What does one say about the level of musical ability, not to mention the sheer volume, coming from the western side, halfway up the North Island of Aotearoa? It’s like a goddamn factory line, each one a different genre, each one with its own bag of tricks. There must be something in the air around…

Currently residing in Tāmaki Makaurau, Invercargill-born Sam Cullen is a continually evolving force of nature who seems able to pull another surprise out of the hat for us at every turn. The eponymously titled single Love Again is the promo track for his newly released EP. Roll up and get it all on the Spotty…

YEEEEEHAWWWW! Steffany Beck returns with a huge bang, and a delightful homage to one of the world’s genuine Titans of music, the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. I’ve given Steffany reviews on her previous two releases, both of which are on the EP PILLARS, just released. This one is very much a Nashville-geared country…

Benny Jennings is Hominid, from the glorious capital of New Zealand, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington. His debut single, from the forthcoming eponymously titled EP, is Introvert/Extrovert. Hominid is a disciple of Deep House, dark electronica, and UK IDM. This debut single comes from his appreciation of and willingness to bring new and innovative layers to…

Tāmaki Makaurau’s Liam Dargaville is Dbldbl. Proudly Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi, they bring forth a neat blend of minimalist beats and thoughtful, smart raps that dig deep into a lot of potentially divisive – but requiring attention – subjects. This latest single, Fakey, features a collaboration with fellow hip-hop and rap artist Randa. Firstly I…