Making Tracks with The MOST FM: Artist Interviews

Ngamotu9 May 25Taranaki-based alt-blues-rock band The Mons Whaler are back with their latest offering, the evocative new single "Hold On", accompanied by the raw and rhythmic bonus track "Soft & Sweet". Following the success of their debut album Hold My Gun, the band continues to push their signature fusion of soulful blues, rock, and alternative influences into compelling new territory."Hold On" is an anthemic track that blends emotive lyricism with a haunting instrumental arrangement. Featuring a stirring Hammond organ intro and melancholic chord progressions, the song weaves a rich sonic tapestry that builds into an intense and heartfelt climax. Lead singer Hemi Coates (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Hine) delivers a raw and passionate vocal performance, echoing themes of resilience, longing, and hope. The lyrics capture a deeply personal narrative, exploring the weight of persistence and the search for meaning amidst uncertainty.In contrast, "Soft & Sweet" takes a grittier, more groove-driven approach, showcasing the band's versatility. The track pulses with rhythmic intensity, carried by a dynamic interplay between bass, drums, and electric guitar. Laced with poetic lyricism and haunting harmonies, "Soft & Sweet" balances vulnerability with a defiant edge, drawing listeners into its hypnotic sway. Recorded and produced at Rhythm Ace Studio in Oakura, Taranaki, the tracks highlight the band's continued evolution, capturing their live energy and instinctive chemistry. Their ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and alternative elements into a unique and resonant sound has garnered them a growing national and international following. The Mons Whaler have built a reputation for delivering spellbinding live performances, earning them festival slots and sold-out shows. With these latest releases, the band cements their place as one of New Zealand's most exciting musical acts to watch

Set to release their highly anticipated sophomore album on May 2nd, Dr. Reknaw's 'MIRACLES' represents the most authentic and expansive expression of their musical journey to date, uncovering the next layer of the sonic and spiritual evolution of the two songstress sisters. The collection of 8 songs, all written over the last 12 months, radiate a wholesome joy and weave effortlessly through a vast array of moods and genres. Returning to their most beloved space of live band studio recording, the two front women (Julia & Sophie Cooper) met with their maestro band mates Jules Blewman ( Guitar ) and Luther Hunt ( Drums ) at the Surgery studio in Wellington to record what would become ‘MIRACLES'. While capturing the magical raw energy of live band recording the group opened a portal, through which flowed vibrations of reggae, soul, folk, worship, soul, dance music and even that which Bassist/Singer Sophie describes as ‘Nun Rock'. “This album holds a lot of variety in terms of grooves & vibe, it's quite different to anything we've done before. What makes it cohesive and organic to me is the themes and concepts running through these songs. From this perspective it's very much a concept album, the concept being an open journal of the lessons life has brought our way in the last year, things we are learning and experimenting with.”

Paradiso PDE are a Wellington-based, alt-rock, dance-infused, 3-piece.An inversion of the traditional band archetype, the act is led by vocalist & bassist Remy Davidson, reinforced by Britta Offergeld on percussion, and Ms Essem Chan on six-string.The songs represent the coming together of a back catalog of words, ideas and hooks. We drip-feed release one track at a time (rather than releasing whole albums).Paradiso PDE are dance-rock at heart: a gym alternate, a jumper, a bouncer-of-bod, an involuntary thrust, an arbiter of mosh.

Recorded and produced in Wellington throughout 2023 and produced by James Goldsmith (DARTZ, Wiri Donna, Recitals) Certain Death is a cinematic autobiography of the period immediately following the full development of Dawson's pre-frontal cortex. ‘Certain Death' is a maximalist and dramatic treatise on growing up!The album truly shines a light on his captivating vocals and clever songwriting, It's about as honest as he's ever going to be. “This record took a lot out of me. I did a lot of staring at the ceiling and scratching my head, like do I really want to go there? Some things are better left in the ground, and this one felt like exhuming my own remains”.

