VERITY UNVEILS BOLD NEW SINGLE “LIKE IT’S LONDON”
Rising pop-soul artist Verity steps into a fearless new era with her latest single “Like It’s London”, out today. Bold, reckless, and unapologetic, the track captures a moment in time where confidence ran high, consequences felt distant, and everything moved fast and loud.
Rising pop-soul artist Verity steps into a fearless new era with her latest single “Like It’s London”, released 20 February 2026. Bold, reckless, and unapologetic, the track captures a moment in time where confidence ran high, consequences felt distant, and everything moved fast and loud.
“Like It’s London” is a snapshot of youth fuelled by impulse and thrill — late nights, slicked-back hair, high heels, and dressing to be seen. The song leans into that intoxicating mix of power and self-destruction, where rules are broken, heads are turned, and everything falling apart feels like part of the fun.
Reflecting on the song, Verity says:
“I was reminiscing about the person I was when I was younger. At the time, I thought I had everything together — but looking back, everything was actually falling apart. That contrast is what inspired this song.”
Rooted in high-energy pop with emotional depth, “Like It’s London” speaks to young listeners navigating confidence, identity, and chaos in real time. It connects with teens and young adults drawn to self-expression, nightlife, and that powerful — often fragile — phase of becoming.
Known for her deeply honest storytelling and blend of pop, soul, and R&B, Verity continues to carve out a sound that is raw, real, and unmistakably her own. With this release, she steps forward with clarity and strength — offering an anthem for anyone reflecting on who they were, and choosing who they want to become.
This dog release new single and world tour* *small metropolitan world tour
They’ve won a few competitions from here and Australia, opened for a few sweet international rock acts and have even moved to a different storage unit near a different sewage plant.
But after releasing their prize winning debut EP ‘Clean Living’, 2026 brings`` this dogs’ first tour of main centre Aotearoa alongside a new single ‘Likewise’, out now.
They’ve won a few competitions from here and Australia, opened for a few sweet international rock acts and have even moved to a different storage unit near a different sewage plant.
But after releasing their prize winning debut EP ‘Clean Living’, 2026 brings`` this dogs’ first tour of main centre Aotearoa alongside a new single ‘Likewise’, releasing February 19th.
With their last 2023 single 'Bug Eyed' charting at #20 on the official 'Hot 20 NZ Singles' charts; ‘Likewise’ is sure to hopefully get to a crisp #19.
With lyrics about romanticizing only getting a job half done, this dog will no doubt be doing the opposite. It only takes one trip to see them live to see that they’ll leave blood, spit, sweat and some more spit on the stage in their wake.
The ‘Likewise World Tour*’ is years in the making, recorded by Ben Sinclair & Jacob Patchett at Saltbox Studios (CHCH), mixed by Jack Lanham & Kabyn Walley of Moonbase Record Collective (CHCH) & Mastered by Steven Marr (Doprah, CHCH) . The fuzz smothered walls of guitar sound and frenetic drumming introduced in their initial EP is ever present on the new track. All presented through the same biting yet tongue and cheek lyrical lens offered by vocalist Robbie Redvers.
Likewise World Tour*
☆ Feb 21st: @thecrownhotel_dunedin (DUN)
With: @bunchysbigscore
☆ Feb 28th: @valhalla.nz (WGT)
With: @_bleachmusic
☆ Mar 14th: Space Academy (CHCH)
With: @s.e.i.s.m.i.c_band & @s0ft_l4unch
CAITLIN, Announces new EP Guardrails, Due April 10th
CAITLIN, born in Te Tihi-o-Maru and now based in Ōtautahi, returns with her new single, ‘You’re Only Good To Calm Me Down’. Self-produced with the help of Will McGillivray (Goodwill), CAITLIN explains, “It’s a song about self-discovery, playful denial, and finally calling things out.” These themes run through her forthcoming EP, Guardrails, due April 10, which traces the small reckonings and shifts that come after life moves you off course.
CAITLIN, born in Te Tihi-o-Maru and now based in Ōtautahi, returns with her new single, ‘You’re Only Good To Calm Me Down’. Following the reflective thread of earlier releases ‘Wash’ and ‘Outline’, the song explores the moments when comfort comes at the cost of growth. Self-produced with the help of Will McGillivray (Goodwill), CAITLIN explains, “It’s a song about self-discovery, playful denial, and finally calling things out.” These themes run through her forthcoming EP, Guardrails, due April 10, which traces the small reckonings and shifts that come after life moves you off course.
