For all of our comprehensive NZ Music Month coverage, head to the Rolling Stone New Zealand homepage.
NZ Music Month / Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa continues continues to heat up — check out fresh releases from Isla Noon, Holly Arrowsmith, Terrible Sons, Daily J, Mitch James, Nice Girl, Robinson, Aunty Rae, and Georgia Lines.
Isla Noon – “Her”
The rising alt-pop artist delivers a candid song about her younger self, perfectly matched by the car-themed music video that echoes the song’s driving metaphor. She explains, “It’s about my life and the way in which I felt I was being driven by a younger self that had high hopes for me.”
Holly Arrowsmith – “Neon Bright”
A finalist at this year’s APRA Best Country Music Song, the Arrowtown-raised singer-songwriter contemplates bright lights and dark topics with catchy production by Tom Healy, featuring Tiny Ruins’ Cass Basil among others.
She explains, “I like towing the line between serious and a little irreverent, and I think making fun of my own tendencies helps me work with them.”
Terrible Sons – “THANKYOU”
Terrible Sons get it – relationships are complicated. Their latest indie-folk track, produced by Ryan Fisherman, explores that mix of gratitude and resentment we feel toward the people who push us to grow. With stripped-back sounds and even some traditional Thai gongs (a nod to Matt’s roots), the gentle track demonstrates the Otautahi duo’s knack for turning tangled emotions into art. “But currents run deep between me and you.”
Catch them at their final tour stop at The Piano in Christchurch on Sunday, May 19th, if you’re in the area.
Daily J – “Happy Slides”
The Auckland indie rock band get sentimental with their new single, “Happy Slides”. Described by the band—composed of three brothers, Jayden, Jonny, and Jesse Paul, alongside their good friend Rick Everard—as a “melodic postcard,” the song switches between past and present, offering listeners a glimpse into the band’s more introspective moments.
Mitch James – “Mumma and Me”
Mitch James probably outdid us all on Mother’s Day, releasing this very tender and heartfelt song about his mum. “Growing up, my relationship with my mum went through its fair share of ups and downs,” he shares. “But through it all, she stood by me, loving me unconditionally and supporting me through thick and thin. ‘Mumma and Me’ is my way of expressing just how much her unwavering love means to me.”
Nice Girl – Yummy
Naarm-based Aotearoa dance producer Nice Girl has finally dropped her new album Yummy, serving up addictive blend of glitchy electronica across all ten tracks.
Robinson – “The War on Art”
A big emotion fuelled a song about the state of the creative industry from the NZ-born pop artist.
Aunty Rae -“Stop Calling Me”
Aotearoa Samoan-Croatian artist Aunty Rae has shared her first new music of the year. Over sleek R&B production, her tongue-in-cheek melodies are an ode to clingy online dating app matches—those who just can’t take a hint.
Georgia Lines – “Wayside”
Georgia Lines has shared one final taste of her debut album before the full thing arrives next month. Titled “Wayside”, Lines’ third and final album single pairs a grand piano with a driving rhythm section alongside an expansive chorus.
