‘14 Years’ - Anna van Riel
10 years after the release of her last ‘grown up’ album, award-winning singer/songwriter Anna van Riel is set to launch the first single from her upcoming album 'Letter to Myself,' due out November 27th.
10 years after the release of her last ‘grown up’ album, award-winning singer/songwriter Anna van Riel is set to launch the first single from her upcoming album 'Letter to Myself,' due out November 27th.
After a decade-long sabbatical in the world of children’s music, van Riel returns to the stages of folk, alt-country and jazz with an 11-track album showcasing her diversity in song sculpting and vocalising.
Her psychedelic folk track, entitled '14 Years', breaks the seal on her 7th studio album, as the first single release from the record.
Reminiscent to Jefferson Aeroplane and Fleetwood Mac, the track is rich in mandolin & harmonies. Dunedin's Rosalinda Manowitz completes the audio trip with her violin, taking listeners somewhere nostalgic and untethered.
“I moved from Invercargill to rural Central Otago at age 14, and spent days wandering the hills and waterways with my dog. That time was formative and a time when I started really spreading my wings as a songwriter on the edge of womanhood. I tried to encapsulate that time and place within this song andI’m delighted with the outcome. It takes me back to imagery of expansive skies and self-discovery”, van Riel shares.
This is the 5th studio album van Riel has produced in collaboration with Audio Engineer and multi-instrumentalist Danny Fairley, with recording taking place at Hāwea’s brand new studio Mirrors Audio
“I’ve received multiple awards and nominations thanks to the imagination and production support of Danny Fairley and Mirrors audio. This is the album I’m most excited about”, said van Riel.
14 Years launches this Friday the 19th September, with the full album releasing November 27th
Pre-save 14 Years at https://music.drm.co.nz/14years
Rising Aotearoa Artist Delivers Empowering Anthem About Self-Liberation and Healing
Chasing Blues is Pareaute’s raw and uplifting anthem about love lost and self rediscovery. Blending heartfelt lyrics with imagery of freedom and renewal, the track captures the moment you let go, heal and find strength within. It’s a powerful reminder that chasing away the blues is really about finding a better place in yourself.
Chasing Blues is Pareaute’s raw and uplifting anthem about love lost and self rediscovery. Blending heartfelt lyrics with imagery of freedom and renewal, the track captures the moment you let go, heal and find strength within. It’s a powerful reminder that chasing away the blues is really about finding a better place in yourself.
Emerging Aotearoa artist Pareaute returns with her deeply personal and empowering second single ‘Chasing Blues’ a soul-stirring blend of R&B smoothness and reggae warmth that transforms heartbreak into an anthem of self-liberation .
The track, produced by acclaimed New Zealand artist Kings – the multi-platinum producer behind chart-topping hits like “Don’t Worry ’Bout It” – tells the raw story of falling out of love after years of trying to make a relationship work, and the profound freedom that comes when someone finally chooses themselves .
“This isn’t just a break-up song – it’s a healing anthem” says Pareaute, whose authentic storytelling approach draws from lived experience to create emotional honesty that resonates universally . The track paints vivid imagery of riding down a dirt road with wind in her hair and sun on her face, perfectly capturing the essence of release and renewal .
Musically, ‘Chasing Blues’ seamlessly blends 30% reggae with 24% R&B, creating a genre-crossing sound that appeals to diverse audiences while maintaining the chill, romantic mood that makes it instantly playlist-friendly. The rich instrumentation features bass guitar, electric guitar, percussion, piano and electric organ throughout, creating a medium-energy track with positive emotional dynamics .
The collaboration with Kings adds significant credibility to the release, with the renowned producer – who holds the record for longest-running No. 1 single in New Zealand chart history – bringing his expertise to Pareaute’s vision . Kings, who is also Pareaute’s cousin, has been a major inspiration in her musical journey .
This marks Pareaute’s second official release following her debut single ‘Just Another Weekend’ featuring The Western Guide, which was released in June 2025 through her partnership with Royalty Music Group. That track established her as an artist unafraid to be vulnerable while delivering polished, universal sounds that transcend borders .
‘Chasing Blues’ positions Pareaute as a compelling new voice in Aotearoa’s thriving music scene, showcasing her ability to craft songs that connect deeply with listeners through themes of heartbreak, healing and empowerment – narratives that resonate across cultures and generations.
About PAREAUTE
Pareaute is an emerging voice in Aotearoa’s music scene, known for her soulful delivery, lyrical honesty and genre-blending sound that seamlessly fuses country-pop, R&B and reggae influences . Based in Malaysia, she continues to develop her artistry through authentic storytelling and collaborations with respected producers in the local music industry.
