Dope New Videos from; Shakes - "Tambourine Girls" & Pikachunes "You Are"

https://www.facebook.com/shakesisshakes/

Shakes new video 'Tambourine Girls" dropped last week and if I am not mistaken the songs sounding even better with some funny Jack-blasque visuals to go with it. But do I have a stigma in my left eye or does the guy in the video when he rips his t-shirt of and starts dancing/jiggling nah shaking around look a hell of a lot like the star of the School of Rock haha. On a serious note something really strikes me about this video that I feel compelled to write about and pose the serious question, where the hell are the "Tambourine Girls"?? I mean I like the guy playing all the instruments and find him entertaining to watch and his smile is in infectious and heart warming but I would have really liked to see some hot sexy girls undressing instead possible flanking him then pushing around and finally maybe dressing him up like a girl and turning into one of them haha that would have really answered my question. But with a white turtle neck that reminds me of Diana Keaton starring opposite Jack Nicholson in one of my fav films "Something Gotta Give" it's hard not to love this video and I really hope to God there are woman in the next video :)!!!! p.s can't wait to hear Shakes next record that they are currently recording

Fav line: "We could travel just by turning a page"
Fav production aspect: The overall mix! who did it??

https://www.facebook.com/pikachunes/

The animation for this video fits perfectly with the song i love the dystopian tragedy and darkness swimming through "You Are". In my humble uneducated view I think this is a real return to form from Pikachunes an artist that has had to battle some serious health issues in the recent past. Admittedly I don't know to much music from him except for his really early stuff that I saw on the telly but I definitely know about him and I liked this video enough to surf through Youtube and check out some live performances! He's also friends with my friend Ant who I went to school with and played some mean games of indoor cricket with in intermediate which is cool :). I love the drum machines on "Who Are"and also like the kind of rough mix too which is creative and uncompromising = kickass. If this tune is a taste of things to come I will definitely be dialing into check out the upcoming album on Monday records (Aussie label). I'd also be really interested to know who drew/animated the video it would be real cool if Pika did it himself!!! :)

Fav line:  "You are the most Important thing in the World to me"
Fav production aspect: The Synth tones they make me imagine sitting in some pagan ass church with the artist preaching to a room of evil daleks before the death-star explodes

Catching up with Chris Mac at his Club Night at Flight 605

I had a great time at Chris Mac's club night at Flight 605 last Saturday. He chucked some wicked tunes on the playlist and even listened to our new song "Drama Queen" and bought a Neos t-shirt !! which was super nice of him he said he would even wear it on stage when he performs next with his band Six60. He also recommended a very seductive new cider at the bar by Paynter's from the Hawke's Bay that was fantastic!! good call Gary thats a real nice drink :)

One of the songs that made onto the playlist last Saturday night

Our new song Drama Queen that we recorded ourselves

PREMIER: Cure Motel - "Do It Your Own Way" (The Official Single)

Here is the first official single "Do It Your Own Way" by Cure Motel in association with Rocawave Records. The electro punk rock/house producer has been touring the single up and down the coasts of NZ and it's officially dropping tonight!!! I really dig this tune it reminds me of if Devo and Gangnam style got all mixed up in a blender and served on ice. 

The song is 100% Kiwi (can I get a hell yeah!!). I'm super stoked to have the PREMIER and will be working hard to get it heard. "Do it" will be available for purchase physically through Bandcamp and digitally via iTunes as part of the first Rocawave compilation. But until then grab a limited time free download and keep rocking New Zealand!!! :) 
TMR

https://www.facebook.com/CureMotel

https://www.facebook.com/RocawaveRecords
https://soundcloud.com/rocawaverecords
Linear Notes:
Cure Motel's debut single "Do It Your Own Way" is an electro punk dance rock anthem.

Darcy Gladwin is the producer/singer/programmer/guitarist/synth player. 

