Latest news with #TroyKingi
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
KORA Return Bigger, Bolder, And More Electrifying Than Ever With New Album Fifth Season And Nationwide Tour
Kora are back-and sound bigger, deeper and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited new album Fifth Season set for release August 22nd digitally and on vinyl and a national tour to match, the iconic Aotearoa band is set to reawaken the hearts of fans both old and new Fifth Season showcases the dynamic range of Kora from the funky, upbeat rhythms of ' Dancing in the Rain ', to the broken-hearted power ballad ' Gone'. ' Falling For You ' taps into the unmistakable Minneapolis sound, while the latest single, ' Revolution ' (featuring brother Laughton Kora) is a compelling reggae anthem for 2025 that cuts right to the heart of political accountability. 'Revolution' rides on a buoyant groove, driven by punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove and soulful vocals, making it as danceable as it is politically charged. Pre-save / Pre-order Fifth Season D igitally and on Vinyl. Listen/Purchase ' Revolution ' – thanks to the the support of NZ On Air. The Fifth Season Album Release Tour sees the band hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country. Kicking off in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, followed by a night at Auckland's iconic Powerstation on Friday 3 October, before wrapping up in the capital at Wellington's newest venue, Meow Nui, on Saturday 11 October. Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 21 July at midday. Known as one of Aotearoa's most powerful and dynamic acts fusing elements of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic music into a sonic identity that is entirely their own. Kora's music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by innovation, storytelling, and groove. Their breakout hits ' Politician ', 'Burning', and ' On My Mind ' propelled Kora to the top of the charts, with their debut album going double Platinum and Light Years cementing their status as innovators. Recent singles like ' Secret Lover ', ' Weekend ', ' Dancing In The Rain', and ' Gone ' have kept Kora's sound fresh and their fanbase growing, blending bass-heavy grooves with soulful hooks and sharp production. The current live ensemble, consists of core members Fran and Stu Kora, Dan McGruer and Richie Allan, along with new additions Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and BVs. Long renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora remain one of Aotearoa's most formidable headline acts on stage, wowing crowds at the likes of The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, One Love, Synthony In The Domain, Electric Avenue, Homegrown, and Splore. Their performances bring together heavy bass, soaring vocals, and raw energy, blending musical mastery with raw power to create an immersive experience. Whether headlining major festivals or packing out venues around Aotearoa, Kora's ability to move a crowd is unmatched. 01 – Revolution 02 – Dancing In The Rain 03 – U Wanna Give This Up 04 – Gone 05 – Wrong 06 – Sandbox 07 – Falling For You 08 – Bull Rush 09 – Easy Now (Final Season) 10 – Azza Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
KORA Return Bigger, Bolder, And More Electrifying Than Ever With New Album Fifth Season And Nationwide Tour
Kora are back-and sound bigger, deeper and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited new album Fifth Season set for release August 22nd digitally and on vinyl and a national tour to match, the iconic Aotearoa band is set to reawaken the hearts of fans both old and new Fifth Season showcases the dynamic range of Kora from the funky, upbeat rhythms of ' Dancing in the Rain ', to the broken-hearted power ballad ' Gone'. ' Falling For You ' taps into the unmistakable Minneapolis sound, while the latest single, ' Revolution ' (featuring brother Laughton Kora) is a compelling reggae anthem for 2025 that cuts right to the heart of political accountability. 'Revolution' rides on a buoyant groove, driven by punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove and soulful vocals, making it as danceable as it is politically charged. Pre-save / Pre-order Fifth Season Digitally and on Vinyl. Listen/Purchase ' Revolution ' - thanks to the the support of NZ On Air. The Fifth Season Album Release Tour sees the band hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country. Kicking off in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, followed by a night at Auckland's iconic Powerstation on Friday 3 October, before wrapping up in the capital at Wellington's newest venue, Meow Nui, on Saturday 11 October. Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 21 July at midday. Known as one of Aotearoa's most powerful and dynamic acts fusing elements of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic music into a sonic identity that is entirely their own. Kora's music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by innovation, storytelling, and groove. Their breakout hits ' Politician ', 'Burning', and ' On My Mind ' propelled Kora to the top of the charts, with their debut album going double Platinum and Light Years cementing their status as innovators. Recent singles like ' Secret Lover ', ' Weekend ', ' Dancing In The Rain', and ' Gone ' have kept Kora's sound fresh and their fanbase growing, blending bass-heavy grooves with soulful hooks and sharp production. The current live ensemble, consists of core members Fran and Stu Kora, Dan McGruer and Richie Allan, along with new additions Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and BVs. Long renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora remain one of Aotearoa's most formidable headline acts on stage, wowing crowds at the likes of The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, One Love, Synthony In The Domain, Electric Avenue, Homegrown, and Splore. Their performances bring together heavy bass, soaring vocals, and raw energy, blending musical mastery with raw power to create an immersive experience. Whether headlining major festivals or packing out venues around Aotearoa, Kora's ability to move a crowd is unmatched. 01 - Revolution 02 - Dancing In The Rain 03 - U Wanna Give This Up 04 - Gone 05 - Wrong 06 - Sandbox 07 - Falling For You 08 - Bull Rush 09 - Easy Now (Final Season) 10 - Azza
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
KORA Announce Fifth Season Album Release Tour Playing Three Shows This Spring
