May 2020 brings us a NZ Music Month which will be quite unlike anything we have ever seen before. The current Covid-19 pandemic means that this year's NZ Music Month will not be celebrated with the usual abundance of live gigs and performances - it will instead be celebrated online and in a much different public arena from music months of the past.

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of our local bands, musicians and other NZ music industry people have struggled - not just with the restraints of lockdown, but also with reduced income and the differences in creating new music when separated from fellow band members and creatives. During NZ Music Month 2020, we must show our support to all these people more than we ever have before; like and share social media pages and music, purchase merchandise, pay to listen to music online, request Kiwi musicians on our radio stations, tell your friends and family, make a donation to MusicHelps etc. This is also the perfect time to discover new music - NZ music really does have something for everyone.

NZ Music Month originally started as NZ Music Week on Anzac Day 1997. In 2001 it became NZ Music Month and took up permanent residence during May, meaning this year there is an extra special reason to celebrate NZ Music Month - it is also a milestone event celebrating 20 years of NZ Music Month.

We have compiled a special NZ Music Month 2020 feature here.

There'll be plenty of delicious offerings of new music available during NZ Music Month 2020. Here's a selection of what to expect:

	We'll see more "impressive energy and powerful sounds" from Auckland four-piece Coridian as they release their highly-anticipated third EP Eldur. Featuring their latest singles Rite of Passage and The Witness, this is one EP which is sure to excite. Eldur (Nordic for fire) is the third in a four-part EP series that the band began in 2015 with Oceanic. The four EP cycle covers off all of the elements that comprise the earth. The Eldur EP will set its release into the world on Friday May 22, and is available for pre-order now. It will also be accompanied with a video documenting the entire process and concept. Coridian will also be releasing their newest single Good For Nothing on Friday May 8. Chris Chick from Muzic.net.nz recently spoke to Coridian - check out their interview here. More Info Coridian Artist Page
	May the Fourth be with you, as Channeled release their brand-new single. The Taste of Blood is hard hitting right from the roaring guitars that come blasting in from the start. The opening riff will get your heart pumping with adrenaline, and by the end you will want to experience it all over again. Carrying on and evolving the sound found on the well-received self-titled debut album, The Taste of Blood is the perfect first track to promote the new upcoming, yet to be titled, second album due end of the year. The Taste of Blood will be released globally on all streaming platforms at 8pm on Monday May 4 and you can pre-order it here. More Info Channeled Artist Page
	Auckland based alternative rock band, Bad Jones will be releasing their debut EP entitled You Are All Animals on Friday May 15. You Are All Animals will be available through digital platforms. Recorded and mixed by Dave Rhodes in October/November 2019 between Auckland's Parachute Studios and Matarangi in the Coromandel , You Are All Animals is a blend of dissonance, vocal hooks and aggressive riffs, and is an authentic replication of the bands live highlights to date, including the previously released single, Soul No Body. You can follow Bad Jones on Facebook and Instagram to receive up to date information about upcoming events and releases. Bad Jones Artist Page
	West Auckland alternative Metal band Primacy are releasing their debut album Seeds of Change on Friday May 22. Seeds of Change comprises 7 songs that explore the pressures we face as humans and as custodians of an overburdened planet. Dark technical basslines blend with a heavy rhythmic groove, while aggressive guitar and raw moody vocals complete a dense and detailed soundscape. Produced and mixed by guitarist Jared Tobin and mastered by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, Sepultura amongst others), Seeds of Change is the culmination of two years of hard work and growth. Seeds of Change will be available from Primacy’s Bandcamp page as well as all major streaming platforms. A limited run of CD’s will also be available. More Info Primacy Artist Page
	The Nighthawk Experience (NHE) is a brand new animated musical journey which will take you on an adventure with its hard hitting story and music. The NHE's musical genre falls under numerous genre umbrellas including alternative rock, hard rock, pop and indie. 2020 is looking too be a massive year for The Nighthawk Experience as the NHE has its debut EP release Current Lies on Friday May 22, which has 5 banging tracks on it. The NHE currently has a website under development and the beginnings of an online merchandise shop. The NHE is created by Scott McDonald-Bull, a singer/songwriter from Auckland, New Zealand. He writes and composes all the music you hear from the NHE. Scott recently spoke to Muzic.net.nz - you can also check out his interview here. The Nighthawk Experience Artist Page
	Auckland alt-rock outfit City of Souls dropped their mammoth 16-track debut album Synaesthesia last Friday May 1. Synaesthesia has been an album five years in the making. Marcus Powell elaborates: "City of Souls have hit every single obstacle and block you can imagine. For us, this album is about endurance, passion, and a deep love for music." City of Souls have built a solid reputation as a live act to be reckoned with and developed a strong fanbase in New Zealand and across the world. With support locally including The Rock and Radio Hauraki, the band continue to push the envelope with their sound single by single, resulting in a solid collection of 16 tracks for the debut album. Chris Chick from Muzic.net.nz had a few questions for City of Souls recently, you can check out their interview here. More Info City of Souls Artist Page
	Outside In weave together alternative and prog-rock elements to produce a sound that is their own. This is a sound which is set to come alive with the release of their new album Karmatrain on Friday 29 May. Preceding this will be the release of the official video for their single Om on Friday 1 May. The clip offers up an ominous and curious aesthetic featuring puppetry by Ashton Brown, which intertwines perfectly with a track written about finding your place in the bigger picture. Karmatrain is a culmination of over two years of writing, developing songs and recording, and the end result is a stunning piece of work which is sure to capture your attention. More Info Outside In Artist Page
	Lost Tribe Aotearoa is a Raglan based group of talented musos, hailing from all over the Pacific. Lost Tribe Aotearoa's self-titled album dropped on Friday May 1. There’s something for everyone on there, and 2 of the tunes, including the lead single Wicked Man, has caught the ears of NZ On Air, who gave them a couple of sweet grants to get their album on the way. They also won the Mai FM ‘Big Break’ for their track Irie in 2018! Lost Tribe Aotearoa is authentically from this land.  This album is gritty, fun, upbeat and thought-provoking, as well as sounding amazing as it is recorded and produced at Roundhead by Scott Seabright and mastered at Kog by Chris Chetland. More Info Lost Tribe Aotearoa Artist Page
	Dunedin musician Darryl Baser is set to release his second album #secondselfie on Tuesday May 12. #secondselfie is a collaboration between Baser and a bunch of others, including EDM producer Robots in Love and electronic producer Haszari. There are also a few tracks recorded with Stephen Hastie on drums and Paul S Allen on bass.  The album is being released two ways: a 5-song version on Bandcamp, and a 12-song version on CD. There will only be 50 CDs made on the first run, all featuring original artwork by Dunedin artist Sarah Flourish. The first single from #secondselfie is set go live on Bandcamp at the start of May to celebrate the 20th anniversary of New Zealand Music Month. Darryl Baser Artist Page

