As government restrictions begin to lift and the local music and events industry begins to get back to life, the creative summit Phoenix Rising, a pop up event as part of the Phoenix Summit returns to bring our creative communities together on April 7th at Wynyard Pavilion.
Phoenix Rising is the brainchild of Hamish Pinkham, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished music industry players, and supported by leading individuals in New Zealand’s entertainment sector. The Phoenix Summit (set to rise back to life in 2022) was established to unite New Zealand’s creative industries and create a platform for meaningful conversations around how we can use our platforms to achieve social change.
Set over a catered dinner from Wynyard Pavilion and a complimentary beverage from Steinlager and Invivo team (the SJP vino drop), this evening will see creative forces from Music, Events, Fashion and entrepreneurial pursuits join together to share their ideas and networks while listening to engaging key speakers. These will include Mike Snell (American producer, engineer, DJ & songwriter), Caitlin Crisp (New Zealand Fashion Designer), Sam Gribben (CEO of Melodics/former CEO of Serato), NZ entrepreneurs Thomas & Michael (The Dudes Project) and the formidable NZ Urban Poet & Rapper, Melodownz. The evening is hosted by vivacious LiveNDirect founder and CEO, Keith Turner.
In a nod to the creative networking element that is in the DNA of the event, guests will be allocated seating selected by the team to a table of creative peers with similar specialties and interests, giving the opportunity to network and converse with someone new, in a time when mingling and moving is somewhat restricted.
Phoenix Rising kicks off from 6pm on April 7th with tickets for the event on sale now from Major Sponsor and helping hand Moshtix for $65.
GLOBAL LIVE SENSATION TASH SULTANA HAS TODAY ANNOUNCED A MASSIVE SHOW AT AUCKLAND’S SPARK ARENA
CRS & Live Nation have today announced that Tash Sultana will be returning to Auckland in October 2022 for a headline show at Spark Arena.
Tash Sultana, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer & engineer has dominated the global music scene from countless sold-out arena tours to breaking attendance records across the world. Tash sold out the iconic ‘Red Rocks’ amphitheatre (10,000) in just 5 minutes. The accolades and awards rush in faster than you can count them, from ARIA Music Awards, APRA Awards and National Live Music Awards, multi-platinum, gold and worldwide charting singles as well as amassing over 1billion worldwide streams.
Tash engineers, produces, arranges & performs all musical works, and sometimes dabbles in mixing their more recent work (MTV UNPLUGGED LIVE IN MELBOURNE). In 2021, fans were treated to Tash’s second album Terra Firma three years after the critically acclaimed debut record Flow State, which earned multiple platinum and gold singles: 2x platinum single Jungle, platinum selling Mystik, and the multi-platinum Notion.
Their second album was much anticipated, and welcomed with open arms. Recorded, engineered, performed, arranged, and produced almost exclusively by Tash in their own studio, the album reached ARIA #1 on the Australian charts and top 10 in other global territories. It was met with praise from critics and fans. Released under their own label Lonely Land Records, the album explores the musical mind of Tash covering an expanse of genres including neo soul, funk, R&B, folk, rock, hip-hop and more. Written and recorded between 2019 and 2021, Tash worked with fellow musicians Matt Corby, Dunn Hume, Jerome Farah and Josh Cashman to collaborate for the first time. Often penning themselves as a one-person band, sharing the mic led to dreamy tracks including Crop Circles, Willow Tree and Pretty Lady, which won best single at the 2021 Rolling Stone Australia Awards.
Tash will return to Aotearoa for the first time since 2019, performing pieces from their sophomore album Terra Firma, NOTION EP and FLOW STATE. This run will also see Tash Sultana expand the groove in a new light. Sultana has remained tight-lipped about what the new show may include but has promised it’s an extension of ‘what already is’ and what we best know them for. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet Tash with VIP packages available.
TASH SULTANA
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
TICKETS ON SALE 12PM, TUESDAY APRIL 4
Vodafone pre-sale: Wednesday March 30, 10am – Friday April 1, 10am
Live Nation pre-sale: Friday April 1, 11am – Monday April 4, 11am
For complete tour and ticket information, visit:
https://www.tashsultana.com & livenation.co.nz
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
LIVE NATION AND VODAFONE ANNOUNCE LEAPING TIGER AS THEIR MARCH ‘ONES TO WATCH’ ARTIST
We’re well into 2022 and while gigs and concerts might be limited, Live Nation and Vodafone are still supporting local music by announcing multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and vocalist Leaping Tiger as their March artist for ONES TO WATCH.
