Aotearoa artists Crystal Chen, Geneva AM, Nauti, and more have dropped gorgeous new songs, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Crystal Chen – “Love Letter”
What’s more romantic than a good old fashioned love letter? Tāmaki Makaurau musician and photographer Crystal Chen brings us a sweet ode to romance, inspired by a love letter she found while cleaning her room. With sparkling horns, swooning melodies, and Chen’s lush vocals, this track is sure to sweep you off your feet this Valentine’s Day.
Geneva AM – “T(M)²I”
Geneva AM, aka Geneva Alexander-Marsters from SoccerPractise, has released a stunning new bilingual single called T(M)²I (pronounced Tangaroa Made Me Ill). Available in both Māori and English versions, this track is truly unique and captures all the excitement and love of a new relationship.
Geneva wanted to convey these emotions with a simple yet captivating instrumental riff, describing it as “a warm sound, comforting yet mysterious… Looking back, I must have been articulating my own feelings around ambiguity and those initial butterflies you can get at the beginning of a relationship.” The music video, shot in Japan and Aotearoa, draws inspiration from Charlotte Wells’ film Aftersun, adding visual charm to the track’s enchanting narrative.
C.Zukey – “Water Temple”
In his latest single “Water Temple,”Auckland-based artist C.Zukey reflects on love and commitment following a life-changing event: his wife’s brain injury during childbirth. This track follows his previous single “Happy&Healthy,” which is making waves on student radio. Both tracks will be on C.Zukey’s debut album, “Stone Fruut,” produced by Mark Perkins (Merk).
“’Water Temple’ was written maybe 6 months after Lydia’s brain injury when I suddenly had a huge wave of energy, enthusiasm, and optimism. I ran my guitar through some new pedals I bought and happened upon this really addictive rhythmic delay. To me the rhythm felt really exciting but also carried a sort of anxiety to it. We ended up running a few of the instruments through that same delay so the track is just swimming in it.”
Nauti – “Valentines Bih”
After releasing a new single earlier this week titled “Dom P” featuring Romi Wrights, local rapper Nauti has a surprise for us tonight: a new track called “Valentines Bih.” It’s a smooth R&B tune showing off a softer side to his heavy-hitting beats.
Valentine’s Day Gigs
- If you’re in Pōneke/Wellington, Ben Woods, Ferby, Hans Pucket, and Hemi Hemingway are putting on a special Valentine’s Daay shindig at Meow. What a lineup! Tickets available here and on the door.
- And for those feeling a little more “anti-Valentine’s” this year, Australian punks Totally Unicorn are making their debut appearance in NZ at Whammy Bar on Thursday. It’s bound to be loud and noisy! They’ll be joined by local punks Dick Move, fresh from opening up for none other than the Foo Fighters. Tickets available here. Whammy will also be spinning lover records until late on Friday.
- Not exactly a gig, but if you’re out enjoying some live music tonight and dining out, you can support the “Will You Free My Palestine?” local relief fundraiser for Gaza. Participating restaurants and cafes like Gemmayze St and Cocos and on K’ Road will be offering a special date-night dish, with proceeds going towards food and aid for Gaza.
