Spawned in Christchurch, New Zealand, Zen Mantra channel trippy vibes with a smattering of young 'fuck the world' punkittude. Like a male-led Summer of Love girl group jamming surf rock in outer space, Zen Mantra will make you feel warm and fuzzy - much like a wake 'n' bake.

Zen Mantra’s “La La La La La” brings the noise and fuzz of classic garage rock acts to a modern setting.
Wasting no time with sonic introductions, from the beginning we get the sound and feel that Zen Mantra is all about. Rough and hazy vocals sit over these beautifully distorted guitars and slow paced rock drums. It’s a simple song, but if you know me you’d know I’m sucker for intelligent simplicity.
“La La La La La” follows this basic formula of a few lines followed by the short “La la lalala” and an occasional guitar lead accompanied by wordless vocals. It’s a working formula that goes hand in hand with Zen Mantra’s sound. The song gives off the “I don’t care attitude” of punk rock but in a gritty and warm setting.
The occasional guitar lead and vocal “Oohs” offer these beautiful moments filled with some amazing harmonies. These little beaks perfectly transition the song between verses as well, allowing the track to smoothly progress.
Zen Mantra describes it best as “warm and fuzzy” and after listening, I don’t think there’s any way you can disagree.
This is just the first single from the upcoming release How Many Padmes Hum? Be sure to keep your eye on this one. - http://heartandsoulmusic.tumblr.com/

Check out the new video from Zen Mantra - 'Soothsayer'


Catch Zen Mantra at the following dates

Wunderbar, Lyttleton
Thursday 5 July
Support for Paquin (AKL) with The Golden Orange
www.facebook.com/events/432848866747424/

Dux Live, Addington
Friday 20 July
Support for Sherpa (AKL) with Bang Bang Eche and Dance Asthmatics


Listen to Zen Mantra on BANDCAMP
 

Record-breaking New Zealand tours, scene-setting appearances at festivals like Glastonbury, The Big Chill, Big Day Out and Parklife, sold-out performances across Europe, worlds-colliding collaborations with Symphony Orchestras, multiple music awards, four EP's and five LP's - three with platinum sales - and an army of fans who return to relive the experience time and time again: the towering achievements of Shapeshifter, the future-shocked soul outfit who hail from Christchurch New Zealan, were built by a living, breathing band of musicians, with all the form-changing sonic possibilities live instrumentation offers.

The players in Shapeshifter created their very own heavy soul, a stadium-sized sound which adds layers of drum & bass, jazz, funk, rock and electronica to solid bass culture foundations, capable of morphing from rolling drum & bass to pummelling guitar-driven jams to horizon-shiftin electronic soundscapes. This genre-defying amalgamation of influences continues to draw from new source material and inspiration as Shapeshifter evolves, motivatin dancefloors worldwide and deluivering audiences to the bleeding edge of musical possibility.

As at home in an amped club environment as the are playing to packed festival fields, Shapeshifter is a truly adaptable unit. The five-strong lineup of PDigsss (vocals), Devin Abrams (sax/keys/synths), Sam Trevethick (guitars/synths/sampler), Nick Robinson (bass.synths/MPC) and Johnny Hooves (drums) have individually called Auckland, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingscliff, Berlin, Queenstown and, first and foremost, their original Christchurch stomping fround home, yet a chemistry refined over 12 years of playing together means they lock back into formation whenever they regroup.

After spending the beginning of 2012 hunkered down in the studio recording their new album, the band are more than ready for a return to their natural habitat.

Shapeshifter are that rare beast - a balls-to-the-wall dance act unrestricted by banks of samplers or studio sleight of hand. They have an international reputation as an unmissable live act who move seamlessly from heavy soul to and electronica. This supremely confident genre-shifting combined with the stadium-sized sound that only comes from a full band equals total sensory overload.


Check out the app for the new single 'Monarch' - HERE

 

Musician, raconteur, fisherman, weather reporter.



Imposing himself on the national psyche as frontman of glam rock group ʻThe Puffinsʼ during the late 90', Lindon Puffin morphed into one of the countries hardest working solo troubadours, tirelessly touring the country, performing alongside the top echelon of national and international artists. Renowned for his entertaining upbeat rockabilly folk style and anarchic banter, Puffinʼs 2007 album 'Show Pony' reached the top 20 while his hilarious music touring road movie 'Figure 8000' screened many times on C4 Music and Sky TV's Documentary Channel.



Following an extensive world tour in 2008, Puffin assembled a motley all star band & began work on his third album 'Drink Like Police'. However while filming the video for the first single in his hometown of Lyttelton, they were caught up in the February 22nd earthquake and plans to release the album were put on hold. Puffin then joined forces with fellow Lytteltonians The Eastern, Delaney Davidson, The Unfaithful Ways & others to record and tour a fundraising album entitled The Harbour Union which eventually reached number 18 in the charts with all proceeds going to quake related charities.



