Stay up to date with all the New Zealand music releases from last week with Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s weekly roundup.
Then check out the best new music from Aotearoa acts released last week below!
Emily C. Browning – Primary
Ōtautahi alt-pop artist Emily C. Browning has released her debut album Primary, a self-produced 11-track record five years in the making. She’ll launch the album with a one-night-only show at Space Academy, Christchurch, on July 24th.
Estere – “Duog Dala”
Estère has released “Duog Dala”, the first in a series of Afro-House singles leading up to her new album Diaspora Baby in 2026. Now based in London, she created the track after reconnecting with artists in Cameroon and Kenya.
Devilskin – Re-Evolution
Devilskin have released their new album Re-Evolution, marking 11 years since their debut We Rise. The 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards (AMA) People’s Choice winners recorded the album with producer Dave Rhodes and feature guest spots from Twelve Foot Ninja’s Nik Barker and Halestorm’s Joe Hottinger.
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Aidan Fine – “Heatstroke”
Aidan Fine has released Heatstroke, a new single blending psychedelic hip-hop and indie grooves ahead of his upcoming album Ed’s Sun, out August 1st. The track features London singer Yamikani and showcases Fine’s genre-blurring style.
Tami Neilson – Neon Cowgirl
AMA winner for Best Country Music Artist, Tami Neilson has released her new album Neon Cowgirl, an ode to Nashville and her lifelong love of country music. The album includes singles like “Foolish Heart” and features guests JD McPherson, Ashley McBryde, Grace Bowers, Shelly Fairchild, and Neil Finn.
Coast Arcade – “Kids”
New Zealand indie rock band Coast Arcade has released “Kids”, a punchy new single that channels early 2000s guitar energy with raw vocals and driving riffs. The track is a high-energy ode to youth and chaos.
alayna – “Mother’s Mother”
New Zealand singer-songwriter alayna has released her new single “Mother’s Mother”, a soulful tribute to the strong women in her family and a reflection on her own growth.
Frances Grass – Thirlestane Road
Aotearoa-born Frances Grass has released her debut EP Thirlestane Road on the indie label Home Alone after a five-year break from performing overseas. The five-track EP, inspired by 60s folk artists, features warm, off-kilter instrumentation and explores themes of love, loss, and vulnerability with a mix of tenderness and wit.
Kora – “Revolution”
Kora returns with a powerful new single, “Revolution” featuring Laughton Kora. The reggae anthem blends a deep, bass-driven groove with soulful vocals to deliver a danceable yet politically charged call for change in 2025.
Alphabethead – “I’m Lucy Lawless”
Alphabethead, now signed to Sunreturn, announces his first electronic album My Name Is David and releases the lead single “I’m Lucy Lawless”. The track blends sound design, turntablism, and vinyl sampling, featuring the iconic Xena battle cry reworked into a synth-driven tune encouraging listeners to embrace their inner strength and view life as an adventure.
Swallow the Rat – “MMA Math (A Place to Bury Strangers Remix)”
Swallow the Rat have released the “MMA Math (A Place to Bury Strangers Remix)”, featured on their new EP Face Unpopular. The band recently recorded their final tracks with singer/bassist Stephen Horsley and will release a 7” single soon, ahead of a 21-date European tour starting in September.
