Rolling Stone AU/NZ Icon Bic Runga has released her third single of the year.
Titled “Red Sunset”, the song is described as “a powerful torch song of longing and desire,” which “evokes the tumultuous emotions of being the one left behind.”
“Red Sunset” is co-produced by Runga alongside her husband and collaborator Kody Nielson.
The accompanying music video is premiering today on Rolling Stone AU/NZ — watch it for the first time below.
“Red Sunset” follows recent single “It’s Like Summertime”, a song in which Runga recalled her carefree past while looking towards a hopeful future.
“I wanted to offer comfort in a time where everyone needs it. The world feels so different now and familiarity provides care and love,” Runga said of that song.
That was followed by “Paris in the Rain”, a cinematic anthem inspired by the titular French city. Written on the last night of a winter trip, the song came to life while Runga watched the Louvre Pyramid be battered by torrential rain. Its distinctive sound was captured on a historic 1807 French Pleyel piano.
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In other Runga news, it was revealed yesterday that the Kiwi singer-songwriter is one of the first recipients of NZ On Air’s inaugural New Music Project Touring (NMPT) pilot.
NZ On Air, with support from the NZ Music Commission, designed the fund to help local artists take their music on the road, connecting with audiences up and down the country through live performances to promote their album or EP release.
At the 2023 Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards, Runga was presented with the prestigious Rolling Stone Icon Award. The Icon Award recognises an artist for achievements over the course of their career, and 2023 was the first time it was awarded at the Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards. She also stole the show on the night with an incredible live performance.
The following year, Runga was part of a dreamy Kiwi pairing in our Musicians on Musicians series, sitting down with pop star BENEE for a touching conversation about music and life.
Read their full Musicians on Musicians conversation here.
Bic Runga’s “Red Sunset” is out now.
