New Music Friday: 13th Floor New Album Picks: June 28, 2024

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It is New Music Friday...Ngā mihi o Matariki…Happy Matariki. And what better way to celebrate than with new music? Our top picks are led by Anna Coddington’s Te Whakamiha.

The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda picks these five new releases for your consideration:

  1. Anna CoddingtonAnna Coddington – Te Whakamiha (Loop) The funk-filled album, Te Whakamiha sees Anna writing a full body of work featuring te reo Māori for the first time in her career. Created by Coddington alongside longtime collaborators and band, The Appreciations (Jol Mulholland, Mike Hall and Fen Ikner). The album’s title, Te Whakamiha, comes from a rough translation of the name of Coddington’s longtime band – The Appreciations. The name also shows an expression of gratitude to Coddington’s dual journeys in music and in te reo Māori.

Sean Cunningham2. Sean Cunningham – Whatever That Is (Self) The former lead singer of NZ chart-topping band Atlas is back in the US and releasing his debut solo album out of Nashville. “This album has everything: where I come from, where I’ve been, and where I’m going,” says the Louisville native. Largely written during a time of personal upheaval — including the loss of his father, the dissolution of his band, and a global pandemic. “It’s about doing the best we can, whatever that is,” he says of the song, which he recorded at his home studio in Nashville. “I’m welcoming a new stage in my life, where losing my dad made me even more self-aware. This is not a loss record; this is a record about coming to grips with reality, being aware of our mistakes and our growth, and picking back up.” Watch for the 13th Floor interview coming soon.

Aaron Frazer3. Aaron Frazer – Into The Blue (Dead Oceans) A member of member of the acclaimed group Durand Jones & the Indications, this is Aaron’s second solo album and its a beaut and yes, its another album inspired by a breakup. “‘Into The Blue’ is what I’ve been calling the unknown, when you’re no longer tied to your dock of stability,” Frazer explains. “I wanted to capture the feeling of loneliness and isolation on this song, and the vastness of the desert and driving west. Emotionally, this song feels like where I’ve been at this year, after my relationship came to an end. There is an isolation and a sadness, but also a feeling of resoluteness and bravery. I think you have to be brave to navigate those moments of brutal, chaotic transition.” Watch for the 13th Floor interview with Aaron coming very soon!

Redd Kross4. Redd Kross – Redd Kross (In The Red) Still powered by Jeff and Steven McDonald, Redd Kross release and self-titled double album, not unlike another well-loved band (check the album art for a clue). The record is produced by Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. “Josh is 13 years younger than me, and he’s like the younger brother I never had,” said Steven. “He’s a super-talented musician who’s really good at being supportive, and he’s really in-tune with a band’s internal dynamics. And he had us on our best behavior, not wanting to disappoint Josh! His studio is like the most incredible vintage guitar shop — he would take great delight in pulling out some rare instrument or effects box to inspire us.”  Again, watch for a 13th Floor interview with Steven McDonald, coming soon.

The Wendys5. The Wendys – Let’s Go To The Beach (Self) Straight outta Ōtautahi, surf punk lifeguards, The Wendys release their debut album. Produced by Ryan Fisherman and The Wendys, Let’s Go To The Beach is the culmination of a decade’s work, riding the wild surf and saving the musically drowned with their surf punk gospel. In celebration of the album’s release, the surf lifesaving larrikins will be embarking on a
nationwide tour, in June and July, dropping in on towns and cities across Aotearoa.

Reissue of the Week:

Neil Young
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And for those looking for something more vintage, we direct your attention to yet another release from the Neil Young archives titled Early Daze a historic collection of early recordings from 1969 by Neil Young with Crazy Horse. The album features ten tracks, including some of Neil Young’s iconic originals and contributions by guitarist Danny Whitten. This collection includes unreleased versions of “Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown,” “Winterlong,” “Wonderin’,” and more, along with the original 7″ mono mix of “Cinnamon Girl.”

Marty Duda
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