She’s been releasing music since age 14, and less than a year ago 19-year old Niamh Crooks independently released her debut 7-track EP/album ‘Blush’. There’s been no easing off since, Niamh is an active vlogger and frequently posts performances of her own songs and covers on Youtube. NZ On Air Music included her latest single If I Forgot on the September NewTracks compilation.

What’s your name, where do you live and what instruments do you play?

My name is Niamh Crooks and I was born in Dunedin, where I still live! I’m a vocalist and also play guitar, with some piano skills as well.

What were the first steps to Niamh Crooks becoming a recording artist?

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, but I started writing songs when I was about 10 years old. At 14, I released my very first track, a self-produced song I recorded in my bedroom. Sharing something I had created entirely from scratch with the world was a huge milestone, and it gave me the confidence to keep pursuing music seriously.

Was it an easy choice to settle on your own name as an artist?

I never considered using a stage name, if my music was going to be authentically me, then I wanted to release it under my real name. Niamh (it’s pronounced ‘Neeve’) is quite unique, and I’ve always loved that about it. So I thought, why change it?

How has your music evolved from your earliest songwriting to now?

When I first started writing, my songs were often about random situations that weren’t really connected to my life. Now my writing is much more personal, I focus on themes like heartbreak, self-reflection, and navigating all kinds of relationships. A big part of my growth has also come from collaborating with other artists and producers. Working with talented people has pushed me outside my comfort zone, encouraged me to experiment with new sounds and perspectives, and ultimately helped me become a stronger and more versatile songwriter.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date? 

I was the winner of the Spark NZ Open Audition Competition in 2023, where I wrote and recorded my song Devotion with Auckland producer Edyonthebeat (Edward Liu). It was a nationwide competition, and seeing my face on posters all around the country was such a surreal but unforgettable experience!
That was a big highlight for me, it was such an incredible opportunity and I’m so grateful I got to connect with Edy! I also got to perform Devotion at Spark NZ’s Christmas party at Spark Arena, and use the vouchers I won to purchase recording equipment I had only ever dreamed of.

What made If I Forgot stand out for you as a single choice?

If I Forgot stood out as a single because of its unique instrumental vibe. It was influenced by Mac Miller’s The Spins (which samples Half Mast by Empire of the Sun), and I was drawn to the rhythmic drums blending with the light, dreamy sounds. I loved the concept Edy and I had come up with and found myself constantly grooving along whenever I played it, so I knew it was a song I had to share.

What is the story behind If I Forgot?

I wrote If I Forgot during the mentoring weekend for the Spark Competition. It’s about the fear of losing the parts of yourself that make you you. Edy and I were talking about how surreal it was for me, as an 18-year old, to be suddenly thrown into the spotlight. Music had brought me there, so we wondered, what if it was taken away? What if I woke up one day and music was no longer part of my life? The idea all stemmed from the question, ‘What if I forgot?’

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

My favourite moment is the chorus. It really captures the heart of the song, and I’m so proud of the lyrics and melodies. It’s catchy, memorable, and I often find myself humming it.

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

I wrote If I Forgot with Edy at BigFan and Parachute Studios in Auckland. I remember writing the first few lines of the chorus and being so excited to finish the rest of the song, it was such a fun song to make!

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

I’d like listeners to think about the importance of making the most of the life you have. You only get one, and the experiences you have are what make you you. Don’t take the little things for granted, and always give everything your best.

Doing covers on Youtube is quite a thing for you right? Have any done particularly well?

I love recording and filming acoustic covers for YouTube because it gives me a chance to showcase my own take on songs. My most successful cover so far has been Billie Eilish’s Wildflower, which has reached 43k views. I definitely plan to do more, it’s something I really enjoy and love sharing with others.

And you’ve also been involved with Play It Strange.

I was a finalist in the Play It Strange – Lion Foundation National Secondary Schools Songwriting Competition in 2022, with my song I Still Love You. I was so stoked when I found out! It was a huge milestone for me, as it was one of the first times my songwriting was recognised. Being part of a wider community of musicians made me feel like I truly belonged.

Have you had any especially good vocal tutors along the way?

I’ve had a few helpful vocal lessons along the way. I did some sessions at The Voice Lab in Dunedin back in 2020, and later, in 2023 I took lessons with Sacha Vee at SOLE Music Academy in Christchurch, while I was part of their artist development programme.

Who else is in your team?

I’m an independent artist, so I handle most aspects of my music myself, except for production (I leave that to the professionals). I’ve worked closely with Edy and Julian Moss, who both produced tracks on my debut EP ‘Blush’, which I released in November 2024.

You where only 19 when you released your ‘Blush’ EP. Were there some key things you learned from that process?

I hadn’t realised just how much work goes into releasing multiple songs at once, it took longer than I expected, but I couldn’t be happier with the result. I held an intimate release party at Joe’s Garage in Dunedin, which was an amazing night, sharing the stories behind the songs and the process of creating them.

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

Paige: twenties
Borderline: Heartbeat
emerson: Show U Off

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

Yes! My song Rooftop featured in August2024.

Have you applied for / received NZOA funding before? 

No, unfortunately I don’t meet the requirements for funding.

How can we find you on social media? 

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Youtube

Does the song come with a music video?

I didn’t make a music video but here’s the lyric video.

Any last words?

Thank you so much for this opportunity!!!!