LOUIS BAKER SHARES MESSAGE OF HOPE ON NEW SINGLE 'ALL WE NEED'

Soulful Wellington singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Louis Baker shares new single 'All We Need', a warm and uplifting slice of contemporary soul offering a message of hope, connection and collective resilience.

Following the success of his acclaimed EP ‘Medicine’, which debuted at #4 on the Official New Zealand Albums Chart, and recent house remixes of his track 'Keep On' released with Berlin-based label Best Works, Baker continues to expand his sonic palette while staying rooted in the soulful songwriting that has earned him more than 70 million streams independently.

Written, produced and performed by Baker, 'All We Need' was inspired by the challenge of making sense of an increasingly uncertain world. The opening line, "Tell me this is all a dream", captures a feeling of disbelief that many people experience when confronted by conflict, division and hardship. Rather than dwelling in those realities, however, the song centres on a simple belief: that we are stronger when we support one another.

"Sometimes it's hard to wrap your head around what's happening in the world," says Baker.

"There's a sense of disbelief and disillusionment and it can be difficult to understand why people do the things they do.”

"An old saying that a rising tide lifts all boats became a guiding idea while I was writing this song. We all rise and fall together. At its heart, 'All We Need' is about the belief that all we really need is each other. There's also a line about having hope in the seeds we sow. It's about the small things we do every day that help make things a little bit better. Change starts with us."

Built around a groove-first approach, Baker began with a drum pattern before gradually layering guitars, bass and keyboards to build the song's foundation. Influenced by the textures and colours of artists such as Jungle, and drawing on a lifelong love of soul music, the finished recording also reflects the influence of artists including Michael Kiwanuka, Aaron Frazer, Gil Scott-Heron and the classic Motown sound.

Recorded with some of Wellington's most respected musicians, 'All We Need' features contributions from longtime collaborators Cory Champion (drums, tambourine and congas), Johnny Lawrence (bass), James Illingworth (Wurlitzer), Leo Coghini (organ), Louisa Williamson (flute) and Iris Little (backing vocals).

'All We Need' has already attracted early support from international radio and tastemakers across Europe, the UK and the United States, while signalling the start of a new creative chapter for Baker, with further releases to follow in the months ahead.

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ROBIN JUDKINS RELEASES ALBUM OF SONGS ‘I’M A SLUT FOR A BEAT’ PERFORMED BY LYTTELTON LINEUP

Writer, poet, playwright and Coast to Coast founder Robin Judkins is proud to announce the release of I'm A Slut For A Beat (out July 3rd), a bold and distinctive new album that transforms a collection of his poems into fully realised songs.

Best known as the founder of New Zealand's iconic Coast to Coast endurance race, Judkins has long been a storyteller in many forms. More recently, he penned the acclaimed stage production Free Bus to God which debuted at Otautahi’s James Hay Theatre, further cementing his reputation as a creative voice unafraid to explore the absurd.

Produced by Adam Hattaway, I'm A Slut For A Beat brings together an exceptional lineup of Lyttelton musicians.Creating a varied musical landscape that amplifies Judkins' unique voice, humour and observations. The album sees poetry and music collide, with each track reimagining Judkins' written work through a diverse range of musical styles.

Featuring performances by Adam McGrath, Adam Hattaway, Janice Gray, Tess Liautaud, Lindon Puffin, Lucinda Whiteley, Tom Trevella, Al Park, Abi Chessum, John Sanchez-Lloyd and Dan Heatley, the album is supported by a stellar backing band comprising Michael Kime, Thomas Isbister, Reuben Derrick, Brendan Gregg, Ryan Fisherman and John Sanchez-Lloyd.

To celebrate the release, Judkins will present a special one-night-only launch event at The Lyttelton Arts Festival at The Loons in Lyttelton. Part album launch, part spoken-word fever dream, you'll hear the album from start to finish with the full band. “this is the pilot and testing ground for my new musical due this November”

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I’m A Slut For A Beat
Album Release Show
July 3rd 2026 - 7:30pm
The Loons, Lyttelton
(last release tickets available now)

Play For Keeps dish up a slice of indie pop-rock gold on their debut EP, HEY LOVE

Play For Keeps have spent the last six months proving themselves to be one of the most exciting new acts on Aotearoa’s indie pop-rock scene - a reputation they’re firming up with today’s release of their debut EP, HEY LOVE.

