Browsing Tag

New Zealand

The Lost Bandit Rises: LBFRmikey locks into his zone with eerily real three-track trilogy ‘Aim and Fire’

Posted on 25 March 2021

With his haunting demons firmly squashed and vanquished forever, LBFRmikey opens the door wide to the a new world of inner success with the excellent new three-track trilogy called ‘Aim and Fire’.

LBFRmikey is a fast-emerging London, UK-born, Wellington, New Zealand-based trap/hip hop artist, who brings those excruciatingly painful past experiences to the fore, as he destroys them forever into the home of his new strong mindset. He is on a life-changing mission to powerfully flick a match into his creative mind – to burn out the bad memories – as he starts fresh into a new path of self-enlightenment.

His lyrics are refreshingly real and catches your heart beating extra fast, his stories of surviving in this unnecessarily complex world has you wondering how we can slow it all down. This is an underground masterpiece from a quality artist on a perfectly captured beat, as his talent is wrapped with so much potential, oozing in his soul as he learns how to unlock all of his potential minute by minute, day by day.

This is all about the scary world of dealing with your inner self worth as you look into the mirror, addictions in this tempting world, toxic relationships with quick-swipe mentality ruining that essence of pure love and depression whilst trying to find a real home with your mind racing with over stimulation.

Featuring ‘Make Up‘, the lead track with incredibly real visuals called ‘Serve It On A Plate‘ and ending off with ‘Ride To The End’, you feel his growing confidence in trusting himself, as he flows with such passionate anger, as stories merge into one as he finds the strength to rise above all self-doubts.

It feels like his blood flow is clear now after much deep thinking about who he wants to be as a man – as the evil energies are gone from an artist who gives us an honest look into his life – without leaving anything out.

‘Aim and Fire‘ from the deep thinking Kiwi trap artist LBFRmikey, soars vividly into your mind like an eagle flying majestically in the sky, the only way to help yourself is to fly to where you know you can breathe and get away from toxic energies that drag you down, into the undesirable mud of no return.

Hear this top shelf trilogy on Soundcloud and check out his IG for more stories of finding his true purpose.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Choosing to be the bigger person: Estella Dawn finds her peace after being placed under a treacherous spell on ‘Petty’

Posted on 6 February 2021

Estella Dawn returns with an honest story about how sometimes supposed friends turn out to be slithering snakes on her first single for 2021 called ‘Petty‘.

With a pleasurable fusion of pure pop, neo soul and rock music all packed tastefully into her signature exhilarating style; New Zealand-born, Colorado, USA-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Estella Dawn is on top form once again with a sincerely performed song, that will be extremely relevant for so many of us who have dealt with fake former-friends in the past.

She sings with such grace and elegance as each word is eloquently delivered as she sparkles so brightly. Her sublime tone grabs your anxious heart and your body shivers readily with excitement, as you know deep inside you are listening to a special talent that has spent many years perfecting her chosen craft.

This is the true life story of knowing that the person you are with is actually sickeningly selfish and this is a tough position to be in, as subconsciously you know they will throw you away- but you hang on anyway as they have a powerful blanket wrapped over you. Its only when their spell wears off do you then realize that they are a poisonous snake and you should be blessed that you are cured again, by being as far away as possible from them.

‘Petty‘ from the outstanding Colorado-based Kiwi musician Estella Dawn is a song you close your eyes to, as you grit your teeth tightly and remember when you were used by a supposed friend. You vow to yourself that it will never happen again and smile to yourself while shaking your head, as you recall how they had you under their spell for so long.

You will sometimes have moments in life where someone around you has the power to move you as they please but the great thing is once you know what to look for, it will never happen again. Being the biggest person is always the best way to go as deep inside- being petty only lowers you to their sad level.

Hear this quality musician at her best on Spotify and see her journey upwards on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Māori Alt Hip-Hop artist FABLE serves evocative urban alchemy in their latest single ‘298’

Posted on 27 December 2020

After the release of their 2019 debut single, ‘Beware’, Alt Māori Hip-Hop artist, FABLE, has amassed acclaim amongst critics and fans alike, with their uniquely intimate approach to producing contemporary Hip Hop, all pretence is lost, and nothing but delicate affable soul is delivered.

Their latest release ‘298’ perfectly demonstrates that experimentation and authenticity don’t need to detract from commercial potential, with enough talent and vision, obscurity can be avoided, and new avenues for passion-driven expression can be found.

The New Zealand-hailing artist has topped charts and made plenty of waves in their local circuit but it’s only a matter of time before he starts to be internationally recognised as the pioneer of urban evocative alchemy that he discernibly is.

You can check out 298 along with FABLE’s earlier releases by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A terrific insight into the music business with ‘Dear Mr Producer’ from Estella Dawn

Posted on 20 September 2020

Estella Dawn is a USA-based singer who is back with the earth-shattering vocals that impress on her new single called ‘Dear Mr Producer‘.

