Throughout New Zealand Music Month we’ll be hearing stories from young musicians about the local songs they love the most. First up, Thomston chats about tracks from Sheep Dog & Wolf, Chelsea Jade, Broods, Talika, and Lorde.
Thomston. Photo: Unknown
Thomston aka Thomas Stoneman was recently labelled “New Zealand’s next great pop hope” in one of many endless write-ups that sees him compared to you-know-who.
The 19-year-old emerging artist just released his new EP, Backbone, and it stands out confidently on its own, continuing to explore the slick alt-pop we were introduced to previously on the impressive School Night and Argonaut EPs. Lead single 'Collarbones' is the perfect entry point for those of you who are unfamiliar.
Here are his top five local favourites:
Sheep Dog & Wolf – ‘Egospect’
You know a song is good when you remember where you were when you heard it. This was the case when I heard this track from Daniel McBride while sitting cross-legged on my beat up piano stool in the spare room. I firmly believe Sheep Dog & Wolf is one of the best musicians we have in this ol’ country and I really appreciate how he does everything himself.
Chelsea Jade – ‘Visions’
Chelsea Jade is someone who I always manage to give accidental backhanded compliments to every time I see her. Mainly because I was quite a fan of her as Watercolours and I’m bad at talking to people who I think are really great. This track, ‘Visions’, is one of my favourite songs to ever come out of New Zealand. The percussion could kill (I’m a sucker for tribal drums), her vocals are great, and the video is rad. Looking forward to more stuff from her!
Broods – ‘Killing You’
This is one of my favourite songs from Broods’ debut Evergreen. I’ve abused it a bit, playing it over and over while driving around with friends. The chorus is so beautiful. I only hear how relentlessly hard working these two are, and I’m so so glad they are doing well. Their follow up will be astounding, I can feel it.
Lorde – ‘Buzzcut Season’
It’s blasphemous not to include her. What she has done for young New Zealand musicians is nothing short of incredible. She’s a role model on how to carry yourself within the industry, work hard, and maintain integrity. This song, in particular, is a standout for me - it’s very warm and enveloping.
Talika – ‘What You Are’
So maybe this one is a little biased, but I went to primary school with these girls and we’ve maintained a friendship to this day. Shalina and Shantini are half-Indian twins that blend their traditional knowledge of Indian instruments, like tabla and sitar, with western folk leaning tunes. This is the only song they have out at the moment and I think it’s a great introduction to them. They are very special and I think they will go on to do great things.