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Bic Runga Unveils First Album of New Music in 15 Years

Bic Runga’s first collection of all-new material in 15 years, her sixth studio album ‘Red Sunset’, has been released

Bic Runga press shot

Tom Grut

Bic Runga’s sixth studio album, Red Sunset, has been released – marking her first collection of all-new material in 15 years.

Recorded in Paris during the winter of 2025, Red Sunset is Runga’s first album of original songs since 2011’s Belle. Co-produced by Bic Runga and Kody Nielson, the record captures a reflective, quietly expansive chapter in the career of one of Aotearoa’s most enduring songwriters.

“After such a long time between albums, I didn’t want to rush this one,” she shared. “These songs came together slowly, in a very particular place and time, and that space really shaped how the record sounds and feels.”

It features singles “It’s Like Summertime”, a song in which Runga recalled her carefree past while looking towards a hopeful future, and “Paris in the Rain”, a cinematic anthem inspired by the titular French city. She also released the title track as a single, as well as “Ghost in Your Bed”, which offers further perspective on the dreamy indie landscapes she takes brilliant strides through on this record.

Fans won’t be waiting long to see her return to stages across Australia and Aotearoa, with her album tour set to kick off next month in Aotearoa, before making the trip to Australia for some unmissable live performances.

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.

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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.