May Highlights

May 1
City of Souls Synaesthesia Album
Lost Tribe Aotearoa Lost Tribe Aotearoa Album
Holly Afoa Sister EP
Mazbou Q Afroternity EP
Midnight Manor Save The World Single
Reb Fountain Reb Fountain Album (digital release)
Sonic Space Lab Up In The Air EP
Kaela HTKY Single
Fly My Pretties The Studio Recordings Part Two Album
Outside In Om Video

May 2
Age of Destitute Lunar Love Single

May 4
Channeled The Taste of Blood Single
Katie Thompson Video

May 8
Coridian Good For Nothing Single
Goodspace Under The Loquat Tree Album

May 12
Darryl Baser #secondselfie Album

May 14
Repairs Last Chances Single

May 15
Bad Jones You Are All Animals EP
Theia Celebrity Single

May 19
Ivy Angel Escalade Single

May 22
Coridian Eldur EP
Primacy Seeds of Change Album
The Nighthawk Experience Current Lies EP
Mudbelly Mudbelly Album 
Voodoo Bloo MMA Single

May 29
Outside In Karmatrain Album

Other May Releases
Jacquie Walters Time Will Tell Album
Dilz Feat. Ty and Sid Diamond Rewind Single
Ashley Alexander Staring At The Sun For Too Long EP

Check out our NZ Music Month feature for details on more May releases.

In their own words, Coridian describe themselves in this way; "take fireball vocal powerhouse Dity and the hard hitting, harder grooving Raven brothers, bind them together and you get Coridian. It's the four-piece Auckland based who are fast becoming one of the best new names in Kiwi rock".

Chris Chick from Muzic.net.nz had the opportunity during the COVID-19 lockdown to interview the band whilst they took some time out on their sofas, here's what went down.

How have you as a band, and individually, been coping with the COVID-19 situation and the lock down?

Band: We miss practising, we generally write altogether rather than sending each other files so it’s quite hard and missing the social aspect of it all. However, it's all for the greater good.

Kris (drums): I have been working from home, so it has actually kept me fairly sane, plus heaps of band admin to deal with keeps me busy. Also, how good are video chat apps!

