Stay up to date with all the New Zealand music releases from last week with Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s weekly roundup.
Check out previous coverage on Don McGlashan, Georgia Lines, and Jen Cloher.
Then check out the best new music from Aotearoa acts released last week below!
Babe Martin – “Sundog”
Babe Martin, the musical project of Tāmaki Makaurau-based Zoë Larsen Cumming, returns with “Sundog”, the sweeping lead single from her upcoming EP Not a Bee, But a Wasp. Catch it live when Babe Martin supports Jazmine Mary in Te Whanganui-a-Tara on July 31st and Ōtautahi on August 1st.
ives. – “Lonely Tears”
Back with her second release of the year following “Babylon”, London-based Kiwi artist ives. shares “Lonely Tears”, an ethereal single lifted from her debut album Siren, due October 3rd. “The first rendition of ‘Lonely Tears’ was written during Auckland’s Covid lockdown in 2021 while I was caring full-time for my Mum with MS. A snapshot of a moment in time where I felt particularly isolated and alone,” ives. explains.
Imani-J – “Part of Me”
Kiwi-Haitian R&B and Afrobeats artist Imani-J, just 17 years old, keeps the momentum going with “Part of Me”, her third single this year following “See You in Jupiter” and “Caramel”. Smooth and candid, the track unpacks staying true to yourself while balancing outside expectations, paving the way for her debut EP Expectations, slated for September 2025.
The Bats – “Lucky Day”
New Zealand indie rock veterans The Bats have announced their mighty 11th album Corner Coming Up, set to land October 17th via Flying Nun Records. Alongside the news, they’ve shared “Lucky Day” with a lo-fi, psychedelic video filmed across multiple cities, featuring the band documenting themselves around Christchurch.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
Lehali – “Her Name is Kanaky”
Kirikiriroa-born singer Lehali kicks off 2025 with her first single of the year, the dreamy Pasifika pop ballad “Her Name is Kanaky”. The song explores belonging, justice, and hope, paired with a video shot in Rotorua.
ASHY – “Sweeter”
ASHY drops “Sweeter”, a fresh single with Nashville rapper Jarrod Gipson, ahead of her upcoming project Gone Rogue. Written in Nashville after SXSW, the track leans into her R&B side and follows recent singles “Ottoman” and “Gucci & Louis”.
Leisure – “Dominoes”
Leisure unveil “Dominoes”, a beat-driven tune about the highs and lows that deepen love, backed by a video inspired by their stay at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. The single is lifted from their upcoming album Welcome to the Mood, due September 12th, promising a more organic, live feel with richer instrumentation.
Casual Healing – “Hau”
Casual Healing (Nikau Te Huki) returns with “Hau”, the second EP in his 2025 elemental series inspired by nature. Blending soul, reggae, psychedelic, R&B, and folk, the project explores themes of growth and accountability.
Thommy Simmons — “Up All Night”
Thommy Simmons, one half of electronic duo Chores, served up “Up All Night”, a dance-ready cut with Melbourne’s Doolie.
Borderline – Chrysalis
Last but not least, indie-pop outfit Borderline deliver the goods with their latest EP Chrysalis, featuring standout tracks “New Romance”, “When it’s Raining”, and “Heartbeat”. To celebrate, they’re hitting the road with their Chrysalis EP release tour, set to roll through six cities across New Zealand and Australia this August and September.
