Welcome to the first muzic.net.nz newsletter for 2014!

And welcome to 2014! It looks like it’s going to be a standout year for Kiwi music, it’s only February and we’ve already been inundated with a wealth of amazing new material from musicians and bands from around New Zealand. Since last year we have completed over 40 reviews.

And with everyone jumping on the Lorde bandwagon, maybe this is the year the spotlight turns on us and the world notices the wealth of the great music the people of this nation are putting out. 

We at muzic.net.nz are happy to be a part of spreading the word. If you’re putting out music, whether you’re a DJ in your mum’s basement, a solo singer-songwriter, a jazz/metal fusion band, or a doom-folk octet, we’d love to hear from you.
We can create features for your tour, add your press releases to our news page and even include a write-up on you in our newsletter.

There have been a few changes here at muzic.net.nz since you last heard from us.

After much deliberation and shuffling of workloads, it has been decided that these fortnightly newsletters that you know and love will be reduced to a monthly capacity.

While we have said goodbye to some of the familiar faces of muzic.net.nz, whose hard work and dedication to music will be missed, we have also welcomed some new team members, whose work you will no doubt come to know over the coming months; Kate, Carl, Rodrigo and Calden from Auckland and Ben from Wellington.

Until next time,
Peter-James and the muzic.net.nz team.

Harder Times is the debut, five track EP from Stitches, a three piece rock beast based in Auckland. It all started out in a Mt Albert house with high rent and low hopes as Singer/Guitarist JP Carroll fleshed out the nucleus of a cluster of songs expressing anxiety, frustration, fear and hope on a personal and global scale.

Daniel Purchase (Drums) and Hugh Hokopaura (Bass) completed a rhythm section akin to a trucker on a 6 day meth binge, while producer Dave Johnston (Villainy) expertly coaxed the songs out into the light of day and reared them into a pack of formidable hard rock tracks that have so far been received warmly by listeners and critics alike.

Following the success of their debut single Blood On Your Harem receiving national radio play on the Rock FM, Stitches are preparing for a five date national tour to celebrate the release of the EP in March.

Go to www.stitchesmusic.co.nz to listen to the EP, get more information and for tour dates.

Stitches are Hugh Hokopaura (bass), Daniel Purchase (drums) and JP Carroll (guitar, vocals).

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Harder Times EP Review

Ignited by a deep love of blues in all its forms, the Flaming Mudcats formed in 2009 fusing together an immense spectrum of blues influences that give the band a sound like no other.

Craig Bracken fronts the band with his powerful vocals and soaring to subtle harp drawing from the harmonica styles of masters such as George Smith and Little Walter. Combined with Doug Bygrave’s blues-drenched guitar influenced by the playing of Magic Sam and Johnny Guitar Watson, and Sean McCarthy’s and Ian Thomson’s rhythm section devoted solely to the groove, this band really has its own distinct sound.

Consistently earning glowing reviews for their incendiary performances across New Zealand and the South Pacific over the last few years, the guys finally set about recording their debut album in 2011.

Gave You What You Wanted comprised original material, penned mainly by Craig Bracken and Sean McCarthy, and garnered glowing reviews across the blues community, both locally and in the US.

Since then, the band has been blazing a maelstrom up and down New Zealand, and they were privileged to be invited to open the inaugural Field of Blues Festival in Rockford Illinois in June 2013. The trip was a career highlight for the band, which was warmly received on its whirlwind tour of the USA, which also covered a number of blues ‘meccas’ such as Chicago’s  B.L.U.E.S. and Kingston Mines. Upon their return, the band recorded their second album, due for release in March 2014. Entitled Mistress, the album is a tribute to that saucy other woman they just cant get enough of – the Blues.

Endlessly erupting  with even more new songs , the band is already working on new material for the next album. The band has big plans for 2014, including a number of festivals throughout New Zealand and a series of shows in Australia, and is setting its sights on another extended USA tour in mid-2015.

So do yourself a favour – find out where these cats are playing and check em out live!

The Flaming Mudcats are Craig Bracken (vocals, harmonica), Doug Bygrave (guitar), Sean McCarthy (bass) and
Ian Thomson (drums).

