Blending the typically subtle yet evocative voices of traditional Māori instruments with modern instrumentation, an inclusive writing style and soulful melodies, IA create indigenous soul music. The band ...
READ MORE >Bringing a high-energy blend of alternative indie rock to the Party in May 2024, Wellington student four-piece Lipstick delivered a debut EP, ‘Rom-Com’, just months later. Drawn from a style palette ...
READ MORE >As the only New Zealand artist to make it that far, Oni Kidman's name stands out among the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) 2025 finalists list which was announced mid-March, 2026. Congratulations to the Auckland-based pop singer-songwriter who is among finalists in the Unpublished category, with her song Fragile Little Egos. The same song saw Kidman getting as far as the semi-finals in the Pop/Top 40 category, that list published just a few weeks earlier. Kiwi artists showed up much ...
READ MORE >Independent Music NZ have announced that the IMNZ Classic Record recipients for 2026 are The Mint Chicks, brothers Kody and Ruban Nielson, drummer Paul Roper and bassist Michael Logie, with their influential 2006 album 'Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!' Honouring the gold nuggets of NZ's musical history, the IMNZ Classic Record award recognises albums released at least 20 years ago on an independent label that have had a lasting impact on Aotearoa’s sound. Winners are selected by a panel of music ...
READ MORE >APRA AMCOS Aotearoa have announced the first SongHubs event for 2026. The week-long songwriting retreat will be held at Auckland's Roundhead Studios 12-17 May, steered by internationally acclaimed guest writers Elizabeth Stokes (The Beths), Rhys Lewis and Jenn Decilveo... with one more yet to be announced. Attendee opportunities include eight local positions for APRA members living in Aotearoa, along with three fully funded spots for APRA members living in Aotearoa outside of the Tāmaki ...
READ MORE >NZ On Air have announced results of the New Music Pasifika March 2026 funding round, with 20 songs by local artists receiving funding of up to $11,000. Among the 20 songs/artists selected 14 are first-time NZ On Air funding recipients, with six featuring Pacific languages, including Samoan, Tongan, Niuean and Cook Islands. New Music Pasifika funding is to support the recording, video and promotion costs of the songs. The judges involved in this round were Petrina Togi-Sa'ena - Pacific Media ...
READ MORE >For now there’s only the one song showing on Play For Keeps’ Spotify page, but that won’t remain the case for long. The five-piece Christchurch indie pop act have a volley of singles planned, leading into a debut EP arriving later in 2026. With a dance floor nod to The Beths, their effervescent and slightly snippy Handsome Boy caught the attention of NZ On Air Music enough for it to be included on the March NewTracks compilation. Who are the Play For Keeps members? Where are you ...
READ MORE >Coromandel guitarist and singer-songwriter Dylan Wade Lajunen may not have mainstream recognition, but he is something of a legend in his own not-too-small circles. With an organic, soulful sound and grassroots approach inspired by the legends of last century, Dylan’s long performing career has touched many a heart. March 2026 saw the release of his seventh album ‘The Light’, a raw, lucid guitar-driven body of work incorporating influence from rock, folk, reggae, world music and other genres. The ...
READ MORE >Being runner-up in The Voice Australia 2024 is just one of many high profile accomplishments Jaedyn Randell has ticked off ahead of her own mid-twenties. Three starring roles in Disney Reo Māori films mean her voice is well known internationally, those experiences no doubt shaping Jaedyn’s intent of taking waiata reo Māori to the world. Her 2021 debut single Patupaiārehe was inspired by personal experiences with identity as a fair-skinned Māori woman, and her latest single Heaven was included ...
READ MORE >Nikau Te Huki, the Wellington-based indigenous songwriter and multi-instrumentalist behind Casual Healing, has spent the past year crafting and releasing an eclectic, genre-bending body of work bound together with a message of connection with the natural elements. Te Huki chats with Dasha Koryagina about the project and the forces that drive him. A new-age charmer on a mission to better people’s lives and reconnect them with nature, during 2025 Casual Healing has released a series of four ...
READ MORE >Still (mostly) a high school band, HOON have enjoyed success in Rockquest competitions and become established, passionate members of the local hardcore scene in Hamilton. The five guys want their music to make a statement, emotionally, sonically and in the case of recent single, Blood On Your Hands, politically. In what was a great round for artists from the Tron NZ On Air Music also included the big-statement BCHC track on their February NewTracks compilation. Who are the Hoon members? ...
READ MORE >Filipino-born indie pop/soul artist Natassja Kelly blends warm soul influences with the dreamy textures of bedroom pop. Witness her latest single Something That Feels Real and its accompanying music video, for which she received New Music Pan-Asian funding in June last year. NZ On Air Music also included the mood-up slow groove on their February NewTracks compilation. What’s your given name? Your pronouns? Where were you born and where do you live currently? Kia ora / Kamusta! My full name ...
READ MORE >The Albert Street social media descriptor is about as succinct as it gets for a band; “4 lads from Hams, NZ. We make music, and we love it.” With a release history that dates back to 2020 when in their early teens, the Kirikiriroa indie rock act prefer to let their songwriting do the talking, and in 2026 are coming off a release hiatus, with an album scheduled for later in the year. Front Porch is the first taste of that long player and the free-swinging single was included on NZ On Air Music’s February NewTracks compilation. Who ...
READ MORE >Acclaimed clarinetist Adrian Cox is heading back to Aotearoa for a series of concerts and festival appearances this April as part of his 'Club Croco' album tour. A celebrated exponent of New Orleans music, Cox has dedicated his career to preserving and pushing the boundaries of early jazz, earning praise for his masterful technique, deep historical knowledge, and infectious energy on stage. 'Club Croco' delves into alternative repertoire from the early jazz era, capturing and expressing the timeless ...
READ MORE >Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician Gregory Alan Isakov returns for two NZ gigs this February, ahead of the Australian leg of his ‘Appaloosa Bones’ tour – which has already sold out in Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Performing in an intimate acoustic format the theatre shows will offer audiences a special opportunity to experience stripped-down acoustic arrangements of favourites from Isakov’s studio albums; ‘Appaloosa Bones’, ‘Evening Machines’, ‘The ...
READ MORE >Eclectic local electronic music artists MxDicey, Talmar and Vanessa Tottle are touring the country in March (and the last day of February) as the energising force Soundscape Sirens. Their 2026 four-date NZ tour promises to bring even more deeper, sonic soundscapes from this trio of Kiwi beat makers. Together with local support acts the three artists are planning on leaving you wanting more, clutching your chest as the 808s and synth waves wash over you - taking you out to sea. Heed the Sirens’ call! Step ...
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