Awa - Heartbeat Album Review
31 May 2013 // review by Dilemma
Awa has just released his second EP Heartbeat which is perfectly titled encompassing all that Awa found himself feeling as he was working on it. In his own words it was "the happiest and most inspired I'd been in a long time," and as such he chose to pay tribute to this with seven naturalistic new songs written around the themes of, as he puts it, "Love, Aotearoa and enjoying life.
Read More...
Soljah - Aotearoa Album Review
25 May 2013 // review by Dilemma
Kaipara and Auckland based five-piece band Soljah have just released their debut album Aotearoa. Soljah is Ben Ratima, Les Watane, Tawhiri Littlejohn, Raniera Littlejohn and Jacob Nansen.
Read More...
TREi - Satellites LP Review
30 Apr 2013 // review by Dilemma
I’ll be honest I didn’t even know NZ had Drum n Bass DJ’s let alone a whole industry and a producer who was on to his second album, but that’s why I love NZ, because of our diversity of amazing music. I’m going to put it out there pretty quick that I’m not usually a fan of the dirty drum n bass thing, but I was given the Album Satellites to take a listen to and I was highly impressed.
Read More...
Maree Sheehan - Chasing The Light Album Review
04 Mar 2013 // review by Dilemma
In the 1990's Maree Sheehan helped pave the way for women in the New Zealand music industry by bringing homegrown dance-pop to the foreground. Sheehan had a unique style, which blended dance-pop with traditional Maori instrumentals, hip-hop and RnB which broke new musical ground.
Read More...
A few mins with Maree Sheehan
23 Feb 2013 // interview by Dilemma
What can we expect to see from you over the next year?I am looking forward to a lot more performances throughout New Zealand, promoting my new album 'Chasing the light.
Read More...
Tyree - Motivation Album Review
23 Feb 2013 // review by Dilemma
It's been six long years since Tyree's debut album Now Or Never (2007) and his much anticipated sophomore opus Motivation calls on all of that experience and maturity into a project that encapsulates Tyree and his current struggles to maintain a positive outlook on life and career. "It's got a lot of songs that will motivate you.
Read More...
Junica - The Celebration Album Review
30 Nov 2012 // review by Dilemma
I first remember hearing Junica AKA Nik Brinkman back in 2011 when Living In My House featuring Pip Brown Aka Ladyhawke was released and I thought it was good a bit 80's disco and shiny mirrorballs. Unfortunately that first single was released at the same time as The Naked and Famous were big and I really didn't take a lot of notice because the N&F are so good at what they do.
Read More...
RIANZ 47th Annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards
15 Nov 2012 // review by Dilemma
When you kick off any kind of ceremony with 3 drummers smashing double kick pedals completely in unison backing NZ’s own rock superstar Gin Wigmore, you would think that there is no actual way that a night could start or end any better! But we wouldn’t expect anything less being that this was the beginning of the 47th Annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards held at the Vector Arena earlier this month.
Read More...
Aaradhna Showcase @ Nectar Bar 11/10/12
13 Nov 2012 // review by Dilemma
About a month ago, I was invited to watch Aaradhna showcase some new songs from her new amazing album Treble and Reverb. It’s been out for about 5 days now, have you heard it?
Read More...
Cavell - Last Summer EP Review
21 Oct 2012 // review by Dilemma
Cavell is a surprising new talent to emerge in the NZ music scene. He has gradually developed his own musical sense of style through collaborations and guidance from local super-talented artists such as DLove and Deach, Jae'O and from record-breaking Hip Hop group Smashproof whom he was a support act.
Read More...
Donell Lewis - Missing My Love EP Review
17 Oct 2012 // review by Dilemma
Donell Lewis has recently released a 6 track EP called 'Missing My Love' with the title song being the hottest new tune on YouTube and urban radio. Missing My Love is the third track and it features Fortafy aka Sam Ratumaituvuki.
Read More...
Sweet & Irie - Irie Inspiration Album Review
10 Oct 2012 // review by Dilemma
Local Rasta man Ed Ru is back to deliver Sweet & Irie’s sophomore album Irie Inspiration released on October 12th.
Shaping out his organically grown style, Ed show’s the influence of Uncle Bob on the beautiful song ‘Psalms Of Bob Marley,‘ which is an excellent choice for an opening track.
Read More...
L.A. Mitchell - Apple Heart Video Review
06 Sep 2012 // review by Dilemma
It is only fitting that LA Mitchell's beautiful song 'Apple Heart' have an equally beautiful and contempo cool music video.
The song ‘Apple Heart’ is already an aching love ballad and it's not easy to get the right balance of complimentary and interesting in a music video that doesn't take away from the song or completely over power it.
Read More...
Tomorrow People Interview
02 Jul 2012 // interview by Dilemma
What can we expect to see from Tomorrow People over the next year?