New Zealand's Phoebe Rings announce their debut album, Aseurai, today with a pair of new singles “Aseurai” and “Drifting.” On Aseurai, due June 6th on Carpark Records, the quartet, led by NZ jazz-school-trained pianist and songwriter Crystal Choi, adds disco and city-pop influences while staying true to the dream-pop sound of their self-titled EP. “Aseurai means around you in the atmosphere, hard to reach, fading away,” Choi says. “It's a poetic expression. You wouldn't say it in normal conversation, but I like that.” While Phoebe Rings was originally a solo project of Choi's, Aseurai marks a shift with contributing songwriting credits from the whole band, which includes Guitar/synthesist Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent, bassist Benjamin Locke and drummer/producer Alex Freer. The four musicians cut their teeth working on other notable NZ projects such as Princess Chelsea, Fazerdaze, Tiny Ruins, AC Freazy, Sea Views and Lucky Boy^. With a more ambitious collection of instruments, Choi says this album heralds the start of true collaboration: “I feel more precious about this LP because it includes everyone's gems.” The broth is richer with more cooks in the kitchen, and the brewing of textures creates a distinct ‘Phoebe Rings' sound.

For his second full-length LP and most realised release as Serebii yet, the artist had one thing he had to overcome first: he was “terrified” of himself. Serebii (aka Callum Mower) shares the story behind his latest live video for 'Goji': "After three years apart, myself and dear friend Skud Gumbosi decided to do what we both missed dearly and write music together. We spent a good portion of the day working on this Bossa groove with some chords Skud pulled from his back pocket. By the end of the session we both knew we had something special but felt the ideas were far too sluggish for our liking. As you can imagine the only downside to this is that you'd need to start the song from scratch in this new BPM and key, but that meant we would get to spend another day in each other's company, and so we did just that.

“London Buses” is the second single from Andy Bassett's Surface Noise EP. Returning to the more guitar-pop-oriented sound of his earlier work, he forgoes the orchestral arrangements featured heavily on the EP's title track and its predecessor, his 2022 album The Orchid Thief.Playing all the instruments himself, augmented by creamy smooth harmonies from fellow Taranaki singer-songwriter Liana Hart, Bassett describes a “Sliding Doors” moment, where life could have gone one of two ways, and celebrates the path he ultimately took – without revealing what that was!“It was a good gig,We had a good time,And good things Arrive in threes Like London buses”SPOILER ALERT: The specific moment – the third good thing - that inspired this song was when he asked his now-wife Sue Page on a date.“Starting out with just acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, the song opens up at the first chorus. A beautiful vocal harmony accompanies the chorus vocals, and some tasty electric guitar parts begin to complement the instrumentation. The end of the second chorus gives way to a change in feel, the chord progression and lead guitar creating a tension that resolves back into a call-and-response style rendering of the first verse, with lush vocal harmonies contributing to the beauty of the song.”– Peter K Malthus, muzic.net.nz

New Zealand musician Kayleb Duckett is back with his latest single, Airport, the second single from his upcoming album Speechless Housefire. The song is paired with a unique music video featuring Kayleb piloting a plane over his hometown of New Plymouth.Recorded entirely by himself, the track's layered instrumentation and driving rhythm make it a standout in his growing catalog of infectious, off-kilter guitar pop. Airport highlights Kayleb's ongoing development of his signature homegrown production style.The single and music video are available on all streaming platforms from today.Speechless Housefire will be available from March 6. To celebrate, Kayleb and his band will perform an album release show at Mike's Bistro in New Plymouth on Friday, March 21, with support from The Moustaches and Wilforce.

Aotearoa/New Zealand indie savant Mim Jensen is a trailblazer. Over two years of sharing hook-laden and emotional rock n' roll across both sides of the Tasman Sea, she has graced countless festivals and headline shows. The NZ Herald triumphs her as “...one of the most compelling front-people in Aotearoa.” Mim Jensen's sophomore EP Shadow of the Gift centres her in her healing era and is a symbol of her growth and journey as an artist and an individual. Shadow of the Gift takes you on a journey of introspection and longing. The first single to be released off SHADOW OF THE GIFT was ‘Same Blood', unveiled at the end of last November, which was closely followed by last single ‘Past Life' at the end of January. Now the third and final single drop before the EP release is ‘Safe In Body', a banger of a track that is set to be scooped up by US college and student radio stations far and wide.