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Gave You What You Wanted Album Review

Can I just start by saying:

Did you KNOW...?!! Here's a genuine tip for how-too! Do YOU sometimes feel? Find out how millions of other people! Two for One DEAL! Half! Twiiice! More of what you want and less of what you don’t want! EXCETERA!

Because; what could I possibly write to make you notice what I'm saying anyway? "FUCK"s not even gonna get hashed out these days (or did it?) and it's best I save my witty rhetoric for the live show I reckon.

Speaking of I...

Hi! I'm Dave, and I play piano and sing my own words for the band, and my good buddy Sims hits the drums and cymbals so that I don’t get lonely at band practice.

Come to think of it, it wouldn’t really be a band if he wasn’t involved... The MurderChord has six records you can listen to up on www.themurderchord.co.nz and about 9000 other songs that we never got around to recording, but you can still hear them at the live show. This year I am moving house, which was also where the Dank studio was, so I am busy writing a concept album about how totally annoying it is to move house, and I cant even record it, because I'm moving house! hahah life is a funny old thing.

So it must be time to go on tour, we haven’t been to Australia since one of the early Swarm EP's so, we really need to get over there and catch-up with some people and show them the new record which is called Get a Van.

Vans are the best sort of car.

If you like stuff, then there’s a good chance you'll like The MurderChord so seek us out and come along, and we'll have some funs.

Lots of shrugs,

- Dave.
The MurderChord

The MurderChord are Dave (piano, vocals) and Sims (drums).

Website Links

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Photo Gallery

Founded in Palmerston North in 2011 by original members Mike Tantrum, Steven Usmar, Aaron Smith, Josh Murray and Ben Kearney, Defetus combine a mixture of old school thrash and new metal groove to form a new unique style of Kiwi bred party fueled thrash metal!

2012 and 2013 saw numerous line up changes, New Drummer Daniel Ashcroft (Crackpot Theory/Cephalopod) was introduced to the band which added a whole new dimension to the music, along with the addition of a second vocalist Mike Jacques (Life Lament/Bloodspray For Politics) and a new bass player, Dylan Allison. This saw a new Defetus line up ready to share the stage with numerous top NZ metal acts including 8 Foot Sativa throughout the central North Island.

In late 2013 original Vocalist Aaron Smith left the band leaving Mike to take the solo mic duties, Dylan also parted ways leaving a vacant position left to fill on Bass. Jamie Baty (Cage Demise) filled the role in 2013 just in time for the band to join 18 Metal acts from around New Zealand to play the 12 hour "Killerfest" show in Palmerston North.

2014 will bring more shows around New Zealand, including the Distored 2014 Festival at The Kings Arms in Auckland on March 29, and a debut EP release!

Defetus are Jamie Baty (bass, backing vocals), Mike Jacques (vocals), Mike Tantrum (guitar, backing vocals),
Steve 'Princess' Usmar (guitar) and Daniel 'Crackpot Theory' Ashcroft (drums).

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
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Full of useful information, www.undertheradar.co.nz is the place to go for all your NZ music needs. It houses everything, from a fantastic gig guide and poster wall to the latest music news, interviews and reviews. With brilliant competitions and weekly emails, Under the Radar also sells tickets to an outstanding number of gigs and festivals every year.. and the best part of all? Under the Radar is a NZ owned and operated company.

Our favourite festival of the summer was Jim Beam Homegrown. With an incredible NZ music line-up consisting of almost every genre it was the place to be on 15 February. This year, they transformed the Wellington Waterfront into party central, putting the best in Kiwi music up on stage with a massive line-up of over 60 bands, DJs and performers. It really doesn't get much better than that! Our Homegrown photos are here.

Parachute 2014 was also an outstanding event, with one of their broadest line-ups ever; a mixture of local legends, festival favourites and exciting new international discoveries... all of which makes us excited to see what next year will bring. Our Parachute photos and review are up now.

With their second album Nobody/Everybody out now and a four-date national tour taking place in March, Auckland indie-rock band Clap Clap Riot are one of our favourite bands at the moment.

