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We are proud to announce that Warren Maxwell, luminary of New Zealand roots and reggae music, has joined forces with Native Tongue Music Publishing.

Every New Zealander will recognize Maxwell's influence on local music, with his work as frontman of legendary trio TrinityRoots establishing Maxwell at the forefront of what was to become known as 'The Wellington Sound'. The amalgamation of head-nodding reggae, slow-burning funk and jazz adventurism created an infectious sound that entered into homes and hearts both at home and abroad. He was also an early member of internationally-renownd group Fat Freddy's Drop.

Now, his work with quartet Little Bushman continues to push boundaries, with collaborations including a Live album with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, performed live in 2009.

Native Tongue Managing Director Chris Gough states "Warren is one of the great modern New Zealand songwriters who already has an incredible repertoire of great songs, and who has many more years of great writing ahead of him."

Both APRA and RIANZ have announced their nominees for Best Country Song and Best Country Album respectively this morning, with members of the Native Tongue fold featured prominently in the nomination lists. Both The Harbour Union's eponymous debut, and The Unfaithful Ways' "Free Rein" have been nominated in the Best Country Album category.

The Harbour Union's membership includes all four members of The Unfaithful Ways, Adam McGrath and Jess Shanks of The Eastern and Lindon Puffin, and the Earthquake-inspired collective was highly lauded for their performance at last year's APRA Silver Scroll awards. The Unfaithful Ways have distinguished themselves in the past twelve months, honored last year as nominees for the RIANZ Critics Choice award and winning support slots for Justin Townes Earle and Band Of Horses.

Marlon Williams, frontman and songwriting member of both The Unfaithful Ways and The Harbour Union, has been nominated for APRA's Best Country Song award for his opening track from The Harbour Union album "Ghost Of This Town".

Native Tongue is immensely proud of all of our writers involved in these projects. Both awards will be presented at the NZ Country Music Awards, to be held in Gore on Thursday 31st of May 2012.

Native Tongue are thrilled to have signed soul outfit, Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes.

"From the first moment I heard the record I wanted to sign them," said managing director Chris Gough, "Their stunning live show only emphasised how brilliant the band and their songs are. The reaction we've been receiving from our partners around the world has confirmed this band has a brilliant future ahead".

Front woman Clairy Browne and her harmonizing girl group, the Bangin' Rackettes formed in 2009 over a mutual love of early rhythm n' blues records and big hair. Since their debut, the group have been bringing back the big show to venues and festivals all over the country.

The nine piece rhythm and blues big band explore the sounds of northern soul, jump blues, doo-wop, ska and gospel. Fuelled by an eclectic mix of influences ranging from Etta James, Tina Turner and Prince to D'Angelo and Salt n' Pepa, Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes are renowned for delivering a dynamic and energetic live show with their contemporary take on all the showmanship from the shindig era of the 60's.

Their debut album 'Baby Caught The Bus' is out now.

Congratulations to The Black Seeds!

Their fifth studio album 'Dust and Dirt' has gone straight to the top of the New Zealand album charts - the first New Zealand band to achieve the number one spot so far this year. 'Dust And Dirt' also garnered praise overseas, reaching #1 on Germany's iTunes reggaecharts, and #2 on the iTunes reggae charts in the U.S.

Currently in the middle of tours of the U.S and Europe, The Black Seeds will return to NZ in Mayto perform 9 shows across the country.

Congratulations to Split Seconds & The Growl on scoring a number of WAMi nominations!

Split Seconds & The Growl scored an impressive 8 & 5 nominations respectively, in such high profile categories as Most Popular Group, Most Popular Live Act & Best Male Vocalist.

The awards aim to honour big achievements in the WA music scene from the past 12 months and will be revealed at the end of the 2012 WAMi Festival - May 26 to the June 2.

Split Seconds are also about to release their debut album, and embark on a national tour.

Sun 22nd Apr - In The Pines, Perth WA
Thu 10th May - Northcote Social Club, VIC
Sat 12th May - Karova Lounge, Ballarat VIC
Fri 18th May - X & Y Bar, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Sat 19th May - Sol Bar, Maroochydore, QLD
Thu 24th May - Good God Bar, Sydney NSW
Fri 25th May - The Beresford, Sydney NSW
Fri 1st Jun - The Bakery, Perth WA

Aussie by-the-way of London, Emily Barker will returning to Australia to play a handful of special shows.

Emily's visit coincides with the broadcast of a new drama series The Shadow Line on ABC 1 on Fridays at 9.30pm, which features a haunting version of her song 'Pause', as its theme.

Catch Emily while she's in the country:

Thu 19th April - Transmission Lounge, Denmark WA
Fri 20th April - Emporium, Bridgetown WA
Sat 21st April - Fat Shan Records, Perth WA
Sun 22nd April - The Music Kafe, Brisbane WA
Mon 23rd April - The Cavern, Gold Coast, QLD
Wed 25th April - The Old Kirk, Yamba, NSW
Thu 26h April - The Newsagency, Marrickville NSW
Fri 27th April - Lizotte's, Dee Why NSW
Sat 28th April - Lizotte's, Central Coast NSW
Sun 29th April - Lizotte's, Newcastle NSW
Tue 1st May - Cafe Lounge, Surry Hills NSW
Wed 2nd May - 34 Degrees South, Bondi NSW
Fri 4th May - Front Gallery, Canberra ACT
Sat 5th May (4pm) - Pure Pop Records, St Kilda
Sun 6th May - Wesley Anne, Northcote