Powerhouse alt pop artist Phoebe Vic announces genre-hopping debut album ‘Mood Swinger’, one night only secret show
Ōtautahi drama-kid-turned pop-diva Phoebe Vic arrives with her roaring debut album Mood Swinger, a triumphantly sharp and self-confident statement on the trials of being a modern woman in a modern age.
Ōtautahi drama-kid-turned pop-diva Phoebe Vic arrives with her roaring debut album Mood Swinger, a triumphantly sharp and self-confident statement on the trials of being a modern woman in a modern age.
“In the last five years I went through a divorce, moved back home with my parents and basically started from scratch. Being in my mid-to late thirties, figuring out who I am and what I want has been a confronting but liberating process. And I have lots to say about it, it turns out.”
Taking three years to make, alongside producer and APRA Silver Scroll nominee Emily C. Browning, no genre was off limits. “We ignored the fear of being too much, or too little,” says Browning on the process. “That’s why every song is really different and the listening experience is whiplash-y”.
And Mood Swinger does exactly that - swings. From the country-tinged sarcastic rage of Mad Woman, to sexually charged club banger It’s My Pleasure, to motown lament of modern dating on Slipped Your Mind, Vic’s impressive vocal versatility and lyrical bite charges headfirst into every song.
While Vic’s storytelling sits front and centre, Browning’s production provides the architecture to build the story on, highlighting her exceptional musicality and instincts as a producer. Drills, crashes, screams, sirens and hectic guitar solos do not go amiss on this record, where every texture is stretched to its limits.
“We made Mood Swinger, just the two of us in a room”, says Browning. “Two very close friends who are comfortable being honest, for better or worse. These songs demand your attention and tell a compelling story of Phoebe’s vibrant inner world.”
“I think it’s a unique record, with very a strong vision and perspective, made through the lens of two women who love pop and love subverting expectations” says Vic. “I’ve tried to cut the fat and get to the crux of what I want to say with every song. I want to make my point of view very clear both lyrically and sonically and I think Emily and I have achieved that”. For fans of Lola Young, CMAT and Self Esteem, Mood Swinger is out everywhere on September 18th, followed by a one-night-only secret show in Ōtautahi/Christchurch (to be officially announced soon).
Quotes from the fans at the Mood Swinger pre release listening party
“Between the vocals, lyrics and melodies this is a glorious slap in the face”
“Amazing album…so many bangers!”
“This album is truly a journey and a treat for the ears!”
“Cried in ’13’, love it ALL, your versatility is out the GATE.”
“The whole album is delicious!”
“A beautiful, powerful collection of songs”
Ben Chavasse Releases New Single ‘Teething’ Ahead Of Whammy Headline Gig
Singer-songwriter Ben Chavasse has released his second 2026 single, a lush track titled ‘Teething’. On ‘Teething’, Chavasse sings confessions and yearnings of a wannabe lover boy, experiencing repeated crushings from distant, fantastical crushes. However, there are hints this hopeless romantic is courting his own heartaches.
Singer-songwriter Ben Chavasse is set to release his second 2026 single this August, with a lush track titled ‘Teething’.
On ‘Teething’, Chavasse sings confessions and yearnings of a wannabe lover boy, experiencing repeated crushings from distant, fantastical crushes. However, there are hints this hopeless romantic is courting his own heartaches.
“It’s about these fantasies of how we might relate to each and get along so well… I think those are naive ideas.”
“It’s about learning to push past feelings of inadequacy that result from a narrow view of intimacy. There’s this desire to become more grounded and go out into the world and meet people where they are.”
‘Teething’ demystifies the powerful illusions of infatuation and explores the importance of inviting realism into romancing.
The grounded lyricism of ‘Teething’ contrasts a soaring, committed instrumentation featuring double-bass, drums, piano, guitar, cello, alto and tenor saxophone. The mix is informed by jazz harmonies and an indie-folk sensibility.
‘Teething’ will be released on August 11 across Bandcamp and all streaming platforms.
‘Teething’ follows the release of ‘Sitting Beside’ earlier this year, as well his debut 2025 album Boxing.
To celebrate the occasion, Chavasse is excited to return to the stage on August 14 at Whammy Bar.