He also managed to pen the lyrics for the single "Do It" in his spare time ;)

Production Credits:

Original demo recorded and mixed by: Darcy Gladwin at Cure Motel Studio
Profesisonal single recorded and Mixed by: Olly Harmer of The Lab studio in Mt Eden.
Mastering engineer: Brian Lucey in the U.S (Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys)
A&R: Moss Bioletti

Cure Motel - The Rotten side of Mangawhai Tavern

Auckland based recording artist Cure Motel and his Gonomada Tour were not happy muso's at Mangawhai Tavern this week . On their nationwide tour they thought it would be brilliant to pay their respects to Managwhai Tavern. A famous venue that they were stoked to be performing at. Unfortunately the reality of the venue was a complete illusion.When the tour first stepped into the venue there was a cold atmosphere. The management eventually came out to greet them and then immediately told them they didn't have a P.A. Something that the band was depending on the venue supplying. Something they could have brought but thought they wouldn't need. Despite this significant set-back Cure Motel and DJ Romantech managed to source a sound system from a neighboring venue the Pippi Lounge that were hospitable and warm. 

However, despite acquiring a p.a for the gig Mangawhai tavern management were still throwing spanners in the work. For instance once the band had set-up their guitars, dj players and synths they were told to move right into the corner of the deck. This being at odds with the band who were happy being in the centre of the deck and trying to make the most of a bad situation. The managers then told the acts to turn their speakers up to blistering level. A volume that was potentially ear shattering as the subs on the system were already close to exploding. Apparently Managwahai tavern wanted people who lived in the hills to get excited and come down, never mind the hearing of touring musicians?
After discussing the ordeal with lead singer /producer Darcy Gladwin over the phone he also mentioned a severe shortage of food for the musical acts at the venue. Whether this was because of a bad financial position of the venue was not made apparent. The band were aggressively told to buy food at a restaurant across the road. Grudgingly they were given a staff discount but were made to feel severely awkward about asking for one. 

Withstanding the bad vibes of the Manawhai tavern Cure Motel believed that the worst action taken by the venue predated Gonomada's arrival. This was because the venue had failed to bill the show on any part of the venue. Tour manager Darcy stated to me; "How the hell are people even going to know we are playing unless the venue does some form of promotion, can't they be bothered writing our name on the venue list. We've travelled hundreds of kilometers to share our music with Managawhai. It's been the worse touring experience ever by a country mile in New Zealand! 

The head of management also had the nerve to tell Darcy that she would 'eat him for breakfast" amongst an assortment of disrespectful and threatening snipes. In our conversation about the rotten side of Mangawhai Tavern he summed up the whole debacle as a situation were one is systematically being terrorized by a venue with no compassion. And personally I have to agree with his view point as it really does seem the venue doesn't care about acts that will go on to be high-flyers in the future.

Interface was inspired by my computer and Daft Punk. It was written about an old interface that I thought was broken when in fact it wasn't!

You can follow me on twitter here: @darcygladwin

And connect your interface to mine via: https://www.facebook.com/CureMotel

My debut singles release is imminient and will be coming to a radio station near you!!!

Until then "Do It Your Own Way" 

CM :)

Hot Single: "Feelings" by Borderline Feat Bailey Willey - Summertime Anthem

I was trawling through theaudience.co.nz and discovered "Feelings" a quality single from Borderline. It was doing very well so I decided to give it a spin and was surprised by the infectious nature of the tune. When you hear "Feelings" you really just want to stop what your doing and start dancing not to mention go crazy when the beat drops.

A song like this makes me excited about NZ dance records makes. And I'm definitely keen to see more from the talented producer. I personally this song would be amazing live at a giant festival in the peak of the NZ Summer. I'm sure Rich will be making the crowds go banana's with this track.

The highlights of "Feelings" as a compositon are the Phat synths which bring a springy lower bass frequency to the tune. I love good bass and thats exactly what I hear on "Feelings" it hits you like a brick and makes you want to keep grooving till you can't groove no more. The drums are also super on point and offer a solid foundation for the song. The inherent builds in the track also reminds me off classic DNB tunes that are the benchmark of the genre. Great song. Vote for it here on The Audience and help drive it number one were it belongs!!!    http://www.theaudience.co.nz/borderline/

Introducing: Tove Lo - Pop Music For Champions (Stockholm, Sweden)

Have you heard about Tove Lo yet? I have today and this girl is a super-talent the beat production is immense the vocals are butter smooth and everyones backing her from Marina and the Diamonds to the whole of the blogosphere. This girl could be the next big thing in pop music in 2014. She seems like an artist with vision and drive to succeed.

I'm really liking all her tracks on Soundcloud especially the most popular ones. It's great to see Stockholm, Sweden still on lock with their wealth of talent. This girls gonna blow up fast and I hope her words haunt you!!!

