CAITLIN releases EP ‘Guardrails’
CAITLIN, the Te Waipounamu-born, Ōtautahi-based indie-pop singer and “prolific songwriter” (Sniffers), today releases her new EP Guardrails, grounded by the focus track, ‘Tied’. The EP moves between organic instrumentation and electronic touches—a reflection of the South Island’s wide-open landscapes and the kinetic energy of Christchurch streets.
CAITLIN, the Te Waipounamu-born, Ōtautahi-based indie-pop singer and “prolific songwriter” (Sniffers), today releases her new EP Guardrails, grounded by the focus track, ‘Tied’. The EP moves between organic instrumentation and electronic touches—a reflection of the South Island’s wide-open landscapes and the kinetic energy of Christchurch streets.
Written and produced by CAITLIN with additional production and mixing by Will McGillivray. The EP, grounded in indie music sensibilities, emerged from long stretches of solitude, a process of writing and recording that left nothing in half-measures, with collaborators adding moments that accentuate her vision rather than alter it. Speaking to the EP, CAITLIN says: “Guardrails is an intimate look at rebuilding trust with myself — sitting with hard feelings, choosing to walk through uncertainty, and learning that I could make life-altering decisions that cost and broke me, but ultimately led me closer to myself.”
Centering Guardrails is the focus track ‘Tied’, opening with acoustic lines that carve out space for the song’s steady build. “Tied was inspired by the feeling of being stuck in my day-to-day routine–going to work, watching each day blur into the next,” CAITLIN explains. “I was living in a flat with people I didn’t really align with, and looking back, I felt lonely and deeply unsettled. I hadn’t pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and was truly lost, not knowing what direction I was heading in. It’s a constant tension between what’s inside and outside of your control when you’re trying to move closer to the life you want.”
CAITLIN will embark on her first national tour this May to celebrate the release of Guardrails. A regular on festival line-ups – including Electric Ave 2026, Go Live Festival, Nostalgia, Single Fin Mingle, South Island Wine & Food Festival, and Tea Party – she has earned a reputation as a standout live performer, bringing the songs to life with the same care and energy as her recordings. You can catch her live at The Sail & Anchor, Timaru (15 May), Space Academy, Christchurch (16 May), Moon, Wellington (21 May), and Whammy Bar, Auckland (22 May). Tickets are available now via UTR; get yours here.
SID DIAMOND RETURNS WITH ‘EVERYTHING’ A story of pressure, growth, and finding purpose beyond survival
There are some projects that sit deeper than music. The kind that comes from lived experience, carrying story, weight, and truth. For South Auckland artist Sid Diamond, EVERYTHING is exactly that. Releasing today, this album isn’t just another body of work. It’s a reflection of a man who has walked through pressure, faced his reality, and come back with clarity about who he is, where he comes from, and what truly matters.
There are some projects that sit deeper than music. The kind that comes from lived experience, carrying story, weight, and truth.”
For South Auckland artist Sid Diamond, EVERYTHING is exactly that. Releasing on April 10, 2026, this album isn’t just another body of work. It’s a reflection of a man who has walked through pressure, faced his reality, and come back with clarity about who he is, where he comes from, and what truly matters.
Born and raised in South Auckland, and grounded in his identity as Cook Island Māori — Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi, with roots in Atiu and Mauke — Sid has always carried his community in his music. Known previously as Young Sid, he built a name through raw, honest storytelling that spoke directly to the streets he came from. But this chapter feels different. There’s a shift. A deeper sense of responsibility, not just to his music, but to his family, his people, and the legacy he’s building.
EVERYTHING takes you into that space. It moves through the realities of fatherhood, the weight of providing, the pull of the streets, and the internal battles that often go unseen. There’s no performance in this — it’s honest, it’s vulnerable, and it’s grounded in truth. You hear a man navigating life in real time, holding both the struggle and the growth in the same breath.
Hello, World!
There was a moment where Sid stepped away from music. Not because the passion wasn’t there, but because life called him to something greater. Becoming a father, facing personal challenges, and rebuilding himself as a man required time, space, and honesty. That time away shaped this project. What he returns with is not the same voice — it’s one that carries intention, reflection, and purpose.
Sonically, EVERYTHING sits in that balance Sid has always held — raw street energy alongside emotional depth. With production from Façade, Derty Sesh, Nextwaves, Lucid, and Cam Noble, and features from Ty, Shaxes, and Brad Marquis, the album feels cinematic and grounded all at once. It’s unapologetically Aotearoa, while speaking to experiences that reach far beyond it.
At its core, this project feels like a closing chapter. Sid describes it as his final street album — not because he’s turning his back on where he comes from, but because he’s grown beyond just surviving it. There’s love for his roots in every part of this album, but there’s also a clear step forward into something deeper — purpose, family, and legacy.
“EVERYTHING is exactly that — it’s the truth, the pain, the growth, and the reason I’m still here. It’s my last street album, not because I don’t love where I’m from, but because I’ve grown beyond just surviving it. This project is for my family, my people, and anyone trying to find purpose through pressure.”
What EVERYTHING offers is connection. For those who come from similar environments, it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. For others, it opens a window into experiences that aren’t always seen or understood. More than anything, it carries a message that growth is possible — that you can honour where you come from while still moving forward
SOLA ROSA RELEASES EIGHTH STUDIO ALBUM IN THE MIDS OUT NOW + TOURING AOTEAROA THIS MAY - JUNE
Today, Aotearoa’s boundary-pushing producer Sola Rosa returns with his eighth studio album In The Mids, marking a bold new chapter in a career spanning more than two decades. To celebrate the release, Sola Rosa is heading out on a nationwide tour this May and June.
Today, Aotearoa’s boundary-pushing producer Sola Rosa returns with his eighth studio album In The Mids, marking a bold new chapter in a career spanning more than two decades. To celebrate the release, Sola Rosa is heading out on a nationwide tour this May and June.
At the helm of some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most forward-thinking fusion projects, Sola Rosa has long carved out a sound that moves fluidly between soul, funk, hip hop and modern dance music. With In The Mids, producer, songwriter and musician Andrew Spraggon shifts gears, stepping away from the live band framework of recent releases and returning to the project’s roots as a studio-led exploration.
“This album began like all my others, I’d make a bunch of beats and see what stuck but at first, I had no clear vision,” Spraggon explains. “I was still thinking in terms of a live band setup, and everything felt a bit rigid, too many rules. Then, during one of the final lockdowns in NZ, I watched a short video of renowned producer Decap saying, ‘just try and make a beat a day without judgement.’ I gave it a go, and it was liberating — it brought real joy back into making music.”
“Suddenly, it was okay to explore ideas that in the past might have felt outside my wheelhouse. After a few days, the music started pouring out in unexpected and fascinating directions. That’s how most of this album came together.”
That sense of creative freedom defines In The Mids, an album shaped by modern dance music, heavy grooves and a renewed focus on production. “Once that approach became my norm, I had a much clearer sense of the sound I wanted: more dancefloor-friendly, heavy grooves, layered synths and arpeggiated textures, programmed beats, and strong vocal contributions,” says Spraggon. “While some key players still feature, this is very much me as a producer exploring new terrain.”
Drawing influence from contemporary club culture alongside soul, funk and global rhythms, In The Mids prioritises mood, movement and restraint over overt gestures, a record designed for late nights and deep listening.
The album follows a string of standout singles including ‘Jupiter’ featuring Iva Lamkum, ‘What You Need’ featuring Blush’ko, and ‘Losing Time’ featuring Muroki, each signalling the project’s evolution toward a more groove-driven, electronic-leaning sound.
