Greta O’Leary draws listeners into the obscure, dreamlike world of her debut album, RIVER DARK

Buy the vinyl record HERE

Aotearoa “spook-folk” singer-songwriter Greta O’Leary has today unveiled her highly anticipated debut album RIVER DARK. Tender, steadfast and unravelling, the arresting nine-track record which includes the new single, ‘IDKALA’ is available in a limited-edition vinyl LP version and on all streaming platforms.

RIVER DARK is a project created against the odds, that sees Greta invite listeners into the soft, dark and idiosyncratic corners of her inner world. Through soaring instrumentation, astute (sometimes absurd) lyrics of self-reflection, and her clear and unmistakable tone, Greta O’Leary’s debut body of work is a remarkable sonic collection of confession, truth and poetry.

“My first record, a collection of personal, ridiculous and truth telling songs. It took a long time to get here. I was a child shy and unclear, completely confused, absolutely not onboard with future, with goals or activity. I was in the field below the house, I was at the pond with the dog, I played make believe longer than most. I was taught to be quiet”

RIVER DARK includes Greta’s breakthrough 2024 singles ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ and ‘Baptised at the Desktop Computer’ - the bold and unapologetic tracks that each shot to #1 in the Student Radio Network Top 10, the latter of which also topped the RadioScope Alt Airplay Chart. Recent 2025 releases ‘Prelude’ (TAHI FM, RollingStone AU/NZ, SRN, UTR) and ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ (Radio Active video premiere, R1, The Most FM) also decorate the record with Greta’s signature songwriting.

Also featured on the record is new focus-track single ‘IDKALA’ - a comforting yet haunted ode to the desolate, featuring additional vocals from celebrated indie songwriter ARAHI. Their transporting voices intertwine in the gentle lament of Greta’s poignant lyrics;

‘I don’t know about love anymore,

What's wrong with the quiet,

I don’t mind it’

Fans can expect yet another captivating self-directed music video from Greta, to accompany ‘IDKALA’, in the coming weeks.

Written during what Greta describes as “a very inward year, where I turned away from everything except music,” RIVER DARK was curated with the support of Greta's APRA mentor Tom Healy, before being brought to life at The Lab Studios alongside producer Jol Mullholand. Dynamic and soaring instrumental layers were built with indie superstars Cass Basil, Alastair Deverick, Callum Passels, and Anita Clark. Additional recording for ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ took place at Roundhead Studios alongside De Stevens and Dave Khan, and the record was mastered by Joe Lambert in New York.

Casting rich spells of self-expression, finding power in softness, and inviting listeners deeper into her ethereal world, Greta O’Leary is set to turn heads across Aotearoa with her astonishing debut album RIVER DARK - out now on all streaming platforms and vinyl!

To celebrate the release of RIVER DARK, Greta will be playing an enchanting release show at Old Folks Association Hall, Tāmaki Makaurau - alongside her full band! Tickets and more info from UTR.

Find Greta O’Leary

Sarah Leota