A to Z of Parachute’s ‘Famous Five’
An introduction to the next generation of Kiwi artists destined for great things
It’s official. New Zealand really is creating some of the best music in the world right now.
There are the big names – Lorde, Marlon Williams and Aldous Harding – which continually hit the headlines reminding us just how far Kiwi music is travelling. Then there’s the likes of Nakita, Matthew Young, Robinson, NÏKA, Sachi, Kings, Alae, Mitch James, SWIDT, TEEKS, Theia, Chores and Drax Project, who are all smashing it and drawing the world’s gaze upon these two little talent-packed islands at the bottom of the world.
If that wasn’t already proof enough that little ole New Zealand’s punching well and truly above its weight on the world stage, there is also an abundance of incredibly talented young acts waiting in the wings. Because the good people at Parachute have long recognised this, they run a development programme designed to give young New Zealanders a helping hand in every aspect of their burgeoning careers.
Over the next few weeks, Ambient Light will be profiling all five of the artists/acts, which are part of the Parachute Development Programme. To kick off proceedings, here’s a quick ‘A to Z’ of Parachute’s ‘famous five’.
Sit up and take note, these are names you’ll want to remember!
Jym
Pop newcomer Jym took everyone by surprise earlier this year, when out of the blue he dropped the hotter than hot, Jungle. Jym’s debut single was a collaboration with Ezra Vine – the songwriter behind the smash hit Celeste, which has had more than 56 million streams on Spotify. Jungle, punctuated by pulsing synth basses and 80s guitar lines, established Jym (AKA Micah Heath) as a serious contender on the pop scene, not just here in New Zealand but internationally. Keep an eye on this guy. He’s going places.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jymtunes/
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjym/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/micah-heath-1
Emily Muli
Emily Muli is no stranger to the spotlight. As a World Vision ambassador, the 24-year-old has been a key speaker at the National Young Leaders Forum. She’s also just finished five years of university, studying pop music and commerce degrees, and has shared the stage with Kiwi queen of soul Aaradhna, as a backing vocalist. She’s also a bit of an internet sensation, with her YouTube channel boasting an impressive 40,000 subscribers and four million views. Emily is now busily perfecting her craft as a solo artist and will this year start to reveal some seriously cool tunes steeped in R’n’B, soul, jazz and gospel. Watch this space!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymuli/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilymulimusic
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/emilymuli
Marianne Wren
19-year-old Marianne Wren has spent her life immersed in music. She learned piano, gat and started singing at a young age and also played the violin in the Auckland Youth Symphony. She’s now doing her BA, majoring in music. With a positively exquisite voice and a style that just oozes coolness, Marianne’s music makes you sit up straight and pay attention. Her song ‘Honey’ has clocked more than 35,000 streams on Soundcloud and it’s not difficult to see why. The song is simply FIRE! Marianne’s not going to be Kiwi music’s best kept secret for long.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mari.wren/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianne.wren.3
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/marianne-868969013
Indyah Madsen
Indyah Madsen is the latest pop act to emerge from Nelson, where it’s clear there’s something in the water that turns Kiwi kids into phenomenal talents. Growing up in the footsteps of friends and family like Broods, NÏKA and Robinson, 16-year-old Indyah has had an endless supply of inspiration on tap. But make no mistake, she’s a force to be reckoned with in her own right. She’s been writing songs since she was 11 and has a pop sound that’s fresh and unique. You heard it here first – Indyah Madsen is a star on the rise.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indyahmadsen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indyahmadsenmusic/
Daily-J
Bringing new meaning to the sibling band is Daily-J. Made up of 23-year-old Jayden, 19-year-old Jessie and 18-year-old Johnny – these brothers from Blenheim, who now live in Auckland, are cooler than cool. Think reggae-meets pop with a twist, or alternatively, imagine putting Six60, Sticky Fingers, Tame Impala and Ocean Ally in a studio together and shutting the door. If you still can’t catch the vibe, take a listen to Daily-J for yourselves. This highly motivated trio released their debut EP ‘The Other Side’ late last year, on their own steam, and it’s pretty darn good.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daily_j3/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DailyJ3/
Check back in on June 6th for more on Parachute’s ‘famous five’.
This content is a part of our NZ Music Month coverage, celebrating old, new and upcoming Kiwi artists. For more information on NZ Music Month you can visit their website.