Born and raised in Auckland, Leaping Tiger came about nearly a decade ago when Jacob Park uploaded his first song onto Soundcloud at the age of 14. Exposed to music at an early age, Jacob picked up a handful of instruments including piano and flute before choosing the bass, thanks to an inspiring trip to see Ratatouille at the movies: “The Michael Giacchino score has heaps of live bass- that’s the first time I paid attention and had heard that instrument before, and I just wanted to play bass ever since.”
With an incredible talent for understanding music, Jacob takes influence from fellow musicians like Flying Lotus, Kanye West, Flume and David Bowie, crediting them as inspiration behind his recognisable beats and dream-pop like sound.
His foray into live music started when he joined a band, The Burtones, in high school, making it into the regional finals at Smokefree Rockquest in 2015 with an eclectic sound of ska, reggae and R&B. After school, Jacob moved into studying composition at university, putting Leaping Tiger into full swing, and making moves in the music world. He broke out with ‘Screw Face’ in 2019, featuring Kiwi hip-hop favourites Church & AP, JY Lee and Disciple Pati. Described by Under the Radar as having “irresistible heavy bass-grooves perfect for buzzing out to in the emerging spring sunshine”, the track helped set the tone for Jacob’s musical path.
His latest release came as a second studio album ‘Soulsleep’, released in October 2021, featuring his vocals for the first time. Jacob describes the album as a cathartic release: “This album is the journey of a relationship from start to finish in a crash and burn way. Everything that was swimming in my brain I had to get out. I felt like a corpse walking, so Soulsleep is another way of saying your soul is asleep and you don’t feel alive.”
The future is bright for Leaping Tiger, with more than just music on the cards. With a self-described “need to make things”, Jacob is continuing to explore the world of fashion, styling, and visuals. Fans can also expect his return to the stage (once Covid allows) with a live recreation of his album.
Live Nation’s Renée Hermsen had this to say: “Leaping Tiger is an incredibly exciting and forward-thinking artist. Proving his talent was once again with the release of his second album Soulsleep last year. I have no doubt these sounds are going to fill dancefloors in both New Zealand and far beyond. Make sure to catch him while he’s still here..!”
2022 will see an exciting new slate of Kiwi musicians added to the ONES TO WATCH programmed in Aotearoa. Leaping Tiger will join Mo Etc., ONONO, Rhys Rich, There’s a Tuesday, Muroki, Daily J, Balu Brigada and more as he joins the programme’s alumni.
Launched in 2017 in the United States, ONES TO WATCH has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including Halsey and Grammy-award winning superstars Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish, who are both set to visit New Zealand later this year on their world tours.
On Leaping Tiger joining the ONES TO WATCH programme, Joe Goddard, Experience & Commercial Director at Vodafone NZ said: "We're super excited to be able to support our OTW artists at a time where concerts can't go ahead. We hope New Zealanders keep streaming their music and band together to buy tickets and support the arts when shows return."
After launching an exclusive long-term partnership in 2019, Live Nation Australasia and Vodafone New Zealand have provided Vodafone customers access to Live Nation’s entertainment portfolio including music, family and comedy tours and festivals across the country. The strategic multi-year partnership is committed to bringing the best live experiences to New Zealand and the best New Zealand artists to the world. The unique emerging talent platform of ONES TO WATCH builds on this strong partnership and a mutual dedication to support grassroots initiatives.
As well as access to the online platform, Vodafone customers will be given the chance to win tickets to the ONES TO WATCH invitation-only quarterly showcase events. More info and competition details available at: vodafonerewards.co.nz
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
LEAPING TIGER FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
ONES TO WATCH FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER
AJR ANNOUNCES 2022 DATES FOR THE OK ORCHESTRA TOUR
Multiplatinum indie pop trio AJR have today announced New Zealand tour dates for August 2022 as part of The OK ORCHESTRA Tour. The tour announce follows the release of the band’s fourth full-length album ‘OK ORCHESTRA’ which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Alternative and Rock Albums charts and claimed No.10 on the Billboard 200. The tour will kick off in Australia before heading to Auckland’s Spark Arena on August 27th and Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre on August 28th.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 11am on Friday 1 April.
My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning at 11am on Wednesday 30 March, concluding at 10am on Friday 1 April.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz
Re-envisioning what pop can be in the 21st century, AJR unassumingly emerged as a ubiquitous hit-making outlier and one of the biggest indie bands in the world. Since 2012, the award-winning indie pop trio - Adam [bass, vocals], Jack [vocals, guitar], and Ryan [ukulele, piano, vocals] - have generated billions of streams and earned one triple-platinum single, one double-platinum single, four platinum singles, and one platinum album. Their 2020 platinum blockbuster ‘BANG!’ marked their first Top 10 entry on Billboard Hot 100 and earned the band their 1st Billboard Music Award for ‘Best Rock Song’ in 2021.
