New Music 05/09
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Imani-J — EXPECTATIONS (EP)
Imani-J delivers her debut EP EXPECTATIONS – a collection of songs exploring the weight of self-pressure, relationships, identity and ambition. Blending smooth R&B with Afrobeats percussion and sunlit guitar, the title track captures both vulnerability and desire, while the wider EP showcases her sharp storytelling and unique Kiwi/Haitian perspective.
After a whirlwind year of mentoring with Tiki Taane, supporting Ladi6 and Louis Baker, performing internationally in Seattle, and a recent writing trip to LA, Imani-J is quickly carving her own lane. With London collaborations on the horizon, EXPECTATIONS marks just the beginning of an artist ready to rise.
Emerson — Counting Sheep
Alt-pop rising star Emerson returns with Counting Sheep – a dreamy yet energetic track blending shimmering synths, Mk.gee-inspired textures, and her signature earworm melodies. Written about restless nights and the one person you can’t forget, it adds another highlight to her growing catalogue.
With heartfelt lyrics and an unstoppable pop sensibility, Counting Sheep cements Emerson as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new voices.
Fine Wine Social Club — Fermentations of the Flower (EP)
Pōneke’s eight-piece neo-soul collective Fine Wine Social Club finally release their long-awaited debut EP Fermentations of the Flower, capturing two of their most beloved live staples. Nice High locks in as a cruisy, horn-laced groove, while Dr G builds from intricate rhythms into a soaring call-and-response finale. Both songs have been fixtures of their shows since 2022, now recorded and polished at Massey University Studios by Dan Goodwin.
Fine Wine Social Club are appearing during the pre-show of the World of Wearable Arts at the TSB Arena.
