Blake’s Most Poignant Release Yet: "The Gift You Gave Me" Earns Triple J Support and Rolling Stone AU/NZ Pick up

Rising New Zealand singer-songwriter Blake has kicked off 2025 with major momentum following the success of her most poignant release yet, "The Gift You Gave Me." Released on December 20th, the track has now surpassed 100,000 streams, marking a significant milestone for the independent artist. Originally inspired by Mike Hudner’s viral story of losing his son to mental health struggles, the song delves deeply into themes of grief, resilience, and personal growth. In the weeks leading up to its release, the track took on even greater significance as Blake faced the loss of her aunty after a courageous battle with cancer. This personal and recent grief brought the song closer to home, transforming it into a heartfelt tribute to loved ones lost in all forms.

The emotional impact of "The Gift You Gave Me" has earned Blake widespread recognition, with the song being featured in Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s prestigious ‘Songs You Need to Know’ series and recently picked up by Triple J in Australia. Fresh off summer festival appearances at the TSB Festival of Lights, Grey Lynn Park Festival and up-coming Cross Street Music Festival, Blake is cementing herself as one of New Zealand’s top rising songwriting talents, making 2025 her most exciting year yet.

MIM JENSEN 'PAST LIFE'

Mim Jensen releases "Past Life”, the 2nd single from her forthcoming EP “Shadow Of The Gift” today.

Mim Jensen's musical odyssey has seen her share stages with indie-rock stalwarts such as The Beths (NZ), Teenage Dads (AU), The Rubens (AU), Great Gable (AU), The Butlers (NZ), and Bob Mould (USA). 

Her sharp-tongued and honest approach to indie rock has not only captivated audiences but also led to sold-out single releases and coveted support slots across the country.

Catch Mim live @

Feb 7th Nelson @ Trafalgar Centre w/Shihad 

Feb 20th Canterbury O-week @ Ngaio Marsh Theatre w/ Summer Thieves

March 1st Christchurch @ Sector 7 w/ Shihad

March 14th Auckland @ Spark Arena w/ Shihad

March 15th Papamoa @ The Island

Avish Breaks Barriers with NZ On Air-Funded Hindi Song "Dhoop,"

"Dhoop," the latest single by Auckland-based singer-songwriter Avish, is released today, with its music video premiering on Sunday, 2nd February on his YouTube channel. Remarkably, it may be the first Hindi-language song to receive funding from NZ On Air under their "New Music Single" funding round, making this a groundbreaking moment for diversity in New Zealand's music scene. 

Avish was both delighted and surprised to learn his song had been selected. Having submitted his demo with no real expectations, he had almost forgotten about it until a fellow musician spotted NZ On Air's announcement on social media and informed him of the news. Beyond the typical self-doubt many creatives face, Avish was unsure if a song with Hindi lyrics could ever be recognized as "New Zealand music." Growing up in New Zealand, he rarely saw musicians with ethnic backgrounds other than European, Māori, or Pasifika featured on mainstream platforms.

While inspired by artists like Aradhna, who shares Indian roots but primarily creates music in English, Avish always questioned whether songs in Hindi could find a place within New Zealand's music industry. “I never thought NZ On Air would consider a song in a foreign language as eligible for their funding,” Avish shared. “This funding has shattered those doubts for me. It feels empowering and inclusive—like a sign that there’s space for everyone, regardless of their cultural or creative background.”

"Dhoop," which translates to "sunlight" in Hindi, is a poetic exploration of personal transformation and self-discovery. Its uplifting blend of folk and electronic elements creates an emotional soundscape, with lyrics that reflect the journey toward resilience and renewal. A key moment in the song reveals the realization:

"I saw that this world exists beyond the clouds

tearing through the sky, I flew ahead

leaving behind the moon I realised

those stars were never the destination,

they were the decoration along the way."

The accompanying music video, shot across breathtaking New Zealand landscapes, visually echoes the song’s themes of transformation. Directed by a talented local crew, the video moves from darker moments of introspection to expansive vistas, symbolising the shift from confinement to freedom that happens with self-realisation. 

For Avish, "Dhoop" is a deeply personal milestone. “This song is about embracing every part of who you are and trusting in your journey,” he explained. “It’s a celebration of individuality and resilience, but also a reminder that music transcends language. Stories like mine belong in the New Zealand music landscape too is something that never really occurred to me before.”