Now that our debut album is released, we are locking in dates to tour nationwide and promote the album.
Read More...
Savage - Mayhem and Miracles Album Review
29 Jun 2012 // review by Dilemma
NZ Hip Hop icon and RIAA Certified Platinum selling artist SAVAGE is back with his third solo album Mayhem & Miracles on 29June. Recorded and Mixed in Hollywood, California, at platinum Hip Hop producer and MC DJ Quik's studio "The Vault", Savage spent time enlisting a group of the greatest Polynesian artists from around the world to help compliment the stories and themes of his captivating new album.
Read More...
The Academy Album Review by DNK World Music
22 May 2012 // review by Dilemma
In April 2012, DNK World Music showcase four main artists on their first compilation album DNK World Music Presents: The Academy, featuring label mates, R&B Singer Donell Lewis, rapper Rickey Okay, producer DLove and label founder Karnel.
DNK World Music is an independent record label founded by up-and-comers Nick "Karnel" Williams and producer Daniel "DLove" Love in 2010.
Read More...
Sir T - Walk With Me Album Review
25 Apr 2012 // review by Dilemma
Sir T is a newcomer to New Zealand Hip Hop, signed to Move The Crowd Records, and mentored by NZ Hip Hop’s favourite son Young Sid who also acted as the executive producer on Sir T's debut album Walk With Me.
Being mentored by Young Sid has afforded Sir T the benefit of collaborating with himself and other rising stars Tyree, Vince Harder and Pieter T just to name a few.
Read More...
PNC - Under The Influence Album Review
08 Apr 2012 // review by Dilemma
Under The Influence is not your classic Hip-Hop release, spawned from an old school mix-tape concept, PNC and producer Matt Miller have included sample mash-ups on the album including ‘Stranger Part 1 & 2’ - featuring a twisted mash-up sample from Gotye’s #1 single ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ and ‘Take It All’, sampling Adele as the underlying track but featuring local Hip Hop MCs Jordache, David Dallas, Louie Knuxx and Percieve.
Other collaborations are provided by the sweet Pieter T on "All Day" which is a somewhat aggressive track.
Read More...
DJ CXL - Represent Album Review
06 Apr 2012 // review by Dilemma
2012 brings the release of one of the biggest albums of the year, from one of our biggest named DJ’s ironically called DJ CXL. The album features local artists including Scribe, J Williams, {K.
Read More...
Interview with Sir T
03 Apr 2012 // interview by Dilemma
Hey Sir T, so you are a new comer to the NZ music scene, how has the whole experience been so far?The experience has been wicked, I am greatful for every oppurtunity that has risen for me so far and am looking forward to what the game has to offer me in the near future.
Read More...
Interview with DJ CXL
22 Mar 2012 // interview by Dilemma
Hi DJ CXL,
You have just completed your first album, how long did it take to put together?
The album was two years in the making but the whole creative process from making the beats, finding the right artist for each track through to recording probably only really took eight months.
Read More...
Derty Sesh - Apology Accepted Album Review
26 Feb 2012 // review by Dilemma
The sophmore release from Derty Sesh titled 'Apology Accepted' was released on Monday and with no where near the same backlash from his first release 'Sic Love.' In receiving this album I was excited to see the features and listened to I am Here first because Erakah was featured.
Read More...
Interview with Derty Sesh
19 Feb 2012 // interview by Dilemma
So.... your Sophmore album, after so much controversy surrounding 'Forever' on your first album, how are you hoping this one will be received?
Read More...
Kapabal - No Rest Album Review
09 Nov 2011 // review by Dilemma
There is so much good NZ music out there lately that it is easy to be subjective when listening to it, because it is all different and yet so good. I am always so excited to listen to something new and fresh, and am open minded to diversity.
Read More...
Kenbe La Foundation - Never Give Up Single Review
06 Nov 2011 // review by Dilemma
Kenbe La [ken-bay lah] – the Haitian phrase for “never give up”, it is a brand new track produced by Paul Dodge from Minuit for The Kenbe La foundation, a charity set up to support childrens education in the earthquake stricken counrty of Haiti.
Kenbe La is the title and theme of the track written in response to work being done to rebuild earthquake ravaged Haiti – namely the work of the very inspirational Kiwi Emily Sanson-Rejouis, who lost family in the quake and established the foundation to help support schools in the area.
Read More...
Ria Hall EP Review
06 Nov 2011 // review by Dilemma
Ria Hall has had an interesting journey leading up to the release of her debut EP. She has wowed crowds touring with some of NZ's musical elite, backing up Hollie Smith, holding her own beside Anna Coddington in Eru Dangerspiel and singing with TrinityRoots.
Read More...
1814 - Covers Album Review
29 Oct 2011 // review by Dilemma
New Zealand’s far North premier reggae group 1814 bring the party with their sun-drenched blend of sweet soulful vocals, upbeat grooves and smooth sax lines with strong messages of peace, love and harmony.