“I’ve had the pleasure of playing at Whammy several times. My first show was with Rita Mae. As an opener last year, I also played for Florist after their show at The Other’s Way. Whammy feels like the epicentre of live music in Auckland… one of my favourite memories was seeing Hans Pucket karaoke where they invited up audience members to sing live.”
It’s the first time Ben Chavasse will headline the venue.
“I saw some of my first ever shows in Auckland at Whammy, so it has always been a venue I aspired to play one day.”
It will be the artist’s first headline show of the year, following an unexpected cancellation in May. At the merch stand, he’ll have Boxing tees and CDs, both designed by Hans Hong.
‘Teething’ was produced in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland by Chavasse, mixed by Michael Howell (SKILAA) and mastered by Josh Llewellyn (Troy Kingi, Joe Kaptein and Jazmine Mary). Photography for the single by Felix Wang and creative direction by Hans Hong.
JESSICA LEIGH SHARES INTIMATE NEW SINGLE ‘I’M ON FIRE’ AHEAD OF NEW EP
New Zealand indie pop/rock artist Jessica Leigh enters a bold new creative chapter with I'm On Fire, the first single from her forthcoming EP At The Same Time, due for release in November. Following the release of her independently produced EP I WANNA BE A STAR earlier this year, Leigh continues to establish herself as one of New Zealand's emerging self-producing artists.
New Zealand indie pop/rock artist Jessica Leigh enters a bold new creative chapter with I'm On Fire, the first single from her forthcoming EP At The Same Time, due for release in November.
Following the release of her independently produced EP I WANNA BE A STAR earlier this year, Leigh continues to establish herself as one of New Zealand's emerging self-producing artists. While her previous work embraced sharp-edged indie pop and tongue-in-cheek lyricism, At The Same Time moves into darker territory, blending almost entirely live alternative pop instrumentation with folk-leaning songwriting.
Written by Leigh and co-produced with Benjamin Mack at Joel Little's BIG FAN Studios, I'm On Fire is a alternative dream-pop ballad that captures the intensity of desire through vivid, emotionally charged lyricism. The single introduces a more restrained and intimate sound while maintaining the melodic hooks and storytelling that have become central to Leigh's writing.
Recognised by Rolling Stone AU/NZ as an Artist to Watch in 2024 and featured in the publication's In My Room series in 2026, Leigh has continued to earn support across New Zealand and Australia through consistent editorial playlist placements on Spotify and Apple Music, alongside coverage from leading music publications across the Tasman.
Leigh has been mentored by ARIA-winning producers Liam Quinn (Peach PRC, Ruel) Alice Ivy and GRAMMY-nominated Adrian Breakspear (Gang of Youths), and her steadily expanding discography reflects significant growth as a producer. She is gaining recognition as one of New Zealand’s rising selfproducing female artists, writing and producing for herself as well as other female and LGBTQIA+ artists including emerson, Emily Bateman and Beth Elsden. Further ashore, Leigh is also gaining traction as a producer in New York City, working with artists such as Sofia D’Angelo (Michelle) in June 2026.
With over 1.5 million global streams, Jessica continues to build a reputation for thoughtful songwriting, explorative production and a distinctive artistic voice. I'm On Fire marks the beginning of her most vulnerable and sonically expansive project to date.
From Hendo to London: MOHI Meets the World
The West Auckland made artist introduces his truest sound yet on “Māori Kid Meets World”, arriving Friday 18 September during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. For the first part of his career, award winning artist, MOHI, made the music he thought he was supposed to make. On Māori Kid Meets World, he steps beyond that polished image and introduces the person behind it: a funny, sharp-edged and fiercely ambitious Māori kid from Henderson with a rich, unmistakable voice.
The West Auckland made artist introduces his truest sound yet on “Māori Kid Meets World”, arriving Friday 18 September during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
For the first part of his career, award winning artist, MOHI, made the music he thought he was supposed to make. On Māori Kid Meets World, he steps beyond that polished image and introduces the person behind it: a funny, sharp-edged and fiercely ambitious Māori kid from Henderson with a rich, unmistakable voice.
The new 12-track album dives deeper into a process of reflection and self-discovery that began in earlier songs such as “Flowers in Hendo” from his prior album, “Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements”. Created primarily by MOHI and APRA Silver Scroll winning producer/songwriter, Noema Te Hau III, Māori Kid Meets World moves naturally between te reo Māori and English while exploring the experience of living across te ao Māori and a predominantly Pākehā world—the tensions, humour and contradictions of carrying both cultural realities at once.
