Fresh from her LA sessions, 17 year-old Imani-J releases her debut EP ‘EXPECTATIONS’

“My debut EP, EXPECTATIONS, is about the expectations I put on myself and those that others have for me. Each song has its own meaning and story, but the thing that ties them all together is the expectations placed on relationships, friendships, my identity, school and my career. This EP is so special because every word has meaning and is something I have either felt or experienced. I couldn't be prouder, and I can't wait to share it with the world.”

– Imani-J

At just 17, Imani-J is already carving out a powerful voice in the R&B and Afrobeats scene. An artist in the truest sense of the word - singer, songwriter, dancer and performer - she tells stories of her own unique journey and experiences as a young Kiwi/Haitian woman in NZ.

EXPECTATIONS, the lead track on Imani-J’s debut EP, blends smooth R&B melodies with hypnotic Afrobeats percussion, and sun-drenched guitar riffs. The song explores themes of love, desire, and vulnerability. With a sound both warming and uplifting, perfect for late-night drives or dancing under warm city lights, Imani-J continues to carve a lane that’s all her own.

It’s been a whirlwind year for Imani-J, after being mentored by Tiki Taane through APRA’s mentoring programme and supporting both Ladi6 and Louis Baker, she received a scholarship to attend a song writing camp in Seattle, which was followed by her first international performance at Seattle’s prestigious Madame Lou’s The Crocodile venue.

Now fresh off the back of a writing trio to LA she is soon going to London to collaborate with leading artists and producers in the R&B and Afrobeats scenes as she develops her next project.

ANDERSON ROCIO RELEASES GRAND SCHEME — A REBELLIOUS NEW SINGLE + VIDEO DECLARING CREATIVE SOVEREIGNTY

Los Angeles, CA — September 5, 2025 — Multidisciplinary artist and songwriter Anderson Rocio steps fully into the spotlight with her new single and music video “Grand Scheme”—a powerful, theatrical rebellion against the exploitative systems that fuel the entertainment industry.

Set in a surreal vaudeville-inspired dreamscape, the video mirrors the dynamics Rocio has witnessed behind the curtain in her decade-long career in the business. Executives indulge, artists labor, and the spectacle collapses under its own excess. Yet amidst the chaos, Rocio reclaims the spotlight, embodying a radical act of creative sovereignty. True to Riverine Records’ mission, the cast and crew of Grand Scheme are artists in their own right—mentors, collaborators, and visionaries who brought their creative dominion into the project/ 

“Without art, there is no industry. Without the industry, there will always be art,” says Rocio. “Grand Scheme is about artists recognizing their power and walking away with their creativity intact.”

The release of Grand Scheme also marks the official launch of Riverine Records, an independent label founded by Rocio and dedicated to developing emerging artists across Aotearoa and Los Angeles. Riverine combines hands-on artist development with global industry strategy—bridging the worlds of creative freedom and career sustainability. At its core, the label empowers musicians to build lasting, independent careers with integrity, education, and impact, driving every release. Learn more at www.riverinerecords.com.

In tandem, Rocio continues her work with The Power In Us Project, a nonprofit channeling music collaborations and royalties toward environmental causes—proof that art can sustain both creators and the planet.

Melding camp spectacle with biting social critique, Rocio’s Grand Scheme is more than a song—it’s a manifesto for a new era of artistry, one that refuses to be owned or diminished by outdated industry models.

MORE ON THE PROJECT

Anderson Rocio is a New Zealand and Los Angeles-based artist and activist known for her emotive songwriting and environmental advocacy. Blending indie pop with cinematic depth, her music has been featured in global campaigns, TV, and film. She is the founder of The Power In Us Project, a nonprofit using original music to fund and amplify conservation efforts worldwide, and Riverine Records, an independent record label dedicated to the development and education of Artists between Aotearoa and Los Angeles. Learn more at andersonrocio.com 

The Power In Us Project is a global nonprofit initiative uniting popular music and environmental action. Founded by artist Anderson Rocio, the project connects acclaimed and emerging musicians with urgent conservation efforts, creating original songs and content that fund and amplify climate, wildlife and environmentally focused causes. The Power In Us Project harnesses the emotional power of music to inspire collective change—proving that art can be both a voice and a vehicle for impact. Learn more at thepowerinusproject.com

Riverine Records is an independent label dedicated to developing emerging artists across Aotearoa and Los Angeles. Founded by artist Anderson Rocio, the label combines hands-on artist development with global industry strategy—bridging the worlds of creative freedom and career sustainability. Riverine empowers musicians to build lasting, independent careers with integrity, education, and impact at the core of every release. www.riverinerecords.com 

RISING ELECTRO-POP WHIZ KIDS BROTHER SISTER DROP RETRO BANGER WITH NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘OASIS’

Tāmaki Makaurau electro-synth trio BROTHER SISTER today unveil new track ‘OASIS’, a synth-driven 80’s inspired anthem that blends nostalgic charm with a modern edge. Packed with retro vibes, it pays homage to the golden era of electronic pop, echoing the sounds of iconic bands like The Human League and Thompson Twins.

