Dive into Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s weekly roundup of our favourite New Zealand music from the past week. Explore the freshest tracks from local artists in Aotearoa between March 18th-March 24th below.
YAHYAH – “Run”
Waikato’s pop powerhouse YAHYAH picks up the pace on “Run”, following on from last year’s 7 Lovers EP. The track races listeners forward with its glitchy dance-pop production as YAHYAH sings about embracing a new romance: “I’ve run out of reasons, so I won’t run,” she declares.
David Dallas – Vita
David Dallas is back with style on Vita, his latest project following a seven-year break since Hood Country Club. His track “Runnin” grabbed attention after being featured in Adam Sandler’s 2022 film Hustle.
Produced by his longtime collaborator Nick ’41’ Maclaren (bringing back memories of their Frontline days), Vita boasts eight tracks highlighting Dallas’ feverish flows, witty lyricism (“I got girls watchin’ from burners, why’s your man still on his learners?), and two decades of experience shaping local hip-hop standards: “Put the work in now ’cause you’ll look up and it’s December.”
With first-rate beats, nostalgic R&B samples, and nods to his Auckland roots, Dallas stays true to his Papatoetoe origins, offering an authentic listen for his day-one fans. The hook-laden track “Bourdain” pays homage to the late chef Anthony Bourdain with a slick NYC-shot video.
“Spent last year in the abyss. Went back to Pap, renovated the house I grew up in, moved our mum out & packed up 40 years of our family there. Wrote this stuff as a break from stripping walls and inhaling primer. As far back as I can remember, no one in that house called me David – just Vita. That’s it,” Dallas said about Vita on Instagram.
Delaney Davidson – Out of My Head
The Lyttelton songwriter’s tenth studio album offers up a captivating blend of country noir and blues, reflecting on turning 50. Co-produced by Mark “Merk” Perkins, the album was recorded in Kurow and Diamond Harbour.
Davidson’s rich vocals, paired with Perkin’s warm synths expertise, gives the whole thing a lush, cinematic feel. Featuring standout appearances from Marlon Williams (“Drive Me Wild”) and Reb Fountain (“Heaven Is Falling”), as well as collaborative efforts from Marlon Williams, Hayley Westenra, Sam Scott (The Phoenix Foundation), and Miranda Eastern.
Davidson’s been keeping busy, contributing to albums for artists like Tami Neilson and Troy Kingi. His candid admission about finally making an album for himself adds depth to this compelling release.
Jim Nothing – “Easter at the RSC”
Right on time for Easter, Jim Nothing drops “Easter at the RSC”, with laid-back jangly guitar riffs and lyrics inspired by bar banter at his local Grey Lynn RSC pub. Recorded during last year’s Easter festivities and co-mixed by Brian Feary (Wurld Series) from Melted Ice Cream, it follows his stellar 2022 album, In the Marigolds. Both “Easter at the RSC” and last year’s track “Raleigh Arena” are set to be part of his upcoming album.
Ella Minehan – “Read Receipts”
Ella Minehan nails the pitfalls of a toxic situationship in her latest single “Read Receipts”. With a funky groove and cheeky confidence, she flips the script, leaving them on ‘seen’ while prioritising self-care. Accompanied by a fun barbie-inspired music video directed by Tom Grut, this track shows a bold new pop sound for the Christchurch-born songwriter.