2019 album ’Neotheater’ marked their biggest first week debut, bowing at #8 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Top Alternative Albums Chart, and #1 on the Top Rock Albums Chart. Cemented as part of the modern zeitgeist, Spotify touted ‘Sober Up’ [feat. Rivers Cuomo] among the ‘Best Rock Songs of the 2010s’, while Apple Music included ‘Weak’ on its ’Best Alt Songs of the 2010s’. Not to mention, they remain one of the “500 Most-Listened to Artists” on Spotify.
AJR’s most recent single “Way Less Sad” was aired on over 200 radio stations across the U.S, cracking the Top 40, Adult Pop and Alternative Radio charts. It has amassed more than 100 million streams worldwide and has been featured on Spotify’s ‘The New ALT’ and ‘Just Good Music’, Amazon Music’s ‘Hot Singles’, Pandora’s ‘Today’s Hits’ as well as Apple Music’s ‘A-List Pop’ and ‘Alt Pop’ playlists.
AJR
THE OK ORCHESTRA TOUR
NEW ZEALAND 2022
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND SATURDAY AUGUST 27
MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE, WELLINGTON SUNDAY AUGUST 28
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY APRIL 1 AT 11AM NZT
Live Nation pre-sale: 11am Wednesday March 30 – 10am Friday April 1
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
INDIE-GROOVE KIWI BAND MASAYA RELEASE BRAND NEW SONG ‘ATTENTION’
Kiwi band Masaya have today announced their brand-new single Attention, set to excite fans and send out the Aotearoa summer in style. The catchy track is co-written by lead vocalist Reiki Ruawai and former bandmate and talented musician Muroki.
Written at the band’s home in Raglan, the uplifting song tells the story of trying to grab someone’s attention in a crowd. The music video for Attention, directed by Ashley Pitman and filmed at Ponsonby’s Studio 230, will drop on Friday 25th March.
Originally formed for a university project, Masaya has blossomed into an indie-groove five-piece with a sound reflective of their Raglan upbringing. Now based in Auckland, the band came out with their first EP Tongue & Groove in 2019, and have since treated crowds at a number of festival appearances around Aotearoa, including Soundsplash, Rhythm & Vines and Bay Dreams.
“Attention is all about living in the moment, going with the vibes and connecting on the dancefloor. It was so much fun to make and we can’t wait to share it with our fans,” says frontman Reiki Ruawai.
With Reiki on lead vocals, the band is rounded out with sister Kaea Ruawai on drums, Jules Blewman on lead guitar, Joe Kaptein on keys, and Nat Hathaway on bass. In 2020 they were nominated for a Waiata Māori Award in the Best RnB Album by a Māori Artist for Tongue & Groove, which has now amassed over 1 million Spotify streams.
Musician Muroki lends his songwriting talent to Attention, as a former bandmate and friend. Now signed to Benee’s record label Olive, he’s performed on stages across the country including opening for the multi-platinum pop star on her nationwide tour.
Masaya are currently working on their debut album, due for release in June 2022.
LISTEN TO ATTENTION HERE
FOLLOW MASAYA ONLINE
INSTAGRAM / SPOTIFY / FACEBOOK
WET LEG: THE BRITISH INDIE-ROCK BAND ANNOUNCE A ONE-OFF SPLENDOUR SIDESHOW IN AOTEAROA
Live Nation today announce that Isle of Wight duo WET LEG are set to play a one-off Splendour in the Grass sideshow in Tāmaki Makaurau this July. The British indie-rockers will play at Auckland’s The Tuning Fork on July 17, before heading to Byron Bay to perform at one of Australia’s largest festivals.
Tickets go on sale at 10am, Friday March 11.
My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning at 10am, Thursday March 10 until 9am, Friday March 11.
For complete tour, ticket and VIP Experience information, visit: livenation.co.nz
With a string of incredibly catchy singles released from their newest EP ‘Angelica’, WET LEG will play an intimate show at Auckland’s The Tuning Fork. Formed in a moment of drunken clarity back in 2019, Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers created WET LEG while perched at the summit of a Ferris wheel, a fittingly quirky origin for the whimsical artistry to come.
Together with their guitars, a penchant for French disco, and a hive of imagination that draws on everything from Pierre Bachelet, The Strokes and the B52s, they set about making some recordings of their own.
WET LEG has since spawned an ever-growing catalogue of inimitable, chaotic alt/pop majesty with tracks like the crazily catchy ‘Chaise Longue’ swiftly going viral, sparking inclusions on ‘ones to watch’ lists everywhere, and drawing a huge crowd to their first proper festival set at Latitude 2021.
From Ferris wheel to record deal, the debut release from the kaleidoscopic world of Wet Leg is due in April 2022 and set to raise moods across the globe.