Alternative R&B forms the album’s foundation, but its character comes from the tension between sweetness and bite. Its closest reference points are Dijon and Mk.gee, not as templates, but in their loose, performance-led approach and willingness to leave texture, movement and imperfection in the music. MOHI’s rich voice remains the centre of gravity, surrounded by expressive guitars, layered backing vocals and warm, unpredictable keys and synths. Savant, Leonardo Coghini contributes keys/synths throughout, while Jordyn with a Why, HOPE and Asha Maihi (Dreamer) add backing vocals. Recorded at BIG FAN, the album was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Te Hau, with support from NZ On Air Music and Te Māngai Pāho.
At its centre is “Dreamer,” a song about the moment ambition must become action. Lead single “Happy Snappa” turns that idea into a journey from Henderson to London, named after the iconically average fish-and-chip shop opposite Waitākere Hospital. Filled with specific West Auckland landmarks, humour and a refusal to make the dream smaller, the song captures the personality driving the wider album. As MOHI puts it, “cheap talk don’t make rent any cheaper.”
That ambition has already shaped an eventful 2026. MOHI performed music from the landmark Waiata Anthems album with the Auckland Philharmonia at Auckland Town Hall. His long-standing love of rugby also developed into a collaboration with the All Blacks, who contributed backing vocals to “Taniwha,” an anthem written by MOHI and Te Hau for the team’s Matariki celebrations.
The album’s release now intersects with a wider movement. Through the new 4 The Masses initiative, MOHI will join a kura tour connecting rangatahi with waiata and contemporary Māori artists. He then travels to London as part of Te Reo Māori is Global, recording at Abbey Road Studios with Jordyn with a Why, HOPE and Ngāti Rānana before presenting his album at a public showcase at Pacific Tavern.
For MOHI, London is more than a release destination. It marks the beginning of an international chapter and a larger ambition to carry his bilingual artistry beyond Aotearoa. His reo Māori writing is not a strategic addition to the music; it reflects how he speaks, thinks and creates. Māori Kid Meets World is modern Māori confidence in motion, grounded in Hendo and ready to travel.
MOHI says:“I spent the first part of my career making the music I thought I was meant to make. This album is me backing the person I truly am. If you have a dream, eventually you have to stop talking about it, shoot your shot and do the work.”
Hina Announces Descending Dreams: The Duet Tour
Hina will take Descending Dreams on the road this September with Dave Khan, translating the album to a two-person live setting for four shows across the North Island. A key collaborator throughout Descending Dreams, Khan contributes electric guitar, pedal steel and viola across the record. Together, the pair will pull the songs out of their studio arrangements and into something sparer and more intimate, a chance to hear the album find another life in new rooms.
September 5, Decibel Wines, Hawke's Bay
September 6, Undercurrent, Wellington
September 13, Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Leigh
September 23, Cardboard Comedy Club, Kingsland, Auckland
Hina will take Descending Dreams on the road this September with Dave Khan, translating the album to a string-led two-person live setting for four shows across the North Island.
A key collaborator throughout Descending Dreams, Khan contributes electric guitar, pedal steel and viola across the record. Together, the pair will pull the songs out of their studio arrangements and into something sparer and more intimate, a chance to hear the album find another life in new rooms.
Speaking on the special nature of this tour, Hina says:
“The songwriting has always been at the heart of everything for me, so I'm really looking forward to stripping this album back to its bare bones. It all began in my bedroom, and there's something really special about returning to a similar place. I hope it feels like inviting people into the room where they first came to life. It's a huge privilege to tour this album with Dave Khan. When we opened for Ian Moss (Cold Chisel) at Hollywood Avondale around Christmas last year, we felt like we were onto something special. I'm excited to keep exploring that together and to bring these songs to people in this way.”
The tour follows the release of Hina's “absorbing and impressively assured debut” (13th Floor), Descending Dreams, which was released on 31 July. The record marks a major new chapter for her; its first single, 'Coucou!', earned Hina a Silver Scroll nomination. Across the album she explores identity, contraction, and a slow return to self – folk at its core, pulled sideways by country, gospel, and spaghetti western.
