The Beths with Great South – Hollywood Avondale: September 20, 2024
Earlier in the day I was asked what I was up to tonight. ‘Reviewing The Beths’. ‘Easy’ I was told ‘Just write ‘The Beths show was glorious, joyous and wonderful’. End of review, enjoy the rest of the show’. Tempting and accurate. But I had a hunch there’d be more to say. There was.
Louisa Nicklin + GroopChat & Green Grove – Double Whammy: September 20, 2024
Even though Louisa Nicklin has been playing (and releasing) since at least 2019, she had not touched on my temporal world until I was fortuitous to see her opening for Princess Chelsea late last year. I was taken by what I heard and saw.
New Music Friday: 13th Floor New Album Picks: September 20, 2024
Its another New Music Friday and another chance for us here at The 13th Floor to share the best of this week’s new releases with you, including new albums from Joan As Police Woman, Steve Forbert and more!
Brant Bjork Trio – Once Upon a Time in the Desert (Duna Records) 13th Floor Album Review
For almost four score years Brant Bjork has been part of such acts as Kyuss, Fu Manchu, The Desert Sessions and most recently Stöner, emanating from a scene sometimes referred to as the Palm Desert scene.
Underwire – Greener: 13th Floor New Song Of The Day
Wellington’s Underwire release their sixth single today, titled Greener, it calls out green-washing, after the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle across New Zealand in 2023, where massive damage by forest slash highlighted the folly of carbon trading schemes without actual environmental care, and the downside of the culture of profit before people.
Steve Forbert On Making Daylight Savings Time: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
Steve Forbert has just released Daylight Savings Time an album that touches on the changing of the seasons. “It’s all about time” Steve tells us.
Colin James Is Chasing The Sun: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
Blues-rocker Colin James has just released his new album, Chasing The Sun, for Stoney Plain Records. We caught up with Colin last month just as he was about to celebrate a birthday and a release day.
Joan As Police Woman – Lemons, Limes and Orchids (PIAS) 13th Floor Album Review
Three years after her last album, The Solution Is Restless, Joan As Police Woman (Joan Wasser) returns with Lemons, Limes and Orchids. While her previous collaboration with Tony Allen and Dave Okumu had an Afrobeat influence, this new album takes a different turn. Collaborating once again with Benjamin Lazar Davis, with whom she previously worked […]
Luke Combs to Headline Stadiums Across New Zealand & Australia in January & February 2025
Global superstar Luke Combs is heading back to New Zealand and Australia in January and February 2025 and is set to break records as the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour down under.
Mark Howden – Rained Down: 13th Floor New Song Of The Day
Rained Down is the first single from Dreams, an upcoming self-produced EP from local musician and visual artist Mark Howden.
J.D. Souther Has Died At The Age of 78: R.I.P.
J.D. Souther, songwriter, singer and actor, has died at the age of 78. Souther co-wrote Eagles hits New Kid In Town and Best Of My Love along with his own hit, You’re Only Lonely.
The Dip Take A Turn To The Love Direction: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
The Dip is a six-piece neo-soul/funk band based in Seattle, Washington. They’ve just released their 4 album, titled Love Direction, and here is horn man Levi Gillis to give us the inside scoop.
Crash Test Dummies – Better Late Than Never: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
The Crash Test Dummies are coming to New Zealand, finally. The Canadian band topped the NZ album charts back in 1993 but its taken until now for them to book a show in Auckland.
David Bowie – The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (Blu-Ray Audio) (Parlophone)
David Bowie released Ziggy Stardust 52 years ago and changed rock & roll forever. This 50th Anniversary Blu-Ray Edition only adds to the legend.
Iron Maiden – Spark Arena: September 16, 2024 (13th Floor Concert Review)
Last night, the legendary Iron Maiden roared through Auckland’s Spark Arena, with a sold-out arena of fans unfazed by the torrential rain hammering the city. For nearly two hours, Maiden stomped and screamed as a magnificent unit across their stage, delivering a spectacular concert experience that reminded everyone why they’ve remained at the forefront of […]
The Jesus Lizard Returns! But Do they Have Anything Left To Prove? – 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
The Jesus Lizard surprised everyone, including themselves, by releasing a new album 23 years after their previous record. Here is front man David Yow to try and explain just how this happened.
Mel Parsons – Artworks Theatre Waiheke Island: September 14, 2024
Mel Parsons brought her Regional Sabotage tour to Waiheke Island. Fortunately 13th Floor review writer Robin Kearns and photographer Brenna Jo Gotje are island residents and here’s their coverage.
Neil Young – Archives Vol. III Takes (Reprise) (13th Floor Album Review)
For those of us not able to shell out the $600 for Neil Young’s 17 CD Box set, here’s the lowdown on the 2-disc vinyl version of Archives Vol.III called Takes.
Tony Levin Is Bringing It Down To The Bass: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
Tony Levin is one of the most recorded musicians in recent history having played on over 500 albums for the likes of John Lennon, King Crimson, Paul Simon, David Bowie, Lou Reed and Peter Gabriel. Tony has found time in his busy schedule to release a new album of his own, titled Bringing It Down […]
Dungeon #19 featuring Bloodbags, Cut Shapez & Lipstick Cherry @ Whammy bar 12/9/24
Dungeon #19!…the folk behind the Dungeon series of gigs are an unflagging group of people. Their passion for the local scene, the upcoming and the just starting out bands is to be looked on with favour. Long may they survive the Luxton fermented recession that is emblazoned like a malaise upon our fair land.