Dive into Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s weekly roundup of our favourite New Zealand music from the past week. Explore the freshest tracks from local artists in Aotearoa between February 19th-26th below.
Lady Shaka – “E-Tu”
Lady Shaka is an Aotearoa-born, London-based Pasifika DJ and producer with a penchant for propulsive club beats and an indigenous touch. Her latest single, “E-Tu”, features a lively sample from the 2001 track “Kei A Wai Rā Te Kupu” by New Zealand Maori pop group Aaria, showcasing her talent in blending traditional sounds with modern beats.
The release coincides with the news of her signing to Australia’s underground club label NLV Records.“The opening lyrics “me nekeneke tāua, e tū”, meaning “let’s move together and stand up” in te reo Māori, is a great representation of our current political climate in Aotearoa (New Zealand),” Lady Shaka says.
Stan Walker – “Māori Ki Te Ao”
A stirring new waiata from the Aotearoa music icon has arrived. Walker describes the new song as his “love letter” to all Māori: “This waiata is the knowing of who we are, and where we come from.” Titled “Māori Ki Te Ao”, it comes just a few months after the release of “I AM”, which featured in Ava DuVernay’s film ORIGIN. Walker’s uncle Tāme Iti and other whānau members appear in the accompanying music video.
Church & AP – “Postal”
Church & AP are back with their highly anticipated third album, Postal. Teaming up with their trusted collaborators Dera Meelan and Deadforest, they hunkered down in a remote church for a week to craft this project. The title track, “Postal”, is an easy standout, with hauntingly smooth production and introspective lyricism.
“Postal is our representation of anxiety and feeling stir crazy after years of confinement. It was one of the first songs created post-pandemic, so we aimed for a massive sound that could shake any sound system,” the duo shares.
JessB – “Come Find Me”
This breezy, mid-tempo track gleams with a tinge of Afro-beats percussion as JessB talks about self-discovery and refusing to let others dictate her path. With a nonchalant attitude, she sings, “I’m just finding myself, don’t mind me.”
Rubi Du – “Day Dreaming”
Rubi Du makes a solid return to the roots and dancehall scene with her first release of the year, “Day Dreaming”. It’s classic Rubi, with vibes of new possibilities and adventure, setting the perfect tone for what’s to come.
Muroki – “Bad Dreams”
In another fresh release for 2024, Benee-signed artist Muroki delivers a funky tune titled “Bad Dreams” , exploring the concept of dreams causing trouble in relationships. Muroki explains, “’Bad Dreams’ is about my girl going ‘mad queen’ and giving me the cold shoulder over something I did in her dreams.”
Aro – “Tōtara”
In their new song, the genre-blending duo Aro, from Tāmaki Makaurau, find inspiration in Aotearoa’s tōtara tree. “Tōtara” compares people to this tree, saying they’re strong and resilient, just like it. The heartfelt song celebrates those who have passed, saying they live on in our hearts and stories. It’s part of their upcoming album, He Rākau, He Ngārara, out on April 19th.
LAB – L.A.B VI
Last but not least, the five-piece band keeps the sunny reggae vibes going strong on their sixth album, L.A.B VI. It’s filled with songs that show off their chart-topping musical prowess, sticking closely to their tried-and-true sound.
