Latest news with #RhythmAceStudio


Scoop
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Fin Rah Zel Drop Sweet Ambient Vibe With New Single + Video ‘Overthinking'
A harmonious, light and airy song with a chilled ambience, 'Overthinking' is comprised of a smooth, steady groove, strong back-beat, and good-vibe conscious lyricism – in essence, archetypal Fin Rah Zel. A collaborative effort, 'Overthinking' was written, composed, and produced by Brian with talented cohort Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, with additional production and mixing completed by renowned producer and musician Devin Abrams (Pacific Heights, Drax Project, Shapeshifter) and finally mastered by Chris Gehringer (Lorde, Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Dua Lipa) at Sterling Sound. A relaxed, relatable jam about suffering from a lack in confidence, further compounded by seeking validation in all the wrong places and ways, singer Brian Norton called on old memories of feeling 'less than', and how drink became the mask to hide the fear and negative thoughts that impacted him. Says Brian: 'I am a classic overthinker, probably tilted to the more chronic side. When we were writing this at Sam's studio, I was thinking back to these times in the clubs, drinking to muster up the courage to say hi to the ladies and putting way too much pressure on myself. I remember feeling so anxious and terrified when it came to approaching a girl that I was interested in, I would always think of all the potential negative outcomes and let the fear of them saying no, stop me in my tracks. Alcohol was definitely my temporary confidence booster which turned into a weekly habit. In essence, the song is really just about not having the nuts to approach the girl that you like, and masking that lack of confidence with alcohol lol.' Now an older, wiser Brian can see it for what it was, and his advice is to seek a more internalised journey, based on building yourself up from the inside - without the vizard of alcohol – in order to be authentically yourself and feel good about it! 'Looking back it was just a lack of confidence and self-belief and I think underneath all of that I was just looking for validation that I was worthy of them. If I could speak to my 18 year old self, I would tell him that he's looking for validation in the wrong environments and should just look within.' explains Brian. Fin Rah Zel are prolific creators of beautiful music matched with genuine lyrics to create a distinct blend of dreamy zen, infectious optimism, and catchy summer vibes, as evoked in their radio smash hit 'Unity' and their growing back catalogue of impressive tunes. No stranger to delivering numbers that tug at the heart-strings, Fin Rah Zel are a band that consistently reach deep within to compose songs that hit all the feels, full of gentle, heartfelt grooves and warm-hearted uplifting messages of connection, love and hope. Listen out for more new music to come from Fin Rah Zel, their music is medicine for the soul!


Scoop
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie Drop New Contemporary-Country-Pop Single ‘1988'
Press Release – Blackout Music Management Blending shimmering acoustic textures with rich harmonies, melodic hooks, and a warm sing-a-long chorus, '1988' is infused with a wistful, sentimental vibe. Steeped in 90's nostalgia in its drum and guitar tones, the chord phrases and even an omnichord, this track is a true labour of love that showcases the band's softer sonic palette. The poppy, light-hearted vibe of the song disguises its darker lyrical content, and reveals the more reflective side of the bands' strong musical synergy. '1988' marks the first release in a series of singles that will roll out over the coming months, building toward a full-length album later this year. A sensitive, contemplative track, '1988' is a highly relatable and empathetic reflection on the journey to finding oneself. Written as a tender love letter to lead singer-songwriter Courtnay Low's childhood self, '1988' is an evocative tune about her deeply personal struggle to identify and hold space for herself through the lens of a broken family unit. Recorded at Oakura's Rhythm Ace Studio with acclaimed producer Sam Johnson, and mastered by Chris Chetland at Auckland's Kog Studios, '1988' features the masterful talents of Courtnay Low on lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar; Chad Williams on drums, acoustic guitar and backing vocals; Keith Parker on bass and backing vocals; and introducing Riley Smith on lead guitar; and Liana Hart on backing vocals. Low consistently expresses her artistry with lyrics that delve into stories of heartache, resilience, and the vast continuum of raw emotions that define the human experience, and once again she demonstrates her song-writing prowess and remarkable voice as she sings: '…Where do we go, when the night comes And takes away our hope? Who do we tell, that it cuts the mould All those secrets that you hold…' About the song, Low says: 'In essence, it's a love letter to my childhood self. I had to grow up quite fast in my family unit and I think I carried a whole lot of weight that a child shouldn't have to carry. The song is a bit of a juxtaposition though, as the lyrics are pretty dark and heavy but the overall tone of it is quite poppy and happy. That's life though right? The good and the bad!' Esteemed journalist and music writer Graham Reid had this to say about the inimitable Courtnay Low in his fantastic Elsewhere review of the bands' fiery 2024 debut EP MERCY: '…her range and delivery puts her among the best singers we have…[Mercy is]…consistently impressive, not just for her singing and playing but her lyrical ability.' Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie are without a doubt, the real deal. At their core, the band remain immersed in the mystique of alt-country swamp-blues vibes, a hypnotic and magic blend of that will leave music aficionados hungry for more and eager to witness the rise of this exceptionally talented band. With '1988', they reveal another aspect to their versatility and musical depth. Stay tuned and listen out as there's much more to come from one of our most sensational rising local talents.


