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

Black Comet ‘Episode Two: The Force Between Us’

Following on from their recent funky single ‘We Can Call It Love’, Black Comet is excited to announce their second full-length album ‘Episode Two: The Force Between Us, dropping July 25th — a bold continuation of their space-funk saga. Bursting with cosmic grooves, emotional gravity, and their signature blend of funk, rock, and interstellar flair, the album explores the magnetic push and pull of connection, love, and the unseen forces that bind us. 

Supporting the album is their next single ‘Happen To You’, which leans into a heavier, QOTSA-inspired sound, blending gritty riffs with their signature space-funk edge. A hypnotic groove full of tension, it’s a bold follow-up that sets the tone for the album.

To celebrate the release, Black Comet is launching into a tour, kicking off July 26th at Butlers Reef in New Plymouth, Paisley Stage in Napier (August 1st), Whammy in Auckland (August 15th), Totara Street in Mt Maunganui (August 23rd), and finishing at Smash Palace in Gisborne (September 13th). 

They are also working on a little something special that will be coming very soon…

Get ready to blast off.

Links:

Album Link: (embargoed until 25th July)

https://dashboard.precise.digital/share/3YZk7MRqmYPRgCC5AE4q  

Pre-save Link:

https://precise.fm/theforcebetweenus 

Press Photos:

https://tinyurl.com/blackcomet-2025 

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRB9_R4jz81mhD6CJi0yzpQ

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/61np11Ikm9fN1ytvbBSTmF?si=7Vc6Hv3DSq6_63sqOgeVeg

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/blackcometband/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/blackcometband/ 

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@blackcometmusic  

Bandcamp

https://blackcometband.bandcamp.com/   

TîMMY Delivers a Powerful Internal Dialogue in New Single “Never Leave”

Afro-Kiwi artist TîMMY returns with “Never Leave”, the second single from his forthcoming EP “The Source”, arriving on July 25. Blending Afropop, hip-hop, sungura elements, and soul, the song is an introspective anthem — a raw and uplifting conversation between self, spirit, and source.

At its core, “Never Leave” is a reminder to stay grounded when the world feels uncertain. It's about fighting doubt, finding purpose, and remembering that even in isolation or doubt, you're not alone. Switching seamlessly between English and Shona, TîMMY speaks directly to his roots, affirming faith, perseverance, and divine guidance.

The track was created in collaboration with tinaye, a Zimbabwean-Australian producer, and features contributions from a global network of musicians. It carries a spiritual energy and emotional honesty that’s both personal and universally relatable.

The EP *The Source* explores identity, belonging, and the complexity of growing up between cultures. TîMMY, who was born in Zimbabwe and raised across the world before settling in Aotearoa, channels these experiences into a genre-defying sound that’s rapidly gaining attention in New Zealand and beyond. His single “Scared” earned support from Life FM, NZ On Air, and a range of blogs and radio platforms.

With “Never Leave”, TîMMY continues carving out space for Afro-diasporic storytelling in Aotearoa’s music scene — bringing rhythm, message, and movement in equal measure.

“Never Leave” will be available on all streaming platforms from July 25

Pre-save now: https://music.drm.co.nz/never-leave

Verity to release 3rd single - Friday 25th July

"Sober Strangers” is Verity’s uncomfortable confession about a sad kind of “love” that only exists under neon lights and the blurriness of one too many drinks. Verity strips it down to the truth about how she and her partner only ever knew each other through slurred nights, bar shifts, and messy hookups after closing time. It’s raw, intimate, and painfully honest... a story of mistaking chaos for connection.

But somehow, when the lights come up, Verity finds it in herself to ask... Who are we when we’re sober?

This isn’t a song about losing an intoxicating love “Sober Strangers” dives into the feeling of waking up and realizing the most intoxicating thing was never anything more than the glass on the table.

Verity will be performing the single at her release party at the iconic “Hotel Cafe” in Hollywood on Friday 25th and will be available for interviews in New Zealand from 4th August.

Pre-save link: https://precise.fm/soberstrangers