Beyond The Beat Flips The Script On Kiwi Music With Bold New Series
(New Zealand, Wednesday 30 April 2025) - Aotearoa's music scene gets a bold reinvention in Beyond the Beat, a bold, beat-driven music series that reimagines some of the nation's most iconic tracks through the fresh lens of rising musical talent. Premiering this Thursday 1st May, and continuing with weekly drops throughout New Zealand Music Month - May, the series offers an electrifying glimpse into the future sound of Aotearoa.
Each episode of Beyond the Beat pairs a rising star with a legendary Kiwi hitmaker and their most beloved track. Together, they dive deep into the song's DNA—unpacking the stories, cultural context, and musical roots behind it—before the new artist flips the song on its head in a completely new style. The series features Reiki Ruawai, MELODOWNZ, Sly Chaos & Cee Blu, Mazbou Q, Liberty, Kings, Ashy, Drax Project, TîMMY the FIRST and Cassie Henderson.
"Beyond the Beat was never just about flipping tracks," says creator & director Gal Hochman. "It's about creating a platform for our Kiwi artists to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they truly are. As a person of colour and a minority myself, I wanted to highlight the rich diversity of talent we have in Aotearoa—and how different perspectives shape our sound, making it unique and deeply resonant."
At the helm is visionary music producer Mazbou Q, who guides the rising artist through a process of experimentation, collaboration, and transformation. The result: an innovative reinterpretation that's equal parts homage and bold artistic reinvention. The journey culminates in a live radio drop, where the original artist hears the reimagined track for the very first time—on air. 'This isn't just covers,' says Mazbou Q. 'It's about honouring legacy while pushing sound into new territory. It's raw, it's real, and it's the future.' The limited series shares a unique glimpse into music production & Aotearoa's next generation of artists.
"I wanted to showcase the hustle, heart, and raw creativity that goes into every beat. That's who I am as a director. It's about more than just creating something fresh; it's about elevating the voices that are shaping the future of Aotearoa's music scene." says Hochman.
With five Remake artists, five massive hits, and one shared mission—to redefine Aotearoa's musical landscape—Beyond the Beat is more than a music show. It's a sound revolution.
Celebrating a new artist, a new sound, and a new take on an iconic Kiwi track. This NZ Music Month, with new tracks premiering live on air.
A FRESH EPISODE DROPS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT THIS MAY
Tune in to The Edge, Mai FM, and George FM every Thursday night
Stream the series on Youtube: BeyondTheBeatNZ and on ROVA: Rova.nz from May 1st.
May 1st: Reiki Ruawai Remakes MELODOWNZ "$on of a Queen"
May 8th: Sly Chaos & Cee Blu Remake Mazbou Q "Go and Be Free"
May 15th: Liberty Remakes Kings "Don't You Worry Bout' It"
May 22nd: Ashy Remakes Drax Project "All This Time"
May 29th: TîMMY the FIRST Remakes Cassie Henderson 'Seconds to Midnight'
Behind the Beat
At its core, Beyond the Beat exists to amplify the voices of Aotearoa's musical talent.
Our mission is to create a dynamic, culturally rich platform that reflects the true diversity of New Zealand's music scene—celebrating the creativity, resilience, and originality of our artists.
In an industry where noise is constant and opportunity is rare, Beyond the Beat offers space for authentic expression and meaningful connection. By pairing emerging artists with iconic local hits, we provide a powerful stage for collaboration, reinvention, and storytelling—showcasing the unique perspectives and talents that define our creative landscape.
Driven by kaupapa Māori values and a deep belief that our artists are taonga, we are committed to nurturing the future of Aotearoa music. Beyond the Beat isn't just a series—it's a movement.
One that champions artistic innovation, uplifts underrepresented voices, and builds lasting bridges between generations of musicians, all while connecting with audiences in fresh, accessible, and engaging ways.
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