This is a genuine singer-songwriter who combines elements of Pop, Neo Soul and Rock music with intelligent lyrics and powerful vocals to create lasting original music that blasts through the speakers.

The New Zealand-born, Colorado-based singer has a huge voice that never strains or sounds out of tune. She has that special gift and is using her skills for good things. The lyrics are real and this is a winner. A real special soul who isn’t taking the easy route.

I love how Estella sings and the way that she has made sure that integrity is very high on her agenda. She is not willing to let anyone else control her music career and she is a shining light in the music world. Too often integrity is low down on the list of some performers as they rush to the top, this is not one of those times and for this, we should applaud this fine singer.

Click here to stream via Spotify

Head through to the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Orphic Decor’s ”Ida” is debut track from fine young artist

Posted on 22 July 2020

This song was written, produced and recorded by Jacob Tait aka Orphic Decor. ”Ida” is the name of this track and it is well-received here in 2020.

The New Zealand artist impresses on this new song. It starts off broodingly with a sinister undertone. Soon, the vocals are intact and we get a taste of the talent here. ”Ida” is about wanting someone to stay but you also know deep down that nothing lasts forever. You hear the pain and passion of Jacob’s lyrics and in his voice here, he gives it all he has.

Orphic Decor sings so well on ”Ida” and the production is quite magnificent. I love how the beat changes up and keeps you on your toes. This is perfect for a Sunday afternoon chilled when you need to re-calibrate after a long week. The New Zealand artist brings out one of the more mysterious songs of 2020 that needs to be listened to closely.

Stream the new song from this fine young artist on his growing Spotify music page.

Find out more about this artist on his Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Up and coming New Zealand artist Venice Qin releases her new single Let Me Down

Posted on 19 May 2020

From Auckland, New Zealand, 18 years old and with a lot of heart, up and coming artist Venice Qin has released her new single Let Me Down.

A powerful and compelling voice masters this original pop effort, where synths mix with electronic and acoustic sounds wallpapered by a resolute rock grit. Venice’s music skills are not only showcased in her vocals through her ability to smoothly transition from middle tones to higher pitches, but also manifest in her original and versatile song-writing style (and rock-y flair).

Talented and bold, Venice Qin is a force capable of capturing attention at a very young age, giving us confidence she’ll find her way through successful projects in the near future.

Head over Spotify and listen to Let Me Down.

Review by Jim Esposito.

Unwind with Vautier’s latest track ‘Maybe Tomorrow’

Posted on 28 October 2017

Every once in a while, a visionary appears amongst us, despite the decades of music production, it’s refreshing to know that not quite everything has been done before. Vautier has appeared to us as the saviour from the monotony of tired old beats.

New Zealand based artist Vautier orchestrates an interesting mix of R&B, Electronica and Soul that is immersive, hypnotic, lucidly tranquil. The arrangement of the song is riddled with complexities that are an absolute pleasure to get lost in. Ambience flows through the soft arrangements that follow a crawlingly melodic pace. The guitar solos that seem to stretch endlessly are so poignantly raw they almost feel out of place within the entire production. There’s no amplification, just a nostalgic Shoegaze sound.

The production on the vocals was unique over the lounge music infused electronica, they appear over the music as whispers that don’t demand to be heard, which gives it a certain quintessence that most electronica acts could only dream of.

There is so much potential for this track, despite all of its influences you can’t really pin it under any traditional genre. Vautier is a truly conceptual artist who is constantly gracing us with his sound due to the success of his earlier glitchy, yet lucid music.

A&R Factory Present: Maya Payne

Posted on 6 May 2016
Maya Payne - Unsigned - A&R Factory

Having topped the iTunes electronic charts and Spotify viral charts from New Zealand to Poland, with her track “If Only” in 2015, Kiwi teen Maya Payne was then invited to support Charlie XCX in her one off New Zealand show before heading into the studio to work on her Debut EP, “The Lucky Ones” due out Friday May 13th.

Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, newly turned 19 year old, Maya Payne has been singing since she was six and writing songs since she was 11. Her early tracks have had significant radio play in New Zealand, on both pop and alternative stations, with her track “If Only” also becoming a regular fixture on music TV in both New Zealand and Canada. Writing her own songs and working closely with a producer team including a new talent from her home town, MCHNCL ( Kabyn Walley ), as well as Josh Fountain ( Golden Age studios, Auckland)/Leasure and Kostas Kalimeris ( Blackrock Studios, Santorini)/ Justin Bieber, Bring me the Horizon.

Mayas last three releases have made Spotify’s New Music Friday’s best new releases charts Worldwide. Including Spotify USA, Germany, Scandinavia and Australia/NZ. Maya makes and releases her music through her own Record Label, Rolley Records.