Chanelle & Friends Returns with New Album "Creature Groove and Other Songs for Kids!"

Award-winning children’s music artist Chanelle Davis is back with her second Chanelle & Friends album, 'Creature Groove and Other Songs for Kids'! — a joyful, unmistakably Kiwi collection celebrating creatures, friendship, and the everyday magic of growing up in Aotearoa.

This vibrant 12-song album takes young listeners on adventures from glow worms to tadpoles, bananas to camping trips — with songs designed for car rides, classrooms, and family dance floors alike.

Produced in Te Awamutu by Morgan Samuel at All Round Audio, with illustrations by Kat Merewether (Kuwi the Kiwi books), the album builds on the success of the title track Creature Groove, which reached #1 on the iTunes charts across all genres. Funded by NZ On Air, the project continues Chanelle’s mission to create music that children and parents can genuinely enjoy together.

Along with core group members Daniel & Hayley Munro, the album features a stellar lineup of special guests and friends, including Suzy Cato, Craig Smith (The Wonky Donkey), Music with Michal, Loopy Tunes Preschool Music, Tami Neilson, The Topp Twins and The MikMaks (AUS).

With freshly crafted songs, real instruments, and genre-hopping styles, the album delivers energy, warmth, and irresistible catchiness.

Adding to the excitement, Chanelle will release a brand-new music video this Friday for the song Tadpoles — bringing the playful world of the album to life.

BORDERLINE RELEASE HYPNOTIC NEW SINGLE TAINTEDANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICA TOUR

Following a breakthrough year on the international stage, Indie-pop band BORDERLINE has released their first single of 2026, ‘Tainted’. The hypnotic song blends shimmering synths and guitars with captivating melodies, shaping a sound that sits at the pop end of indie.

Speaking about the creation of the track, frontman Ben Glanfield says “Tainted was such a blast to make, we loved messing around with quirky sounds and having a real good time experimenting in the studio. It’s been just as fun taking it to the stage over the New Zealand summer and playing it live. Tainted is such a step forward sonically for us and we can’t wait to share even more out of the ordinary tunes.”

Guitarist Matthew McFadden commented on the recording process, saying, “We got a bit experimental with ‘Tainted’.” The song began with a writing session in Sydney alongside producer James Guido. McFadden added “The original idea was just so inviting to all these fun, quirky sounds that we later added to it in the studio. The freedom we allowed ourselves on this gave ‘Tainted’ its own unique vibe that we’re so happy with.” Nic Manders produced the recording at Roundhead Studios in Auckland before it was mastered by Vivek Gabriel. 

Already recognised as one of New Zealand’s most compelling indie-pop exports, Borderline's EP and dynamic live shows won international audiences in 2025 and they are set to continue their growth in 2026 having just announced a tour of North America in April.

Jackson Boswell, Borderline’s drummer says “Tainted is such a fun groovy song to play live, we’ve been teasing it here in New Zealand over our summer shows, but we absolutely can’t wait to play it on our US tour in April, we hope you love it as much as we do.

The band are also excited to share the official video for ‘Tainted’. Directed by Tom Grut, watch the video here.

Borderline is Ben Glanfield, Jackson Boswell, Matthew McFadden, and Max Harries. 

Music Managers Forum Aotearoa welcomes new Executive Committee and interim Chair

The Music Managers Forum Aotearoa (MMF Aotearoa) is pleased to announce its new Executive Committee, alongside the appointment of Joost Langeveld as interim Chair.

This year’s election marks a moment of both continuity and renewal for the organisation, with a mix of returning members, newly elected members, and changes in leadership that will continue to help guide MMF Aotearoa through its next phase of governance and strategic development.

MMF Aotearoa acknowledges the significant contribution of outgoing Chair and long term Executive Committee member Cushla Aston, long serving committee member Sarah Owen, and Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau, who all stepped down prior to this year's nomination. Cushla stepped into the role of Chair 3 years ago and has been a steady hand both at a governance level as well as the long term vision for the organisation, and between them have played an important role in strengthening the MMF, supporting its members, and championing a more connected and equitable music management community in Aotearoa. The MMF extends its sincere thanks for their dedication, generosity and leadership, and acknowledges the considerable aroha and energy they have invested in the organisation and the wider industry.

Stepping into the role of interim Chair is current Executive Committee member Joost Langeveld, who will help steer the MMF through the next stage of its governance work and support the ongoing evolution of the organisation.

Following service in casual vacancy roles, Audrey Siataga and Craig Pearce have now been formally voted in by the membership as Executive Committee members. They are joined by newly elected members Cuillin Hearty, Mel Parsons and Mikee Carpinter, bringing fresh perspectives and a wide range of experience into the governance space.

Returning to the Executive Committee are Matt Harvey and Fenella Stratton, who continue to offer valuable insight, industry knowledge and stability as the MMF moves forward.