Ngāmotu artist Paul Martin release "We're All Fine" is the single from an upcoming 4 track EP due to be released in the coming months. It deals with the issue of endemic use of antidepressant medication in our modern culture and questions if those of us living on these drugs are really living our best life?Described as a great song to cry & dance too with a sound reminiscent of The Killers. Recorded and produced by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace in Oakura.

The latest release from THIS LITTLE BADGE is the 4-track EP 'The Album Of The Year'. Songwriter and front-man of THIS LITTLE BADGE Dave Pope will be performing this, and many more of their catalogue. Expect acoustic, electric guitars, Pope singing karaoke, and maybe a kazoo.Pope cut his teeth in the early 80s in England, playing in a punk/pop band. He quickly shook off those shackles and expanded his musical tastes. Old time loves include: The Fall, The Ruts, Robert Wyatt, and Mark Hollis (Talk Talk). New flames include: PJ Harvey, King Krule, Baxter Dury, and Oddfellow Casino.

I wrote this song for the Play It Strange Nationals Peace Song competition 2024 and was selected as a National Finalist. As a prize I got to work with Auckland based Producer EDY on it, and it's being released as a single under Imani-J and on the Play It Strange Album. The song is about how I feel like we are currently living in a world full of violence, hardship and suffering and about how some people choose to turn a blind eye to this because it's easier to pretend not to see it. I want this song to get people thinking and reflecting and I really hope they choose to not be blind.

Moemoeā is a duo (Sherrie Flanagan and Chloe Danz) born in the vintage of 1984, hailing from the sunny east coast region of Hawkes Bay and both landed in Ōpunakē at different points where the journey of Moemoeā began. Chloe Danz known for solo performances and recording with Unintended Strangers and Sherrie Flanagan (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Mutunga) performing with Te Aiotanga o Houkura, Unity Wara Entertainment and King of the Mountain met at Opunake Players Incorporated through Heatwave a singing quintet. After a night at Taranaki Singer songwriters in New Plymouth they were inspired to collaborate. Their first song quickly came together following an easy partnership, with Sherrie's strength in writing and Chloe's composition/melody. Moemoeā released their first Debut EP Flicker on the 7th February 2025 after a year of recording and overwhelming support from their whānau, community and friends to release their harmonic sound. The EP has been produced by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studios in Oakura over the last year and compromises of 5 tracks; Burn it down, Black Flicker, Monsters (the duo's first music video), Regrets (released at the Taranaki Festival of Lights) and Switch off the newest release for the EP.

WHO SHOT SCOTT is the musical project of Zaidoon Nasir (he/him), a producer and experimental hip hop artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). In a short four year run, WHO SHOT SCOTT has completed his MERCY EP trilogy, supported the likes of Snoop Dogg and Yung Gravy and toured throughout Aotearoa, Australia and Singapore. WHO SHOT SCOTT kicks off 2025 with ‘PACK STEEL', a funk-fueled new single taken from his upcoming EP BRAIN (SIDE B). WHO SHOT SCOTT's signature style struts through PACK STEEL's bombastic new music video directed by long term collaborator Connor Pritchard (and made with support from NZ on Air Music).

TeamSquad is a neon-soaked explosion of Synth Soul, frothing from the shores of Raglan, New Zealand. Their music is a vibrant fusion of classic soul, infectious pop and nostalgic synth solos. Shake up two parts Prince, one part Stevie Wonder, a sprinkle of Chaka Khan and serve in a highball with a fresh sprig of playfulness - that's TeamSquad.  Waking from a flashback of 80s Sci-fi reruns, Stevie Wonder vinyls and Tiny Desk daydreams, musician couple Ruth & Kane Power emerged from their home studio with their lockdown conception, TeamSquad - crushed velvet vocals set to soaring synths, driving rhythms and a single imperative: to make you move.

Zuke unveils new Single ‘How We Met', and a debut remix from Nourish New Zealand-based electronic producer Zuke (Ed Zuccollo) returns with his latest release, ‘How We Met', a lush fusion of downtempo and organic house, layered with deep ambient chords and elements of acid. The track is the latest release from Zuke's debut album COME CLOSER set for release on Friday December 13. Zuke will also celebrate the album's release with a special release show at Auckland's Neck of the Woods on Saturday December 7. This show will see support from long-time friends and fellow wizards Dylan C & Mia Kober b2b DirdyGerdi.

