Miranda Easten Releases Poignant New Single “When I Dream” – A Heartfelt Tribute to Those We’ve Lost

Chart-topping New Zealand country artist Miranda Easten unveils her most moving release to date with When I Dream - a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the bittersweet ache of longing for someone who has passed on. The single is available on all major streaming platforms from May 9, 2025.

Co-written with UK friend Chris Childs, When I Dream explores the surreal comfort of dreaming about a loved one who is no longer here - where memory and imagination collide, and love lingers in the silence of night.

The track features a world-class production team:

Produced by Greg Haver (Melanie C, Manic Street Preachers, Kimbra)
Mixed by Adrian Hall (Shakira, Tori Amos, All Saints, Robbie Williams)
Mastered by Ryan Smith in Nashville (Coldplay, Britney Spears, Adele, Beyoncé)

The result is a sonically rich, emotionally stirring track that fuses Easten’s signature country storytelling with lush, cinematic instrumentation.

Easten’s critically acclaimed second album Concrete and Honey debuted at #6 on the Official New Zealand Albums Chart in 2024, cementing her status as a rising force in modern country music. Her work has been featured on CMT, MTV, Nashville TV, and Taste of Country, and she continues to build a strong international fanbase through striking music videos and heartfelt performances.

When I Dream is a song for anyone who’s ever loved and lost - and found comfort in the dream-filled hours that follow.

www.MirandaEasten.com

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6tPllDnDr6rB7CS5diguqw?si=pgweTpSpRZ6YI76fmnPqHw

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/miranda-easten/1480944195  

Losing Weight, a modern rock song with a sensational hook and a kick-ass guitar solo.

Dónal Gunning’s next single Losing Weight drops on the 10th May on all streaming platforms.  The Irish Musician (Dublin), now New Zealand based, is churning out some great tunes in 2025.

Safe to say his focus towards heavier rock songs is starting to pay off.  His recent single ‘Your 1’, a song dedicated to Irish vernacular, was very well received by fans across the globe.  Mind you, his second single hits even harder.  It’s quite a notable change from his debut Indie/Folk EP released in May 2023.  

Losing Weight is a modern rock song with everything a listener needs (and wants).  An undeniably catchy chorus, guitar solos, evocative lyricism and a chaotically controlled breakdown section.  The song grips you from the get-go, with cutting guitar chords and subtle Irish idiosyncrasies.  ‘Losing Weight is a rock song for everyone in the audience, we love playing this song live, it always gets the crowd going’. 

Dónal is a born front-man, he brings an intangible Irish charm and formative presence to the stage, Losing Weight captures this presence.  The song was written originally on an acoustic guitar one somber winter evening in the Irishman’s flat in Wellington suburbs.  It was presented to his bandmates months later where it evolved to the hit single it is today.  Dónal confirms that he's not pointing any fingers when he sings Losing Weight(!).

The song was recorded at Music Planet studios, Wellington and produced by Peter Jamieson.  The music video was filmed by Finn Zemba and is set to release later in May.

Dónal Gunning and his bandmates, The Bucks, will headline a show at Underworld Tavern, Wellington on May 10th in celebration of the release alongside New Teeth with support from Jeline.Ticket link;https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/95739/Losing-Weight---Single-Release.utr

Follow Dónal on his socials to keep up to date on all his activity, see here; https://www.instagram.com/donalgunningatb/ / https://www.facebook.com/donal.gunning

Losing Weight is the 2nd single off Dónal’s upcoming EP, which will be released later this year.  Dónal and his bandmates are gearing up for a tour of New Zealand later this year in promoting the EP. 

Losing Weight will be available on all streaming platforms May 10th.  Pre Save link below; https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dnalgunning/losing-weight

AIDAN FINE SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘SUMMERTIME NAUSEA’ FEATURING KID REY

Today (May 2), Aidan Fine shares the second single ‘Summertime Nausea’ from his forthcoming debut album, a collaborative track with Aotearoa hip-hop artist Kid Rey.

Fine blurs the lines between alternative rap and psychedelic pop, delivering a woozy, sun-blasted trip through memory and emotional fallout. Featuring playful, intertwining sitar and guitar riffs, and dripping with hazy, psychedelic energy, Summertime Nausea evokes the feeling of a sweltering summer’s day.

 ‘Summertime Nausea’ will be released on Friday, 2nd May 2025.

Calla announces national tour and new album, Animal Reaction

Calla of Ursa, formerly “Calla”, reveals a name metamorphosis as dramatic as the myth behind her new moniker. Like the nymph Callisto who was transformed into the Ursa Major constellation, Calla of Ursa has re‑cast herself in the ethereal, channeling her muses into a unique cinematic‑pop universe (or “Callaverse”) where the operatic and the orchestral collide with seismic bass.

