> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.rootsmag.nz/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # New Music 14/08 - URL: https://www.rootsmag.nz/new-music-14-08/ - Published: 2026-08-14T01:38:53.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-14T01:38:53.000Z - Author: Ryan Brash - Tags: News It’s been another big week for new music across Aotearoa, with a pretty diverse mix of releases spanning indie rock, hip-hop, electronic, folk and everything in between. Zafado officially release their debut EP *Extended Paranoia*, a particularly meaningful release following the passing of frontman Adam McPhail earlier this year, while Park Flyers drop their debut album *you’re a real brick* after building a name for themselves across the alternative scene. There’s also plenty of new music from artists including BEX, B Tello, CLOVA, Wet Denim, IVY, JQIME, NOPILOT, Jessica Leigh, Candice Milner and Niki Kennedy, alongside releases from emerging artists like 13-year-old Rohan Evans and debuting songwriter Jordan Hunter Hyland. From dancefloor-ready electronic production to gritty guitar music and deeply personal songwriting, there’s plenty to dig into this week. ## Join our mailing list New Kiwi music, delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. *Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at* [ryanfromroots@gmail.com](mailto:ryanfromroots@gmail.com) *to get a feature!* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-16.png) ## **Zafado — *Extended Paranoia (EP)*** Pōneke alternative hip-hop outfit **Zafado** release their debut EP *Extended Paranoia*, bringing together six tracks that blend funk, reggae, jazz and hip-hop while exploring different sides of paranoia, politics and personal struggle. Recorded over several months and shaped through a largely DIY process, the EP captures the chemistry between the five-piece and the distinctive voice of frontman Adam McPhail, who passed away in March 2026\. From the funk-driven *President* to the more personal *Ascendin*, *Extended Paranoia* stands as both a snapshot of Zafado’s time together and a way of keeping Adam’s voice and songwriting alive. [*You can read my interview with Zafado here.*](https://www.rootsmag.nz/zafado/) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-11.png) ## **BEX — *Make It Louder*** Tāmaki Makaurau artist **BEX** continues her move into electronic pop with *Make It Louder*, the title track from her upcoming debut project. Following *I luv my boy*, the new single adds another piece to BEX’s shift towards infectious synths, bass-heavy production and club-ready energy, with three tracks now out and three more still to come. Produced and co-written alongside Wongii, *Make It Louder* is a bold statement of intent for a project that BEX wants listeners to turn all the way up. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/Planted_Cover_FINAL.jpg) ## **B Tello — *Planted*** Wellington DJ and musician **B Tello** debuts his new project with *Planted*, the first single from [Ben Bonetti](https://www.rootsmag.nz/ben-bonetti/)'s electronic alias. Also known as the bassist and vocalist of reggae-rock band Pineja, Bonetti's DJ sound draws from breaks, garage, hardgroove and techno, shaped by his time in Wellington's electronic scene. Following DJ sets and radio sessions around the country, including a surprise main-stage appearance alongside Tiki Taane at SoundSplash, *Planted* marks the beginning of a new chapter for **B Tello**. [You can read my interview with Ben here.](https://www.rootsmag.nz/ben-bonetti/) [Planted by B-TELLO](https://b-tello.bandcamp.com/track/planted?ref=rootsmag.nz) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-15.png) ## **Park Flyers — *you're a real brick (ALBUM)*** **Park Flyers** return with their debut LP *you’re a real brick*, following singles *running out / i could be there* and *dumb*. Blending fast, gritty hits with lush DIY midwest emo-inspired cuts and softer, more sincere moments, the album takes listeners through an emotional arc the duo describe as “fulfilling and nostalgic”. Following performances alongside DARTZ, Coast Arcade, Back To The Hillside and First Reserve, as well as appearances at CubaDupa and a North Island tour with Slow Rage, *you’re a real brick* marks the next step in Park Flyers’ growing presence across Aotearoa’s alternative scene. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/becca-caffyn-julia-roberts.jpg) ## **Becca Caffyn — *Julia Roberts*** London-based, Aotearoa-born indie-folk singer-songwriter **Becca Caffyn** returns with *Julia Roberts*, her first release since relocating to the UK. Built around glittering violin, moody instrumentation and darkly playful storytelling, the track explores the gap between real life and the glamorous fairytale endings of films, drawing inspiration from Julia Roberts’ role in *Pretty Woman*. Originally released as a cassette demo on Caffyn’s 2022 debut EP *The Replacement Blonde*, the song has remained a fan favourite and live staple, now returning in a fuller form as she begins a busy run of releases through the rest of 2026. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-14.png) ## **CLOVA — *PRINCESS BAY DUB*** Pōneke-based producer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist **CLOVA** blends electronic and classical influences on her atmospheric new single *PRINCESS BAY DUB*. Inspired by 90s rave culture, UK garage and jungle, the six-minute track combines deep house and speed garage textures with pulsing drums, icy chords, woozy synths and deep bass. Following her double-sided debut album *SPIRAL B SIDE*, *PRINCESS BAY DUB* offers another look at CLOVA’s distinctive approach to dance music, with live violin, vocals and electronic production all forming part of her sound. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/Wild-Honey-Single-Cover-with-OM-Logo.jpg) ## **BB & The Bullets — *Wild Honey*** **BB and the Bullets** are right in the pocket, releasing their new single *Wild Honey* via Memphis label Overton Music. Blending the groove of James Brown with the guitar sting of Stevie Ray Vaughan, *Wild Honey* is a blues-infused R&B cut, taken from the band’s forthcoming second album *Wrong Side of the River*. It’s packed with soulful swagger, gritty guitar work, and an irresistible rhythm. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/rohan-evans-music-echos-of-tomorrow.jpg) ## **Rohan Evans — *Echoes of Tomorrow*** Tauranga 13-year-old **Rohan Evans** continues to make his mark as a young songwriter with his second single, *Echoes of Tomorrow*. Following his debut release *Synthetic Horizons*, Evans has worked with local musicians including Hani Totorewa, Stan Bicknell and recording engineer Damian Lunson to turn his original composition into a fully produced track. A regular performer at public events and local venues around the Bay of Plenty, *Echoes of Tomorrow* offers another glimpse of the songwriting ability and musical ambition that **Rohan Evans** is developing at a remarkably young age. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/The-Line-Single-Art.jpg) ## **NOPILOT — *The Line*** Ōtautahi alternative rock band **NOPILOT** return with *The Line*, the third single from their forthcoming debut album. Following previous releases *The Middle* and *What Am I Doing Here?*, which earned playlist support from Radio Hauraki, The Rock, Radio BurgerFuel, NZ On Air and Spark NZ, the new track takes a softer, more emotional approach, drawing on anthemic pop-rock influences while exploring themes of change, maturity and pushing through difficult moments. With two sold-out headline shows already behind them and a further single, *Pull You In*, on the way, **NOPILOT** are building towards the release of their nine-track debut album later this year. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-9.png) ## **JQIME — *intertwine*** Pōneke teenage duo **JQIME** return with *intertwine*, a self-produced new single created in the depths of winter and carrying a cosy, rainy and dark atmosphere. Blending elements of '70s soul, R&B and funk with indie pop and rock, the pair have been developing their sound since starting the project in 2021 and forming the band in 2024\. Following a string of bedroom-produced releases and recognition at Battle of the Bands in 2024 and 2025, *Intertwine* offers another glimpse of the adventurous sound that has seen **JQIME** establish themselves in Wellington's youth music scene. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-10.png) ## **Candice Milner — *27*** Ōtautahi indie-folk-rock songwriter **Candice Milner** returns with *27*, the latest glimpse into her forthcoming third album *Rebirth*. Written amid the sleepless nights and shifting priorities of early motherhood, the album sees Milner reflecting on adulthood, identity, creativity and the contradictions of trying to balance life’s responsibilities with the desire to simply have some fun. *27* marks a step further into the indie-rock sound of *Rebirth*, with Milner retaining the sharp storytelling and emotional honesty that have defined her songwriting. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-12.png) ## **Wet Denim — *Mirrors*** Aotearoa rock quartet **Wet Denim** return with *Mirrors*, the third and final single from their forthcoming EP *Water For Dogs*. Written during a period of creative frustration, the track turns writer’s block into an upbeat and optimistic rock song about looking outward for inspiration before finding the motivation within yourself. Following *Living Room* and *Silence*, *Mirrors* offers one final glimpse into Wet Denim’s refreshed sound ahead of the release of *Water For Dogs*. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/Niki-Kennedy---Gardenias-Artwork--with-text-.jpg) ## **Niki Kennedy — *Gardenias*** Aotearoa-born, Canada-based singer-songwriter **Niki Kennedy** returns with *Gardenias*, a soulful new single and heartfelt tribute to her grandmother. Blending roots and soul with warm grooves and emotional melodies, the track explores grief, memory and the beauty of whānau, with Kennedy choosing to celebrate her grandmother’s life rather than focus solely on loss. *Gardenias* is the latest glimpse into her debut album *THE SPACE IN BETWEEN*, due in October, which explores themes of home, identity and belonging while incorporating Polynesian elements into contemporary roots music. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/Gutter-cover---2-.jpg) ## **IVY — *Gutter*** Ōtepoti alt-rock five-piece **IVY** return with *Gutter*, a powerful new single that channels generational frustration through dark, brooding textures, soaring choruses and commanding vocals. Following their 2025 debut album *HUSH*, the track uses the perspective of a soldier fighting for a lie as a metaphor for the narratives and systems imposed on society, while exploring the frustration many young people feel with the current state of the world. With a growing reputation built through national touring and major live appearances, *Gutter* continues IVY’s run of ambitious alt-rock releases. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/C9018258-6951-460C-8E4B-B3264E9AAF11.jpg) ## **Ny Oh — *Aperture (Unplugged)*** Aotearoa-raised, LA-based singer-songwriter **Ny Oh** gives fans a glimpse behind her award-winning debut album *WILDWOOD* with *Aperture Unplugged*, a stripped-back demo of the album’s opening track. Written during an APRA Songhubs session in Tāmaki Makaurau alongside Brooke Fraser, Paige and Joel Jones, the raw version brings a more haunting and ethereal quality to the song, offering a look at how it sounded in its earliest form. *WILDWOOD* saw Ny Oh step into the spotlight after years touring with Harry Styles, with the album earning her the 2026 Aotearoa Music Award for Best Folk Artist. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/Cover-photo---Jordan-Hunter-Hyland--Waste--1.jpg) ## **Jordan Hunter Hyland — *Waste*** Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter and doctor **Jordan Hunter Hyland** introduces his debut EP *Waste* with the intimate title track, a lo-fi indie song exploring disconnection, grief and finding a way forward. Produced by Chris Perry, *Waste* places Hyland’s understated instrumentation and vulnerable songwriting front and centre, drawing from a transformative period where he navigated his relationship with medicine alongside a renewed focus on music. The four-track EP is due in September, with *Waste* offering a first glimpse into a deeply personal debut. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/08/image-17.png) ## **Jessica Leigh — *I'm On Fire*** Indie pop and rock artist **Jessica Leigh** returns with *I’m On Fire*, following the release of her EP *I Wanna Be A Star*. Known for her sharp lyricism, glossy production and guitar-driven songwriting, Leigh continues to develop her sound with this latest single, building on a run of releases that has seen her recognised as a Rolling Stone AU/NZ Artist to Watch while also working across writing, production and collaborations with other artists.