The Covers Album features 11 solid tracks from artists such as the “father of soul” Sam Cooke, the great Bill Withers, legendary country singer Johnny Cash and so many more, it is sure to impress.
Read More...
K.One Interview
14 Oct 2011 // interview by Dilemma
So your debut album was released on Monday, how is it being received?
K.
Read More...
Mmdelai Self Titled EP Review
11 Oct 2011 // review by Dilemma
Mmdelai has newly released a self titled EP, the first song White World sounds more like a dance club anthem with synth and heavy drums filling out the track. Described by the Groove Guild as a mix of "Aphex Twin and P.
Read More...
Scribe - Not Many Cities Single Review
05 Oct 2011 // review by Dilemma
There really could have been no better ambassador to raise awareness for Christchurch than Scribe. The Southern born rapper who is known for his own quiet strength, persistence and resilience, has always been proud of his roots.
Read More...
Adeaze - Rise & Shine Album Review
25 Aug 2011 // review by Dilemma
Duo Adeaze have released their second album called Rise & Shine, a follow up to the brothers’ double-platinum debut album Always and for Real, which was released in 2004. After taking time to focus on family and song writing, the Adeaze brothers have constructed a beautifully harmonious 12 track album.
Read More...
Hanna Grace - Concrete & Roses Album Review
22 Aug 2011 // review by Dilemma
Singer songwriter Hanna Grace has just released her debut album Concrete & Roses, with a little harmless self-promotion it is based on an Adele-meets-Amy Winehouse sound and just the right balance of rhythm and seduction.
Hanna is a true artist in every sense of the word and draws her inspiration from real life experiences.
Read More...
David Dallas - Take A Picture Single Review
02 Aug 2011 // review by Dilemma
'Take a Picture' is the most recent release from David Dallas off his new album The Rose Tint. It combines honest lyrics, his rapping talent and soulful singing in the chorus, with a solid hip hop beat in the background.
Read More...
Hand Me Downs - Void Single Review
27 Jul 2011 // review by Dilemma
Raglan’s up and coming band, Hand Me Downs have released their debut single ‘Void.’
As the track starts you get the feeling that Raglan influences the sound with the track being very hipster, laid back and folk inspired.
Read More...
Sweet Az Soundsystem - Costal Connection album review
12 Jun 2011 // review by Dilemma
‘Coastal Connection’ has a totally unique and somewhat eccentric style combining the best of dub/dubstep/reggae and fusing a hint of drum n bass into an album created by producer DJ Kina (Simon Boyd) from The Versionaries and MC Extraordinaire RayJah45 (Raymond Te Oranga-Nolan), known as the Sweet Az Sound System.
This collaboration can be best described as music with one foot firmly on the dance floor, with the conscious soulful vibes of RayJah and production of DJ Kina coming together to form a sound that appeals to a wide audience.
Read More...
Pacific Music Awards 2011
12 Jun 2011 // review by Dilemma
This is the seventh year in a row that the highly anticipated Pacific Music Awards have descended on South Auckland for a spectacular night of live performance and Pacific pride. The PMA’s are so unique, there is still the flash of photographers, but surrounded by laughter and excitement, not duty.
Read More...
Simon Spire - Four Letter Words Album Review
19 May 2011 // review by Dilemma
Simon Spire releases his second album, 'Four Letter Words'. The Lead single ‘Liberate Your Love’ hints at the slightly edgier direction Spire has taken on his second album, but without losing the alluring melody hooks and ambitious lyrics he is known for.
Read More...
PNC - Man on Wire Album Review
17 Apr 2011 // review by Dilemma
PNC has really out done himself with his third release ‘Man on Wire,’ collaborating with some of New Zealand’s most innovative musicians and underlying the early tracks with movie sound bites makes for a brilliant sounding unique album.
The first track Murder classically showcases PNC’s natural talent for making music and the balance that he is trying to portray hence the album title.
Read More...
The Thomas Oliver Band - Baby I'll Play Album Review
26 Mar 2011 // review by Dilemma
When you listen to a lot of music it becomes hard to find songs, bands or even musicians that actually capture your attention and where it does not feel like its just a passive listening experience. Listening to the harmonica in the first track Goin Home on ‘Baby, I’ll Play,’ the new release from the Thomas Oliver Band instantly drew me in.
Read More...
Ivy Lies - Little Mind Games Album Review
20 Mar 2011 // review by Dilemma
Ivy Lies recently completed the recording of their debut album Little Mind Games and it seems that listening to this album it will definitely remain on your mind. The girls of Ivy Lies have perfected pop-rock with high energy, aggressive drums and assertive rock guitar, making music that makes you pound your invisible drum sticks.
Read More...
