The Local Radar

Welcome to this month’s Local Radar, where you’ll get your monthly dose of the incredible music coming out of Australia and New Zealand. Hopefully you enjoy these tunes and these artists as much as I have!

TEEKS – Waves

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TEEKS, without a doubt, has been one of my favourite voices to ever come out of New Zealand, and there have been a lot of them. Waves comes from I, the first instalment of his upcoming debut album, The depth of this man’s voice is untouched, and he’s able to hold so much power and strength, while showing an incredible amount of restraint and control, and this song is an immaculate example of that. Without much more than an acoustic guitar, some strings, a beautifully delicate horns section and some light percussion, TEEKS’ voice is front and centre, and there’s not much more you can ask from the singer.

MAWiE – Last Night

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MAWiE, a South-Sudanese born, Brisbane-based musician counts artists like Michael Jackson, Usher and Chris Brown as some of influences, and you can get a taste of these artists, perfectly mixed in with the singers own style and finesse. Last Night is the second in a string of singles released this year, and it combines a strong confidence with a sense of delicateness that works perfectly for this pocket of RnB and hip hop he is sitting in. From the sounds of things, MAWiE’s shaping up to deliver some incredible music, that’s well worth keeping an eye out for.

Essie Holt – Wanna Stay Up With You

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5x2Z6BTUn/

Your indie-pop heart is about to flutter with this single from Australian singer, Essie Holt. A strong guitar riff contrasts with super cute and playful pop synths and Essie sprinkles her delicate and ethereal vocals over the track. It’s such a sweet and simple track, which is what makes it so enjoyable to listen to. It’s like the audible sound of a ray of sunshine and we are here for it!

RIIKI – Share Your Love

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Pumped for this track, simply pumped. RIIKI is a 20-year old newcomer from New Zealand and if this track is anything to go by, she’s got a lot more coming our way. The hook on this track is so catchy and effortless, and fans of Kali Uchis, BENEE or Charli XCX should definitely keep an eye on this one. The singer’s vocals are super controlled and tender, all the while matching the energy of the production that really ties the track together. A strong bass line, atmospheric synths and a groove pocket deep enough to swim in make this one of my favourite tracks right now. RIIKI’s created the perfect tune to have a dance and single along to, all the while effortlessly cementing her as one to watch.

Balu Brigada – photographic memory

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDSV_tUgL4A/

Well this is a cute one isn’t it? It’s sure to get you grooving and you’ll be smiling every time you catch another sweet lyric in the mix. Synths, soaring backing vocals and a ridiculously catchy hook make this an absolute tune, and is sure to get you super excited about these boys from New Zealand. It’s a song that immediately gets your head nodding and your toes tapping. Fans of ROLE MODEL and Gus Dapperton will really get around Balu Brigada, and I can’t wait to see what else they give us in the future.

Hopefully you found a new track to have a boogie to, let me know which if these artists you added to your playlists!

x

Priya

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Paige // Always Growing

I hope y’all remember Paige.

I’ve featured her several times here on the blog. She’s been one of my favourite musicians since I first discovered her in 2018, and she’s just gone from strength to strength. Opening for Ruel in New Zealand, releasing a number of successful singles, and now an EP.

If you’re keen to get up to speed, you can read my last couple of posts about here HERE and HERE. You’ll also definitely find her generously sprinkled over my Monthly Tunes.

Way back in 2018, I interviewed the New Zealand singer/songwriter, and spoke about her latest music as well as her plans for the future. One of the tracks she was super excited for was a song called Waves, the music video for which, dropped very recently.

You can watch it below!

 

 

 

Paige released her debut EP, Always Growing on the 31st of July, and since then, it’s been on repeat.

 

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The seven-track EP includes a mix of those previously released singles I mentioned earlier, as well as some tasty new tracks to sink your teeth into, starting off with the opening track, Cold Blooded, a bass heavy groove that Paige released earlier in 2020.

