New Music 17/07
There's plenty to dive into in this week's roundup, with new releases spanning indie folk, shoegaze, alt-rock, reggae, hip-hop, electronic pop and everything in between. Emerging artists continue to make their mark alongside returning favourites like Gin Wigmore, Corrella and The Datsuns, making it another stacked week for Aotearoa music. It's also a big day for the local industry with the launch of Lume, a new New Zealand music platform that gives fans access to albums packed with exclusive content while returning 80% of every purchase directly to the artists. Whether you're looking for your next favourite single or a new album to sink into, there's no shortage of fresh local music to discover.
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature!
Meddles — My Sun
Alternative rock band Meddles are blending gritty guitars with melodic hooks to create anthemic, guitar-driven songs. Their debut single, Down Every Road, introduced the band's energetic alt-rock sound, while follow-up release Taste of the Past showcased a more organic, acoustic side through its reflections on nostalgia and fleeting youth. Their latest single, My Sun, delivers an upbeat and punchy take on themes of self-liberation and gratitude as the band continue building towards their debut EP. After spending the past year and a half playing regular shows, including headline performances at Ponsonby Social Club and support slots alongside Pool House and Ivy, Meddles are steadily establishing themselves as one to watch in Aotearoa's indie rock scene.
Ammonita — Spore (EP)
Hailing from Ōtepoti, Ammonita are a five-piece alternative grunge band known for pairing heavy riffs with both political commentary and emotional storytelling. Following the release of their debut single Walnut and a win at OUSA's Bring The Noise competition in 2025, the band have now unveiled their debut EP, Spore, a collection that moves from fierce political anthems to heartfelt ballads. Led by the high-energy single Jane's Masquerade, the EP showcases the band's dynamic sound while also featuring crowd favourite Righteous Socialite, one of their heaviest tracks to date. After building a reputation through regular live performances across Ōtepoti, Spore marks a confident introduction to one of Dunedin's exciting emerging rock acts.
The Advocators — Draw Me Near
The Advocators are carving out a distinctive place in the local music scene with their raw blend of alt-country noir and swamp rock. Their previous releases have earned tens of thousands of streams, praise from outlets including Rolling Stone Australia, 13th Floor, NZ Musician, Happy Mag and Under the Radar, along with airplay across New Zealand and Australian student radio. Their latest single, Draw Me Near, is the third taste of their upcoming sophomore album Beyond the Palisade, pairing sparse acoustic guitar, haunting viola and an emotive vocal performance to tell the story of a strained relationship clinging to quiet hope. Recorded in Whangārei with producer Dan Stenhouse, the track further builds anticipation for the band's forthcoming album and accompanying release tour.
King Hit — post-divorce clearance sale
Shoegaze quartet king hit are known for their wall of noise and emotionally charged songwriting. Following the success of sap, which topped the SRN charts earlier this year, the band return with post-divorce clearance sale, a powerful new single centred on the idea of finding your energy again after a prolonged slump. Produced by Thomas Waddington and mastered by River Hann-Ellen, the release builds on the sound established by its predecessor, with the band continuing their run after recent support slots for A Place To Bury Strangers and Drook.
Sahara — Turcot
Originally from Waikato and now based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Sahara is an alternative folk artist whose music blends delicate acoustic textures with the raw honesty of acoustic grunge. After taking out first place in the solo/duo category of Smokefreerockquest 2025, she has introduced herself with her debut single, Turcot. Written from a place of vulnerability, the song explores power, control and mental health, using the "beast" as a metaphor for the people in our lives who threaten and hold power over us. Accompanied by a gothic, dreamlike music video directed and edited by Ethan Alderson-Hughes, Turcot offers an intimate first look into Sahara's evocative songwriting and marks a compelling beginning for the emerging artist.
Katelyn Henshall — Nothing lasts forever (de verano)
Pōneke singer-songwriter Katelyn Henshall returns with Nothing lasts forever (de verano), the second single from her upcoming debut EP A lil somethin' somethin'. Following Take Me Away and a breakthrough year of headline performances with her band, Henshall continues to build her soulful, groove-driven sound. Inspired by her travels through Spain, Nothing lasts forever (de verano) pairs upbeat R&B-infused production with reflections on embracing new experiences, even featuring a section sung in Spanish, as anticipation builds for her debut EP.
Aslan — The Light
Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aslan is a multi-instrumentalist who performs with a range of Wellington acts, including Stereoface, Girls Rock the Boys and the Capital City Big Band, while also studying to become a music therapist. Written after completing a Master's in Jazz Performance, The Light emerged from a burst of creativity following months spent focused on academic research, and was originally performed with Aslan's former band, love + loss. Blending influences from singer-songwriters such as Sara Bareilles and John Mayer, the track reflects on the excitement, vulnerability and heartbreak that can come with opening yourself up to love. After collaborating with local producer Jonny Avery to bring the song to life, The Light now stands as a deeply personal debut that Aslan is finally ready to share.
