In The Shallows New Release 'Not Normal Behaviour' + Tuning Fork show This Sat w/strings + harp

Danni Davis fearlessly marks the band's new era on yet another bold, high-energy Indie-pop track, with an alternative edge, driving drums, gritty guitar hooks and catchy chorus lines; ; making it 100% chant-worthy and irresistibly danceable. “Not Normal Behaviour” offers a sharp, playful commentary on those surreal moments when life’s rules stop making sense and you find yourself quietly questioning the madness. Blending urgent indie-pop energy with a cheeky, rebellious streak.

“Not Normal Behaviour” is a striking departure from In The Shallows’ signature harmony-drenched folk-pop roots. This latest release highlights Danni’s versatility as a songwriter and artist with a wide and unpredictable musical palette, one that refuses to be boxed in, whilst staying anchored in raw authenticity, and undeniable hooks.

“I’ve always believed a good song should transcend genre,” says Danni. “I grew up in a Welsh pub surrounded by folk music, pub tunes, and 60s/70s harmony-rich karaoke classics like The Mamas and the Papas. As a teenager, it was punk and rock, and later, reggae found its way into my life here in Aotearoa, New Zealand. I’ve never felt the need to stick to one style. For me, when I’m writing and recording, I want the music to be free to move wherever it wants to go. Hence, the debut album wove together elements of folk, country, and reggae and this new era sees us expanding the sound even further, diving headfirst into an indie-pop/alt-rock space’, bringing a rebellious edge without letting go of the heart and honesty that defines the sound of ‘In The Shallows.’

“It’s not about taking sides,” Danni explains. “It’s about those moments when what’s considered ‘normal’ makes no sense at all, and you wonder if you’re the only one thinking it.”

In the Shallows are currently amidst their 11-date Winter Tour

25.07 ROSEMARYS BAR, TAUPO - FREE SHOW

26.07 THE TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND **With Strings & Harp

07.08 HOKOWHITU BOWLING CLUB, P.N 

08.08 PAISLEY STAGE, NAPIER

TICKETS & MORE INFO HERE

Pasifika songbird Lehali releases beautiful ballad of belonging, ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’

Kirikiriroa born and raised songbird Lehali has released her first new single of 2025 - the dreamy ‘Pasifika Pop’ ballad, ‘Her Name is Kanaky’.

Listen to ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ HERE

‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ is a soft and gentle tune, which showcases Lehali’s delicate vocals and powerful lyricism, which has made the young up-and-coming artist ‘one to watch’ in Aotearoa’s music scene.  

Written by Lehali and produced by Frank Keys (Avantdale Bowling Club, CHAII, Yoko Zuna), ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ was inspired by political events in the Pacific and addresses the universal themes of belonging, justice and hope.

“Kanaky is the indigenous name for New Caledonia and I was compelled to write this song seeing the riots there last year,” explains Lehali. 

“I wondered what it would be like to be someone my age, living in Kanaky, and wanting change; wanting their voice to be heard but not knowing how. I wanted to write this song to raise awareness of their ongoing battle,” she adds.

Lehali captures the poignant sentiment in ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ is a music video, shot in Rotorua by Āio Media, Jessica McMillan and Ben Marr, which highlights the beauty of nature and culture. “It speaks to the connection between land, people and our wider sense of belonging,” says Lehali. 

Watch the video for ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ HERE

Funded by NZ on Air, ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ puts the rising star firmly on the map and reinforces her reputation as an artist who is not afraid to speak her mind. 

“This song is a great blend of what I’m passionate about, which is music and advocacy. It reflects the kind of songs and stories I will be sharing in the very near future,” says Lehali.

‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ follows Lehali’s 2024 single ‘Company’ with fellow Pasifika artist Lepani, and makes way for a larger body of work on the horizon, which is still very much under wraps. However, Lehali says she hopes the upcoming project will “inspire creativity, cultural reconnection, exploration and decolonization.”

Watch this space!

AOTEAROA POST-PUNK BAND RINGLETS ANNOUNCE DEBUT AUSTRALIAN SHOWS CELEBRATING THEIR NEW ALBUM THE LORD IS MY GERMAN SHEPHERD (TIME FOR WALKIES)

To celebrate the release of their sophomore album ‘The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies)’ released via Flying Nun & Leather Jacket Records on June 27th, Aotearoa’s post-punks Ringlets are embarking on their first shows across the ditch - performing in Melbourne, Sydney and at BIGSOUND in Brisbane this August and September. 

Emerging from Aotearoa’s musical ether in 2021; Ringlets have carved out space with their distinct blend of delicate wit, grit and evident sonic technicality. Since the release of their self-titled debut in 2023, the quartet have become a notorious live-act - supporting heavy-hitting internationals such as UK indie-rockers Sorry, seminal punk force The Damned, as well as stand-out festival performances in New Zealand at The Others Way, Newtown Festival & Junk Fest.