Scoop
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie Drop New Contemporary-Country-Pop Single ‘1988'
Blending shimmering acoustic textures with rich harmonies, melodic hooks, and a warm sing-a-long chorus, '1988' is infused with a wistful, sentimental vibe. Steeped in 90's nostalgia in its drum and guitar tones, the chord phrases and even an omnichord, this track is a true labour of love that showcases the band's softer sonic palette. The poppy, light-hearted vibe of the song disguises its darker lyrical content, and reveals the more reflective side of the bands' strong musical synergy. '1988' marks the first release in a series of singles that will roll out over the coming months, building toward a full-length album later this year. A sensitive, contemplative track, '1988' is a highly relatable and empathetic reflection on the journey to finding oneself. Written as a tender love letter to lead singer-songwriter Courtnay Low's childhood self, '1988' is an evocative tune about her deeply personal struggle to identify and hold space for herself through the lens of a broken family unit. Recorded at Oakura's Rhythm Ace Studio with acclaimed producer Sam Johnson, and mastered by Chris Chetland at Auckland's Kog Studios, '1988' features the masterful talents of Courtnay Low on lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar; Chad Williams on drums, acoustic guitar and backing vocals; Keith Parker on bass and backing vocals; and introducing Riley Smith on lead guitar; and Liana Hart on backing vocals. Low consistently expresses her artistry with lyrics that delve into stories of heartache, resilience, and the vast continuum of raw emotions that define the human experience, and once again she demonstrates her song-writing prowess and remarkable voice as she sings: '…Where do we go, when the night comes And takes away our hope? Who do we tell, that it cuts the mould All those secrets that you hold…' About the song, Low says: 'In essence, it's a love letter to my childhood self. I had to grow up quite fast in my family unit and I think I carried a whole lot of weight that a child shouldn't have to carry. The song is a bit of a juxtaposition though, as the lyrics are pretty dark and heavy but the overall tone of it is quite poppy and happy. That's life though right? The good and the bad!' Esteemed journalist and music writer Graham Reid had this to say about the inimitable Courtnay Low in his fantastic Elsewhere review of the bands' fiery 2024 debut EP MERCY: '…her range and delivery puts her among the best singers we have…[Mercy is]…consistently impressive, not just for her singing and playing but her lyrical ability.' Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie are without a doubt, the real deal. At their core, the band remain immersed in the mystique of alt-country swamp-blues vibes, a hypnotic and magic blend of that will leave music aficionados hungry for more and eager to witness the rise of this exceptionally talented band. With '1988', they reveal another aspect to their versatility and musical depth. Stay tuned and listen out as there's much more to come from one of our most sensational rising local talents.