Stay up to date with New Zealand music releases with Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s weekly roundup.
Check out the best new music from Aotearoa acts released between March 2nd-8th below!
Aldous Harding – “One Stop”
Aldous Harding’s “One Stop” is the first taste of her forthcoming fifth studio album Train on the Island (due out May 8th). The ten-track album was co-produced by long-time collaborator John Parish in Wales, at the same studio the pair recorded her previous bodies of work, 2017’s Party, 2019’s Designer, and 2022’s Warm Chris.
Harry Charles – Nova
Harry Charles’ third full-length album has arrived. Nova captures a new chapter in Charles’ evolution, one that leans into immediacy, rhythm, and the shared experience of live performance. It shows Charles refining his sound into something brighter and more direct.
Hans. (ft. Hanbee) – “All I Need”
Following several previous link-ups, Hans. and Hanbee have released a new collaboration in “All I Need”. Hans. says: “This one started as an idea I was just playing around with for fun… I’ve always wanted to make something that feels like ’50s pop. It really took form when I got hanbee to layer things on top.”
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Hooligan Hefs (ft. Savage) – “Whistle”
A high-voltage crossover between dance and rap, “Whistle” delivers pounding energy, chant-ready hooks and undeniable bounce built for peak-time floors. Bridging generations and borders, the track pairs Savage’s instantly recognisable voice with Hooligan Hefs’ commanding presence, striking a balance between nostalgia and forward momentum.
Tom Scott – Demos and Voice Memos
Demos and Voice Memos is the B-side to Tom Scott’s recently release ANITYA, full of cuts that didn’t quite make the album. ANITYA served as the start to a new sonic chapter for the artist, crucially pushing his sound in fascinating directions.
Big Sigh – “Tether”
The musical collaboration between Rachel Hope Peary and Nicholas Joseph Walsh, Big Sigh have released their debut single “Tether”. The title track off their forthcoming debut EP (due out May 2nd), “Tether” serves as a reminder to stay grounded.
IA – Tawhiti
IA, the two-piece Aotearoa soul collective, blend contemporary soul and R&B with traditional Māori instrumentation on their new EP Tawhiti. Meaning reaching across oceans, Tawhiti encapsulates both the kaupapa and the creation of the project. It features previous singles “Pā Māori” and “Sun is Shining”, alongside new tracks “Petane”, “Tukuna”, and “Tūturu”.
Son & Water – “Nau Mai”
Blending te reo Māori with the band’s unique, soulful reggae sound, Son & Water’s “Nau Mai” promotes a powerful message of kōtahitanga, aroha, and belonging, welcoming manuhiri into their world, space, and whānau. “Whether you’re new to Aotearoa, or this is home, ‘Nau Mai’ is about putting your worries
aside and connecting through music,” Daimond Porima Ferguson says.
Ray Leslie (ft. Backah Amani) – “Sewed Pieces”
Ray Leslie’s “Sewed Pieces” is a hip-house anthem with an undeniable groove and head-bopping flow. It is about stepping out one’s comfort zone and that’s how Leslie hopes to inspire her community and beyond. “This isn’t just a song; this is a gateway to experience,” she shares.
Double Parked – Rosary
The second EP from Double Parked, Rosary is rooted in raw shared experiences between the five best friends and band mates. The project’s seven tracks are deeply cathartic, crafting a record that radically breaks the stigma of sharing men’s experiences with the complexities of mental health.