The title of the EP takes its name from the record’s most emotionally charged song, the indie-pop anthem, ‘Hey Love’, which blends intimate lead vocals with soaring backing vocals, to capture the exhilarating highs and painful lows of deep connection. 

Balancing hope, vulnerability and heartbreak, the song explores the complexity of commitment when the honeymoon phase fades. “It dives into the raw, unfiltered reality of choosing love through difficult moments, where ecstasy and pain exist side by side,” says the band’s bass player, Tim Cederman.

The EP also features the songs ‘Handsome Boy’, ‘Presumptuous’ and ‘Out Of The Dark’. Individually, each of the tracks are grounded in clever songwriting with infectious indie pop-rock melodies and instrumentation. Collectively, HEY LOVE explores the ‘human condition’ in all its glory and its messiness. “Hopefully people will find themselves processing some of their emotions. We're a band that holds tension well - in our song writing, in how we perform live through to our recorded music. We can be fun and light-hearted, then pivot very quickly to the real, rawness of life and reflect that in our studio recordings and on-stage performances,” says the band’s lead singer, Simon Hart.

Produced by Tom Healy (Marlon Williams, Nadia Reid, Tiny Ruins), the EP marks a new chapter for Simon Hart, Tim Cederman, Nic Hart Rob Grover and Andy Gibbs) who first began turning heads as the act Ellie Oak, before earlier this year revealing a new look, sound and name - Play For Keeps. 

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Since then, the Ōtautahi five-piece have gone from strength to strength, performing festivals such as Nostalgia and drawing support from NZ’s student radio network as well as wracking up thousands of global streams on Apple and Spotify.

Accompanying the EP release is a music video for focus single ‘Hey Love’. The video is directed by Joel Wallan and is filmed at various locations throughout Christchurch. Watch HERE

“We wanted to capture the ups and downs of relationships and that ultimately, for a relationship to work out it takes bloody hard work, arguments and shit tonnes of forgiveness. We liked the idea of a tennis court because of the image of tennis players smashing a ball between each other to 'win' a game and if that's your mindset in a relationship then you're screwed. The aim isn't to win arguments but to listen and hear each other out.”

Play For Keeps share a love for The Beths, Arcade Fire, and The War On Drugs. Their sound blends catchy melodies with emotive, honest lyricism and a touch of self-deprecating humour, songs that sit comfortably between heartfelt reflection and light-hearted absurdity. Known for their energetic live shows and genuine on-stage chemistry, Play For Keeps pride themselves on connection, sincerity, and playing every set like it matters.

MOHI RELEASES L.A.B. INSPIRED MASTERPIECE WITH HIS LATEST “DECEMBER RAIN”

Following his groundbreaking, Māori Alt R&B masterpiece “Tia”, MOHI announces the release of his next single DECEMBER RAIN. The single drops July 3rd  on all major streaming platforms, marking the second release from his latest album “Māori Kid meets world” set for September.

Inspired by the vibes and highs of an L.A.B concert, the track is a sultry blend of bilingual storytelling and alternative R&B with a playful edge. It’s a genre-defying sound that refuses to be boxed in, and continues to push the pen for Māori music.

This Matariki, MOHI will be performing at the Auckland Town Hall for Waiata Anthems in Concert alongside local legends Jordyn With a Why, Geneva AM and the incredible Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. To add to the Matariki celebrations, MOHI and Noema Te Hau III have also received the call up to be part of the All Blacks Matariki Special happening in Wellington. Keep your eyes and ears out for more special content pieces to celebrate this momentous occasion.

DECEMBER RAIN  is available now  on all major streaming platforms. 

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From the vibrant streets and soundscape of West Auckland, New Zealand, award-winning Māori artist MOHI is a once-in-a-generation talent. His music masterfully weaves Te Reo Māori and introspective storytelling with alternative R&B and Hip Hop instrumentation, a genre-defying sound that pushes the culture forward.

Indigenous to Aotearoa (New Zealand), MOHI’s artistry is grounded in his rich cultural heritage, reflecting the strength and beauty of his whakapapa (ancestry). Since launching his solo career in 2020, he has quickly risen to become a household name - resonating throughout Aotearoa and increasingly on the global stage. 

His latest project, “Vibez On The 75” is making massive waves across New Zealand, charting at #9 on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts.