House Of Shem - Island Vibrations Album Review
24 Feb 2011 // review by Dilemma
House of Shem could well be the first family of Reggae in New Zealand. Not only are they Whanau, but between all the band members they have played in pioneering New Zealand Reggae bands and built the sound of reggae in our country through their impeccable credentials.
Read More...
The Midnights - 'Outside' Album Review
14 Jan 2011 // review by Dilemma
The Midnights are an all-original New Zealand soul roots reggae band that are very well known for their lives shows. They have a very classic approach with slower Roots Reggae reminiscent of old school Marley.
Read More...
Brooke Fraser - Flags Album Review
11 Nov 2010 // review by Dilemma
Putting on the new album Flags by Brooke Fraser surprised me. What I heard was completely unexpected, raw, country maybe even a little bit of bluegrass?
Read More...
Ladi6 - Liberation of.... Album Release, Powerstation Nov 5th
09 Nov 2010 // review by Dilemma
Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati) is no doubt our most talented female MC, with the pedigree she has it's only natural that she would dominate the funk/soul genre in NZ music. On the release of her second album she radiated style and beauty with an overwhelming sense of joy to be back home in NZ.
Read More...
Emma Paki - Trinity Album Review
25 Oct 2010 // review by Dilemma
In 1993 Emma Paki was the new fresh face of New Zealand music. 'Trinity' comes to us with the same raw, troubled soul that so beautifully put together 'Oxygen of Love'.
Read More...
Mmdelai - Music for Sleep and Creativity album review (Annemarie Duff)
29 Sep 2010 // review by Dilemma
Listening to Christchurch downbeat artist Mmdelai (aka Annemarie Duff) is definitely a new experience. The CD called ‘Music for Sleep and Creativity’ was born out of a personal need for the artist, who "was having trouble sleeping so [this sort of music] was what I was listening to at the time.
Read More...
Tommy Ill self-titled album review
19 Sep 2010 // review by Dilemma
Apparently, it’s all about Pokemon and if Pokemon talked I’m sure they would say that this LP is the soundtrack to their lives!
The first thing that really hit me when listening to Tommy Ill’s lasted release is that I feel like this is something I have not listed to before and was not sure what time I would put it on, just that I knew I needed to listen to it more.
Read More...
Sola Rosa - Get It Together; The Remixes
20 Aug 2010 // review by Dilemma
The first thing I want to say about this CD is GO BUY IT; it is easily the best CD out so far this year. If you liked 'Get It Together', the Remixes album is not just a documentation of life, or a soundtrack to summer that you reminisce with, the more you listen to it, it becomes a way of life.
Read More...
Mama Tilly - Silhouettes and Footsteps EP Review
22 Jul 2010 // review by Dilemma
Track 1 – Screaming Smiley
This track begins with a reminiscent 70’s surfer style guitar lick that carries through the song giving it a cool vibe. It fills out with powerful lyrics and raw vocals making the track very musician driven.
Read More...
Coast EP Review
16 May 2010 // review by Dilemma
Whenever a great new band comes onto the scene there is usually someone with great taste in music has helped them get there. Mikee Tucker has had his hand in some of New Zealand’s best Reggae/Roots bands for example Fly My Pretties, The Black Seeds and TrinityRoots, so it comes as no surprise that New Zealand’s newest roots/reggae band Coast are signed with Loop.
Read More...
Dead Fools Fiesta album review
16 Apr 2010 // review by Dilemma
If Katchafire and Tex-Mex band Los Lonely Boys had a love child it would no doubt be a culturally diverse and inclusive hot mess. Dead Fools Fiesta could very well be that love child combining the best of NZ reggae with a Spanish feel.
Read More...
Late 80s Mercedes - Juice Bar, Parnell - Tuesday 23 March.
08 Apr 2010 // review by Dilemma
It’s not very often when a swing band comes your way, where all the songs have their own sound and uniqueness... not to mention having some big name musicians as part of their extensive fan base, including Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy and Nathan King ex.
Read More...
Juse - Global Casino Album Review
29 May 2006 // review by Dilemma
Global Casino is a Rap/Hip-Hop infused representation of Roots Kiwi music because it is very proud of its beginning and a place called South Auckland. It opens with Ride 'Till I Die which is a catchy first tune to set the tone for the rest of the tracks.
Read More...
Misfits of Science Interview
26 Nov 2004 // interview by Dilemma
Finding the connection between kiddie fiddlin’, drinking loads of red bull and scribe selling out could concoct a lot of misguided thoughts, or be a recipe for mischief making, number 1 single and a platinum selling album. Muzic.
Read More...
Eight & Opshop 08/04
31 Aug 2004 // review by Dilemma
Going into Altitude in Hamilton is always an exciting prospect especially when you’re seeing NZ music, but good NZ music. Eight are one of my fav NZ bands, and OpShop are growing on me more and more.
Read More...