ALISA XAYALITH ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM SLOW CRUSH OUT APRIL 4
New Zealand-born, Los Angeles-based artist Alisa Xayalith has announced SLOW CRUSH, her debut solo full-length album due April 4, 2025. To celebrate the announcement, she gives us another glimpse into her diary with the new single, ‘What The Hell Do We Do Now?’
SHARES NEW SINGLE
‘WHAT THE HELL DO WE DO NOW?’
“Opens with bubbly guitar lines and atmospheric production before steadily blooming into a dazzling chorus dotted with sparkling synths and airy vocal acrobatics.” - Under The Radar
New Zealand-born, Los Angeles-based artist Alisa Xayalith has announced SLOW CRUSH, her debut solo full-length album due April 4, 2025, via Nettwerk. To celebrate the announcement, she gives us another glimpse into her diary with the new single, ‘What The Hell Do We Do Now?’ Co-written with Jacob Munk (Wallice, Ekkstacy), the track is accompanied by a music video directed by Brandon Black.
On the spry, ‘What The Hell Do We Do Now?,’ Xayalith explores the tension of reaching an impasse in a relationship, where all you can do is let events unfold. It’s a moment where time seems to freeze, everything lingers in a liminal state, and your mind loops around a single, unresolved question. True to its premise, the song offers no resolution or answers, leaving the lingering question: What the hell do we do now?
Xayalith shares, “I came across a songwriting tip which unlocked something in my creative process. Something along the lines of how you don’t have to be the good guy in your songwriting. The protagonist in ‘What the hell do we do now?’ is this ugly, guilty character while the rest of the record navigates my experiences with limerence, grief, and heartache.”
WATCH THE ‘WHAT THE HELL DO WE DO NOW?’ VIDEO
After a decade as one-half of The Naked And Famous, Alisa Xayalith is blooming into a solo artist. With a fresh perspective and a handpicked team of collaborators, including executive producer Tyler Spry (d4vd, Tate McCrae, OneRepublic), her debut album, SLOW CRUSH, is a collection of dreamy, intimate songs exploring love, loss, and personal growth. A fusion of her diverse background and experiences, Xayalith’s music delves into themes of triumph, heartbreak, and resilience, reflecting the complexities of human connection.
Regarding her debut album, Xayalith reveals, "As I explored my identity as an artist, I found myself yearning for a safe space to grow. The only way I knew how to create that environment was by committing to prioritize my well-being, and as I did, love and romance began to spill into various aspects of my life. This blossoming ultimately inspired the creation of these songs and, eventually, the album - reminiscent of the gradual buildup of a slow crush over time.”
The new track ‘What The Hell Do We Do Now?’ follows her previous singles ‘Chaotic,’ ‘Ordinary Love,’ ‘Boys & Guitars,’ and ‘Roses.’ The crisply percussive and chiming ‘Chaotic’ is a humorous take on what it feels like to live with an anxious attachment style. ‘Ordinary Love’ is a vibrant pop anthem that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of everyday romance. The Frou Frou-esque ‘Boys & Guitars’ is a nostalgic and wizened look back at romanticizing boys in bands. Taking inspiration from the Carpenters’ classic gem ‘Superstar,’ Alisa writes from the perspective of a lovestruck fan. With ‘Roses,’ Alisa invites listeners to embrace the messy beauty of love, the strength found in weathering storms together, and the unwavering hope for a brighter future.
Alisa Xayalith Socials:
Michael Llewellyn takes listeners into the heart with his new single ‘Down By The Packs’
Today, Te Whanganui a Tara-based songwriter Michael Llewellyn has released ‘Down By The Packs’ - the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS.
Today, Te Whanganui a Tara-based songwriter Michael Llewellyn has released ‘Down By The Packs’ - the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS.
Listen to ‘Down By The Packs’ HERE.
A gentle song carried by meditative drums reminiscent of a heartbeat, ‘Down By The Packs’ is both melancholic and hopeful.
“I wrote the song one evening nearly five years ago. My mother was very sick at the time, and for me the song embodies her quiet, determined tranquility. She passed away nearly two years later so I hold this song close.”
Recorded live at Roundhead studios in Tāmaki Makaurau alongside producer Paddy Hill, Michael and his band “played it over and over and over again without stopping the recording. I felt that with each rotation we were sinking down into something. Down into a swirling pool of longing and grief, the kind that draws you closer to the nature of loss and its potentiality for something new and beautiful. Like the way in which the moon sheds her shadow only to begin the climb anew.”