A band of siblings, Brother Sister are an energetic trio that have shared a womb and now share the stage - featuring Dave Thomson (synth and lead vocals), Taz Thomson (bass and lead vocals) and Ben Thomson (drums).

With driving basslines, shimmering vocoders, chugging guitars and heartfelt, catchy lyrics, ‘Oasis’ captures the spirit of vintage electro-pop while adding a fresh twist. A track that sticks in your head and tugs at your nostalgic heart, ‘Oasis’ firmly embodies the 80’s electronically-enhanced synth-pop soundscape, reminiscent of your favourite ‘80’s movie soundtrack, reimagined for today.

Says the band: “We were born in the 80’s and grew up on a steady diet of 80’s television movies and radio hits. We were even lucky enough to have some mentoring and production input on this song from one of our favourite 80’s synth pop legends Tom Bailey from the Thompson Twins. Having some involvement from Tom on this song has been a huge honour.”

Their devotion to the decade of bold colours and tech advances also extends to their visuals, ‘Oasis’ is accompanied by a vibrant video featuring Japanese actress Mayu Sugamoto and Isaac Griffiths in a neon blend of retro-futuristic animation with graphics by vfx artist Tim Armstrong. Overseeing this strong visual aesthetic, the video is Directed and Produced by band member Dave Thomson, whose production company Imaginary Friends has produced music videos for artists Alien Weaponry; Shepherds Reign; Team Dynamite; Coast Arcade and many more.

“This music video has been so much fun to make, from borrowing an original Commodore 64 to building 80s styled VR headsets out of our vintage toy collection. I hope it takes people on a journey back to their first childhood game computer game console. We have even had people asking where they can buy “The Oasis” we might have to consider building it for real!” says Dave.

 To date, the highly motivated trio have released their 2024 self-titled debut album, which landed at #7 on the NZ Album Charts, three self-produced EP’s, are continuing to build a solid fan base nationwide, and have amassed over 45,000 views for their music videos.

Now Brother Sister are preparing to hit the road to celebrate the release of ‘Oasis’, with a couple of local shows lined up before they return to Japan for the second time where they will be playing six dates through October.

SEE BROTHER SISTER LIVE

Saturday Aug 30 - @ Dead Witch for Back To The 80’s - Auckland

Friday Sept 5 - @ Double Whammy with Minuit – Auckland

Thursday Oct 23 - @ Ruby Room -  Tokyo - Japan

Friday Oct 24 - @ Makeshift – Kobe - Japan

Saturday Oct 25 - @ Pop Pizza – Kyoto - Japan

Thursday Oct 30 - @ Club Stomp – Osaka - Japan

Friday Oct 31 - @ The Den – Tokyo – Japan

For tickets and more info, go to linktr.ee/brothersisterband

Black Comet’s Latest Release ‘When You’re So Young (Apology Letter)’

‘Episode II: The Force Between Us’, Black Comet’s sophomore album, launched into the world on July 25th, featuring singles ‘We Can Call It Love’ and ‘Happen To You’. Now the band unveils the music video for ‘When You’re So Young (Apology Letter)’.

‘When You’re So Young (Apology Letter)’ reflects on the challenges of raising four young boys at a young age.

“This is an apology letter to my parents who had us when they were quite young. Back then I didn’t understand why we couldn’t do certain things. But now, having my own family, I completely understand. It’s about acknowledging my parents and recognising the amazing job they did raising four boys.” – Laughton Kora

The single is accompanied by a powerful visual collaboration with Mark Russell and Marcus Winter (The Sandman). Wanting the video to capture the raw emotion and beauty of the song, the band turned to Marcus’s evocative sand art and Mark’s keen eye behind the lens. Together they created something truly special—bringing to life the story of Laughton and his brothers, from their childhood through to stepping onto the big stage as Kora and beyond.

Tablefox announce new single ‘Runaway’ - out Sept 26

Alt-rock band Tablefox return this September with their new single Runaway (out September 26).