I think Hit n Run, the second track on the album, may be one of my favourites. It’s got such a good mix of sounds and blends, from the backing vocals, the acoustic guitar, a hard hitting drum beat and Paige’s strong voice pulling everything all together. Super catchy. Big vibes, big vibes.

A handful of singles make up the next few songs on the tracklist, all of which are beautifully nostalgic bangers, if that makes any sense whatsoever. Too Much to H8, my personal favourite Waves, another favourite of mine, Bloom, Yellow and then final track Make Room. 

Make Room is a new freshie, and I love how gently anthemic it is. It builds and grows beautifully, and it’s a song I’ve found myself going back. I also think it’s one of the best songs on the album in terms of showing off just how subtle and strong Paige’s voice and songwriting is combined. Such a delicate song lyrically, but such a confident delivery. I love everything about this song.

 

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To be fair, I love everything about the entire EP. There’s just something so authentic and raw about it, but it’s still so polished and well crafted. From the variety of the songs, to how consistently impressive the songwriting is on every track, Paige has more than delivered on her debut EP, and what a way to kick off what’s sure to be an amazing career.

x

Priya

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Courtesy Of: Antzz

Hello boys and girls, welcome to another post!

Today’s post, as you can tell by the title is a Courtesy Of, a favourite around these parts. I get family, friends, musicians and creators to share their top ten favourite songs of the moment, and we all get to discover some new music together!

Today’s delivery of music is brought to you courtesy of Christchurch-based producer, Antzz. Remember a little while back when I said New Zealand had some of the best undiscovered music in the world?

Keep that in mind.

Before we get into Antzz’s top ten songs at the moment, let’s dive into his own music, more specifically, his debut EP,  Get to You, which he released at the start of this month. Y’all know how I feel about RnB, pop-RnB and everything in between, and Antzz brings all of that and more into his own blend of synthesizers, beautifully nostalgic harmonies, smooth vocals and elite production value. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve listened to the first single, Player 1 since I first heard it. The rest of the EP is just as nostalgic and filled to the brim with beautiful lyrics that match the production perfectly.

 

You can find Antzz on Spotify HERE. Player 1 is definitely one of my favourites from the EP. I mean, once you listen to the song, I’m sure all of you who know me will know while I’m so excited about the single! If you’ve kept up with my 365//2020 playlist, you’ll most definitely find it has a spot on there…

That said, this is a courtesy of post, and just as exciting is getting into some of Antzz’s inspirations and favourite songs right now!

So. many. favourites. 

I was super excited when Antzz’s sent me his list, because as you’ll see soon enough, there’s so of my favourite artists on here and a bunch that I’m sure you’ll recognise from seeing them appear time and time again on the blog!

 

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Let me know what you think!

Tevin Campbell – Can We Talk: Old school R&B will always be my favourite genre. Authentic, soulful rhythm and blues. This song has those elements of R&B all through it. And not to mention Tevin Campbell’s voice…next level!

Earth, Wind and Fire – After The Love Has Gone: One of my favourite singers ever Maurice White. Does a great job and singing that smooth iconic sound that is Earth, Wind and Fire in After the Love Has Gone. Plus, there is no hiding behind production/mixing in these songs. It’s all talent and authentic music played by the best musicians ever.

Kendrick Lamar – Money Trees

Johnny Gill – My, My, My: Love the chords, beat and vocals in the song. I will almost always refer to this song I ever hit writers block. So many different and creative elements in this song whilst being so minimal.

Kirk Franklin – Love Theory: Although I don’t come from a religious background, Love Theory is no doubt a really well written piece of music. From the gospel choir to the piano progression, the groove to the synths, Love Theory just makes you wanna dance!

Maurice Moore – Little More: Great mix of old school with new school music. So undercover, but so good at the same time. Vocals are mixed in really nice and you can imagine a whole band playing the song as opposed to an over engineered sound in it. Lyrics are great and fit well with the melody.

Mac Ayres – Better: Fun upbeat song made by my favourite artist of this decade.

