As 2021 comes to an end, we’re bringing you eight new releases to wrap up your year and welcome the new.
1. DEAR BROTHER – SOUNDS OF DE LA SALLE
Raising awareness about mental health is important during these trying times of Covid. Seven-piece band Sounds of De La Salle released their heartfelt song Dear Brother to help raise awareness and voice their support to those who are struggling in silence. The band comprises of Samoan students from De La Salle College with Joshua Leuluai, Joseph Safiti and Faigafou Amani on the vocals, Lorenzo Lafolua on guitar, Carlos Fiame on bass, Fonteyn Olofai on keyboard and Psalms Vaotuua on drums.
Dear Brother is one of two pieces the band entered in a high school music competition and is now part of a campaign to support Pacific youth.
2. SO SICK OF LOVE (SSOL) – ZANDERR PIERRE
After building a fanbase on TikTok with his music covers, Samoan artist Alex (Zanderr) Pierre finally released his debut single So Sick of Love (SSOL). Zanderr voices his vulnerability about love and relationships while exerting his self-worth over tongue-in-cheek lyrics, layered over a sedative beat mixed and mastered by Mansuedo.
“This generation is convinced that things that should be normal in a relationship should be praised, like doing the bare minimum,” Zanderr says.
“[SSOL] is basically me trying to persuade a girl that I’m not like every other guy but slowly getting sick of waiting for her to realise that.”
The Auckland artist is motivated to create music for all and holds his mother in the highest regards for instilling Christian values in his everyday life.
“I promised my mum that no matter how big I get in the music industry, I’ll never use foul language in my songs,” he says.
“My music will make you feel every type of way. It’ll have you crying, singing your lungs out, happy, dancing, and I hope that through my music, I can help thousands of people find whatever they may be seeking in the season they’re going through.”
3. FOR YOU – HILLSIDE BLVD FT HAVOK
Auckland rap duo Hillside BLVD (YoungnFotz and Saiyan) have collaborated with Samoan rapper Havok in their homegrown track For You.
For You salutes Hillside BLVD’s tight-knit bond since their time at Wesley College and the importance of hustling for their families. The boys each deliver propelling verses on a synthesized beat, laced with YoungnFotz’s vocal prowess and mixed and mastered by ProdToby.
“For us Pasifika people, we work every day to help support our families in any way we can to do big things for them,” YoungnFotz says. “We also talk about things that we’ve been through which others can relate to and for them to understand that there is a way out of those struggles.”
With an official music video on the way, these three emerging artists are steadily on the grind, with Hillside BLVD set to perform in shows in the upcoming year.
4. PROUD21 ALBUM – VARIOUS SOUTH AUCKLAND ARTISTS
PROUD21 is a collaborative album featuring over 15 South Auckland artists.
From local legends to current upstarts, PROUD21 celebrates the beauty of south side and the diverse sounds that comes with each community.
The album also honours the late “Big Paul” Tui’vai, who passed just over a week before the album release.
“This project is extremely heavy on our hearts. [Tu’ivai] played an intricate part as an executive and he was a pioneering man that was always seen smiling and uplifting our people,” says Executive Producer Giantkilla.
PROUD21 features Hassanah Iroegbu from the iconic Sisters Underground, Cydel duo GrooveJunkee and SIAVANI, Māngere’s young gun JHu$tle, CHURCHABOYA, Cyeliss, bKIDD, ZACNON, GiantKilla and Ōtara rapper LIVELY.
5. FLOOR IS LAVA – LANCE SAVALI
@lancesavaliWHATS GOIN ON HERE HAHAHA ##fyp ##fypシ ##foryou ##floorislava ##grandparents♬ Floor Is Lava – Lance Savali
Kiwi-Samoan dance sensation and Treasure Island finalist Lance Savali has performed on international stages for the likes of Rihanna, Chris Brown, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. Now he’s realising his goal of becoming a DJ with debut single Floor is Lava.
“I’ve kind of done what I wanted to do with dance and now this is my next chapter, like fully send it!” he told 1News.
The tech-house beat’s been a hit on TikTok, with many adding in their own flare.
“I love to have fun and ‘floor is lava’ is kind of like a game that people play. It’s nothing serious, and what I’m always trying to portray is having fun.”
6. 21 ALBUM – TOMORROW PEOPLE
Ending the year off on a high with a 16-track album is Aotearoa’s reggae band Tomorrow People. Their new album, aptly named ’21’, includes the 11 #FirstFriday tracks, with two Māori songs and three new songs.
Their #FirstFriday campaign pushed the band to release a song on the first Friday of every month. This fresh approach was loved by many supporters and saw every #FirstFriday single feature on the Hot NZ singles chart.
“21 represents a celebration for us. After a year of challenges, it is a nice way to wrap everything up,” says the band’s music director, Avina Kelekolio.“21 not only showcases the hard work we put in during the year, but it also represents maturity within the band and in some ways, a new start, kinda like a 21st birthday.”
7. THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL (COVER) – THE MALAELOA BAND
Samoan eight-piece group The Malaeloa Band has shared a cover of ‘The Greatest Gift of All’ as we enter the festive season.
Before Covid, the band were frequent performers at the Orator Night Club as they enjoyed entertaining a live audience. With Covid restrictions, they have turned to releasing music live on YouTube instead.
Members Suāfo’a Fanu, Pati Sumuletu, Tee Amosa, Lagolago Tufuga, Jerry Simanu, Sam Tuia and Lile Matthaiaz Everley are joined by Samoa Star Search 2020 winner Louisa Woo Ching – Sonny to deliver a sweet, festive track for all to enjoy.
“We hope our re-arrangement for this song cover brings you all peace, happiness and joy into your homes this Christmas.”
8. OH WHATS IT LIKE TO BE AUTISTIC – TIHEI
Prolific artist and creator Tihei shares his trying times as an autistic person in his new thought-provoking single ‘Oh Whats It Like To Be Autistic’. With outspoken lyrics and his calm flow, the Ōtara-born rapper sets an empathetic tone for listeners to tune in on the battles he faced with bullying and rejection. The new track allows Tihei to be a voice for others with similar experiences and to raise awareness around those who suffer with autism.
9. BEHAVING BAD – SOUTHERN SAFARI
Fresh out the Auckland concrete jungle is new collective Southern Safari, merging the exciting talents of artists Freddy Reynold, Vos Carter, TheWesternGuide and MilliMelvz, breaking into the scene with their debut single Behaving Bad.
Developing a sound that combines the raw energy of South Auckland with a laidback southern swing element, Southern Safari brings an eclectic blend of alternative hip hop, elements of boom bap and garage.
