RNZ Music was lucky enough to shoot a series of amazing live sessions at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios. We captured performances from Kiwi/Persian rapper CHAII, country powerhouse Tami Neilson, pop-punk quartet Miss June and reggae legends Katachafire.
Katchafire
Katchafire have been together for more than 21 years - a milestone they celebrated with the release of their 2018 album Legacy, which hit number one in New Zealand within hours of its release.
Originally a Bob Marley tribute band, Katchafire have gone on to release five albums, and solidify themselves as New Zealand music stalwarts with hits including 'Giddy Up', 'Get Away' and 'Who You With'.
They describe their sound as "crafted from the foundations of classic roots reggae with an RnB and funk rub, fusing modern dancehall and slinky pop, cool grooves and uplifting vibes".
Miss June
Auckland punk band Miss June formed in 2013 when frontwoman Annabel Liddell recruited musicians Jun Park (guitar), Chris Marshall (bass), and Tom Leggett (drums). Since then they've released debut EP Matriarchy, a string of singles, and their first full length, 2019's Bad Luck Party.
The four-piece performed previously un-released track 'TWYA / That's Why You're Alione', and 'Orchid' from Bad Luck Party.
Tami Neilson
After releasing her seventh album Chickaboom! earlier this year, Tami took home Best Country Song, for the record's second track 'Hey Bus Driver', co-written with her brother Jay.
Tami's hitting the road in September for a very special tour with her band and 12-piece orchestra.
We were lucky enough to record Tami performing her song 'You Were Mine' from her latest album Chickaboom!, as well as 'Roimata' from the best-selling 2019 album Waiata Anthems - a collection of classic Kiwi tunes performed in te reo Māori. Tami is joined by genre-bending Northland musician Troy Kingi.
CHAII
Persian/Kiwi rapper CHAII has just released her debut EP Lightswitch, which showcases sounds and footage from Oman to California.
Coming up throughout August, we'll be sharing more live sessions from Miss June and Katchafire.
You can hear the full half-hour sets on Music 101 with Charlotte Ryan each Saturday, from 12pm on RNZ National 101 FM.
Credits:
- Recorded by Steven John Marr at Roundhead Studios
- Mixed and mastered by Andre Upston at RNZ
- Shot by Luke McPake, Joe Hitchcock and Frances Carter
- Edited by Luke McPake
- Thanks to all the musicians, managers, and labels!
