- PJ Taylor’s music rap – as at November 23
Three determined emerging musicians with east Auckland connections have just released high quality singles.
Howick’s Jack Robertson, Pakuranga’s Raging Flowers, and the east’s Marianne Leigh, who is now based in London, have launched their new tracks to the world over the past week.
The new song by Jack Robertson is called Lovesick, and in a collaboration deal with Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Anderson Rocio it’s put out by her independent record label, Riverine.
Jack Robertson’s bio reads that he’s ‘emerged from his upbringings of English rock and folk music to land in his own world of bittersweet pop.
‘One of four kids growing up, Robertson traded his earlier years spent in rock bands and guitar competitions, to write folk-pop music with a rocky undercurrent that softens the boundaries of genres.
‘A 2016 Coldplay concert became a pivotal moment for Jack and inspired the following years of dedication to becoming a full-time artist.
‘The influence of Chris Martin and the unavoidable heartbreak that comes with the trials and tribulations of teenagehood turned this, now Bachelor of Music student, into a multi-instrumentalist and prolific songwriter.
‘Robertson has released an album’s worth of original music and performed frequently across his home city, making waves as he strengthens his fanbase from the roots up.
‘Whether accompanied by a rock piece, string quartet or in solitude with a guitar, his honesty and vulnerability within his performance and songwriting is now turning heads overseas.’
Kiwi Christmas “is a cheerful and fun indie-pop Christmas song”, says Raging Flowers, aka Amy Wang, of Pakuranga.
“Unlike the usual Christmas tunes, Kiwi Christmas is rather silly and energetic,” she says.
“It combines elements of jazz and alternative rock to create a unique song that captures the classic Kiwi Christmas experience.”
From the first play through, it’s catchy, with memorable lyrics exulting champagne ham and champion lamb. We Kiwis sure do enjoy our food at the end of the year.
Raging Flowers’ bio reads that ‘she makes quirky story songs that are generally funny, sad, or angry.
‘She wears her heart on her sleeve and speaks her mind with hilarious honesty.
‘She’s a one-woman band who writes, performs, and produces her songs. She has an experimental approach and a friendly sound.’
Described as an ‘emerging indie-pop artist’, Marianne Leigh’s new single obsessed, out on November 22, is released alongside her third EP, fix me up.
Tom Sutton-Roberts, of Pulse MGMT in London, says Marianne Leigh’s “known for blending heartfelt lyricism with a pop rock edge”.
“Marianne’s latest work dives deep into personal stories of friendships, heartache, and self-discovery.
“obsessed, the focus track for the EP, stands out as a departure from Marianne’s usual sound, drawing on sonic inspiration from Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift’s Reputation era.”
Marianne says: “The production is the most experimental I’ve ever done. We distorted the vocals, leaned into synth-heavy sounds, and avoided a traditional bridge structure, all of which gave the track its unique edge.
“The EP is about leaving toxic situations, whether that’s relationships or friendships, and the freedom that comes with reclaiming your narrative.
“This project documents all the messy feelings that arise when going through breakups, moving away from home, and navigating your 20s.
“I feel sure of myself as an artist, and I’m proud of how this EP reflects my growth,”
- All the tracks featured here are available on most streaming platforms. Check them out – try local, support local. – PJ