Nick (bass): My house is really clean now.

Mike (guitar): Personally, I’ve been writing for the new album, playing a lot, and working on my guitars and set up. I know the other lads have been hard at work behind the scenes. Hopefully Nick has practiced something haha. I work outside so It’s not easy being confined to a house all day but I get out as much as I can.

Dity (vocals): I’ve also been working from home 4 days a week. It’s been great staying home with the furbs and loved ones. Also get more time to exercise (since I’m not sitting in traffic twice a day). I’ve been spending my other spare time for the band too - writing music & creating content.

What positives can you take away both musically and personally from such an unprecedented time?

Mike: I’ve thought more about the depth of sound and music and explored different avenues and styles. Trying to remain focused and positive, which isn’t easy in these times.

Dity: It’s given me a lot less distractions. No reasons to go out and focus more internally. Being time rich for a change, allowing me to work on music and band stuff that’s needed attention for a while. Personally, it’s been a good time for me and my partner to make the most of our time together - keep the relationship fresh with date nights (at home) and focusing on the up side to this very strange time.

What are you most thankful for?

Kris: All the rad opportunities that we have been able to experience, whether through our own hard work or from people helping us, we have been very well supported and always try to be thankful.

Dity: People wanting to listen to our music. Haha. Music is such a subjective thing, and writing original music is even more so - So having strangers enjoy what we create is still a funny feeling. Getting support from strangers that become friends because we all bond over the same thing. It’s such a humbling feeling and a drive for me to keep making good things. Mike: people who believe in what we do and support us.

Nick: Having the fanbase that we have.

Tell our readers one thing about yourself that we would never have heard before.

Kris: Massive fan of Ru Paul's Drag Race.

Nick: I like slow cooked BBQ but I hate brisket (too much like jelly).

Mike: I love a good cup of tea.

Dity: I listen to a lot of movie scores - the music helps me relax and at times inspires vocal melodies and song writing ideas.

What exciting things have you got in store for your listeners?

Kris: This year we have a lot coming. We have another single coming out May 8th, our 3rd release Eldur drops May 22nd, we have our mini doco series, more videos, we are currently half way through writing our next release Hava and hopefully some awesome gigs?

Mike: New music, new music and some new music. Also, massive shout out to all our musician friends & whanau during these crazy iso times, keep pumping out the amazing songs.

Read the full interview here

Coridian is Kris Raven (drums), Dity Maharaj (vocals, keyboards), Mike Raven (guitar) and Nick Raven (bass)

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
YouTube Page
Instagram Page
Bandcamp Page
iTunes Page

The story of The Nighthawk Experience (NHE) follows two different character's named Kage and Yume. Kage is a 17 year old boy who feels nihilistic about the world and is trying to find meaning and purpose. Yume is a 17 years old girl, who has had her life laid out for her by everyone around her but then it gets turned upside down and now she needs to make sense of it. The Nighthawk Experience's has released two single so far Current Lies and Human Nature these have both been released on YouTube and steaming platforms Spotify and Apple Music. Scott answered the following questions for Muzic.net.nz:

How did you become involved in music?

I started playing music when I was 8 years of age and my first instrument was actually the Alto Saxophone. I didn't pick up the guitar and start writing music until I was 15. The guitar allowed me to express myself like no other instrument and I've been writing music ever since.

What NZ bands and musicians would you like to tour with, and why?

Oh man, I've had the luxury in the past with touring with Coridian in my old band which was awesome. I'd love to tour with them again as it was so much fun and they're just great dudes who always had good yarns and laughs. I'm really digging the material Outside In has been putting out over the last year as well, so I'd love to tour with them and at one point it would be cool to tour with Written by Wolves.

Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?

Well on the upcoming EP I'm releasing Current Lies it's really hard to say, it's like asking who your favourite child is. It does change all the time but the song that I'm always so happy that I decided to record was Whose Entitlement? It just has everything I want to say lyrically and it's so ridiculous. It always makes me smile when I play it. I can't wait for the animated video to be finished, it's something really special I reckon.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?

I'd say just Alternative Rock. The Nighthawk Experience covers so much musical territory from pop, indie, acoustic, hard rock, pop punk, electro and experimental. The great part about the genre name 'Alternative Rock' is that it covers so many different styles of bands and artists.

What can we expect to see from you in the next year?

A lot hahaha, there's so much coming. I've got the EP Current Lies dropping this year and a single to drop and another EP next year. Lots of videos to come as well. It's really exciting and I can't wait to show everyone what The Nighthawk Experience has in store.

