Off the back of last month's cathartic single release ‘Necklace’, West Auckland post-surf rockers Double Parked have shared another new single, ‘Buttercup’.
Drenched in distorting reverb, gritty guitar riffs, and heavy drums, ‘Buttercup’ jolts with anxious and urgent energy, meshing half-spoken, half-sung verses with a raucous, high-charged hook. “Light me up a cigarette, I can’t feel my face, suck it up, buttercup, am I even breathing?” Vocalist Tom cries. Co-written between the whole band, the track's melancholic songwriting embodies the feeling of being on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
In the summer of 2023/24, a collaboration began between Jude Savage, frontman of Bleeding Star, and River Hann-Ellen from Debt Club. What started as a mutual admiration for each other’s songwriting evolved into a joint songwriting effort that would go on to form the basis for a new project, Dropper.
Jude's emotionally charged songwriting, often compared to Bob Mould's work with Hüsker Dü or Greg Dulli in Afghan Whigs, was complemented by River's knack for intricate arrangements. The duo's songwriting partnership resulted in a collection of songs that shaped what would become the band's core sound.
Aro are a multi-award winning Te Tiriti-based duo whose artistry blends te reo Māori and English, weaving together jazz, folk, soul, and RnB influences. Their work is anchored in the values of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga - caring for ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
Over Easter 2025, Aro, stepped into a new chapter of their lives, packing up their Pukekohe home and moving into their custom-fitted Rugged Kiwi caravan and hitting the road with their two tamariki (aged 1 & 4) to live a life centred around whānau, community, bicultural connection, adventure, and legacy.
A five-piece indie-pop rock outfit hailing from the northern shores of Tāmaki Makarau.
In a Memory blends indie pop rock, garage pop, psychedelic rock and alt-pop. With dreamy guitar riffs, funk basslines, and emotive lyrics about time and impermanence, it’s perfect for fans of The Backseat Lovers, Japanese Breakfast, Real Estate, and Teenage Dads.
With his signature mix of infectious grooves and uplifting songwriting, Sonic Delusion returns with “Smoooth” — a playful yet powerful anthem for uncertain times.
Written as a positive protest song, “Smoooth” challenges corporate greed, environmental destruction, and prejudice, but flips the narrative toward hope, unity, and the dream of living with ease and compassion.
Anchored by driving rhythms and rich melodies, the track is both a rallying cry and an invitation to take a breath, dance, and choose a smoother way forward. Releasing Friday 7th November 2025, “Smoooth” is a reminder that even in a chaotic world, music can carry us toward light, joy, and togetherness.
Turkey The Bird and Liana Hart Team Up for New Single “Already Home” Taranaki’s folk favourites Turkey The Bird have joined forces with local singer-songwriter Liana Hart to create their brand-new single “Already Home,” due for release on Friday, 31st October 2025.
Known for their infectious folk singalongs and rich vocal harmonies, Turkey The Bird have built a strong following across Aotearoa and beyond with their uplifting live shows and four studio albums. Their music blends storytelling with a playful energy that gets audiences smiling and singing along.
Joining them on this release is Liana Hart, a rising star in the Taranaki music scene whose soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting have been captivating audiences across the region. Liana’s ability to blend warmth and strength in her performance has made her one of the most exciting new voices to watch.
Auckland’s alt-rock-punk-shoegazey outfit, The Early 20’s, return with their third release
from their upcoming EP.
“Girl Down South” follows on from the charting singles “Not This Time” and “On & On” , continuing the band’s blend of DIY grit and professional polish.
Recorded in bedrooms just as much as studios, the track carries the same homemade
heart that defines The Early 20’s. The track is co-produced by frontman Adam Rivers, with
the finishing touches added by Noema Te Hau III (APRA Silver Scroll, 2024). Mastered by
Chris Chetland (KOG Studios), the new release has been refined to the core.
BLARE is a New Zealand singer-songwriter and frontman of Radio Wah Wah, known for his emotionally raw lyrics and genre-blending sound. His solo work often explores the intersections of personal and political, with a poetic lens and a compassionate heart. “This song came from a place of helplessness,” says BLARE.
“Watching the invasion unfold, I wanted to write something that didn’t just point fingers, but asked deeper questions about power, complicity, and the fragility of hope. The Nightingale sings, even when the Bear roars—and that’s something worth holding.
“Sharks” is Trauma Party’s latest dark wave/post-punk anthem — a sharp, driving track that disguises heavy themes of depression beneath pulsing basslines and urgent, dance-floor energy.
Like sharks circling in the depths, the song uses visceral imagery to capture the relentless pull of dark thoughts, while its infectious rhythm and soaring guitars fight back with defiance. It’s a track that feels both dangerous and exhilarating — an invitation to confront the shadows without losing sight of the light.
Singer-songwriter Paul Martin has released his latest single, “Carousel”, a song that shines a light on the cycle of chasing achievement as a measure of self-worth. With soaring melodies and raw lyricism, “Carousel” captures the restless motion of always striving, yet never fully arriving. The song poses a poignant question: what if true significance isn’t found in achievement, but in who we are beyond the cycle?
The RVMES (pronounced The Rooms) are an explosive four-piece hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, known for their bold pink branding, electrifying live energy, and a defining sound that fuses alternative rock, funk, groove, and reggae into one delicious package.
