We all know true talent shines through anything. No truer words could be spoken to describe the vocal prowess of Julie Foai, aka Miss French. Having been in the industry for 30 years with her band Te Vaka, Julie is stepping out on her own and bringing us a wonderful album of work, The Trials…

Annemarie Duff, aka T.G. Shand, is definitely an alternative focused artist. This is a good thing. New single Scenes brings us a reflective, winsome little number with a truly delightful video to boot. With a message that’s essentially a reflection on the development of one’s train of thought while people watching while comfortable sitting a…

Now if there was ever a song that resonated with me it’s Give You Up, the new single by Taranaki’s TwinTiger. Wow wow wowzie effing wow! The ‘Naki produces some incredible music, I have to say, and this year that I have been running Flash-Trax has highlighted this to me so much. I am grateful…

It has GOT to be a laugh being a member of Saurian! These guys seem like they really, really enjoy being in the band. I just finished watching the promo vid for new single Park Bench and, despite the emotive song, the sense of fun is still pervasive. Take a look at the end credits…

I was sent an APRA industry update the other day and it included an amazing link to a waiata gifted to us from a collective called Manu Taupunga ki Ruātoki. Now this is a veritable A list of current Māori artists, who in May took themselves out of the city and went bush with legendary Tūhoe…

This is my first time listening to Ocean Beach and I love them! What a party in my lugholes! Recorded and produced by high profile twiddling desk maestro Dale Cotton, Boys Club is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming album The Long Road Home, due at the end of the year. If this track…

I find myself gifted the chance to review Aotearoa Rock Royalty. The great Rikki Morris is returning with his new album About Time, for which he is also touring (see elsewhere on this site for tour information). Opening track on the album, and lead single, is The Saddest Sound, written by Rikki’s equally legendary brother,…

Matariki is upon us here in Aotearoa. On Thursday just gone I attended by two sons’ school’s Matariki celebration, and the tamariki sang two waiata following the karakia. It occurred to me how beautiful Te Reo is, in song and in everyday discourse. I found myself smiling without realising it. I’m very much a fan…

This is unusual and fun. Karl Sölve Steven, composer for TV, producer, based in Pārāwai (Thames) has teamed up with Finnish songstress and vocal teacher Anna Fält to bring us a new and distincly original album called Väva. From this record they present us with single Ähky. This Finnish word translates to English as to…

This is my first time getting to hear Taranaki Blues performer Karen Clarke, and I can safely say that we have yet another act to add to the freakishly high number of top tier acts coming from the ‘Naki region. Her new single Bruised And Wondering is a powerhouse release, a definitive statement of intent.…