most uplifting songs released so far in 2023.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

ARDON ENGLAND represents the queer community on the hot new single Leather Daddy

Posted on 8 March 2023

Taken off his much-awaited brand new EP called That’s Camp, ARDON ENGLAND shows us deep within the Vulvas on his superbly intoxicating new single to get sweaty with, Leather Daddy.

ARDON ENGLAND is a proudly Māori New Zealand-born indie camp house music producer and is an inspiration to anyone who continues to fight for inclusive representation.

”Ardon has worked alongside some of New Zealand’s best dancers, entertainers and choreographers, to bring artistic and creative visions to life.” ~ ARDON ENGLAND

Bravely standing up for what is right and keeping it saucy at the same time, ARDON ENGLAND might be the music chef the queer community needs during these morally wrong times. Electric throughout and sizzling with intent, many temperatures will be raised.

Leather Daddy from New Zealand-born indie camp house music producer ARDON ENGLAND is a lip-licking experience to get those heartbeats wild in naughty excitement. Elderly neighbours will probably hate this but that’s the point. This is an entry with a party atmosphere which is breaking down walls. Walls that shouldn’t be there you see?

The music scene should be for everyone after all.

Check out this new single on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Saw that photo of you both: Katija feels like a heartbroken fool on the vibrant new release Won’t Waste My Time

Posted on 1 February 2023

Hiding those tears away as she feels so used from a past heartbreak, Katija sings with so much astonishing quality and a drive which will surely inspire many to wipe those traumas away on Won’t Waste My Time.

Katija is an Auckland, New Zealand-based indie pop singer-songwriter who is a proudly queer artist on a mission to spread her message to the world.

”She previously has been a blues singer, gigging regularly around Auckland, and brings her blues style of vocals to the pop genre. She also was the organizer of the “Proud Mary” queer dance parties that celebrated female artists and DJs, the ethos of celebrating musicians and artists from all walks of life is dear to her heart.” ~ Katija

Delving into our deepest mindsets with so much care and love, Katija is truly outstanding in her latest gem which might put everything in perspective again. Moving on from the pain with an influential performance, we find a song made for anyone who has felt romantically let down recently.

Won’t Waste My Time from Auckland, New Zealand-based indie pop musician Katija is one of the most dynamic singles anyone is likely to hear in 2023. Accomplished with exquisite energy which will heal sad ears from any sadness, this is a must-listen from a courageous soul who is only gaining more self-awareness by the minute.

Turn this up loud on Spotify. See more energy on her IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Theo Sawyer put perspective behind our hedonistic thrills with his intimate pop hit, Download a Ghost

Posted on 16 December 2022

With quiescently bitter-sweet piano melodies that resound with the same ethereal grace as Philip Glass, Theo Sawyer’s latest contemporary pop ballad, Download a Ghost, puts weight behind the belief that searching for love in the modern era is akin to a paranormal investigation.

Now that treating each other as a temporary dopamine hit before slipping off the radar is a common phenomenon; it was about time pop artists stepped up to the mark and helped the diehard romantics out there to navigate through the landmine-strewn landscape of dating where objects of desire can slip from perception at a moment’s notice when they’ve had their hedonistic fill.

Fans of Tom Odell, Daughter, and Bill Ryder-Jones, will want to playlist staple this subtly profound serenade that unravels as a flood of compassion, introspection and darkly intimate expression.

The New Zealand-hailing artist may have only entered the scene in 2022, but he is already stealing the show. Stay tuned for more expositions on dysfunctional dynamics and intellectual amorous psychology.

Download a Ghost officially released on December 9th; hear it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ben Edgar shows us that reassuring fighting spirit with his latest release, ‘We’re Still Young’

Posted on 5 July 2022

Knowing that everything will be okay again if we keep our heads high no matter what is around the corner, Ben Edgar returns with an inspiring story that shall help heal your spirit up to be stronger than yesterday with, ‘We’re Still Young‘.

Ben Edgar is a New Zealand-born, Sydney, Australia-based indie singer-songwriter who makes that cinematic-like music which takes your mind away from any stresses you’re currently feeling.

”His origins in percussive music and his love of folk led him to fuse the two styles, forging his own unique sound as a singer and percussive-guitarist.” ~ Ben Edgar

Showing us that anything is actually achievable, even if the easier option is to give up in the face of adversity, Ben Edgar displays that enlightening message which we all need to enter the deepest part of our soul.

With a tender tone, self-aware lyrics, and a splendid ambience to close our eyes with, there is so much to enjoy here from an artist who urges us to lift that mind above the noisy clouds.

“I wrote We’re Still Young in late 2019, having spent some time thinking about resilience and maintaining hope in the face of adversity. To me, it speaks of never giving up and hopefully inspires listeners to use well what time we each have. We’re Still is the first of two singles coming out in the lead-up to my debut EP release in early September.” ~ Ben Edgar

‘We’re Still Young‘ from Sydney, Australia-based indie singer-songwriter Ben Edgar is a tremendously calming single that will set you free from any self-doubts that have been slowly creeping in like a ghost in the right. His aura is so uplifting and serene beyond what we felt before, in this world that can break you in half if you aren’t careful.

Never giving up, no matter the odds, is the only way to truly live after all.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more via his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Estella Dawn wants to spend the night with that special human who makes her heart go wild on the excellent, ‘Orange’

Posted on 20 May 2022

After her outstanding release that got us thinking extra on March’s ‘Buzzcut‘, Estella Dawn sends us into a happier world with her 3rd single of 2022 from her upcoming album with, ‘Orange‘.

Estella Dawn is a much-loved New Zealand-born, Colorado, USA-based music producer and Pop/Neo-Soul/Rock solo singer-songwriter who leads the way in showing us that all-important empowerment to set us free.

“This song is about potential when everything feels effortless. Drinking in some-body, the way they feel and laugh when they look at you and you realize you’d like them to keep looking at you that way. There’s no place you’d rather be than right there kissing them in that orange living room. When everything just stops.” ~ Estella Dawn

Displaying her exquisite quality yet again, Estella Dawn has a rare class that seems to float intrinsically into your soft ears and never leaves your heart. She sings with a divine elegance that is so welcoming at all times and radiates a complete quality like none other.

‘Orange‘ from New Zealand-born, Colorado, USA-based music producer/artist Estella Dawn is one of the most incredible tracks you shall hear all year. There is something special here – that certainly forces more than one listen – as she takes us right into this budding romance that is going rather well for a first date. Vocally enhanced, this is a hugely genuine artist who seems to only get better after each song, as she tells stories to make you feel like you are right next to her.

This is music for the soul to heal with, as we just sit back and beam proudly.

Listen to this terrific single on Spotify and see more of this truly inspiring musician on her IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Classy Colorado-based pop artist Estella Dawn flips the script on the narrative-altering single ‘Buzzcut’

Posted on 12 March 2022

After getting rid of the slithering snakes that were biting her feet on the excellent ‘Petty‘, Estella Dawn reminds us to stay true to our authentic nature and to stop changing ourselves for another person with ‘Buzzcut‘.

Estella Dawn is a New Zealand-born, Colorado, USA-based music producer, pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has the power to hook you in with her delightfully catchy music.

“I think as women, we tend to do this more than men – we are conditioned to believe we have to shrink, re-adjust and mold ourselves to satiate the male gaze. There are so many products telling us how we should look, feel and smell, and countless more movies and shows telling us how we should act and behave. In our quest to find this perfect partner I think we can often end up compromising a lot of what makes us unique and special.” ~ Estella Dawn

Estella Dawn is one of the most genuine musicians you are ever likely to have your ears blessed by in this world or any other dimension. She sings with a real purpose and drive that has you turning her all the way up to maximum satisfaction, as she sends our souls to a happy place that is quite scintillatingly inspiring.

‘Buzzcut‘ from New Zealand-born, USA-based music producer and pop artist Estella Dawn, is an energy-matching single that will take you places you thought were hidden away forever. With her classy spine-tingling vocals that transports you into a smile-fest, you won’t forget, as this wink-filled single tells the truth and should be applauded for its vital message. With so much fakeness smoking up our rooms when there should be only clean air roaming freely, this is a sizzling single that will force you to have a re-think about how you act in your relationships.

Keeping your unique identity has never been more important after all. Being yourself and showing your quirky habits, is surely what makes us all human.

Here is this fine new single on Spotify and see more of her story on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Xela sends us into raptures with her 3rd single that is perfect for summer love on ‘Vibin’

Posted on 6 February 2022

As she connects wholeheartedly with someone new and can’t help but dance and smile the day away, Xela has our fingers clicking and our blushes obvious to those who know us best with the steaming new single that will have you ‘Vibin‘.

Alex Ware aka Xela is a soulfully creative Sydney and Auckland-based, New Zealand-born indie electro-pop solo singer-songwriter and artist.

Produced by Sydney artist Beso Palma, Xela is at her classy and sultry best with a kiss-filled single that will have you beaming happily as you hold hands tightly and dance joyously with your new lover. There is something so pure about the luscious vocals and funky beat, that sends you a well-loved shockwave which is such a stunning listen from a wonderfully talented artist.

‘Vibin‘ from Sydney, Australia-based indie electro-pop solo musician Xela, is one of those happy singles you can’t help but love and tell your friends and family about. The lyrics are fresh and filled with life, her sensual style seems to hug the speakers, as we are thrilled to the rafters with a superb release that brightens up your day and brushes away any previous darkness.

That feeling of being with someone new who truly gets you is one of those special feelings you will never forget.

Hear this fresh track on Soundcloud and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Need Help: Mtt wonders where he would be without this special soul on debut single ‘Myself’

Posted on 19 January 2022

As he thinks deeply about the past that haunted him before meeting someone who somehow changed his whole mindset, Mtt feels like he can’t live properly without this angel who has saved him from disaster on ‘Myself‘.

Mtt is a Brazil-born, New Zealand-based indie-pop solo singer-songwriter and music producer who uses his fitness regime to sharpen his mind.

”I’m currently working on an EP that I want to release in a few months that is going to take my music to a bit of a heavier side.” ~ Mtt

Taking us on a ride that mirrors the emotions of so many who feel like they can only achieve their goals with one particular person who is their guide in life, Mtt leads us into his mind which he hopes can be unlocked by himself soon as he feels so lost when alone.

‘Myself‘ from Brazil-born, New Zealand-based indie-pop solo artist and music producer Mtt, is a vividly described story about feeling like you are under a spell from someone who helps you become the best version of yourself each time you are around them. Sung with vigorous energy from an artist in a deeply personal story that has him shivering at times, with a nostalgic beat that has you swaying your whole body to this debut track all about trying to comprehend what is actually going on.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more of the energy via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen