Soulful Wellington singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Louis Baker shares new single 'All We Need', a warm and uplifting slice of contemporary soul offering a message of hope, connection and collective resilience.
Writer, poet, playwright and Coast to Coast founder Robin Judkins is proud to announce the release of I'm A Slut For A Beat (out July 3rd), a bold and distinctive new album that transforms a collection of his poems into fully realised songs. To celebrate the release, Judkins will present a special one-night-only launch event at The Lyttelton Arts Festival at The Loons in Lyttelton.
Play For Keeps have spent the last six months proving themselves to be one of the most exciting new acts on Aotearoa’s indie pop-rock scene - a reputation they’re firming up with today’s release of their debut EP, HEY LOVE.
Following his groundbreaking, Māori Alt R&B masterpiece “Tia”, MOHI announces the release of his next single DECEMBER RAIN. This Matariki, MOHI will be performing at the Auckland Town Hall for Waiata Anthems in Concert alongside local legends Jordyn With a Why, Geneva AM and the incredible Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. To add to the Matariki celebrations, MOHI and Noema Te Hau III have also received the call up to be part of the All Blacks Matariki Special happening in Wellington.
Wellington, New Zealand’s crooked alt-country-rock Menzies release their highly-anticipated debut album + vinyl pressing - ‘Holding My Cold Hand, Even Though Yours Is Warm’, and announce a full NZ tour in July and August. The album captures everything that makes Menzies one of the country’s most exciting emerging acts.
Ōtautahi-based singer-songwriter LEE MARTIN returns with her fourth studio album, MARLENE — a raw, deeply introspective body of work that traces the arc of a life lived, felt, and remembered. While audiences around Aotearoa and beyond know her as Lee Martin, MARLENE reveals the artist behind the name.
Aotearoa’s rising pop-rock force Castaway continue their momentum with the release of their new single, “CUCKOO” - the latest glimpse into their upcoming body of work. Following their recent success opening for SIX60 and Synthony at the One New Zealand Stadium, and the growing traction of recent singles “Heart Attack” and “Her Favourite Song”, Castaway return with “CUCKOO”. This latest single continues a run of releases signalling the band’s rise.
The past 12 months have been full of wins for New Zealand band Borderline - taking out the People’s Choice Award at the Aotearoa Music Awards, being named in Rolling Stone’s Future of Music 2026 list, multiple nods from BBC Radio 1, a 14-date North American tour and more - with all their success culminating in the release of their debut album, Borderline, out today via EMPIRE.
Album #10, the finale of Troy Kingi's 10|10|10 project (ten albums in ten genres in 10 years) closes with the most ambitious project yet: recording at the iconic Abbey Road Studio, the most fitting place to round off this project. Troy, a huge film fan, has written the treatment to 10 imaginary Bond films from across the decades of the franchise, and then created the theme songs with orchestral arrangements.
Baby Heavyweight, born in a kitchen in Switzerland, is Delaney Davidson’s 11th solo album. Somewhat more groovy than his previous releases, this is the second album he has made with Merk (Mark Perkins). Building on the smooth depth of the previous album “Out Of My Head”, and taking it into a new realm of story telling and emotive music.
South Auckland singer-songwriter Luana Gordon releases her heartfelt new single, ‘Waiting For You’, accompanied by an official music video. Created alongside her brothers Peter and Oliver Leupolu and supported by NZ On Air New Music Pasifika funding, ‘Waiting For You’ explores loss, longing, and the people who continue shaping us long after they're gone.
Born from a shared love of country music, soul, and three-part harmony, The Two Dollar Trio brings together three New Zealand songwriters now based in Melbourne and Christchurch. The band's debut single ‘Isn’t It Unfair’ is out today. A tongue-in-cheek meditation on the burden of carrying other people's problems.
“Ma jolie, how do you do?” Franco-American, now Aotearoa's folk-country sweetheart Tess Liautaud has released a new song, for the first time she showcases her two mother tongues in a bilingual ballad. For this feat Tess Liautaud chose to sing ‘Jolie Louise’ written by French-Canadian singer and producer Daniel Lanois. Lanois' version was released in the year of Liautaud’s birth, it crept into her subconscious and has followed her around ever since. Tess Liautaud’s own interpretation of ‘Jolie Louise’ marks a significant personal and artistic milestone.
Keith Pereira’s star continues to burn bright, with the Country Music rising star showing once again that he certainly is one to watch. His new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies”, is a high-energy, honky-tonk anthem with influences rooted deep in 90’s country. For the release, Pereira boarded a flight to Queensland to work with one of Australia’s hottest country producers, Jared Adlam. The track also features steel legend, Travis Toy best known for his work with US heavyweights Alan Jacksonand Luke Combs.
2026 sees wordsmith & talented singer Greta O'Leary take a new turn - absurd, lively, galloping, perfect to ring in the Year of the Horse! With this new energy comes the rollicking and captivating new single ‘Year of the Dog’, out today.
Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (MMAA) proudly launched four new bilingual Samoan children's music videos during Samoa Language Week 2026, continuing its commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating gagana Samoa for future generations. The music videos formed Part Two of a collaborative project between Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and award-winning children's music duo The KaRs, led by Kane Parsons and Regan Taylor.
Australian-based Nigerian recording artist D.Matthews is set to further cement his rising international presence with the release of his highly anticipated new single, “Tomato,” arriving worldwide today.
Join MMF Aotearoa for our June members only online seminar. If you think integrating AI into your creative business means handing over your work to a machine, Emily Makere Broadmore wants to challenge that assumption.
Rising country-pop artist Sylvee is set to release her third EP, Tender, on June 5, 2026. A deeply personal six-track project that captures the complexities of love, self-discovery, and emotional resilience. Featuring previously released singles “Ice Grit,” “Before I Met You,” and “Hell of a Man”, Tender marks a defining moment in Sylvee’s artistic evolution. Tender is a record that feels like Sylvee at her core.
One of the most exciting new voices in Aotearoa hip–hop TîMMY the FIRST delivers a poignant message of belonging on his brand new single, ‘Air’. “This song captures the heart of who I am as an artist,” explains Zimbabwean-born, Aotearoa-based TîMMY. Keep your eyes and ears posted for the video for ‘Air’, which premieres on June 12.
Suzy May is indie rock with a smirk: the story of a new bond that demands your full attention, whether you like it or not. It's not a love song, exactly. “It’s about the tensions that can come about with new connections; there’s intrigue and desire.” Through the enigmatic protagonist of the track, Suzy May, the artist tells the story of that person you know, but don’t really know: the one you keep crossing paths with and clock across the room.
Taupō-based blues-rock trio SONOROUS — featuring Lucian McDermott (Ngāi Te Rangi) (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Khani Te Mete (Bass), and Cooper Paalvast (Drums) — return with their powerful new single “State of a Nation”, — a deeply reflective track that speaks to the pressures many communities and whānau are facing right now, while offering a message of resilience and hope.
Auckland singer-songwriter and performer Omega Levine continues his return with "Sweet and Sour," a release signaling a fresh sonic direction rooted in his Pacific heritage. Following his recent comeback single "All Things New," his first official single in six years, Levine this time blends funk, R&B, hip-hop, and pop with subtle rock influences. Driven by a catchy hook, groove-heavy production, and layered percussion, the track also draws inspiration from Levine’s Samoan heritage, marking the beginning of a deeper exploration into that influence within his music.
Recorded Music NZ tonight revealed the winners of the 2026 Tūī, at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Che Fu inducted into Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa | NZ Music Hall of Fame, Fat Freddy’s Drop celebrated as Aotearoa Charts Icon.
NOPILOT is a four piece alternative rock band hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand. They boast a charismatic, high energy and genuine performance, selling out their debut show at darkroom in February of 2026. NOPILOT’s debut release “The Middle” is a polished, hard hitting rock song out now.
Ōtautahi-based artist LEE MARTIN unveils ‘I’D CHANGE IT ALL’, the third single from her upcoming fourth studio album, MARLENE set to drop on Friday 26 June. The soulful singer-songwriter and guitarist delivers a moving new tune with her latest single ‘I’d Change It All’, a heartfelt contemplation on the emotionally unpredictable rollercoaster ride that stems from a turbulent relationship.
Following a breakout run of releases, international touring, and millions of streams across Spotify and social media, PRINS returns for her biggest headline shows to date. With multiple chart placements, national radio support, and over 8 million Spotify streams to date, this marks the beginning of PRINS’ boldest chapter yet.
“Down to Chaos” is a high-energy electronic collaboration between established producer MissB and rising Māori queer artist Ardon England—a track born from contrast, connection, and transformation. Created during a time of loss, change, and creative reawakening, the instrumental marked a powerful return to form for MissB.
After emerging in 2022, Wairarapa-raised, Pōneke-based Samoan artist MOZIE has returned this New Zealand Music Month to stake her claim in Aotearoa’s R&B scene with a vibey new tune, ‘Here We Go Again’. Smooth and slow-burning R&B-pop, ‘Here We Go Again’ showcases the strength and beauty of MOZIE’s voice and her relatable and honest lyricism that hits the listener straight in the heart.
Fresh from their induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame | Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa at the 2025 APRA Silver Scroll Awards, iconic New Zealand alt-country band The Warratahs are set to release their evocative new single, “Quicksilver Days,” on 23 May. The release follows the band’s appearance as special guest performers at this year’s Country Music Honours on 22 May in Gore, where songwriter and frontman Barry Saunders is also a finalist for the prestigious MLT Songwriting Awards with Quicksilver Days.