Together, the new Executive Committee and interim Chair reflect the MMF’s commitment to a diverse, skilled and collaborative board that can advocate for music managers across Aotearoa, support professional development, and help shape a sustainable future for the local music ecosystem.

MMF Aotearoa looks ahead to the coming term with enthusiasm, confident that this combination of fresh faces and experienced voices will continue to build a strong, supportive community for music management across the motu.

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Hamo Dell Releases Soulful Reo Māori Single “Tā Aroha (Love Letters)”

Aotearoa artist Hamo Dell returns with her warm, soulful new single “Tā Aroha (Love Letters)”, a contemporary R&B track shaped by Māori influences and deep emotional storytelling.

Created in collaboration with acclaimed producer Edy on the Beat, “Tā Aroha” blends smooth modern R&B textures with the lyrical depth of Reo Māori, offering a sound that is both fresh and culturally grounded. The song was written by Sam V, Hamo Dell, and Jay-lee Kwan, with translation and interpretation by Hinetu Dell, ensuring the reo carries its full meaning and wairua throughout the track.

At its heart, “Tā Aroha” speaks to a feeling many recognise — craving presence, not just communication. The waiata explores devotion across distance, holding tight to someone’s aroha even when they’re far away, and longing for the moment you can finally be where they are. It reflects the difference between messages on a screen and the deeper comfort of being physically close to someone you love.

Hamo describes the song as a heartfelt acknowledgment of that emotional pull:

“This waiata is about presence… not just words or letters. It’s about holding onto aroha when distance is part of the journey, trusting that connection remains even when someone isn’t beside you.”

With its warm, soulful tone and deeply grounded reo expression, “Tā Aroha (Love Letters)” continues to shape Hamo Dell’s place as a rising voice in Aotearoa’s contemporary R&B scene — one that honours culture, emotion, and the power of music to connect across any distance.

ABOUT HAMO DELL 

Hamo Dell is a Māori artist from Aotearoa whose music seamlessly blends R&B, reggae, soul, and pop. With more than a decade in the industry, she is known for her powerful stage presence and a distinct vocal tone — a rare balance of strength and sweetness that makes her sound both commanding and tender.

Her journey began with celebrated reggae band Tomorrow People, where her voice quickly resonated with audiences across the motu. She has since collaborated with leading Aotearoa artists including Stan Walker, Kings, and Sammy Johnson, establishing herself as a versatile vocalist able to move confidently across genres.

Proudly Māori, Hamo views her artistry as both expression and representation. With authenticity at the heart of her work and a voice that bridges vulnerability and power, she continues to carve out a space that honours her roots while embracing her evolution as an artist.

You’re Still Here by Blake, out TODAY

One year on from the release of Blake’s poignant ballad The Gift You Gave Me—and one year on from the passing of her aunty. Blake returns with its heartfelt sequel, You’re Still Here. The track captures the familiar warmth, togetherness, and joy of the Christmas season, while also acknowledging the amplified sadness that can accompany the absence of loved ones during this time of year. 

 A nostalgic pop ballad, You’re Still Here explores the duality of grief and gratitude: the ache of loss alongside the quiet silver linings that reveal themselves when we realise our loved ones continue to live on through family, shared stories, cherished art, and old film and photo memories. Written by Blake and co-produced with Christian Tjandrawinata, the song is rooted in Blake’s love for early-2000s organic pop ballads (The Fray) and coloured with 90s-inspired textures and processing. The track’s artwork is a collage of treasured family memories and objects that represent those who have passed, including a rosemary wreath for Blake’s Grandmother, Rose, and photos of pottery her aunty created and often gifted at Christmas. 

Opening with intimate vocals and piano, the track slowly expands—strings and layered harmonies lift the first chorus, before shoegaze-tinged drums and acoustic guitar introduce fresh momentum in the second verse. Here, Blake paints vivid scenes of Christmas Day: watching old family video tapes and feeling the presence of someone deeply missed through the memories they left behind. The final chorus brings all elements together for a soaring, emotional finale, blending crunchy drums and sweeping strings to create a moment that is both uplifting and beautifully melancholic. 

You’re Still Here marks Blake’s final release of 2025, showcasing her growing confidence in both her songwriting craft and her sonic identity as an artist. She is currently developing a new EP project for 2026.  

YOU, ME, EVERYBODY - Busy Without Me - Single Release and Midnight Album

NZ bluegrass explorers, You, Me, Everybody unveil “Busy Without Me” — a bright, upbeat nod to those of us who spend our lives running the itinerary, only to realise we sometimes need to step off the schedule. Released to announce the band’s forthcoming album Midnight, due out 30 January 2026, “Busy Without Me” adds a playful, free-wheeling spirit to the new record. Pre-saves for Midnight are now available on all platforms, along with pre-sales on Bandcamp.