With their US tour in full swing, a debut album arriving in April, and both festival and headline dates across the UK and Europe to follow, WET LEG will be in prime form when they bring their idiosyncratic artistry to Aotearoa this July!
WET LEG
NEW ZEALAND 2022
THE TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND SUNDAY, JULY 17
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY MARCH 11 AT 10AM (LOCAL TIME)
Live Nation pre-sale: 10am Thursday March 10 – 9am Friday March 11
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
RHYTHM AND VINES LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH PRESALE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
Rhythm and Vines have today announced that unfortunately the R&V Easter 2022 event is cancelled. With this, attention now turns towards the 20th Anniversary of Rhythm and Vines, taking place this New Year on Dec 28 - Dec 31 2022.
R&V 2022- 20th Anniversary
Waiohika Estate, Gisborne
Thursday, December 29 2022 - Saturday, December 31 2022
4 Nights Camping from Wednesday, December 28 2022
rhythmandvines.co.nz
“It seems that our Easter event was not to be, so our attention now moves to an incredible milestone in the festival's history, celebrating two decades of creating special moments!”, festival co-founder Hamish Pinkham says. “We are excited for the future of Rhythm and Vines and look forward to seeing what the next 20 years has in store"
What began as a New Year party for friends in 2003, Rhythm and Vines has since gone on to host top international acts such as big names Calvin Harris, Moby, Chance the Rapper and seen over 300,000 kiwis attend the festival since 2003, delivering more than $6million into the local Gisborne economy each year.
This year, in a festival first, Rhythm and Vines will be releasing its very own range of Rhythm and Vines NFT Collectibles. Validated by smart contracts, fans of Rhythm and Vines will be able to collect and own digital collectibles, which unlock tangible benefits such as 1 of 2 Lifetime Passes, exclusive Festival Experiences and a range of festival memorabilia. Those who register for the R&V Presale will also have the chance to win the very first NFT as well as tickets, Glamping Package worth over $4,000 and more.
All R&V Easter 2022 tickets remain valid for the new dates. Refunds are available for those who can not make the new dates. For ticketing information head to rhythmandvines.co.nz
RHYTHM AND VINES 20th ANNIVERSARY PRESALE
Presale tickets for Rhythm and Vines 2022 go on sale from Wednesday March 16 to Vodafone customers, followed by an exclusive Genoapay presale on March 21. Full presale information is included below including how you can win the first ever R&V Collectible NFT, a Glamping package and more. With R&V Easter tickets rolling over, and extremely high demand for the 20th anniversary, presale tickets are expected to sell out before the General Public onsale. We encourage everyone to register for the below presales where possible to avoid missing out.
💎 Vodafone 48 Hour Presale 💎
March 16, 2022 12:00 PM → March 18, 2022 12:00 PM
Vodafone customers, exclusively through Vodafone Rewards, gain first access to your favourite campgrounds and a limited number of presale tickets.
vodafone.co.nz/music
💎 Genoapay 48 Hour Presale 💎
March 21, 2022 10:00 AM → March 23, 2022 10:00 AM
Sign up for Genoapay before March 21 to gain access to a limited number of presale tickets. Purchase your tickets using Genoapay and pay over 10 weekly payments, with no interest, ever!
Genoapay T&Cs & late fees apply. Genoapay is provided by Latitude Innovation Holdings Limited.
Sign up for Genoapay here: genoapay.com/how-it-works
💎 R&V 24 Hour Presale 💎
March 23, 2022 12:00 PM → March 24, 2022 12:00 PM
Everyone who registered for the R&V presale gains access to allocation of presale tickets. Plus, everyone who is registered goes in the draw to win the first ever R&V Collectible NFT. Top point scorers during the registration period also win a Glamping package and discount codes.
rhythmandvines.co.nz
💎 General Public Onsale 💎
March 24, 2022 1:00 PM
“Celebrating 20 years of bringing friends together and creating precious rare moments. Much like diamonds, those moments stay with you forever.” 💎
LIVE NATION AND SECRET SOUNDS PRESENT REX ORANGE COUNTY
Live Nation and Secret Sounds are thrilled to today announce that Rex Orange County will be touring New Zealand in September 2022, heading to Auckland’s Spark Arena and Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.
This news comes just ahead of the release of Rex Orange County’s new album, WHO CARES? out Friday 11 March, and marks the first time the uplifting singer-songwriter will grace New Zealand shores in over three years.
Alongside the announce of his album, Rex also shared the record’s lead single and its accompanying video KEEP IT UP. The clip sees Rex dancing his way through Amsterdam's busy city centre as he performs the track alongside musician Benny Sings, with whom he created WHO CARES? over the course of a few sessions in Sings' Amsterdam studio.
