The slickest tunes on the RDU airwaves.

RDU continues to champion new Kiwi music with its Singles Club, a collaboration with In Real Life that lets listeners and music lovers become patrons and support new recordings from emerging artists. The initiative produces a 7” vinyl every month, with each side featuring a recording from two selected artists. Here are three releases from February, March and April. To get with the programme you can check out how to become a patron, and be sure to look out for gigs by these artists at venues around the city.

Burn It Down, Zhukov Local punks Zhukov play short, fast songs inspired by dialectical and historical materialism. Their sub 1½ minute new tune is driven by biting guitars and an infectiously catchy call-and-response hook. It’s the first taste of a forthcoming EP recorded by Brian Feary (Melted Ice Cream Records).

Everything Is Free, Lucy Smyth Wellington-based singer, songwriter and composer Lucy Smyth is originally from Christchurch and might be known to some for her work with Sparkle Kitty. Lucy works closely with former Sparkle Kitty member, Christchurch composer and producer Chris William in recording and producing her music, which melds electronic, industrial, experimental pop with jazz roots into an expansive, alluring and hypnotic soundscape. Lucy is releasing an EP mid-year, following her debut single ‘Ghost’ and this rendition of ‘Everything is Free’ by Gillian Welch.

Shade, Purpleman and Jess Aspinwall This primo slice of wax brings together Purpleman and Jess Aspinwall, both mainstays of the Christchurch electronic
music scene.

Beta, Streakers This three-piece alt-rock band based in Christchurch was formed in early 2016 by drummer Dione Piquette and singer/guitarist Morgan. In mid-2017 they linked up with bassist Sam Taylor and began gigging. Reviewers and punters draw comparisons to early QOTSA, Soundgarden, Kyuss and others from the grunge/alt-rock whirlpool of the 90s. Full of drive and a whole lot of top-tier music, this is shaping up to be Streakers’ breakout year.

Snake Pit, Gajuar Gajuar (aka Cathal Dickson) has moved to Wellington to study music and is getting inspiration from everywhere, so expect any new material to have some fresh perspectives.

The Virus, Mental Fatal 2018 Round Up finalists Mental Fatal play a fast and angry, punk-influenced sound. The band has released both DIY and studio material that’ll cut your soul like rusty scissors!

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