Every week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ highlights our favourite New Zealand music from the past seven days. If the Olympics had you distracted, here’s what you missed.
Greatsouth – Greatsouth
Watching Greatsouth, formerly Fable, grow as an artist has been exciting. From poppy, woozy tracks to grungy indie-rock, his first EP under his the new moniker is definitely worth checking out. One listener compared him to a “Māori King Krule” and they might be onto something.
Frankie Venter – “How You Like Me Now”
Rising teen pop star Frankie Venter recently opened for Drax Project at The Powerstation, despite the venue’s age restriction. Now she’s back with “How You Like Me Now” a tongue-in-cheek track with plenty of funk. “I think it’s mostly about me looking at my peers, my age and kind of making fun of them – which is a little bit rude of me.,” Venter says.
Flamingo Pier – Supro
Aotearoa dancefloor legends Flamingo Pier are back with four tracks of infectious club grooves, following up their 2023 Beneath The Neon EP. Inspired by their global travels, the trio’s new release is out now via London’s Soundway Records.
“It’s about picking yourself back up and keeping on in-spite of life’s sometimes difficult challenges, or being the person that helps others through these times.”
Louisa Nicklin – “Can’t See”
Tāmaki Makaurau singer-songwriter Louisa Nicklin is back with her introspective new track, “Can’t See”, from her upcoming album. There’s also a cinematic video inspired by Dolly Parton’s iconic ’60s and ’70s appearances on The Porter Wagoner Show.
Nathan Haines – Notes
New Zealand jazz icon Nathan Haines has unveiled Notes, his first solo album since 2014. The album features special guests from around the world, including Ruby, Eo, Vanessa Freeman, La Coco, Rachel Clarke, Frank Booker, Arjuna Oakes, and Mark de Clive-Lowe.
Reiki Ruawai – “Take It Slow”
Reiki Ruawai has today delivered another taster of his upcoming EP, with the feel-good “Take It Slow.” “It’s written about being present and in the moment, wherever you may be on your journey through life. It’s about not missing out on any opportunity to experience precious memories and moments,” says Ruawai.
Goodwill – “Plans”
Following last month’s “Goner”, Goodwill – Will McGillivray’s solo project from Ōtautahi – has released his new single, “Plans.” This track will be on his debut album, coming later this year via Winegum Records.
Described as a mix of rustic charm and modern chaos, McGillivray created “Plans” while experimenting with a 12-string guitar. “I instantly loved the chords I found and began writing and producing it shortly after. At some point in the song I wanted it to turn into a cacophony, everything in at once, everything at its limit. There’s a moment in there where it feels like almost every instrument in my studio is in there at the same time,” he shares.
KIKO – “Haurua”
Tāmaki Makaurau-based Māori band KIKO are making a name for themselves with their mix of rock, reggae, blues, psychedelic, and waiata reo Māori.
Their latest single, “Haurua,” explores the challenges of balancing te ao Māori with the Western world. “It’s a thin line where two worlds meet,” says lead vocalist and guitarist Rewi. “‘Haurua’ is about the journey of pursuing one’s identity and navigating those worlds.”
Alisa Xayalith – “Roses”
The Naked and Famous lead vocalist kicks off a new chapter with her first solo release since the 2022 EP SUPERPOWERS. “Roses” is a bright indie-pop track inspired by a tough time in her life.
“It felt very natural to me to use a garden as a lyrical metaphor to anchor the idea of burying fears, worries, the past – whatever it may be – into the dirt in the hopes something beautiful will metamorphosize and grow from it. I have a very wild garden where I live, so my environment also played a role in the making of this song,” Xayalith says.
ZED
The Christchurch pop-rock band has lifted the lid on their new album, titled Future Memory, set to drop this August. The eleven-track collection blends old and new, featuring singles like “Future You” and “Meant to Be.”
“We wanted to push the sound of the band forward, while still maintaining the essential qualities that have helped shape who we are as a group. Energy, freshness and keeping things a little unexpected were all ideas we followed”, says Nathan King.
Pre-save Future Memory here.
Coast Arcade – “Baited”
Up-and-coming Tāmaki Makaurau pop-rockers Coast Arcade lean into something a bit angstier with their anthemic new tune, “Baited.”
“It’s a bit of an alt-rock coming of age track for us as a band. We’ll always do the summer bangers, but we’re really excited to explore this new side of Coast Arcade.”
Tavita & Bay Road – “Shine”
Pōneke-based soul, funk, roots, and reggae group Tavita & Bay Road capture their feel-good sound on their new self-titled EP. Their latest single, “Shine,” is a heartfelt tribute to whānau.
“‘Shine’ was written in remembrance of my mum,” says Tavita. “And the chorus was inspired by my two sons, who “shine” like two bright suns in the eyes of their parents. The song points to our limitless potential waiting to be unlocked, as well as the things that inspire and make us feel alive.”
