Best Australian and New Zealand Music of the Week: Julia Jacklin, Daine, Office Dog and More

Office Dog’s new album Prime Corner has arrived.

The record pulls together ideas the trio have been circling for months — home, uncertainty, and what it means to put down roots.

Those themes appeared throughout recent singles “Front Row Seat”, “Gold Things”, and “Reins”, which offered an early look at a record that balances some of Office Dog’s heaviest and softest material to date.

Fresh from performing at The Great Escape Festival in England, Luca George returns with “Grow Down”.

The cinematic pop single sees the Aotearoa New Zealand-born, London-based singer-songwriter reflect on childhood wonder and the bittersweet reality of growing up.

“‘Grow Down’ is a song about wishing I could stay young forever. It plays with the idea of growing down instead of growing up, holding onto the innocence and magic that seems to disappear as you get older,” he says.

It’s a good week to be a Miss Kaninna fan.

One of the brightest talents in the current generation of rap announced her highly anticipated debut mixtape, BLACKPRINT, out on Friday, August 21st.

“We know we’re the key to start of civilisation, we’re literally the blueprint and we don’t care if white people agree or not, we aren’t gonna wait for you,” Kaninna says of the mixtape and its title.

Arriving alongside the mixtape announcement is new single “HANDOUT”, a powerhouse collaboration with Jamahl Yami.

The song centres “black power and rage, especially with the double standards of crime and prosecution in so-called ‘Australia’.”

The Filipino-Australian genre-blending producer and artist drops “PQC”.

It’s the “inception point” of their forthcoming debut album, according to a press release, the track that sets “the emotional and sonic direction for the generational record about to follow.”

The magnetic — and always challenging — Jonathan Bree releases “Part-Time Lover”, the third single from his forthcoming 17-track double album Don’t Call It Love.

“Part-Time Lover” should whet the appetite for Don’t Call It Love, which is described as being a “coolly erotic” collection. The album, which arrives in August on Lil’ Chief Records via Secretly Distribution, also features previous single “Savour My Love”, which also made it into our ANZ music roundup.

The Ōtepoti Dunedin trio of Stefan Keller (guitar, vocals), Ramona Mahutte (bass, vocals), and Jack Ingram (drums) keep proving that Rolling Stone AU/NZ was right to recently assert that they are “one of the best new bands in the country.”

“Sksycrapers” might be their best release to date, a supremely confident and taut jab of noise-rock.

“Skyscrapers” is the first taste of U-No Juno’s new EP you know, which is no ordinary record: it’s part of 4EPS, the debut release from DUN Records that unites four of Dunedin’s best bands: Sivle Talk, Sogg, Vagina Dry and, of course, U-No Juno.

Rising country-pop star Bella Mackenzie releases “GIRL”, an empowering anthem celebrating self-worth, resilience, and the strength of girls everywhere.

“I hope that when you hear ‘GIRL’, you allow yourself to feel whatever emotion this song provokes,” Mackenzie says. “For me, because I’ve moved on from the situation that gave me this song, I feel empowered in knowing my worth and protecting my peace.

“But I want listeners to feel the hurt, feel the freedom, feel the anger or love and not feel ashamed. The three words I’d use to describe ‘Girl’ are literally: for the girls.”

Dan Sultan returns with moving new single “Needing Love”, off the back of a memorable performance at the AFL’s annual Dreamtime at the ‘G.

“‘Needing Love’ is raw, stripped back, and powerful with mainly vocals and minimal instrumentation,” Sultan says of the song, which was co-written, produced, and recorded with Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue).

“This approach serves as a breath of fresh air sonically, while still achieving a full, high-energy, and rich sound. It is simply a love song that is delivered with unapologetic conviction and incredible performances. It is heavily gospel-influenced, and this approach helps the song land with its truest of intentions. Love.”

The Veils release new album Fragile World.

The band, led by singer-songwriter Finn Andrews, only released their most recent album, Asphodels, last January.

According to a press release, though, their swift follow-up record “marks a striking shift in tone and energy for the band.”

Fragile World was recorded live to tape in Aotearoa by Paddy Hill, with production handled by Tom Healy (Folk Bitch Trio, Tiny Ruins).

Check back on Rolling Stone AU/NZ tomorrow for an interview with Andrews.

Canberra post-punks Sonic Reducer drop their third EP.

Living Room, released independently, comes as they embark on their biggest tour to date, which kicked off on Friday in Melbourne.

“Living Room is our third EP, filled with themes of homesickness, nostalgia, and exploring the threshold between adolescence and adulthood, friendship and frustration, obligation and obedience. It has our best songs yet,” the band say.

Talk about powerhouse pairings.

3% and The Terrys have linked up for “All Gucci”, an unexpected rap-meets-indie-rock crossover.

“We have a long standing relationship with the Tezzas,” 3% explain. “My cousin Scrappy was good mates with ‘em and I kicked it with ‘em a few times. Pre-3% we tried to get a track going but the timing didn’t exactly align. Fast forward, 3% was starting to form and Tasker was producing the first album and joined The Terrys around that time.

We always spoke about working together aside from being actual fans of each other’s art. We were all good mates and to us it made a lot of sense… This is the first but definitely not the last 3% x Terrys collab.”

Caru and Brandn Shiraz follow up their acclaimed 2025 EP Back 2 Back with a record that is its equal.

The producer and MC pair’s new EP follows their big win in the Best Electronic Artist category at last month’s Aotearoa Music Awards.

For years, Logan Edwards has helped shape some of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s best up-and-coming indie bands. Now, Belong to Someone Else marks the first time he has stepped into the spotlight alone.

The five-track EP opens a new chapter for the guitarist, drummer, and songwriter, whose name has become familiar through The Beatniks, Ani Saafa, and Chump Change.

Instead of writing for a band, Edward turns inward, exploring loss, anxiety, guilt, and growing up through a blend of indie pop, indie rock, and soft-edged folk.

Just2Māori, Pakōpakō, and Baitercell combine to fun effect on “Do It Like That”.

Described as “DnB x Dancehall mixed with te reo Māori haka crossover sound,” the upbeat and uplifting anthem sounds good on record but probably sounds even better up close.

Catch all three, plus Rei, Swizl Jager, and more, at The Mothership in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on July 3rd for KOG Presents Matariki Mash-Up (ticket information here).

Niamh Crooks, who featured in our Ōtepoti Dunedin Scene Report, releases her latest single.

“This song is genuinely one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written,” the rising alt-pop artist says, “and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my amazing producer EDYONTHEBEAT!”

Crooks and the popular producer wrote “who do you think you are?” in December of last year, “and it only took about four hours to have a finished song,” according to Crooks.

Pop singer-songwriter Gia Darcy shares the music video for her Sam McGovern collaboration.

Directed by frequent visual collaborator Renata Dominik and cinematographer Alexander Leeway, the clip brings to life the song’s theme of emotional distance in a relationship.

“We wanted to build a world around the song right in the heart of Sydney, following two people who are living in the same city but experiencing it completely differently,” Darcy explains. “Even when they’re moving through the same spaces, their perspectives never quite line up, which is really what the song is about.”

A song influenced by Gone Girl? We’re sold.

Fresh from headlining a show at Vivid LIVE, Jem Cassar-Daley drops “Cool Girl”, out now via Civilians.

Produced by Robby De Sa, the song sees Cassar-Daley explore the experience of losing yourself while trying to conform to other people’s expectations.

“I wrote ‘Cool Girl’ after re-watching one of my favourite films, ‘Gone Girl’, during which we watch as Rosamund Pike’s character slowly transforms into a woman she doesn’t recognise,” she explains.

“At a really poignant part of the movie, there is this incredible monologue that Amy does about the ‘cool girl’. The line ‘Nick loved a girl I was pretending to be’ really stuck with me.

“I feel this taps into the societal pressures women face to conform to and live up to these unrealistic standards in a patriarchal society.”

The new era of CHAII is here — and it’s sounding great.

After a blockbuster year in 2025, in which she featured in our Future of Music series and led the nominations for the Aotearoa Music Awards, CHAII returns with “Ride or Die”.

“The new CHAII چای era is one that I’ve always dreamt of and have been dying to share with you guys,” CHAII wrote on social media while announcing her exciting new chapter.

“Promise to be your ride or die, will be present and will bring out my best persianality. Hope for you to experience my world like never before.

“Please put your seatbelts on coz it’s gonna be one hell of a ride.”

Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Jessica Morgan brings her deepState project back with stunning new single “Rain”.

It’s the title track from her forthcoming album, set for release on September 12th via Sunreturn Records.

“I wanted the song to have a floaty, airy quality, anchored by a heavy bass line and driven by a classic breakbeat,” Morgan says. “The sound brings together several of my ongoing influences, blending elements of downtempo, breakbeat, jungle, trip-hop, and old-school drum and bass.”

Oscar the Wild’s second single of the year is here.

The Adelaide rock band drop new single “Sunsrise”, which is described as an ode to “cosplaying as an extrovert.”

The swaggering song features Oscar the Wild’s signature indie-grunge sound, led by vocalist Ruby Gazzola’s distinctive Aussie accent.

“To me, heaven is bed, some fairy smut and my phone on do not disturb… but ‘Sunrise’ is about a rare night out that I enjoyed so much, I didn’t want it to end,” Gazzola explains. “It was a go hard and don’t go home kind of night, where dive bars and gay bars became a place of worship.”

Jangle-pop artist Sam Wrangle releases “Gravity Shift”, the first single from his new album Oxymoronic.

Wrangle’s forthcoming fifth record is described as a “slickly produced cocktail of jangle pop, indie rock, and neo-psychedelia.”

“I’ve always wanted to write a work that seems larger than myself, not a concept album, but something that stays true to the initial spark — that entirely unique feeling that makes you excited to create. The joy of keeping the good first take, rather than striving for perfection,” Wrangle says.

Adam Hattaway is already familiar to Rolling Stone AU/NZ readers, and now he’s joined forces with fellow Kiwi songwriters Nick Armstrong and Dillon Feeney to form Two Dollar Trio.

“Born from a shared love of country music, soul, and three-part harmony,” according to a press release, their debut single, “Isn’t It Unfair”, is a wry meditation on the burden of carrying other people’s problems.

Progressive dub collective SUB-TRIBE join forces with multi-instrumentalist Casual Healing on “Te Waka”, the lead single from the former’s forthcoming MANA EP.

“On a personal level, it represents a reconnection to ancestry, language, and identity. As Māori artists living and creating in Australia, the song is also a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, we remain connected to our roots and carry the legacy of our ancestors with us,” SUB-TRIBE say.

Ōtepoti Dunedin outfit Bunchy’s Big Score have been described by local radio as “an absolute breath of fresh air in the music scene,” and they show why on Wanda’s Bicycle.

The weird and wacky collection of art-rick rewards repeat visits. Highlights include “I Don’t Wanna Dance”, which features a guest turn by none other than The Bats legend Robert Scott.

The Buoys are back with “Kill You Back”, a self-assured rock track built for the stage.

After having spent much of last year touring Lustre across UK and Europe, “Kill You Back” marks the Australian indie rock band’s first new music of 2026.

Lead singer and guitarist Zoe Catterall says the song was inspired by longtime admiration for Illuminati Hotties front-woman Sarah Tudzin, whose unpredictable songwriting helped shape the session.

“I’ve been sooo obsessed with Illuminati Hotties for years now, no one can write and produce chaotic sounds and ideas like Sarah Tudzin, what a legend. I came into the session with a plan to write about being murdered and haunting my murderer,” Catterall says.

Mel Parsons shares “Not Enough”, the final taste of her new album Castle Hill, out on August 7th.

“Writing songs like these sad ones is quite natural for me,” Parsons says of the emotional ballad. “It’s probably a bit incongruous when people know me as an upbeat optimistic kind of person, and then sometimes this quite dark stuff comes out in my work.

“It doesn’t phase me really, I think it’s part of being a normal, complicated multifaceted human. As always I hope this song can make people feel something – maybe even bring some comfort.”

Dark-pop artist Michèle Decry goes dream-pop on “Like U Did B4”.

“‘Like U Did B4’ is about missing the safety of how somebody used to love you,” the Sydney-based, NZ-born artist says.

“It’s nostalgic, emotional, euphoric, and heartbreaking all at once, like driving through the city at night replaying memories you can’t let go of.”

Genre-blending indie singer-songwriter Stenn Francis-Deare is stepping out on his own after years contributing as a sought-after studio musician.

“Tales From the Pantry”, inspired by the Bowie song “Five Years”, is the debut single from the Waikato-born, Melbourne-based artist’s forthcoming album There’s a Lot to Give, out August 14th.

The world is getting a new Julia Jacklin album this year.

The acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter announces The Gem, her fourth studio album, which will arrive on September 25th. It will be Jacklin’s debut release on 4AD / Remote Control Records

Arriving alongside the album announcement is lead single “Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)”.

The track, which premiered on triple j, is described as “a bold and fun nod to eighties jangle rock and to the Melbourne sound she fell in love with.”

Sydney independent artist Yasmina Sadiki releases new single “Craving”.

It’s the lead single from hr debut EP Made for the Past.

“This track was organically born from improvisation — we just fed off each other’s energy,” Sadiki says about “Craving”, which she developed with close collaborators Marley Tupou, River Langford, Lorenzo Benatiro, and Ally McMahon.

Did you love Selve’s Breaking Into Heaven? You’re in luck.

Selve share Breaking Outta Heaven, a companion EP to their well-received 2025 album, which was the first LP by an Aboriginal artist to be recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.

“We have had a super fun and wild ride since the release of last year’s album ‘Breaking Into Heaven’. ‘Breaking Outta Heaven’ is a sneaky bonus chapter,” the band’s lead singer Loki Liddle says. “It is also a bit sexier, more spacious, a little more open, expansive and inviting.

“Perhaps even a little less antagonistic, but still as subversive – if you pay attention. It’s fun, a mix of something both new and familiar.”