Mac Ayres – Summertime: So chill and relaxed. It’s so nice and isn’t over produced which seems to be prominent in every song on the radio. It also shocks me that this song is performed live. Crazy talented

Matt Corby – Miracle Love: Matt Corby, the most diverse and talented singer in the world (in my opinion of course). This song really shows how amazing his vocals are. So minimal and raw.

Allen Stone – Sunny Days: Another one of my favourite singers. This song took a different sound compared to what we’re used to hearing from Allen Stone. Has a nice beat and you can never go wrong when adding Allen Stone’s voice to anything.

 

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Make sure you show Antzz some support – you know I’ll be getting around his music as soon as he releases some more! You can find him on Instagram, FaceBook and SoudCloud!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antzzmusic/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/antzzmusic

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/antonio-toetoe

 

 

 

x

Priya

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Hooked // Church & AP

Hello! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet (suss the new look if you’re on Reader xxx)

Hope you’ve all been good and are well. Today’s post is one that has been coming since probably the middle of January, when I first discovered the duo I’m about to share with you all.

If you read my January Tunes as well as my February Tunes, and come to think of it…my March Tunes, which you definitely should check out if you haven’t already, you might have picked up on the little obsession I currently have, with a young duo from New Zealand, known as Church & AP.

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Compromised of of Elijah Manu and Albert Purcell, Church & AP having been on a steady rise since 2018. They released an album, TEETH, in 2019, literally packed with bangers. They also released Cathedral / All Purpose in 2019 as well, so it’s not like these guys are short of stuff to prove just how hard they work.

Alladat was their first release in 2018, a fun lil spin on Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani, and I may has well have lost my mind when I heard it. So clean. Everything just fits together super well. I’ve always been honestly upfront about how much I struggle to get into rap that isn’t American, namely Australian rap, but for some reason, New Zealand rap just does it for me, and a lot of it is down to these guys. They’re introducing a whole new audience to the rap and hip hop music that’s coming out of New Zealand, and there’s plenty of it.

Roulette is definitely my favourite song of theirs, purely for how heavy and hard that bass line goes in, and how catchy the opening chorus is. I also love how smart they are with their lyrics?? It’s not overly explicit, but every time you listen to it, it’s like you discover some new quip or clever remark and I love it.

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The song that really propelled them to the level of success they’ve currently reached is a track called Ready Or Not, which was the highest Shazaam’d song in New Zealand when it was released, which is a feat. Listening to it, I have no doubt why. For me, Church & AP are like a harder, slightly grimier version of BROCKHAMPTON, with a New Zealand spin on it. It’s a super unique sound, and I’m yet to come across an artist or group who just body their music so confidently and entirely.

One of their most recent releases, Aston Martin is also a track and a half. It’s a great example of how diverse these guys are, with the Latin influences dripping off this track’s production, yet still remaining true to the Church & AP sound. The hook is stupidly catchy, and it had my jaw on the floor the second I heard the opening bar.

Honorable mentions have to go to their latest single, War Outside, as well as Dandelion, moneytalk and Dera Meelan’s remix of Fire Sale with deadforest. All favourites. Hands down. It’s hard to pick.

 

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I’ll let you pick your favourite for yourself. You’ve heard me rambling about these boys for the last three months, so it’s probably time you checked them out. You can find their Spotify page HERE, their BandCamp HERE and their Instagram page HERE. Let me know what you think.

x

Priya

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SIX60 // An Album Review

Hello friends!

Today’s post is a short album review and run-down of one of my favourite bands for the last couple of years, Six60. If you’ve been here for the longest time, you may remember I did one of my first ever blog posts about the New Zealand band which you can read HERE, and they’ve only continued to get bigger and bigger. I even got to see their set at the Byron Bay BluesFest last year in April, and it was easily one of my favourite sets from the entire festival.

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They released their third self-titled album in November last year, and while I’ve heard a few songs from the album here and there, I never sat down to listen to the entire record completely.

Social distancing and isolation has meant that a lot of us have plenty of spare time to do what we want to do, and for me that’s meant listening to so much more music and exploring artists in depth, both old and new. While I was doing a super deep clean of my Spotify account, I came across the album, just sitting there, waiting for me to dive in. And dive in I did.