Hina’s Bio:
HINA is the creative mantle of Tāmaki Makaurau-based songwriter Amy Boroevich (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Raukawa). With a sound described by Remix Magazine as “genre-fluid”, HINA has emerged as one of New Zealand’s most captivating new voices. This year ushers in HINA’s debut album, recorded live at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios with a seven-piece band and four-piece string ensemble. The record captures a quintessentially Aotearoa sound, flowing through indie-rock and alt-country textures with a dusting of pop instinct. With timeless songwriting and emotional bravery, HINA has developed a sound that balances complex feeling with plainspoken honesty. These songs were planted in the soil of small, unnamed moments. They are for anyone who has learned to live in the in-between and is ready to find their way home to themselves again.
LOUIS BAKER finds release in new single, 'Trouble' + Official Music Video
From one of Aotearoa’s treasured voices comes proof of the cathartic, healing power of music. Louis Baker’s powerful new single Trouble, out today, sees the acclaimed artist transform personal turmoil into a deeply personal and resonant new work.
From one of Aotearoa’s treasured voices comes proof of the cathartic, healing power of music. Louis Baker’s powerful new single Trouble, out August 7, sees the acclaimed artist transform personal turmoil into a deeply personal and resonant new work. Trouble cements Baker’s standing as an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, song-writer, producer, and captivating vocalist. The perfect follow-up to breakthrough single All We Need, new release, Trouble, accompanied by an official music video, showcases Baker at his most emotive and authentic.
A hard-hitting soul cut built on blues foundations, ‘Trouble’ reveals a grittier side to Baker’s forthcoming album, due for release later this year. Raw lead vocals cut through punchy drums and Motown-inspired guitar stabs, while congas, bass, organ and clav drive the groove. Above it, soaring flute from award winning jazz musician Louisa Williamson and sweeping strings bring a cinematic lift to the track’s raw, hard-edged production.
Written and produced by Baker, ‘Trouble’ emerged during a period of inner turmoil and reflection. At its core, the song explores the weight of stress, worry and exhaustion, while searching for hope and stability.
‘Trouble’ was one of my favourite songs to produce on the record,” says Baker. “I really leaned into my blues influences in the lyric with this one, and in many ways it’s a blues song at its core.”
“Looking back, I don’t think I fully realised the amount of mental stress I was going through until after the song was finished. Music has always been an outlet for me, and writing this helped put things into perspective.”
Recorded with some of Wellington, New Zealand's finest musicians, Baker performs vocals, guitars and bass, alongside Louisa Williamson (flute), Tristan Carter (violin), Leo Coghini (organ, clav and Wurlitzer) and Riki Gooch (congas).
The single is accompanied by an official music video, filmed across some of Wellington's most iconic live music venues, including Meow Nui and Bedlam & Squalor, the video also captures Baker moving through familiar corners of the city on a stormy winter's night, reflecting the song's atmosphere and emotional weight. Directed by award-winning director & producer, Shae Sterling, and continuing with their successful creative partnership, after also previously producing the visuals for Baker’s Addict and The People.
‘Trouble’ follows recent single ‘All We Need’, which received early DSP support from Spotify’s New Music Friday AU & NZ and Apple Music’s New Music Daily playlists, alongside international radio airplay and strong support from DJs and tastemakers across Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US. The Track also debuted at #5 on the Aotearoa Hot Chart.
‘Trouble’ the single & official music video is available on all digital platforms 7 August 2026.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.
Isla Noon 'Out of Body Redux' OUT NOW
Isla Noon announces Out of Body Redux, a reimagined version of her immersive debut album. To celebrate the release of Out of Body Redux, Isla Noon will bring the project to the stage for a special release show at Auckland’s Big Fan on Friday 7 August. Performing the new EP live and in full, Noon will be joined by special guest CRYSTAL for a night celebrating the next evolution of her debut record.
Isla Noon announces Out of Body Redux, a reimagined version of her immersive debut album.
Tāmaki Makaurau artist Isla Noon (aka Shani Sauerman) released her debut album Out of Body in 2025 via Particle Recordngs . A deeply immersive alt-pop record that found an audience among fans of forward- thinking pop artists like Robyn, MUNA and Caroline Polachek.
Praised for its “gossamer” vocals, powerhouse songwriting and “synaesthetic electronic pop universe”, Out of Body established Isla Noon as one of New Zealand’s most exciting emerging voices. The album balanced euphoric electronic production with deeply personal themes, creating a world where vulnerability and dancefloor energy could exist side by side.