August 2025 marks the band’s first overseas shows, commencing with two shows in Naarm and two shows in Sydney, followed by an appearance at BIGSOUND and surrounding events in Brisbane.

The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) is Ringlets’ shimmering follow-up to the 2023 debut and a vibrant expression of their singular song craft - the record conjures mystic visions; takes raucous, unkempt yet solely committed turns, twists, and tiptoes delicately between the absurd and the divine.

Friday 22 August - The Cactus Room, Naarm/Melbourne

With blue diner. (QLD), dogworld & Special Features (QLD)

Saturday 23 August - The Gem, Naarm/Melbourne (Free Entry)

With Macho Macho (NZ)

Friday 29 August - Petersham Bowlo, Eora/Sydney

With Bennetts Grove, Macho Macho (NZ), Special Features (QLD)

Sunday 31 August - TBA, Eora/Sydney

Tuesday 2 September - Friday 5 September - BIGSOUND Showcase

Emerson Drops 6th Single "Show U Off" and 2nd Headline Gig This Week

Rising NZ alt-pop star Emerson is set to release her sixth single, "Show U Off," on Friday, July 25, 2025. To celebrate, Emerson will play a headline show for fans at Big Fan in Auckland.

"Show U Off" marks the third collaboration between Emerson and co-writer and producer Harry Charles. Their previous releases, "You Really Must Hate Me!" and "Tip of My Tongue," have already captured international attention, earning over 10 editorial placements across Spotify and Apple Music. Notably, "Tip of My Tongue" is currently receiving airplay on radio stations across New Zealand.

About "Show U Off"

"Show U Off" is a vibrant pop anthem that perfectly encapsulates the thrill and heartache of a teenage romantic comedy. The track tells the relatable story of a young girl navigating a secret romance, yearning to openly “show him off,” only to be left hoping for her crush's current relationship to “fall through.” However, unlike a typical Hollywood rom-com, the song delivers a raw and honest ending tinged with self-doubt, pondering the poignant question, "Is it so hard to be my boyfriend?"

This new single is a must-listen for all hopeless romantics who understand the exhilarating risk of pursuing a crush, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Artist Bio: 

A performer since childhood, trained in musical theatre and competitive dance, Emerson commands the stage with powerhouse energy. Since 2022, she's honed her craft across various local indie bands, contributing as bassist, backing vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and lead singer-songwriter, cultivating a versatile and dynamic stage presence.

A sought-after collaborator, Emerson has lent her songwriting talents to tracks with diverse local artists such as Frankie Venter ("Like It Like That"), Teo Glacier, Keenan Te, Macey, Rosetta, and Lucy Gray, showcasing her collaborative spirit and creative versatility. With two more singles planned for July and September, and an EP on the horizon, Emerson is rapidly cementing her position as a significant voice in the NZ alt-pop landscape.

STRANGE VISIONS 1 - out now on all streaming platforms

After emerging on digital streaming platforms for a brief moment pre-pandemic, and then mysteriously disappearing, STRANGE VISIONS 1 by Auckland-based project Polar Extremes is finally back where it belongs - on all DSPs.

Listen to STRANGE VISIONS 1 HERE

Undoubtedly one of the quirkiest records to have been completed on Aotearoa shores, STRANGE VISIONS 1 is the work of artist, producer and engineer Quaint, who is as mysterious as the journey this body of work has taken since its conception in the 90s.

“STRANGE VISIONS 1 was written over 20 years, from 1993 to 2019. The apocalyptic theme began even before the influence of pre-millennium tension. Things have only intensified since then,” says Quaint. 

“When the album was first finished the official Doomsday Clock was at five minutes to midnight, and the album artwork was prophetically at two minutes to midnight. Now the official clock is at 89 seconds to midnight - the closest humanity has come to destruction.”

“The cover album art is now technically behind the times!”

The album’s lead single ‘Captain Zodiac's Dictionary’ is a splendorous and wacky mash of Victorian hip-hop, Vaudeville, post-modern satire, funk and pop noir. 

Listen to ‘Captain Zodiac's Dictionary’ HERE / Watch the music video HERE and the lyric video HERE

“In the spirit of Gulliver's Travels, it is a satire of modern times where truth, post-truth and fantasy collide. Where science and mythology and conspiracy theory become combined in public perception. It is simultaneously fun and dark/twisted - a nihilistic nursery rhyme. There is something both sublime and ridiculous about a society in a philosophical and apocalyptic free fall,” says Quaint. 

STRANGE VISIONS 1 also includes the tracks ‘So What If I’m On Television’, ‘Racing This Time’, and the ultimate track ‘Harps’, which Quaint describes as ghost funk: “Spirit, heart and body all together - it unites all the chakras.” 

It’s anyone’s guess as to why STRANGE VISIONS 1 disappeared during lockdown, to re-emerge at a time when the future of society precariously hangs in the balance. All that really matters is that the album is back and it’s just what the doctor ordered. 