Runaway is a story of escape - leaving behind pain, pressure, and the past. It traces the emotional journey of someone overwhelmed and lost, choosing to run not just from a place, but from a version of themselves.

But at its core, Runaway is about return. Through the light of human connection - friendship, love, empathy - the runaway finds their way back. Not just back home, but back to themselves.

With soaring guitars, heartfelt vocals, and Tablefox’s signature mix of raw energy and emotional depth, Runaway captures both the weight of leaving and the hope of rediscovery.

BENJAMIN ‘WESTSIDE’

“WESTSIDE is a love letter to the city I'm from and the people in my life that I feel I have to depart from in order to grow.  It is a romanticised story on change, and the existential realities of out growing what I know. Made in my home studio in my bedroom, written by myself and produced by NWAK. We cooked this one up in one sitting over probably about 40 mins and instantly knew that it was one of them ones.” – BENJAMIN

Hailing from Central Auckland, Rapper BENJAMIN is an artist that has had his foot on the gas in the local underground music scene over the last couple of years. Growing up, BENJAMIN was blessed enough to have had music embedded in his surroundings from the start, which has since been fostered to harness a unique passion and love for what he does.

Stylistically, his sound leans into a montage of east coast golden era rap, upon a set of modern cadences to forge a lethal arsenal of familiarity, smooth flowing pockets and head knocking frequencies. BENJAMIN is a narrator, and a true storyteller at heart, balancing his own life experiences and lessons. There is a strong sense of social responsibility in his verses that clearly point to a purpose not only at a personal level, but at a place of influence he foresees for his own future.

BENJAMIN. will follow up the DSP release with an Official Music Video (release date TBC).

Bittersweet indie rock single “Wash” captures the emotional push-pull of growth, change, and letting go in your twenties.

Aotearoa singer-songwriter CAITLIN returns with “Wash”, a bold and emotionally raw single that marks a shift into more driving, indie rock territory. The track explores the bittersweet tension of longing, personal growth, and the courage it takes to walk away from people and places you love in search of change.

Wash reflects the internal push and pull many face in their twenties - the yearning for new experiences and the grief of what gets left behind. Inspired by the wave of peers leaving New Zealand and the pull of London, the song wrestles with the regret and longing that can exist on both sides of a decision to go or stay.

Caitlin references Baldwin Street (the world’s steepest residential street in Dunedin) as a symbol for the uphill emotional labour of choosing growth and how easy it can be to slip back into comfort. The river is painted as both liberator and threat, a current that can carry you forward or sweep you away on a path that’s not driven by intentional choices. The chorus echoes this uncertainty, with the lyric: “Water your own pasture, it’ll turn green someday. Or the river will wash you away.”

“Wash” builds on the momentum of CAITLIN’s recent EP Legacy and her 2024 single What You Love, which charted at #1 on the NZ Student Radio Network and was featured on Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists including New Music Friday AU/NZ and Equals.

As a self-managed artist, Caitlin continues to grow her presence in the alt-pop and indie scenes across Aotearoa and beyond. The release of Wash marks the beginning of a new chapter, with more singles and a new EP to follow later this year.

“Wash” is available to stream on all platforms from 29 August 2025.

dān dān end of august (hand-pulled noodles) Saturday 30 August

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland-based folk-pop artist dān dān returns with her second solo single, end of august (hand-pulled noodles).

A bittersweet reflection on distance, desire, and the quiet ache of making peace with something as it slips away.

As one half of wasian sibling duo Ersha Island 二沙岛, dān dān has been known for her bilingual storytelling and emotionally rich compositions. Her solo work leans into the playful and poetic, exploring food, identity, and culture with softness and clarity.

Following the success of her debut single ‘pressure cooker’ supported by NZ On Air and featured on Rolling Stone Australia/NZ - dān dān continues to craft a distinct space for diasporic voices in contemporary indie-pop.

”‘end of august (hand-pulled noodles)’ is about the feeling of knowing something’s ending before it actually does, and being okay with that. It’s about turning what could be bitter into something tender, something sweet, something worth savouring, even as you watch it inevitably slip away.” dān dān shares. 

Produced by Dan Martin with strings featuring sibling Tee Hao-Aickin, the track blends warm acoustics with layered harmonies and ambient textures, sitting somewhere between Lizzy McAlpine and a favourite comfort meal.

With an accompanying visualiser shot in Xi’An Food Bar on Dominion Road, end of august (hand-pulled noodles) sets the stage for dān dān’s upcoming debut EP — a gentle, self-assured project about food, love, and growing up between cultures.