Following the album’s release, a chance discovery of standout track “Body” caught the attention of acclaimed producer Justyn Pilbrow, best known for his work on The Neighbourhood’s global hit “Sweater Weather”. Drawn to the song’s contrast between heavy synth textures and delicate vocals, Pilbrow connected with Noon and the pair began exploring a new production direction for the album.
The result is Out of Body Redux, a refreshed and reimagined version of seven tracks off Isla Noon’s debut album, bringing together the original album’s emotional depth with a more expansive electronic sound.
While some tracks received subtle refinements, others underwent complete transformations. The biggest evolution comes through “Her”, a guitar-driven highlight from the original album, which has been rebuilt into an urgent, pulsing IDM-inspired track and released as the lead single from Out of Body Redux.
“When I first heard ‘Body’ I was surprised by the contrast between the heavy synths and soft vocals. I hadn’t heard something like this and was intrigued,” says Justyn Pilbrow.
“It was a total experiment, but we were pretty delighted to have landed on something that really excited us both.” says Noon.
Out of Body Redux was released digitally on 17 July, alongside the launch of new album-focused platform Lume, and is out now on all platforms.
To celebrate the release of Out of Body Redux, Isla Noon will bring the project to the stage for a special release show at Auckland’s Big Fan on Friday 7 August. Performing the new EP live and in full, Noon will be joined by special guest CRYSTAL for a night celebrating the next evolution of her debut record. Doors open at 8pm, with the show beginning at 8:30pm.
GREATSOUTH FUNDRAISER & ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
On Friday 21 August, Greatsouth returns to BIG FAN to celebrate the release of his debut album, Hellhole of the Pacific, alongside special guests Louis McIver Smith (FKA Skinny & Soft) and huaxiflowerstream.
On Friday 21 August, Greatsouth returns to BIG FAN to celebrate the release of his debut album, Hellhole of the Pacific, alongside special guests Louis McIver Smith (FKA Skinny & Soft) and huaxiflowerstream.
Named after the 1830s description of Kororāreka "Hellhole of the Pacific", the album reimagines Aotearoa through an urban Māori lens. Blending taonga pūoro, field recordings and indie rock, it moves through stories of land, identity and belonging, finding the personal within the historical. From the shores of Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa to conversations with Papatūānuku, Hellhole of the Pacific reflects on the people, places and histories that continue to shape us.
This show marks the first live performance of the album and serves as a fundraiser for Greatsouth's upcoming BIGSOUND haerenga, where the project will travel to Magandjin Brisbane for its first international showcase. With 100% of ticket sales going directly towards the trip, your support will help the band take this exciting next step.
Buy the Hellhole of the Pacific album on vinyl and pick it up at the show!
GREATSOUTH
Greatsouth is the musical project of Māori artist Payton Taplin (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa) from Papakura, South Auckland. Blending indie rock, Polynesian post-punk, taonga pūoro and field recordings, his music explores identity, belonging and contemporary Māori experience through a distinctly Aotearoa lens. His debut album, Hellhole of the Pacific, arrives in August 2026 following support from RNZ, Rolling Stone AU/NZ, KEXP, Triple R, an APRA Silver Scroll finalist nomination and selection for BIGSOUND 2026.
HUAXIFLOWERSTREAM
huaxiflowerstream are the Tāmaki Makaurau duo of Huiming Wu and Maxwell Brown. Blending ghuzheng, guitar, percussion and improvisation, their music drifts between dream-pop, psychedelia, jazz, punk, noise and experimental soundscapes. Known for their immersive live performances and genre-defying approach, the pair have built a reputation as one of Auckland's most intriguing underground acts, with appearances spanning festival stages, SXSW Sydney and beyond.
LOUIS MCIVER SMITH
Louis McIver Smith is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Tāmaki Makaurau. Formerly releasing music as Skinny & Soft, his work moves between indie rock and alt folk experimental songwriting, pairing sharp melodies with deeply personal storytelling. pairing sharp melodies with deeply personal storytelling delivered in his distinctly Kiwi voice. Whether performing solo or through collaborative projects such as Fantastic Science Fiction, Louis has become a quietly distinctive voice within Aotearoa's independent music community.