New Music 03/07
Welcome to this week's New Music Friday roundup. It's been a busy week for Roots, with Roots Volume 05 now printed and ready to go. I've shared a few photos of the magazine over on Instagram, so keep an eye out there to find out where you can get your hands on a copy. This week's releases also include new music from Zafado and The world is against you, two artists featured in Volume 05, alongside plenty of other fresh releases from across Aotearoa's music scene.
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature!
Zafado — President
Pōneke alternative hip hop outfit Zafado release their debut President, the lead single from their forthcoming debut EP Extended Paranoia. Blending hip hop, funk, reggae and funk-rock influences, the five-piece built a loyal following through backyard gigs, student flat parties and packed shows across Wellington, culminating in a headline performance at Moon Bar where they debuted much of the EP. President showcases the band's playful take on politics over a funk-driven groove, offering another taste of the six-track release, which explores themes of paranoia from multiple perspectives. The EP also stands as the final body of work featuring frontman Adam McPhail, who passed away in March 2026, preserving the energy, friendship and creativity that defined Zafado's music.
You can read my interview with Zafado here.
Evie Bamford — Daily Bread
Evie Bamford returns with her new single, Daily Bread, continuing a breakthrough year that has seen Through the Day top the 95bFM Top Ten and Company earn editorial support from Apple Music's New In Alternative. Known for her emotionally honest songwriting and richly layered indie rock and folk arrangements, Bamford's latest release is her most vulnerable yet, confronting body dysmorphia, anxiety and self-comparison while searching for self-acceptance. Daily Bread serves as the emotional centrepiece of her forthcoming debut EP Now Rising, Now Falling, a six-track collection exploring themes of anxiety, self-worth, relationships and resilience.
The world is against you — Skyrim iii
Pōneke shoegaze outfit The world is against you return with their new single, Skyrim iii, the first taste of the band's forthcoming debut album. Fronted by 19-year-old Thomas Waddington, the group has quickly become part of Wellington's thriving alternative music community, with Waddington balancing the band alongside his work co-running local artist collective and label Glasshead. Written collaboratively after Waddington first sketched the song out at home before bringing it to the rest of the band, Skyrim iii marks a new artistic direction for The world is against you and offers the clearest introduction yet to the sound of their debut album, due later this year.
You can read my interview with Twiay here.
Lucy Gray — Phone Song
Alternative-pop artist, producer and songwriter Lucy Gray continues to push their sound in new directions with Phone Song, the latest single from their forthcoming project. The 19-year-old has built an international audience through social media and, on this release, steps into co-production for the first time, blending summery pop melodies with industrial textures, alternative trap and jersey club influences. Phone Song reflects Gray's own journey of experimenting beyond conventional pop, showcasing an adventurous approach to songwriting and production ahead of their upcoming project. The single arrives before a co-headline show at The Tuning Fork with Holly Hebe and will soon be accompanied by an official music video.
TullMaister — Schud de Vloer
House artist TullMaister (Tully James Young) returns with his latest single, Schud de Vloer, continuing his steady rise as one of New Zealand's emerging names in the trance and house scene. Inspired by the sound and feeling of old school dance music, the track pairs a dark, moody atmosphere with a driving groove, drawing influence from classic dance records while remaining entirely his own. Designed to sit naturally alongside older dance music in a DJ set, Schud de Vloer reflects TullMaister's ongoing commitment to refining his craft and celebrating the era that inspired it.
NOPILOT — What Am I Doing Here?
NOPILOT are a four-piece Ōtautahi-based alternative rock band bringing high-energy performances and a nostalgic take on pop-rock. Following the release of their debut single The Middle, which landed on playlists including Burgerfuel Radio, NZ On Air's NewTracks and Spark NZ's Breakthrough playlist, the band have also picked up interviews with Plains FM, RDU and Kiwi Radio while building a strong following through their online content. Their latest single, What Am I Doing Here, channels the anthemic sound of bands like The Killers, Green Day and Neon Trees, pairing soaring guitar hooks with themes of betrayal, miscommunication and self-reflection. With more singles already lined up and a debut album set to arrive later this year, NOPILOT continue to build momentum both on record and on stage.
