To celebrate the final week of NZ Music Month, Rolling Stone AU/NZ asked a selection of musicians to name their favourite Aotearoa artists and explain what makes them so unique.
It’s been quite the year of growth for Molly Payton. Born in Auckland and now based in England, the singer-songwriter returned to her home country to take part in the March edition of Live Nation and Vodafone New Zealand’s Ones To Watch.
She quickly followed that up with a stellar support slot for Australian pop star Ruel, and when her own headline show at Whammy Bar was announced, tickets quickly proved hard to come by.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ recently spoke with Molly about Ones To Watch, and when we asked her who she believed deserved to be included in the global discovery platform next, she named indie pop musician Rita Mae.
So when we later asked Molly to discuss her favourite New Zealand artist, it was unsurprising that she chose to hail her fellow rising singer-songwriter again.
Below, Molly explains why everyone’s about to fall in love with Rita Mae:
I’d have to say my favourite New Zealand artist at the moment is Rita Mae. I first discovered her music a couple years ago, she’d just released her first song “the secret’s out”, and my boyfriend sent it to me saying it was his favourite song.
Given that at the time he was definitely more of a loud band guy I was quite surprised, but upon hearing her voice and lyricism I completely got it. Every song she has released since has been an absolute delight.
Her live shows are incredible, she completely holds her own as a solo act and lights up a room with a full band. The music is pop but cool pop that you want all your friends to listen to so you can talk about how good it is.
If you ever have a spare half hour I would strongly recommend listening to Rita’s album Superfeeling, and keep an eye out for her next gig – I guarantee you’ll fall in love!
