Jack Robertson Unveils New Single “Easy”

Following the chart-topping success of his latest single ‘Lovesick’, rising pop artist Jack Robertson returns with ‘Easy’, the first single from his highly anticipated debut EP, set for release later this year.

 Robertson, a multi-instrumentalist from East Auckland, blends infectious melodies with vivid storytelling, delivering another anthem of desire and uncertainty. This time, ‘Easy’ comes wrapped in a high-energy, full-band production with an unforgettable hook—tailor-made for the live stage.

“Easy is a whole lotta fun. It walks the line between a playful crush and blinded infatuation,” Robertson shares. “I've always loved that classic movie cliché—the popular girl everyone wants, and you think, ‘maybe I have a chance.’ Well… the joke’s on me.”

With an album’s worth of original music already released and a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and undeniable energy on stage, Robertson has been leaving audiences across his home city captivated. ‘‘Easy’ is yet another testament to his ability to craft songs that linger long after the final note.

Easy drops April 24th at 4 PM NZT on all streaming platforms worldwide.

STREAM:

Easy - Jack Robertson

INSTAGRAM:

Jack Robertson: https://www.instagram.com/jaaaaack.robertson/

Hannah Virk Releases Single Can’t Outpace the Algorithm and Announces Upcoming Sophomore Album “Pocket Clocks”

Aotearoa singer-songwriter Hannah Virk releases new futuristic single ‘Can’t Outpace the Algorithm’. The single showcases Hannah’s recording and producing talents, blending different beats to delve into the complexities of new technologies.

The single comes with the announcement of Hannah’s upcoming sophomore Pocket Clocks, to be released in August 2025. Pocket Clocks follows the release of Hannah Virks debut album, 2024’s Upstairs/Downstairs, which launched her musical career and put her on the map as an independent artist.

Upping the quirkiness and intrigue from her first release, Pocket Clocks is set to deliver even more of the authenticity that Hannah has to offer. Join Hannah for the coming of a new digital age in Can’t Outpace the Algorithm and look out for more to come.

TOI pays tribute to ANZACs with raw and reflective new waiata, ‘Lest We Forget’

With ANZAC Day fast approaching, TOI is paying a powerful and moving tribute to those who have served and died in war and peacekeeping operations, with the release of a new song, ‘Lest We Forget’ on April 25.

Pre-save ‘Lest We Forget’ HERE

‘Lest We Forget’ is a raw and reflective waiata about remembrance and sacrifice, which has been sitting in the band’s song vault for seven years, waiting for the right time for release. 

“We wrote it after attending ANZAC Day service at the National War Memorial,” says the band’s frontman, Conway Jeune. 

“Being there in person, hearing the Last Post, and standing in silence with everyone, that's a huge energy. It made us think deeply about the people who went to war, especially those who never made it home.” 

“The song is a tribute to all the ANZACs and soldiers who’ve served, but it was especially inspired by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the memorial. The inscription on it ‘An Unknown New Zealand Warrior – He Toa Matangaro No Aotearoa’ really stuck with us. There’s something powerful about honouring someone whose name we’ll never know, but whose sacrifice still means so much,” he adds.

In keeping with TOI’s signature sound, ‘Lest We Forget’ fuses reggae, roots and dub and takes the listener on a journey from quiet reflection to the overwhelming sounds of conflict. 

“The final section hits hard, reflecting on the harsh reality and emotional weight of what’s being remembered,” says Conway.

Lyrically, it’s a stark reminder of the human experience of war. “The fear, the brotherhood, the grief - a reflection of the emotional cost of conflict and a tribute to those who carried that burden.”

‘Lest We Forget’ is accompanied by striking artwork done by TOI’s ex bass player Makura Tomoana, who also co-wrote the song when it was recorded seven years ago. “The artwork carries that same wairua as the song. It’s subtle but powerful, and speaks to remembrance, legacy, and identity.”

Adding to the song’s poignancy, is the fact that several of the band members have grandparents who served in the Māori Battalion.

“We’re proud of our roots, and we try to bring that sense of history and meaning into our music. ‘Lest We Forget’ is our way of acknowledging where we come from, and using our sound to keep those stories alive,” says Conway. 

‘Lest We Forget’ is the first release from TOI since last year’s release of their highly anticipated album WAVES, which was a top 20 album in New Zealand and featured the singles ‘Essence’, ‘Wired’ and ‘Get To Know You’. The band also added its voice to Aotearoa’s 2024 Paris Olympic campaign with the song ‘Ain’t Just Dreaming’ featuring Olympians Ellesse Andrews and Max Brown. 