The entire album sonically, is such a trip. It just goes to places that I personally never felt through the last two albums, as much as I love them. One of my favourite things about Six60 is how effortlessly they blend pop, rock, reggae and funk, and then sprinkle a bunch of Maori and Kiwi influences and instrumentation to make a super unique sound.

 

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The opening track Never Enough is super pop-rock centric, but there are a few elements of reggae in the bass line, and I feel like you add a vocal performance like Matiu Walters into the mix there’s always an element of soul involved too.

Please Don’t Go had my jaw on the floor just because of how different it is?? But in the best possible way. If there’s a song on the album that just kicks down the door and really gets in your face musically, I think it’s this one, and it’s not super over the top about it. It’s all in the bass and drums for me.

It feels like I’ll be mentioning practically every song on the album but I also vibe heavy with Long Gone, just because it’s such a gentle but firm ‘stuff you’ kinda song. It picks up so beautifully in the bridge and towards the end of the song the vocal arrangement genuinely gives me chills, regardless of how subtle it may be.

Tomorrow is another one of my favourites purely because of how beautiful it is. Matiu’s voice nearly made me cry the first time I listened to it. It’s got such a deep-rooted message, with a bunch of island elements added into the mix, and it makes me super nostalgic for some of the music I used to listen to when I was younger with my family. There’s a very low-key Bob Marley aesthetic to it, but it’s done so tastefully, and all the extra sounds they’ve added into the song just bring everything together so sweetly.

Raining shows up a bit closer to the end of the album, but it’s definitely one of my top three songs hands down. Melodically, this one is one of those tracks that just sits so comfortably in it’s reggae/island pocket, and it really gets the head bob going, which is why I think I love it so much. Such a chiller to listen to around the house or on a drive. The bass is also super prominent in this one, and the chorus is perfect for a sing-a-long. It’s just a super warm song.

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Then there’s Sundown which is genuinely one of the funkiest songs on the album for me. It starts off with a super gentle ukulele which made me grin the first second I ever listened to the song, but then there’s these added little nuances and sounds that start kicking in to steer it more towards a bit of a funk/pop type of style. There’s a reggae element that mixes into it as well, but it’s a super unique sounding song, especially in regards to the rest of the album.

I think Bitter End may be my favourite track on the record. Again, they hit you with a super crisp ukulele which always warms me to the core. One of my favourite things about Six60 is their lyrics, and this song is an amazing example. They have a way of forming each line in a way that conveys what they’re trying to say so simply and without having to make anything complicated, but each lyric still hits you with the same power and intent. I love it. Big fan. 10 out of 10.

x

Priya

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Paige’s Space // An Interview

Hello hello.

This is a very exciting post for me, considering I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this artist for the most part of 2018.

Before you continue reading this post, make sure you’re all caught up, so if you haven’t already, stop what you’re doing and make sure you check out the first post I did about Paige, which you can find HERE.

Paige just recently released a new song, Alignments, and while it still hasn’t beaten her song So Far for me, it’s still an absolutely beautiful song, and I’ve had it on replay since it was put out.

If you’re up for some incredibly warm acoustic guitar, the chill-inducing harmonies that I’ve come to expect from Paige and lyrics that make you wow-out-loud, then listen to Alignments. You will not be disappointed.

Anyhow.

On top of being a beautiful musician and singer, Paige is also a gem of a human being, and generously agreed to answer some questions for you all! So if we could all send some universal ‘thank-you’s’ Paige’s way, that would be sweet.

Enjoy.

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How early on in your life did you decide that music was going to be the avenue you wanted to pursue as a full time career and were there any other options you had in terms of interests that could have possibly lead you down a different route?

Very early on [to be honest]. When I was 5 I first performed in front of my school and that’s when I knew I loved it and didn’t have to think twice. Although I also was hugely fascinated in space and astrophysics which is something I’d love to do but sadly I suck at maths loooolll.