Aotearoa's genre-defying heavyweights KORA are back. With their long-awaited new album Fifth Season just announced and set for release on August 22, the band are hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country on the Fifth Season Album Release Tour. Beginning in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, the band then hit the mighty Powerstation in Auckland on Friday 3 October before tearing up Wellington's newest venue Meow Nui on Saturday 11 October. Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 21 July at midday. Led by founding members Dan McGruer, brothers Fran and Stu Kora, Kora's powerhouse live lineup includes Richie Allan, (Heavy Metal Ninjas) on lead guitar, Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. The Fifth Season Album Release Tour will deliver Kora's signature blend of bass-heavy grooves, soaring vocals, and genre-defying energy. Fans can expect classics like ' Politician ', ' Burning ', and ' On My Mind ', alongside recent favourites and brand-new material from the upcoming Fifth Season album. Grounded in kaupapa Māori and driven by innovation and storytelling, their sound fuses roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic. Joining the tour as special guests are Black Comet —a multi-dimensional, galactic funk 4-piece founded by Laughton Kora (Kora, L.A.B, Fly My Pretties). Known for their dynamic live jams, high energy, and tight performances, Black Comet live is a groove-based experience with powerful narratives. The all-star lineup also features Adam Tobeck on drums, Dan Antunovich on bass and Poihakena Reid on keys, sax and talkbox. Their 2024 full-length album Episode One: Looking For a New Planet boldly pushes the boundaries of modern music. With their next album Episode Two: The Force Between Us y ou can expect nothing less than a cosmic groove odyssey. Renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora have cemented their status as one of Aotearoa's most revered acts, lighting up festivals like The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Splore, Homegrown, Synthony In The Domain, and One Love. This tour is your chance to catch a true live force in full flight. Don't miss the return of a live juggernaut! Kora's Fifth Season is here. KORA FIFTH SEASON ALBUM TOUR With special guest Black Comet Sept-Oct '25 Presented by Spark and Eccles Entertainment Tickets on sale Monday 21 July at 12pm SAT 20 SEPT The Factory | Hamilton FRI 3 OCT The Powerstation | Auckland SAT 11 OCT Meow Nui | Wellington
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
KORA It's Time For "Revolution"
Kora are back - and sound bigger, deeper and more electrifying than ever! With brand new single ' Revolution ' feat Laughton Kora, the iconic Aotearoa band is set to reawaken the hearts of fans both old and new. A compelling reggae anthem for 2025 that cuts right to the heart of political accountability. 'Revolution' rides on a buoyant groove, driven by punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove and soulful vocals, making it as danceable as it is politically charged. It's Time For Revolution! Listen/Watch ' Revolution ' Made witth the the support of NZOA Known as one of Aotearoa's most powerful and dynamic acts fusing elements of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic music into a sonic identity that is entirely their own. Their music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by innovation, storytelling, and groove. Their breakout hits ' Politician ', 'Burning', and ' On My Mind ' propelled Kora to the top of the charts, with their debut album going double Platinum and Light Years cementing their status as innovators. Recent singles like ' Secret Lover ', ' Weekend ', ' Dancing In The Rain', and ' Gone ' have kept Kora's sound fresh and their fanbase growing, blending bass-heavy grooves with soulful hooks and sharp production. The current live ensemble, consists of core members Fran and Stu Kora, Dan McGruer and Richie Allan, along with new additions Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and BVs. Long renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora remain one of Aotearoa's most formidable headline acts on stage, wowing crowds at the likes of The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, One Love, Synthony In The Domain, Electric Avenue, Homegrown, and Splore. Their performances bring together heavy bass, soaring vocals, and raw energy, blending musical mastery with raw power to create an immersive experience. Whether headlining major festivals or packing out venues around Aotearoa, Kora's ability to move a crowd is unmatched.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Lucky Break: Exclusive Music Competition For Emerging NZ Artists
The Chapel Studio (Auckland), in partnership with AllGood Absolute Alternative Records (AAA Records) and Luma ATMOS Studios, is proud to present Lucky Break — an exciting opportunity for New Zealand's rising music talent to take their careers to the next level. Open to NZ residents aged 16 and over, Lucky Break winners will receive professional studio time, Mastering and Dolby Atmos Mixing, artist career development mentorship, and official release opportunities for unsigned artists and bands. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for unsigned up and coming talent! Prizes: First Prize (valued at $10,000.00): Professionally Produced and recorded EP over 3 full days of Recording Time at The Chapel Studio, including artist accommodation. Fully mixed Stereo Master plus Dolby Atmos Immersive mix Official release through AAA Records 2-hour artist development consultation with TeMatera Smith of AAA Records (Troy Kingi, Dub Pistols, French for Rabbits, the Mons Whaler etc) Second Prize (valued at $4,000.00): Professionally recorded single completed in 1 day Fully mixed Stereo Master plus Dolby Atmos Immersive mix 1-hour artist development consultation with TeMatera Smith of AAA Records Third Prize: 1-hour consultation with TeMatera Smith 25% discount voucher for a future booking at The Chapel Studio or Luma Atmos Studio Key Conditions: Prizes must be completed within 6 months of winner notification and are subject to studio availability. Travel are the responsibility of winners. Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Judging & Selection: Winners will be selected by an expert panel including Chapel Studio staff and industry professionals. Creative potential Alignment with the studio's artistic ethos Technical readiness to undertake recording and release The panel's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winners will be contacted by Friday, 8 August 2025 via email. If unresponsive within 5 working days, prizes may be reassigned. By entering, artists consent to the use of their name, likeness, and provided content for promotional purposes related to the competition. For full terms, conditions, and entry form: This is your chance to record, release and grow with some of the best in the New Zealand music scene. Don't miss your Lucky Break — submit your entry before August 1st! Entry Details: Entries open: 12:00am, Tuesday 1 July 2025 Entries close: 11:59pm, Friday 1 August 2025 (NZT) Enter on the ' Lucky Break' page at by completing the official entry form, supplying a demo track and other tasks listed.
