Jessy & The Volunteers - Single Review: Phone Face
06 Aug 2019 // review by Ria Loveder
For lovers of blues, funk and everything else in between, you have found yourself in the right place. Created and grown into a sexy meld of soul and RnB in a basement in Auckland, Jessy & The Volunteers’ have debuted their song and video Phone Face.
Read More...
Annie J - Single Review: Whenever You Leave Me
31 Mar 2019 // review by Ria Loveder
Annie J’s song Whenever You Leave
Me is one that all teenagers can relate to; that relationship that you want
to be in, but distance seems to come creeping in. The lyrics are mature beyond
her years and at the young age of 15; she’s showing that she has the writing
capabilities to produce mature, insightful music.
Read More...
Two Cartoons - Single Review: Less People (Less Traffic)
29 Oct 2018 // review by Ria Loveder
Back in 2015 I reviewed Two Cartoons EP Lost Boys Club and raved about how they seem to so effortlessly create tunes that need to be sung loud and proud. Three years later, their latest single Less People (Less Traffic) is no exception.
Read More...
Nicole Andrews - Album Review: A Stranger
04 May 2018 // review by Ria Loveder
In 2015 I reviewed Nicole Andrews’ album In The Shallows and
raved about her rawness and connection with her music.
Needless to say, her second album A Stranger has done it
again.
Read More...
nomad - Album Review: Can You Feel It?
13 Apr 2018 // review by Ria Loveder
nomad soared into popularity with their catchy infectious
pop tune Oh My My in 2016. After their song reached gold sales and they were
nominated for Best Newcomers at the NZ Music Awards they are back with their
debut album Can You Feel It?
Read More...
Ha the Unclear - Single Review: Wallace Line
08 Apr 2018 // review by Ria Loveder
My music taste over the past year has changed a wee bit, and
I am loving music that harks back to the 80's, and Ha the Unclear do just that.
Their eccentric sound is filled with unconventional retro alt-pop
music making them the perfect backing track to the New Zealand summer, pity we
have just come into Autumn!
Read More...
Tom Lee-Richards - Single Review: Out Of The Oddness
20 Feb 2018 // review by Ria Loveder
An experimenter of music from a young age, Tom Lee-Richards' passion for songs and composition is evident in his array of work.
His latest single Out Of The Oddness has dropped and it is
one track I recommend you listen to.
Read More...
Owlet Nightjar - Album Review: The Regenerative Principle
23 Nov 2017 // review by Ria Loveder
Named after an extinct flightless bird in New Zealand,
Owlet-Nightjars' are an amalgamation of unusual and attention-grabbing concepts.
Their debut album, The Regenerative Principle is a mixture of sounds, featuring
elements of soul, dub, blues, reggae, rock, pop and psychedelic.
Read More...
Killing Bear - Album Review: Mysterium Tremendum
16 Nov 2017 // review by Ria Loveder
Killing Bear - The mystical tribe from Mars who have used psychic
powers to poses the minds of four musicians, with their combination of drums,
guitars, synths and vocals, this is a psychedelic pop rock band to get your
teeth stuck into.
I had never listened to any of Killing Bear’s music until
now, and what I have heard I love.
Read More...
Ciaran McMeeken - Album Review: Ciaran McMeeken
04 Aug 2017 // review by Ria Loveder
What I love about Ciaran McMeeken’s self-titled album, is
how diverse the music is. An album that has been created to encompass his
experiences as an artist so far in his career, every track is unique, making
this album versatile and attractive to a variety of music tastes.
Read More...
Reb Fountain - EP Review: Hopeful & Hopeless
02 Aug 2017 // review by Ria Loveder
This beautiful little collection of songs was recorded in my
favourite live music venue, The Wine Cellar. I remember many fond times,
snuggled into one of their many couches, feet up, mulled wine in hand listening
to talented people performing in the intimate space.
Read More...
Lincoln Greene - Sit Down With Lincoln Greene
24 Apr 2017 // interview by Ria Loveder
In the build up to Lincoln Greene’s Gig at the Wine Cellar in Auckland on the 27th of April, we thought we would sit him down
for a chat about his style of music, River Phoenix and future projects.
