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

VÏKAE RETURNS WITH “SWIPE RIGHT” A DARK-POP RESURRECTION

After a year spent sharpening her craft, Ukrainian born, NZ based - VÏKAE rises with "Swipe Right" - the first explosive offering from her upcoming body of work, DOOMSDAY COLLECTIVE, due November 2025.

Fierce, unapologetic, and laced with razor-sharp wit, "Swipe Right" dives headfirst into the chaos of modern love, survival, and self-preservation. This isn’t reinvention... it’s resurrection.

Born in Ukraine and based in New Zealand, VÏKAE weaves the resilience and defiance of her homeland into every beat. "Swipe Right" is a dark-pop battle cry for a world standing at the edge, setting the stage for an album that wrestles with heartbreak, identity, and the aftermath of chaos without fear.

Co-written and produced by Abigail Knudson and mastered by Rich Bryan, "Swipe Right" pulses with cinematic tension, hypnotic hooks, and raw energy. Stunning visuals led by Chontalle Musson bring the dark-pop vision to life: vivid, surreal, and unforgettable.

A national New Zealand tour is in the works for 2025, followed by a full-scale European tour in 2026, marking the beginning of VÏKAE's boldest era yet.

"This isn’t just a comeback," says VÏKAE. "It’s a resurrection. It’s a fight for survival ... in love, in war, and in myself."

"Swipe Right" is out now on all major platforms.

Listen & Watch:

 Spotify: VÏKÆ

 Apple Music: VÏKÆ on Apple Music

 YouTube MV: Swipe Right Official Music Video

Follow VÏKÆ:

Instagram: @vikaemusic

TikTok: @viikae

CAITLIN UNVEILS "ATTENTION (JUNUS ORCA REMIX)"—A MESMERIZING ELECTRONIC REIMAGINING OF HER EP STANDOUT

New Zealand alternative pop artist CAITLIN joins forces with innovative producer Junus Orca to unveil "Attention (Junus Orca Remix)", a dynamic, atmospheric rework of the original track from her celebrated EP, Legacy. This electrifying remix takes CAITLIN’s emotive songwriting into a darker, more immersive world, where deep, broken beats and ethereal textures intertwine.

Drenched in UK Garage, Future Garage, and ambient club elements, Junus Orca's rework transforms "Attention" into an entrancing, after-hours atmosphere. The remix preserves CAITLIN’s emotive vocals while weaving in textured synths, deep bass, and crisp, shifting percussion for a fresh, atmospheric take.

“I adore Junus’ emotive, ambient, and atmospheric approach to music,” says Caitlin. “I couldn’t believe how the song captured a new feeling in this soundscape but it felt like exactly the right place for the song”.

Junus Orca, known for his genre-fluid approach—blending industrial, dub techno, and ambient pop—has gained recognition from Rolling Stone, HATE, and Keep Hush. His production on this remix offers a cinematic, high-energy, yet deeply immersive experience, proving why he is one of New Zealand’s most exciting electronic artists.

Following the success of her Legacy EP, which saw CAITLIN chart on the New Zealand Alt Music Charts and top the NZ Student Radio Network Charts, she continues to establish herself as a force in the alternative scene. With festival performances, a growing international fanbase, and recognition on Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists, she remains an artist to watch.

"Attention (Junus Orca Remix)" is out now on all streaming platforms.

LISTEN HERE: https://music.drm.co.nz/attention-remix

Follow CAITLIN: https://linktr.ee/caitlinmusic

Erin G & Altercation Release Collaborative EP ‘Dream It Again’

A true meeting of minds,‘Dream It Again’ is a four-track collaboration from Singer and songwriter Erin G and Producer/DJ Altercation, two artists equally rooted in Aotearoa’s independent music scene. 

Listen Here

Known for infusing his productions with soulful textures and emotive grit, Altercation has become a regular on festival lineups across the country. Erin G moves fluidly between alt-indie and electronic, with a writing style that’s intimate, sharp, and sonically adventurous.

Reflecting on how the project came to be, Erin shares:

“Joel and I met five years ago and we’ve been on each other’s radar, saying we’d make music together. So the plan to collaborate has been in the works for some time. We wrote the EP online, sending each other audio files over a couple of months until the project was ready for release! I was in Auckland and he was in Queenstown, and we’ve become very good friends through this project. We’re both busy working on our own solo projects… so this liquid DnB collaboration has been the breather we’ve both needed to expand our creativity and working flow.”