‘Lest We Forget’ will be available across DSPs on Friday April 25 HERE

The 2025 Taite Music Prize Winner is MOKOTRON - WAEREA

Independent Music NZ presents

Taite Music Prize 2025

MOKOTRON - WAEREA

+

2025 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut winner; Byllie-Jean - Filter

+

2025 Independent Spirit Award presented to Rohan Evans

+

NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award to Chris Schulz for Boiler Room

+

SHIHAD - Killjoy take home the

Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award

Rātū/Tuesday, 15 Paenga-whāwhā/April, 2025 - 9:00 PM

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Independent Music NZ presents

Taite Music Prize 2025

MOKOTRON - WAEREA
+

2025 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut winner; Byllie-Jean - Filter

+ 

2025 Independent Spirit Award presented to Rohan Evans 

+

NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award to Chris Schulz for Boiler Room

+

SHIHAD - Killjoy take home the 

Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award

Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) is proud to announce the winner of the prestigious 2025 Taite Music Prize at an exclusive ceremony held at the Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau. The event celebrated outstanding New Zealand albums released in the previous calendar year and showcased exceptional local talent across genres.

Pippa Ryan-Kidd of IMNZ set the tone of the night with an inspiring opening speech, "By recognising and celebrating the most creative and talented musicians, these Awards help to elevate music as an art form and highlight its importance within our culture. It is our job to inform and remind the rest of the nation - how important Aotearoa Music is to them."

Tonight’s main prize winner, MOKOTRON, was awarded the Taite trophy for his album, WAEREA, released via local label, Sunreturn. Mokotron receives a $12,500 cash prize, courtesy of founding partner Recorded Music NZ. The award was presented by 2024 winner Vera Ellen and Nick Atkinson (Supergroove, Hopetoun Brown and Independent Artist Representative from Recorded Music NZ). During the presentation, Vera Ellen said: “May this award be a beautiful sound that echoes out to your family, kids, and community.”

The winning album, WAEREA has been recognised as a bold and uncompromising statement—reclaiming space through sound by intertwining whakapapa with contemporary narratives. This work not only confronts present-day realities but also expands the horizons of bass music in Aotearoa. Reflecting on the intent behind the album, MOKOTRON said: “Whānau, when I write music, I want people to know that it could only come from one place in the world — Aotearoa.”

Additional Honours of the Evening:

• The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut award goes to Byllie-Jean for her debut album Filter. With a distinctive blend of pop and experimental sounds, Filter has drawn acclaim for its fearless lyricism, genre-defying production, and sharp political edge. Tracks shift seamlessly from soulful vulnerability to wry social critique, marking Byllie-Jean as a vital new voice in Aotearoa music. “Well, this is going to take a young minute to process — thank you! For me, this is a win for all wāhine Māori. Congratulations, wāhine Māori! No matter what happens, we just keep holding it down,” said Byllie-Jean in her acceptance speech. Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live says: “Supporting Aotearoa’s community of independent music artists is an important part of our mahi. We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Taite Music Prize eco-system and to help empower our local singers, songwriters and musicians with their artistic endeavours. I’d like to personally congratulate Auckland Live Best Independent Debut winner Byllie-jean for her extraordinary work on Filter.” 

• ​The Independent Spirit Award was presented to Rohan Evans, a true champion of New Zealand's independent music scene. As the founder of The Wine Cellar, a beloved venue beneath Auckland's St Kevin's Arcade, Rohan has been instrumental in nurturing emerging artists since 2004. His dedication has earned him immense respect within the industry. 

• Chris Schulz took home the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award for Boiler Room, his Substack dedicated to longform stories from the heart of New Zealand music. From revisiting overlooked albums to tracing cultural shifts through sound, Schulz’s work combines deep research with personal insight—bringing new light to artists and movements that have shaped Aotearoa’s musical identity.  Presenting the award, Suzanne De Spong, Senior Communications Advisor for New Zealand On Air said, “Music journalists are vital in helping New Zealand artists gain the recognition they deserve and play a key role in keeping our music industry thriving. Which is why NZ On Air is very proud to be sponsoring the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award for the fourth year in a row.”

• The Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award was presented to SHIHAD for their groundbreaking album Killjoy (Wildside Records, 1995). A cornerstone of New Zealand’s rock legacy, Killjoy continues to resonate with both fans and musicians. While presenting the award, Murray Cammick said: “What’s so special about Killjoy is the energy it captured in its time. As the decades have passed, the songs from Killjoy have become the encores people look forward to.”