How would your best
describe you style of music?
Read More...
Anna Coddington - Album Review: Luck/Time
09 Oct 2016 // review by Ria Loveder
I had the pleasure of interviewing Anna Coddington this time last year. One of the questions I asked her was what was her next music adventure after her tour with Lips, to which she replied ‘ALBUM.
Read More...
John White - Album Review: Henry Green & the Island of Tuliarts
28 Sep 2016 // review by Ria Loveder
I had read a few articles about John White’s new
album Henry Green and the Island of Tuliarts describing it as a listening
experience where you succumb to a dream world. This statement I can agree to be
very accurate, this album is one filled with ethereal qualities and wondrous themes
taking you on a magical journey.
Read More...
After 'Ours - Album Review: Odyssey
20 Sep 2016 // review by Ria Loveder
After 'Ours have been working on their album Odyssey for the
past five years. It is clear to hear the time, dedication and love that went
into creating it.
Read More...
Miller Yule - EP Review: Shoot Me In The Heart
09 Sep 2016 // review by Ria Loveder
Miller Yule’s Shoot Me In The Heart is an EP containing groovy
tunes, good vibes and an abundance of energy and raw talent.
This is Miller’s debut EP and with mesmeric songs, an
attractive voice and wonderfully played tunes, it is clear to see he is a Kiwi
musician on his way to great things.
Read More...
Helen Henderson - Album Review: London
05 Jul 2016 // review by Ria Loveder
London is an album, created by Helen Henderson and filled to the
brim with 70s sounding folk and rock tunes.
Arriving as a young kiwi girl to the big city of London with
nothing but $50 in her pocket she started her music career when her friends put
her in contact with Nigel Grainge from Ensign Records.
Read More...
Pales - Album Review: Don't Be So Nice
01 May 2016 // review by Ria Loveder
Rose Blake, Mike Isaacs and Scott Maynard are the creators of Pales.
The trio have brought their array of skills and broad musical backgrounds to create arrangements heavily sounding of emotive folk.
Read More...
Jackie Bristow - Album Review: Shot Of Gold
17 Feb 2016 // review by Ria Loveder
After touring as the opening act for Tommy Emmanuel, Jackie
Bristow has returned to New Zealand, releasing her fourth studio album Shot of
Gold, and hitting the road for a fourteen date tour. For the dates go and check out Jackie's Facebook page.
Read More...
Tomorrow People - Album Review: Bass & Bassinets
25 Nov 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
Need tunes to accompany your chilled out summer, look no
further my friends, because it is right here!
Bass & Bassinets is the second album released by the self-described
‘sunshine reggae’ band, Tomorrow People.
Read More...
Eden Mulholland - Interview with Eden Mulholland
07 Nov 2015 // interview by Ria Loveder
Artist, Eden Mulholland is one busy bee. With his new album Hunted Haunted having been released, a second national tour under way and a bunch of other projects on the list, he is an artist that is using his creativity to its full potential.
Read More...
The Phoenix Foundation - The Phoenix Foundation Interview - GUYD Tour
05 Oct 2015 // interview by Ria Loveder
Ria sat down with
Luke Buda from The Phoenix Foundation to talk about what it’s like working with his
fellow musician pals, what inspires them in making music, their Give Up Your
Dreams Tour, what’s next in line for them and also beer.
How did you guys
come up with the name ‘The Phoenix Foundation’?
Read More...
MAALA - EP Review: Maala
13 Sep 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
I first heard Maala’s music almost two months ago when I was
driving on my way to good ol’ Auckland, ZM was on the radio and I heard a song
that immediately caught my attention. I turned up the volume and immediately
got my phone out so I could Shazam (what a genius app!
Read More...
Holly Arrowsmith - Album Review: For The Weary Traveller
11 Aug 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
Nestled
in the Queenstown mountains, Holly Arrowsmith’s debut album For The Weary
Traveller was created. This charmingly crafted album is full to the brim with
acoustically emotive pieces, beautifully written and thought provoking lyrics
and an earthy sounding voice.