The funding for "Dhoop" also marks a progressive step for NZ On Air, signaling an effort to embrace and support diverse voices in Aotearoa's creative scene. "This initiative makes me feel hopeful about the future of music in this country," Avish said. “It’s encouraging to see that our industry is opening up to new possibilities and allowing artists to share authentic stories in their own voices.”

"Dhoop" is available on all major streaming platforms today, with the music video premiering on Avish’s YouTube channel @avishsharmamusic this Sunday, 2nd February. Join Avish on this inspiring journey of light, hope, and self-discovery.

Caru & Brandn Shiraz go ‘Back 2 Back’ in new EP

Prolific Tāmaki Makaurau musicians Caru & Brandn Shiraz join forces on their new EP ‘Back 2 Back’. The project combines both artists' respective styles to create a unique and fresh take on the classic 2000’s dance genre UK Garage. Brandn Shiraz’s boundary pushing MC skills effortlessly complement Caru’s refined production, resulting in a sound that’s both laid back and danceable.

The project perfectly fits a pocket in the Aotearoa music community by appealing to club DJs who curate music for the dancefloor, as well as the music-lovers who attend their shows. The project sees the duo steering away from the stereotypical pop music sensibilities of UK Garage, instead opting for a slick and mature interpretation of the genre that pays respect to the electronic music underground.

Focus single 'Pull Up' features the smooth vocals of R&B powerhouse JARNA, who Shiraz connected with at the APRA AMCOS NZ Moana Songhubs. JARNA’s sultry vocal harmonies juxtapose Shiraz’s focused flows and enticing lyricism. Both vocalists seamlessly enhance each other's performance, over a backdrop of dreamy chord sequences and intricate drum rhythms – not to mention the heavy 808 bass lines throughout.

Title track ‘Back 2 Back’ begins with an introduction by British-Tamil Producer & DJ GoldTooth, who moved from the UK to Auckland last year and brought with him a wealth of expertise and experience. This allowed him to quickly integrate into the Aotearoa DJ community, eventually crossing paths with Caru & Brandn Shiraz. GoldTooth’s excitement over the early demos of the EP resulted in an off-the-cuff recording in which he states that the duo have “cracked it” and that “garage isn’t a sound, but a feeling”. The track encapsulates the duo’s respective sounds, resulting in an opener where Shiraz takes advantage of the skippy drum production and bass-heavy beats as a launching point for his bars.

Head nodding and contemplative ‘No Time’ features visual artist and vocalist Eo, previously known for his work in hip-hip group Badcrop. The track also features Rhodes and synthesiser from Mānuka Recordings co-founder Kenny Sterling (Matt Hunter) who adds jazzy embellishments that accompany the moody vibe of the production.

To close out the project, ‘Poster Boyz’ shows a darker side to their producer-MC dynamic. The song's high tempo breakbeats flawlessly pair with Shiraz’s grime-inspired delivery, ending in a glitchy jungle inspired rhythm that chops up Shiraz’s vocals.

You can catch Caru & Brandn Shiraz live at the upcoming Cross Street Music Festival on Saturday 8th March in Auckland, and in Wellington at CubaDupa on Saturday 30th March.

About Caru

Carl Ruwhiu, known as Caru, has been a fixture in Aotearoa's electronic music scene since 2017 as part of synth-pop duo Imugi 이무기. In 2022, he shifted his focus to dance music, drawing influences from UK Garage, Breakbeat, Jungle, and Electro. His tracks, which range from remixes of '90s and Y2K classics to underground club anthems, have gained international traction, featured in DJ sets worldwide.

Caru has released music on UK labels like Belters, EC2A, and Profound Sound, as well as local imprints The Big Fresh Collective and Redline Records. He’s also remixed tracks for artists including MOKOTRON, Aroha, MELODOWNZ, and Lady Shaka.

With a summer residency on George FM and a sold-out Boiler Room show under his belt, Caru continues to build momentum, with more releases and collaborations on the way.

About Brandn Shiraz
Cook Island native and Tāmaki Makaurau based artist Brandn Shiraz is a prominent figure in the local community. Recently hailed by Sniffers as a leading force in Aotearoa’s hip-hop scene, Shiraz's commitment to pushing creative boundaries is evident in his captivating sound, with many inspirations stemming from his roots in the Cook Islands. He has a number of notable collaborations under his belt, including his most recent feature on the latest Home Brew album. In previous years, he featured on rap projects Shiraz & LSJ and Risera, and also garnered recognition in Redbull’s' 64 Bars series. Brandn Shiraz is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the New Zealand scene, with only more heat to come.