Event Highlights:

The ceremony featured performances by previous Taite Music Prize award winners, including Vera Ellen and JUJULIPPS, who joined forces with other artists to celebrate the achievements of the night. The hot ticket event, attended by over 450 IMNZ members and industry professionals, was a vibrant showcase of New Zealand’s rich musical heritage.

Government Officials were in attendance including Hon. Chris Bishop - a self-confessed SHIHAD fan, Green Party Co-Leader and MP for Auckland Central, Chlöe Swarbrick; long time Taites Award supporter and Reuben Davidson, MP for Christchurch East (Also Delaney's cousin) from the Labour Party.

Danica Bryant drops anthemic new pop-rock single ‘Buzz’ + announces debut album!

Listen to ‘Buzz’ HERE

Pre-save the album HERE 

Te Whanganui a Tara indie-pop sweetheart Danica Bryant has today shared her latest banger ‘Buzz’ - a delectable taster off her debut album FEAST - out August 1!

A driving pop-rock anthem with indie twists and turns, ‘Buzz’ narrates the thrill of getting ready ahead of a night out. Danica Bryant’s clever songwriting and indie-pop edge are once again on display as she takes listeners on a dynamic journey through gentle acoustic guitar lines, to a gritty chorus, with a pounding rhythm section and dense instrumental layers.

“'Buzz' is about that magic feeling before a night on the town starts, when you feel untouchable surrounded by all your favourite people, and you're indulging in all the girly, fun rituals of makeup and drinks and gossip,” says Danica. “Looking exactly how you want to and being unapologetically yourself is the most fun way to experience the world, and I wanted to celebrate that freedom.”

Danica has already made waves across Aotearoa in 2025, with her recent single ‘Morals’ (TAHI FM, RollingStone AU/NZ, Tearaway), which joins her expansive discography and a growing list of achievements across the Aotearoa music scene - including support slots for the likes of Robbie Williams and Elton John!

Last year, her unapologetically queer single ‘Acid’ reached #2 on the Hot Aotearoa Singles Chart, and now ‘Buzz’ is joining the party as an exciting taste of what’s to come with her debut album FEAST - out August 1!

Pre-save the album HERE.

The infectious new track is also set to be joined by an epic new houseparty music video, featuring Danica’s friends and band, on April 23!

Dive head first into Danica’s powerful creative vision with her punchy new anthem of girlhood and self-expression, ‘Buzz’ - out now!

---

Follow Danica Bryant  

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | Youtube |Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple

“Deliciously sweet yet shockingly bitter” (Under The Radar), Danica Bryant is no ordinary songwriter. A pop-folk musician with a gritty rock edge, her songs sink their teeth into intense topics from celebrity culture and mental health, to gender dynamics and body possession. “All hard guitar and pain-filled howl” (The Hook NZ), this woman bites back. Danica’s 2020 debut EP CIDER landed her a placement in APRA’s prestigious Songhubs course, whilst follow-up singles ‘Heart Eyes’, ‘Ready to Bite’ and the NZ On Air funded ‘Libra’ saw her introduction to the NZ Hot Singles Chart. With her 2022 sophomore EP EGO DEATH, the success of recent singles ‘Acid’, ‘Morals’, today’s thrilling release, and her upcoming debut album, it is clear Danica Bryant’s inventive sound, personal lyrics, and rich vocals make her a treat for every season.

Club Ruby's 'Heartbreak Overtime' music video is out Good Friday

Club Ruby's 'Heartbreak Overtime' debuted at #5 on Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles .

The Auckland pop-punk band are making a splash with their fresh music video out Good Friday, made with the support of NZ On Air.

"It looks like we're working overtime when we should be at the pool," lead vocalist President Ruby (Jade Lewis) says.

Directed by Ethan Alderson-Hughes, he captures dynamic underwater scenes and band antics poolside. The visuals plays upon the frustrations of a toxic relationship where one partner is left working “overtime” to save what’s already broken in a doomed relationship.

Across a gruelling 12-hour shoot, President Ruby accidentally swallowed "tons of chlorine to get that one lip-sync shot".

"Heartbreak Overtime" delivers Club Ruby’s signature mix of biting lyrics and high-energy riffs, recorded with Christian Tjandrawinata at his home studio and finalised at the iconic Roundhead Studios.

Club Ruby recently opened for Grapehouse at Ding Dong Lounge and just sold out their upcoming Movespace series Yellow Lamp Poetry Vol. Ruby.

