EMILY C. BROWNING RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM ‘PRIMARY’

Ōtautahi-based alt-pop artist, producer and 2025 APRA Silver Scroll Nominee Emily C. Browning releases her long-awaited and hotly-anticipated debut album, PRIMARY.

The 11-track record is the product of five years of independent production and songwriting, making a confident arrival after months of steady momentum and a string of compelling single releases.

Drawing its title from multiple definitions, PRIMARY plays on several meanings - Browning’s emotional directness, her first album release, and a strong visual identity shaped by primary colours. Known for her red hair and unfiltered lyrics, Browning builds a world that’s part confessional, part drag performance. 

“After dying my hair red, I let go of the softie image and finally embodied the Aries I was meant to be. Now I guess I’m yelling ‘STILL MAD AND I’M NOT DONE TALKING YET’ into the mic,” she says, lifting a line from her single “Not Done.”

Over the past year, Browning has released one track per month; a process that helped sharpen the album’s pacing and purpose. Recent singles ‘Not Done’, ‘Analog’and Silver Scroll nominated ‘Goldfish’, showcase her persistent tenacity and instincts as a producer, while earlier releases ‘I Wasn’t Into You Anyway’ and ‘Andy’, define the start of Browning’s desire to take the reins with her sound and songwriting. 

The songs explore love, annoyance, crushes, rejection and the highs and lows of obsession - all delivered with theatrical clarity and sharp pop instincts.

From then to now, PRIMARY captures the growth of an artist learning in real time. “I used the pandemic to learn how to produce for myself, and PRIMARY is a very honest record of that process.”

A ONE NIGHT ONLY album release show will take place at Space Academy, Christchurch, on July 24. Expect theatrical sets, dramatic outfits, and possibly a PowerPoint.

MINI MILLER RELEASES NEW E.P. LOVE ME LIKE ME

Following the release of single and title-track Love Me Like Me, Mini Miller has just released her sophomore EP in full. The 5-tracks look back at her time in high school, reflecting on “who I was at 17—what I believed in, what I was feeling, and what I was navigating emotionally, politically, and creatively. It’s deeply personal and honest, capturing the energy and mindset of a younger me just trying to make sense of it all.”

The focus track alongside the EP release is Cyber Freak, a purposefully natural and haunting song that delves into a decidedly unnatural topic - the mix of chaos and connection caused by being perpetually online as a 17 year old, and the unnerving feeling of being on the receiving end of weird messages from grown men: “It was creepy, overwhelming, and way too common for people our age. So when I say 'Cyber Freak,' I really mean it — that title reflects the strange, sometimes scary reality of growing up online.”

Love Me Like Me was recorded three years ago, and spans across Indie-Folk, Pop and R&B, drawing on a number of references like Jorja Smith, Joy Crookes, Kodaline, Sufjan Stevens and Phoebe Bridgers. Funded in part from NZ On Air’s ‘New Music Development’ funding, Mini Miller paired up with Ōtautahi producer duo The Response (Andy & Vic Knopp), who helped shape the sound and produce the tracks, as well as contributing to some of the writing. “The process was an incredible learning experience. They were collaborative and supportive, meeting me where I was at as a learner. They really saw the vision before I did and helped shape the final sound into something beautiful.”

Title track Love Me Like Me is a pop anthem about self-acceptance and being surrounded by people who truly see you. It’s the moment you realise you don’t have to change to be loved—you’re enough just as you are: “I was in high school and had become close with a group of Māori girls. For the first time, I felt connected to people who looked like me and shared similar experiences. That connection gave me new confidence in my identity, and the song came out of that moment. I remember sending a rough demo video to those friends—their reaction meant everything. It was the first time I felt I had created something that truly mattered, not just to me, but to them too.

The EP was produced, engineered and mixed by Ōtautahi producer duo The Response (Andy and Vic Knopp) courtesy of NZ on Air Development funding. Working together over a number of sessions, Drew would bring songs in and they all worked together collaboratively on the sound and vision for each track. “We absolutely loved collaborating with Drew on this EP. We had so much fun exploring different sounds and textures with her, finding new ways to really let her voice shine.”

The Love Me Like Me EP is out now via Winegum Records, available on all streaming platforms and digital download on Bandcamp.

Katie Thompson Heads to Nashville for Songwriting Retreat + National Tour Dates

West Coast singer-songwriter Katie Thompson is heading to Nashville this August for a songwriting retreat and a series of co-writing sessions - her first trip to the musical heart of the US.

