Interviews
Thomas Waddington has a lot on his plate balancing life as a full-time creative in Pōneke. Just 19 years old, the third-year Massey University student studies commercial music (majoring in music technology) while also fronting shoegaze-inspired band The world is against you (Twiay) and co-running local
News
We’re officially into the first week of June and somehow already nearing the halfway point of 2026. After a massive NZ Music Month packed with live shows, new releases and the Aotearoa Music Awards, things haven’t slowed down at all heading into winter, so wherever you’re reading
News
Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2026 is now in its final week! This year’s theme, Our Sounds, Our Spaces, has continued to spotlight the artists, communities, venues, and environments that shape Aotearoa’s music culture, marking 26 years of NZ Music Month with a nationwide programme that has stretched
Formed in Wellington by Massey University students Georgie Levien and Betty Smith, Dillon Jo began as an acoustic songwriting partnership before evolving into a full four-piece band. The pair, both 20, first started writing music together in late 2024, gradually building their presence through busking, open mic nights and
Wellington-based indie artist First Reserve — the project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Connaghan — has quickly built a presence within Aotearoa’s independent music scene through a mix of heartfelt songwriting and an energetic live show. Originally from Queenstown, Connaghan moved to Wellington in 2021 to study music at
West Auckland five-piece Double Parked have quickly built a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young guitar bands. Made up of Tom Purdie (vocals), Travis Hassell (bass), Carlin Diprose (guitar/vocals), Ben Woolford (guitar/production) and Chad Mascelle (drums), the band first came together almost by
Timaru-born alternative pop artist CAITLIN (Caitlin Bradley) is part of a new wave of thoughtful, self-produced songwriters carving out space in Ōtautahi Christchurch’s thriving music community. Now 25, she balances sharp musical instincts with a strategic mindset, having completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Strategy and Entrepreneurship
21 year old Pōneke Wellington artist Jayme Morpeth is carving out her place in the capital’s indie-pop landscape. A recent graduate of Massey University, where she completed a Bachelor of Commercial Music majoring in Practice, Morpeth has grown up with music woven into her life from an early
We’re meant to hear at least 20% Kiwi music on the radio. But tune in during the workday, and it’s a different story. After reviewing thousands of tracks played on stations like ZM, The Edge, More FM, and The Rock, a clear pattern emerged: international acts dominate, while
Talking to Kiwi musicians across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Logan Edwards — Isla South Island indie artist Logan Edwards is one of the region’s most active young musicians, having previously built his musical identity as a guitarist and drummer
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Jayme Morpeth — Fast Car Pōneke singer-songwriter Jayme Morpeth has been writing music since the age of 12, building a catalogue rooted in emotional honesty and lived experience. Across recent
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Greer Castle — INTROSPECTION (EP) Greer Castle is a Sydney and Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based soul and pop vocalist emerging as a compelling new voice in the capital’s music
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Today is the first day of Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2026, marking the 26th NZ Music Month and celebrating the theme Our Sounds, Our Spaces, a nod to the
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Suzy Cato — You and Me Suzy Cato returns with a release that taps directly into one of Aotearoa’s most enduring cultural touchstones, bringing the iconic You and Me theme
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Hanne Jøstensen — The Lighthouse (EP) Wellington-based, Norwegian-born artist Hanne Jøstensen returns with her sophomore EP The Lighthouse, a project patiently shaped over five years and grounded in both
Got a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Amelie Rose — Free Mount Maunganui-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Amelie Rose steps into a new chapter with her debut solo single Free. Previously performing as part of The Darlings, this release
Got a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! JUNA — SHUT UP Wellington four-piece JUNA are moving quickly from new project to one to keep tabs on. Formed in August 2025, the band brings together alt pop and indie rock
Got a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Amelia Power — Kingfisher Amelia Power returns with Kingfisher, marking a shift into a more refined and soulful sound. Known for blending neo-soul, indie and alternative pop influences, she’s been steadily