Singer and songwriter Arahi has paid tribute to the legendary Māori navigator Kupe, on a stirring new waiata of the same name, which is out today. “The waiata captures the spirit of exploring new horizons and embracing the uncertainty that comes with discovery,” Arahi says of the track, which is delivered in te reo Māori. “It draws compelling parallels between Kupe's adventures and our own journeys through life.” The song ‘Kupe' was born from an APRA Songhubs session, in which artists are paired with fellow writers and producers. Often artists are paired with others they might not typically collaborate with - this combined with limited time to create, fosters an environment, which unleashes a wave of creative magic. This magic is evident on ‘Kupe', which saw Arahi working with an esteemed cast of writers and performers, including Noema Te Hau, Carwyn Ellis, Pere Wīhongi and Marika Hodgson.

Aotearoa trio Soft Plastics firm up their reputation as ‘ones to watch' on the indie-rock scene with the release of their brand new single, ‘Drown!' - an antidote to life's hustle and bustle. Soft Plastics - Sophie Scott-Maunder (bass, vocals); Jonathan Shirley (guitar) and Laura Robinson (drums) - draw from a rich array of longstanding guitar music traditions - shoegaze, breezy garage punk and jangle-pop and ‘Drown!' is no exception.

Põneke-based singer and producer AJA (Aja Wairere Ropata - Ngāti Raukawa, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) recently blew everyone away at the Silver Scrolls with her performance of Anna Coddington's award-winning track; she then went on to release her new single ‘Quiet Storm' featuring MĀ, perform as part of the Fly My Pretties lineup - and in the past couple of years she has featured on L.A.B's new album (who she is touring with over summer), headlined Newtown Festival, wow'd at the CubaDupa festival and the Matariki Awards, opened Wellington's Kia Mau Festival with her self-produced show ‘Manawa Pao', and won the 2022 Maioha Silver Scroll Award for waiata ‘Te Iho' - a collaboration with Byllie-Jean and Chris Wethey.

Pool House is a 4-piece indie-rock band from Ōtautahi (Christchurch), New Zealand. The band is made up of old friends Flynn, Harry, Crispy, and Will who came together to play their first show in place of a cancelled university festival. Since bursting into the Christchurch university scene, Pool House have been performing memorable, high energy, and soulful shows across New Zealand. With elements of surf, psychedelic, and garage infused in their music, Pool House offers an exciting, yet authentic take on indie music.

There's been no stopping Wri Donna this year with her first 3 releases off the new EP, pushing her firmly into rock music territory. Today, we're finally at the home stretch as she unleashes her sophomore EP “In My Chambers” and prepares to head out on the road, through Nov & Dec, with her full band, to celebrate the release! Wiri Donna's Debut EP , “Being Alone', released in 2022, was her first foray into truly speaking her mind via her music, touching on some pretty heavy topics, expertly done, with some solid musicality from this talented artist. The release was adored across the indies, acclaimed by media and fans, resulted in her being named as one of Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s Eight Kiwi Artist Tipped to Take Over in early 2023 and was nominated for the Taite Music Prize's “Best Independent Debut'. However, Wiri Donna spent the better part of 2 years post this release, taunting us with something darker in the works.

Following the success of two EPs, multiple charting singles, a headline tour, Boosted campaign and opening slots for Robbie Williams and Elton John, Aotearoa rising star Danica Bryant has today released her new pop-rock hit, ‘Acid'! An exciting, gritty and high-energy track, ‘Acid' is laced with a chunky bassline, driving guitars and powerhouse vocals reminiscent of the artist's experiences headbanging at high school rock band gigs in the Hawkes Bay. “I wanted to create a vibe as fierce as theirs - but still performable solo, which is a tough line to walk!” Lyrically, ‘Acid' is all about queer sexuality. Think bubblegum pop-princess meets sexy vampiress and they make a 2000s pop-rock banger. “LGBT+ relationships are so frequently softened to cutesy romances to make them more palatable to straight audiences,” says Danica, “but this can make it hard for us to accept the parts of ourselves that also crave sexual connection and intimacy. I wanted to make a song that celebrates those wild feelings, and hope [the young queer community] take a sense of joy and possibility from the song, realizing they too can have all of the intense, fun experiences the rest of the world is granted.” Recorded at producer Jonny Avery's studio, with support from her band, Danica says ‘Acid' is definitely an indication of more music to come, so now is definitely the time to tune in and stay tuned