Drink Like Police became the more appropriately titled 'Hope Holiday' and was eventually released in November of 2011 reaching number 10 on the iTunes charts snugly between Gotye and Mumford & Sons. The first single 'Outta Reach' has received widespread radio & video play and has just been shortlisted for the APRA Silver Scroll NZ Song Of The Year. Meanwhile the album has been receiving rave reviews with Graham Reid from the NZ Herald awarding it 4.5 stars and describing it as Tom Petty like swirling pop which hints at Crowded House & New Wave equally” while Marty Duda of Radio NZ awarded it 2nd best NZ album of the year & 12th best international release of 2011.

In August this year, Puffin teams up again with the mighty Eastern, Delaney Davidson & Marlon Williams (of the Unfaithful Ways) for an ambitious 15 date nationwide tour of town halls & theatres.



Calling the tour 'The Lyttelton Rough House Revival', the show promises to be an evening of uplifting foot-stomping rockabilly folk & country with compact solo sets culminating in a massive all in throw down that'll send you swaggering into night full of fire & fervor!



Lindon also hosts the drive show on RDU every Monday from 4 - 6pm.
 

Upcoming Dates

Wunderbar - Sat Aug 11th
Supporting Mark Gardiner (of UK band Ride)

Lyttelton Rough House Revival Tour': 15 shows from Aug 22 - Sept 9
(More details coming soon!)

Otherwise you can catch Lindon Puffin at any of his weekly song book gigs at Pomeroys, The Brewery, Wunderbar & Monday Room.
(See our events section for when he's playing next)


 

Vote for Lindon Puffin's - 'Outta Reach' in the 2012 Silver Scroll Awards

Vote for Lindon here

Lindon Puffin on The Gravy

Buy Hope Holiday and more from Lindon Puffin

Bandcamp
Amplifier.co.nz
iTunes.co.nz
Penny Lane
Marbecks
The Warehouse
 

Amiria Grenell is the 4th and youngest of the innately musically talented Grenell tribe. At the head of the table of musical chairs sits father, New Zealand country legend John Hore Grenell & with 3 older brothers Denver (formerly of Christchurch band ‘Mountains Of Murray’), Jazz & Hip Hop/Electronic guitarist and producer Oakley a.k.a. ‘O.G’ and former Shapeshifter drummer Redford, it is fair to say that music runs in the family! With her captivating, honest & innocent charm, the beautiful young lady of the family, Amiria, more than holds her own.

After learning violin from a young age, Amiria was inspired by her older brothers and began playing the guitar at age 10, finding her own chords and performing her original songs at Folk Festival Blackboard Concerts. Her songwriting is refreshing and varied and ranges stylistically from contemporary folk to reggae, country to blues.

Amiria graduated from NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art) in 2004 with a Performing Arts Degree, followed by two years of acting, as well as singing at venues and festivals around New Zealand.

After full time parenting for two years, Amiria was ready to record a new album of original songs, most of which were recorded on the family farm, once home to the Whitecliffs Family Music Festivals for 14 years. The family links run thick throughout the album, with brothers Oakley producing and playing several instruments, Redford featuring on drums and guest vocals from her father, partner Tola and even 2 year old daughter Sienna.

This year the album won the 2012 RIANZ Vodafone NZ Music Awards Tui for Best Folk Album. She toured with FLY MY PRETTIES, sold out at the Christchurch Arts Festival, featured at Kaikoura Roots Festival, Luminate, Christchurch International Jazz Festival, wowed them at WOMAD 2012 and recently made TOP 10 in the Official NZ Music Chart.

 

Quotes

NZ-pop singer Amiria Grenell is poised to be the next big thing. - www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post Jan 2012

RIANZ Managing Director, Chris Caddick, offered his “sincere congratulations” to Amiria, Three Feathers is a truly superb album. We hope this fully deserved Tui will encourage more people to discover this gem of New Zealand music.” January 2012

If you feel cheated by a lacklustre performance from the NZ summer this year, slip Amiria Genell's new album Three Feathers into your disc player - a collection of sunny tunes encompassing country, rock, pop and reggae influences. In January, the Canterbury folk singer-songwriter, who has recently moved from Lyttelton to Wellington, was overjoyed to win the Best Folk Album Tui for Three Feathers, her second album. - North and South Magazine April 2012

 

Upcoming Dates

-Wednesday 18th July - The Brewery (Woolston) - 9pm-11pm

-Thursday 19th July - The Monday Room - 9pm-11pm

-Friday 20th July - Restart City Mall lunchtime concert - 12pm

-Saturday 21st July - Riccarton house markets - 10am-12pm

-Sunday 22nd July - Riccarton House markets - 11am-1pm

-Thursday 26th July - Clink, Sumner - 8:30pm-11pm
 

Fly My Pretties - Fallen From You.

Troika is an atmospheric-experimental rock 4-piece formed in Christchurch in 2009. Their sound ranges from gentle and atmospheric passages to dynamic, intense walls of distortion and feedback.

Troika's textured and ambient sound has been described within the local music scene as being intense, surprising and unpredictable.