MOHI has also been the recipient of Best Te Reo Māori Album and Best Male Artist at the Māori Music Awards, received nominations for Best Māori Artist and the Mana Reo Award at the Aotearoa Music Awards 2025, won the prestigious APRA Maioha Award, and is currently up for the Mana Reo Award alongside his sister PARE for this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards 2026.

Breaking into the International music scene with his spectacular performances at Big Sound, Australia, SXSW Sydney, IIMS Canada and FOCUS Wales, UK, Mohi holds an impressive CV of shows. In October, MOHI opened for the incomparable Loyle Carner at his Tāmaki show held at the Auckland Town Hall, not only as an opening act but also as a featured artist on Loyle’s hit song “Ottolenghi”, a special moment for te iwi Māori. 

More recently, MOHI headlined his sold out show at The Tuning Fork, supported by an all-Māori line up in DJ Seymore, HOPE and Greatsouth, further cementing his place as one of Aotearoa music’s most compelling and important voices. Mohi now sets his sights on London this September for a scheduled international album release show alongside superstars Jordyn With a Why and HOPE, taking Waiata Māori to the globe.

Menzies Release Debut Album + Vinyl & Announce New Zealand Tour

Wellington, New Zealand’s crooked alt-country-rock Menzies release their highly-anticipated debut album + vinyl pressing - ‘Holding My Cold Hand, Even Though Yours Is Warm’, and announce a full NZ tour in July and August. The album captures everything that makes Menzies one of the country’s most exciting emerging acts.

Part concept-album, part Aotearoa-coming-of-age, Holding My Cold Hand, Even Though Yours Is Warm plays out as a ferry crossing between two islands, peppered throughout with overhead intercom announcements. Lead singer Chris Brown’s story-led songwriting pulls from deeply New Zealand experiences: Suzy Cato, romantic feelings towards All Blacks, trays of sausage rolls, native bird-song. Menzies deliver a debut that feels deeply personal, wildly universal, and impossible to ignore.

Beyond the studio, Brown’s former life as a working magician is woven into the band’s fabric and acclaimed live performances - 10 pairs of gloves thrown to the crowd and recipients hunt for their glove-mate before the song ends, balloons that have to be kept afloat for the duration of the song or the band stops playing, the crowd all shooting at a basketball hoop mid-set, appearing magic canes. The result is a live experience that is mesmerising, communal, and completely captivating.

New Zealand hasn’t had a band like this since the Front Lawn or The Mutton Birds.

“As a magician I spent years learning how to distract people.. This album really is the complete opposite, looking directly at what feels true, beautiful, and raw.”

Menzies have brought in New Zealand production powerhouses for the album - recorded & mixed by James Goldsmith (Mermaidens, DARTZ) at The Surgery, and mastered by Tūī Award-winning Vivek Gabriel (Avantdale Bowling Club, Onono).

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Release and tour dates:

Album release: Friday 8th May, Holding My Cold Hand, Even Though Yours Is Warm

Palmerston North: Fri 3rd July [The Stomach] Whanganui: Sat 4th July [Porridge Watson] Wellington: Fri 17th July [Meow] Christchurch: Fri 24th July [Dark Room] Dunedin: Sat 25th July [Pearl Diver] Auckland: Fri 7th August [Whammy]

Raglan: Sat 8th August [Raglan Town Hall] Support acts to be announced.

With their live shows lauded by the likes of MJ Lenderman himself, this isn’t a tour to miss out on.

LEE MARTIN UNVEILS HER MOST PERSONAL WORK YET WITH NEW ALBUM MARLENE

Ōtautahi-based singer-songwriter LEE MARTIN returns with her fourth studio album, MARLENE — a raw, deeply introspective body of work that traces the arc of a life lived, felt, and remembered.

While audiences around Aotearoa and beyond know her as Lee Martin, MARLENE reveals the artist behind the name. Marlene is her birth name — and for this album, she steps fully into it. Each song captures a different phase of her life, from childhood through to now, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the experiences, emotions, and moments that have shaped her.

“This album is me, completely,” Martin says. “It’s the most honest I’ve ever been in my music. Every song is a chapter, a version of myself I’ve lived through.”