“I’ve been dreaming about visiting Nashville for years,” says Thompson, “and now I finally get to go and focus on creating new music in a place that’s inspired so many of my favourite artists. It’s a big creative leap for me - and I’m inviting people to come along for the ride.”

The alt-country artist is opening up the journey to fans and supporters through daily behind-the-scenes vlogs, early access to demos, and a few surprises along the way. Supporters can help fund the trip directly through her website, where they’ll also get exclusive access to the experience as it unfolds.

In the lead-up to Nashville, Thompson will be hitting the road across Aotearoa as part of Jenny Mitchell’s national tour, opening shows in Dunedin (Aug 16), Wellington (Aug 17), Christchurch (Aug 21), and Auckland (Aug 22). She’s also on the bill for The Midwinter Sessions Festival at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena on August 2.

The Nashville trip will see Thompson attending a songwriting retreat and taking part in collaborative writing sessions, while soaking up the sights and musical atmosphere of the city for the first time.

Support Katie’s journey or follow along at:
www.katiethompson.co.nz/nashville

Jack Robertson Releases Introspective New Single, the third from His Debut EP

Following the New Zealand chart-topping success of ‘Lovesick’ and the high-energy pop anthem ‘Easy’, rising Indie Pop Artist, Jack Robertson returns with his most tender work yet.

The new single is a haunting indie-folk ballad that traces the unspoken thoughts, longing, and regret that linger in everyday life. “I wanted to write a song about the fleeting moments and unsaid words we carry with us each day,” says Jack. “Working on this song, it quickly became less about my own personal love and longing and became more about community - about the silent confessions we all hold but never share”.

For fans of Hozier and Noah Kahan, the track weaves heartbreak into poetry—“Every little choice you chose worth every little stick and poke”—turning tattoos into a haunting melody and a call to look closer at the marks we leave behind.

Hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, Jack Robertson has quickly made a name for himself as one of the country’s most compelling new indie voices. With a growing audience both at home and abroad, Jack is carving out a space where a reputation for heartfelt songwriting meets undeniable energy on stage, leaving audiences captivated.

WILL MCCLEAN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM HIGH GROUND, OUT JULY 11th.

Independent hip-hop artist Will McClean is set to release his most compelling and cohesive project to date, HIGH GROUND. A full-length collaborative album with local producer T BOOGIE, arriving July 11th on all streaming platforms.

Across ten tracks of soul-soaked jazz-rap and grounded lyricism, McClean unpacks the high stakes of vulnerability, moments of anxiety, and the clarity that comes from stepping back. Written in the aftermath of time spent overseas, High Ground is a reflection on what happens when perspective widens — and how love, distance, and purpose can collide in unexpected ways. 

“I left home chasing memories and found myself in the process” says McClean. “I met someone who changed my life, and saw other things that changed me too. And then I had to sit with what that all meant. This album is about learning how to hold the good and the hard things at the same time — and trying to stay grounded through all of it.”

From the passionate opener “IGNITE” to the reflective love story “ON THIS HILL” (featuring JClean), HIGH GROUND charts McClean’s emotional and artistic growth. The album reunites him with longtime collaborator T BOOGIE  - the two first met while working side-by-side at a pizza shop in Porirua. What started as busy shifts, rapping and talking music, turned into a creative partnership built on trust, craft, and a shared love of soulful beats.

HIGH GROUND follows recent singles “WE GON’ MAKE IT” and “HEAL ME”, both of which set the tone for the album’s central themes of resilience, vulnerability, and love in motion.

With a growing loyal fanbase in New Zealand and overseas, McClean’s commitment to soul, craft, and realness continues to set him apart — and HIGH GROUND is the clearest expression yet of his artistic mission.

HIGH GROUND is available on all platforms July 11, 2025.

TRACKLIST + THEMES:

1. IGNITE — Opening fire, determination, ambition

2. WE GON' MAKE IT — Hope in struggle (single released)

3. HEAL ME — Inner healing, therapy (single released)

4. ON THIS HILL ft. JClean — Fallin’ in love

5. RICKY BAKER ft. RORO — Nostalgia, identity

6. WINDOW SEAT — Tranquility, perspective

7. COME HOME — Love, loyalty, fear of loss

8. SUN STAYS — Love and light despite anxiety (single)

9. WHAT WOULD I DO? — Bars 

10. I'M GONE — Letting go, rebirth

Turkey The Bird – Two Intimate House Shows in the Wellington Region!