"Troika is amazing, it's always this beautiful trance that people go into once they start playing, surreal" ~ Maria Pop Inkorporated~

Comprising of Dorian Lemonnier on drums/vocals, Alan Kang on guitar/vocals and David Webber on bass/vocals, they recently added a fourth member Vanessa Morrison on keys/vocals which has added a broader dimension to their sound.

Currently, TROIKA has one self-produced album of songs, ‘PROTOTYPE’, available on CD or  download  from troikaband.com. Troika are in preproduction for the next record which aims to be a lot darker and ambient than the current one, with more of a focus on sonic/cinematic landscapes

Upcoming shows

w/ Suede Arcade and guests
Saturday 1 September
Dux Live
 

Win a copy of Troika's 'Prototype'

Just email us if you'd like a copy of Troika's debut album Prototype
 

The music of Christchurch based power-trio Soulsystem can be described as a fusion of heavy dub, soul and rock. Incorporating a diverse array of layers and ambient effects, and fronted by the powerful and unique voice of lead singer Tumanako Tinirau, the band creates a huge sound and delivers a high-energy live show that has earned Soulsystem dedicated supporters throughout New Zealand, performances alongside some of the country’s top artists, and slots at a series of major festivals.

Soulsystem’s debut recording, the Rise EP, was released in 2008 shortly after the formation of the band. The Rise EP showcases a collection of the Soulsystem’s earliest works, documenting the pure and simple fusion of dub and soul that formed the original basis of their now unmistakable live sound. Tracks from the Rise EP have received regular nationwide airplay since their release, and have appeared on compilations and the soundtracks of home-grown ski and snowboard films.

Download the Rise EP free from Soundcloud
Rise EP by SoulsystemNZ

Soulsystem returned to the Studio in 2010 and recorded tracks for their first album, prior to the project being sidelined by the events of 2011 in Christchurch, and two members of the band relocating overseas. Soulsystem has since reformed with the arrival of multi-talented drummer and vocalist Henare Kaa, and work on the album has recommenced.

As the first offering from the album sessions, Soulsystem recently released their new single ‘Power Of Will’, available digitally and on CD. The single features the title track, a bonus studio track ‘Keep It Down’, and a live recording of ‘Amazed’ expertly captured by recording engineer Ian McAllister at the original Bedford concert venue in 2010.

Download Power Of Will from iTunes here:



 

Win a copy of 'Power Of Will'

If you'd like to go in the draw to win a copy of Soulsystems new single 'Power Of Will' on CD then email us with your name and address and we'll put you in.
Note: Must be subscribed to our newsletter. Winners notified by email.

www.soulsystem.co.nz

Following the success of her debut record ‘Over My Shoulder’, Tui-award finalist Mel Parsons has just   released her brand new album RED GREY BLUE to wide critical acclaim: the Sunday Star Times giving it 4.5/5 stars and calling it a “cross-hybrid pop gem”; and the Waikato Times venturing “Red Grey Blue is not only Parsons’ best recording, it is one of New Zealand’s finest releases”.

Inspired by recent bands such as UK’s Mumford and Sons and Laura Marling, Parsons also draws on a healthy dose of the past for inspiration, with writers like Cat Stevens, Paul Simon and Neil Young making a lasting impression on her work.

Parsons is one of NZ’s rising songwriting stars, with a voice that “could work any night in Nashville, yet somehow sounds intrinsically New Zealand” (Black Magazine). Her bewitching vocals have been stopping audiences in their tracks for the past few years, and Parsons also possesses an uncanny knack for hooks “armed with instant sing-along choruses, a unique sensibility to melody and harmony and stonking drum grooves” (Martyn Pepperell, Word on the Street)

Her debut album was a finalist in the NZ Music Awards for Folk Album of the Year in 2009, and she has toured NZ numerous times both as a solo artist and with her backing band “The Rhythm Kings”. Along with her own shows, Parsons has supported and played alongside some of NZ’s best including Anika Moa; Don McGlashan; The Warratahs; and Greg Johnson.

After a growing up on NZ’s rural West Coast, Parsons has spent the past 10 years on the road: touring, travelling and gleaning material from life, love and loss. Her experiences translate to song in a true, bare and at times heartbreaking manner, weaved together with an infectious optimism and ever-memorable lyrics.

Forever a fan of soaring vocal harmony, Parsons is joined in the vocal booth by Anika Moa, Christof (UK), and Anji Sami (The Sami Sisters/She’s So Rad). Guitar duties are shared by Toy and Parsons’ long-time guitarist Neil Watson, while drums are taken care of by rising sensation Alistair Deverick (Ruby Suns, Lisa Crawley), with additional percussion by Paul Taylor (Feist). Ex-Cat Stevens bassist Bruce Lynch steps in on double bass, along with guest spots from Greg Johnson and Don McGlashan among others.

