Each week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ highlights our favourite New Zealand music from the past seven days, and last week was particularly bright with lots of releases for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) 2024.
Check out last week’s picks featuring Stan Walker, Office Dog, Hina, TAWAZ, Jordan with a Why, Dillastrate, and Allana Goldsmith, and explore fresh highlights from Jason Parker, Alisa Xayalith, Dateline, Made You Look, Arjuna Oakes, Jack Panther, hanbee, Lizzy Kula, Rita Mae, Rob Thorne, Delaney Davidson, and Claudia Gunn below.
Jason Parker – “Every Goddam Minute”
Larger-than-life pop tracks can be tricky, but Jason Parker nails it with infectious energy. His latest release from the upcoming Fairy Bread EP, “Every Goddamn Minute,” is a fun, loved-up bop that sweeps you away with its unapologetic emotions. “I wrote it about how good it feels to fall in love,” says Parker.
Alisa Xayalith – “Boys & Guitars”
LA-based Alisa Xayalith (of The Naked and Famous) proves she’s a mainstay in the indie scene with her latest track, an indie-pop gem that glides on dreamy melodies and the ache of hopeless romance. It’s a quick follow-up to last month’s “Rose,” her first solo release since her debut EP Superpowers in 2022.
Dateline – “Nothing”
Pōneke collective Dateline are kicking off their nationwide tour this week following the release of a new video for “Nothing,” a highlight from their excellent album It’s All Downhill From Here. Directed by Finn Hyndman, the clip features playful visuals and colourful laundry blowing in the breeze, perfectly matching the song’s sharp, quirky lyrics.
And don’t miss Katie Everingham, Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa, Phoebe Johnson, and Reuben McDonald performing this spring (see full dates here).
Made You Look – “Lonely Party”
Meet the new duo Made You Look, making their debut with “Lonely Party.” They describe their pop-rock sound as a blend for fans of Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons, and Post Malone: “We are the band for you!”
Arjuna Oakes – “Catch Me”
London-based, Tāmaki Makaurau singer and multi-instrumentalist Arjuna Oakes is celebrating big wins, including a performance in Paris for the New Zealand Olympic team. He’s just released a perfectly titled new song, “Catch Me,” featuring strings and soaring flutes that create a lush backdrop for his delicate vocals.
Jack Panther – “Changes”
Another local artist setting his sights on London, Jack Panther returns this year with new music. His reflective “Changes” is an assured alt-pop track that marks a big step up for the songwriter, feeling both vulnerable and confident.
hanbee – “deeper”
hanbee has released a charming animated video for her track “deeper,” reminding us of the sugary sweet sound in her latest album, small love. It’s an exciting month for the Korean-New Zealand indie-pop singer as she celebrates being this month’s Apple Music Up Next Korea artist.
Lizzy Kula – “afterthought”
Mount Maunganui artist Lizzy Kula reminds us of our self-worth in her latest track, “afterthought,” the follow-up to her upbeat debut, “i dreamt about you.”
“I want the song to act as a reminder that you shouldn’t have to settle for being a placeholder in the back of someone’s mind,” says Kula. “You’re not an afterthought and I hope you never accept being treated like one.”
Rita Mae – “Poster Child”
“Poster Child” is an angsty and upbeat track from Rita Mae, part of forthcoming her EP Kiss the Sky, which arrives on November 8th. Mae says, “We wanted to write a song about being bored and antsy and desperate for validation! But make it fun and something you can dance to!”
Rob Thorne, Delaney Davidson – “Ake Ake (Mauri Ora)”
Rob Thorne and Delaney Davidson’s new single “Ake Ake (Mauri Ora)” celebrates Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, blending contemporary Māori music with late ’60s rock. The track features Thorne’s confident te reo Māori vocals, a steady beat, and an evocative pūtōrino/flute performance.
Claudia Gunn – Little Wild Learning
Making a name for skilfully-made children’s music in New Zealand, Claudia Gunn, this year’s Aotearoa Music Award winner for Children’s Music, has just released her newest album, featuring collaborations with Aussie children music talents Benny Time and Angie Who.
