By Poppy Tohill
After two successful classical crossover albums, debuting in the top ten on the Official New Zealand Album Charts and evolving into exciting new territory, talented songstress and now pop star, Lizzie Marvelly, can add a top 15 position to her achievements after the release of her debut EP, ‘Collisions' debuted at number 14 on the NZ Charts and also reached number four on the Official Local Album Charts.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
Forming 26 years ago in 1988, California punk rocker's Pennywise who released their eleventh studio album ‘Yesterdays' on July 11th to celebrate their 26th year together. Prior to its release I had the pleasure of catching up with lead guitarist Fletcher Dragge for a chat on the phone where we talked about the history of Pennywise, the new upcoming album and what it's like being in a band for 26 years.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
Gidday Poppy, How are you?" a chirpy Christopher Coleman chimed, (in a very thick Australian accent) when answering the phone.
Read MoreBy Sebastian Mackay
I grew up with Sonic Syndicate in my formative (read: angsty) years. Everything from the models in the Jack of Diamonds music video to the all too familiar and painful lyrics of Denied. If there was one thing every Sonic fan had in common it was that their music would destroy your bedroom while someone you loved to hate was destroying your heart.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
With the anticipated release of New Zealand rocker's I Am Giant's sophomore album ‘Science & Survival,' I had the privilege of chatting to the bands drummer Shelton Woolright over the phone while he celebrated the release of the album at a bar in the middle of London, with a well-deserved pint of beer in his other hand.
Read MoreBy Sebastian Mackay
You can't escape or ignore the tragedy that Mitch Lucker's death was for Suicide Silence and for the metal community as a whole. The impact can't be quantified nor can it be overstated. When Suicide Silence announced their new vocalist Hernan ‘Eddie' Hermida there were mixed emotions.
Read MoreBy Sebastian Mackay
It's a long road breaking through the NZ music industry, the scenes and then funding an album or EP releases. That's never been a secret. Small country, small market,
Read MoreBy Jake Ebdale
PNC, or Sam Hansen to his mates, has three studio albums and a highly regarded mix tape under his belt. For many rappers, it's a slippery slope after your sophomore drops - longevity isn't exactly local hip hop's strong point, whilst maintaining quality material is another conversation entirely. Unsurprisingly, the hard working Hansen shows no sign of slowing down, with a brand new record, entitled The Codes, just around the corner.
Read MoreBy Sebastian Mackay
Music seems to be black and white: Either you're a pop singer whose songs are written for you and lack all forms of honesty and vulnerability (or you may not be pop but still sound trashy - I'm looking down the barrel of my keyboard at you, Falling In Reverse. Which, y'know, is just standing, Radke. But I digress) or personal honesty and vulnerability are the be all end all of music.
Read MoreBy Sebastian Mackay
The Seattle drawl of Dylan Carlson's voice is proof that if owners resemble their pets then musicians resemble their music. It's lathered with a healthy of dose of wry irony as he says that there are too many bands that are shit these days and then confesses that there were: "No allusions from the get go, Earth were never going to have a successful song or be big like pop music.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
No stranger to live performance, Auckland songstress Junelle has decided to embark on a more intimate journey releasing her first collection of original tracks in the form of a debut EP, titled 'Just This Sky.'Released this morning - Friday 6th June, I had the privilege of catching up with the wonderfully talented Junelle for a chat all about the EP, prior to its anticipated release.
Read MoreBy Clare McCabe
Patty Schemel is one of my favourite drummers who became famous playing in one of my favourite bands,Hole. And luckily for us all she is back playing and recording with Upset who is touring NZ in a couple of weeks.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
Hours after announcing an upcoming tour throughout New Zealand in August, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with the wonderfully talented Ladi6 over the phone for a super fun chat about all things touring,‘Automatic' and the numerous handy purposes of sunglasses.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
Australian Folk/Pop duo Busby Marou all the way from Rockhampton, Queensland are about to make their first journey to New Zealand as the support act for James Blunt. This trip will also see them perform their very own headline show on Thursday 29th at Backbeat in Auckland.
Read MoreBy Clare McCabe
The English Beat are currently on tour in Australia and head down to NZ this week. Managed to catch up with Dave Wakeling, lead singer and pretty much owner of the band, recently for a quick chat.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
To be honest, I have to admit to having a bit of a fan girl moment when I was joined on the phone by the incredibly chatty, humourous and exceptionally talented songstress Christina Perri.
Read MoreBy Clare McCabe
Gary Numan is a truly unique artist and everybody knows it. And he is back in black and ready to darken New Zealand and Australia once again!
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
Recently opening for the ‘Rap God,' Mr Marshall Mathers himself, David Dallas is very much New Zealand's own hip-hop/rap god.
Read MoreBy Poppy Tohill
One girl, one idea, one voice...
"I know exactly what it's like to be bullied. It stopped me from doing things that I loved and it's also stopping others from reaching their full potential," explains Nakita Turner, the fifteen year old Christchurch teen behind the exceptional anti-bullying project and song, "One Voice.
Read More© Copyright March 2009, Libel Music Ltd.