Mixed by award-winning engineer Andre Upston at Radio NZ and mastered by Don Bartley at Benchmark in Sydney, ‘Red Grey Blue’ is out now and available on iTunes, Bandcamp and from amplifier.co.nz


“One of those nice treats you occasionally stumble over while trawling through a sea of mediocrity”
- Nick Ward, The Nelson Mail

“Mel Parsons’ sophomore album is like high quality aural chocolate – sweet, comforting, sometimes dark, full of subtle layers, and a treat for your ears.”
- Lydia Jenkin, NZ Herald
 

Catch Mel Parsons and the Rhythm Kings at Dux Live on Sun 7th October!
Tix $20 from www.eventfinder.co.nz

www.melparsons.com

Lupus Lunar is a Christchurch rock quintet based around the triple wailing guitars and close harmony singing of Dylan Hawes, Ari Freeman and Chris Noël. Sitting over the solid rhythmical foundations of bassist Nick Vassar and drummer Steve Howden.

This high energy act has quickly been gaining attention in the local scene with their catchy melodies and tight arrangements. They draw influence from the Beatles, Chicago Blues and 90's alternative rock. They term their sound: 'Earworm Rock'.

The band has shared stages with the likes of Beastwars, Hanna Harding, The Unfaithful Ways, Von Voin Strum, The Eastern and The Harbour Union. As well as playing Chartfest '11 & '12, Lyttleton Festival of Lights and have been part of numerous Christchurch earthquake fundraising shows and compilations.


Lupus Lunar album release

It's been over two years in the making, recording in five different studios, including local hero Ben Edwards' Sitting Room. They've battled through 10 000+ earthquakes, stolen equipment and a house fire but now the self-titled debut album from Christchurch's earworm rock quintet, Lupus Lunar, is ready to be unleashed on the world.

A DIY band at heart, they aren't afraid to use whatever is at hand, with homemade guitars, amps, effects and a mysterious musical teapot all making an appearance on this labour of love.

The album includes singles Blood Like Rust, Back To The Ocean, Rabbit On The Moon and new single Company Of Wolves along with 9 other tracks and is available on bandcamp.

Catch Lupus Lunar playing the album in full at Lyttelton's Wunderbar, Saturday 13 October with Delaney Davidson! - www.facebook.com/events/401429583244731

www.lupuslunar.com

Life has become even more chaotic for soon to be Christchurch based singer/songwriter Katie Thompson.

The go-getter self-financed her debut album & fan-funded her second album via online platform Sellaband and is back on the funding trail for her latest project.

She hopes to raise $15,000 through indiegogo.com to record a live EP with noted producer Greg Haver at the new Quicksand Recording Studios in Christchurch mid November. The funds raised will go towards studio time, musicians, mixing, mastering, manufacturing & promotion.  

Since the release of her last album Impossible, Thompson has appeared on The Breakfast Show, opened for Sir Elton John at his only New Zealand concert at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin and was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the Country Music Awards 2012. Katie will be heading on a national tour with fellow musician Fleur Jack in December after completing a successful south island tour.

 
IndieGoGo Project

With titles such as “Should’ve Said No” & “One Night Stand” the EP promises to be a little naughty but always nice and Katie is giving fans of her music the opportunity to be a part of the process.

For as little as $5 digital downloads can be ordered & for $25 personally signed copies of the EP can be pre-purchased. Jump up to $600 and you can come along to the studio to be a part of the process or even choose the house concert perk for $1,000.

To take a look at the project head to www.indiegogo.com/KTinCHCH


Catch Katie performing a couple of tracks at the Live Music Showcase, CBD Bar, Madras Street, Friday 9 November – 6pm

 

www.katiethompson.co.nz

Marlon Williams, the effortless hope, and clarity of a 21 year old wunderkid. Barely creeping into his twenties, Marlon has been fêted nation wide as the great young hope of country music.

The three short years as The Unfaithful Ways has seen them rise to support Band of Horses, Justin Townes Earle, appear at the 2010 APRA Silver Scrolls Awards and Big Day Out 2011. Their studio work has also been well received issuing an EP "Four First Songs" in 2009, and contributing to an English Townes Van Zandt Tribute Album in 2010, and The Harbour Union Album in 2011.

Their debut album, "Free Rein" was released in October 2011, climbed every notable end of year best list and his songwriting talent was again noticed when he was nominated for song and album at this year's APRA Country Music Awards.



Marlon & Delaney - Sad But True
Often the hero of a Western meets his nemesis, a mirror of his own evil side that he has to destroy: a nomadic loner, or a skilled fast-draw artist, moral, tough, solid and self-sufficient.

The meeting of Williams and Davidson is an interesting and compelling mixture of this cliché, twisting and turning the concept on its head and feeding them back into the Folklore machine with a seemingly random precision.

Alternating between the straight guy and the fall guy these two seamlessly jump between the poles and quite consciously throw a spanner in the works of country music both within its “bad rep from the 70’s” as well as in its current canonization.