To celebrate NZ Music Month, Calla will release 3 singles followed by a full album and kick off an album release tour - all in May! Her forthcoming album, Animal Reaction, marks the first full roar under the new name: lush strings and crystalline vocals soar over gritty electronic production, delivering mythic emotive swells and sub‑shaking depth. Calla tours the album in May/June across Aotearoa before moving overseas to the UK/Europe.

Calla of Ursa ignited a 17‑show national tour in 2023, opened Twisted Frequency 2024, and twice illuminated the LUMA Light & Sound Festival (Emerging Artist ’23, Sound Artist ’24). She also was awarded the 2022 Dame Malvina Major South Island Arts Excellence Award.

ABOUT THE ALBUM

“Animal Reaction” gives voice to the Mother, not just of humans but of the earth itself. A call of resistance and reclamation, the visceral soundscapes of the album speaks to the subjugation of women, indigenous peoples, animals, and the environment. Wrought from the very essence of feminine power, wisdom, and rage, the album channels the fury of Mother Earth herself into a fierce call for justice through cinematic swells, gentle folk piano riffs, and heavy hitting tribal pop beats.

Notable collaborations for the album include producers MISSY (Dead Run, To Be Sacred) and Lola (Animal Reaction, Face Me).

TOUR DATES

●      Thursday 22nd May - Tāmaki Makaurau - Neck of the Woods

●      Thursday 29th May - Whanganui - Ministry of Works

●      Friday 30th May - Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Moon Bar

●      Thursday 5th June - Ōtautahi - The Loons

●      Friday 6th June - Ōtepoti - DropKicks

Buy tickets here

“The audience was stunned silent… Calla’s soprano is a thing of beauty, and her violin adds drama and edge.” - Marty Duda, 13th Floor (2024)

Leejun Announces the Release of His Powerful New Album No Quarter

LATEST SINGLE ‘DRAGONS BREATH III’

OUT NOW

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Following two and a half years of creative evolution, resilience, and reflection, No Quarter marks a bold new chapter for one of NZs best in the hip hop scene. Entirely self-produced, mixed and mastered by Leejun at his humble home studio, except for one standout track crafted alongside multi-platinum award-winning producer Aasis Beats - No Quarter is a fiercely independent project that stays true to the roots of the culture while pushing its boundaries in today’s climate.

The 11-track album features already released singles Tarzan and Dragon’s Breath 3, giving listeners a taste of the dominance, ambition, and authenticity that runs throughout the project. From the heavy bars and tough energy of Tarzan to introspective, cinematic moments that reveal the weight of Leejun’s journey, No Quarter is both a war cry and a deeply personal statement.

Reflecting on the project, Leejun shares:

"This is a drop for the culture, a salute to the hip hop greats, to penmanship, and to the artistry of rap. Every track is stacked with technical bars laid over hard-hitting beats, some old school feels for the hip hop heavies, some soulful melodies thrown in there and features from some of the best artists on offer here in Christchurch. If you love rap in all its complexities, you’ll love this album from the bottom to the top."

Taking its name from a phrase meaning ‘no mercy’, No Quarter stands as a testament to resilience, survival, and claiming your place in the world. Leejun delivers an album that demands attention, not just for its technical prowess, but for its heart and honesty.

No Quarter will be available on all major streaming platforms from Friday May 2. Celebrate NZ Music Month by getting amongst one of the year’s most raw and essential hip-hop releases.

Find No Quarter HERE.

CONNECT WITH LEEJUN:

INSTAGRAM  FACEBOOK  WEBSITE

Bridges goes bigger and bolder on new indie-pop banger ‘Close To You’

Watch the video HERE

Rising indie-pop artist Bridges has upped the ante with a bold sonic shift on her new single ‘Close To You’, out today.

Listen to ‘Close To You’ HERE

The second single in Bridges’ upcoming sophomore EP, ‘Close To You’ is an expansive track with dark and brooding undertones, reflecting a career turning point for the up-and-coming Tāmaki Makaurau-based singer and songwriter.

“It's bigger, bolder, more committed to the pop genre, and leans into the drama a whole lot more. It's the kind of music I've always wanted to make. ‘Close To You’ signifies the beginning of that,” says Bridges.

Produced and mixed by the UK-based Roberto Panovski, mastered by US-based Grammy Award-winning Chris Gehringer (Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga) and supported by NZ on Air, ‘Close To You’ explores Bridges’ experience of romantic love.

“I was trying to figure out how it differs from how I love my friends, which got me thinking about how it's all the smallest moments that amount to such a powerful feeling,” she says.

Working with the critically acclaimed NZ director, Tom Grut, Bridges has visually captured the song’s sentiment with a dreamy, cinematic video. “We filmed it all in the studio, bringing in the grass and the motorcycle, open sky and butterflies - with a little help from visual effects.”

Watch the video HERE

Today’s release builds on a successful few years for Bridges, which has seen her release 2024 single LUNGS, which will sit alongside ‘Close To You’ on her upcoming EP, and 2023’s five-track EP, TWENTY SOMETHING, which included the singles ‘Pills’ and ‘Gone’.