Sonically, MARLENE leans into a rich country-soul landscape, drawing comparisons to the raw storytelling of artists like Zach Bryan, but delivered through Martin’s unmistakable voice — powerful, soulful, and deeply emotive.

The album includes one carefully chosen cover: Nikita. A song that sound-tracked many of Martin’s childhood nights, it holds a special place in her story. “That song carried me through a lot growing up. Including it felt like honouring a piece of what formed me.”

The album artwork is as layered as the music itself. A striking collage of eyes fills the cover — each one containing tiny, hidden images from Martin’s childhood and symbolic visuals tied to each track. It represents a life seen through her own lens. In a unique and intimate touch, vinyl copies of Marlene will include a magnifying glass, inviting listeners to quite literally look deeper into the stories within.

“It’s about perspective,” she explains. “These are my memories, my experiences — glimpses of life through my eyes.” At the heart of the album is the track ‘I’d Change It All’, which Martin describes as her personal favourite — a song that captures the emotional core of the project.

Martin drew together a slick band of local musicians to record MARLENE with Henare Kaa on Drums; Dru Sione on Bass/Keys/BV’s; Phil Doublet on Guitar and a stellar brass trio of Ben Lill on Saxophone; Sarah Hickman on Trumpet; and Aaron Chandler on Trombone. Recorded at Orange Studios in Christchurch, MARLENE was also produced by Henare Kaa, with Thom O’Connor on engineering and mixing duties. 

Following the success of her charting third album Dreamers Dawn, MARLENE feels like both a culmination and a quiet turning point. While Martin isn’t making any definitive statements about what comes next, there’s an undeniable sense of reflection woven throughout the release — a feeling that this body of work is something she needed to say, in full, exactly as it is.

“I don’t know what comes after this,” Martin says. “But I do know that this album says everything I needed it to.”

MARLENE is more than an album — it’s a reckoning, a remembrance, and a release.

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CATCH LEE MARTIN LIVE

Proudly Sponsored By GO MEDIA

MARLENE - ALBUM RELEASE TOUR

17 July, The Piano - CHRISTCHURCH

31 July – GREYMOUTH

2 August – BARRYTOWN

14 August – POHARA

11 September - AUCKLAND

Tickets available from: leemartinmusician.com

CASTAWAY IS BACK AGAIN WITH THEIR INFECTIOUS NEW SINGLE“CUCKOO”

Aotearoa’s rising pop-rock force Castaway continue their momentum with the release of their new single, “CUCKOO” - the latest glimpse into their upcoming body of work.

Castaway are five mates bound by music. Formed in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the band comprises Austen (bass), Jack (saxophone, keys), Jackson (vocals, keys, guitar), Joe (vocals, drums), and Rhys (guitar). The band blends pop-rock with alternative influences, and a boy-band flair. Their sound features driving guitars, punchy rhythms, sax-driven hooks and dual vocals - brought to life through high-energy performances built on anthemic choruses and emotional connection, leaving the crowds singing, dancing, and feeling it all.

Following their recent success opening for SIX60 and Synthony at the One New Zealand Stadium, and the growing traction of recent singles “Heart Attack” and “Her Favourite Song”, Castaway return with “CUCKOO”. This latest single continues a run of releases signalling the band’s rise.

“CUCKOO” is an anthemic indie pop-rock track from Christchurch five-piece Castaway, blending driving guitars, soaring synths, and chant-worthy hooks in the spirit of Bleachers, Sam Fender, and Good Neighbours. Built around a relentless groove, bright guitars, and a singalong chorus, the track captures the raw energy of a band made for festival stages and packed rooms.

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At its heart, “CUCKOO” is a story of obsession, longing, and youthful romance. In moments at bus stops, coffee shops, and drinking cheap wine, the song follows a magnetic free spirit who remains just out of reach. Torn between admiration and frustration, the narrator finds himself hopelessly captivated, unable to shake the memory of her smile. Equal parts nostalgic, euphoric, and emotionally restless, “CUCKOO” delivers a larger-than-life indie anthem that celebrates the beautiful chaos of wanting someone you can’t quite have.

Castaway have evolved from university jam sessions to sharing stages with Mitch James and Drax Project, lighting up Selwyn Sounds, and earning spins across ZM, The Hits, More FM, Radio Hauraki, and RNZ. With “CUCKOO”, they continue that trajectory - capturing a band not just on the rise, but stepping confidently into what comes next.