Guardrails, CAITLIN’s fourth EP, is the culmination of a decade spent writing, recording, and performing across New Zealand. “Written across a year walking through an early–mid twenties identity crisis,” CAITLIN explains, “a lack of self-determination sat quietly underneath everything in my life — I knew something needed to change, but I kept avoiding it. I was grappling with the realisation that time was passing and I was not the person I wanted to be.” Guardrails channels emotional tension into motion, with songs that sway, push, and pull.
The single ‘You’re Only Good To Calm Me Down’ is accompanied by a new music video, co-directed by CAITLIN and Naomi Haussmann, with filming and editing handled by Haussmann. The video was shot across two contrasting locations: the sweeping landscapes of Lake Lyndon near Arthur’s Pass, and the urban streets of Ōtautahi’s city centre. Speaking on the visual approach, CAITLIN explains: “I love implying this narrative and visual contrast between structure and city imagery, and flowy natural landscapes which is a common thread throughout my work.”
CAITLIN will bring Guardrails to Electric Avenue 2026, road-testing the EP in front of a festival audience and positioning herself as one of the local acts you won’t want to miss.
ADAM MCGRATH ANNOUNCES NEW SOLO ALBUM 'WRECKER SONGS'
The 15th of February marks the 75th anniversary of the Waterfront Dispute of 1951, the largest industrial dispute New Zealand had seen up to that point and since. The fractious struggle for fair conditions, pay and security became a flashpoint between those who saw working people as simple chattels of company interests and those who dreamed of accessing the promise of a better life in the post-war era. Marking this date, one of New Zealand’s foremost modern folk singers and writers, Adam McGrath, releases the first single from his upcoming album of songs inspired by the stories, struggles and solidarity imbued in the history of the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
This 15th of February marks the 75th anniversary of the Waterfront Dispute of 1951, the largest industrial dispute New Zealand had seen up to that point and since. The fractious struggle for fair conditions, pay and security became a flashpoint between those who saw working people as simple chattels of company interests and those who dreamed of accessing the promise of a better life in the post-war era. Marking this date, one of New Zealand’s foremost modern folk singers and writers, Adam McGrath, releases the first single from his upcoming album of songs inspired by the stories, struggles and solidarity imbued in the history of the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
The single is a burning reworking of the union song ‘Which Side Are You On?’, featuring in the truest of folk tradition new verses about 1951 and the villain of the era, Sid Holland, as well as samples from Watersiders’ Union boss and worker spokesman Jock Barnes.
The B-side of the single is a heart-building reworking of McGrath’s band The Eastern’s 2010 song ‘Be True’, which was inspired by the ‘Stood Loyal Right Through’ cards distributed to those who held ground throughout the length of the dispute.
Both songs feature on ‘Wrecker Songs’, which will be released across all formats May 1, and is available for pre-order today.
As McGrath says, ‘Wrecker Songs’ started like all good things should start, over a beer in the union hall standing behind Jordan Luck! A conversation with Lyttelton MUNZ Secretary Gary Horan about why and how records got made became an idea about what they could do once out in the world, what they could be; about how folk records had to reach beyond the internal maladies that are the usual fodder for singer-songwriters, further into the world in which they inhabit.”
McGrath notes, “My dad joined the merchant navy as a young teenager and spent his life between pubs and construction sites at sea. Also, the work we’ve done for unions over the years suggested there were songs to find within the scope of the Maritime Union and the Seafarers’ and Watersiders’ unions that preceded it. The songs run the gamut from fight songs to lonesome songs, drinking songs, unemployment songs and the little shared experiences of women within and close to the Maritime Union movement.
With the world seemingly on fire, the rise of fascism, a New Zealand government in the pocket of the moneyed, unemployment on the march and people as isolated from each other as they’ve ever been, it’s important to roll our sleeves up and get busy working our row with as much empathy, solidarity and history in our packs as we can.”
Recorded and played with help and support from his Eastern bandmates as well as his brothers and sisters in the Union, ‘Wrecker Songs’ promises to be another strong marker in the McGrath/Eastern canon.
Adam McGrath Live
February 20
A Rolling Stone w/ Scott Cook
Christchurch
March 13
Geraldine Theatre
Geraldine
March 14
Country in The Country Festival
Leeston
Tickets at adammcgrath.net
SOLA ROSA ANNOUNCES WHAT YOU NEED FEAT. BLUSH’KO - OUT NOW
Sola Rosa returns with What You Need (feat. Blush’ko), a hypnotic, slow-burning track built on a mid-tempo, four-on-the-floor groove, marking a shift into dance music and DJ set territory.
Andrew Spraggon, better known as Aotearoa New Zealand’s Sola Rosa, has unveiled What You Need, the second teaser single from his forthcoming album, out Friday 13 February. Featuring Blush’ko, the track marks a deliberate turn into darker, more atmospheric territory, trading the easy uplift of Jupiter for a nocturnal pulse shaped by dance music and DJ-set culture.
Built on a sparse, mid-tempo four-on-the-floor groove, What You Need is driven as much by space as by rhythm. Blush’ko’s syrupy vocals float above the mix, while subtle production touches create restrained momentum. Keys player Jeremy Bennett helped shape the harmonic framework, and percussionist Matt Sawyer added unique textures, including a rare clay bottle, giving the track a distinctive, hypnotic feel. It’s intimate and deliberate — suited to both headphones and late-night floors.
The song came together in a single day. “It came together quickly, but it never felt rushed,” says Spraggon. “Once Blush’ko set the mood, the track seemed to write itself.” What You Need reveals a new, darker side of Sola Rosa, built on restraint, space, and a subtle momentum with hypnotic pull.
Visionary Aotearoa artist Theia Collaborates with New Feature Film MĀRAMA on New Recording ‘Holy War II’
Trailblazing Aotearoa artist Theia (Waikato, Ngaati Tiipaa, Ngaati Aamaru) has collaborated with Sweetshop Entertainment, the producers of the newly released feature film MĀRAMA, alongside songwriter Karl Steven, to create a new audio recording and music video titled Holy War II.
Trailblazing Aotearoa artist Theia (Waikato, Ngaati Tiipaa, Ngaati Aamaru) has collaborated with Sweetshop Entertainment, the producers of the newly released feature film MĀRAMA, alongside songwriter Karl Steven, to create a new audio recording and music video titled Holy War II.
Reimagined from Theia’s original song Holy War, from her critically acclaimed debut album GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD, Holy War II has been newly recorded specifically for the film and will be used in conjunction with filmed material to create promotional content supporting the release of MĀRAMA.
Written and directed by Taratoa Stappard, MĀRAMA is his striking feature debut and is released nationwide today. (February 12, 2026).
Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the 2025 Discovery programme, celebrated for spotlighting bold new cinematic voices, MĀRAMA has continued an impressive global festival run. The film has screened at Fantastic Fest, the Zurich Film Festival, and Sitges, and later this month will screen at both the Hawai‘i International Film Festival and AFI Fest, further cementing its reputation as a standout new voice in Māori Gothic cinema.
Set in the moody world of Victorian-era North Yorkshire, MĀRAMA follows a young Māori woman’s battle to reclaim her identity and reconnect with her Indigenous culture while living in a foreign land.
The collaboration with Theia on Holy War II, made with the support of Whakaata Māori and the film’s composers Karl Sölve Steven and Rob Thorne, brings together music and moving image in a work that amplifies the film’s themes through Theia’s unmistakable sonic and political voice. Her work is synonymous with unflinching storytelling and emotionally charged performances - qualities that align powerfully with the world and narrative of MĀRAMA.
“Many of the songs on my album GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD represent Indigenous resistance to imperialism – like the themes which run throughout Mārama. After watching an early screening of the film, I started to envisage ‘Holy War’ being rearranged to include aspects of Mārama’s sonic palette and I was thrilled to work with Karl on this,” comments Theia.
This collaboration represents a powerful creative convergence between music and film, amplifying MĀRAMA’s cultural influence while expanding Theia’s uncompromising artistic vision into the cinematic realm. The Holy War II music video was directed, filmed and edited by Shae Stirling.
“Holy War II is imbued with the anger and pain colonisation inflicted on my people. You hear this in the reo kootike waahine Maaori (Maaori female soprano voices) commanding the listener to hear our plea for the end of conflict. This high level of mamae is also evident in the video; and yet the steadfast hope and importance of female solidarity beams through,” she adds.
"Theia’s music and especially this new collaboration with Holy War II amplifies MĀRAMA's energy and themes. Along with a powerful score by Karl Sölve Steven & Rob Thorne, Theia offers a unique sonic lens through which audiences can engage with MĀRAMA’s cultural and political impact before they even see it," comments the films writer and director Taratoa Stappard.