It is their honour to bring you Sad But True, released on Lyttelton Records and distributed via Southbound. Released November 9th 2012, Sad But True is a canny and astounding choice of songs which includes well known standards and eclectic cover versions that makes for some surprising takes on classics. Some supremely written original material delivers previously unheard earworms that will nestle in there for days like wood smoke in clothes.

See Marlon Williams and Delaney Davidson on tour promoting Sad But True this November!

Fri 9th and Sat 10th - Official Release at Wunderbar, Lyttelton
Thurs 15th and Fri 16th - Wine Cellar, Auckland
Sat 17th – Waiheke Island with Tami Neilson
Sun 18th - Matinee at Leigh Sawmill, Leigh (doorsales only)
Thur 22nd till Sun 25th - Melbourne (details TBA)
Fri 30th and Sat December 1st - Mighty Mighty, Wellington
Sun 2nd Dec – Aratoi Museum, Masterton (tickets available from venue)

www.theunfaithfulways.co.nz

Ariana is a unique performer and composer of heartfelt music in both Te Reo Māori and English. She draws on folk and pop styles with a strong emphasis on Māori chant. Although now living in Wellington, her music in inspired and influenced by her Māori ancestry and the dramatic landscape of Te Waipounamu – The South Island of New Zealand.

Ariana completed a summer tour with her band Emeralds and Greenstone in February and March of this year. On February 22nd she touched the nation with her rendition of Whakaaria Mai for the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial event in Hagley Park, televised live and broadcast internationally. She also performed this year at the NZ Hat and Hair Art Awards in the Timaru Theatre Royal, and Te Papa at the Seven Sisters event as well as Pao Pao Pao at Pipitea Marae. Lately she has been recording her third solo album at The Surgery in Wellington, From Dust to Light, which she is planning to release in November.

Last year Ariana was a featured artist on the Ihimaera album with some of the country’s top recording artists. She also played the song live in the Auckland Arts Festival for the Ihimaera Show.

She also completed a nationwide tour for the month of November 2011 with two other Ngai Tahu musicians Mahina-ina Kaui and Christine White as Voices of Our Ancestors, under the umbrella of Arts on Tour NZ.

In 2010 Ariana completed a tour of New Zealand to rave reviews with singer-songwriter Hannah Howes for the “Wahine Toa” tour. That year she performed her Ohaki (multi-media) show, featuring Richard Nunns, to standing ovations in Christchurch and Nelson.

In 2008 she released her second solo album ‘Tuia’ meaning 'stitched' – a metaphor for the connections between people, within and across generations. It is a bilingual album featuring production from award-winning producer Leyton, whose sparse electronic sound provides an engaging and gorgeous background for Ariana’s beautiful voice. In 2009 her video for Tuia, made by Louise Potiki Bryant, won an international award at the imagiNATIVE film + media festival in Toronto in 2009, for best music video.

In March-April 2008 Ariana was Musician in Residence at the Centre for New Zealand Studies, at the University of London, Birkbeck, after being awarded a $10,000 Creative New Zealand grant. While in London she established music industry links and collaborated with London-based New Zealand musicians, including members of Ngāti Rānana.

In 2008 Ariana was a featured soloist in the WOW Wearable Arts Awards in Wellington, and also performed in the prestigious Pao Pao Pao event in the Wellington Town Hall. At this event, Ariana was presented with an achievement award from Toi Maori.

Since beginning her music career in Christchurch with folk duo Pounamu in 1993, to launching her solo career and releasing her debut solo album Whaea in 2002, Ariana has consistently produced beautiful and moving music that contributes to the growing corpus of contemporary Maori music.


What others have said about Tuia:

“An amazing combination of roots, electronica and soulful vocals”. Fleur Jack, Tearaway Magazine

“…a magical and at times mystical trip… like being bundled up in a big feather cloak and transported to another world”. Scott Kara, Weekend Herald

“Tikao’s cultural heritage permeates this fine album with the true spirit of Aotearoa” Seth Jordon, Songlines, UK

“Haunting and ethereal. Lovely” Lopa Kothari, BBC Radio 3, UK

“Ariana has knitted together the diverse elements of her own background to create something special” fRoots, UK


From Dust To Light
Tikao’s highly anticipated release “From Dust To Light”, is primarily inspired by the devastating earthquake in her hometown of Christhurch. “Dust rose above the city that day from crumbling buildings. As you can imagine, it not only affected us physically, but emotionally and spiritually.” Says Ariana. “From the wreckage though, people are picking themselves up, forging ahead into new growth and opportunities.”

“From Dust To Light” is more of a crossover album since “Tuia”, showcasing Tikao’s stylistic development and experimentation. This album presents crystalline vocals and spacious meditative song structures with sparse, lush instrumental enhancement. Tikao alternates from English to Te Reo – in particular her native Kai Tahu dialect from the South island.

“I write specifically with South Island Maori historical and cultural themes in my lyrics and musical language.” States Tikao. “I do not try to imitate with my musical style. I just write how the song wants to come out and try and work with the songs as individuals.”

