Ben Chavasse Releases New Single ‘Sitting Beside’ & Announces Auckland Show
Ben Chavasse will stage a return this New Zealand Music Month, releasing ‘Sitting Beside’ as the first single since his debut 2025 album Boxing.
The indie-folk musician, who is based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, says this single is the beginning of a new act.
The Taite-longlisted Boxing explored adolescent restriction and the resulting swings at self-definition. Now, Chavasse wants to deal with the fall out. In ‘Sitting Beside’, he unpacks a formative memory with the benefit of hindsight.
“The song talks about a moment in my teenage years that felt so pivotal and significant. Only on reflection, years later, was I able to see it as inconsequential.
“I suppose it’s a kinder reflection and reassurance to my past self – that I didn’t have to worry as much as I did.”
This single is the first of four to be released throughout 2026. In these songs, Chavasse explores sense-making in early adulthood.
“It’s about this period of leaving home, being on your own and experiencing this expansive time where you have to gain a sense of yourself.”
Layers of string instruments and introspective lyrics remain tools for Chavasse’s
signature storytelling.
The single will be released on May 21 across Bandcamp and all streaming services. To mark the occasion and celebrate NZ Music T-shirt Day, Ben Chavasse will also perform at the Ponsonby Social Club on May 29.
‘Sitting Beside’ was produced by Chavasse, mixed by Michael Howell (SKILAA) and mastered by Josh Llewellyn (Troy Kingi, Joe Kaptein and Jazmine Mary). Photography for the single by Felix Wang and creative direction by Hans Hong.
Praise for Boxing:
“I heard it one morning and was knocked sideways… I was very, very pleasantly surprised.” –Matthew Crawley, RNZ
“An engaging and mature blend of folk, rock and jazz. Chavasse writes songs for thinking to, and tailors a different ensemble for each… Slide guitar, violin, various saxophones, cello and double bass combine in different, deliberate ways. His smart lyricism makes each song a story with few easy rhymes or cliches. High quality stuff.” –Max Johns, The Spinoff
“Across the entirety of Boxing, the core is Ben’s lyric-forward approach, clear narrative talent and an ability to wear his emotions on his sleeve while blending genres seamlessly.” –Chantal Dalebroux, The 13th Floor