Read More...
Finn Johansson - Album Review: Two Thousand and Fourteen
17 Jul 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
Wellingtonian musician, Finn Johansson proves with his album Two
Thousand and Fourteen, that he is one talented musician. Created in 2014
(funnily enough), Johansson spent last year travelling Europe, living on boats,
farms and couches and playing to living rooms, bars and theatres.
Read More...
Nicole Andrews - Album Review: In the Shallows
15 May 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
Nicole Andrews' debut album In The
Shallows, has shown the New Zealand music scene that she is one talented
women. Nicole is a self-taught pianist and has created a collection of songs
that are reflective, thoughtful and raw.
Read More...
Princess Chelsea - Album Review: The Great Cybernetic Depression
11 May 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
Before I was asked to review
Princess Chelsea’s album, I had heard of her and a few of her songs, but had no
idea the fan base the Auckland born singer had behind her. You only need to
take a look on her Facebook page or YouTube channel to realise that people love
her.
Read More...
Two Cartoons - EP Review: Lost Boys Club
17 Apr 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
Two Cartoons was formed in 2011 by Isaac McFarlane and Bradley Craig while on holiday in good ol’ Auckland. They had an idea to create music that would channel New Zealand’s beautiful warm weather and create the ultimate feeling of summer.
Read More...
Jupiter Project - Ria Interviews Jupiter Project
26 Mar 2015 // interview by Ria Loveder
Every
year in March, Horse of the Year comes to Hastings in good ol’ sunny Hawke’s
Bay. If anyone knows me well they will know I adore horses, and that I will
take any chance I can get to go for a boogie.
Read More...
Tori Reed - Album Review: Long Nights, Flightless Birds & Coming Home
24 Jan 2015 // review by Ria Loveder
I was asked to review Tori Reed's
album Long Nights, Flightless Birds & Coming Home with knowing nothing
about the artist or her music. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to sit
down and listen to what I consider to be a very talented and experimental
artist with a great work of music.
Read More...
Ezra Vine - Celeste EP Review
28 Oct 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
I first saw Ezra Vine open up for Stormporter earlier this year, and I have to say, I was mesmerised. If you read that
review, I gushed about his
performance and how captivating he was.
Read More...
Broods - Evergreen Album Review
11 Sep 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
I was so excited to be able to review Broods’ debut album Evergreen, which was released on the 22nd of August. Broods are a brother sister duo from Nelson.
Read More...
Little Bark - USB Album Review
02 Sep 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
Sophie Burbery, also known as Little Bark first stepped into the spotlight with her debut Hope is Rubbery in 2011. She performs with a 4 piece band, featuring 2 synthesists, a drummer (using an electronic kit), a bassist and vocals.
Read More...
Luckless - Vindication Blues Album Review
21 Jul 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
My Dad has always told me ‘Ria, less is more’, and these are the words that came to mind when I opened the parcel containing Luckless’ sophomore album Vindication Blues. The artwork is beautiful with a lone tree seeming to grow over the cover with the title placed in the centre.
Read More...
Huia Veale - Waiting for You Single Review
06 Jul 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
Greytown born, Huia Veale's single Waiting For You is a wonderful song to add to her musical career. She was born into a musical family and with it being also being her number one passion, she is now ready to share her sound with the rest of the world.
Read More...
Tiny Ruins - Brightly Painted One Album Review
20 May 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
Tiny Ruins is the creation of New Zealand musician and songwriter Hollie Fullbrook. It all began when she started writing music for theatre productions through-out Wellington and playing live music at poetry nights.
Read More...
Great North - Up In Smoke Album Review
30 Apr 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
I know you shouldn’t judge a band by its name or its album cover, but as soon as I saw the cover art and was graced with the name Great North, you could say something magical happened. I find Great North to be a beautiful title for a group.
Read More...
Lightning Bells - Chime EP Review
11 Apr 2014 // review by Ria Loveder
With this being my first EP reviewed I was a bit worried on how to go about it. Whether to sit down and study the songs while taking notes, or just playing it and seeing what I thought.
Read More...