As Computer World point out, Spotify launched in New Zealand today with three subscription options.

“Spotify Free allows customers ad-supported access to the service on computers and smart phones, the $7.49 a month Spotify Unlimited gives ad-free access only computers only; while the $12.99 Spotify Premium gives ad-free access on mobiles, and also allows for offline listening.”

The streaming service currently has access to 16 million songs and they are also offering a free 30-day trial for their Premium plan. You can sign up here.

In support of his new solo album Apocalyptic Love, which is out next week, Slash will play two arena shows in New Zealand this August with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Tickets for both shows are on sale May 22.

August 17 – Vector Arena, Auckland – Tickets available from Ticketmaster
August 19 – CBS Arena, Christchurch – Tickets available from Ticketek

Slash was last in New Zealand two years ago for the G-Tarankai music week.

Coldplay announced via their website yesterday that they are bringing their Mylo Xyloto tour down under which will include one New Zealand show at Auckland’s Mt. Smart Stadium. The band, who also play dates in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, will play here on Saturday November 10 with support from The Temper Trap and The Pierces. Tickets on sale 9am May 25 via Ticketmaster and advance tickets will be available to all Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid cardholders from 12pm Thursday 17 May until 5pm Saturday 19 May or until presale tickets sell out.

The Black Keys have announced that they will play two New Zealand dates in Auckland and Wellington this November. The band were scheduled to play the Auckland leg of the Big Day Out back in 2011, but canceled citing exhaustion; this will be their first visit here since 2008.

Saturday 3rd November, Vector Arena, Auckland via Ticketmaster
Monday 5th November,TSB Bank Arena, Wellington via Ticketek

After reforming to play two benefit shows in October — minus Peter Hook who slammed the rest of the band, saying “Everyone knows that NEW ORDER without PETER HOOK is like QUEEN without FREDDIE MERCURY, U2 without THE EDGE, SOOTY without SWEEP!” — New Order have announced that they will play one show at Auckland’s Vector Arena on February 27. The current lineup of the band is Gillian Gilbert (keyboard, guitar), Stephen Morris (drums), Bernard Sumner (vocals, guitar), Phil Cunningham (guitar, keyboards), & Tom Chapman (bass). Tickets are on sale online only from Dec 16th at Ticketmaster and on sale Dec 18th from all outlets including Real Groovy.

Chillstreet, who played their debut gig with Homebrew over the weekend, have released their op-shop themed video ‘Savemart’; watch it below and freeload the song via Soundcloud.

In support of his latest album How Do You Do?, Mayer Hawthorne has announced that he will play two shows in Auckland and Wellington this February.

Mayer Hawthorne
+ DJ Marek
22nd February – SFBH – Wellington
Tickets: www.1night.co.nz & all 1night outlets – on sale 9am Friday 2nd December

Mayer Hawthorne + special guests
23rd February – The Powerstation – Auckland
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.nz – on sale 9am Friday 2nd December

In support of their latest album Days, New Jersey band Real Estate have announced that they are heading to New Zealand for two shows in March 2012.

AUCKLAND
Thursday 15 March 2012 – Kings Arms,
Tickets on sale Wednesday the 7^th December
from www.undertheradar.co.nz
& Real Groovy Records

WELLINGTON
Friday 16 March 2012 –San Francisco Bath House,
Tickets on sale Wednesday the 7^th December
from www.undertheradar.co.nz 
& Slow Boat Records

As Stuff reports, Florence and The Machine are heading back to New Zealand for one show on May 28 2012 at Vector Arena. Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster from December 7.

R&B singer Lloyd, who recently released his album new King Of Hearts, will play one show at Auckland’s Civic Theatre on February 3. Tickets are on sale Thursday December 1 from The Edge.