Hotties of the Week (25/02 ): The fresh AF NZ music edition
By: Mitch Ley
Tags: Nz, Hotties, Rap, Pop, Music

Here’s a treat! Another special edition HOTW to sink your teeth into!

This week wasn’t meant to be anything other than ordinary, but as I started to note down some possible hotties on Tuesday, I realised that almost everything hot this week was fresh kiwi music. So that’s what you’re getting — an incredible 8 releases from up-and-coming kiwi artists, (almost) all from the past week.

Here they are in no particular order…

#1 Chores — Surrender (ft. Abby Wolfe)

This latest Chores track has been in heavy rotation for a while now, but the electronic duo finally released the music video recently and it’s an early front-runner for video of the year. NZ On Air called it “dance music meets renaissance”, which is probably the only way to describe the art direction. It’s something that a genius like Kanye West might come up with and whoever pulled together the concept should be proud AF.

#2 Paul Williams — Surf Music

“I might not be the sharpest crayon, but that’s ‘cos I’m your favourite.”

When this lyric appeared on my Twitter feed courtesy of fellow Medium writer Reilly Hodson, I knew I had to give Surf Music a listen. You might know Paul as Guy Williams less famous brother but I promise you’re about to question why it’s not the other way around.

The music is unashamedly pop in many of it’s melodies and repetitive hooks, but Williams creative choices make this a decidedly unique offering. My personal favourite track “Number One”, begins with some barbershop style background vocals. Easing the listener in gently, the track then shifts into some galloping drums. It’s unafraid to take some twists and turns and that’s what I love about it. The profession of love also includes lyrics about drying the dishes which hit the mark that J. Cole missed with his folding clothes rubbish.

Listen to Surf Music on Spotify here.

#3 Darko — grim (ft. NiC)

If you’re a fan of Run The Jewels (who am I kidding, that’s everyone right?) then this track is going to get you going. Darko brings his usual brooding production to the table — that combined with super smooth delivery and stupid flows from NiC is the perfect marriage of sound.

“you say what you say from the hole in your heart and the ego it shows”

#4 JessB —Take It Down (ft. Rubi Du)

JessB broke out last year with arguably THE standout appearance on 64 Bars and she’s gone from strength to strength ever since. I’ll admit that after hearing her aggressive style, I was unsure if catchy pop-rap hits were something JessB could pull out. But she’s proved me well and truly wrong with this dancehall infused tune. The upbeat summer anthem is one for the dance floor, and I can absolutely see it going off at a summer BBQ.

#5 Post Malone — Fall Apart (Montell2099 Remix)

I know I said a couple weeks ago that there have been toooo many remixes of this track, but when Montell2099 drops, you listen.

Beating out Medasin for the most unique take I’ve heard so far, the kiwi producer is sticking with the pots and pans style drops that we heard on SUSU. Don’t be surprised if this remix starts popping up in DJ sets around the world.

#6 October — 1000 Eyes

The first time I saw October live at the intimate Cassette #9 was as beautifully bizarre as you would expect. I’d call her the Lorde for pop-punk & grunge kids. Her latest release is the best thing she’s done since Cherry Cola. With some synths that G.O.O.D. Music would be proud of, and hook that pulls you in like nothing else — this one is a certified bizarre bop.

#7 Rei — Raparapa

I may have said this before, but I really hope Rei is the next breakout artist in NZ. He makes some incredibly catchy pop-rap music, and infuses Te Reo Māori into his tunes so effortlessly that it sounds mainstream. I think this guy is literally the key to sparking a resurgence in mainstream Māori entertainment.

Raparapa is the first track off what is (I think) an entirely Te Reo project coming soon. I don’t speak, so I couldn’t tell you what it’s about, but the man himself said it’s one for the wāhine and that’s certainly the feel I get. Yet another great example of music traversing culture and language.

#8 Dharmarat — GRACE

Dharmarat is another 64 Bars alumni who is steadily proving just why he was selected for the platform. His latest dual-album is the definitive statement that he is here and ready to take over. With mid-tempo beats making up the majority of the track listing, this one is a deep in your seat head-nodder that’ll have you making that stank face during every verse. Taking shots and everything and everyone, this record pulls no punches and damn sure gives zero fucks about it. #dharmaseason