Haere mai to Rolling Stone NZ‘s new weekly roundup of the best New Zealand music from the past seven days. Dive into the freshest releases by Aotearoa artists between November 20th-26th below.
Aro – “Mokomoko”
Building on their 2023 Silver Scroll Awards nomination, Aro, the musical duo composed of Tāmaki Makaurau-based husband and wife Charles (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Mutunga) and Emily Looker, shares the first track from their upcoming album. The spirited “Mokomoko”, named after a native lizard, gently imparts a heartfelt message, encouraging listeners to “remember and retain the lessons and ways that have been handed down to us to protect us.”
Waguan – “Outside”
Zimbabwean-born New Zealand rapper/producer Waguan unleashes a blazing new track, “Outside”, reflecting into his migrant journey. With local artists Gino October and Jujulipps, and produced by WHO SHOT SCOTT, the hook “it ain’t safe outside” sums up the migrant experience, showing challenges and the courage to stay true to yourself. Waguan breaks it down: “‘OUTSIDE’ is our unapologetic statement on how our generation moves in the world.”
Lontalius – “Domino”
Aotearoa singer-songwriter Eddie Johnston, AKA Lontalius, drops a beautiful and reflective new song. The heartfelt refrain, “But it’s all I know / I fall like domino / I wanted all your love for me,” adds a tender touch to the track.
FLAXXIES – “Liquid Gold”
Wasting no time following the release of their latest EP, Sunstruck, the surf rock maestros from Tamaki Makaurau, FLAXXIES, are back with another summer tune, “Liquid Gold”. The upbeat and sun-soaked track kicks off the band’s jam-packed lineup for the summer festival circuit.
Pati AF – “Run & Hide”
Singer-songwriter Pati AF, (previously known as Disciple Pati) makes a bold statement with her latest release, “Run & Hide”. Produced by longtime collaborator Auto Angel, this assertive track demands attention, carrying a powerful message about knowing your worth.
Jujulipps – “Get That Shot”
Afro-Kiwi rapper Jujulipps has finally released her debut EP, featuring the empowering title track “Get That Shot”. According to her, “I want ‘Get That Shot’ to be a call out for everyone to believe in themselves and take that first step.” The excellent video, directed by Tom Grut, shows the Tāmaki Makaurau breakout rapper standing atop a meteor, exuding a world-conquering attitude. Jujulipps isn’t pausing for breath after the EP’s release, with a packed summer schedule including performances at The Others Way, Rhythm & Vines, and Nest Fest.
Romi Wrights – “Without You”
Aotearoa soul/jazz artist Romi Wrights has revealed the second song from her latest 7″ vinyl record, out now via Mānuka Recordings. Titled “Without You”, the track is a soulful blend of vintage reggae influences, infused with funk and steeped in emotions of yearning, loss, and love. This release sets the stage for Wrights’ upcoming performance alongside US legend Lee Fields at Hollywood Avondale on December 10th.
https://open.spotify.com/album/0VjskUGZfYnWUDAeNmsov4?si=xnNuNboaQGGi2QowoEaBmA
Dillastrate – “Taku Ngākau”
Otautahi’s Dillastrate brings us an uplifting new waiata about “aroha, whanau, and the epic vibes you get from those around you that you hold close to your heart.” With a soulful Motown flavour, the title aptly translates to “the dearest thing in my heart.”
Somber Hills – where’s my guitar?
Pop-punk continues its revival moment, thanks to mega-artists like Machine Gun Kelly and Paramore. Sydney-based, New Zealand-born artist Somber Hills, also known as Lukas Martin, offers a local take on the genre with five fresh tracks, combining his love for rap and punk with reverb-drenched pop vocals.
French for Rabbits – In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home
Wellington dream pop band French for Rabbits shares their new EP, In the End I Won’t Be Coming Home, a beautiful and contemplative four-track collection centred around the theme of returning to isolated windswept coastlines. The lush string arrangements by Elliot Vaughan, performed by The Black Quartet, blend beautifully with Brooke and her bandmates—John Fitzgerald, Penelope Esplin, Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa, and Phoebe Johnson—creating an emotive soundscape with thoughtful instrumentation.