ISRAEL STARR RELEASES NEW INSTRUMENTAL SINGLE “SEASONS”
Wellington-based artist, producer, and cultural storyteller Israel Starr releases his new instrumental single “Seasons” on Friday 13 February — a slow-burn reggae meditation designed to create space, stillness, and reflection.
Wellington-based artist, producer, and cultural storyteller Israel Starr releases his new instrumental single “Seasons” on Friday 13 February — a slow-burn reggae meditation designed to create space, stillness, and reflection.
Built around warm trumpet lines, gentle flute melodies, and laid-back jazz guitar and bass, Seasons unfolds across four distinct instrumental movements, subtly mirroring the natural rhythm of the seasons themselves. The track moves unhurriedly, allowing each section to breathe and settle, drawing listeners into a calm, grounded soundscape.
Beyond its structure, Seasons reflects the personal cycles we move through in life — growth, rest, transition, and renewal — each phase arriving in its own time. The spacious arrangement and relaxed tempo invite listeners to slow down, reflect, and reset, offering a moment of quiet in an often-noisy world.
Calm, grounding, and deeply reflective, Seasons is well suited to chill, roots, instrumental, meditation, and late-night playlists. It is music created to soften the moment and let the mind wander.
Israel Starr is more than a musician — he is a cultural custodian, sonic architect, and spiritual connector from Aotearoa. Known for his authentic fusion of Roots Reggae, Funk, and World Music, Israel’s work is grounded in whakapapa, truth, and community.
Raised within the Twelve Tribes of Israel Rasta movement, his artistic journey is guided by principles of faith, humility, knowledge-sharing, and “full love.” These values shape both his life and his music, informing a deep respect for reggae and sound system culture, and a responsibility to honour those who came before while uplifting the next generation.
“My mission is simple: to uplift the consciousness of our people through music that stays real, true, and rooted.” — Israel Starr
Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, Israel leads with integrity and service, creating music that acts as a force for healing, unity, and truth.
Queer. Māori. Unapologetic.No permission, just presence: I’M THAT BITCH
Following the impact of That’s Camp, queer Māori artist ARDON ENGLAND (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Āti Awa, Kahuranaki Marae) levels up with “I’M THAT B*TCH,” the flagship single from the forthcoming EP of the same name (Feb 2026). This is unapologetic club theatre: chant-it-with-your-chest hooks, thumping percussion, rubbery bass, and performance-art swagger built for peak hour.
Following the impact of That’s Camp, queer Māori artist ARDON ENGLAND (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Āti Awa, Kahuranaki Marae) levels up with “I’M THAT B*TCH,” the flagship single from the forthcoming EP of the same name (Feb 2026). This is unapologetic club theatre: chant-it-with-your-chest hooks, thumping percussion, rubbery bass, and performance-art swagger built for peak hour.
Fresh off the success of REAL TALK with Tali, which climbed to #3 on the Hot Aotearoa Singles Chart, Ardon is fast making a name for himself as one of the country’s most exciting new voices in electronic music.
“I’M THAT BTCH”* flips ego into liberation—an alter-ego switch that invites everyone to take up space, louder. It’s cheeky, confident, and gloriously queer, pushing Aotearoa’s electronic scene forward while spotlighting Māori identity on the dance floor. Vertical/video assets and a clean radio edit are ready; Te Reo Māori explorations sit on the horizon to further amplify Indigenous visibility.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
While Aotearoa’s electronic scene is thriving, openly queer Māori male voices remain rarely platformed outside of Pride lineups. Ardon’s mission is to change that. “Queer Māori belong everywhere—in clubs, on radio, on editorial playlists,” he says. In September, Ardon travels to Sydney and Melbourne for writing sessions with queer artists, building trans-Tasman collaborations to strengthen representation across both scenes.
WHAT’S NEXT
12 Feb 2026 — EP drop + headline show (Laundromat, Auckland).
Collabs brewing: CHAII, Jimi The Kween, BIG WETT (+ more in the pipeline).
NZ/AU mini-tour: Auckland, Wellington, Whanganui, Mount Maunganui, Sydney (Mardi Gras) & Melbourne (Midsumma) TBC.
Visual rollout: live-show footage meets fashion-led concepts in bold, unconventional locations.
Club life extended: DJ-focused remixes/alt edits to keep floors moving and playlists fresh.
ABOUT ARDON ENGLAND
Ardon England is a queer Māori live electronic artist from Aotearoa, blending bold club production with choreography, vocals, and unapologetic camp—aka camp-house. His work champions takatāpui visibility in electronic music through high-energy, boundary-pushing performances and storytelling.