Were there any artists who influenced you in a major way as a young child?

My first influences were always Disney Channel stars. Miley Cyrus was a huge one for me because Hannah Montana inspired me a lot to become a musician. The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato e.t.c. Lady Gaga has always been a huge inspiration for me throughout my life and how she is so bold and fearless as an artist.

What’s the idea behind your Instagram name, @paigesspace?

I guess I kind of just wanted to have something that associated with space because I love space so much haha.

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What was you initial reaction when you saw Billie Eilish sharing your Instagram page and fan-girling over your voice and your covers, as well as your original songs?

Hahaha it was definitely overwhelming. I was in a state of shock for a good week. Just really hard to believe.

What has that type of support meant not only for you as an artist, but as someone who has a huge musical presence on your social media?

It’s meant the entire world. I will never fully be able to express my gratitude for all of it.

You’re a huge believer in manifestation, you’ve credited a lot of your success to the fact that you’ve put your dreams out into the universe for them to manifest, what are your personal beliefs around manifestation and the powers of the universe, and how does that impact the music you create?

Wow what a good question! I genuinely believe that you attract the things that come into your life…. It’s not just a matter of sitting in your room and just asking the universe for your dreams to come true and getting them, but with hard work and manifestation I do believe that’s how your dreams come to life. My beliefs inspire me to write songs such as “Alignments” which is based off of the idea of not blaming the universe for ALL the things that go wrong.

Billie has shown her continual support, singing your recent single ‘Alignments’ as her favourite song at the moment. Do you feel a certain pressure when someone like Billie is promoting your music, to live up to the hype she’s built for you?

I think it’d only be natural to feel pressure but I feel more so driven to work harder to be a better artist for all the people watching me. It’s definitely a nerve wracking feeling but it’s only going to help me grow as an artist

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What advice would you give to young musicians, singers and songwriters, in regards to sharing your music online, specifically posting covers and original music on Instagram like you do?

Just to sing what you love, post consistently, post up some songs people are also familiar with, but also remember to do it because you love it and it makes you happy.. That way you won’t be as scared.

How do you generally begin constructing a song, and what are some of the topics you particularly find yourself writing about?

I find chords and then sing melodies to them, then begin singing about how I feel. Usually I find myself singing about a girl or love because love is what drives me the most.

Who would be five artists that you’d love to collaborate with in the future?

Sooooo many. If I had to only pick five I’d pick Alessia Cara, Billie Eilish [of course], Rex Orange County, Ruel and last but certainly not least Kehlani.

You’re located in New Zealand. Do you see yourself staying in NZ and basing your musical career from there or can you see yourself moving away to pursue it elsewhere, such as Los Angeles?

I definitely 100% don’t see myself staying here. I want to branch out somewhere bigger with more inspiration although I LOVE my country I’d love to go some place new. LA would be amazing.

Of the songs you’ve recorded, which is a favourite or a standout, released or unreleased?

Probably a song I wrote called “Waves” which I’ve spent almost a year on producing with a producer called Noema Te Hau III. Probably because it’s been the hardest I’ve ever worked on a song. Hopefully it will be out soon enough!

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Do you have any plans to release a full album, is that something you’re working on?

I’m just in the middle of recording an EP which includes 5 songs. Very excited to let it out!

What inspires you?

Experiences, Pain, People, Nature and Love.

If you could pick any decade of music to listen to on repeat, which decade would it be and why?

EARLY 2000’s!!!! It’s what I listen to the most because it reminds me of when I was younger and what I was listening to while I was experiencing things for the first time. I also love the artists from early 2000’s.

You Should Hear is all about sharing incredible music recommendations and artists, what one song, and what one artist would you recommend everyone listen to at the moment?

Definitely listen to ‘Better’by Tommie. She’s soooooOOooOOoooOoo good!!

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And that’s it for the questions! Anyone who read my first post about Paige, would understand how much I’m all about Paige and her music, and in turn, how exciting it is to be able to share this with you all! So a massive thank you to Paige for being so kind and answering these for me and for you all!!