What NZ bands and musicians would you like to see more of, and why?

I suppose with regards to releasing new music, I'm really excited for Outside In's new album and I'm always listening out for new Coridian material. I'm enjoy watching JP's project Arrays evolve, pretty impressive with what he's doing. I would like to see more of Antagonist A.D, they're probably NZ's best hardcore band and those songs are killer. There's also some cool new progressive djent metal bands coming out such as Claemus and Banks Arcade.

Who are your favourite NZ bands and musicians?

Oh man... Now that I think about there are so many. I listen to a lot of different genres of music so it's not specific to any type. Some of my favourite NZ bands I listen to are S hapeshifter, The Upbeats,  Blindspott, Antagonist A.D.,  Scribe and Home Brew. Also do you guys remember Cut Off Your Hands and  Goodnight Nurse? I used smash those bands on my iPod nano haha.

What local albums have you been listening to recently?

The new Written by Wolves album is pretty sick, Let It Burn is my favourite track. Michael needs to scream more, I like it when that band gets heavy. Fun facts about that band, I have taken vocal lessons from Michael Murphy a few times and I went to school with Oli Lyons.

What is the one thing you want NZ to know about The Nighthawk Experience?

That it's best thing you'll watch and listen to in 2020! I suppose I just want NZ to know about The Nighthawk Experience to start with and come join the fun.

How did you come up with the name The Nighthawk Experience?

I came up with the name when I started having a look on the website "The dictionary of obscure sorrows". I was struggling for ages with the name, it's always hard to name a band or a whole project and I remember in my old band we found the name on that site. So I had a look through and found 'nighthawk' on there which described a recurring thought that only seems to strike you late at night. This resonated with me a lot as I've struggled with insomnia, sleeping problems and my mind won't let me sleep because they is so much overthinking going on in my head. The Nighthawk Experience name seemed fitting. 

What advice would you give aspiring musicians?

I suggest just keep playing the music you love and have as much fun as you can from your song writing and jamming. Keep an open mind and from there you'll find out if you really want to pursue it. It's important to remember in the music game that no ones gonna do the work for you, if you wanna get something going it's on you and no one owes you shit haha. It's a hard road, there's a lot of disappointment and managing expectations is really important, however even with saying that it is incredibly rewarding and personally it's so fulfilling. 

Read the full interview here

The Nighthawk Experience is Scott McDonald-Bull

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
YouTube Page
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Auckland alt-rock outfit City Of Souls have dropped their mammoth 16 track debut album Synaesthesia. Chris Chick from Muzic.net.nz had the privilege of speaking to Marcus Powell and Trajan Schwencke about their journey, influences and the future. Here's what went down:

How have you as a band, and individually, been coping with the COVID-19 situation and the lock down?

Marcus: Well, it did cancel the {Blindspott} Tour and the Deftones opening slot - City of Souls planned the release of the album around these shows, but we trucked on and thought we cannot delay any further so during COVID we researched how to make dope videos and stream and engage with our audience. It’s great that technology can keep us so connected and also chat with fans from all over the world.

Trajan: We have utilised the resources available to migrate all our meetings online to ensure smooth transition of business. Individually we have been adhering to lockdown protocols as per in accordance with Level 4 lockdown requests. And Mad Men. lots of Mad Men.

Your new album Synaesthesia comes out on 1st May 2020, an exciting time, especially in strange circumstances. What was the journey like bringing this project together? what was the inspiration?

Marcus: Five years ago we released Sleep. We had worked on a lot of these songs building up to this release and we did hit a lot of obstacles on the way. Cancelled tours, management and record deals etc but everything for a reason right? I feel the time created a family. The boys in the band, the partners and children we all have and the fans. Especially our street team. I feel like I could call those guys anytime if I needed help and I would hope they could ask the same of me. Inspiration for the album came from all of us and our influences. We released some Spotify playlists that highlight our musical influences but also drew on stories that have made who we are.

Trajan: I was discussing this with Steve the other day that we were both very different people now to when we started, and it’s all for the better. The goals that we set out in the beginning were right up there with other slightly impossible bucket list things, there was bound to be some bumps along the road. Ultimately it’s been a rush, some of the best times of my life with these guys, and when I have had some of the lowest they were there for me too. It has been a well-supported journey of exponential growth.

What are your favourite parts of the album?

Marcus: Lifeblood is magical. It’s the first track and holds a special place with me having the song start with the sound of my daughters heart beat in her mum's womb.