Recorded live at Mt Eden's underground studio The Lab earlier this year, their new release shows a progression into a groovier-landscape than its precursor, sitting comfortably within the hazy stripped back vibe of the sixties. In most parts due to the colourful production and mixing style of Kody Nielson (Opossom, The Mint Chicks).

Also worth checking out is Flip Grater's April tour and album, Hollie Smith's March tour and the contemporary sounds of relative newcomer Shayna King. Louis Baker is also going on tour in March to support the release of his new EP. Awesome.

The Taite Music Prize: Announcing The Finalists

The finalists for the Taite Music Prize 2014 have now been confirmed.

Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of the country's most highly respected music journalists, this will be the fifth year for the award. The Taite Music Prize's purpose is to recognise outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one album.

The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000, to be spent as they wish. The cash prize is kindly supplied by Recorded Music NZ. The winner will also receive free recording time at Red Bull Studios and a year's supply of Red Bull Product.

This year's finalists, from a lengthy list of nominations submitted by record labels both independent and major from across the country, are:

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II (Rhythmethod)
Beastwars - Blood Becomes Fire (Destroy Records)
Sheep Dog & Wolf - Egospect (Lil' Chief Records)
The Phoenix Foundation - Fandango (The Phoenix Foundation/Universal)
David Dallas - Falling Into Place (Frequency Media Group/Universal)
@peace - Girl Songs (Frequency Media Group/Universal)
Lorde - Pure Heroine (Universal Music New Zealand)
Jonathan Bree - The Primrose Path (Lil' Chief Records)

Full Article

Shapeshifter sign to Native Tongue

Native Tongue is delighted to announce the addition of legendary New Zealand act Shapeshifter to its publishing catalogue.

Shapeshifter have been heralded as a musical phenomenon for their ground breaking live shows and unique blend of heavy soul with drum and bass. Their live career includes standout shows at Glastonbury, The Big Chill, Big Day Out, Parklife plus sold-out performances across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Their genre defying 5th album Delta has been described as “explosive, pulsating and vividly colourful”.

"We have been fans of Shapeshifter for many years and are thrilled to add such uniquely New Zealand talent to our roster. We look forward to showcasing their music to the rest of the world", states NT General Manager Jaime Gough.

Full Article

Tui winners Tattletale Saints head to US

With US visas in their pockets and riding high after their Tui win for Best Folk Album 2013, dynamic acoustic duo, Tattletale Saints are excited to announce their forthcoming tour of the USA.

Upon finishing their current tour of New Zealand, the comprehensive 50-date tour of the US will kick off on the East Coast this March.

Sharing the stage will be current touring partners, Nashville-based fiddle duo 10 String Symphony, whom they met while recording their debut album in the country music capital last year.

Full Article
Tattletale Saints take home Folk Tui

NZ Musicians - Tours and Releases

Debut EP for Eden
Hollie Smith National Tour
Flip Grater announces new album and NZ tour
Fly My Pretties cast announcement for Queenstown Blues & Roots Festival
Lightning Bells release new single 'Wake Up'
Whaia te maramatanga - Rob Thorne album launch
The Flaming Mudcats - new album and tour
New City Oh Sigh Album
Eden Mulholland - announces NZ tour dates and new single
The Shakedown - Stay Or Go Single
Announcing Louis Baker - EP release
Will Saunders New Album
Kiwi Rockers Like A Storm To Release New Album Chaos Theory: Part 1 On March 21
Benny Tipene Releases Debut EP 'Toulouse'
Jake Stokes' debut album
Clap Clap Riot March Tour
City Oh Sigh announces album release date and new single ‘Sometimes’
Brockaflower Debut Album Release