Also, currently listening to Better by Tommie, and Paige is.not.wrong.

x

Priya

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Bene’s Next Move

Alrighty. Time to learn you all a thing. Take notes please.

At the start of the year I was absolutely in love with a song called Tough Guy, by a young girl from New Zealand, Bene. I was also outraged at how she, criminally, only had a bit over 3000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Thankfully that’s grown to just under 6000, but still. Criminally under-appreciated.

My friends, this is a deep youshouldhear moment.

On the 14th of September, Bene released her second single, Soaked. And my goodness, it’s just as good, if not better, than Tough Guy. It’s right up my alley, the right type of edgy with a mad bass line that requires you to groove a little.

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She only shared the music video for Tough Guy, which was released in 2017, at the start of this year, and after making us patiently wait more than half the year, we were given Soaked.

I’m all here for young musicians making big moves, as is evident with my clear obsession with artists like Billie Eilish and Paige and Ruel, and considering Bene is a mere 17 years of age, she definitely slips into that category perfectly.

I’ve had the song on repeat this entire morning, even more before I started writing this post, and it’s the perfect soundtrack for chilling out, going for a driving, but then at the same time it also works perfectly if you’re trying to get down while doing your makeup before heading out for the night.

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The bass line that drives the song alongside a really sharp, funky snare drum keep the song chugging along, and it’s the perfect mix of atmospheric synths and smooth guitar tone that only adds to the absolute vibe that is the song.

Bene’s voice itself is half the treat. For someone so young, her voice has both a punchy energy when needed, and the ability to create amazing light and shade and softness when it’s needed, which she does beautifully, before launching back into a chorus that really hits you in the gut.

At the moment, Bene is two for two with me personally, both Tough Guy and Soaked have been hits with me, and I love them both.

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I highly recommend you give Bene a listen, whether it’s catching up and checking out Tough Guy or finally jumping on it and listening to Soaked. I 100% believe in her as an artist, and I’m super excited to see what more comes from her! Check out her Spotify, SoundCloud and Instagram too.

x

Priya

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Tunes Of I

 

Yo. Okay. New music, new discovery, new slight obsession.

So yesterday, I spent most of the day undertaking a task, that most would not deem necessary at all, but is almost essential to my life. Cleaning and reassessing my Spotify playlists. Sometimes I lose track of how many songs I had to the streams of playlists I have created, which results in a huge build-up in songs, that on reflection, probably don’t need to be there. So I do a general clean out, spend an hour or so flicking through the playlists, and really asking myself, ‘does it suit the vibe?’. 

However. This also leads to several things.

1. Me just generally wasting time jamming out by myself.
2. Me also questioning what was going through my head when I added a song to a specific playlist.
3. Sometimes creating a whole new playlist altogether because the vibe is so unique that it requires it, and finally…
4. Finding new music.

Which leads us to today’s post. Tunes Of I.

I have a special place in my heart, a deep love and appreciation for jazz, soul, big band, neo-dub, go hard shit. Like it’s my secret jam. But yeah I love it, and I somehow, praise Jesus, stumbled across Tunes Of I, a seven-piece ensemble from New Zealand. I mean, horns and all.

 

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I was kind of subconsciously listening to one of their songs as it came up on a random jazz playlist I was listening to, before my mind registered that it was an actual slam, and I was feeling it.

I obviously jumped over to their entire Spotify profile (linked) to suss out the rest, all the while listening to their most recent single, Kiss The Sky, the first track from their 2017 album, Wicked Ways. It was the deep as heck drum groove that initially made me stay on the song and the introduction of the horns in the verse that hooked me, but it was the chorus that made me stay. It’s one of those choruses that I could 100% picture myself in a mosh pit, singing along to with a hundred other people. While the drums and the bass are this incredible skeleton for the guitar and horns to embody, the vocals are some of my favourite that I’ve heard in this style of music. ‘Yeah I’m dazed and confused, but I’m trying to see straight.’. You have to listen to Kiss The Sky, which I’ve linked for your convenience, to understand how incredible that line really is, not only to listen to, but to sing along to as well. Conway Jeune’s voice is probably my favourite aspect of this particular song.