Catch Polar Extremes live at Moon in Wellington on Saturday, July 19 for the STRANGE VISIONS 1 album release show. Polar Extremes will be supported by Bottom Bunk Club and The Rugs.

Get tickets to the STRANGE VISIONS 1 Album Release Show here 

InDuna Releases “Take My Pain,” Final Single Ahead of Sophomore EP GO HIGH

Afro-pop artist InDuna released his final single, Take My Pain, ahead of his sophomore EP GO HIGH, set for release 28 July. 

Stream ‘Take My Pain’ Here

Now available on all major streaming platforms, Take My Pain is a soft Afro-pop banger that explores emotional exhaustion, healing, and the power of release. Written and produced by InDuna (with co-production from Jpec), the track reveals a more introspective side of his songwriting and sound.

Set for release on 28 July, InDuna’s sophomore EP titled GO HIGH is a five-track project shaped by resilience, self-belief, and soulful Afro-pop energy.

‘GO HIGH’ Tracklist - OUT 28 JULY 

Two Face

Go High

I’ll Be There 

Don’t Break My Heart 

Take My Pain 

Rachel Louise releases indie-pop anthem for hit Prime Video Show ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’

Indie artist Rachel Louise dives into a tender and hard-hitting coming-of-age story with her new single ‘Meet Me at the Beach’. Inspired by the pop culture phenomenon, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ series on Prime Video, the track comes a week after the final season of the show - which just so happened to drop on Rachel’s birthday.

‘Meet Me at the Beach’ invites listeners deeper into the world of the show and Rachel ultimately hopes the track will be heard by show creator Jenny Han, embarking on a social media journey to make it happen. ‘I’m struck by the way art often inspires art and I would love Jenny to hear how her storytelling has drawn a story out of me’.

Produced by Ben Malone (Luca George, MACEY, BEXY) and mastered by Chris Chetland, the track’s cinematic soundscape centres around the sonic world of the show. Soft, nostalgic piano, floating guitar, and background ocean textures give way to a driving beat, dramatic impacts and epic pop synths and strings. A dreamy blend reminiscent of early Bon Iver and Taylor Swift’s 1989 era, ‘Meet Me at the Beach’ is likely to resonate with fans of both.

Rachel describes starting the song after watching the first season of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, ‘I was so compelled by the coming-of-age story of the main character Isabel (Belly) Conklin, the intergenerational relationships explored, and the way the beach house seems to become a character of its own’. As Belly spends much of the show choosing between two potential love interests, ‘Meet Me at the Beach’ imagines her discovering the fullness of who she is, able to love out of a place of overflow rather than deficit.

‘It’s wild how storytelling offers moments of such profound connection and discovery. Writing ‘Meet Me at the Beach’ has allowed me to name some of my own journey and I’m excited to see that flow beyond me as it’s heard by others.’

A Legacy Reignited: The Warratahs Release Burning Daylight

With a legacy stretching over four decades, The Warratahs are one of Aotearoa’s most iconic and enduring bands. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, roots-driven sound, and captivating live shows,The Warratahs are known for being the early champions of the Americana sound in New Zealand. Barry Saunder’s collaborative work with Delaney Davidson is testament to his songwriting skills in this genre.

Their extensive touring history includes sharing stages with musical greats such as Billy Joel, The Highwaymen (featuring Johnny Cash), Bob Dylan, and The Carter Family. Their storied career has earned them two Gold albums and one Platinum, marking their place as true legends in New Zealand’s music scene.

Longtime members Barry Saunders (vocals/guitar), Nik Brown (violin, mandolin), Nick Theobald (bass, vocals), and Alan Norman (keyboards, accordion) were deeply affected by the passing of their beloved drummer Mike Knapp (Snapper) in 2022. After a period of reflection, the band welcomed Caroline Easther (The Chills) into the fold on drums — a move that has brought fresh energy and a renewed sense of purpose to the group’s sound.

Now, in 2025, The Warratahs are writing a new chapter with the release of their latest album, Burning Daylight. Embracing a modern release strategy, the band opted to roll out a series of singles ahead of the full album drop to engage audiences in the streaming era. This approach paid off, with their single "Little Victories" landing on a Spotify Editorial playlist, introducing their timeless sound to a new generation of listeners.

“It’s so good to still be writing and putting out new music. We’ll keep writing, recording, and sharing new songs. It just feels good to keep the wheels turning. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with us over the last 40 years, and welcome to all our new fans! ” — Barry Saunders, The Warratahs

Whether performing on festival stages or crafting songs steeped in country soul and New Zealand storytelling, The Warratahs continue to evolve while staying true to the heart of their sound.

The Warratahs “Burning Daylight” Album Release Shows

July 26 | Thistle Inn, Wellington - ticket information
July 27 | Paekakariki Hall, Paekakariki - ticket information
August 2 | Cossie Club, Upper Hutt - ticket information