““The music video inspiration was an organic creative process: from a last minute photo shoot at a friend’s pool, to the cover you see now that inspired the entire music video. We happened to get blazers for $2 from Geoff’s Emporium that was just about to close, so we threw them on the boys and the vision somehow came together: We’re working overtime in our business suits when we should be relaxing at the pool.” ”

— — President Ruby

About the single:

““We wanted to create a breakup anthem that’s sad, sarcastic, and danceable all at once,” says President Ruby. ‘Heartbreak Overtime’ captures the chaos of giving your all to someone who gives nothing back—but with a beat you can mosh to.”

“This song is dedicated to my ex who I stayed with way too long that it really felt like clocking in overtime, referring to the line “I guess it’s time and a half for me!”

Vice President Hon adds with a grin, “Anytime love has felt like working back-to-back double shifts at a thankless full-time job, this one is for you!””

Jackie Bristow Releases Rediscovered Acoustic Gem “When You’re Near Me”

Americana artist Jackie Bristow continues to unearth treasures from her Sydney Days series with the release of “When You’re Near Me,” available on all streaming platforms from April 16.

Originally recorded in the late ’90s in Sydney, the acoustic love ballad was produced by Matt Fell and Mark Punch, and mixed by Fell. The track showcases Bristow’s emotive songwriting and intimate vocal delivery, capturing the spirit of an artist at the very beginning of her musical journey.

“When You’re Near Me” was one of the first songs I ever wrote,” Bristow shares. “It started as a romantic love song and ended up as a tribute to a rare, lifelong friendship. Listening now, I hear a kind of innocence — but also a surprising depth, like I knew more than I realized. Performing it for the first time at a little Bondi wine bar called BB’s shaped me as an artist and built the foundation for the path I’m still walking today.”

The song also featured on the long-running Australian TV series Home and Away, marking one of Bristow’s earliest sync placements.

The new single follows the warmly received “Letter of Love,” the first track in the Sydney Days collection — a series of unreleased songs rediscovered from Bristow’s time living and recording in Australia.

Stream “When You’re Near Me” here: https://music.drm.co.nz/when-youre-near-me
More info and exclusive content for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/JackieBristow

TîMMY Unveils New Single "SCARED" Ahead of Upcoming EP, The Source, Releasing July 4

Rising artist TîMMY is set to release his highly anticipated single, "SCARED" on April 18 the lead track from his upcoming EP, "The Source", out July 4. The EP’s release will be accompanied by an exclusive live showcase with the “London street band”, bringing the music to life in an immersive experience.  

Musically, “SCARED” is a bold fusion of Afropop, RnB, Rap, and Amapiano**, reflecting TîMMY’s genre-blending artistry. Built on soulful melodies, dynamic drum patterns, and a hypnotic log drum groove, the track features Will on saxophone, adding a jazzy touch, and Keith Kugo providing rich backing vocals. Producer tinaye helped shape the song’s final sound, elevating its emotional depth and rhythmic energy.  

Lyrically, “SCARED” dives into the struggle of overcoming self-doubt and fear, particularly the fear of failure and the vulnerability of being seen. TîMMY challenges the idea that falling should hold us back, instead embracing it as a natural part of growth.  

“I wrote ‘SCARED’ when I was afraid to fully share who I was with the world,” says TîMMY. “I realized fear doesn’t define me, it's just part of the process. This song is about breaking through that fear, trusting your path, and knowing you’re not alone in the process.”  

About “The Source”  

The EP explores the journey of self-discovery, following a young man who initially seeks security in external validation but soon realizes that true strength comes from within. As he faces fear, judgment, and failure, he learns that his purpose is greater than his obstacles. Through personal storytelling and diverse musical influences, “The Source” captures the tension between uncertainty and faith, struggle and triumph.  

Release & Live Showcase

“SCARED” will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 18. Fans can pre-save the track now and experience TîMMY’s live showcase on July 4, where he will perform “The Source” and other tracks alongside the London street band.  

This release marks a major milestone for TîMMY The First, as he continues to evolve and carve out his unique space in the music world.  

About TîMMY

Born in Zimbabwe but raised traveling across the globe, TîMMY’s music is a reflection of his multicultural experiences. His exposure to diverse sounds, rhythms, and cultures has shaped his unique blend of Afropop, RnB, Rap, and Amapiano, creating a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through his music, he explores themes of faith, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace one’s true path.  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmythefirst1/profilecard/?igsh=OWNmY3gzZnQ1cnRx

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0aC29mlBzOMejpdU7AttC5?si=IiWDFX6uT_2XJSOttAvqMQ