We’re pretty much into December. It focuses the mind, doesn’t it?

As I mentioned last week, gigs drop off the closer to Christmas we get. It’s just too busy. But the start of December is a sort of last hurrah so today let’s look at that.

First though, a couple of new BoP releases.

Young Māori singer-songwriter and producer Micah Porter has just released Runaway a slice of indie pop with soulful leanings.

Micah first came to attention in 2021 while still at school and featured in the finals of the 2022 Smokefree Rockquest. ‘Runaway’ is her second single this year, following July’s ‘Undone’, both produced by Nate Sowter.

‘Anger’ 

You have to tip your hat to Nate, who gets a great sound on both songs and also on a new release from Mount Maunganui’s Dead Empire, a four-piece heavy alt-rock outfit. They probably fit a genre where the second word is “metal”, though I don’t know my distinctions well enough to hazard a guess which.

The reason they caught my attention is the video for their song ‘Anger’, made and directed by Tim Way of Wayfarer Visual. It’s on YouTube in several versions. The one to look for is titled ‘Anger Dead Empire music video clean’, which has an intro that plays almost like a short film.

I’m sceptical of music videos in general but this exhibits considerable craft and impressive extravagance.

On to the weekend of December 6, things are happening everywhere, with homegrown and touring talent on display.

The Nukes 

Starting in the north, the Katikati Folk Club’s last touring act for the year is Auckland’s hugely popular The Nukes. Now a four-piece but reuniting the original trio of David Parker, Ben Collier and Dave ‘Snapper’ Thiele, The Nukes have been together for nearly 20 years and always put on a damn fine show. You’ll find them at Katikati’s Arts Junction.

Auckland’s hugely popular The Nukes. Photo: supplied

Also on Friday, December 6, at the Mount’s Totara St, likeable Mount Maunganui popsters Marmalade Skies are calling it a day after five years of North Island touring, a very good album and various EPs and singles. So there’s one final chance to sing along with all those catchy tunes before we wish goodbye to the band – thanks for the music Ethan, Calum, Jake and Robbo!

The likeable Mount Maunganui popsters Marmalade Skies are calling it a day. Photo: supplied

And let’s finish at the Jam factory with two cracking gigs.

Ravines 

That same night – yes, plenty of choice on December 6 – Ravines is putting on a Christmas show. Ravines started as a collaboration between composer/producer Patrick Shanahan and singer/songwriter Alex Louise. The duo produced three electronically-driven EPs before taking a break in 2017. Ravines is now just a very busy Alex, drawing from her roots as a folk artist, and has released five singles this year, completing her EP What Was Once Inspiring.

Ravines is now just a very busy Alex Louise. Photo: supplied

The following night, Saturday, December 7, it’s the wonderful guitar/violin duo David & Shimna. They tour the world, they sing great harmonies and put on the most entertaining shows you could ask for. What’s not to like?

Hear Winston’s latest playlist: