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 on the NewTracks March compilation by NZ On Air Music.

What’s your given name and where are you from and where are you currently?

Kia ora! Ko Jaedyn tōku ingoa. He uri tēnei nō Waikato engari e noho ana ahau ki Poipiripi, Ahitereiria.
My name’s Jaedyn Randell. I’m from Waikato but I’m living in Melbourne, Australia.

What instruments do you play?

I can play basic piano and guitar, enough to write songs and follow the chords on Ultimate Guitar Tabs! I dabbled with cello back in high school but I don’t know if a term of lessons really counts. Voice is my main instrument.

Has any particular music tuition been important in your progress?

In 2021 I graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Commercial Music, majoring in Music Technology. The degree study taught me a lot of valuable skills that I still use today, starting from the basics like learning how to use Logic Pro and understanding the recording process. Having that knowledge helped me become more independent as an artist and gave me the tools to demo my own songs and better communicate my ideas in the studio.
That experience gave me a really strong foundation but I believe learning never really stops. Every performance, collaboration and songwriting session continues to shape me as an artist.

After completing my B.Comm music degree I went on to complete a Masters in Teaching and Learning. I really value education, but I also value the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with others, especially rangatahi who are interested in pursuing music. Being able to support and encourage the next generation of artists is something that’s really important to me.

Any previous projects that we might know you from? 

You may recognise me from my time as a finalist on The Voice Australia 2024. I’ve also played Moana in ‘Moana’ and ‘Moana 2 Reo Māori’ and Princess Anna in ‘Frozen Reo Māori’ which were really special projects to be part of! I recently independently organised and self-funded my first tour across Australia, performing a series of intimate shows and sharing my original music with new audiences.
More recently, I had the honour of performing the Aotearoa national anthem at the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup Final in India. Alongside that, I continue to release original music and perform throughout Aotearoa and internationally.

What’s the background to how you came to become a solo artist ?

I was very fortunate to grow up in a whānau that loved music just as much as I did. Some of my earliest memories are putting on concerts in the backyard with my cousins or singing along while my mum played the guitar. Music has always been a way for me to tell stories and connect with people. I grew up performing in school talent quests and in kapa haka, which nurtured my love for singing.

The first gig that truly affirmed I wanted to pursue music as a career was when I won a talent show called The One on the TV show WhatNow when I was 10! That experience solidified my dream of becoming a musician.

What was the selection process for you to be voice-cast as Moana? 

The opportunity to play Moana came about in 2017, when I was 16. My mum had seen the casting call video on Facebook and encouraged me to give it a go. I had to learn a short script in te reo Māori and record How Far I’ll Go in English. A week later, I was invited to a Zoom hui with Tweedie Waititi, Rachel House and Taika Waititi, who informed me that I had been successful and had been cast in the role. I was over the moon!
At that stage, I had been performing in kapa haka, singing in school choirs, participating in school talent quests, and doing solo performances around my community. It was a huge step into a professional music and performance environment.

You’ve had a quiet few years since releasing Patupaiarehe – until a recent burst. How come?

Between the release of Patupaiarehe in 2021 and Little More Time in 2025 I explored a number of different creative and academic paths. I completed a Bachelor of Commercial Music and a Master of Teaching and Learning, which were really valuable parts of my journey during that time.

I was also working in voice acting, playing Princess Anna in ‘Frozen Reo Māori’ in 2022 and Moana in ‘Moana 2 Reo Māori’ in 2024. In 2024, I was a finalist on The Voice Australia, which was an incredible experience and helped grow my confidence as a performer.
All of those experiences really shaped me as an artist and helped me find my sound. By 2025, I felt ready to start releasing music again that truly reflects where I’m at creatively.

What’s been the big career highlight to date? (…in your case maybe a few of them!)

I feel extremely grateful for the career I’ve had so far, and I have so many highlights. Being part of the Disney Reo Māori films is definitely up there. It’s such an honour to contribute to a kaupapa that celebrates te reo Māori and supports the revitalisation of our reo.

The Voice Australia is another standout. The experience was surreal and taught me so much about myself, my artistry, and the industry. Performing in front of incredible coaches, with amazing production, wardrobe, hair, and makeup, was truly a ‘pinch me’ moment.

