On his new album Infinite Youth, New Zealand artist Merk examines the blurry line between adolescence and adulthood, and all the clarity and mess that accompanies that blurring. This is a record that thrives on a certain simplicity of rhythm, melody, and lyric, and is compelled by contrast: pop songs influenced by art music, an album about adulthood that reflects heavily on what it is to be young, and a sonic world that is both expansive and deeply intimate.

Infinite Youth is an album that is on its most basic level homemade: iPhone voice memos abound, Perkins’ aunt’s voice lingers in the background of one track, a crappy USB interface and borrowed gear make up so much of the work’s foundation.

An album that will capture you on first listen and then reward your every repetition, Infinite Youth reintroduces Merk and invites you, warmly, into his orbit.

In celebration of his new album, Merk is heading out on tour in New Zealand.

Saturday 1 May –  Jam Factory, Tauranga
Saturday 15 May –  Cassette No. 9, Auckland
Thursday 20 May – Meow,  Wellington
Saturday 22 May –  Loons Theatre, Christchurch
Sunday 23 May – Dive,  Dunedin

Stream Infinite Youth on Spotify now.

Woolston, Texas, the third full-length album from Adam Hattaway and The Haunters, is a multifaceted alt-rock jamboree that is equal parts chaotic as it is forgiving. By track two you will be well acquainted with the scope of journey that follows, from anti-romance swooning to Spanish rock n roll… there is no time to rest.

The album was produced by Ben Edwards, mixed by Ryan Fisherman and recorded at The Sitting Room in Lyttelton.

Adam Hattaway and The Haunters are touring New Zealand this April.

April 9 – Rogue and Vagabond, Wellington
April 10 – Musicians Club, Whanganui
April 16 – Cassels Blue Smoke, Christchurch
April 17 – Thirsty Dog, Auckland
April 24 – The Plant , Blenheim
May 21 – BARK!, Dunedin
May 22 – Grainstore Gallery, Oamaru

Stream Woolston, Texas on Spotify now.

Native Tongue is proud to announce the signing of Gisborne punk-rockers Sit Down In Front.

Led by frontman and lyricist Cory Newman, the band have been crafting their own DIY brand of punk rock for four years. With two album releases (including a NZ top ten), and tours with Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, and The Chats, it’s easy to forget all members are still in high school.

Sit Down In Front said of the signing: “We are super stoked to be part of the Native Tongue family, Up The Punks.”

Native Tongue’s Head of Creative Matt Tanner explains, “We were struck by the energy that SDIF bring to their music, and we are really excited to be involved with the band as they dive into their third record – while still at high school!”

“Sit Down In Front are the punk band we need right now” added Native Tongue’s Writer Relations Manager Paul McLaney.

The band are currently working on new material and were recently featured on TVNZ’s Sunday program. Watch it here.

Melbourne alt-rockers Slowly Slowly have released Race Car Blues (Extended Edition), a sequel to last year’s album.

The new instalment completes the story that began on Race Car Blues, almost exactly one year since the original record was released.

It features 12 new tracks, which brings Race Car Blues to a whopping 24-track record.

Stream Race Car Blues (Extended Edition) here.

Native Tongue Music Publishing has today announced the signing of Mark Perkins (pka Merk), coinciding with the news of his second album Infinite Youth.

Merk is the musical moniker of Auckland, New Zealand artist, multi-instrumentalist, screen composer and producer, Mark Perkins, who began his career as a touring member of Tom Lark and Fazerdaze before releasing his debut album Swordfish in 2017. Swordfish went on to win Best Debut Album at the Taite Music Prize (New Zealand’s equivalent of the Mercury or Polaris Prize), and led to tours with Cub Sport, Marlon Williams and Julia Jacklin in Australia and NZ, as well as signing to Australian-based management company Heartstop Music, which is home to Marlon Williams, Julia Jacklin and The Weather Station. Mark has also recently worked with Williams, composing the score for feature film Juniper.

Mark Perkins said of the signing: “After having been adjacent to Native Tongue for many years playing in other bands who worked with them, it feels really great to officially be adopted into the family. I’ve known the team for a long time and so working together feels like a very snug, natural fit. I’m looking forward to seeing what we get done!”

“Having known Mark for many years, it’s a pleasure to be working together in an official capacity. We look forward to helping Mark achieve great heights as a songwriter, producer, artist and screen composer,” added Native Tongue’s Managing Director Jaime Gough.

On Infinite Youth, Merk examines the blurry line between adolescence and adulthood, and all the clarity and mess that accompanies that blurring. This is a record that thrives on a certain simplicity of rhythm, melody, and lyric, and is compelled by contrast: pop songs influenced by art music, an album about adulthood that reflects heavily on what it is to be young, and a sonic world that is both expansive and deeply intimate.

Infinite Youth is out April 9th 2021 via Humblebrag Records/AWAL, pre-order here. New single ‘Laps Around The Sun’ is out now – watch the video or stream here.