New Music 22/05
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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 in bands such as The Beatniks, Ani Saafa and Chump Change before stepping into solo work in late 2025. That shift came after an intense period of writing that led to his debut solo EP Belong to Someone Else, a project that moves between alt-pop, indie rock and soft-edged folk while tracing a period of emotional untethering, with all songs written and recorded within a single month. The EP’s latest single Isla, produced by Beatniks bandmate Sam Charlesworth and featuring contributions from Louis Stevenson (IVY) on violin and Josh Bottz (Emily Alice) on piano, captures a deeply personal reflection inspired by a family conversation and explores themes of innocence, guilt and past relationships through a textured, organic sound. It follows earlier single Worry, an indie pop-rock release influenced by Phoebe Bridgers’ Punisher era, which has gained strong traction across Aotearoa alternative radio, including SRN chart success, Radioscope placement, and support from stations such as Radio One in Dunedin.
Office Dog — Reins
Office Dog are continuing the rollout of their upcoming sophomore album Prime Corner with the release of new single Reins, a jangly yet heavy track that captures themes of isolation, instability and feeling stuck in cycles. Formed in 2021 by former solo artist Kane Strang alongside bassist Rassani Tolovaa and drummer Mitchell Innes, the band have quickly established themselves within New Zealand’s modern guitar scene through releases like Spiel and the Doggerland EP, blending lo-fi textures with reflective songwriting and melodic indie rock. Written while Strang was back in his hometown and thinking about “the harder, more isolating side of being in a town at the bottom of the world”, Reins follows recent singles Front Row Seat and Gold Things while further teasing the instinctual, organic sound of Prime Corner, recorded at Roundhead Studios with producer and engineer De Stevens.
MOZIE — Here We Go Again
Wairarapa-raised, Pōneke-based Samoan artist MOZIE is continuing to carve out her space in Aotearoa’s R&B scene with her new single Here We Go Again. Emerging in 2022, she has steadily built a reputation for soulful, slow-burning R&B-pop shaped by honest storytelling and a powerful vocal presence, alongside a busy career providing backing vocals for artists such as Louis Baker and Bret McKenzie and touring nationally and internationally as part of Bret McKenzie’s band. Her solo releases, including Not Done Loving and Sonshine, have been supported by NZ On Air and laid the groundwork for a growing body of work rooted in reflection and lived experience. Her latest track Here We Go Again, co-written with Wellington musician Leonardo Coghini, captures the emotional complexity of watching someone stay in a relationship they are struggling to leave, delivered through shimmering production and lyrics that offer empathy and understanding.
Emma Rutherford — Losing Sight
Emma Rutherford is building momentum in the Aotearoa music scene with a sound rooted in storytelling and personal growth. After studying at Ara Music Arts and gaining early attention with her single Ghost Town, she has become a regular presence on the live circuit before relocating to Wellington in 2025 to work with producer Toby Lloyd of Tiny Triumph Recordings on a refreshed sonic direction. Her recent work has earned playlist support on Apple Music’s New in Pop and recognition from Rolling Stone Australia/NZ, while her latest release Losing Sight continues her exploration of change and transition as she moves towards her upcoming live show In Between the Verses at BATS Theatre.
aysi* — Giuseppe* Vol. 3* (ALBUM)
Pōneke-based electronic producer aysi* has released his most refined work to date with the long-awaited third and final instalment of the Giuseppe series, Giuseppe Vol. 3*, a project that arrives as his most assured and expansive statement yet. Across its runtime of over twenty-three minutes, the release spans ten tracks that push into new territory while still nodding to earlier sounds, including jungle techno influences first hinted at in lead singles tea party* and i just wanna f#ck*. While much of the project leans into fast-paced, high-energy production, it is balanced by moments of contrast, such as the house cut anuther man* and instrumental hip-hop tracks and fly with me (giuseppe 2)* and it must be everything, ever*, which echo earlier phases of his work. Built entirely without vocals, the project instead relies on a rotating cast of samples and inventive sound design, giving it a dense, textured feel that keeps it engaging throughout and further solidifying aysi*’s growing presence in the local electronic scene.
Imperfect Circles — Afterimage (ALBUM)
Motueka band Imperfect Circles are pushing their sound further than ever on new album Afterimage, a project more than two years in the making that sees the group blending genres and experimenting freely across 11 interconnected tracks. Expanding on themes introduced in their previous project TOKEN, the album explores mental health struggles, self-discovery, relationships and new beginnings, with opening track Intro even referencing lyrics from the band’s earlier work as a form of closure before moving into this new chapter. The group describe the record as a reflection of a formative period in their lives, documenting a time of personal and creative growth before members head off on new adventures across the motu, with an album release show planned in their hometown to celebrate the project together.
Liberty — Waiting
Pop artist Liberty is known for her honest, emotionally driven songwriting that explores growing up, heartbreak and self-reflection. Earlier releases including I Wanna, Are We Dead and Don’t Worry Bout It have helped her build steady momentum, with airplay across ZM, The Edge and RNZ, chart placements on the Hot Aotearoa Singles Chart and Radioscope Airplay Chart, and a growing audience across TikTok and Instagram. Her live shows have included appearances at Outfield Festival and Rhythm and Vines, strengthening her presence as a rising voice in Aotearoa pop. Her latest single Waiting moves into a lighter, more reflective space, capturing the feeling of unexpectedly finding something good and learning to sit with it, while staying rooted in her signature acoustic pop sound built around guitar, layered vocals and intimate production.
Samuel Podmore — Walk The Line
Born in Zimbabwe and now based in Wellington, Samuel Podmore is a producer and artist whose work blends technical production with raw emotional storytelling, drawing from a journey that began singing in his local church during lockdown before going on to study Music Technology at Massey. Working across influences like hypnotic trap, reggaeton and more introspective pop sensibilities, he has developed a sound that sits between rhythm-driven energy and personal reflection. His latest release, Walk the Line, pairs a dark, gritty soundscape with a steady pulse and an earworm chorus, exploring a tense inner dialogue between his present self and a more destructive past self, ultimately turning that conflict into something both cathartic and immersive.
Blake Stainton — Ghost in me
Based in Auckland, 19-year-old artist Blake Stainton is steadily building a name for himself through independent releases and live shows, while growing an audience of more than 12,000 across social media. His latest single, Ghost in Me, is an emotionally driven track centred around late-night drives and the memories that catch up with you once everything finally goes quiet, blending honest storytelling with a melody-led sound that sits between modern pop and country-inspired songwriting.
Raw Collective — In the Clouds
8-piece hip-hop and funk collective Raw Collective are returning in 2026 with their new single In the Clouds, marking their first release in several years and the beginning of a new chapter for the group. Known for their high-energy live shows and full-band sound, the collective blend hip-hop, funk, soul and R&B with signature musicianship, driven by a dynamic horn section, tight rhythm section and standout vocals from singer Moira Jean. Built around a laid-back 80 BPM groove with double-time hi-hats, the track evolves from a reflective opening into a powerful full-band climax, reflecting both their collaborative process and a period where members balanced parenthood and shifting life responsibilities. Produced by emcee and beatmaker Raw Deezy and shaped remotely across Aotearoa before being brought together in a detailed final mix by engineer Jason Erskine, In the Clouds captures themes of uncertainty, grounding and resilience while reaffirming the group’s place in Wellington’s music scene ahead of a run of new releases and a forthcoming album.
day13n — ghost town. (EP)
Originally from Toronto and now based in Aotearoa, day13n is opening up about addiction, isolation and immigration on his raw new EP ghost town. Created alongside Andrew Meyer and Muks Mailei at BigPop’s Drake St. Studio, the four-track project reflects on the early stages of the journey that brought him to Aotearoa, while also marking the beginning of his sobriety and music career. Drawing inspiration from watching his East Toronto neighbourhood become increasingly gentrified, ghost town. explores themes of displacement, relationships and new beginnings, while connecting those experiences to similar stories within Auckland communities. Alongside the release, day13n is also launching an interview series spotlighting immigrant musicians in Aotearoa and their impact on New Zealand’s music culture.
jeline, Toby Sussex — taking it back
Pōneke indie-pop artist jeline has returned with new single taking it back, a cruisey indie-pop-folk track that reflects on the tension between chasing creative dreams and navigating everyday working life. A proud Filipina artist raised in Wellington, jeline has built a recognisable sound across previous releases including time stops, lil bluebird and losing all of me, while becoming a familiar face across local venues like San Fran, Meow and Valhalla alongside her live band. Her latest release sees her leaning further into folk influences through a collaboration with singer-songwriter Toby Sussex, whose guitar work and vocals help shape the track’s warm, reflective atmosphere. Produced once again by longtime collaborator Jack Hegarty, taking it back captures a feeling many creatives know well, balancing the realities of work and financial pressure with the desire to keep making art.
Debt Club — I Do Mine
Wellington indie and folk-rock group Debt Club have returned with I Do Mine, the first single from their upcoming debut album Foothold. Since releasing their EP Taste For Stout in late 2025, the band have built a strong reputation on the live circuit through a North Island tour, festival appearances at Rhythm and Vines, Twisted Frequency and CubaDupa, and support slots for acts including Marlin’s Dreaming and Floodlights. Written in 2024 and arriving almost fully formed, I Do Mine explores themes of isolation, ego and the desire for connection through a series of character snapshots, gradually building towards an explosive saxophone-driven climax. The track also sets the tone for Foothold, which the band plan to take across Aotearoa on a nationwide tour following the album’s release.
Triggar Happy — Sundown
Ōtorohanga-born artist Triggar Happy is continuing his rapid rise in Aotearoa’s country-rock scene with new single Sundown. After stepping away from a life running farms in the Waikato to pursue music full-time, the artist, also known as Regan Tucker, has quickly built momentum through releases like Zombies and Cowboy Power Rock, alongside sold-out live shows, major media coverage and chart success with albums Talk Is Cheap and Love Loyalty Respect. His latest track Sundown leans further into a warm pop-country sound while still holding onto the grit and honesty that defines his music, centring around themes of love, comfort and reflection inspired by his relationship with his wife Cherie and the journey they’ve shared together.
The Black Seeds — 8BIT
The Black Seeds are back with new single 8BIT, a bass-heavy groove that blends the band’s signature reggae-funk sound with flashes of arcade-game nostalgia and themes of conflict and confrontation. Developed collaboratively at The Surgery studio, the track grew from an early demo into a full-band effort, with contributions from across the group including Nigel Patterson’s retro-inspired synth work, soulful guitar textures from Ryan Prebble, and soaring backing vocals from Anika Moa. Following last year’s release Compassion, 8BIT continues to hint at what the band have in store for 2026, while also arriving alongside two new dub versions mixed by Dr Lee and Ryan Prebble.
