Following the success of their chart-topping hit “Summer Won’t Be The Same”, Mirage unveils a powerful new side of their artistry with their latest release, “Before the Night”—a bilingual acoustic-pop ballad that showcases the band’s emotional depth and evolving sound.
Renowned for their high-energy festival anthems, Mirage slows things down with this reflective, heartfelt track. “Before the Night” blends warm acoustic guitar tones, silky harmonies, and nostalgic lyrics to create a timeless mood—perfect for summer sunsets, late-night drives, and those moments you wish would last forever.
“This one’s about the kind of night you never want to end,” says lead vocalist Ben Horlock (Ngāti Porou, Ngati Ranginui, Te Arawa). “It’s that feeling of being caught in something so beautiful—whether it’s a person, a place, or a moment—that you just want to freeze time. Before the Night is about savouring the now before it’s gone.”
A Song Born from Memory
The roots of “Before the Night” trace back to Ben’s teenage years in a small town near Dunedin. The initial spark came when he was just 16, with melodies and lyrics that stayed with him for years. Revisiting it during a late-night session, the band found the perfect balance between simplicity and emotion—allowing the track’s sincerity to shine through.
“This one just flowed,” the band recalls. “It felt like we were tapping into something real. Songs like that come together naturally—they don’t need much dressing up.”
Mirage partnered once again with trusted collaborator Christian Tjandrawinata in Tāmaki Makaurau to capture the song’s stripped-back feel. The recording process was intentionally raw and intimate, designed to let the emotion lead the production. The result is a track that’s both deeply personal and instantly relatable.
With support from Te Māngai Pāho, the band also incorporated te reo Māori elements, staying true to their commitment to bilingual storytelling and celebrating Aotearoa’s unique cultural identity.
A New Chapter for Mirage
While best known for their energetic hooks and festival-ready sound, “Before the Night” signals a new chapter for Mirage—one grounded in vulnerability, storytelling, and soul.
“We love the big tracks, but this is just as much a part of who we are,” says Ben. “There’s something magic about stripping it all back and focusing purely on the music—the melody, the meaning, the moment.”
The accompanying music video, filmed on location at the Whangamatā estuary near their hometown of Mount Maunganui, visually mirrors the song’s emotional pull. The stunning coastal backdrop adds an idyllic glow to a track that feels both universal and deeply rooted in place.
Release Information
“Before the Night” will be available on all major streaming platforms from June 27
Mirage Band Members:
This is more than just a new single—it’s a reminder to pause, breathe, and hold onto what matters most.