“This is a powerful debut that unveils more depth with each listen, forging a path for Bridges as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new voices” - Muzic.NZ

“[TWENTY SOMETHING] is a fitting showcase, supported by world-class engineering and production” - NZ Musician

It all points to an exciting year ahead for Bridges, who is quickly earning a reputation as one of Aotearoa’s newest and brightest songwriters and composers. She demonstrates this not only in her own growing catalogue of songs, but her involvement in projects such as the worldwide release of the book ‘Dreamslinger’ (the first of New York Times Bestselling author Graci Kim’s fantasy-fiction trilogy) for which she composed ‘Aria’s Lullaby’, which was printed as sheet music inside the book. Published by Disney, the book is available now in stores HERE.

About Bridges:

Bridges is the artist project of Christchurch-born, Auckland-based songwriter Rachel Hamilton. Her 2023 debut EP was met with acclaim and featured on MTV, Coup de Main, The Hits, Radio Hauraki's Locals Only Podcast, Billie Magazine, RNZ and more. The EP’s NZ On Air-funded singles ‘Pills’ and ‘Misfits’ quickly gained traction; ‘Pills’ being playlisted on Spotify’s ‘Fresh Finds Pop’ (200k), ‘The Local List Aotearoa’ (18k) and ‘Fresh Finds AU & NZ’ (18k). In 2024, Bridges was selected to be mentored by Fazerdaze via the APRA Aotearoa Mentorship Programme; then chosen as a showcasing artist at the 2024 Going Global Music Summit.

Find Bridges:
Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music / TikTok / Website

Wellington-Based artist Emma Rutherford, releases new single ‘Better Days’.

‘Better Days’ is a reminder that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, marking a new musical era for Emma Rutherford.

Te Whanganui-a-Tara pop/soul artist Emma Rutherford is excited to announce the release of her first single for 2025, 'Better Days.' Exploring themes of mental health, ‘Better Days’ offers a message of  hope and pushing forward when you’ve hit rock bottom. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s always the potential for better days ahead.

After recently relocating to Wellington, Emma has teamed up with the talented producer Toby Lloyd from Tiny Triumph Recordings. 'Better Days' marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Emma's music journey, showcasing her raw, honest, and emotive approach to songwriting.

With this release, Emma is setting the tone for what promises to be a remarkable year in 2025, blending her soul-infused pop style with an even more mature and reflective sound. Listeners can look forward to more music that not only resonates on an emotional level but also sparks meaningful conversations about mental health and personal growth.

Links to social media and streaming platforms

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmarutherfordmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmarutherfordmusic/

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/emma-rutherford/1647412653

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2efDWZI6ZZiKTleEMes7vo?si=qrmz_4gdRUu_EvjPqhG6wQ

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmarutherfordmusic

Bandcamp: https://emmarutherford.bandcamp.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/emma-rutherford-393219576

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmarutherfordmusic?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Ladi6 Returns with New Single “LightBulb” & Announces Upcoming Album ‘Le Vā’

Ladi6 is renowned for her authentic, boundary-pushing sound, drawing deeply from her Moana heritage and personal experiences. Her music speaks to the soul—melding innovation with heartfelt storytelling in a way that has solidified her place as one of Aotearoa’s most influential voices in soul, pop, and electronica.

Following the success of her Hot 20 Aotearoa Top 10 hit Alofa in November 2024, Ladi6 is back with another mesmerizing single from her highly anticipated new record, ‘Le Vā’, set for release on June 1, 2025.

“LightBulb”, dropping May 1st just in time for NZ Music Month, this latest track is a wavy, stripped-back, drumless piece, showcasing Parks’ signature synth-heavy, soulful inflections. It’s a song that explores the emotional complexity of regretful breakups—navigating self-discovery through conflict and longing. Ladi6’s sleek, sultry vocals glide effortlessly over the atmospheric production, delivering a statement of intention that sonically diverges from Alofa while staying rooted in the unmistakable musical synergy of Parks and Bharu.

With Le Vā, her fifth full-length album, Ladi6 embarks on a new sonic journey—pushing her signature style into new dimensions while staying true to the depth and authenticity that fans have come to love.

To celebrate the album’s release, Ladi6 will embark on an 11 date New Zealand tour, beginning with a headline show in Melbourne and a special performance at Vivid Festival in Sydney.

‘Le Vā’ drops June 1st, 2025. Stay tuned.

Early review:

"Untethered from the mid-tempo drums that have underscored much of her catalogue, Ladi6 sings with a graceful melancholy over a rich bed of bubbling lead synths, woozy pads, triumphant stabs, and a g-funk indebted whistle. Sitting between the ‘60s/’70s modular synthesiser experimentation of Wendy Carlos and Mort Garson and the modern ambient/electronic R&B sound of Kelela, FKA Twigs, Solange and their peers, ‘Lightbulb’ feels like a needed moment of pause, a stylistic reset, and a glorious portent of things yet to come." - Martyn Pepperell