Tying Tongues is just epic, The outro is just so much fun to play, Shimmer as well is a lot of fun. I could go on with every track to be honest.

Trajan: Drums on the album are world-class. Corey did a great job. Vocally Lifeblood and Brushstrokes give me a vibe every time I hear them, Richie has such a unique and beautiful voice. He has that warm familiarity like the male vocalists of the 80's I grew up with. I think that’s why a lot of people have resonated with the songs because his voice really draws you in. Lyrics too. And the Mix! Foz did a stand-out job. I’m a huge fan of this band and album, I would have died to do this stuff as a kid.

If you had to describe your journey so far as a band, what song would best describe that journey and why?

Marcus: Again Lifeblood, the dynamics in that song is a reflection of COS journey. The fact that this album is out proves how much we love it. Endurance, perseverance and passion are the words I would use for this album

Trajan: Lifeblood. It’s 100% us. That song has our DNA all through it. I recorded that song on the day that I got divorced, Richie penned the lyrics while going through some real heartache in Paris. The song is us, a little older, a little wiser, doing exactly what we want to do without compromise and that's basically our journey.

What are you most thankful for?

Marcus: My partner Denise. She holds it together for me. I work a lot and put so much energy into my projects. Denise has always supported me and gave me a daughter who is my best friend. You’re only as strong as the people who carry you. I’m grateful for everyone who has supported this project, Blindspott and The Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa. It all ties in. Gratitude

Trajan: Free thought. I had to think about that one for a bit and it took a while. I realised this lockdown scenario we are all in has given me time to think, and a lot of it has been reflective and positive. I think free thought is so important and the ability to objectively question things is a gift. All of our best stuff comes out when the vibes are right and we can just relax, be ourselves and create.

Tell your fans one thing about yourself that we would never have heard before.

Marcus: I watched every episode of ‘Nashville’ and fricken loved it. Cried on the last episode. Ha ha ha ha!

Trajan: I went to Antarctica with the military in 2007. In fact, I’ve hidden co-ordinates to Out-Of-Place artefacts in the artwork. If I get “suicided” with two shots to the back of the head know that I was of sound mind and happy at the time of this interview!

What exciting things have you got in store for your listeners?

Marcus: BrushStrokes, Lifeblood, White Ghost, Mountain... Have a listen to these. I am a fan as well as a band member!!! I hope you enjoy as much as I do. Much love everyone!

Trajan: As soon as we are allowed out we want to be bathing everyone in the most ethereal live shows we possibly can. We worked our tails off on this album so I want to share it with everyone.

Read the full interview here

City of Souls is Marcus Powell (guitar), Trajan Schwencke (guitar), Richie Simpson (vocals), Steve Boag (guitar), Daniel Insley (bass) and Corey Friedlander (drums).

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
YouTube Page
Instagram Page
SoundCloud Page

While New Zealand is in a pandemic lockdown, Kiwi-Russian singer/songwriter, Marina Bloom, has committed to release a new song and lyric video each week as part of her new series Songs of Isolation.

Each song uncovers themes of hope, solace, and reflection and Marina hopes listeners will find a sense of peace from her music.

“Music can be fun and exciting, but it can also be soothing. I try to provide a bit of both with this collection of songs.”

Marina recently won a Russian Community Achievement Award for her music and has just wrapped up a nation-wide tour to promote her album Back Where We Started, which debuted at #16 on the NZ Album Charts in January this year.

Listen to the current releases in the Songs of Isolation series here, and follow her Facebook page for further updates.

Releases in the Songs of Isolation series:

Fragile

Tri Sestry - Three Sisters

A Long Way From Home

Sincerity Ace

Any God Will Do

Website Links

Muzic.net.nz Page
Official Website 
Facebook Page 
Twitter Page 
YouTube Page 
SoundCloud Page
iTunes Page

We recently spoke to Bonnie Hurunui from the popular touring act White Chapel Jak who have turned heads with their unconventional set up, their surprising reworking of famous songs and their energetic performances. Over the last few years they have grown to become a major touring act, playing festivals and selling out venues all over New Zealand. Bonnie and her growing team are living proof of what can be achieved.

On our latest episode we have an action packed conversation with Te Radar about how recent events have impacted the entertainment world, his innovative approach to touring, the art of comedy, working in war-zones, the time he couldn't find the war, the one question he asked Yasser Arafat and his thoughts and ideas towards an uncertain future.

Listen to our episodes on our website, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Player.FM, TuneIn and all other good podcast apps!

DON’T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB - THE PODCAST

www.dontgiveupyourdayjob.co.nz

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