Amber Carly Williams Releases single ‘To Be Like You’
Ōtautahi-based artist Amber Carly Williams is making her mark in Aotearoa’s Alternative/Indie-Pop scene, playing shows around the country and sharing a vulnerability in her songwriting that entices listeners. With a powerful voice rich in soulful grit, and the skill to match on guitar, Amber delivers a live performance that leaves a mark.
To Be Like You was written in the summer of early 2024, after my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The song came to me quickly and effortlessly. I first performed it at my headline show at Auckland’s Big Fan, where I received an emotional, deeply engaging response - and I knew it was something special. I went on to record it in Melbourne with my producer Terence O’Connor and it came to life over 4 days in the studio. The song continues to grow in meaning for me, carrying even more weight now than when I first wrote it, almost as if I had written it for my future self. Carried by heartfelt lyrics and a guitar-filled soundscape, To Be Like You opens the door to a new era for my music. A more raw, stripped back sound that I’m excited to explore further.
Artist bio:
Ōtautahi-based artist Amber Carly Williams is making her mark in Aotearoa’s Alternative/Indie-Pop scene, playing shows around the country and sharing a vulnerability in her songwriting that entices listeners. With a powerful voice rich in soulful grit, and the skill to match on guitar, Amber delivers a live performance that leaves a mark. Her sound combines the emotional depth of Lizzy McAlpine and the atmospheric pull of Holly Humberstone, but with a grungy edge - bringing undeniable energy and authenticity to the stage.
In 2023, Amber released debut EP 21 Roses, produced by Terence O’Connor (Teeks, Julius Black), an intentional collection of songs exploring themes of grief and upbringing with powerful relatability. This EP opened doors across the live circuit, leading to headline shows in Christchurch and Auckland, as well as getting landed in various publications. Amber's songwriting has led her to participate in songwriting camps including Big Fan Camp Vol 1, a Waiata Reo Writeup, as well as live sessions such as RNZ Live, RDU Live To Air, Intros (Georgia Lines) and Spark Sessions NZMM. She also placed herself as a semi-finalist on the TVNZ show 'Popstars' in 2021 and found herself working with Kimbra after the show.
Amber has opened for notable acts including Jeremy Redmore (Midnight Youth), Prins, Georgia Gets By (Broods), Revulva, Castaway and Mim Jensen to name a few, and performed at major festivals such as Bay Dreams, Rolling Meadows, Nostalgia, Single Fin Mingle, and the South Island Wine & Food Festival.
With a growing presence and a clear artistic voice, Amber Carly Williams is carving out a space uniquely her own. In the coming months, Amber is set out to release new music recorded with Terence O’Connor and Will McGillivray (Goodwill, There’s A Tuesday) and perform a headline show in November. With an exciting summer of releases, shows and festivals on the horizon, Amber is absolutely one to keep an eye out for.
Lepani Reimagines Pop Anthems as Anime-Inspired Rock Intros in New Cover Series
UK-based Kiwi artist Lepani is putting a bold new twist on some of the world’s most recognizable songs. Inspired by the electrifying energy of anime intros, he has reimagined them into a four-track cover EP ‘You Heard It Before, But Not Like This’, blending soaring vocals, cinematic guitars, and high-energy pop-rock arrangements that channel the drama and intensity of anime soundtracks.
UK-based Kiwi artist Lepani is putting a bold new twist on some of the world’s most recognizable songs. Inspired by the electrifying energy of anime intros, he has reimagined them into a four-track cover EP ‘You Heard It Before, But Not Like This’, blending soaring vocals, cinematic guitars, and high-energy pop-rock arrangements that channel the drama and intensity of anime soundtracks.
The series began with a catchy reimagining of the Pussycat Dolls’ Stickwitu, which quickly caught fire with fans online — and even caught the attention of original members Nicole Scherzinger and Carmit Bachar. The viral Instagram reel sparked massive engagement, and the full release went on to surpass 70,000 streams on Spotify, setting the tone for what would become a fan-driven project built on social media demand.
Following that breakthrough, Lepani is releasing fresh covers of global hits in a pop-rock style, each one shaped by requests and votes from his audience. Every single has built momentum — from reels hitting hundreds of thousands of views, to strong streaming numbers across Spotify and Apple Music, with Instagram fan requests continually steering the project’s direction.
Lepani followed STICKWITU with a reimagining of Swedish House Mafia’s Save the World. The cover translated the dance anthem into a cinematic, anime-rock track. Now, this latest single, REWRITE THE STARS (from The Greatest Showman), has arrived after overwhelming demand from listeners who had already driven over 600,000 views on the original cover video. The track not only channels the theatrical and hopeful spirit of Broadway but reimagines it through the lens of anime-inspired pop-rock — showcasing Lepani’s ability to fuse genres into something both cinematic and energizing.
