In the fast-paced world of electronic music, few artists are making waves like Nia Archives.
The UK-born producer, DJ, and singer-songwriter – real name Dehaney Nia Hunt – has quickly become a force to be reckoned with, and now she’s returning to Australia and New Zealand as part of her ‘Junglist Worldwide’ tour.
After captivating crowds at Laneway last year, this week’s shows promise to be an unforgettable chapter in her meteoric rise.
“It feels super exciting to be back in Australia finishing up my ‘Junglist Worldwide’ tour,” Nia tells Rolling Stone AU/NZ. “I had an amazing time at Laneway Festival last year, and I’m looking forward to this run of shows, being able to connect and party with all my junglists down unda!”
This tour is hitting theatre venues across Australia and Aotearoa, offering fans a more intimate experience of Nia’s debut studio album, Silence Is Loud. “I’m super excited to come back and play some tunes off my debut album,” she shares. Tracks like “Crowded Roomz” and “Unfinished Business” exemplify Nia’s signature sound – a raw and emotional core wrapped in the frenetic energy of jungle beats. “For me, I have always made super emotional music disguised by the upbeat chaos that is jungle music. The lyrics and production combined create a really interesting mix of vibes and feeling.”
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Her Laneway performances last year were a highlight for both fans and the artist herself. “It was such a cool festival,” Nia recalls, her enthusiasm palpable. “My highlights were definitely (DJ) Skin on Skin surprising me on stage in Sydney when I was spinning my edit of ‘Burn Dem Bridges’.” Australian crowds, she says, brought an energy and vibe that rivalled her beloved UK audience. “They’re definitely up there in terms of energy – super similar to UK crowds, which is lovely.”
Ending her ‘Junglist Worldwide’ tour on these shores is more than just a logistical decision for Nia – it’s symbolic. “It feels super full circle to be wrapping the tour up here, as I started my touring year here last year. It feels quite wholesome to me,” she reflects. Adding to the excitement is her inclusion of a headline show in Auckland, New Zealand, which has already sold out. “It’s really important to me. This will be my third time going to Auckland, but my first time doing a headline show there. The love for jungle music is crazy in New Zealand, and I am in awe of the culture over there.”
Amid a hectic schedule, Nia is determined to soak in some local experiences during her trip. “I think we will definitely squeeze in some fun activities whilst we’re here,” she says. “We actually went to the Luna Park theme park on the first day we landed in Sydney, which is kinda jokes.”
The tour celebrates Silence Is Loud, an album that struck a chord with audiences worldwide last year. “It has been an absolute trip, and I still find it all overwhelming, but my main emotion I have experienced is gratitude,” Nia says. “It’s kinda crazy that tunes I’ve made exploring my emotions and experiences resonate with people in such a way. It’s a beautiful thing, really.”
Some of the tracks on Silence Is Loud, like “Forbidden Feelingz” and “So Tell Me…” date back to her earlier releases, but have found new life in her debut record. “It was super important for me to put those tunes on my debut as I felt that a lot of people’s entry point to my music would probably be this album. I wanted to put them on there so that people can go back and listen to my earlier stuff if they want to.”
For Nia, balancing her roles as producer, DJ, and singer during live performances is challenging at times, but it’s a challenge she embraces. “I think there is a lot of multitasking involved, which is quite hilarious, really,” she admits. “But I think my dedication to the details of my craft is why it all kinda works together. It is definitely a continuous work in progress, though.”
Nia’s return Down Under marks a triumphant conclusion to what has been a chaotic year. “Finishing these final shows feels like a huge relief to have made it through one of the craziest years of my life,” she laughs. “Whilst it has been amazing touring this past year, I am super excited to take a little break.
“I have missed my gaff, my friends, and my life back in London. I am looking forward to getting back to living so that I have something to talk about on my next project, which I have already started working on.”
Nia Archives 2025 Australia & New Zealand Shows
Thursday, January 23rd
Metro City, Perth WA
Tickets
Friday, January 24th
PICA, Melbourne VIC
Tickets
Sunday, January 26th
Powerstation, Auckland NZ
S0ld Out
