YOU, ME, EVERYBODY - Midnight Album Release

Aotearoa’s progressive bluegrass ensemble, You, Me, Everybody, are set to share their new album Midnight — a project that offers a fresh, local take on what bluegrass sounds like when filtered through New Zealand perspectives.

Midnight leans into the moment when one day becomes the next — a quiet turning point where change, uncertainty, and new beginnings sit side by side. Its songs capture that familiar feeling of being somewhere between who we’ve been and who we’re becoming. That sense of “in-between” also reflects the band’s place within Aotearoa’s musical landscape, where bluegrass arrives without a long local history but can be shaped in ways that feel natural to how we live and create here. “Our kiwi fans know bluegrass from traditional songs and contemporary artists such as Alison Krauss and Union Station, and Billy Strings. But they are more familiar with the other genres that Bluegrass sits alongside. We’re also collectively members of the New Zealand folk, country and jazz communities” says Rob. Midnight starts with bluegrass at its core but gently widens its scope, bringing in different genres with their rhythms, broader chord progressions, alongside influences drawn from the band’s own environment and lives lived in Aotearoa.

As an acoustic band they wanted to record in isolated spaces, while playing at the same time, which required a specialised studio. Their last two albums were self-produced and they wanted to bring in a Producer to lead the project and push their skills. They reached out to their ‘everybodies’ to fund the album through a Kickstarter campaign. Rewards included a guitar, crafted by Laurence, from a mahogany bookcase. They achieved 66% of their target in the first 24 hours. “Because there isn’t a lot of bluegrass being recorded in New Zealand, we knew we needed to look to the States for our Producer but we didn’t want to lose who we are either. We chose Nashville based musician, Rachel Baiman, as she makes acoustic music that utilises all of our instruments and has a great insight and appreciation for what we want for the sound. Plus she is married to a kiwi”, says Nat. The band brought her to Wellington in January 2026 to record in Armoury Studios with Troy Kelly. “When Rachel brought Sean Sullivan on board to mix the album, we were rapt; he’d worked with some of our heroes, including Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway” says Kim. The album was mastered by Bobbi Giel at Welcome to 1979. Cover art is by Andy Knopp, Graphic Design by Liam Jack Hall with photography by Ebony Lamb.

You, Me, Everybody began when brothers Laurence Frangos-Rhodes (vocals, guitar) and Sam Frangos-Rhodes (vocals, fiddle and mandolin), set out to explore a fresh, progressive take on bluegrass in Aotearoa. They have brought together a lineup of some of the country’s top acoustic players: Nat Torkington on five-string banjo, Rob Henderson on double bass, and Kim Bonnington on vocals and rhythm guitar.

Since forming, the band has quickly earned national recognition. They were finalists for Best NZ Folk Artist (2021), and their music has been featured in the Netflix series Sweet Tooth, helping introduce their sound to international audiences.

Midnight includes the four singles delivered in 2025: Heart of Stone, Misdirection, The Rest of Us and Busy Without Me along with the new single, Midnight, which is delivered to coincide with release with the album of the same name.

WEST AUCKLAND’S DOUBLE PARKED SHARE HOPEFUL LATEST SINGLE, ‘LIGHTHOUSE’

Off the back of a huge set at Rhythm & Vines festival and recent singles ‘Necklace’ and ‘Buttercup’, West Auckland post-surf rockers Double Parked have kicked off the year with another new single, ‘Lighthouse’. 

With their last two singles, ‘Necklace’ and ‘Buttercup’ rooted in the raw depths of mental health, the band's latest material unpacks intimate new layers of their artistry, self-described by Double Parked as their most vulnerable offerings to date. Their latest single, ‘Lighthouse’, sees Double Parked searching for the light at the end of the tunnel - using the analogy of a lighthouse for finding hope in the possibilities of a new day, breaking free from toxic cycles, and overcoming darkness. “Rise with the swell that drags you down,” Frontman Tom’s vocals radiate over glistening guitar chords. “Drifted, faded, carried by night, I’ll give my lighthouse another new sunrise”. 

“I started writing this song when I felt stuck in a cycle, continually trying to get out but being dragged back into it, over and over again,” Producer/guitarist/songwriter Ben reflects of ‘Lighthouse’. “It was this sense of depersonalisation, kind of watching myself in this cyclical exchange of money, health, time from outside of my body.

It was also this weird feeling of wanting to shine bright for others (like a lighthouse) but not knowing why? It felt like I had to stay afloat and stable for others purely out of duty or habit, rather than out of care for myself.”

With their sound captured best at the bands rambunctious, unruly live sets where they’ve gained a loyal cult-following across Aotearoa, this Summer Double Parked have taken their new music out on the road, with a live set at Rhythm & Vines festival and a headline show at Auckland’s Tuning Fork on December 13th. They’ve also recently announced Australian shows with Australian promoter Yours & Owls.

In the past two years since the success of their 2023 debut EP Lost in the Groove, Double Parked have cemented themselves as one of New Zealand’s most exciting acts on the rise. The group have quickly developed a cult following with their rowdy live shows, festival sets, and tours with celebrated local and international acts including The Butlers, Lazy Ghost, and most recently supporting Australian indie-rock band The Terrys across their New Zealand tour this past September.

Pushing forward the traditional surf-rock sound with their own genre-defying fusion labelled “post-surf”, Double Parked are redefining the subgenre for a new generation. While making music that’s quintessentially rooted in New Zealand, the group pull from a melting pot of global influences including Indie, Alternative, Post-Punk, Psych and Surf, laced together from their distinctly West Coast lens.    

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.