New Music 06/11
Are you a Kiwi artist with a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature!
kloey — Firefight
Indie-pop artist kloey returns with Firefight, the second single from her upcoming EP of the same name. Produced by Jacob Callwood, aka Shehatesjacob, the alternative-pop track pairs catchy vocals and synthesiser melodies with experimental, sparkly production, creating a late-night atmosphere. Exploring the confusion of receiving mixed signals from someone struggling with commitment, Firefight is a playful take on fighting fire with fire.
You can read my interview with kloey (College Try) here.
44kyn — Soulseekyn (ALBUM)
Te Whanganui-a-Tara producer and artist 44kyn (Kayne Paranihi) introduces his debut album Soulseekyn, a deeply personal alternative R&B project shaped by years of songwriting, production and personal growth. Entirely written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by 44kyn, the 10-track album blends ambient textures, atmospheric synths and hard-hitting drums to tell a story of searching for happiness in others before learning to find it within yourself. Drawing on ideas first developed as early as 2016, Soulseekyn marks a significant milestone for the Māori artist, bringing together years of creative development into an intimate and cohesive body of work.
Grace Elizabeth — SHOOT TWICE
Pōneke musician and producer Grace Elizabeth steps into a new musical direction with SHOOT TWICE, a dance/electronic track blending glitchy, contemporary production with influences from the early 2000s. Marking a shift from her previous acoustic singer-songwriter sound, the single explores finding your place and committing to life without holding back. Soft, melancholic verses give way to powerful, unforgiving choruses, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of a new creative chapter.
Steph Casey — 10,000 Hail Marys (EP)
Kāpiti Coast singer-songwriter Steph Casey returns with 10,000 Hail Marys, her first release in over seven years and a bold new direction that brings together gritty, distorted guitar work and two beautifully composed piano pieces. Seven years in the making, the five-track EP draws on pivotal moments in Casey’s life, from being caught in the middle of wildfires in the US on Merced to her personal journey with misophonia on Let It All Go. Backed by an accomplished line-up of musicians, including Caroline Easther, Alan Galloway and Murray Costello, 10,000 Hail Marys is her most fearless and honest work to date.
damiasharko — Here With Me / No Sound
damiasharko continues the lead-up to her debut album Dear Reader with a pair of new tracks, Here With Me and No Sound, exploring two different sides of loneliness. Written, performed and produced by Haylee Hailwood, the songs contrast the isolation of city nights and the loneliness felt in the company of others with the experience of withdrawing completely into yourself. Here With Me is accompanied by a self-produced music video that uses tunnels as a metaphor for change and the difficulty of letting love in, while both tracks build on the emotional world introduced through earlier releases Unrest and Headlight Gold.
Boyband — Money / How Could You Move On
Pōneke five-piece Boyband introduce themselves with a double single release, featuring Money and How Could You Move On. The all-girl band draw on alternative, R&B, mid-century soul and pop, bringing a proudly femme-fronted approach to their sound. Recorded at Massey University Wellington and mixed and mastered by Thomas Clark, the two tracks mark Boyband’s first release as a standalone introduction to the group.
Kobe Smith — Summer
Emerging artist Kobe Smith captures the nostalgia and freedom of teenage life in Aotearoa on his latest single Summer. Built around memories of weekends spent piling into the car and heading to the lake with friends, the track evokes warm evenings, singing cicadas and carefree days. A celebration of friendship and growing up, Summer reflects on how the seemingly ordinary moments of youth often become the ones we hold onto longest.
Amun Rā — Count Dracula
Hamilton Kirikiriroa glam-pop duo Amun Rā bring a Halloween-inspired release with Count Dracula. Known for their powerful vocals, energetic dance moves and lively performances, the duo have been building a presence in the local music scene, including supporting touring acts from across Aotearoa. Their latest single adds a spooky twist to their pop sound, arriving with a fitting dose of Halloween spirit.
