> ## 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 24/07 - URL: https://www.rootsmag.nz/new-music-24-07/ - Published: 2026-07-24T03:15:50.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-24T03:15:50.000Z - Author: Ryan Brash - Tags: News ## 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/2026/07/Cheap-Perfume_Angeline---Cover-Final.jpg) ## **Middle Island — *Cheap Perfume / Angeline*** **Middle Island** are a five-piece folk rock band made up of Thomas Clark, David Hurnen, Jackson Mackwood, [Jack Bromwich](https://www.rootsmag.nz/jack-bromwich/) and Braithan Bailey. Originally beginning as Clark's solo project before evolving into a full band earlier this year, the group now introduce their new sound with a debut double single featuring *Cheap Perfume* and *Angeline*. While *Cheap Perfume* leans into country-inspired grooves with its driving acoustic guitar and rolling bass line, *Angeline* slows things down to showcase the band's rich harmonies and thoughtful songwriting, offering an impressive first release as a complete five-piece. --- ## ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/07/image-19.png) ## **emerson — *Breathe*** Tāmaki Makaurau-based pop artist **emerson** returns with *Breathe*, following on from her recent singles *Want Him Bad!* and *Tell Me What I Want To Hear*. Since launching her solo project, the Rockquest winner has quickly become one of Aotearoa's most exciting emerging pop voices, with multiple releases charting on the Aotearoa Hot 20 Singles Chart and earning international editorial playlist support. With her knack for infectious hooks, honest songwriting and polished pop production, *Breathe* continues Emerson's impressive run of releases. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/07/image-17.png) ## **STARHEAD — *Stars in our Scars*** Based in Hāwea Flat, **STARHEAD** is the musical project of German-born artist Julia Sternkopf, who returned to songwriting after years spent exploring creativity through landscape painting. Her debut single, *Stars in Our Scars*, reflects on the grief of losing someone who has profoundly shaped your life while celebrating the lasting impact they leave behind. The release is accompanied by a music video created by a group of local Wānaka creatives, showcasing the community spirit behind STARHEAD's heartfelt introduction as an emerging independent artist. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/07/image-18.png) ## **MESSIE, Juni — B2B (feat. sbk)** **MESSIE** joins forces with Auckland bass music artist **Juni** for *B2B*, their debut release on HARD Recs featuring English rapper and producer sbk. MESSIE has built a reputation for club-ready tracks shaped by breaks, jungle, jersey club, ghetto tech and baile funk, while Juni brings a background in UK garage and bassline to the collaboration. Powered by gritty grime verses from sbk and an explosive blend of jersey club, UKG and bass-heavy production, *B2B* delivers an uncompromising burst of energy from two exciting names in Aotearoa's electronic music scene. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/07/Triggar-Happy-_-I-Rock-N-Roll-art.jpg) ## **Triggar Happy — *I Rock'n'Roll*** Originally from Ōtorohanga in the Waikato, **Triggar Happy** is the musical project of Regan Tucker, blending country storytelling with rock attitude and blues-inspired swagger. Following chart-topping albums *Talk Is Cheap* and *Love Loyalty Respect*, along with standout singles including *Zombies*, *Cowboy Power Rock* and *Sundown*, he returns with *I Rock 'N' Roll*. Inspired by a real-life bar fight in Tasmania, the track transforms the experience into a hard-hitting anthem about resilience, perseverance and refusing to back down when life gets tough, marking a powerful return to the heavier rock sound that first put Triggar Happy on the map. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/ae/82ae15cc-791b-45a9-a46a-3900b2eee181/content/images/2026/07/image-20.png) ## **BEX — *I luv my boy*** Tāmaki Makaurau artist **BEX** continues her evolution into electronic pop with *I luv my boy*, following a run of standout releases that established her as one of Aotearoa's rising alt-pop talents. After topping the SRN Network charts and earning support across student radio, BEX has traded guitar-driven songwriting for infectious synths, club-ready beats and self-produced electronic soundscapes. *I luv my boy* pairs swirling synths with a UK garage-inspired groove to deliver a playful, romantic anthem that highlights the bold new direction of her debut project *MAKE IT LOUDER*.