Today one of Aotearoa’s most prolific songwriters releases her debut solo album. The arrival of The War On Peace Of Mind by Dianne Swann (The Bads) marks a well fought career decades in the making.

Coming in at a concise eight songs, and produced by Swann, she wanted the album to be short, sharp, and focussed. The War On Peace Of Mind showcases Swann’s presence with hints of vulnerability to her voice.

The eight songs shift between cautious optimism and stark truths. An album that finds itself commanding your attention and an album that is surely to be one of 2021’s best.

Listen to The War On Peace Of Mind here.

On his new album Infinite Youth, New Zealand artist Merk examines the blurry line between adolescence and adulthood, and all the clarity and mess that accompanies that blurring. This is a record that thrives on a certain simplicity of rhythm, melody, and lyric, and is compelled by contrast: pop songs influenced by art music, an album about adulthood that reflects heavily on what it is to be young, and a sonic world that is both expansive and deeply intimate.

Infinite Youth is an album that is on its most basic level homemade: iPhone voice memos abound, Perkins’ aunt’s voice lingers in the background of one track, a crappy USB interface and borrowed gear make up so much of the work’s foundation.

An album that will capture you on first listen and then reward your every repetition, Infinite Youth reintroduces Merk and invites you, warmly, into his orbit.

In celebration of his new album, Merk is heading out on tour in New Zealand.

Saturday 1 May –  Jam Factory, Tauranga
Saturday 15 May –  Cassette No. 9, Auckland
Thursday 20 May – Meow,  Wellington
Saturday 22 May –  Loons Theatre, Christchurch
Sunday 23 May – Dive,  Dunedin

Stream Infinite Youth on Spotify now.

We are pleased to see Lastlings and Tia Gostelow among the finalists for the 2021 Queensland Music Awards.

Lastlings are up for Best Electronic/Dance Act for ‘No Time’ and Best Music Video for ‘Out of Touch’.

Tia Gostelow is up for Best Regional Act for ‘PSYCHO’.

Winners announced on May 5th at The Fortitude Music Hall.

Check out the full list of finalists here.

Woolston, Texas, the third full-length album from Adam Hattaway and The Haunters, is a multifaceted alt-rock jamboree that is equal parts chaotic as it is forgiving. By track two you will be well acquainted with the scope of journey that follows, from anti-romance swooning to Spanish rock n roll… there is no time to rest.

The album was produced by Ben Edwards, mixed by Ryan Fisherman and recorded at The Sitting Room in Lyttelton.

Adam Hattaway and The Haunters are touring New Zealand this April.

April 9 – Rogue and Vagabond, Wellington
April 10 – Musicians Club, Whanganui
April 16 – Cassels Blue Smoke, Christchurch
April 17 – Thirsty Dog, Auckland
April 24 – The Plant , Blenheim
May 21 – BARK!, Dunedin
May 22 – Grainstore Gallery, Oamaru

Stream Woolston, Texas on Spotify now.

Native Tongue is proud to announce the signing of Gisborne punk-rockers Sit Down In Front.

Led by frontman and lyricist Cory Newman, the band have been crafting their own DIY brand of punk rock for four years. With two album releases (including a NZ top ten), and tours with Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, and The Chats, it’s easy to forget all members are still in high school.

Sit Down In Front said of the signing: “We are super stoked to be part of the Native Tongue family, Up The Punks.”

Native Tongue’s Head of Creative Matt Tanner explains, “We were struck by the energy that SDIF bring to their music, and we are really excited to be involved with the band as they dive into their third record – while still at high school!”

“Sit Down In Front are the punk band we need right now” added Native Tongue’s Writer Relations Manager Paul McLaney.

The band are currently working on new material and were recently featured on TVNZ’s Sunday program. Watch it here.