The beautiful juxtaposition of ‘Down By The Packs’ is brought to life in an equally beautiful video, made by Kerry Pulham and Mason Rudd. Like the song, the outside world falls away in this meditative black and white video capturing Michael alone in a dark basement with a single source of light.
Known for his raw storytelling and evocative poetics, the world of the upcoming album ‘I’m Gorgeous’ calls the heart into question: mining its infinite layers to confront grief, lust, greed, longing, and ultimately, hope.
‘Explorative and dreamlike, the songs wrap themselves around one another – ushering us down into the shadows whilst drawing us back, outwards and upwards in the direction of the light.’
From the opening crank of the guitar, listeners are thrust into an alternate dimension, whose mountainous and vast landscapes are painted by resounding drums, lilting keys, vertiginous guitar riffs and, of course, Llewellyn’s resonant, intimate voice.
The awaited album comes four years after the success of Llewellyn’s debut record ‘Oh My Darling’, which carried a more innocent, sun-drenched quality, dealing with themes of love lost and forgiveness. Through nationwide tours and festival slots, he has since carved out a small grassroots following.
Find Michael Llewellyn Here:
Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok
Harry Charles kicks off 2025 with downtempo track, ‘B.’
Harry Charles returns in 2025 with the moody downtempo single ‘B’, from his forthcoming album, MOVEMENT.
Harry Charles returns in 2025 with the moody downtempo single ‘B’, from his forthcoming album, MOVEMENT. Following the success of the track ‘Visions of Red’, which gained widespread DJ support and earned spots on prominent playlists, this new single will re-introduce listeners to Harry Charles’ intricate blend of emotive guitar, electronic production and song-based forms.
Listen here
“‘B.' takes on a slightly thunderous feel, echoing the sound that initially inspired me to create electronic music. It’s a nod to the moody, downtempo vibes I fell in love with during my time in Berlin—hence the name."- Harry Charles.
Set for release in May 2025, MOVEMENT captures the multifaceted nature of Harry Charles' artistic journey. Drawing on years of experience as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer, the album weaves together diverse influences. It showcases the evolution of his sound since returning to New Zealand from Berlin. With ‘B’", listeners are invited to continue the immersive journey toward one of the year’s most anticipated electronic albums.
About Harry Charles
Hailing from New Zealand, Harry Charles made his mark in Berlin, where he honed his craft and developed an electrifying style characterised by downtempo beats, slow house rhythms, live instrumentation, and heartfelt vocal performances. He has releases on labels such as Serafin Audio Imprint, Klassified Records, Where The Heart Is, Down Records, A Tribe Called Kotori, Rebellion der Träumerand, and Underyourskin Records, as well as spots on the lineups of prestigious festivals and clubs across Europe.
Now based back in Aotearoa, Harry brings a renewed vitality to the local electronic music scene. His debut album, IN THE LIGHT OF THE OPEN DOOR, and EPs like ONE SEVEN ONE and ON FILM & IN LIFE have showcased his creative evolution and deepening artistry.
MOVEMENT is Harry’s first release on Loop Electronic and signals an exciting new chapter in his career
Follow Harry Charles:
Facebook / Instagram / Website / Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music
alayna makes triumphant return on powerful new song ‘Blue’ ft Mokita
After wowing critics and fans alike in 2023 with her debut album, New Zealand’s alayna steps back into the spotlight with an exquisite new song, ‘Blue’ featuring Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer Mokita.
“It isn’t always the heroes who get your attention, it can be a new name which just pulls you in. And those artists can come from anywhere… that bring us to alayna” - Graham Reid, Elsewhere
“Weaving between folk and singer-songwriter to R&B and pop influenced songs, this exploration of the self illuminates alayna’s spell-bounding voice and truly assures you that after creating her own lane as an artist, she has arrived” - Hype Medium
After wowing critics and fans alike in 2023 with her debut album, New Zealand’s alayna steps back into the spotlight with an exquisite new song, ‘Blue’ featuring Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer Mokita.
Listen to ‘Blue’ HERE
‘Blue’ is the first new music from Auckland-based alayna since the release of her critically acclaimed 14-track album SELF PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN UNRAVELLING. And it finds the talented singer-songwriter in an introspective and hopeful mood.
“I was fresh off releasing my debut album and I was in Nashville on a songwriting trip. The world felt really heavy and I didn’t feel like writing about myself that day. I felt like writing for hope,” she says of ‘Blue’, which she co-wrote with Mokita, who also produced the track.
‘Blue’ is a significant milestone for alayna: “This song represents me looking out beyond my own world. In this new era, I'm stepping into a profound sense of scratching at something far greater than myself.”