With over 65 million streams across his catalogue, Sola Rosa has cultivated a global fanbase through acclaimed releases and performances spanning North America, the UK and Europe. Festival appearances at WOMAD NZ, Secret Garden Party, Kendall Calling, Green Man and Shambala, alongside collaborations with artists such as TALL BLACK GUY, DJ VADIM and HERMITUDE, have cemented his reputation as one of Aotearoa’s most enduring and quietly innovative musical voices.
Amber Carly Williams Releases single ‘Put You Down’
Put You Down was written in 2024, inspired by a night when the jokes were flowing and the line between playful teasing and something more cutting began to blur. The song explores the way humour can sometimes be used as a means to connect, and how easily it can land the wrong way, particularly under the influence.
Put You Down was written in 2024, inspired by a night when the jokes were flowing and the line between playful teasing and something more cutting began to blur (for me in particular). The song explores the way humour can sometimes be used as a means to connect, and how easily it can land the wrong way, particularly under the influence. It captures that lingering guilt that can follow these moments, especially when words meant to bond end up creating hurt. The chorus lyric “Do you want me now, if I put you down? Would I crack a smile, if I put you down?” speaks of the cost of trying to belong at someone else’s expense. A feeling that, likely, a lot of - socially anxious - people will understand. The song then went on to be recorded with producer Will McGillivray in 2025, and has since been performed at multiple festivals and shows.
Ōtautahi-based artist Amber Carly Williams is carving out her place in Aotearoa’s alternative/indie-pop scene, known for her raw vulnerability and emotionally charged songwriting. With a powerful, soulful voice and dynamic guitar-driven performances, she brings a grungy edge to a sound reminiscent of Lizzy McAlpine and Holly Humberstone.
Her 2023 debut EP 21 Roses, produced by Terence O’Connor, explored themes of grief and upbringing, earning support from NZ On Air and helping build momentum across Aotearoa’s live circuit. Since then, Amber has performed nationwide, headlining shows in Christchurch and Auckland, appearing in various publications, and opening for artists including Jeremy Redmore and Georgia Gets By.
A seasoned collaborator, she has taken part in songwriting camps such as Big Fan Camp and Parachute Song Week, and featured in live sessions with RNZ, Intros and Spark Sessions. Amber was also a semi-finalist on Popstars NZ, where she worked alongside Kimbra, Jeremy Redmore and other various artists.
With a growing profile and a clear artistic voice, Amber continues to build momentum, with new single Put You Down set for release April 10th, followed by an EP later this year
Israel Starr Channels Real-Life Love Into “Loving You” — A Soulful Return to Spiritual Lovers Rock
There are love songs, and then there are songs born from real moments — the kind that carry weight, intention, and truth. With his new single “Loving You,” Israel Starr steps into that space, offering a deeply personal and spiritually grounded expression of love. Written during a pivotal moment in his life, “Loving You” captures the emotion of commitment, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to choose love fully.
There are love songs, and then there are songs born from real moments — the kind that carry weight, intention, and truth. With his new single “Loving You,” Israel Starr steps into that space, offering a deeply personal and spiritually grounded expression of love.
Written during a pivotal moment in his life, “Loving You” captures the emotion of commitment, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to choose love fully.
“I wrote this song for my partner. I’d been thinking about proposing, and this song helped me express those emotions. I wanted to create something pure and spiritual — something that reflects the true essence of love.”
Rooted in reggae, island reggae, and lovers rock, the track moves with warmth and sincerity — not chasing trends, but returning to something more enduring. It’s a sound that feels both timeless and distinctly Pacific, shaped by identity, culture, and lived experience.
A MOMENT THAT BECAME MUSIC What makes “Loving You” resonate is not just its sound, but its timing. Created alongside one of the most meaningful chapters of his life — culminating in his recent engagement — the song carries an authenticity that can’t be manufactured.
“This one’s special. I’ve just proposed to my soon-to-be wife, so it carries that personal touch. But it’s also about creating something that cuts through — something real.”