Sabreen — Therapy
Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Sabreen is a 23-year-old Bengali singer-songwriter whose emotionally rich songwriting blends pop, rock and themes of identity and culture. Following the critically praised The End (Arabic Version) featuring Rana Hamida and her debut EP, she continues to build a distinctive voice inspired by artists such as Hozier, Paris Paloma and The Beths. Her latest single, Therapy, is a sharp pop-rock anthem that explores the inner chaos of young womanhood with wit and honesty, tackling self-doubt, vulnerability and the comfort of knowing we are not alone. With a second EP on the way, the release marks another confident step forward in Sabreen's evolving sound and storytelling.
yosavius — Eternity
Wellington alternative R&B artist yosavius returns with his new single, Eternity, continuing to refine a sound that blends emotional honesty with genre experimentation. Following the release of his album Unsatisfactory, yosavius has explored everything from emo trap to indie folk while steadily evolving as both a songwriter and producer. Eternity marks his most authentic work to date, offering an intimate reflection on the fear and beauty of vulnerability as it explores the challenge of opening yourself up to new love while carrying the weight of past experiences.
Lady Shaka, Rei, Huia — Korikori
Bringing together Lady Shaka, Rei and Huia, Korikori is a genre-bending collaboration that fuses Pacific Afro House, Baile Funk, te reo Māori and electronic music into a distinctly Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa sound. Born from conversations in London before being developed at Kog Studio in the Waitākere Ranges, the waiata celebrates shared whakapapa through haka-inspired chants, movement and collective joy. Having already debuted at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto as part of the Aotearoa HūHā Music and Matariki Cultural Foundation showcase, Korikori presents a future-focused vision for Indigenous electronic music that is grounded in whakapapa, language and Pacific identity while reaching confidently towards global audiences.
Daily J — Darling
Daily J have returned with their new single, Darling. The four-piece band, made up of brothers Jayden, Jonny and Jesse alongside longtime friend Rick, have built a loyal following through their blend of dreamy indie rock, fuzzy grooves and pop-infused electronica. Following the success of their album Scatterbrains and singles including Cheap Tequila Sunrise, Sunday Stitches and Tastes Like Forever, Darling continues the band's run of new music.
A.R.T, KENIYE — Givin' It Up
Wellington harmony trio A.R.T continue their First Thursdays campaign with their latest single, Givin' It Up, a collaboration with U.S.-based Tongan artist KENIYE. Following a strong run of releases including Make Me Believe with Sammy Johnson, support slots for Josh Tatofi across New Zealand and Australia, and recognition at both the Pacific Music Awards and Aotearoa Music Awards, the group continue to build their reputation as one of the country's leading harmony-driven acts. Blending contemporary R&B with island reggae and lovers rock influences, Givin' It Up is a warm, uplifting celebration of love, loyalty and connection that highlights the growing creative relationship between Pacific artists across New Zealand and the United States.
Debt Club — Brand New Lovers
Pōneke indie folk rock six-piece Debt Club return with their new single, Brand New Lovers, the second taste of their upcoming debut album Foothold. Following the release of I Do Mine and their 2025 EP Taste For Stout, the band have built a strong live reputation through appearances at Rhythm & Vines, Twisted Frequency, CubaDupa and Newtown Festival, while also sharing stages with Marlin's Dreaming, Phoebe Rings and Floodlights. Blending indie rock, folk, alt-country and emo influences, Brand New Lovers reflects on the way youthful romance evolves over time, balancing nostalgia, humour and heartbreak through layered guitars, saxophone melodies and dynamic arrangements ahead of the release of Foothold and a nationwide tour.
Play For Keeps — HEY LOVE (EP)
Play For Keeps have released their debut EP, HEY LOVE, marking the latest chapter for the band following their transition from Ellie Oak earlier this year. Produced by Tom Healy, the release follows a strong run of festival appearances, support from New Zealand's student radio network and growing streaming success, while continuing to showcase the band's blend of catchy melodies, emotive songwriting and honest lyricism. Led by the anthemic title track Hey Love, the four-song EP explores love, vulnerability, heartbreak and the complexities of the human condition, cementing Play For Keeps as one of Aotearoa's most exciting emerging indie acts.
Bryony Matthews — Recovery
Ōtautahi singer-songwriter Bryony Matthews returns with her new single, Recovery, the first release from her upcoming six-track concept album BRAIN STORM. Co-produced with Steven Marr, the track marks a new sonic direction for Matthews, blending layered synths and atmospheric textures with her signature storytelling as it explores the uncertainty and emotional challenges of recovering from a traumatic brain injury. With BRAIN STORM set to expand on that deeply personal journey, Matthews will also embark on a nationwide tour in support of the album.
