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 Ringlets, Mim Jensen and Mel Parsons, then check out what’s new this week:
Jackson Owens – “Coming Home”
Tūrangi-born Jackson Owens is back with “Coming Home”, a soulful single about love and finding your roots.
“This song is a personal one for me. ‘Coming Home’ is about being grounded with my partner, and doing whatever it takes to be with them, because they feel like home,” Owens shares.
Bella Rafflyn – “Corduroy Boy”
Auckland alt-pop artist Bella Rafflyn teams up with Chris Mac (Six60) for “Corduroy Boy”.
Rafflyn says, “The song means a lot to me, I’ve been playing it live for the past three years and every time I play it, everyone in the audience loves it, I wanted to make sure the track fully captured the vibe and energy of a live gig and I feel like that’s what it does, it sounds huge.”
George Villa – “Keep It All Together”
Hamilton’s George Villa serves up a groove-filled anthem for when life throws you off balance. “It’s about feeling a little bit out of control when there’s heaps of things happening,” he explains.
Harper Finn – “Where Did She Go”
Harper Finn is back with another catchy gem. Crafted with Sam Evian and recorded on a vintage 16-track tape machine, it follows last November’s “Doves”.
Christabel – “Last One Standing”
Christabel’s second single from her upcoming debut INTUITION digs deep.
She shares, “This song is so special to me for so many reasons. Initially inspired by a friend’s sober journey, this pal of mine had been a cornerstone for me after one of the worst times of my life. They were the first person to see me as i was after a really tough time.”
Erin G, Altercation – “Half Light”
Singer-songwriter Erin G and drum and bass DJ Altercation team up once more for “Half Light”, the third single from their upcoming EP Dream It Again, out May 2nd.
Erin G says, “We wanted something stronger and more confident compared to the softness of our first single Kind Eyes, and this track just clicked!”
Lou’ana – “My World”
Kiwi Pacific artist Lou’ana kicks off the year with “My World”, a hypnotic track and video.
She explains, “‘My World’ invites you to fantasize about what you want for yourself, or step into my world to explore how it feels; perhaps inspiring you to take steps toward your true self.”
There’s a Tuesday – “Cotton Mouth”
Christchurch indie outfit There’s a Tuesday drop fan-favourite “Cotton Mouth”, produced by Will McGillivray (Goodwill).
Arjuna Oakes – “Lay Low”
Last but not least, from his debut album While I’m Distracted, out March 9th, London-based Kiwi Arjuna Oakes delivers a tender piano ballad about vulnerability.
