Browsing Category

New Zealand

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

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

New Zealand powerhouse Thess have made a monolithic hard-rock return with ‘Kombakke’

If Coal Chamber, Deftones, Alice in Chains, Mushroomhead and Pantera were placed in a smouldering sonic pot, the simmering amalgam would groove in the same hard-rock vein as the latest single from the Nelson, New Zealand-hailing fourpiece, Thess.

After a recording hiatus, the monolithically hard-hitting powerhouse released their brand-new single, Kombakke; and there’s the promise that there is plenty more in the pipeline from the criminally underrated act, which more than has what it takes to send ripples through the industry that are powerful enough to move tectonic plates.

The extended single melodically pulls you through a myriad of progressive stylistic exhibitions of the band’s dynamism – never allowing you to get complacent with the ever-transitory rough rancour that efficaciously delivers catharsis to anyone on the same pissed-off page.

Kombakke was released on February 14th. Hear it for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview: Katija guides us through the creative process on Won’t Waste My Time

With a high-spirited mentality and not wasting another moment on something meaningless, the courageous Katija kindly had a chat with us recently and led us into her life as a proudly queer artist, living between two cities and that real connection.

Hello there Katija. What are you most passionate about at the moment and where in the world do we find you today?

Katija: I am most passionate about creating things that bring positivity and understanding to the world! Music has always been a major part of my life and has helped me through so many dark and amazing times. I want to be able to share my experiences with others and provide connections through music. I’m currently based between Auckland, New Zealand & Melbourne, Australia.

What was the creative process like during the making of your latest single Won’t Waste My Time.

Katija: It was a very interesting one! Like so many other artists, during the pandemic, I was isolated and away from working collaboratively with my band in one room! I had always sung blues and soul before the pandemic, however, I was inspired to try something new with what I had at my disposal – my voice and my computer! I had recently gone through a rough breakup so I need a creative way to process my emotions, and the song was born! I then worked with Melbourne-based producer, MarKia, to develop the song and record it when I was back in Australia. The process took about 18 months, but it was worth it!

Please tell us more about how being a queer artist inspires you in this rather odd time for humanity?

Katija: I believe that everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from has a place in this world. In my adult life, I have always been an advocate for inclusion and self-expression. I have run Queer events and worked in Queer organisations, providing safe spaces for people to be themselves. I am inspired by other amazing performers who truly embrace who they are. There are so many in the Queer community and it’s AMAZING. My vision is to provide music and environments that inspire people to be 100% them!

When you close your eyes for a few seconds and imagine your ideal music stage, what does it look like visually to you and who is there?

Katija: Sequins, colour and fabulous dancers! Ideally, a stage show that is high-energy and a damn good time!

Which local music venues would you recommend we visit in your area?

Katija: As I live between two cities, I have a few to mention! In Auckland, my favourites are The Mothership, Fitzroy Lounge Bar and Whammy Bar. In Melbourne, I’m a Northsider so for me it’s the Bendigo Hotel, Old Bar, Northcote Social Club and The Tote.

What was the last song you listened to?

Katija: I was recently introduced to an old soul/gospel song by my friend Fraser. It’s called “Nobody Knows” by Pastor T. L. Barrett and The Youth For Christ Choir. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Last, if you could be in charge of the music industry, what would you change and why?

Katija: I think the music industry has diversified so much in the past years with the help of social media and platforms such as Patreon and Bandcamp allowing artists to build their own communities. I would love to see this trend continue to grow so more incredible artists can share their music and vision with the world! Having more representation of different communities and points of view fosters connection, and the world needs more people to know that there are others just like them.

Listen up on Spotify. See more on her IG.

Interview 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

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

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’

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

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

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’

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

A Fool: Ives regrets opening up her heart to a greedy soul on ‘Fallin’ for You’

As she digs deeper into the reason why she fell for someone who didn’t care for her valuable heart properly, Ives is quite superb on her second compelling single ‘Fallin’ for You‘.

Ives is an incredibly talented indie-pop singer-songwriter and poet who is from stunning Auckland, New Zealand. She is a fairly new artist who shows an undeniable quality that is easy to hear, with a sensually classy style that is hard to ignore.

You feel her reflective mind going back to the moment that she realized that things needed to change, as she was tired of someone who gluttonously sucked all the life out of her for too long. There is comfort in her lungs as she moves onto the new chapter, as you feel her brushing the self-doubt away like knotted hair on a brush that needs to be straightened.

Fallin’ for You‘ from the Auckland, New Zealand-based indie-pop artist Ives, shows us a sad moment when someone who you loved previously, showed their undesirable cruelness. After letting them go like a lost shoe that is stuck in the mud, everything now focuses on that healing process. Sung with an honest tone and beautifully peaceful vocals from a truly angelic artist, this is a sizzling single that will be stationed strikingly in your curious mind for many hours.

Hear this lovely new single on YouTube and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Meant To Be: Highly promising New Zealand pop artist Kitsuni drops her debut tension-filled sizzler ‘Surreal’

Produced by Zilla, Kitsuni drops her debut track which all about knowing that some things will sadly never change, no matter how much you want it to on ‘Surreal‘.

Kitsuni is a fresh-faced Auckland, New Zealand-based indie pop artist who sings with a glorious ambiance, as she lets her vocals do the talking.

There is much to love about a sensual beat that takes you into this picture of a love, that is trying to be found but is just not possible right now. Your ideal partner isn’t around and you certainly crave their touch – which seems hard to get right now – as the large space in your soul is making you lonelier by the day.

Surreal‘ from the incredible Auckland, New Zealand-based indie pop singer-songwriter Kitsuni, is a look-for-the-meaning track that has you gazing outside your dusty window, as you hope that you will be finally happy. This is the story of trying to find that much-needed love that just seems to escape you – like a cat hiding away from a trip to the vet – as the stunning vocals will take you to places of desire. A fantastic debut awaits your ears, as you will feel that she is a potentially world class artist with heaps of potential.

Hear this debut track on Soundcloud and see more via the Twitter music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen