Just like that, we’re back, and the new music is rolling in! Check out some standout Aotearoa releases you might’ve missed over the summer break. Fresh tunes from Office Dog, Delaney Davidson, Marlon Williams, Amanda Palmer, Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, Te Kuru Dewes, Babe Martin, and Homebrew are waiting for you.
Office Dog – “The Crater”
Office Dog’s debut album on Flying Nun is set to release on January 26th, and they’ve teased us with a visual treat – a new video for the highlight track, “The Crater.” Directed by Sophie Black, the cinematic clip unfolds amidst the remote landscape of Ōmarama Clay Cliffs in Waitaki.
Arjuna Oakes and John Psathas – Sierra
London-based, Tāmaki Makaurau singer/multi-instrumentalist Arjuna Oakes and award-winning New Zealand Greek composer John Psathas reunite on Sierra, an eclectic five-track collaborative collection. They’ve rounded up talented musicians from New Zealand and Greece to bring the music to life, fusing Greek folk instrumentation with modern jazz and recording live in Athens’ iconic Sierra Studios.
Amanda Palmer – New Zealand Survival Songs
With her anticipated Aotearoa tour underway, “accidental Kiwi” and musical wanderer Amanda Palmer has shared her-new five-song EP New Zealand Survival Songs. The EP was born and nurtured during the US songwriter’s two year stay in the county during the pandemic, becoming a musical tribute to her unique Kiwi experience.
Delaney Davidson – “Out Of My Head”
Lyttelton maestro Delaney Davidson ushers in the new year with the dazzling title track from his upcoming album, “Out Of My Head,” co-produced by Mark Perkins (Merk).
Out Of My Head by Delaney Davidson
Marlon Williams – “After The Revolution”
Marlon Williams presents his ethereal take on English songwriter Bill Fay’s poignant song “After The Revolution,” out now on Dead Oceans. Joining indie luminaries like Kevin Morby and Julia Jacklin, Williams adds his tender touch to Fay’s work in anticipation of the Tomorrow Tomorrow and Tomorrow reissue.
Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, and Te Kuru Dewes – “Toitū Te Tiriti”
Māori artists Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, and Te Kuru Dewes team up in their fervent new song ‘Toitū Te Tiriti,’ sung entirely in te reo. “Calling out the current coalition for choosing to perpetuate the narrative of division and the race-baiting politics that saw them elected, the new waiata by Ria Hall, Troy Kingi and Te Kuru Dewes is a direct response to the Government’s promise to rewrite the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi… the song is also a call to action to all Māori and Tangata Tiriti (non-Māori) to unite in the true spirit of kotahitanga to defend all that Te Tiriti o Waitangi represents”.
Babe Martin – “Versoix”
Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter Babe Martin treated us to a lovely video right before the break, wrapping up a big year as she celebrated the release of her debut, The Versoix EP on Sunreturn.
Home Brew – “Drinking In The Morning”
Tom Scott and Haz Beats dropped one of the most anticipated hip hop releases in Aotearoa in years as 2023 dwindled to a close. Extend the summer feels with the laid-back standout track, “Drinking In The Morning.”