My first self-funded Australia tour is also a highlight I’m really proud of. Organising and funding it myself was scary, but I felt it was worth the risk. My goal was to share my music, my voice, my māoritanga, and my stories as far as I could. Selling out shows and seeing so many people come along was incredible, and I can’t thank them enough.

Last year you were recognised with an award from the Variety Artists Club of NZ. 

Yes, I was really honoured to receive the Pacific Entertainment Top Female Artist Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand. The recognition was largely based on my work in 2024, particularly voicing Moana in ‘Moana 2 Reo Māori’ and being a finalist on The Voice Australia. Through both of those experiences I had the chance to represent Aotearoa on an international stage, which made the award feel even more meaningful.
It was a really special moment for me because those projects meant a lot personally and culturally, and it felt amazing to have that work recognised.

What makes Heaven stand out for you as a single?

Heaven stands out to me because it captures such an honest and uplifting emotion. The song has a really intimate, yet soaring vibe that reflects the feeling of falling in love and being completely seen by someone. I love how the vocals and production work together to create a sense of being carefree, safe and loved. It’s a track that makes me feel like I’m floating every time I perform it.

What is the story behind the single?

Heaven tells the story of finding someone who makes everything feel effortless and fun. The lyrics capture that rush of falling in love; the butterflies, the excitement and the feeling of being completely seen and supported. We wanted it to convey the euphoria of being with someone who lifts you up, the kind of love that feels uplifting, safe and a little bit magical.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of Heaven?

I really love Verse 2: “Searching far and wide / For right one and the right time / But it’s right here / Heavens right here when you’re with me / When you’re with me…”
What I love about this section is that when performing it, I have to take one big breath before each part because there’s no room to pause. To me, it captures the feeling of having so many emotions and so much love for someone building up inside you, and then one day it all just tumbles out at once, kind’a like word vomit!

Who did you write/record/produce the single with and where?

I got to work with the incredible Hales, Edyonthebeat, and Astro! Hales and Astro wrote the song, and Edyonthebeat and Astro produced it. I was visiting Aotearoa from Australia and we managed to squeeze in a recording session in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The song actually started on the way to the session. Astro had sent us voice memos with chorus melody ideas and the word “heaven” after getting inspired eating some wicked wings on the way. By the time we got to the studio, the vibe was already set for the track!

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

I want listeners to take away the feeling of pure joy and connection. Heaven is about that exhilarating moment when you find someone who just lifts you up. Someone who makes every day feel special and effortless. The lyrics capture that rush of falling in love and feeling completely seen and supported and I hope it leaves people with that uplifting “on top of the world” feeling.

Who else is in your team?

I mostly work independently. I collaborate regularly with Edyonthebeat and Astro on production and with Hales, JUGA and Sam V on songwriting. I love being hands-on with all aspects of my music, from organising and recording to performing and releasing it through Precise.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on?

I have lots of songs ready to be released, so there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the year. I’ve been putting a lot of energy into creating music that really reflects my voice and story and I can’t wait to share it. On top of that, I’m currently planning a tour across Aotearoa, which will be an incredible opportunity to connect with audiences in person and perform some of these new songs live.

Can you name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

HOPE – Taukaea
JUGA – Bad Jeans
Kyla Greening – My Life

Have any of your previous single releases been included on NewTracks?

No

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re super into?

I really love INTROs, hosted by Georgia Lines! I’m so grateful to be part of the newest season. I love hearing the stories behind waiata and the journeys of so many incredible artists featured on the show. It’s really inspiring to watch and listen to.

How can we find you on social media?

Spotify: 
Instagram:
Tiktok: 
Facebook: 
Youtube: 

Who did you make the video with?

Filming the Heaven music video was so much fun! I got to work with the incredible Christian Tjandrawinata and Jaime Scott with Chanelle Aldridge on styling and hair and makeup. We shot the video in studio first and then travelled to Piha to film the rest. The weather wasn’t really on our side and the wind was strong but it actually became a great resource… It made my hair look great blowing in the breeze!

Any last words?

Thank you so much for including me in this NZ Musician feature. It has been so much fun reflecting on my career and celebrating Heaven, as well as all the amazing people who helped bring the waiata to life! Tēnā rawa atu e hoa mā.