Taranaki is really providing my happy place this week! Courtnay Low, a member of the fabulous Mons Whaler, is also the leader of Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie. This band takes its influences from a number of classic forms like jazz, blues, rock and roll – and have delivered an absolute monster of a rocker…

Another band from the fabulous Taranaki region, and another delightfully unique one at that. TheSlacks are not newcomers, and have had some ticks with previous hits, as well as some serious shows on their CV. Consisting of Scott Armstrong on vocals and rhythm guitar, Mark Armstrong on vocals and lead guitar, Blake Gibson on vocals…

Moana Leota is Mozie, Wairarapa-raised but now resident of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Her new single is called Sonshine (I have spelled it correctly, before anyone brays their faux annoyance!) and once again I have been provided with something special. I’ve said before that there are certain sounds that seem to be synonymous with these islands and…

Fraser Ross, from Ōtautahi, has a delightful, playful tenor that immediately puts you at your ease. I got a great vibe from the new single Cards, the forerunner to his pending album release in March, entitled Thunderhead. Now this single is absolutely charming. It’s got a gentle, catchy melody that will draw you in. Backing…