Tāmaki Makaurau-based trio PAPERCITY have today released their soon-to-be smash hit ‘Sofa'! An epic combination of electronic beats, gritty guitars, textural synths and a vulnerable message, ‘Sofa' is yet another exciting hit from PAPERCITY (Alex Hargreaves, Sam Edmonds, Jack Rollinson), the group have cultivated a uniquely alternative synth-pop sound, with hints of emo and punk. “It's about the isolation of feeling hurt and the effort to keep your struggles hidden,” says lead singer and guitarist Alex - who also directed the track's extraordinary music video - out 1 November!

Ōtautahi-based songwriter Mousey, the creative alias of Sarena Close, announces her third album, The Dreams of Our Mothers' Mothers!, set for release on October 18th, 2024 via Winegum Records / Concord Publishing. This album delves deeply into personal and familial themes, reflecting Mousey's growth and exploration of self. Five years since her debut album Lemon Law, Mousey presents an 8-track collection that delves into family dynamics, identity, and breaking generational cycles. This album combines evocative melodies with introspective lyrics to reflect the evolving tension between past and present.

"Smashing Through The Fences" is an anthem of empowerment and growth. The song explores themes of breaking down barriers, embracing dreams, and forging one's own path. With uplifting lyrics, it encourages perseverance and self-belief, while celebrating the strength found in community and connection. The repetition of “Smashing through the fences” reflects a journey of overcoming obstacles, both external and internal, to embrace a fulfilling, joyful life. It's a reminder that we are the creators of our own fate, guided by love, resilience, and the shared human experience.

Kind Hands, the stunning debut album from Ōtautahi's Goodwill continues an emotional path forged in Will's EP Incontrol and a nomination for Best New Artist from Rolling Stone. Kind Hands displays a great leap in his songwriting and production. Including singles Kind Hands, Goner, and Plans, the album has been pressed in partnership with Winegum Records and Leather Jacket Records.

WAIATA WAIRUA is a stunning 8-track album being released alongside new te reo Māori single and video ‘Hine Ruhi / Slice of Heaven' (their beautiful interpretation of Dave Dobbyn's classic). Along with their new single, the record also includes popular singles ‘Papatuānuku He Ataahua Koe / What a Wonderful World' (RNZ, The Breeze, Whakaata Māori, The Most FM, Radio Waatea), ‘Te Aroha' (Air NZ, NZOA NewTracks, Niu FM, Tumeke FM, NZ Musician, 13th Floor, Juice TV).  Recorded at their home studio in Titirangi, with translation and arrangement help from whānau, and musical support from some of Aotearoa's finest musicians, the songs on WAIATA WAIRUA were inspired by a period of time when Ra and Hayden were going through big life changes - marriage, death, and having a baby!

No Reply (Tauranga, New Zealand) is stoked to announce the release of their third single “Big Bad Takeaway” available everywhere on 18 September 2024. Big Bad Takeaway reflects on both the good and challenging times in a relationship and recounts having someone by your side through it all. Big Bad Takeaway is a horn-led groove on top of a hip hop beat, with flavours of rock throughout. Big Bad Takeaway is the third song No Reply have collaborated on with engineer Nate Sowter at Link Flamingo Studios (Blindspott, PNC, Deadbeat, Matty Buxton, The Sun Gods, MICAH). No Reply's two previous singles have received rotation on commercial and non commercial radio stations in Aotearoa, New Zealand and abroad, as well as on Air New Zealand flights. Formed in 2022 as a ska cover band, No Reply practices turned into original music that tries to emphasise the magic of the horn section with catchy melodies.