Shout out to Lucas Nord for his dope music as well!!! :)

https://soundcloud.com/tovelo

Introducing: Phantogram - Electro-Rock Duo from Saratoga Springs, New York

If you haven't heard of these Phantogram already don't worry, but they are worth checking out. Their sound reminds me off Passion pit yet more grimy but with better vocals. I just recently stumbled upon the duos new video on the myoldkentmyoldkentucky

I was skeptical at first of these guys at first because they don't really look like stars. However, their music is on another level, truly :). Apparently they have worked with a some of the top artists on respective backing tracks including 3 songs on Big Boi of the Outkast's latest album (even though the the group has faded from mainstream visibility, oh you fickle world lol).

The New York dance-rock extraordinares have also toured with the who's who of US talent including;  The Antlers, Beach House, Metric, Minus The Bear, Caribou, Zero 7, The xx, Ra Ra Riot, School of Seven Bells, Yeasayer, Brazilian Girls, Future Islands, and The Glitch Mob. And have also been regulars at some of the biggest festivals across the region like Cochella, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, etc. 

The singing of Sarah Barthel is splendid and almost otherworldly while the production is gritty raw yet very commercial. These guys are a band to watch out for as they will be releasing their first record on a major label very soon. It's fantastic to see independents doing so well and representing New York in style. 

TMR

Party Time - Cure Motel Imbark on Nationwide NZ & Aussy Tour in January 2014

January Tour Dates:

NYE GREAT BARRIER SOCIAL CLUB ~ Great Barrier Island

jan thurs 2nd MANGAWHAI TAVERN ~ Mangawhai
fri 3rd THE LINCOLN ~ Whangamata
wed 8th STRAWBERRY TREE ~ Kaikoura
thurs 9th BLUE ICE ~ Franz Joseph
Sat 11th VINYL UNDERGROUND ~ Queenstown
Wed 15th THE RAILS ~ Byron Bay
Fri 17th THE GREAT NORTHERN ~ Newcastle

Lock up your daughters and batter down the hatches because Darcy Gladwin aka Cure Motel is getting ready to tear up the clubs across NZ & Aussy. His commercial debut single"Do It (Your Own Way)" out on Rocawave Records has already been testing well on the road. When he played at the Raglan Yot Club the kids stood up, listened and then went crazy!!! 

The single will be worked to radio through Auckland's newest upstart Record company Rocawave and released on physical Cd through Big Cartel, the bands Bandcamps and Itunes for digital download. 

The Neo-Kalashnikovs helped produce the alternative dance rock anthem and its ready for radio rotation thanks to mastering engineer Brian Lucey (the 5 time grammy winner). The band were utterly stoked to be part of the Melbourne producers musical process. Between the two parties sonic heavy artillery was in full operation. And sonic bass lines and powerful lyrics were deployed within the electric circuits of Auckland cities beating heart.

Oringially Volita Bioletti; lead singer and guitarist of the Neos had planned to produce the record herself. However, at the last minute drummer Moss swooped in and whisked the producer off to the Legendary, Lab studios in Mt Eden and got busy buying studio time and offering Darcy a second pair of ears on the final tweaks of the mix. 

Olly Harmer was at the helm of the Neve mixing desk with Darcy firing orders like a general of Dance royalty. Firmly in control of the creative initiative at hand his perceptive ironclad vision, eyed the finest details of the single that most would have missed. The result was the birthing of a soon to be underground smash with huge mainstream crossover potential particular in Japan!!!

The Head of A&R at Rocawave also helped film the whole recording session in the studio. Just so everyone doesn't start to think that Darcy wasn't the man riffing on the Les-Paul on the dance track . Although the release of the track has been delayed momentarily due to Darcy's heavy workload After all he is at the business end of finishing his full feature-length film; "Godplex"!!! 

The Must see NZ film of 2014 stars Shane Holland lead singer of Freaky Meat and has been shot over many Summers in Wellington and all across New Zealand. I was at test screening of the film and visual work is looking exciting and refreashing, especially when compared to the dross of some films being made in this day and age! 

As of writing this article there have also been hot debates on whether Cure Motel and Rocawave Records will license the song "Do It (Your Own Way)" as the theme song for Godplex, it all depends on the artistic vision of Darcy's sound design team who have a certain aesthetic in mind...but you never know! fingers crossed the song will be cleared and underscore a pivotal scene in the movie, I'd pay good money to see that! 