The song is accompanied by a lyric visualiser HERE - shot at Muriwai Beach.
“It’s a one take video, of walking out towards the ocean, a grand body of water that, to me, embodies the vastness of love."
The artwork for ‘Blue’ also helps to convey the song’s message. “It’s a polaroid of a water rapid near my home in Rotorua. To me, there’s something in that, that emulates the power of love and the strength that can be caused in numbers of equal intention and the momentum it can cause.”
Fans of alayna will be pleased to hear that ‘Blue’ is not the only new music on the cards. “It's a small taste of everything that is to come. It's a celebration of collaboration, of softness, of strength, of determination, and mostly, hope. Of new things on the horizon.”
Listen to ‘Blue’ HERE and watch the visualiser HERE
alayna bio:
Alayna is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter from Rotorua, New Zealand, whose captivating music combines soulful melodies with raw, honest lyrics. Her distinctive sound has quickly established her as a rising star, resonating deeply with listeners around the world.
Over nearly a decade, alayna has collaborated with renowned producers and artists, including Finneas O’Connell, Alex Lustig, Sango, and Ta-ku. Her discography began with her debut EP, SWEET SOUL (2018), which featured standout tracks like ‘Falling Autumn’, ‘Bliss’, and ‘High Off You’. This was followed by the TENDER EP in 2020, solidifying her growing reputation with hits such as ‘Glowing’, ‘Sugar’, and ‘Tender’. In 2023, she unveiled her first full-length album, SELF PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN UNRAVELLING, a deeply personal project three years in the making. Recorded at Auckland’s Big Fan, the album explored themes of vulnerability and empowerment, earning widespread critical acclaim and celebrated with a sold-out release concert.
Known for her authenticity and emotional depth, alayna’s music has struck a chord with fans globally. Her growing presence on streaming platforms and social media reflects her expanding fanbase, as she continues to captivate audiences with her undeniable talent. Whether performing live or connecting with fans online, alayna remains deeply committed to her craft. With her unique blend of emotional resonance and vocal mastery, she stands out as one of New Zealand’s most promising and impactful artists.
Mokita bio:
Mokita is a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer known for his emotive blend of pop, folk, and indie music.
Follow alayna:
Whangarei band Otium have released a new single ‘Five Clicks’
Five Clicks’ paints a picture, detailing an individual approaching a stronghold, ordering the listener a simple task - Hold the line.
Austyn Mills (songwriter) explains: “Five Clicks brings to light a sense of comradery and protection for the world around us, and ourselves. It was written to give power to those fighting for their cause, and to build mana within ourselves and our listeners”
“Five Clicks” was born in the bandroom, and developed on stage, eventually being recorded with producer Scott Seabright, and was released 25th January 2025.
Otium has continued to release music that showcases their talent with no compromises regarding quality or fun along the way!
“Lyrically, ‘Five Clicks’ paints a picture, detailing an individual approaching a stronghold, ordering the listener a simple task - Hold the line. Symbolically, it speaks to those of us with a sense of responsibility for the world around us, and what we would do to protect it.” Jesse Samu (vocalist), says. ‘Five Clicks’ resonates with me in the same way I see an old action movie - It calls upon those around us to defend the greater-good.”
The song was recorded, produced, mixed by Scott Seabright and mastered by Chris from Kog Studios.
HUIA 'KAWAKAWA'
With an electro RnB ambient rhythm, Kawakawa is created for soft mornings, road trips and sunset dreaming. Kawakawa is an anthem of positivity, strength, empowerment and affirmation.
With an electro RnB ambient rhythm, Kawakawa is created for soft mornings, road trips and sunset dreaming. Kawakawa is an anthem of positivity, strength, empowerment and affirmation. The leaves of the Kawakawa plant, native to Aotearoa NZ have long been used in te ao Māori (the world of Māori) as a medicine for the tinana (body).
“Just as our Kawakawa medicine soothes and restores the body,
I hope this waiata (song) is a balm for your manawa (soul).”
Kawakawa is track 4 from her album project called ‘Kawakawa’, where a new single is released every 6-8 weeks wrapped with delicate imagery and meanings for each release.
The symbol of Kawakawa is the cornerstone of Huia’s musical expression, with the full Kawakawa album release in Matariki 2025. This waiata follows on from Tiaho Aho, Waka Huia and Waka Huia V2 ft Meta_ from Portugal. Her Māori music is praised on Ethnocloud and World Music platforms with over 60,000 plays. Huia has been on a global indigenous connection tour, speaking on future music panels in the UK and Australia and setting up collaborations with artists from around the world. Mexican, Chilean, Cymraeg (Wales), Italian and Anishanabee are on the cards for 2025 releases.