‘You Heard It Before, But Not Like This’ EP will be closing on October 3rd with THE GREATEST (Sia), the final piece in this waterfall release. Together, the series forms a cohesive EP that celebrates both pop nostalgia and the soaring, motivational spirit of anime.
“I wanted to take songs that people already love and flip them into something that feels like a main character anthem,” says Lepani. “The fans really shaped this project — every release was built on their requests. It’s been amazing to create something that feels like it belongs in the world of anime intros, but still connects with listeners through songs they already know.”
With 70K+ streams on the lead single alone and fan engagement continuing to drive each release, Lepani’s anime-inspired covers put a fresh, high-energy spin on iconic hits. This EP is a soundtrack for dreamers, underdogs, and anyone chasing something bigger than themselves.
Tracklist (‘You Heard It Before, But Not Like This’ EP):
STICKWITU
SAVE THE WORLD
REWRITE THE STARS
THE GREATEST
Three Houses Down Release New Single - Shot Caller
South Auckland’s Otara acclaimed roots reggae band, Three Houses Down, return with their bold new single ‘Shot Caller ‘and bringing back Aotearoa roots reggae music, written by Charlie Pome’e and produced by Dean Fraser and Shane Brown (Jukeboxx Jamaica).
South Auckland’s Otara acclaimed roots reggae band, Three Houses Down, return with their bold new single ‘Shot Caller ‘and bringing back Aotearoa roots reggae music, written by Charlie Pome’e and produced by Dean Fraser and Shane Brown (Jukeboxx Jamaica). The track is a powerful anthem that speaks truth while celebrating unity, resilience, and the transformative force of music. With dance floor energy, it reminds us that even in our hardest moments, music and unity will set us free.
“Shot Caller” calls on the shot callers of mainstream music — urging them to create space for reggae voices and allow Aotearoa music to be heard on mainstream radio, The track amplifies reggae voices often sidelined by commercial platforms, reinforcing that reggae is not just a genre but a movement — a source of resistance, remedy, and empowerment.
Through its revolutionary spirit and celebratory energy, Shot Caller positions Three Houses Down as both truth-tellers and ambassadors of positive vibes, using music to inspire, connect, and uplift communities across the Pacific and beyond.” Formed in 2004 by brothers Rob, Sione, and Charlie Pome’e, Three Houses Down blends roots reggae with Pacific soul, carrying a mission to honour their heritage, uplift their people, and tell the stories of the Pacific through music that heals, connects, and empowers.
From family jam sessions in a garage to international stages, the band has become one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most celebrated reggae acts. Their debut Dreadtown (2007) and follow-up Break Out (2009) set the stage for hits like “DandyMan”, “Kanikapila”, and “She Loves Me”, earning multiple Pacific Music Awards and APRA recognition.
Three Houses Down has shared stages with legends such as UB40, J Boog, Fiji, Julian Marley, and Ziggy Marley, and recorded at Jamaica’s iconic Tuff Gong Studios. With over 63 million global streams, 230,000 monthly Spotify listeners, and dedicated fanbases across Auckland, Honolulu, Brisbane, Sydney, and Hamilton, the band continues to inspire through music, community engagement, and cultural advocacy.
Two decades in, Three Houses Down remains a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s music scene — a legacy grounded in family, faith, and Pacific pride, carrying forward a movement of love, purpose, and unity.
Yurt Party shares new single, ‘Ding Dong Swing’
Ōtautahi/Christchurch street‑party outfit Yurt Party return with “Ding Dong Swing,” a lean, lively instrumental built for dance floors and summer stages. The title started as a van joke on a South Island drive — the band were riffing on call‑and‑response shouts they use live. “Ding dong” stuck. It’s not deep. It’s just fun!
Ōtautahi/Christchurch street‑party outfit Yurt Party return with “Ding Dong Swing,” a lean, lively instrumental built for dance floors and summer stages. The title started as a van joke on a South Island drive — the band were riffing on call‑and‑response shouts they use live. “Ding dong” stuck. It’s not deep. It’s just fun!
Connor Hartley‑Hall (guitars, songwriter) on the track: “On the bridge it moves from that 2 feel into something a bit… not quite f lamenco‑y, but there’s a little something‑something. I wanted the guitar and violin to carry the melody together, then switch it up with the sax. There are a few tricky hits in there — we had to shed those to get them down.
Recorded and produced by bassist Josh Logan, and mastered by Kog’s Chris Chetland, Ding Dong Swing will also feature on the band’s much-anticipated second album, out 24 October 2025.
“Ding Dong Swing” is out 19 September 2025 on all major platforms. It lands ahead of Yurt Party’s second album, out 24 October 2025.