Due to the creative collaboration of actor Shane Holland and director Darcy Galdwin that spans over 10 years. Rocawave demands that both parties. who helm Cure Motel and Freaky Meat respectively should be the first official release on Record Records!! in 2014 

Two brand new music videos are in the wings for the release in mid-January!!!  

Exclusive physical cd's of Rocawaves first release will be available via Cure Motel at every show on his New Zealand Tour in Janurary. 

Both songs will also be Streaming live on Soundcloud very soon.The label is just finalizing which platform will officially premier the two songs. 

Sit tight New Zealand, real music is on the way!!! Rock On!!!
Rocawave Records
http://rocawave.tumblr.com/
https://twitter.com/RocawaveRecords


Cure Motel's - January Tour Dates:
NYE GREAT BARRIER SOCIAL CLUB ~ Great Barrier Island
jan thurs 2nd MANGAWHAI TAVERN ~ Mangawhai
fri 3rd THE LINCOLN ~ Whangamata
wed 8th STRAWBERRY TREE ~ Kaikoura
thurs 9th BLUE ICE ~ Franz Joseph
Sat 11th VINYL UNDERGROUND ~ Queenstown
Wed 15th THE RAILS ~ Byron Bay
Fri 17th THE GREAT NORTHERN ~ Newcastle

Rocawave Records - Radio and Release Updates

Great to see Jules and John from Freaky Meat on the weekend. Absolutely brilliant to hear the new single they've cooked up "Slow Cooking In The Ghost Kitchen"!!! 

Outstanding production guys. Great to hear Olly "Magic" Harmers skills in the mix. Looking forward to seeing the video for it! might have to enlist my friend Daniel into help edit the final cut! 

The Freaks song will also be sent to radio alongside Cure Motel single "Do It (Your Own Way)". Both songs were mastered by Grammy winner Brian Lucey who masteredThe Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys

The Double Single release will be available from Rocawave Records Big cartel page coming very soon for physical copies!! and Itunes for digital downloads

http://rocawave.tumblr.com/
https://twitter.com/RocawaveRecords

HardLiving's Music Roster = Top UK Talent (Radio 1 can't stop spinning "I Got U"!!! :)

The song "I Got U" is super dope but the pull up was a yeah-nah but who cares because this song is chronic, Def one for all the house heads in NZ fiending some real music. I was checking out the Hard Living's roster in the UK and they have some quality talent in their ranks for sure. I've also got a song by Clare Maguire a chilled out singer songwriter on the team and her song "Paper Thin" is timeless. People probably know it already but I love those Aloe-Blacc vibes that scream out of the mix. Between the piano stabs and soul inspired drums it;s a killer song, even if its on the completely opposite of Duke Dumont's tune laughs. Apparently the dj/producer hails from UKland and everyone at Radio 1 can't stop themselves from spinning his song "I Got U". Duke's previously had a number one with his hit  "Need U 100%" in the England so this could be a climber on the charts. I don't really care because all I know is I like his latest release. The vocals are so well produced they are like silk while the bass is totally their underpinning everything (as it should be) and the lyrics have that great romantic flare, of course!!!

Clubbers:




Stay at home, reflections on ones love life haha

Lana Del Ray: Born To Die (album Review)

Lana Del Ray: Born to Die

I think to objectively review "Born To Die" on it's merits one needs to firstly address the swirling allegations that Lana Del Ray is a fraud and a rich girl who doesn't deserve anything. Just google the studio and you can see that she recorded her break out song "Video Games" in squalor. The studio is arguably run by Sony BMG however the hard times of the record industry are drastically apparent as the studio consists of virtually only a computer and a pair of speakers. Lana Del Ray's dad may be a millionaire but if she has been being spoon feed millions it doesn't make sense that she would sign a record deal for $10,000 and move into a trailer park in upstate N.Y to write her songs. 

In terms of the music on the album its great. I'm not saying their aren't only positives but in terms of a hit album that has immediate appeal this is a great album. My personal favorites are "Video games" which uniquely ties sparse electro-symphony production to an 1950's swag. While "Summer Time Sadness" has a melancholy hipster edge. Standouts are also "National Anthem" that chucks a nod to J.F.K (R.I.P) and "Blue Jeans" for it's contemporary take on modern life/love that conjures striking imagery through it's lyrical beauty.

  Moss Bioletti (The Neo-Kalashnikovs)