Written by vocalist and songwriter Kim Bonnington, the track was sparked during a day off in Melbourne, wandering through Fitzroy between tour dates. After months of organising the band’s Australian tour, Bonnington found herself craving a moment without clocks or commitments. Built around the line “I’m slowing you down; but we’ve got such a small time in this town,” the song captures that gently cheeky moment of opting out while everyone else keeps hustling. Musically, “Busy Without Me” weaves playful rhythmic shifts and nimble acoustic interplay that let the melody skip, wander, and shake off the to-do list.

The single is accompanied by a video created by Charlie Higgison of Runner Films, filmed around Hamilton. Leaning into the song’s playful energy, the video features the boys in the band riding kids’ trikes, scooters, and skateboards while Kim stays still — a fun visual twist reflecting the theme of letting everyone else keep moving while you choose your own pace.

The track travelled a long creative road; produced by Rachel Baiman, shaped with engineer Troy Kelly at Armoury Studios in Wellington, mixed by Grammy-winning bluegrass specialist Sean Sullivan in Nashville, and finished with mastering by Bobbi Giel at Welcome to 1979. The single’s cover art comes from artist Andy Knopp while still images of the band come from Ebony Lamb.

Matt Sephton Releases Atmospheric New Single “The Sky”

Building on the momentum of his first single Horizon (released in November), Te Tara o Te Ika/Coromandel artist Matt Sephton releases “The Sky,” a storm-charged electronic piece carrying a sense of lift, movement, and elemental force.

The Sky draws on the energy of a storm rolling in across the Pacific, moving along the charged boundary between natural chaos and electronic momentum. With rich cinematic stabs, spoken word by Ghanaian papermaker Awal Muhammed, a driving pulse and crisp patē drums performed by Ben Percival creating a powerful blend of atmosphere and movement.

Created in Samoa during an artist residency at the Tiapapata Art Centre alongside ceramic artist Caitlin Moloney, The Sky is the second single from Sephton’s forthcoming full-length album Vā: a 12-track collection built from field recordings, found sounds, and sonic explorations across the island of Upolu. The album arrives in March 2026, accompanied by a curated selection of raw field recordings and source material: intimate, unprocessed sound moments that stand on their own without added production.

The Sky is out Friday, December 12 on all streaming platforms, with the full length album - Vā - following in March 2026.

Explore more of Matt Sephton's work here, including bass heavy explorations as Matt Rapid: https://linktr.ee/matt_rapid

Auckland pop-soul artist Verity returns with her boldest statement yet in her new single “Out of My Head.”

Auckland pop-soul artist Verity returns with her boldest statement yet in her new single, “Out of My Head,” a raw and unapologetic story of finally stepping away from chaos and choosing peace. Known for her powerful vocals and honest songwriting, Verity once again brings her heart to the forefront — this time capturing the moment when clarity arrives after a long, toxic relationship has taken too much.

Following the restless tension of her previous release, “Insomnia,” which explored the sleepless nights and emotional turmoil of being caught in someone else’s storm, “Out of My Head” marks the turning point. It is the chapter where everything snaps into focus. The denial is gone.

The excuses no longer land. The cycle ends. In this single, Verity takes back her space — physically, mentally, emotionally — and puts a full stop where there used to be fear and hesitation.

From the opening lines, she confronts the truth head-on: the relationship was chaotic, dramatic, and draining. The lyrics read like the final conversation you rehearse a hundred times before you finally say it out loud. “You used all of your chances, I looked past all of your answers.”

There’s no anger left — only honesty. She has moved from confusion to conviction, and the chorus becomes her boundary line drawn in ink:

“I got you out of my bed, so get out of my head.”

What makes “Out of My Head” so gripping is the way Verity transforms emotional exhaustion into power. The song doesn’t just tell the story of leaving; it captures the deeper victory — releasing the grip someone still holds over your mind long after they’re gone. As the track builds, her voice soars with the strength of someone who finally understands her worth. This is not a breakup song. It is a reclamation.

About Verity

Verity is a rising pop-soul artist with bold vocals and deeply honest storytelling. Her blend of pop, soul, and R&B carries emotional depth, delivering a sound that is real, raw, and unmistakably her own.

“Out of My Head” captures Verity at a turning point — drawing a line, reclaiming clarity, and stepping forward with certainty. It’s the feeling of finally exhaling after holding on for too long.

“This song is about the shift from confusion to clarity — that moment you realise you don’t owe someone any more chances. ‘Out of My Head’ is me choosing myself again. I hope it empowers anyone who’s had to walk away from a situation that was draining the life out of them.”  — Verity

With this release, Verity steps into a new era defined by healing, strength, and self-worth — delivering an anthem for anyone ready to do the same.