International Musicians - Tours

Katy Perry Will Include NZ In Her Prismatic World Tour 2014
Neko Case Announces Support Act
Dizzee Rascal announces NZ headline tour!
Ellie Goulding announces Broods as support on Australia & New Zealand tour
Jason Derulo Announces 'Tattoos' New Zealand Tour 2014
Irish Band Kodaline Announce Five Mile Town To Support Auckland Show
Arctic Monkeys announce Pond as support on New Zealand tour
Dub FX and Opiuo Announce One Auckland Show
James Blunt to play in Wellington
Queens of The Stone Age and NIN to play in Wellington!
Bobby Keys & The Suffering Bastards Live in New Zealand this April!
Bluesfest Touring Announces Chali 2na And The House Of Vibe To Play Two NZ Shows
Martha Davis and the Motels announce NEW New Zealand dates
Bluesfest Touring Announce Joss Stone and India.Arie to Play Two NZ Shows
Crimson ProjeKCt announce New Zealand tour date

NZ Music News
Gig and Tour News
Artist News

New Artists

The following musicians have been added to the muzic.net.nz website since December 2013:

Add yourself or your band to muzic.net.nz!
Add Artist Form
Info about filling out the add artist form

New Reviews

Our team of reviewers have been very busy over the summer months, completing an incredible amount of reviews. Check them out at the links below:

April Fish - Blurred Album Review
Written by Peter

Beastwars @ Kings Arms, Auckland 22/11/13
Written by Jesse

Big Day Out 2014 Review
Written by Terry

Blackleaf Gardens - @ Backbeat Bar, Auckland 13/12/13
Written by Carl

Blackleaf Gardens - Key To Infinity Album Review
Written by Aaron

Breaks Co-op - Sounds Familiar Album Review
Written by Alistar

Brockaflower - Build It Album Review
Written by Alistar

Broods EP Review
Written by Kate

Coach - Songs For Michelle EP Review
Written by Tony

Dead Teach the Living - The Feeding Begins Album Review
Written by Rodrigo

Devils Elbow - Absolute Domain Album Review
Written by Peter

Eclipse - Pink Floyd Tribute Band @ Stonehenge 01/02/2014
Written by Aaron

Eva Prowse - H & Eva Crazy Eyes EP Review
Written by Peter

Fallen Order - The Age of Kings EP Review
Written by Terry

Fictional Response - Scarred Single Review
Written by Chris

Five Mile Town - Other Ghosts EP Review
Written by Kerry

Fly My Pretties - The Homeland Recordings Album Review
Written by Emma

House Of Shem - Harmony Album Review
Written by Aaron

I Am Giant - @ Bar Bodega, Wellington 25/01/14
Written by Tony

Jackal - Castle in the Air Album Review
Written by Peter

Jake Stokes - Midnight Album Review
Written by Aaron

Jay Killah - Common Ground Single Review
Written by Emma

JCK - The Vampire Trilogy Singles Review
Written by Alistar

Koda - Showtime Single Review
Written by Peter

Lorde - Pure Heroine Album Review
Written by Rodrigo

Megan Sidwell - Forever On A Sunday EP Review
Written by Jason

Mice on Stilts - An Ocean Held Me EP Review
Written by Peter

Parachute 2014 Highlights
Written by Amanda

Red Dawn - Ironhead Album Review
Written by Matt

Sky Village - Landfall EP Review
Written by Alistar

Smashproof - Forever Album Review
Written by Emma

Stitches - Harder Times EP Review
Written by Carl

Supermodel - Rimu and Roses Album Review
Written by Kate

The Black Seeds - Black Seeds @ James Cabaret, Wellington 15/11/13
Written by Tony

The Favoured Few EP Review
Written by Tony

The Intenders - Wasted on the Masses Album Review
Written by Tony

The Mamaku Project - Twigs of Gold Album Review
Written by Tony

The Shakedown - Next Movement EP review
Written by Alistar

Third3ye - On3ness Album Review
Written by Emma

Tomorrow People - One.5 EP Review
Written by Aaron

New Photos

Thanks to Amanda (http://www.amandashootsbands.com/) for providing these photos:

Taylor Swift NZ Tour

Parachute 2014

Jim Beam Homegrown 2014

Eclipse Interview

Aaron interviewed the Pink Floyd tribute band Eclipse on 15 February. You can read the interview here.

Tour Features

All muzic.net.nz features can be viewed here

The next muzic.net.nz newsletter is going out on Sunday 6 April 2014

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