Whether performing to a major crowd such as Splore Festival or for our Indigenous/First Nation families in so-called Canada and Australia, Huia’s stage presence is filled with Māori culture from her tipuna (ancestors) fused with big subs and bigger beats. With all the lushness of Aotearoa, you can connect with more of Huia’s music and art at www.iamhuia.com
Emerson Releases Pop Banger “You Really Must Hate Me!”
Kicking off 2025 with pop banger “You Really Must Hate Me!”, Emerson turns heartbreak into an anthem of defiance; blending infectious beats with sharp, self-aware lyrics. The track channels the frustration of love gone wrong into something irresistibly danceable.
Kicking off 2025 with pop banger “You Really Must Hate Me!”, Emerson turns heartbreak into an anthem of defiance; blending infectious beats with sharp, self-aware lyrics. With its bold energy and upbeat production - thanks to producer Harry Charles, who also co-wrote the song - the track channels the frustration of love gone wrong into something irresistibly danceable. Emerson’s confident delivery and catchy hooks make this a standout for fans of Billie Eilish or Chappell Roan. “You Really Must Hate Me!” is heartbreak reimagined as a celebration of moving on and owning your worth.
“This is a song for the overthinkers, but instead of a sad song, I wanted Joni’s Mitchell’s “BigYellow Taxi” vibes with a sprinkle of Sabrina Carpenter’s edge.” - Emerson
Emerson fans will note the sharp lift in tempo and energy compared with prior releases. “It’s a track that is practically begging to be a global hit, yet to be discovered by the masses. Here’s hoping that the world eventually catches up.” - Paul Marshall (Red Raven News)
Emerson is a 17-year-old indie-pop artist from Auckland, New Zealand, who is quickly becoming a rising star in the local music scene. Winner of the 2024 Smokefree Rockquest Solo-Duo Award, Emerson is known for her raw, emotive performances and her ability to connect deeply with her audience. Through her music, she captures the complexities of teenage life with a unique blend of catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, making her an authentic voice for her generation.
Indie-rock faves Daily J reminisce about the innocence of youth on their new single ‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’
Aotearoa indie-rockers Daily J have today announced that their new album SCATTERBRAINS will be out on February 21. And offering fans one final taste of what’s to come, the band of brothers have just dropped a new single ‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’.
+ ANNOUNCEMENT: New album SCATTERBRAINS out February 21
+ Get your tickets to the SCATTERBRAINS NZ Tour (Wellington / Auckland)
Aotearoa indie-rockers Daily J have today announced that their new album SCATTERBRAINS will be out on February 21. And offering fans one final taste of what’s to come, the band of brothers have just dropped a new single ‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’.
Upbeat with a classic rock vibe, the stomping drums and bass drive the energy of ‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’; with the song’s catchy and uplifting chorus bringing it all together. Lyrically the track comes laden with meaning. “It’s a reflection on what it was like to be a kid, before life got too complicated. So escaping the daily grind and dreaming of a better place,” says the band.
That sense of reminiscing for your youth is depicted in a dreamy video, shot on 16mm film. “We wanted to create a dreamy ‘day-in-a-life’ paradise, which captures finding joy in life’s simple moments, while hinting at a deeper longing for something more pure and untouched, like the innocence of youth.”
‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’ is the fourth single from the upcoming album SCATTERBRAINS produced by Joe Faris. It follows ‘Tastes Like Forever’, ‘Sunday Stitches’ and ‘Happy Slides’, all of which have clocked up close to one million streams on Spotify alone, with radio play on BBC Radio 1.
The songs give Daily J fans a good feel for what they can expect on SCATTERBRAINS (out February 7) - catchy as heck indie-rock songs, with pop sensibilities, and masterful songwriting, touching on the ups and downs of life. “We love writing about what we’re feeling and tackling relatable topics and we hope that connects with our listeners,” says the band.
This combined with Daily J’s now renowned killer show has made the band one of New Zealand’s most successful indie exports of the last few years. And Kiwi fans can witness the magic of Daily J live on their SCATTERBRAINS NZ Tour, which sees the band at San Fran in Wellington on Friday, March 21 and the Powerstation in Auckland on Friday, March 28.
Daily J is made up of three brothers Jayden, Johnny and Jesse Paul and their good mate Rick Everard). The band has tens of millions of streams across platforms and has sold out tours across countries.