Mirage Releases their 3rd Single 'Steal My Heart'
Fresh from their second New Zealand No.1 hit, 'Before the Night', indie-pop sensation Mirage is back with their latest single, 'Steal My Heart'—a high-energy, feel-good anthem destined to light up radio waves and festival stages across Aotearoa.
Fresh from their second New Zealand No.1 hit, 'Before the Night', indie-pop sensation Mirage is back with their latest single, 'Steal My Heart'—a high-energy, feel-good anthem destined to light up radio waves and festival stages across Aotearoa.
“Following an electrifying New Zealand tour, Mirage returned to the studio to create fresh music for their growing fanbase. The result is 'Steal My Heart'—an infectious, feel-good anthem penned by lead singer Ben Horlock, inspired by the all-consuming thrill of new love.”
"It’s about that moment when someone enters your life and completely takes over—when the connection is so intense that no one else exists," Ben explains. The song came together almost effortlessly. The chorus melody first struck Ben while driving along State Highway 2 toward a recording session in Mount Maunganui. "I was humming the tune in the car, and by the time I arrived, I grabbed an acoustic guitar, played through the chords, and within 20 minutes, it all just clicked. It was one of those magical songwriting moments where everything just fell into place."
Recorded over a few relaxed days in Tāmaki Makaurau with producer Christian Tjandrawinata (who also produced both 'Summer Won’t Be the Same' and 'Before the Night'), 'Steal My Heart' has already become a highlight of Mirage’s live performances.
"We’ve been playing this track every night at our shows, and the crowd energy is insane! It’s a proper firestarter—one of those songs that just lights everything up,"
Drawing inspiration from artists like Six60, Lime Cordiale, and Harry Styles, Mirage continues to carve out its own unique space in the Aotearoa music scene. With soaring melodies, infectious hooks, and undeniable charm, 'Steal My Heart' further cements Mirage as one of the country’s most exciting emerging acts.
'Steal My Heart' is available on all major streaming platforms from 5th September 2025.
The RVMES drop fourth album Boundary Issues and start their NZ tour.
After dropping their first tease with Any Better Reason, The RVMES prepare to release their full album, Boundary Issues on September 5th — 11 tracks ripped from a deep pool of inspirations and crafted into a sound that’s solid, unified and unique.
After dropping their first tease with Any Better Reason, The RVMES prepare to release their full album, Boundary Issues on September 5th — 11 tracks ripped from a deep pool of inspirations and crafted into a sound that’s solid, unified and unique.
Three years in the making, these songs have been road-tested on stages across Aotearoa, and now arriving soon in studio form — Boundary Issues captures the same live energy and fearless stylistic shifts The RVMES are known for. Surf-rock grooves from Logan Fox’s Tauranga upbringing, hip-shaking basslines from Ronaldo Lima’s Brazilian roots, soul-soaked vocals from Edwin Judd’s younger influences, and fiery guitar work from Richard Moore all collide to form the backbone of Boundary Issues.
Stream Boundary Issues here.
The album was recorded with Casey and John Messent at Wardrobe Studios, mixed by TeMatera Smith at The Chapel Studio, and mastered by Luke Finlay at Primal Mastering.
The RVMES have announced a strictly limited vinyl run of their album Boundary Issues, with just 250 copies available, including 50 exclusive pink pressings. Each exclusive edition will come with unique extras such as one-off lyric sheets, posters, and signed copies, with the campaign running as a pre-order and pressing and shipping expected to begin in early 2026.
Pre-order the vinyl here.
Out September 5th alongside a fresh signing to AAA Records (home to Troy Kingi, KITA, The Mons Whaler and Albi & The Wolves), the release has been followed immediately by the Boundary Issues Tour. The nine-date run kicked off successfully on September 6th at Auckland’s BIG FAN alongside Velveteen Shakes and Mojo Smooth. Expect sweat, expect to dance, and expect to have The RVMES on repeat before the night is through.
Boundary Issue Tour Dates
SEP 6 - Big Fan, Auckland
Support from Mojo Smooth & Velveteen Shakes
SEP 12 - Beer & Loathing, Whangarei
Support from OSHEEN & Mojo Smooth
SEP 19 - Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi
Support from Strangely Arousing & Mojo Smooth
SEP 20 - The Yard, Raglan
Support from Retro Valley & Mojo Smooth
SEP 26 - Butlers Reef, New Plymouth
Support from The Mara & Mojo Smooth
SEP 27 - Meow, Wellington
Support from Devon Welch + Fortuna & 93silva
OCT 3 - Crabfarm Winery, Napier
Support from Nick Herbison & Mojo Smooth
OCT 4 - Smash Palace, Gisborne
Support to be announced
For more info, interview requests and other enquiries, please email below.
Edwin Judd | Management