 

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Notable achievements include opening for The Original Wailers on Bob Marley’s 70th birthday, as well as supporting my dudes Sticky Fingers at their Wellington shows.

I love the infusion of jazz, a lil bit of calypso, fusion, reggae and blues that flesh out what’s obviously a strong fundamental background, having grown from the New Zealand School Of Music, combined with Jazz School qualifications. While the credentials are all there, it’s this sense of literal soul that you can just hear in their songs. Take The Circle, for example, the fifth song from their 2015 album, Restless. I’m listening to it as I write this, as I often do. Like I don’t know if this sounds beyond stupid, but you can almost hear how friendly and chill they are in their music? I don’t know if it’s a statement, but they seem to embody the feeling that I get when I think of the amazing roots, blues and soul music that I’ve heard out of New Zealand. The break towards the middle of the song is purely percussion and vocals, but the musicality in the drums is one that I love listening to, purely because it’s not something you hear everyday, especially on broadcasted radio.

 

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I definitely recommend giving Tunes Of I a listen. They’ve quickly become a small obsession for me. As in I heard them for the first time yesterday, and here I am today writing this post having already listened to majority of their catalogue, of course adding some songs to the necessary playlists. Cannot wait for someone to catch me absolutely jamming to Kiss The Sky at the traffic lights.

Here’s hoping Tunes Of I come up to Australia some time soon, I’d be so keen to see them live, their reviews sound promising, and I’m sure it’d be an incredible show. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

 

x

Priya

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You’re Welcome

Okay. This is a post I’ve been wanting to write for ages, and I finally jumped into my egg chair, grabbed some mango juice and began this. There’s gonna be very little from me, more so just a bunch of videos that you need to see.

A few months back, I was going through a really heavy Moana phase. Like real heavy. So as you do, I turned to YouTube. Somehow, someone, somewhere, decided that I deserved blessings upon blessings that day, because I was gifted, the recommendation of the SAINTUPZ Performing Arts Trust YouTube channel, a New Zealand YouTube channel for this performing arts group.

Shivers. Honest to God, shivers. I’ve watched this video, at least, at least, a minimum of twenty-five times, and that’s not even me overreacting as usual. I’ve showed my entire family this video at least twice. It’s incredible, and I nearly cried the first time I ever watched it.

Please, warning you now, if you’re as much of a sucker as I am for harmonies, native island singing and gospel as heck vocals, grab some tissues.

 

There is zero audio engineering, editing or mixing. Literally a live video with a drum and a guitar. HOW??? Did you hear my girl Peachez? 13?

I wanna be like these kids when I grow up. Honest.

And then, they went to church and my whole life was changed by this gospel medley.

 

Now within SUPA there’s another group, Tone6. They’re the ones who usually sing the solos, smashing them all out of the park, and they do a couple of covers and performances as a group, which I appreciate. The next video is a cover of No Matter Where You Are, a song by Vine (rip) husband and wife, UsTheDuo.

 

Again. No editing. At all. These kids have more talent in their little finger than I do in my whole entire body.

One of my favourite gospel singers is Kirk Franklin, and Tone6 covered Imagine Me, and they do it so beautifully. It’s definitely one of Franklin’s harder songs to sing as a group, and these guys smash it, doing it complete justice. The amount of soul for such young kids is so incredible. It’s honestly magical listening to these kids sing, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that some of them are 13.

 

As well as group performances, there are definitely solo performances, some of which are astounding. Below are just a few of my favourites. These kids deserve so much more recognition than they are receiving.

Peachez Vetenubua // (my gal)

 

Aja Ruua // do you hear the hype??

 

Selevasio Tuima // saved him for last, because this kid is an angel.

 

Let me know what you all think in the comments below! I cannot wait to hear more from SUPA and Tone6!!

 

x

p.f

PS:
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