Find Brandn Shiraz online

Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Apple Music

Find Caru online
Instagram | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Spotify | Apple Music

REB FOUNTAIN RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘NOTHING LIKE’ AHEAD OF FORTHCOMING ALBUM HOW LOVE BENDS OUT MARCH 7

Some songs feel less written and more unearthed, whispered into the world by the ether. Reb Fountain’s latest single, "Nothing Like," is precisely that: a love song brimming with a luminous pop sensibility, tinged with the depth of introspection. 

"Nothing Like" is the newest offering from Reb’s highly anticipated album, How Love Bends, set for release on March 7th. Capturing the expansive moment of falling in love and the kaleidoscopic shifts it brings to both life and art, the single feels like a beam of light cutting through the fog.

“I was in the depths of recording How Love Bends and in the heart of a new relationship,” Reb reflects. “In “Nothing Like”, I was perceiving the world in a new light; amidst an intensely productive creative time and an enriched personal life, there was a profound shift in my lived experience. Our vision of the world is often a reflection of our shadows; hungry ghosts searching for our likeness, clouded by the umbra that binds us. As I walked with my dog up Maungarei in Tāmaki Makaurau, I felt, for a short time, that the fog was lifted and beneath was a hopefulness innate to our humanity that is often lost in the hunt for what feels lacking in our lives.”

The track, recorded at Auckland's Roundhead Studios, captures that moment of clarity with remarkable immediacy. Co-produced by Dave Khan and Simon Gooding, "Nothing Like" was birthed in a single day.

Reb recalls: “Simon Gooding was staying with me, and the next morning, as we drove into Roundhead Studios together, we listened to my voice memo of ‘Nothing Like.’ We played it through as a band first thing, edited and honed the arrangement and lyrics. Karin (Czanerk) created the bassline that underpins the instrumental, Earl (Robertson) composed the string line which Dave played, and with Dave and Simon at the helm, we wove a landscape for the song and finished ‘Nothing Like’ that day.”

The result is a track that carries a lightness and vitality yet feels foundational to the emotional architecture of How Love Bends. ‘Nothing Like’ brings a musical presence and grace that underpins How Love Bends … “although it arrived at the last minute, it was always there; a force of human nature guiding me to make sense of it all.”

In keeping with their love of film, Reb & Lola headed west of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland to the majesty of Muriwai Beach and shot the video for Nothing Like on four rolls of Super 8. The video shares the connection between Reb & Dark; her confident companion. They share in one another's journeys for a short time; carrying and guiding one another, following in each other's footsteps while they can.

Reb Fountain continues to weave music that feels like a dialogue with the soul, simultaneously timeless and urgent. With "Nothing Like," she reminds us that even amidst the shadows, there is always the choice to let in the light.

To mark the release How Love Bends, Reb Fountain and her full band will embark on an expansive nationwide tour throughout April and May 2025. Renowned for her captivating live performances and masterful storytelling, Reb invites audiences to experience the magic and intensity of her music in a live setting. Fans who have witnessed her command the stage know these shows are a rare and unforgettable experience—essential for anyone who appreciates the power of live music. Tickets for all dates are on sale now at rebfountain.co.nz

REB FOUNTAIN - How Love Bends Album Release Tour

With special guest Pete Moriarity
April-May 2025
Tickets on sale now rebfountain.co.nz

THU 10 APR
Totara Street | Tauranga
flicket.co.nz

FRI 11 APR
Dome Cinema | Gisborne
moshtix.co.nz

SAT 12 APR
MTG Century Theatre | Napier
moshtix.co.nz

THU 17 APR
Last Place | Hamilton
moshtix.co.nz

SAT 19 APR
Leigh Sawmill | Leigh
moshtix.co.nz

FRI 25 APR
Grainstore Gallery | Oamaru
moshtix.co.nz

SAT 26 APR
Errick’s | Dunedin
moshtix.co.nz

SUN 27 APR
Sherwood | Queenstown
moshtix.co.nz

THU 1 MAY
The Church | Christchurch
flicket.co.nz

FRI 2 MAY
Opera House | Wellington
ticketmaster.co.nz

SAT 3 MAY
Town Hall | Auckland
ticketmaster.co.nz

ALISA XAYALITH ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM SLOW CRUSH OUT APRIL 4

SHARES NEW SINGLE

‘WHAT THE HELL DO WE DO NOW?’

LISTEN HERE | WATCH VIDEO

“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:

Instagram |TikTok |X |YouTube |Website

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.

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. 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