EMILY ESPLIN — PARANOIA
Emily Esplin is an emerging alternative artist whose music pairs vulnerable songwriting with heavy, rock-driven production. Emily returns with PARANOIA, a confronting track that unpacks the anguish of heartbreak through ethereal vocals, layers of distortion and unflinchingly honest lyricism. Written, produced and mixed entirely by Esplin, PARANOIA continues to showcase their raw, deeply personal approach to making music.
Wilka — Villain
Originally from Poland and now based in Aotearoa, Wilka is a dance-pop artist whose music pairs emotionally honest songwriting with bold electronic production. After previously releasing music under the name Pat Piasta, she began a new chapter as Wilka, reconnecting with her Polish roots while developing a sound centred on themes of connection, distance and self-discovery. Her latest single, Villain, is a dark, cinematic dance-pop anthem about reclaiming your identity after being cast as the "bad guy" in someone else's story, turning self-doubt into defiance. Co-written and produced with Devin Abrams (Pacific Heights), Villain marks Wilka's boldest sonic evolution yet, embracing an empowering new direction without losing the emotional core of her songwriting.
The Broken Heartbreakers — Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving (ALBUM)
The Broken Heartbreakers are an indie folk band whose thoughtful songwriting has earned praise across Aotearoa for more than two decades. Following acclaimed releases including Wintersun and How We Got To Now, the band have returned with Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving, their first full-length album in over a decade. The album's title track, also named Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving, reflects on movement, endurance and finding meaning in the journey rather than the destination, built around a phrase songwriters Rachel Bailey and John Howell have shared for more than 20 years. Released through Slow Time Records, the album marks a welcome return for one of New Zealand's most enduring indie folk acts.
Letoa — GLOCSTARR 2 (ALBUM)
Letoa is an emerging hip-hop artist whose work blends a range of styles into immersive creative projects. His debut album, GLOCSTARR 2, embraces sonic variety while remaining tied together through a distinctive black-and-white visual identity, reflecting his ambition to push beyond the conventions of a traditional album. Among the record's standout moments is RAGE QUIT, featuring longtime collaborator Lames, a high-energy track inspired by Memphis phonk and trap that pairs infectious production with the duo's contrasting vocal styles. Together, the album and its focus track showcase Letoa's versatility, creative vision and commitment to building a world that extends beyond the music itself.
Ardon England — Whai Mai Rā
Ardon England is a Māori queer electronic pop artist known for combining bold visuals, high-energy performances and contemporary pop with strong messages of identity and advocacy. Following the success of his EPs That's Camp and I'M THAT BITCH, along with charting singles including Real Talk (Tali Remix) and DOWN TO CHAOS with Missb, he continues his upward trajectory with Whai Mai Rā, his first Te Reo Māori project. Created with Māori language expert Hēmi Kelly, the three-track release reimagines his upcoming song EGO in Te Reo Māori while exploring language revitalisation, queer visibility and contemporary Māori expression through polished electronic pop. Released during Matariki, Whai Mai Rā marks the beginning of Ardon's long-term commitment to weaving Te Reo Māori into his music while continuing to challenge expectations of where indigenous language belongs.
Gin Wigmore — Beautiful Mess (ALBUM)
Gin Wigmore returns with Beautiful Mess, her first studio album in eight years and her most personal collection of songs to date. Drawing on experiences of love, loss, divorce, motherhood and rebuilding, the album explores the balance between life's beauty and chaos across two distinct sonic halves, blending country and Americana with Gin's signature rock edge. Alongside the album comes Tip Of My Tongue, a reflective new single that pairs intimate songwriting with her unmistakable grit while exploring the tension between wanting change and accepting that growth has to come from within.
Corella — Not I
Corrella continue their rise as one of Aotearoa's leading contemporary roots-reggae acts with their latest single, Not I. Following the success of albums ROAD FROM 26 and SKELETONS, along with chart-topping hits including Blue Eyed Māori and How Will I Know, the band return with a powerful anthem of resilience led by Ngawai Campbell's commanding vocals. Blending their signature reggae and pop sound with a heavier lyrical edge, Not I delivers a message of standing strong in the face of broken systems and false promises. The release follows recent festival appearances in Australia and marks another step towards the band's next chapter as they continue work on their third album.
The Datsuns — Moonstruck Man
The Datsuns return with Moonstruck Man, the first taste of the legendary New Zealand rock band's upcoming eighth studio album. Packed with searing riffs, wah-drenched guitars and classic '70s rock influences, the single draws inspiration from the likes of Deep Purple, Mountain, Rush, Sparks and Marc Bolan while delivering the band's unmistakable high-energy sound. Recorded across several studios in Sweden, Moonstruck Man marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Datsuns, with longtime fans able to expect plenty more riff-driven rock on the horizon.
Emily Bateman — Apprehension
Based in Auckland, Emily Bateman is an alternative pop artist whose ethereal vocals and introspective songwriting have helped her build a strong presence in the city's indie scene. After earning Spotify editorial support, opening for artists including Georgia Lines, Caitlin and There's A Tuesday, and collaborating with Heidi Simpson and Jessica Leigh, she returns with Apprehension, the second single from her upcoming EP. Blending candid lyricism with a pop rock edge, the track explores the desire for attention and validation outside of a relationship, delivering an honest and undeniably catchy new release.