With the assistance of Creative New Zealand, “From Dust to Light” was recorded at The Surgery, Wellington with Lee Prebble as engineer. Co-produced by Tikao, Prebble and Ben Lemi Wood, and mastered by Mike Gibson, the album is to be released on November 16th via DRM and Ode Records.

Below is her new video for the single, ‘Te Heke’ created by Louise Potiki Bryant

Tikao will be performing songs from the new album at Dux Live, Christchurch on November 25th from 7pm.

arianatikao.com

It’s a buzz and it’s bloody infectious! Frontman Aaron Tokona has an undeniable swagger on stage and a cheekyness that is endearing. His raw funk, rock goodness and on the spot uniqueness is paired with one of the best drummers in the country Riki Gooch plus vocal and synth work from LA Mitchell.

Already a world class outfit, The Buzz sends an open invitation to the “bros” to jump on stage and add to the Horiness which often means guest spots from some of NZ’s most illustrious performers.



Catch AhoriBuzz at the following NZ summer festivals.

Rhythm & Alps
28 - 29 December 2012
Terrace Downs, Rakaia Gorge

Rhythm & Vines
29 - 31 December 2012
Waimata Valley Road, Gisborne

Prana New Years Festival
30 Dec 2012 - 3 Jan 2013
Opoutere, Coromandel

Coromandel Gold
30 Dec 2012 - 1 Jan 2013
Whitianga, Coromandel

Shotover Sunshine Festival
9 Feb 2013
Littles Rd, Queenstown

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival
23 Feb 2013
Hagley Park Nth, Christchurch

Jim Beam Homegrown
2 March 2013
Wellington Waterfront, Wellington

Tuborg Sounds On
23 March 2013
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

facebook.com/pages/AhoriBuzz/179052835459466

Since 2007 STONEHURST has been moulding their creation of heightening and enlightening grooves into the ears of unsuspecting crowds. Their foot stomping beats, contagiously catchy riffs and captivating vocals, seem to attract new fans seamlessly without any signs of stopping.  

Their songs have featured on the 2009 ‘Stonerfest Compilation’ and the 2011 ‘Hard ‘n’ Heavy CHARTdisc’, a compilation of Christchurch Bands, which has drawn further attention to their sound.

“Rolling slabs of Sabbath-like riffs, making for an essential head thrasher!”  - 2011 ‘Hard ‘n’ Heavy CHARTdisc Compilation’

Stonehurst’s debut full length album self titled ‘Stonehurst’ is due for release in January 2013 and is set to stun fans new and old.

The album itself has everything you’d expect to hear from a rock n roll album, from head thrashing riffs, to heartfelt melodies and wailing guitar solos that will raise hairs on the arms of the listeners.

Starting their January tour on the 17th in their hometown at The Duxlive, this will be an event not to miss.


STONEHURST ALBUM RELEASE TOUR 2013

Christchurch - 17 January 2013 - Dux Live
With Guests: Osmium & Suede Arcade

Timaru - 19 January 2013 - The Creek Hotel
With Guests: Earth Shield, I Am You & Osmium

Wellington - 25 January 2013 - The Medusa Bar
With Guests; Sekht - (Tba)

Auckland - 02 February 2013 - The Juice Bar
With Guests: Shelter - Stormforge

Stonehurst album available - $20

$5 Entry Fee or Free entry with album purchase.

STONEHURST ALBUM GIVEAWAY
CHART has a copy of Stonehurst's debut, self titled album to giveaway! To go in the draw just EMAIL US and we'll put your name in the hat!
Entries close Monday 28 January, winner notified by email. NB must 'like' us on Facebook to be eligible to enter.

facebook.com/stonehurstband
reverbnation.com/stonehurst
 

The road is long from New Zealand to europe and Flip Grater is already on her third album. her first album Cage For A Song (2006) has some echoes of the folk and alt-country scene. One of its songs was selected by the producers of the American television series Brothers and Sisters for the final episode of the first season. in 2007, Flip Grater published the first Cookbook Tour, a concept which marries videos, performances, diary and cooking recipes collected during her new zealand tour. This atypical work made the her a darling of New Zealand media.

Her second album, Be All And End All, came out in 2008. The critics happily greeted her strolling indie-folk song, recollections of the PJ Harvey or Suzanne Vega. A long tour in a dozen countries followed.

This latest, While I’m Awake I’m At War shows itself of a rare sensibility. The languishing and restful, folk-song-tinged, (slightly) country sound of Flip Grater lets one glimpse a dreamy girl. There is a melancholic sparsity, but a great generousity in shared feelings. if the ethereal and deeply moving voice of “Find me” moves closer to Cat Power, the entêtante ritornello of “Careful” tilts to the best of Suzanne Vega.

While I’m Awake I’m At War could be a eulogy of slowness and good taste. The recording is very applied, meticulous even. mainly accompanied by an acoustic guitar, heightened occasionally by some violins, Flip Grater slows down the pace of a world that has become too busy to be honest.