Rex followed KEEP IT UP with the Valentine’s Day release of upbeat ode to falling in love, Amazing. The track is accompanied by a video with visuals featuring finger puppets directed by Chris Ullens.
WHO CARES? is Rex's first release since 2020's Live at Radio City Music Hall EP taken from his two sold-out shows at the venue in 2020 just before his international Pony tour was cut short due to COVID-19. As it turns out, that tour being interrupted is part of the genesis of Rex’s new album. After spending the bulk of 2020 quarantined back home in the UK, Rex made his way to Amsterdam to record with Benny Sings, with whom he crafted the 2017 platinum selling breakout single Loving is Easy.
What started as sessions without expectations turned into an incredibly productive 48-hour window of recording with Benny, prompting a follow-up trip to Amsterdam. The subsequent 10 days of work together produced Rex’s fourth album, made in close partnership with Benny, that is a playful record by an artist in a playful mood. The album also finds Rex reunited with one of his earliest champions, Tyler, The Creator, who contributes a verse to OPEN A WINDOW, marking the first time the two have collaborated since Tyler's 2017 album Flower Boy.
If you want to catch the vibrant crooner in action you better jump on tickets quick! For first access to Rex Orange County tickets, pre-order WHO CARES? by 11:59pm NZDT, Tuesday 8 March to get access to the exclusive presale.
REX ORANGE COUNTY
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2
MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE, WELLINGTON
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3
TICKETS ON SALE 11AM, FRIDAY MARCH 11
Album preorder Presale: Wednesday, March 9, 11am
Live Nation pre-sale: Thursday March 10, 11am – Friday March 11, 10am
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: rexorangecounty.com & livenation.co.nz
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
AUSTRALIAN POP-PUNK DUO TEENAGE JOANS TAKE THE STAGE AS LIVE NATION AND VODAFONE’S ‘ONES TO WATCH’ ARTIST FOR FEBRUARY
Two-piece powerhouse duo Teenage Joans are the latest artist to take over Live Nation & Vodafone’s ONES TO WATCH programme, after being named as the February artist. Their self-described juice box pop-punk sound has fans transfixed, and it’s clear that these two are ready to make waves in the music industry.
After meeting for the first time in 2018 through a mutual friend, Cahli Blakers and Tahlia Borg formed an instant connection. The duo entered and won the Triple J Unearthed High competition, catapulting them onto a nationwide stage. From there, they performed at the iconic Laneway Festival and A Day of Clarity in 2019, and started to prove themselves as ones to watch across the country.
In January 2021, Teenage Joans released the lead single ‘Something About Being Sixteen’, from their debut EP ‘Taste of Me’. Described as “a thrilling formal introduction to their cathartic, bittersweet pop-punk” by NME’s Alex Gallagher, the EP won them a record-breaking seven awards at the 2021 South Australian Music Awards, including Best Group, Best Release, and Best Song.
Their punchy lyrics, bass-heavy drums and captivating vocals all contribute to their signature sound, as well as the inspiration they take from bands including Camp Cope, Tired Lion, and the riot grrrl movement. Since bursting onto the scene, they’ve played across Australia alongside iconic local acts including Courtney Barnett, Sly Withers and are currently in the middle of a trio of headline shows across Australia.
Live Nation promoter Renee Hermsen has this to say: “Raw energy, great vocals and incredibly catchy tunes which immediately make you long to be back in high school. All written and performed by 2 very cool girls. I like everything about this band!”
ONES TO WATCH has kicked off 2022 with Mo Etc. as the first artist of the year, and with Teenage Joans joining the slate, it’s set to be an epic year of local music. Other programme alumni include ONONO, Rhys Rich, There’s a Tuesday, Muroki, Daily J, Balu Brigada and PollyHill, proving that the local talent in Australasia is that of a global standard.
Launched in 2017 in the United States, ONES TO WATCH has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including Halsey and Grammy-award winning Dua Lipa, who has recently embarked on a global tour, including a New Zealand pit-stop planned for November.
On the February artist, Joe Goddard, Experience & Commercial Director at Vodafone NZ: "This program is all about propelling the best up and comers into the public eye and Teenage Joans have the youthful energy that Vodafone loves to see succeed. With a pause on most events across New Zealand, it's important to get out there and support creatives in any way you can."
After launching an exclusive long-term partnership in 2019, Live Nation Australasia and Vodafone New Zealand have provided Vodafone customers access to Live Nation’s entertainment portfolio including music, family and comedy tours and festivals across the country. The strategic multi-year partnership is committed to bringing the best live experiences to New Zealand and the best New Zealand artists to the world. The unique emerging talent platform of ONES TO WATCH builds on this strong partnership and a mutual dedication to support grassroots initiatives.