Get ready for a weekend of charming harmonies and cheeky folk tunes with NZ’s favourite folk trio, "Turkey The Bird".

Catch them live in two cosy, intimate settings:

Saturday 12th July, 7pm – Hilltop House Concerts, Wellington
Reserve your seat: [hilltophouseconcerts.co.nz](https://hilltophouseconcerts.co.nz/)

Sunday 13th July, 3pm – Cobblestones Museum & Early Settlers Village, Greytown
Tickets available on Eventfinda.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the warmth and humour of Turkey The Bird up close!

Iris Zhang announces single 'Haunted & Free'

Chinese-New Zealand artist Iris Zhang announces a new era of artistry with Haunted & Free, an explorative yet fiercely catchy alt pop/R&B track about navigating personal ghosts.

Iris first gained momentum on YouTube for her emotive cover songs (including one that reached over 798k views), capturing the attention of global audiences and established artists including the likes of Shawn Mendes, Alessia Cara and Troye Sivan. She continued to showcase her smooth, expressive vocals and poetic lyricism through a series of original singles, the latest of which (Lemon Tree) made its mark on Season 2 of the award-winning TV series Creamerie. 

Now, Iris emerges with a refined voice and vision to usher in the next phase of her creative journey.

“At my core, I am a conflicted person. An emotional realist, carefully chaotic, a meticulous dreamer and romantic perfectionist. With music, as with everything else, I have always struggled between the urge to control - the precise shape of the melody, the texture of every word - and the desire to let go, to allow myself to create something bold and messy and spiritual. Haunted & Free attempts to capture the paradox, find clarity in madness, grieve, heal, learn new lessons from old ghosts … as much as any one song can.” 

Made with the support of New Zealand On Air’s Pan-Asian New Music Single, Haunted & Free embraces experimentation, combining trap-influenced beats, 808-inspired basslines, and Iris’s own classically trained flute playing to create a track that feels both grounded in modern R&B and touched by the glimmer of K-pop aesthetics.

Co-written with Jefferson Chen (Goodspace) at BIG FAN’s Pan-Asian Fan Camp, produced by Tei and mixed by Christian Tjandrawinata - the result is a deeply personal yet collaborative sonic experience that showcases each artist’s distinctive style.

Haunted & Free marks the first release from Iris Zhang’s upcoming debut album, set for release in mid-2026.

MARLEY SOLA RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE ‘OK’

R&B singer Marley Sola returns with an endearing new single, OK - his first release since 2020. 

Sola has spent the last five years in quiet transformation. Following the release of his single “Lift Your Head High”, he started a business and got married. Having experienced life’s ups and downs and gained new perspectives, he has many stories to share; OK serves as a reminder for his newly born daughter that tough times don’t last forever. 

The single was produced by Dan Martin and Sam Nakamura. 

A Christchurch/Ōtautahi native, Marley Sola’s life has been filled with music. Coming from a family of Samoan, Māori, and European descent, his first memories of music were watching his uncle play the saxophone in Salmonella Dub, hearing Samoan hymns in his nana's lounge or kapahaka in his kura kaupapa. It was from these early experiences that Marley would begin to chase his passion for music.

As a teenager, Marley became a regular performer at his local church and was also often found jamming with his mates at weddings. At 17, Marley was a member of Moorhouse, a group that became fan favourites on the first season of The X-Factor NZ. Following the group’s split, Marley began working on his solo material with multi-talented singer, producer and performer, Vince Harder. It was through Vince’s label, HMG, that Marley would release his first EP, ‘Believe’(2016), and the singles ‘Call My Name’ (2017) and ‘I Feel It’ (2018). 

Over the past ten years, Marley has performed throughout Australasia, highlights of which include: headlining Sparks In The Park, The Voice Australia Season 12, Festival One, Christmas In The Park, and singing backing vocals for Rob Ruha on live TV for various shows (2023).

Outside of his own music, Marley and his wife, Honor, opened Mellow Studios in 2021,

where he is a vocal coach, teaching production and songwriting to tamariki, rangatahi and adults alike. He has been using his skills to invest in the community by passing on his knowledge and experiences, focusing on building confidence in children, young artists and adults alike.

Marley Sola’s new single OK, is out NOW (July 4) on all streaming platforms.