Georgia Lines delivers an achingly raw and honest new ballad, ‘Till The Music Stops’ + announces EP release shows for Auckland and Tauranga

Award-winning singer-songwriter Georgia Lines delivers a powerful new single, ‘Till The Music Stops’, showcasing her growth and artistry as she takes fans one step closer to the release of her upcoming EP, THE GUEST HOUSE (out Friday August 29).

Listen to ‘Till The Music Stops’ HERE

Imbued in a sense of stillness and a beautiful simplicity, which builds to an expansive and epic crescendo, ‘Till The Music Stops’ sees Georgia once again drawing deep from a well of emotion.

“It’s about that suspended space, the moment between holding on and letting go. It’s that feeling when time feels stretched and fragile, and you just want to stay there a little longer. Like being midair, holding your breath. You know things are shifting, you know change is coming, but you're not ready to face it yet,” explains Georgia.

Intentionally crafted to evoke feelings of nostalgia, with sonic touches such as the sound of a music box, the raw and powerful ballad first came to life when she was paired with fellow writers and producers Matt Hales and Joel Jones at an APRA Songhubs writing camp, curated by one of the most well-known names in New Zealand music, Brooke Fraser.

“It’s where I first met Matt and Joel. We ended up writing the song in that one session. I’d never worked with either of them before and I remember feeling such a deep sense of calm and connection in the room, which really shaped the song,” says Georgia.

The session sparked an ongoing creative partnership between Georgia and the Grammy and Ivor Novello Award-winning British songwriter, producer and recording artist, Matt Hales, who co-produced ‘Till The Music Stops’, alongside recent singles, ‘Wonderful Life’ and ‘Julia’.

The music video for ‘Till The Music Stops’ is in keeping with Georgia’s creative flair for capturing the meaning and emotion in her songs through powerful visuals and was filmed at The Guest House in Manawatu, which also became the visual home for the whole EP (also titled THE GUEST HOUSE).

Watch the video HERE.

“For this video, we wanted to explore the emotional duality within the song by creating two contrasting worlds,” says Georgia.

“One version of me lives inside the house - warm, calm, and content - moving through everyday moments: sitting by the fire, reading a book, hand-sewing on the windowsill. That image is a quiet nod to Carole King’s TAPESTRY album artwork, which was a key musical reference point for the overarching project. The inside version of me is someone who’s already made peace with what she’s lost.

“The other version exists outside. Shot in the dark and the rain, cold and aching, banging on the door, desperate to be let into the world the inside version has found. The video captures that suspended moment between holding on and letting go, and brings to life the emotional tension at the heart of the song.”

‘Till The Music Stops’, ‘Wonderful Life’ and ‘Julia’ make way for Georgia’s upcoming EP, THE GUEST HOUSE, which is out on Friday August 29.

Georgia is currently on a two-date tour in Australia. Last night she performed at Wesley Anne in Melbourne and tonight you can catch her at LOW 32 in Sydney. Get tickets HERE

Following the Australian shows, Georgia returns to Aotearoa for EP release shows in Tauranga at Totara St on Friday August 29, and then in Auckland at The Hollywood on Saturday August 30. Tusekah and Aisha and Bebe are special guests at both shows.

Tickets for the NZ shows are on sale now HERE

Frau Knotz delivers euphoric new single ‘Khepri’, ahead of forthcoming sophomore EP

Aotearoa electronica artist Frau Knotz unveils her second single of 2025 — the entrancing and transportive new track ‘Khepri’.

Hot on the heels of her high-octane release ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’, this latest single showcases a softer, more reflective side of her forthcoming sophomore EP, Digital Plastic Surgery — proving there are many spellbinding shades to her world of sound.

Channelling the euphoric spirit of Groove Armada in their balearic era, ‘Khepri’ invites the late-night club-goer to look inward, swaying gently under haze and strobes as the track pulses through the fog. An aching, detuned lead synth spins a haunting melody across an extended chord progression, carried by a steady, thudding beat. The minimalistic production gradually builds to an expansive, sun-soaked breakdown at 2:55 — representing the blazing midday peak — before spiralling into a heady rhythmic climax, and finally easing into a graceful fade as each layer quietly bows out. 

Named after the ancient Egyptian winged scarab god, ‘Khepri’ is a shimmering sonic journey tracing the sun’s arc from sunrise to sunset. Frau Knotz explains: “The scarab beetle was a symbol of new life and rebirth in Ancient Egypt because the beetle lays its eggs in a ball of dung. The Egyptians equated the hatching of the eggs with the rise of the ‘newly born’ sun. The scarab god Khepri was a creator; in the Pyramid Texts he was referred to as a sun god, ‘he who is coming into being’.’”

‘Khepri’ is the second offering from Digital Plastic Surgery, a richly diverse EP that serves as part one of a double-EP project. It dives deep into the many corners of electronica, drawing from unexpected wells of inspiration and shaped by a relentless creative drive to forge something emotionally resonant and sonically bold in a focused window of time. 

In celebration of this EP, Frau Knotz will be hosting two exclusive events; a virtual listening party on Bandcamp, 7pm Wednesday 6th August and an in-person listening party on release day, Friday 8th August at Peeps DIY in New Plymouth.

Mixed and mastered by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studio, ‘Khepri’ is a track that evokes wonder, hope, transformation, and reverence for everyday miracles. 2025’s single ‘Victory Dance on ZR3’ was swiftly picked up by George FM as well as across the bNets and independent radio stations across New Zealand and Australia, proving this EP’s popularity at an early stage. 

Fresh from her appearance at WOMAD Aotearoa 2025, Frau Knotz has had a stellar year — releasing three acclaimed singles and a debut EP, packing out her hometown premiere for the Nextraterrestrial film, headlining The Stomach in Palmerston North, and captivating a national audience at the Len Lye Centre. With more music and shows on the horizon, Frau Knotz is poised to lift hearts and energise dance floors with her signature blend of deep feeling and undeniable groove.

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