Cam's Kiwi Music Spotlight picks!

Hey Guys Cam from ZM Chart here.

While it is a very uncertain time for a lot of people right now I wanted to take a moment to shine a light on some of the incredible Kiwi artists that could definitely use some love in this difficult time. I don’t know about you but I am definitely missing going to concerts.

For a lot of these artists live shows are their main form of income and with the lockdown it is proving to be increasingly difficult for artists to make money. One super easy way to help your favourite artists at this time is to stream their music and watch they music videos. For every stream or video view you are helping create revenue for the artist and the writers of the songs you’re streaming.

Below I am going to showcase some of my favourite kiwi songs and if you’re in a position to help CLICK HERE to donate to Music Helps, an organisation dedicated to providing emergency financial support and professional counselling to kiwi music people (artists, roadies and crew) when crisis strikes.

 

Paige

I first met Paige in 2017 at the time she was doing covers on Facebook. Her cover of ‘How Far I’ll Go’ by Alessia Cara caught my attention so I got her in to have a chat.

While she was in the studio she also did a cover of ’Shape Of You’ by Ed Sheeran and performed an Untitled original track. Since then she has gone on to sign a deal with Sony Music NZ and has been blowing up the charts.

Her Track ‘Bloom’ is still one of my favourites but definitely check out her latest release ’Too Much To H8’ the live version on her Youtube Channel is definitely a vibe so be sure to check it out.

 

Andrew Papas

Andrew Papas has been releasing solo music since 2016 and he’s back with a new track. When you have a partner as beautiful as Megan it wouldn’t be hard to find the inspiration to write a love song.

In my eyes Megan and Andrew are couple goals, it’s the kind of love I could only dream of. ‘Girl’ His first release of 2020 is a catchy vibe which will definitely leave you with some feels.

I caught up with Andrew before the lockdown started and he has plans to release more music this year so definitely keep an eye out for it. 2020 is going to be big for Andrew Papas. Keep an eye on his Youtube Channel for any upcoming visuals. 

 

Indyah

Indyah is reasonably new to the music scene however she has been around music her entire life.

From one of New Zealand’s most musical families she moved to Auckland in 2018 to chase her dream of music. In 2019 she released her Debut single ’Truth Or Dare’ sitting just shy of 100,000 streams on Spotify. Her followup track ’That Night' follows a communication break down in a relationship.

Indyah’s natural ability to tell a story through music is an asset to her song writing. If you follow her on Instagram you will know she is no stranger to fashion too. She pushes the boundaries and I can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for her. 

 

Lepani

Lepani is an absolute legend and was the last interview I did before the lockdown started. He lights up any room he walks into and his music does the same thing.

His first release in 2019 ‘Pocket Full Of Love’ tackles a break up head on. Moving onto 2020 his most recent release ‘Breathe’ sees Lepani find love. Another song that will make you think of your significant other… or if you’re like me (single af) it will make you dream of a love similar to that Lepani is experiencing in the track.

The Lyrics “Never leave, cause I can’t breathe without your love” will hit you right in the feels. 

 

Dual

Maurice Miller and Jamie Pyne make up Kiwi duo Dual. The boys originally were members of Narwhal but have been releasing music together since 2017.

Their latest track 'Running Around My Head’ is now going viral on Tik Tok with a new challenge where people are pushing away the negative things they’ve had said to them. This track is destined to put you in a good mood. 

Alae

Alex Farrell-Davey, Allister Meffan, Jayden Lee and Marika Hodgson make up Alae. The released their Debut self title EP in 2016 and have been going strong ever since.

Their debut full-length album Henry St hit #1 on both the iTunes alternative and IMNZ charts and was featured on Rolling Stone, MTV AUNZ and Billboard and gathered over 4 million streams in the process.

Summer Thing is a feel good record that will bring the positive summer vibes back as we drift into the cooler months. Be sure to throw Alae some love on Instagram. 

FOLEY

I am sure you will be familiar with foley but you might not have had the chance to check out their latest EP On My Conscience.

It features 5 tracks of pure goodness. They’ve spent the beginning of 2020 on the Kiwi Festival trail playing everything from R&V to supporting Drax Project and Six60 at their summer gigs.

Ash and Gabe are two of the kindest people and I cannot wait to see where 2020 takes them. 

AMILA

2018 Brought us a gift in the form of Amila her music is infectious, energetic and fun.

In 2019 Amila released a track titled ‘Fired Up’ an empowerment anthem which is ready to help you kick any goal you’ve got out of the park. Fast forward to 2020 and she’s just released another track which you definitely need to get your ears around.

“Talk It Out” is a step down in tempo but if you’ve been through a break up recently this is the song for you. “I’ll be overhear without a doubt, forgetting everything about you” if that isn’t the 2020 sass you need in your life I don’t know what is. 

 

Ashy

Representing Christchurch Ashy has been blessing us with pop bangers since 2017 and will continue providing the tunes for every occasion. ‘Pretty Lies’ is one of my personal favourites.

It’s catchy up-temo and fun. Her most recent release ‘Ego' is definitely one to add to your playlist. It’s quite a different vibe to her other releases an incorporates some RNB vibes in the beat. 

 

Balu Brigada

Balu Brigada is a brother trio providing smooth beats, enchanting melodies and vocals that slap! If you’re not following the guys on Instagram you need to change that ASAP.

Henry, Pierre and Charles are always up for a joke and are able to take you behind the scenes of some of NZ’s biggest festivals. You really can’t go wrong with any of their tracks but if you haven’t already definitely check out their latest track ‘Medicine.’ 

If Spotify is more your vibe CLICK HERE to listen to my Killer Kiwi Anthems playlist.

Hope these tracks can make your lockdown situation just a little bit better. Stay safe out there and don’t be afraid to reach out if you ever want to chat.

Sending you all the positive vibes!

- Cam.

 

You can learn more about how to help support Kiwi artists at this time, HERE.