China has always held a great fascination for me. My grandfather Yee Jeng Keng was born in Ghangzhou in 1915 and came to New Zealand as a young man, then again in the 1940s when he started a family. He was a chef and had a Chinese restaurant in Christchurch, and a love of Cantonese food was passed down to me through my mother Elaine Lywa Haines (nee Keng). My Chinese roots have always been important to me and for decades I had wanted to explore mainland China, soak up the vibe and meet some musicians. ...

For the past decade Shana Graham has released music under the name Valere, consistently delivering innovative electro-pop that is at once catchy and vulnerable. In March 2024 the Aotearoa-Filipino artist reaches for an even deeper vulnerability with the touching Lily's March, a song celebrating mothers and daughters. Article by Nur Lajunen-Tal, made with support from NZ On Air Music. Shana Graham last spoke to NZM in 2016 about Valere's sophomore EP 'Blue.' Since then there's been an album, 'Colours,' ...

Ain't So Bad is the latest single by Ōtautahi DnB producer duo Mish & Greeen, real names Alex Wilton and Nigel Greene. Featuring local singer Ciara Comber the song's self-reflective but positive vibe convinced NZ On Air Music to include it on their NewTracks compilation this March. What are your names, where are you from and what instruments do you each play? Alexander James Wilton (Mish) - from Christchurch, reppin’ the Redwood/Papanui suburb. Jammed the recorder as a little sprout, then ...