Georgia Gets By, the project of New Zealand's Georgia Nott, announces her new EP, SPLIT LIP, due September 6 on Luminelle Recordings. The announcement comes with a dual single release of two instantly memorable tracks ‘Some Kind of Angel,' which was co-written by Grammy award nominated producer Billboard (Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Blackpink) and the EP's title track ‘Split Lip.' “‘Split Lip' and ‘Some Kind of Angel' are depictions of my masculine and feminine counterparts. The songs and their visual worlds express how it feels to engage in intimacy through these two lenses,” Georgia explains. “The soft gentleness of some kind of angel vs. the stoic and at times aggressive nature of split lip. Although these two parts of myself are inseparable it was fun to play with the contrast between them.”

Jealous is the first of three upcoming singles from Jaz's upcoming EP. By combining alternative pop beats with contemporary R&B vocals, the gifted New Zealand based artist juxtaposes light and dark themes to produce an introspective and confessional style of music. Jealous is an upbeat track inspired by the human condition of jealousy. Jealous was lyrically inspired by her ex partner's friendship with another woman, and draws on production influences of artists such as Kito and BANKS.

Comfort Soups is a Dream Pop ballad about the darkness hidden under the pleasant outward expressions of an Asian woman. This is the song that made the singer-songwriter fall in love with songwriting. She was going through some disappointments, but the people around her expected her to move on. She felt angry and lonely in her sadness. Through writing the song, she felt her feelings were being heard by another person, even though the person was herself. That's how she realised songwriting was good for her. Comfort Soups is written, performed, and produced by Raging Flowers, who is a Chinese- Kiwi Indie Pop artist living in New Zealand.

‘Baited' incorporates the group's classic pop hooks with a twist of punk and angst, beckoning an exciting new era with a refreshed sound for the band. Also being released is an epic new music video directed by David Argue - bringing just the right darkness and angst to match the track's empowering message. This electric new release joins Coast Arcade's widely adored discography, including their debut EP NEXT TO ME which features chart-dominating tracks ‘Tattoo' (#11 Hot NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added), ‘Highest Heights' (Official NZ Charts ‘Ones To Watch', #2 Hot NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added + NZ Airplay), and ‘Surf Club' (Hot NZ Singles Chart). The group have played countless opening slots for Kiwi and Aussie icons like Teenage Dads, The Beths, Princess Chelsea, The Grogans, and more. They've also played Rhythm and Vines two years running, White Out Festival, Spring City Festival, and a sold out North Island headlining tour!

Formed in early 2023, Psycho Gab is the force that challenges everything you thought you knew about good music. A five-piece, neo-soul band based in Tāmaki Makaurau, the group have cultivated a unique sound formed at the crossroads between soul, RnB, jazz and pop, leaving endless possibilities of smooth grooves up for exploration. Their debut single ‘Messy' was released in 2023 and saw love from across Aotearoa (95bFM, Radio One). The self-recorded, produced, mixed and mastered single explores the complexities and insecurities of modern relationships through raw and honest lyrics, flanked by a tight ensemble of jazzy keys, smooth guitars, playful bass licks and driving drum grooves.

Spring is promising, hopeful, colourful and a time for blossoming. Many writers and poets have written about it, musicians have sung about it, artists have painted it, all trying to capture the feelings that spring evokes after a long winter. Since it's just around the corner for us in Aotearoa, I wanted to spread some spring joy early. The first half of ‘The Heart of Spring' was completed in 2021 on my laptop; those original home-recorded vocals and MIDI arrangements remain on the final track. But the magic lies in the second half; composed and recorded within three hours in the creative cradle of Rhythm Ace. So, from me to you, I give you a song from the depths of my soul. 'The Heart of Spring' is available for you to purchase on Bandcamp, Shazam it, add it to your playlists, stream this song, watch the video on YouTube and encourage friends to listen/watch too!

Originally from New Zealand, Alternative Pop group Skymachine is known for their indie nostalgia andenergetic live shows, synth tapestries and weightedlyrics. Formed by multi-instrumentalist Brydon, their debut EP 'Young Guns' was championed by curator Alex Rainbird, receiving over 1 million YouTube streams inonly six weeks, and was followed up by ‘IWTKWYLF' in 2018. That year they also launched their 'Secret Spots Tour' , booking niche shows at unusual locations aroundNew Zealand, from abandoned WWII bunkers and seaside clifftops.