As well as access to the online platform, Vodafone customers will be given the chance to win tickets to the ONES TO WATCH invitation-only quarterly showcase events. More info and competition details available at: vodafone.co.nz/music
NETSKY AND KIWI ARTIST MONTELL2099 TEAM UP AGAIN WITH NEW ATMOSPHERIC HIT ‘BROKEN’
Chart-topping Drum & Bass legend Netsky has once again collaborated with Aotearoa heavyweight Montell2099 with new single Broken. The release follows their first project together – Mixed Emotions, taken from Netsky’s fourth studio album Second Nature, which was released in 2020 and includes the hits Let Me Hold You and Hold On. The pair met a few years ago, during Netsky’s annual pilgrimage to New Zealand, and their friendship has blossomed into collaborations and appearing on stages together across the globe.
Since signing to the legendary Hospital Records in 2009, internationally renowned star Netsky has spent a decade becoming a household name. The youngest ever recipient of the Flemish Culture Award for Music and highest ranking Drum & Bass DJ as voted by the DJ Mag Top 10, the Belgian native is an acclaimed musician and producer, with 4 studio albums under his belt; collaborations with David Guetta, Lil Wayne, Aloe Blacc, Emeli Sande and Rudimental and huge remixes for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Swedish House Mafia, Jessie J, and Miike Snow.
The producer’s refreshing liquid drum n bass style has seen him achieve chart success, whilst building an award winning live show and performing at festivals around the world including Coachella, Glastonbury, Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop.
Despite the world being in the throes of the Coronavirus pandemic last year, Netsky brought his huge Glasshouse show here to Aotearoa, the only country in the world that managed to keep Covid out and where live shows were still happening at that time. These shows were a huge success and the DJ heavyweight is now bringing the Glasshouse show to Printworks (London) and Lotto Arena in Netsky’s hometown of Antwerp.
Meanwhile, talented local artist Montell2099 punctuates an already explosive career with the dynamic electronic bass music style on Broken. He’s delivered headline slots on Aotearoa’s biggest festival stages, recently returned from a North American Tour with RL Grime, become the first Kiwi to be booked for stages at EDC and Tomorrowland, and been enlisted for works by Lorde, CharliXCX, Diplo, Trippie Redd and more.
Now Netsky and Montell2099 join forces for the captivating new single, Broken. Featuring entrancing melodies, hypnotic vocals, and their signature pumping basslines, Broken is a must have at festivals and club nights alike.
TRAILER RELEASED FOR INDIGENOUS SCI-FI THRILLER NIGHT RAIDERS
Following critical acclaim at Berlin and Toronto International Film Festivals, and most recently at the NZ International Film Festival, Night Raiders has today released a local trailer ahead of its nationwide general release on Thursday 24th March.
Set in 2043, the Canadian-New Zealand co-production is a female driven dystopian drama about resilience, courage and love. The nail-biting post-war future thriller follows a mother joining an underground band of vigilantes to try and rescue her daughter from a state-run institution.
Night Raiders is written by Cree-Métis director Danis Goulet (Wapawekka, Barefoot) who describes the film as inspired in part by Alfonso Cuarón's 2006 film Children of Men, as well as by the military response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in 2016. Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarock, What We Do in the Shadows) serves as Executive Producer on the film.
Producer Chelsea Winstanley pointed out that colonisation is a shared experience among many Indigenous peoples around the world: “The events in the film depicting despicable acts against children in state care happened in Aotearoa, in Australia among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and with Native Americans. Chelsea adds “What Danis has done through her script, which is so clever, has been to reference the past which we now experience the effects of in the present, to be a warning to our future. And that's the message: if we don't take notice of what we've done in the past, we can, if we're not careful, repeat those same mistakes."
Night Raiders stars Elle-Máijá Apiniskim Tailfeathers (Blood Quantam), newcomer Brooklyn Letexier-Hart (Burden of Truth), Aotearoa actor, Alex Tarrant (Head High, NCIS: Hawai’i) and Amanda Plummer (Pulp Fiction, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire).
Goulet described making Night Raiders as a genre that North American film has never explored to the same extent as European film: "Lights had gone off about how to express in indigenous life on screen. Filmmaking is a natural and organic extension of the oral tradition. It gives us tools to bring these stories to life in new and imaginative ways."
Night Raiders was released in Canada in late 2021, with the widest opening of any film by an indigenous director in Canadian film history. It was named the winner of the 2021 DGC Discovery Award from the Directors Guild of Canada, and included in TIFF's annual year-end Canada's Top Ten list for 2021. The Toronto Film Critics Association named Night Raiders as a finalist for the Rogers Best Canadian Film Award at the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards 2021, with the winner slated to be announced in March 2022.
