Sitting here at home waiting eagerly for the Orange Light when we can reopen Neck of the Woods, music is one of the main things keeping us sane and our minds free. We asked some of the artists we work with at Neck of the Woods (DJs, rappers, bands, photographers, painters, producers etc) to give us a song that’s been lifting their spirits this week. We’ve put them all into a Spotify playlist for you but we’ve listed the songs below so you can find them on whatever platform you like. We’ve also included a list of Bandcamp links where possible, so if hear something you like, buy it!
Go straight to the Spotify playlist now, or scroll down for a list of who picked what and how to support the creatives who’ve contributed a song recommendation to the playlist this week.
Alix Perez
SPECIAL (feat. Nekfeu & Fousheé) - Laylow, Nekfeu, Fousheé
Catch Alix Perez touring all over Aotearoa this summer including Hidden Lakes Festival and Northern Bass. Tour dates and a bunch of Alix Perez mixes can be found here.
Diggy Dupe
Breezin - George Benson
“At the moment I’ve been really into golden oldies since the sun’s out”
Check out Diggy Dupe’s latest album made in collaboration with Troy Kingi and Choice Vaughn for The Panthers soundtrack and the rest of Central Auckland rappers music here. Follow Diggy Dupe on Instagram
Heylady
In mir ist die Liebe - Der E - Kreisel Remix
K.T.B - Robag Wruhme
King Bromeliad - Floating Points
If you’re lucky enough to be down in Ōtautahi next month you can catch Heylady playing at Flux on December 18th. Heylady is also playing the mainstage at AUM and a yet to be announced at another festival so keep an ear out! Follow Heylady on Instagram for more.
Aroha
Celestial Objects - Anna Gram
Aroha’s pick comes from Anna Gram’s debut EP which came out this year. Keep an eye out for Anna Gram’s remix of Aroha’s new song “Escape to Eora (IUnder a Blood Flower Moon)” which is coming out very soon. Follow Aroha on Instagram
Chlöe Swarbrick
Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows - Alemeda
The Central Auckland MP and former NOTW employee is working on getting Karangahape Rd closed to cars between Pitt St and Upper Queen St from mid December through January. Bring on the inner city alfresco vibes! Chlöe is also helping set up a community response team to communicate with, consult with and actually help house homeless people in our community. Follow Chlöe on Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date and see how you can help make these things happen.
Lady Shaka
I Need Some Money - Chicco
Cool Cool - Mina & Bryte
Bubble Pon Di Bed - Bianca Oblivion ( UNIIQU3, Thai Chi Rosé, XL Mad, Charly Gynn Remix)
Lady Shaka is currently tearing it up around London but we’re looking forward to the Tāmaki Makaurau DJ/Producer’s return this summer. Watch Lady Shaka’s most recent Boiler Room set and watch out for her name on festival lineups around Aotearoa. Follow Lady Shaka on Instagram
Lips
Please Don’t Leave Just Yet - Holly Humberstone
Gospel For a New Country - Yves Tumor
Nothing From Nothing - Billy Preston
Lips have spent lockdown writing so watch out for some more great live Lips gigs next year. Check out their latest album and follow Lips on Instagram
Elliot Francis Stewart
Shy Guy - Diana King
Check out Elliot’s work on his Instagram and hire the Greylynn artist to design your posters and paint over all your surfaces like we have.
Mazbou Q
Can’t Go Back - Kojey Radical
Follow the Auckland rapper, producer and educator on Instagram and watch his fascinating short hiphop classes on Tik Tok
Scarlett
Night of the Sagittarius - Theo Parrish
Scarlett (Friendly Potential, Run With The Wolves) will be found playing clubs and festivals once we’re up and running again. Once you're done with our playlist you can give Scarlett’s latest mix a listen. Follow Scarlett on Instagram
Gareth XMF
Day & Night - Dabeull, Holybrune
Follow the Central Auckland DJ on Instagram and Twitter for his Peach Sessions mixes and to catch the latest Misfitd drops before they sell out.
Dylan C
The Cold in You (Djrum Remix) - Phaeleh
Dylan C, whose mind is a gigantic vault of music, found it difficult to choose just one song but rose to the challenge and picked one he keeps going back to and never gets sick of. Dylan usually features pretty heavy on the summer festival circuit so you should be able to catch him playing all over the motu in the next few months. Follow Dylan C on Instagram and Twitch
Shelley Te Haara
Protect My Energy - Little Simz
Shelley Te Haara has photographed and filmed shows all over Auckland and right here at Neck of the Woods, Follow Shelley on Instagram and see more of her work here
Rizván
No Love (ft. SZA) - Summer Walker
The North Shore rapper is running a writing/music mentorship session called OMAC Navigators in collaboration with KFM and Te Karanga Trust. It’s via zoom for now but he’s hoping to get into face to face meet ups once restrictions are lifted. Follow Rizván on Instagram and Twitter for updates and links to register.
Melodownz
Still Standing - Children of Zeus
Colors (Acoustic Version) - Black Pumas
The Avondale raised rapper Melodownz is holding his famous Kava Corner sessions live in the new year and tickets are available now. Listen to Melodownz here and follow him on Instagram
Hyan
Gooey - Leaping Tiger
Check out Hyan’s new remix of his song pick on Soundcloud. Follow the DJ/producer on Instagram and Twitter and then go say hi to Uncle Hyan at Checks on Pitt St.
Jamie Lees
Kin - Tourist
Photographer Jamie Lees has documented not just amazing performances at Neck of the Woods, but is also a master at capturing the vibe in the crowd. Follow Jamie Lees on Instagram heck out Jamie’s work here
Chiccoreli
Dangerous - O.C., Big L
Benn aka Chiccoreli has just released some extremely fresh looking Liquid Lowdown merch in time for summer. Get into it and look out for our favourite liquid DnB night coming back to the Woods once we’re up and running again.