Last year, Flip Grater flew away to europe, crossed Germany, in particular with Cocoon who she supported on tour. At the same time, she prepared her second book, The Cookbook Tour Europe, log book of her european tour of 2009 – where she redraws her thoughts, events and meetings of music and vegan cooking such as an encounter with an American in Paris, or the visit of a vineyard in italy.

But it is finally in Paris which she decides to settle down, in the spring of this year, having visited again italy and Brazil. We shall have understood Flip Grater is an enthusiast of music, wines and vegetarian cooking. The three passions are intrinsically connected to her and her glance of the end of the World is worth seeing. You will not be surprised to find her playing in a castle in the depths of médoc, in the middle of vineyards or inviting herself to your home to prepare one of the multiple recipes from her book that will make you salivate.
What is certain is that Flip Grater is an adventurer, in the noble sense of the term.

See Flip live, solo and French-i-fied on her NZ Summer Tour 2013:

Feb 1st - Matterhorn, Wellington, free, 10pm, with Miles Calder
Feb 2nd - The Playhouse, Nelson, $20 8.30pm
Feb 6th - Dux Live, Christchurch, $20, 9pm
Feb 7th - Queens, Dunedin, $15, 9pm
Feb 10th - Federal Diner, Wanaka, $20, 9pm
Feb 14th - The Old Library, Whangarei, $15, 8.30pm
Feb 15th - Sawmill, Leigh, $10 on door, 10pm
Feb 16th - The Whiskey, Auckland, $20, 9pm,with Rodney Fisher (Goodshirt)

Door sales only. CDs available at shows.

flipgrater.com

Blacked Out Entertainment is a independent recording/entertainment label based in Christchurch, New Zealand which consists of Rappers, Singers, DJ's, Beat Makers, Music Producers, Video Producers & Event Managers.

Starting in 2010 after the passing away of band member & founder Tama (IKON) Wikiriwhi aka Tha Dirrty South Kidd, Blacked Out have made a big impact in the Christchurch hip hop scene.

Over the past 3 years Blacked out has preformed many shows around Christchurch Auckland and the Gold Coast, working with New Zealands top hip hop artists such as Scribe, Smashproof and Sir T, with 1 compilation album completed and available for free download.

Blacked Out are weeks away from releasing Dkulprits first solo album titled "It Iz What It Iz". Keep an eye out for Parole's mixtape "Under The Influence" along with Gold Coast based group "Bad Newz" 3rd album release titled "Black Gold".

Blacked Out T.V is a series of online videos showcasing there latest music videos, behind the scenes, gigs and daily life of Blacked Out Entertainment and their doings.

A new show on Blacked Out TV is "Era Tha Pimp". Hosted by Nick Gotti, a comedic T.V personality, he interviews New Zealand rappers finding out "who they are" and "where they're from". Era quizies them with random, funny, quick fire questions in which they have a matter of seconds to answer on the spot, with no prior knowledge of the questions. Finally asking them to drop a hot 16 bar freestyle to see what their rap games like.

Even if you're not a great admirer of hiphop "Era Tha Pimp" will have u laughing in your seat with his corky jokes and spontaneous character. So subscribe to Blacked Out's youtube channel "Blacked Out T.V" so you can keep up to date with the latest and greatest projects they've got going on.

blackedoutccity.com

Christchurch based Singer-songwriter Shayna King is the latest rising talent to emerge onto  the New Zealand music scene. Influenced by Female Songwriters & Rock Legends alike, she picked up her first guitar at age six and began writing her way through life’s musical landscape.

Shayna has already made a name for herself as a regular performer of original music around Canterbury, building a reputation for heart-felt, sincere songs, accompanied by distinctive warm toned vocals and high-energy performances.

Making her first mark on the New Zealand music scene with the release of her debut single “Broken Hearts” in October last year, the song received significant support and was placed second overall in the New Zealand Unreleased Chart for www.theaudience.co.nz - September 2012. Shayna is now nearing completion of her Debut Studio Album “The Day is Young” recorded at Christchurch’s Angels’ Gate Recording Studio with producer Kevin Allison. The album features a diverse range of local artists, including members of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, as well as musical appearances from a member of world-reknown and #1-Selling US band ‘Smashmouth.’

‘THE DAY IS YOUNG’ - SINGLE OUT MAY 1ST

The Title track of Shayna’s Debut Album “The Day is Young” is to be released on May 1st 2013, in conjunction with New Zealand Music Month. The song is an appetiser for what is to be a dynamic full-bodied album complete with twists and turns - Rock Ballads to Blues numbers & Harmony-filled Acoustic tunes with power and edge. The Title track will take you on a journey of hope, love and loss, & is characteristic of Shayna’s positive and energetic nature.

shaynaking.com

Hailing from the shaky city of Christchurch 1 Drop Nation is an outfit that is setting stages  alight with their fresh flavour of Aotearoa music.

They have put together a set that will not only entertain, but will allow people to experience their world as they see it.

With an eclectic mix of songs, their unique sound is guaranteed to draw you into the rhythm from start to finish.

