Here’s Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s weekly roundup of the freshest sounds in New Zealand music.
Catch up on last week’s coverage on hanbee, and Ringlets, and then check out what else is new below.
Nathan Haines – “Just Holdin’ On (Christoph El Truento Remix)”
Christoph El Truento flips Nathan Haines’ “Just Holdin’ On” with a house groove, but keeps the jazzy, lo-fi vibe intact. Chopped-up vocals from Eno x Dirty add a fresh mix of electronic and hip-hop.
Caru, Romi Wrights & MELODOWNZ – “FEEL GOOD AURA”
“FEEL GOOD AURA” lives up to its name — warm, groovy, and uplifting. Caru’s production is full of jazz and bounce, while Mānuka Recordings soul star Romi Wrights and Avondale MC MELODOWNZ add just the right amount of soul and swagger. Perfect for both the dancefloor and chilling out.
Romi Wrights – “Capsized” (Live version)
Wellington’s Romi Wrights shines with her vocals and presence on a live take of her single “Capsized”, backed by The Commotions, a crew of seasoned Tāmaki musicians. Recorded with gorgeous visuals at Auckland venue Aesium Music House, the performance gives a fresh boost to the rising soul-jazz artist’s profile.
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Jazmine Mary – I Want to Rock and Roll
Tāmaki Makaurau artist Jazmine Mary is back with I Want to Rock and Roll, the follow-up to 2023’s excellent Dog. Written in brief pockets of relief during a tough two years, the album captures fleeting moments of light. “Turns out, when you’re lying in bed sad, music just won’t come,” Mary reflects. Catch them live on the release tour with their band this July.
Sam Cullen – “That Somebody’s You”
Invercargill-born, Auckland-based singer-songwriter Sam Cullen drops “That Somebody’s You”, a high-energy single made for the open road. Shot across the central North Island, the video matches the track’s cinematic feel. “It’s the song that gets you ready to go out — and the one that gets you home,” Cullen says.
Daily J – “Daydreamer (Official Video)”
Tāmaki Makaurau’s Daily J drops the video for “Daydreamer” just before their last New Zealand shows before moving to Australia. Directed by Dylan Martin, the carnival-themed clip brings a bit of chaos. “Those rollercoaster shots were definitely sketchy,” he laughs. “It was over 30 degrees in Adelaide that day… total sauna vibes.”
Corrella – “Cookie”
Fresh from winning Best Roots Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, Tāmaki Makaurau band Corrella drop “Cookie”, the latest track from their album Skeletons.