Joe Kearns is a Christchurch born and bred singer-songwriter who's been plying his trade in Chch and trying to get his unique poppy songs heard. Formerly a student of the University of Canterbury's School of Music where he has an honours degree majoring in composition, he's just released his 10th single full of his usual pop sensibilities with intelligent and interesting lyrics. 'Contestant Number 3' is a fun 80s synth pop song representing how we used to look for love in those days - via TV dating shows!

Based in Wellington, this year, First Reserve has played alongside international acts Hot Mulligan (US), and Movements (US), as well as local legends Wet Denim, There's A Tuesday, and Daffodils. Previous singles have received airplay on Radio One, and new single "alice" combines hard-hitting rock instrumentation with ear-worm hooks.

Aotearoa's beloved and platinum-selling Avalanche City (AKA Dave Baxter) has today released an introspective new single ‘Keep That Love' - his first in five years. A delicate acoustic guitar creates the bed for a gently expanding soundscape; layers of backing vocals, gentle synths and atmospheric guitars working together to evoke a sense of poignant reflection and hope. “‘Keep That Love' is really just an encouragement to keep looking for love and beauty, kindness and compassion,” says Dave. “It acknowledges some of life's deep sadness, but also the hopefulness and beauty of the world. It's where I end up spending most of my time, for better or worse

Ardon England, a multifaceted force in New Zealand's music landscape. A Māori artist, Ardon is a bold advocate for diversity and inclusion, infusing his unique blend of genres with unapologetic creativity and raw emotion. With a background steeped in dance and performance artistry, Ardon's journey into music was inevitable. Over two decades, he's traversed stages nationwide, captivating audiences with his electrifying presence.

A culmination of dreamy vocals and experiential sound, Goodnight My Darling is the vision and project of up and coming Wellington based singer-songwriter Maxine Macaulay.  With elements of shoegaze, folk and dreamy melody, Macaulay says her ever evolving vibe is a poetic expression of her life and the places around her. Her songs take you on a cinematic journey, while her ethereal vocals lull you into a quiet sense of peace and appreciation.  Goodnight My Darling started as an electronic project when Macaulay released her EP of self produced songs “Levitate”. She then joined forces with a band to create and release her latest nine-track self-titled album, with a mix of soul-stirring tunes including ode to love, loss and rebirth ‘The Carriage', ‘Until I Return' and the story of a relationship's end in ‘The Trees Have Eyes'.

NZ born, international breakthrough artist Robinson has returned with her first single of 2024, the soaring new track ‘The War On Art', out today. An impatient, driving guitar with dark undertones are matched with Robinson's emotive, powerfully raw vocal performance. When the chorus hits, ‘The War On Art' is stadium ready; stacked with vocals and a massive rhythm section, as Robinson lyrically opens fire on the darker realities of creative industries “where they turn our dreams into a business.” “‘The War On Art' is the very message I have come to stand for as an artist,” explains Robinson.  “All too often, I've heard and experienced the horror stories that people in the creative industries go through. They're taken advantage of, financially struggle (even with their success), are victims of power plays, are told how to act and dress in order to ‘sell', and are treated as nothing more than a brand that must be fine-tuned.”

Auckland-based Daily J continue to take the globe by storm with their signature blend of indie-rock and indie-pop; today dropping a new tune - the nostalgic and sentimental ‘Happy Slides'.  It's been an action packed few years for the local lads (three brothers Jayden, Jonny and Jesse Paul and good mate Rick Everard), who have earned a reputation as one of New Zealand music's most successful exports with tens of millions of streams across platforms and sold out tours across countries. The release of ‘Happy Slides' - along with the video - marks the first new music from Daily J since last year's double EP release SLUSH HONEY Side A and Side B. And it finds the band in reflective mode, dipping between past and present; creating a melodic postcard that anyone would hope to receive.

Aotearoa's rising indie artist Rita Mae has returned with her first single of 2024, the unapologetically anthemic new single and video ‘Kiss The Sky', co-written with The Naked and Famous' award-winning artist Alisa Xayalith. Oscillating between chill, acoustic verses and full noise, grungy, stadium-ready choruses, ‘Kiss The Sky' sonically mirrors its lyrical meaning, being a “greedy, indulgent song about wanting everything and being unapologetic about it.”