Stuff called the Night Raiders “A haunting, vibrant, thought-provoking tale” and The L.A. Times commended Goulet on her feature directorial debut: “the world she builds is a remarkably detailed, revealing reflection of our own.”
Night Raiders is produced by Tara Woodbury (Transplant, The Underground), Paul Barkin (The Colony, Amreeka, Firecrackers), Ainsley Gardiner (Boy, Eagle vs Shark, The Breaker Upperers), Georgina Conder (Cousins, The Breaker Upperers, She Shears), co-produced by Chelsea Winstanley (Jojo Rabbit, Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, What We Do in the Shadows). Also executive producing are Lisa Meeches and Kyle Irving for Eagle Vision.
With investment from The New Zealand Film Commission, Night Raiders is distributed in New Zealand by Rialto Distribution.
LORDE ANNOUNCED AS GUEST EDITOR FOR NEW EDITION OF VIVA’S QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
Photo credit: Ophelia Mikkelson Jones
International award-winning fashion and lifestyle magazine Viva have announced Grammy Award-winning singer Lorde (Ella Yelich-O’Connor) as special guest editor and cover star of its upcoming glossy edition, on sale in retail outlets Aotearoa-wide on the 28th February.
As Viva’s inaugural guest editor, Ella has worked closely with the Viva team to bring the pages to life. The issue explores the theme of ‘designing a better future’, from indigenous fashion and innovative design, to the importance of te reo and protecting our environment – subjects close to Ella’s heart. Ella is photographed for the cover shoot wearing a host of sustainably-minded local designers, accompanied by an in-depth interview by published author Megan Dunn (Things I Learned at Art School).
Lorde (Ella Yelich-O’Connor)says, “I feel privileged to have been invited to work with the talented team at Viva. We loved putting this issue together, and I learnt a lot. I can’t wait to share it with everyone”.
Viva editor Amanda Linnell says, “We’re over the moon to collaborate with Ella on this very special issue. Ella was extremely hands-on, brainstorming story ideas, interviewing creatives, and being part of the layout process and so much more. Her generosity of time and spirit towards this issue means it’s particularly special. I know our readers will love it. The issue is brimming with great reads, we can’t wait for New Zealanders to pick up a copy and enjoy it.”
Viva Magazine Volume Seven also features writing from BBC documentary maker and environmental journalist Sharron Ward, who highlights unique places worth preserving in Aotearoa, from Putiki to Pukeiāhua.
Award-winning writer and published author Shilo Kino (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Maniapoto) explores the rising popularity of full immersion te reo Māori study.
Readers can step inside the unique home of artist Martin Basher and his director wife Martha Jeffries, located in Ian Athfield’s iconic hillside complex in Khandallah. Plus, sought-after interior designer Katie Lockhart shares the inspiration behind some of her most exciting projects.
Viva food writer Leisha Jones investigates the future of hospitality in New Zealand, and wine writer Jo Burzynska rounds-up innovative wineries in the sustainability scene, recommending the best drops from around the country.
Following its launch in August 2020, Viva’s quarterly magazine has gone from strength to strength, winning First Place in the Best Use of Print Award at the INMA Global Media Awards in 2021, and being inducted into Kātoitoi - the Aotearoa Design Archive.
Also available as an annual subscription, Viva Magazine Volume Seven will be on sale on magazine shelves right across New Zealand from 28th February.
MAXO KREAM ANNOUNCES NEW ZEALAND DATE
New Zealand Splendour in the Grass Sideshow confirmed for July 2022
American rapper Maxo Kream has announced a New Zealand sideshow to his Splendour In The Grass festival appearance this July. The Houston-native will perform at Auckland’s Studio The Venue on July 20 before heading to Byron to perform at Splendour In The Grass, one of Australia’s largest and most popular music festivals.
Tickets go on sale at 10am, Thursday February 17.
My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning at 10am, Tuesday February 15 until 8am, Thursday February 17.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz
Upon meeting him, gangsta rapper isn't the impression that most would get from Houston emcee Maxo Kream. He has a surprisingly goofy and playful demeanour, often cracking self-aware jokes and displaying a smile which showcases either his gold grin or his trademark gap in the upper row of his teeth. But, make no mistake, Maxo's backstory is a tale consisting of crime and death that would catch the attention of the most jaded followers of gangsta/trap rap.
Maxo will say that the pandemic did little to affect his day-to-day, but the time he had to reflect - coupled with the passing of one of the most important people in his life - wrenched from him his most honest and autobiographical work to date. With ‘Weight of the World’ Maxo is unraveling his grief with profoundly grounded precision. The 16-track, 44-minute project boasts features from Tyler, the Creator, ASAP Rocky, Freddie Gibbs, Monaleo, and, on the album closer, Don Toliver.