And the five-piece’s rise is already gaining traction! On May 16, Castaway took the stage at the ‘Once In A Lifetime’ opening of One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi, supporting Six60 and Synthony alongside Kaylee Bell and Cassie Henderson - a landmark moment that signals their arrival on a bigger platform.

BORDERLINE CAP OFF A BREAKTHROUGH 12 MONTHS WITH THE RELEASE OF THEIR SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM BORDERLINE FEATURING NEW SINGLE ‘SKYLINE’AHEAD OF NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN TOUR IN JULY

The past 12 months have been full of wins for New Zealand band Borderline - taking out the People’s Choice Award at the Aotearoa Music Awards, being named in Rolling Stone’s Future of Music 2026 list, multiple nods from BBC Radio 1, a 14-date North American tour and more - with all their success culminating in the release of their debut album, Borderline, out today via EMPIRE. The album drops in line with Borderline debuting their new single ‘Skyline’, a slick pop song with an accompanying retro-styled music video, and ahead of Borderline’s album tour of New Zealand and Australia that is set to kick off in their hometown of Auckland next week. The incredible trajectory of Borderline is only just beginning. 

On unveiling their debut album to the world, Borderline said, “Our self-titled debut album is something we’re all incredibly proud of. It’s the sum of every single corner of musical inspiration from all four of us. Every song has its own character and place for us, shaped through sessions in home studios and late nights, before coming together in the Brick Room of Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios, taking advantage of the vintage synths and time piece guitars, as we explored and refined the overarching soundscape for the project.”

Lead single ‘Skyline’ shows Borderline are not afraid to delve into pop territory, with the band explaining, “‘Skyline’ definitely surprised us. With the album, we wanted to push the boundaries of the genres we could find ourselves in, while still playing as a four-piece band. And after a short obsession with the Justin Timberlake album Justified, we found ourselves chasing the awesome sound that album has and reimagining it into a modern day pop-rock song, and then there was ‘Skyline’. It’s a super slick, funky pop song full of tight drums, funky bass and the most addictive glossy shiny guitar tone imaginable. It was so much fun recording this one in the studio; it was good vibes all day and it came together really quickly. We’re so excited to start playing it live, and hopefully hear people singing along in the chorus.”

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The countdown for fans to witness Borderline’s new album live is now on, with the band set to kick off their album tour in Auckland next Friday, July 3rd, before hitting Hamilton, Christchurch, Tauranga and Rotorua, and then crossing the Tasman to play Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. 

“We are beyond excited to take the album out on the road,” said Borderline. “Ever since we first wrote these songs we’ve been imagining playing them live, and really can’t wait for people to experience it in person. There are so many fun moments in the show that we hope people will love, and we’re really happy to be touring it for the first time at home here in New Zealand and then over to Australia - it feels very special to us.”

And the touring doesn’t stop there. After wrapping their New Zealand and Australian tour, Borderline will then head to the Northern Hemisphere for a run of seven shows in the UK, before playing their debut headline shows in Europe, plus Bittersweet Festival in Poland, proving the love for Borderline has no borders.

With the wait for Borderline’s debut album now over, fans can dive into a collection of 13 songs that explore the band’s love of pop, rock and funk, with Borderline’s incredible musicianship and undeniable chemistry at the fore. Alongside ‘Skyline’, the album includes previously released album cuts ‘When It’s Raining’, ‘Terrify’, ‘Tainted’, ‘Watching It Burn’ and ‘That Girl’.

Hailing from Auckland, Borderline is Ben Glanfield [guitar, vocals, keys], Jackson Boswell [drums, vocals], Matthew McFadden [lead guitar], and Max Harries [bass, sax]. With all their accolades, it’s hard to believe the band members are still only aged between 20 and 21. One thing is for certain, the future is looking more than bright for Borderline.

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Borderline 2026 New Zealand and Australia Album Tour

Friday, July 3rd

Q Theatre, Auckland, NZ

Saturday, July 4th

Clarence Street Theatre, Hamilton, NZ

Saturday, July 11th

James Hay Theatre, Christchurch, NZ

Thursday, July 16th

Totara Street, Tauranga, NZ

Saturday, July 18th

Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua, NZ

Thursday, July 23rd

Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD

Friday, July 24th

Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney, NSW

Saturday, July 25th

Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC