Pōneke legend Darren Watson is a man who lets his music talk. And boy does it talk! This is the guy who got his single Planet Key banned in 2014, only to successfully appeal the ban. Sticking it to the man always goes down well in my book. Darren says he’s an albums man, generally.…

South Auckland based multi-talented Siavani brings us what I can only describe as audio beauty. Partnering with his son Lively, the single Love Look Easy is absurdly catchy, beautifully melodic, and one of the most Pacifica sounding R & B songs I have heard in quite some time. Siavani has caught something inherently Polynesian in…

Mmmmmmmmm, this is what chocolate would sound like. Warm, smooth, velvety, puts a naughty smile on your dial, and sends you somewhere sweeeeet… which is great, because I’m writing this while knocked sideways with dose number two of the Rona. Say aww now! Aja Wairere Ropata (Ngāti Raukawa, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti…

Fiffdimension is multi-instrumentalist Dave Black. He’s based in beautiful Wairarapa (like me, yay!), and his repertoire spans over 25 years. There are times when you come across something so utterly avant-garde you’re momentarily left at a loss for words. This isn’t a bad thing. Not a criticism. Music can, and often should, challenge barriers and…

Raglan based singer/songwriter Soulti – otherwise known as Teresa Michels – is stepping out of the acoustic, electronica and DJ sets at places such as the iconic Yot Club, and is launching her debut single Evergreen. This one is a more thoughtful, introspective debut that a lot of your usual high energy, in-you-face debuts we…

The Mons Whaler are back with new single Online, and wow! What a different vibe to the previous track, but equally as good. A band that can release two audially diverse numbers like these guys have just done are a massive positive in my wickle book. This is a beautiful melody built around a staccato/reggae…