"A Houston-native through and through, Maxo flashes a grin that reveals a blindingly radiant grill, encrusted in diamonds. He wears an equally iced-out chain - customized with the logo for his streetwear company Persona -and an Atlanta Braves fitted cap. In other words, he's crisp, ready for his long-overdue breakthrough." - Rolling Stone.
MAXO KREAM
STUDIO THE VENUE, AUCKLAND WEDNESDAY JULY 20
TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17 AT 10AM (LOCAL TIME)
Live Nation pre-sale: 10am Tuesday February 15 – 9am Thursday February 17
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
HOST OF SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS SIDESHOWS ANNOUNCED FOR NEW ZEALAND THIS JULY
Pick 'n' Mix line-up includes Liam Gallagher, Jack Harlow, YUNGBLUD, Aitch, Orville Peck and more
Live Nation and Secret Sounds have today announced a huge selection of Splendour in the Grass sideshows for New Zealand this July 2022. Pick ‘n’ mix headline performances include bonafide rock ‘n’ roll star and living legend Liam Gallagher, the nimble wordplay and unpredictable rhyme patterns of one of the hottest acts in the world right now Jack Harlow, and New Zealand’s favourite Yorkshire born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist YUNGBLUD. Tickets for all shows go on sale Monday 14 February at 9am.
The pick ‘n’ mix line-up continues with Aitch bringing his infectious energy and unrivalled flow, and country recording artist Orville Peck set to captivate with his deep baritone. Rising superstar Tierra Whack will bring her flavourful wordplay and boundless creativity, and LA-based rapper and producer JPEG MAFIA will hit our shores hot off the back of his fourth full-length album.
Catch the alternative tunes of Still Woozy, made with his homespun mix of acoustic and electronic instruments, or Brit Awards’ Rising Star Holly Humberstone as she moves audiences with her inimitable brand of songwriting and visionary creativity. Listen in awe as Joy Crookes showcases her timeless vocals and storytelling, and prepare to be stunned when renforshort performs her reflective and snappy tracks.
See below for dates and cities for each show. Tickets for all shows are on sale from Monday 14 February at 9am. My Live Nation members may also secure tickets first during the pre-sale beginning 9am Friday 11 February.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz/sitgsideshows
LIAM GALLAGHER SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND THURSDAY JULY 21
JACK HARLOW TRUST ARENA, AUCKLAND SUNDAY JULY 31
YUNGBLUD SHED 10, AUCKLAND WEDNESDAY JULY 20
AITCH SAN FRAN, WELLINGTON SATURDAY JULY 30
AITCH POWERSTATION, AUCKLAND SUNDAY JULY 31
ORVILLE PECK POWERSTATION, AUCKLAND SUNDAY JULY 17
TIERRA WHACK POWERSTATION, AUCKLAND SATURDAY JULY 30
JPEG MAFIA POWERSTATION, AUCKLAND TUESDAY JULY 26
STILL WOOZY TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND MONDAY JULY 18
HOLLY HUMBERSTONE TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND SUNDAY JULY 31
JOY CROOKES POWERSTATION, AUCKLAND SUNDAY JULY 24
RENFORSHORT TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND SATURDAY JULY 30
TICKETS ON SALE 9AM MONDAY FEBRUARY 14
Live Nation pre-sale from 9am Friday February 11
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz
AUCKLAND LIVE: PRESENTS THE RETURN OF AUCKLAND TOWN HALL AND THE CIVIC TOURS IN 2022
Auckland Live is proud to announce the return of The Auckland Town Hall and The Civic Tours – offering remarkable experiences of the historic buildings. Following the tremendous success of previous tours, sessions for both venues will run year-round for the first time ever, commencing the end of January throughout 2022.
Led by passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, The Auckland Town Hall Tours and The Civic Tours offer an immersive, insider's look into the workings of the iconic buildings, their histories, shows, backstage stories, and more.
'The tour was informative, excellently presented and thoroughly enjoyable' - Tour patron
Tickets for both tours go on sale: Tuesday 18 January 2022 at aucklandlive.co.nz/tours.
The Civic Tours
Thursday 27 January - Thursday 15 December. Session dates and times are available here.
Auckland Town Hall Tours
Sunday 23 January - Sunday 11 December. Session dates and times are available here.
Ticket Prices:
Individual - $49*
Groups of 6+ - $46* pp
*Service Fees apply
Ticket price includes a $5 voucher, redeemable at The Terrace Café or the Auckland Art Gallery Café
Auckland Live - we create memories that last a lifetime. #lovingitlive
Auckland Live is a division of Auckland Unlimited.