Keep an ear out for their distinctive and catchy sound! Support them and be a part of their journey by hitting LIKE on their Facebook band page.

Catch 1 Drop Nation at CHARTFEST - The Big Event, this Saturday 25 May at the Bedford. Also featuring Ahoribuzz, Von Voin Strum and Thunder Wulf.

www.facebook.com/1dropnation

Natalie Slade is a singer/ songwriter who works on a range of musical projects. She was born in Oz, but is based in Quake City, New Zealand. The music she makes is influenced by all the genres she loves, being jazz, soul, funk, spoken word & hip hop, electronic, and alternative forms of pop. She says of her own music “Lyrics are my thing… I love the process of writing and of creating something beautiful with my band or producer buddies”.

Natalie Slade has just released her 'Almost An Album' EP on Bandcamp, stream the tracks or get a copy here: natalieslade.bandcamp.com

Slade & The Real
As one of the newest bands to hit the scene, Slade & The Real have already caught the ears and eyes of the local musos and punters alike. Their Genreblending mash up style incorporates elements of hip hop, rock, nu-school soul & funk. The four piece is made up of Natalie Slade on vocals, Bazi Baker on guitar, Michael Story on Bass and Arona Vaele on drums.

Scruffy & Slade
Scruffy & Slade is a DJ/ vocal duo that plays tight bar sets made up of hip hop, soul, and electronic goodness. Decknology winner / sound engineer/ producer and RDU radio host Bryden Joe, combines with soulful singer/ songwriter Natalie Slade to make ya hips wiggle and ya mouth giggle.

Slash & Slade
Slash & Slade is a Trans-Tasman band made up of Slade & Pro (aka Natalie Slade & Pro/gram). Pro/gram is a hip hop producer from Sydney and Slade is a soulful singer songwriter based in Christchurch. The two make music online or sometimes face to face, without the boundaries of genre, but with the only aim of making music that they absolutely love.



Natalie is “a great lyrical talent, with a beautiful voice capable of power, intimacy and poignancy”. Mike Chunn of Split Enz

“I was literally stopped in my tracks. Her voice has a velvet smoothness laced with emotion that has the ability to cut through to your very soul.” Leading Drum n Bass MC, MC Tali

www.facebook.com/nataliesladelive

Four piece outfit Imaginary Blues Machine endeavor to bring attitude back to pop/rock, taking influence from diverse artists such as Kimbra, Queens of the Stoneage and Franz Ferdinand in creating their simple pop lathed rock and roll. Comprising Billy Mills (Guitar, Lead Vocals), James Allen (Bass, Synths, Vocals) Paul Carleton (Keyboards, Synths) and Mason Head (Drums), they have already won the prestigious UCSA Battle of the Bands and played alongside previous winners Von Voin Strumm, as well shared billings with he likes of Tommy Ill and Estelle.



Like the song? Download it for FREE on Bandcamp

Follow them on facebook to keep up date date on shows, news and other goodies: www.facebook.com/ImaginaryBluesMachine

Check out live videos and more music: www.youtube.com/ImaginaryBluesMusic

Spawning from the inner city, the burbs and the southern bays of Christchurch, New Zealand, Sweet Leaf is an eclectic group of misfits making mad music. Way down here in the South Pacific, miles away from mainstream influences, Sweet Leaf give rise to their own blend of Dub, Rock & Industrial Reggae. With musical roots in rock, dub, reggae, drum & bass, dance and electronica, Sweet leaf’s members draw a diverse range of musical influence from local & international artists such as Kora, Baby Mammoth, Minuit, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mystic Roots and many more.

When the earth finally stopped rumbling after 45 seconds of madness in September 2010, the home and studio of Christchurch band Sweet Leaf was looking a bit worse for wear. After the 2010 earthquake what had taken 6 years to create was soon to be abandoned to the demolition squad with the upcoming album release poster still hanging on the wall. Nearly 3 years later, after 10,000 more shakes and all the resulting turmoil Sweet Leaf are well happy to finally release their debut album ‘Images’. The album itself, which was recorded and produced at Clevetown Studios by the bands guitarist Steve Fowler, almost never made it out of the rubble of the inner city. The result is a mixed up bag of musical marbles that reflect the dark rumblings of a band, and a city shaken to the core.

Formed, as a jam band in 2008, Sweet Leaf was the pot winnings of rowdy weekly poker nights at Clevetown Studios. After splitting with his former band Paper Creatures, studio owner & music teacher Steve Fowler found new creative energy with good friends Justy Munro (bass), and Andrew Stewart (keys). After a few months the band was solidified with the soulful vocals of Melissa Hibbert and the rocking drums of Kalem Mallon. With such a divergent and differing team of misfits the musical output was always going to be eclectic. With a foundation of rock the sound is walled up with a patchwork of dub & reggae, and topped off with a dusting of trip hop and electro.Sweet Leaf – New Zealand Music

Buy their debut album 'Sweet Leaf' from iTunes

www.sweetleafnz.com