Together, they craft an EP that’s cinematic and immersive. Earlier singles “Kind Eyes,” “Half Light,” and “Dream It Again” hinted at their artistic alignment, while the full release reveals a deeper synergy. 

 “Written with purpose and trust,this project is a reflection of our different lived experiences.”- Altercation

Dream It Again is out now on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all major platforms.

Ōtautahi-based singer-songwriter Keren Mara, announces her latest release. A feel good song about moving forward!

Ōtautahi-based emotive singer- songwriter Keren Mara releases her latest single ‘I love the open road’. This track is up-beat and further solidifies Keren’s music artistry as she builds on her two previous releases in 2024, ‘Under the wind’ released May 1st, and ‘Livin’ a heartbreak’ released in August.

Keren describes the song as a representation of freedom, saying, “This is what freedom feels like.” She continues, explaining, “It’s about leaving the past behind and moving forward, releasing my heart from the chains that have held me back. This song is a message to myself — to just jump in the car, drive, and let go!"

‘I love the open road’ leads in with a groove that will undeniably leave you with a smile. Keren’s vocals carry the melody, which lifts up an octave in the 3rd verse taking you to a slightly more raw place before coming back to the bouncy, 4/4 rhythm of the song, to which Keren says “Will hopefully be your anthem for the rest of 2025!” The song was recorded and produced by Harry Finlayson-Hood and Keren Mara, at their Christchurch based home studios, and mastered by Levi recordings.

Keren is currently prioritising recording while focusing on some new projects, including releasing a larger collection of works at a later date. She will also appear on tour with Th’Orchard’s compilation album release in 2025, in which her 2024 track ‘Under The Wind’ is included.

About Keren Mara
Keren, a true wanderer at heart, hails from the sun-soaked lands of Southeast Asia. Music has always been the soundtrack of her life, and her unique Christian upbringing as a “Third Culture Kid” shaped her deep connection to it. Her musical journey began with cherished CDs from artists like LeAnn Rimes, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, and Pink. Over time, her taste evolved, branching out to the sultry smoothness of Sade, the soulful richness of Amy Winehouse, and a mix of artists like Doja Cat, Adam Lambert, and Nina Simone to keep things fresh and exciting.
It wasn’t until later in life, after enduring some painful heartbreaks, that Keren rediscovered her first love—music. She then embarked on a soulful journey, pursuing her degree at Ara Institute of Canterbury, where she graduated in 2021. In May 2024, she released Under the Wind, which captured the attention of the media, earned a “Pasifika New Single” grant from New Zealand On Air Music, and found a cozy home in the top 40 of Life FM for six weeks straight. Not one to slow down, Keren followed up with Livin’ a Heartbreak in July 2024, continuing to spin her story through the magic of song.

Find Keren Mara
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Brandn Shiraz releases new single/video Youngin from Kuki II

Today, Brandn Shiraz unveils his latest single, ‘Youngin from Kuki II’, a powerful continuation of the original track featured on his 2023 self-titled project.

In this compelling sequel, Shiraz delivers his trademark energy and distinctive flow, weaving vivid lyricism that reflects his family’s migration from Rarotonga to Aotearoa. The track explores the duality of his upbringing — navigating life between the urban city and the cultural roots of island life — offering a raw and honest glimpse into the complexities of identity and heritage.

‘Youngin from Kuki II’ begins with a siren sound and an announcement from rapper Jungle Don, “Where the 682’s!” – a nod to the Cook Island area code and South Auckland subculture, who’s influence we hear infused into the instrumental. The Pātē drums (Polynesian percussion instrument) and trap beats lay down the steady rhythm and exist to showcase Shiraz’s rap expertise. Additional collaborations include big al. (whom Shiraz met through APRA AMCOS’s Moana Songhubs) who adds to the depth of the production with guitar, bass and saxophone layers tastefully woven in throughout.

Honouring diasporic Moana histories and conversations around place and identity are important themes in director Esther Mauga’s art practice. Mauga’s interpretation of the song is a dream-like sequence which pays homage to Shiraz’s upbringing and nostalgic family memories. From the traditional Cook Islands hair cutting ceremony ‘pakoti rouru’ to shots filmed at the exact home his family grew up in. By the end of the video, we see a personal VHS-filmed video of Shiraz’s family Christmas celebration, now with the realisation that we were revisiting all those memories in real time throughout the music video.

Brandn Shiraz says, “To me, this video honours a certain time for Pacific people in Auckland. There’s houses you might drive past every day without ever realising the rich stories, memories, and traditions that live inside them.“