Zuke unveils new Single ‘How We Met’, and a debut remix from Nourish

New Zealand-based electronic producer Zuke (Ed Zuccollo) returns with his latest release, ‘How We Met’, a lush fusion of downtempo and organic house, layered with deep ambient chords and elements of acid. The track is the latest release from Zuke’s debut album COME CLOSER set for release on Friday December 13.

Zuke will also celebrate the album’s release with a special release show at Auckland’s Neck of the Woods on Saturday December 7. This show will see support from long-time friends and fellow wizards Dylan C & Mia Kober b2b DirdyGerdi.

Singer and songwriter Arahi has paid tribute to the legendary Māori navigator Kupe, on a stirring new waiata of the same name, which is out today.

“The waiata captures the spirit of exploring new horizons and embracing the uncertainty that comes with discovery,” Arahi says of the track, which is delivered in te reo Māori. “It draws compelling parallels between Kupe’s adventures and our own journeys through life.”

The song ‘Kupe’ was born from an APRA Songhubs session, in which artists are paired with fellow writers and producers. Often artists are paired with others they might not typically collaborate with - this combined with limited time to create, fosters an environment, which unleashes a wave of creative magic.

This magic is evident on ‘Kupe’, which saw Arahi working with an esteemed cast of writers and performers, including Noema Te Hau, Carwyn Ellis, Pere Wīhongi and Marika Hodgson.

Aotearoa trio Soft Plastics firm up their reputation as ‘ones to watch’ on the indie-rock scene with the release of their brand new single, ‘Drown!’ - an antidote to life’s hustle and bustle.

Soft Plastics - Sophie Scott-Maunder (bass, vocals); Jonathan Shirley (guitar) and Laura Robinson (drums) - draw from a rich array of longstanding guitar music traditions - shoegaze, breezy garage punk and jangle-pop and ‘Drown!’ is no exception.

Põneke-based singer and producer AJA (Aja Wairere Ropata - Ngāti Raukawa, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) recently blew everyone away at the Silver Scrolls with her performance of Anna Coddington’s award-winning track; she then went on to release her new single ‘Quiet Storm’ featuring MĀ, perform as part of the Fly My Pretties lineup - and in the past couple of years she has featured on L.A.B’s new album (who she is touring with over summer), headlined Newtown Festival, wow’d at the CubaDupa festival and the Matariki Awards, opened Wellington’s Kia Mau Festival with her self-produced show ‘Manawa Pao’, and won the 2022 Maioha Silver Scroll Award for waiata ‘Te Iho’ - a collaboration with Byllie-Jean and Chris Wethey.

Pool House is a 4-piece indie-rock band from Ōtautahi (Christchurch), New Zealand. The band is made up of old friends Flynn, Harry, Crispy, and Will who came together to play their first show in place of a cancelled university festival. Since bursting into the Christchurch university scene, Pool House have been performing memorable, high energy, and soulful shows across New Zealand. With elements of surf, psychedelic, and garage infused in their music, Pool House offers an exciting, yet authentic take on indie music.

There’s been no stopping Wri Donna this year with her first 3 releases off the new EP, pushing her firmly into rock music territory. Today, we’re finally at the home stretch as she unleashes her sophomore EP “In My Chambers” and prepares to head out on the road, through Nov & Dec, with her full band, to celebrate the release!

Wiri Donna’s Debut EP , “Being Alone’, released in 2022, was her first foray into truly speaking her mind via her music, touching on some pretty heavy topics, expertly done, with some solid musicality from this talented artist. The release was adored across the indies, acclaimed by media and fans, resulted in her being named as one of Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s Eight Kiwi Artist Tipped to Take Over in early 2023 and was nominated for the Taite Music Prize's “Best Independent Debut’. However, Wiri Donna spent the better part of 2 years post this release, taunting us with something darker in the works.

Following the success of two EPs, multiple charting singles, a headline tour, Boosted campaign and opening slots for Robbie Williams and Elton John, Aotearoa rising star Danica Bryant has today released her new pop-rock hit, ‘Acid’!

An exciting, gritty and high-energy track, ‘Acid’ is laced with a chunky bassline, driving guitars and powerhouse vocals reminiscent of the artist’s experiences headbanging at high school rock band gigs in the Hawkes Bay. “I wanted to create a vibe as fierce as theirs - but still performable solo, which is a tough line to walk!”

Lyrically, ‘Acid’ is all about queer sexuality. Think bubblegum pop-princess meets sexy vampiress and they make a 2000s pop-rock banger. “LGBT+ relationships are so frequently softened to cutesy romances to make them more palatable to straight audiences,” says Danica, “but this can make it hard for us to accept the parts of ourselves that also crave sexual connection and intimacy. I wanted to make a song that celebrates those wild feelings, and hope [the young queer community] take a sense of joy and possibility from the song, realizing they too can have all of the intense, fun experiences the rest of the world is granted.”

Recorded at producer Jonny Avery’s studio, with support from her band, Danica says ‘Acid’ is definitely an indication of more music to come, so now is definitely the time to tune in and stay tuned

Tāmaki Makaurau-based trio PAPERCITY have today released their soon-to-be smash hit ‘Sofa’!

An epic combination of electronic beats, gritty guitars, textural synths and a vulnerable message, ‘Sofa’ is yet another exciting hit from PAPERCITY (Alex Hargreaves, Sam Edmonds, Jack Rollinson), the group have cultivated a uniquely alternative synth-pop sound, with hints of emo and punk.

“It’s about the isolation of feeling hurt and the effort to keep your struggles hidden,” says lead singer and guitarist Alex - who also directed the track’s extraordinary music video - out 1 November!

Ōtautahi-based songwriter Mousey, the creative alias of Sarena Close, announces her third album, The Dreams of Our Mothers' Mothers!, set for release on October 18th, 2024 via Winegum Records / Concord Publishing. This album delves deeply into personal and familial themes, reflecting Mousey's growth and exploration of self.

Five years since her debut album Lemon Law, Mousey presents an 8-track collection that delves into family dynamics, identity, and breaking generational cycles. This album combines evocative melodies with introspective lyrics to reflect the evolving tension between past and present.

"Smashing Through The Fences" is an anthem of empowerment and growth. The song explores themes of breaking down barriers, embracing dreams, and forging one's own path. With uplifting lyrics, it encourages perseverance and self-belief, while celebrating the strength found in community and connection. The repetition of “Smashing through the fences” reflects a journey of overcoming obstacles, both external and internal, to embrace a fulfilling, joyful life. It's a reminder that we are the creators of our own fate, guided by love, resilience, and the shared human experience.