Here’s Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s weekly roundup of the freshest sounds in New Zealand music.
Missed last week’s picks? Catch up on Chaos in the CBD and The Chills, then check out what’s new below:
Womb – “Only You”
Womb’s “Only You” drifts into dreamy territory, setting the mood for their upcoming album. This track follows their delicate title cut “One Is Always Heading Somewhere”, building anticipation for their March 14th album release. Ethereal, layered, and quietly captivating.
Aidan Fine – “Undercover”
Aidan Fine’s “Undercover” is smooth, effortless, and a perfect teaser for his debut album. Snappy beats, silky falsetto, and a laid-back vibe make it easy to get hooked.
Phoebe Vic – “Mad Women”
Phoebe Vic’s “Mad Woman” takes aim at gaslighters with alt-pop, country-tinged swagger. Direct and punchy, this track shows Vic has plenty to say.
Frankie Venter – “Like It Like That”
After ticking off a Coldplay support slot last year, 18-year-old rising star Frankie Venter is now opening for NZ’s biggest band, Six60. Keeping the momentum going, her latest pop gem “Like It Like That” follows the breakout success of “How You Like Me Now”.
Lola – “Faith”
Lola’s “Faith” blends Spanish guitar with her signature pulsing sound, all self-produced. Smooth yet layered, it highlights the Tāmaki Makaurau producer and vocalist’s knack for crafting atmospheric tracks with ease.
Gracie Moller – “Not Your Type”
Tāmaki Makaurau pop artist Gracie Moller is working with some big names. “Not Your Type” – co-written with Alisa Xayalith (The Naked And Famous) and produced by Nate Ferraro (Beyoncé) – slows things down, with Moller’s assertive vocals cutting through acoustic guitar.
Elliott Dawson – “Speaking Frankly”
Fresh off SRN hits “Quarter Life” and “Calling Time”, Wellington’s Elliott Dawson stays on a roll with “Speaking Frankly”, the final single from Certain Death (out Friday, April 4th). Off-kilter grooves, heavy guitars, and dramatic brass fuel this track as he takes on the theme of holding grudges.
Welcomer – “Nothing of You Remaining”
Welcomer’s “Nothing of You Remaining” blends folk influences with strings for a warm, layered pop sound. A quiet return since their 2022 debut EP, this track is thoughtful and introspective.
Arjuna Oakes – “No Joke”
After seven EPs, London-based Kiwi Arjuna Oakes is gearing up for his debut full-length album While I’m Distracted, arriving in May. Blending contemporary soul, jazz, global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, Oakes sets the stage with “No Joke”. It’s a moody, percussive jam that hints at the genre-bending sounds to come.
