Dane Rumble Returns With 'Tonight'

Now here's a welcome return. Dane Rumble is back with an upbeat track called "Tonight". I was obsessed with the Kiwi pop star's debut The Experiment in 2010 and interviewed him a couple of times when the album was officially released in Australia in 2011. He didn't break as big over here as he deserved - "Cruel" is one of my favourite songs ever - but the former Fast Crew rapper is still going strong at home. "Tonight" is another reminder of what we're missing. This is Dane's take on a Taio Cruz-esque club-banger - only quirker, cooler and not embarrassing to like. In some ways the song picks up where "Cruel" left off. It's very retro - think '80s new wave, with synths not heard since shoulder pads were popular (the first time around) - but organic-sounding enough to be fresh and different. "Tonight" is available to download from NZ iTunes now. No idea if or when it's getting released over here but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. This would sound amazing on the radio. While we wait for Dane's Australian takeover, watch the fun, car-themed video below.

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Zowie - Live At The Oxford Art Factory

Zowie brought her live show to Sydney on Friday night, warming up the crowd for Strange Talk at the Oxford Art Factory. I like what I've heard from New Zealand's next big thing so far - particularly her debut single "Broken Machine" and current release "Smash It" (below) - but I've literally only heard four of her songs and really didn't know what to expect. Would she be all hype like Annie (still the worst gig I've ever seen in my life) or a revelation like Marina & The Diamonds? From what I witnessed a couple of nights ago, I'd err towards the latter. Zowie is a gale force breath of fresh air with a tight band and a batch of quirky songs that deftly blend New Wave and indie-pop influences. I loved hearing her new material and think early singles like "Bite Back" and "Love Or Hate" sound a lot meatier live.

My only reservation about the Auckland-based diva - and, unfortunately, it's quite a substantial one - is the way she is being marketed. Zowie is more Yeah Yeah Yeahs than Robyn, so why is she being promoted as the next electro-pop sensation? I think her music would get a much better reception from the Triple J crowd and tapping into that market could be the key to a long overdue commercial breakthrough. But I guess that's up to the Kiwi singer-songwriter and Sony to sort out. In the meantime, I'll just keep listening to her four song discography on repeat and hope for the best. By the way, was I dreaming or does one of Zowie's new songs sample Linda Sundblad's iconic "2 All My Girls"? I swear I heard it!

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How Pattyboy Scalped Rihanna & Britney

Earlier this year I introduced Pattyboy as the worst pop star of all time. That post was very tongue in cheek but I did say that his music is better than half of "Born This Way" and expressed my admiration for the Kiwi's ambition in the face of no discernible talent. Things have changed since then. For starters, the vocally-challenged diva shocked everyone by rocketing to #49 on NZ iTunes with his latest well-meaning but painful anthem "Unicorn". That's the kind of chart position Anthony Callea or Darren Hayes would kill for! And it proves - for better or worse - that Pattyboy is developing a real fanbase. Good for him. As New Zealand's new King of Pop, the next step was dropping a visual worthy of his breakthrough smash and I'm sure we can all agree that he delivered the goods. In a week that saw disappointing new videos from fading-stars like Britney and Rihanna, one artist stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. It's so good that I'm using sports metaphors!

There is a lot to love about "Unicorn", from the stunning scenery to the exquisite "Run The World (Girls)"-esque choreography at 1:40 minutes, but for me it's all about Pattyboy's stunning fashion. Who else could team a green feathered tunic with white patent-leather boots?

While Rihanna ripped off Skins and Britney's body-double made out with her real-life boyfriend for attention, New Zealand's finest export shows that you can be visually interesting but remain tasteful by wrapping himself in toilet paper and dancing around in his mum's slippers. I could not remove my eyes from the screen. That sound you hear is wigs being snatched.

The heartthrob glams it up in his next outfit, wearing a suit jacket and little else. It's a bit too sedate for my liking. But points for trying something different.

And then the big finale. In an obvious tribute to Beyoncé's "Best Thing I Never Had" video, the powerhouse mumbler slips into an elegant wedding dress. The message is clear. Make a commitment to yourself before anyone else. It's a stunning climax to a video that touched me deeply on many levels. Watch in awe (below) as the future Kiwi pop legend makes your fave redundant.

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Zowie's Smashing New Single

I can't believe this is the first time I've featured Zowie on the blog. "Broken Machine" was one of my favourite songs from last year and I'm always ranting about her on Twitter. The Kiwi diva is making huge waves in the music world with her unique blend of retro-synth pop and electro. Think Ladyhawke meets Luciana to get some idea of her sound. Or, better yet, just check out "Smash It" - the fourth (by my count) buzz single from her forthcoming debut album. The perky party anthem took a couple of listens to click with me but now I'm completely obsessed. I love the infectious chorus and Jimmy Harry's deceptively layered production. The hype surrounding this chick is definitely justified. And while "Smash It" is probably not the radio smash Zowie needs for mainstream success, it cements her status as one of pop's hottest emerging talents. For more proof, check out the video (below). Those Lady Gaga shoulder spikes belong in the nearest bin but the rest of this stylish extravaganza is bang on the money. More please!

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