Wellington indie/alt-rock band Lipstick are back with their latest single “You & Me” — a dreamy yet danceable track that blends driving guitars, shimmering pop hooks, and an irresistible groove.
With echoes of The 1975, Wolf Alice, and Dayglow, the song captures the energy of a late-night singalong while keeping Lipstick’s fresh, modern edge front and center.
Bursting onto the Wellington indie scene in 2024, Lipstick quickly made a name for themselves with high-energy alternative rock, punchy hooks, and electric live shows.
Having shared the stage with Racing, Where’s Jai, Half/Angel, New Candys, and many more in 2025, the band has earned acclaim from fans and peers alike.
I am a 16 year old artist from Christchurch, New Zealand. I have had a passion for music since I was 6 years old and have been writing and releasing my own songs from my bedroom since 2023!
My goal is to write music that resonates with people, I want to inspire and help others through music. I wish to build a positive community with creative individuals.
I don't really have a set music style, I just write about how I feel and get my words out through my songs.
ICE is an alternative rock band from Auckland, fronted by brothers Adam and Matthew Roycroft, a sibling force in the tradition of Oasis and Kings of Leon. With raw dual vocals, driving guitars, and a punchy live presence, they deliver emotionally charged rock that cuts deep and hits hard.
After making noise as It Comes Easy, including a second-place finish at the 2024 NZ Battle of the Bands, the band rebranded as ICE: colder, sharper, and more focused than ever. Bassist Liam Beasley joined after his own band won Smokefree Rockquest, and a shared connection at Rockshop led him to become a core part of the group. Guitarist Gabriel Belcher came on board after a year of weekly jams with the Roycroft brothers.
Both Liam and Gabe have been playing guitar since a young age and bring strong musicianship and natural chemistry to ICE’s evolving sound.
Tealskie returns with their fourth single, “Extraterrestrial,” a bold leap into the unknown from their debut EP Misery and Serenity. Taking cues from the raw funk- rock of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the emotional punch of Paramore, the track explores lush sonic soundscapes that captivate the attentive listener. Complex guitar layers swirl around upbeat rhythmic dynamics, all anchored by Tealskie’s signature catchy hooks - delivering a sound that feels both otherworldly and deeply human."
South Road is a band from Spotswood College, Ngāmotu/New Plymouth with a unique sound and style. A wide variety of musical backgrounds have led to a funky/reggae/rock feel that stands out and gets people moving. They recently released their first three singles on Spotify, so be sure to go check them out, and stay tuned for upcoming gigs!
2024 was a formative year for First Reserve, the pseudonym of Te-Whanganui-A-Tara’s Ryan Connaghan (he/they). They’ve supported visiting internationals Hot Mulligan (US) and Movements (US), and have toured with Kiwi favourites PARK RD, Wiri Donna, and Wet Denim.
The artist has amassed a cult of devoted supporters, thanks to their identifiable sound that draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including folk, rock, and pop. Connaghan affectionately refers to their music as “kinda emo, kinda queer – very catchy.” Following the release of dynamic singles “Alice” and “Telling The Same Joke Twice,”
This year First Reserve will be continuing their momentum with the single “Twenty” out February 2025, as well as a second collection of songs recorded with Tarn PK.
The 3rd studio album from award winning, indie-folk music visionary, Jazmine Mary - I Want to Rock and Roll, due for release on June 13th 2025!
Jazmine is also heading out on the road with their full band to celebrate the album release - see below for tour dates.
I Want To Rock And Roll is a trove of bright, folk gems from indie-folk visionary, Jazmine Mary. An album hopeful by circumstance, and brilliant from a few heavy seasons of artistic growth, Jazmine Mary’s glowing new collection is emotionally and texturally abundant, and is all yours to listen to this Aotearoa winter, with the new album released on June 13th 2025.
EMPYR, formerly known as the Bull's Rush, released another single from their forthcoming album.
"Lying To Us" is more in the protest ballad vein with a heavy ending. I tried to express some personal realisation about the times we live in, alongside some anger and release.
The EMPYR is a band fighting out of West Auckland, but hailing from different places.
The band is essentially a group of friends and collaborators drawn together by its main songwriter and instigator Tere Crane who grew up in Taranaki. Our influences are many but we all share a love of rock music and activism.
Sam’s journey into music started somewhere far removed from the club scene, singing in his local church during lockdown. Born in Zimbabwe and now based in Wellington, he turned that early passion into an obsession, learning multiple instruments and eventually studying Music Technology at Massey. Now, as both a producer and artist, he’s crafting music that blends technicality and rhythm with raw emotion. For Sam, The Good Life isn’t just a party anthem, it’s a moment of reflection. And if you find yourself questioning your choices while dancing in your kitchen, well... maybe that’s the point.
Some songs make you move, others make you think. The Good Life does both. This is the debut Single from Sam Podmore, marking the start of a hopefully interesting career. This dance-pop track dives into the contradictions of university nightlight, its highs, its lows, and the blurry space in between. At its core, The Good Life is about wanting to belong without losing yourself. The song follows Sam, and outsider looking in on a world of parties, alcohol, and late-night chaos. One part of him wants to embrace the fun; the other feels the weight of the scene’s toxicity. This tension drives the music, pulling between hypnotic club energy and something more introspective.