Sam Cullen's sound is far from what you might expect of a 23 year-old born and raised on theedge of the world in Invercargill - the bottom of New Zealand. With genuine lyrics drawn from lived experience and a rock and roll meets pop driving energy, the now Auckland-based artist is a force to be reckoned with. Since 2022's ‘Run' - EP, Sam has honed his stadium rock influences and completes his next era of releases on April 19 with his ‘Love Again' - EP. Sam wears his heart on his sleeve with this body of work with songs about growing up and homesickness while figuring himself out a little more. Over the past 3 years, he has steadily climbed the ladder of success; releasing three EP's, playing on some of New Zealand's biggest stages (including the main stage at R&V), selling out a number of headline shows and playing support slots around the country. Following a massive 10-date solo tour of NZ in 2023, this next era introduces a 5-piece live band that brings an incomparable onstage energy.

Following the success of her 2023 singles ‘Runway of Reality' and ‘Cellular', today's release puts on full display Frau Knotz's drive to consistently push boundaries. An ethereal and mysterious piece, ‘Odyssey I' showcases what Frau Knotz does best; emotive storytelling through vocal performance amongst unchartered sonic realms.

Skinnyandsoft is the moniker of Lou Smith, a 24-year-old singer/songwriter from and based in Taranaki. He previously released a single with Tyson Ritter, the frontman of the All American Rejects, and released a single with fellow NZ artist Rita Mae. dmg_cntrl is one of two singles that release on 03/29, leading off the rollout of skinnyandsoft's debut album "showhilla".

The vibrant and dynamic Taranaki based 9-piece band, Banana Mundo, is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Driving Around". Known for their electrifying live performances and a unique blend of musical styles, Banana Mundo takes listeners on a journey with a song that encapsulates the freedom and exhilaration of hitting the road. "Driving Around" is a lively, upbeat track that combines the infectious grooves of funk with the warm rhythms of Latin music, creating a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic. The song aims to evoke the joy and adventure of embarking on a road trip, capturing the sense of escape and discovery that comes with driving through unknown landscapes.

NZ-South African band The Transits have released their self-titled debut album + new single/video 'Heartbreak Queen' - both receiving local and international praise! Since they started releasing music just one year ago, they have been on the South Africa Top 40 multiple times and NZ RadioScope Alt Chart – and since Friday's release they've placed on 3 x Apple Music playlists, shot to 25k+ streams on their new music video and had a significant boost to their fan base. ‘Heartbreak Queen' has a catchy keyboard riff that propels the verses, which are complemented by high-energy drums and guitars driving the chorus. It's an infectious musical experience!

Tāmaki Makaurau based indie-pop delight Geoff Ong has today released his latest single ‘When it Gets Easy'. ‘When it Gets Easy' delves into intimate reflections on the journey of growing up and unpacking big feelings. Geoff's knack for catchy pop hooks, paired with a driving beat and bright guitar licks, have built what he hopes will become an “upbeat and hopeful anthem for people who are also wondering when it gets easier.”

Ōtautahi indie-folk artist Fraser Ross has today released the title track single and music video from his much-anticipated upcoming album ‘Thunderhead'. A mesh of folk, indie and soft-rock - with the perfect balance of melancholia and hope, ‘Thunderhead' is set to become another successful track in Fraser's discography. ‘Thunderhead' is a deeply personal reflection written as a documentary of Frasers travels throughout America, and the experience of leaving a family. Named after Thunderhead Artist's Refuge in Montana, a camp that brings artists together in the spirit of natural building and campfire jamming - and the place Fraser wrote the track mid-travels.

Auckland indie-rockers PARK RD return with the new single, ‘Every Night', their first new release for 2024. An upbeat-slice of indie-pop, ‘Every Night' sees the band wearing its influences proudly on its sleeves, embracing a sound similar to The 1975 and Spacey Jane. Jangly guitars from Angus Hampton-Carr and Leo Crawshaw-Bond combine, alongside a soaring call-and-response chorus ready-made for the live stage.