In a landscape saturated with surface-level expressions of love, Israel Starr offers something deeper — a song that honours connection, commitment, and the spiritual dimension of relationships.
Tusekah today releases her new single ‘Lay It Down’
Tusekah today releases her new single ‘Lay It Down’, out April 10 via Xelon and supported by NZ On Air. Blending Pop/Alternative RnB, Lay It Down is an upbeat, groove-driven track centred around themes of authenticity and self-acceptance.
Tusekah today releases her new single ‘Lay It Down’, out April 10 via Xelon and supported by NZ On Air.
Blending Pop/Alternative RnB, Lay It Down is an upbeat, groove-driven track centred around themes of authenticity and self-acceptance.
“The song was written after I’d been to an event where I felt like I wasn’t being myself,” says Tusekah. “We then chose to write the song from another person’s perspective encouraging me to be myself. The song is about feeling free enough to be yourself around the people you come into contact with whether they are people you are newly meeting or friends and family. The song is a suggestion to let your hair down and be embraced by their acceptance of who you are.”
The song was written by Tusekah Njoko, Silver Scroll-winning producer and songwriter Josh Fountain (BENEE), and Djeisan Suskov (LEISURE), with production led by
Fountain. Engineering, mixing and mastering were completed alongside Chris Chetland.
Also released alongside the single is an official video, filmed in a minimalist white studio, Directed by Mikee Carpinter
“The simplicity of it is meant to show a sincerity that might otherwise be missed if the video was more complex.”
Tusekah began performing live in 2021 and released her debut single Childhood Friends later that year. Since then, she has released multiple singles and developed a reputation for soulful, groove-rich music and heartfelt performances throughout Aotearoa. Her music has received international radio support from BBC Radio 1 (UK) and Triple J (Australia), as well as support from CADA in Australia. (OurAuckland)
She has supported a range of notable artists including PJ Morton, Olivia Dean, Deva Mahal and JessB on tour, and was featured as part of the 2025 SXSW Sydney® Music Festival lineup — positioning her among emerging acts from across the Asia-Pacific region. (OurAuckland)
Lay It Down continues Tusekah’s exploration of soulful songwriting delivered with clarity, emotion and expressive vocal performance.
BIG SIMA & BOOMTOWN RELEASE NEW SINGLE “RENT FREE”
Big Sima & Boomtown are proud to announce the release of their latest single, “Rent Free,” available everywhere on streaming platforms from March 27th. “Rent Free” is the first single taken from the band’s forthcoming EP, the third and final instalment in their three-part series, The Peace Trilogy.
Big Sima & Boomtown are proud to announce the release of their latest single, “Rent Free,” available everywhere on streaming platforms from March 27th.
“Rent Free” is the first single taken from the band’s forthcoming EP, the third and final instalment in their three-part series, The Peace Trilogy. The previous releases, Early In The Peace (2024) and Peace Be The Journey (2025), laid the foundation for a body of work centred on growth, reflection, and social consciousness. The new EP is scheduled for release on 22nd May 2026, with the EP title and cover art to be revealed in mid-April.
Blending soul, funk, disco and hip hop over a driving four-to-the-floor groove, “Rent Free” is both dancefloor-ready and socially grounded. The track speaks directly to the cost of living crisis in Aotearoa, capturing the reality of everyday Kiwi whānau working hard while living on the edge of the poverty line. With infectious rhythm and hearty penmanship, Big Sima & Boomtown continue their tradition of pairing uplifting sonics with honest storytelling.
Currently, the boys are on the road performing a three-show run including Ori’26 at Otago University, Single Fin Mingle, and Cuba Dupa. A six-date national tour is also confirmed for spring 2026 in support of the release of their upcoming EP.
Big Sima & Boomtown have built a reputation for high-energy live performances and kaupapa-driven music that bridges community, culture and contemporary sound. As independent artists, their Peace Trilogy represents a cohesive creative arc, with “Rent Free” marking the beginning of its final chapter.