Ryan Addis — Hear You Right
Queenstown-based independent artist Ryan Addis introduces himself with his debut single Hear You Right, an energetic alternative/indie rock track written, performed, recorded and mixed entirely in his home studio. Looking back on a past relationship, the song marks the beginning of Addis’s journey as a solo artist, bringing together a hands-on approach to recording with a reflective lyrical perspective.
Purple Pilgrims — Look to the Moon
Dream-pop duo Purple Pilgrims, made up of sisters Clementine and Valentine Nixon, share Look to the Moon, the final single ahead of their third album Given to the Night. Described by the pair as a sisterly love song and an anthemic prayer, the track continues their signature blend of shimmering guitars, entwining synths and layered vocals, exploring themes of connection, transition and finding light in the shadows. The 11-track album arrives via Flying Nun Records, with the sisters set to celebrate its release with shows in Auckland and Wellington this December.
qway — Up When I’m Down
Auckland artist qway returns with Up When I'm Down, continuing his blend of emo rap and alternative pop. Drawing on his introspective approach to songwriting, the track explores the ups and downs of relationships and personal struggles, adding another chapter to his growing catalogue.
Ro.wav — It’s a Good Day
Independent artist Ro.wav brings together melodic rap and UK underground influences on his latest single It’s a Good Day. Blending melodic flows with an underground-inspired sound, the track offers a fresh addition to his growing catalogue.
Taylah — Taylah (EP)
Auckland-based neo-soul artist Taylah brings together five intimate tracks on her self-titled debut solo EP Taylah, exploring identity, relationships, resilience and finding perspective through music. Drawing on neo-soul, blues, contemporary R&B and acoustic influences, the collection sees Taylah return to the simplicity of guitar and voice, with each song offering a different reflection, from the realities of being a working artist on $4 to recognising your worth in relationships on Loved. Of Ngāpuhi descent, Taylah first appeared as part of Fly My Pretties’ ELEMENTAL, and now celebrates this new chapter with a run of New Zealand shows, including support slots alongside L.A.B and Sir Dave Dobbyn.
Flynn Adamson — Started A Cult
Christchurch-raised pop-rock artist Flynn Adamson returns with Started A Cult, an infectious new single that pairs sun-soaked guitars, catchy melodies and a big singalong chorus. Written, produced and mixed by Adamson himself, the tongue-in-cheek love song follows someone so caught up in infatuation that they're willing to overlook every red flag, even if it means joining their partner's father's cult. The release builds on the success of previous single SUCKS, which reached #4 on the Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart, and showcases Adamson's knack for playful storytelling and guitar-driven pop.
So Below — I Think I Might
New Zealand-born, Los Angeles-based artist So Below (Madeline North) returns with I Think I Might, a hypnotic dark electronic pop track exploring the uneasy pull between desire and control. Haunting vocals, brooding basslines and atmospheric synths create a cinematic soundscape, while the lyrics delve into a relationship shaped by emotional dependency. With more than 25 million streams across her catalogue, the single offers another glimpse into So Below’s shadowy musical world, ahead of her third album planned for 2027.
Head Lock Grave — Earshot Violate
Auckland groove-metal outfit Head Lock Grave unleash Earshot Violate, the second and final single ahead of their forthcoming album Rewake in the Mold of Travail. Driven by confrontation and aggression, the track takes aim at those who dismiss a new generation of musicians trying to forge their own path, drawing on the band's personal experience of being criticised by a local media outlet. Embracing the very aggression their critics sought to suppress, Earshot Violate arrives as a defiant statement ahead of the full album and the band's upcoming North Island tour.
Frankie Venter — every other night
Frankie Venter returns with every other night, her latest release following February’s a big deal to me EP and the sold-out Australasia tour that followed. Building on the momentum of previous single Say It, Venter continues to showcase her honest songwriting and distinctive blend of pop and indie-folk influences, adding another chapter to her growing catalogue.