The forthcoming EP promises to close out The Peace Trilogy with the same authenticity, groove and social awareness that has defined the series so far.
TAMI NEILSON RELEASES ARETHA FRANKLIN COVER “ARE YOU SURE” FROM THE MOTION PICTURE HOLY DAYS
Tami Neilson brings us her rendition of “Are You Sure”, a song Aretha Franklin originally recorded in 1958. On the new single, Neilson shares, “When Nat Boltt asked me to sing this gospel groove ‘Are You Sure’ for a gorgeous scene in her upcoming film Holy Days, I saw the incredible cast of iconic women and immediately jumped at the chance to be involved, saying yes before even hearing it. It was only after the fact that I realized she wanted me to sing in the original key of a 16 year old Aretha Franklin that I rued the error of my ways.”
Tami Neilson brings us her rendition of “Are You Sure”, a song Aretha Franklin originally recorded in 1958. The film stars Judy Davis (Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, SAG, AFI, and 3x Emmy winner), Jacki Weaver (Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee), and Miriam Margolyes (O.B.E., BAFTA Best Supporting Actress, BBC Lifetime Achievement Award), alongside newcomer Elijah Tamati, playing the lead role of the young boy, Brian. Holy Daysdirector Nat Boltt asked Neilson to lend her voice for this song recorded specifically for the film’s soundtrack, which also features two previously released Neilson songs, “Sister Mavis” and “Queenie Queenie”.
On the new single, Neilson shares, “When Nat Boltt asked me to sing this gospel groove ‘Are You Sure’ for a gorgeous scene in her upcoming film Holy Days, I saw the incredible cast of iconic women and immediately jumped at the chance to be involved, saying yes before even hearing it. It was only after the fact that I realized she wanted me to sing in the original key of a 16 year old Aretha Franklin that I rued the error of my ways. This middle-aged alto saddled up and went to the studio, armed with Throat Coat tea, a jar of honey and the best band in New Zealand. I gave myself a pep talk in the car on the way, white-knuckled, gripping the steering wheel, ‘You can DO this, Neilson.’ All I remember is collapsing in a heap after the final note, vowing never to attempt such folly again.”
Alongside attending the Film Premieres in New York and Toronto, Neilson performed in Nashville on March 30th at The Ryman Auditorium for upcoming PBS special “Tammy Wynette: The First Lady of Country Music” and on March 31st she made her third appearance on the legendary stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
“Are You Sure” is available on digital streaming platforms on March 27th, coinciding with the North American theatrical release of Holy Days.
Canadian-born, New Zealand-based and Willie Nelson approved!
Tami Neilson’s worldwide appeal is due in no small part to her reputation, according to Rolling Stone, as “a fire breathing belter.” Neilson’s ground-shaking voice has wowed audiences across the globe and racked up numerous awards along the way.
In New Zealand Tami is one of her adopted home country’s most beloved artists, her albums topping the charts and populating a combination of categories almost every year at the NZ Music Awards. Her sold-out Kingmaker tour culminated into a live album backed by the 80-piece Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Neilson has also built an audience of all ages in Europe, Australia and her native North America thanks to appearances on the star-studded PBS “Great Performances” concert series filmed live at the Ryman in Nashville as well as the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Tami is an award-winning composer who has written and performed music for feature films like Spongebob Squarepants ‘Saving Bikini Bottom’ and ‘Holy Days’ starring Miriam Margolyes, as well as making cameo appearances in the hit television series “The Brokenwood Mysteries”.
Counting American icon Willie Nelson as a fan and friend, Neilson duetted with Nelson for their award-winning song “Beyond the Stars”. In 2025, she also joined Willie and Bob Dylan on the Outlaw Tour across the USA.
Tami’s latest critically acclaimed album Neon Cowgirl features collaborations with Neil Finn and JD McPherson, her single, “Borrow My Boots” featuring Ashley McBryde hit the Top 10 on the US Americana Charts.