New Music 14/11

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First Reserve — There's A God (EP)

Aotearoa New Zealand’s fast-rising indie rocker First Reserve has just unveiled their eagerly awaited debut EP, There’s A God — a release that’s already stirring excitement across the local scene. The project comes after months of anticipation and follows a string of singles and standout live performances from First Reserve, the moniker of Wellington-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Connaghan (he/they). Their most recent single Time Song marked a turning point, coinciding with First Reserve’s addition to the lineup for Gisborne’s Rhythm & Vines festival.

There’s A God feels like the work of an artist far beyond their debut. Across six tracks, Connaghan balances raw emotion with refined craft, blending dark indie rock textures with delicate, piano-led moments. The title track exemplifies First Reserve’s signature approach: heartfelt, vulnerable lyricism laid over dynamic, carefully built arrangements that soar to a cathartic finish. This sound has earned Connaghan opening slots for Hot Mulligan (US), Hockey Dad (AU), and local favourites like No Cigar, There’s A Tuesday, and PARK RD.

The world is against you — Pat on the back

Jackson Charles — Just Breathe

Taupō-born multi-instrumentalist Jackson Charles (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) returns with Just Breathe, a light and heartfelt indie-pop track that radiates warmth and reassurance. Known for weaving poetic lyrics, jazz harmony, and smooth production into his work, the 22-year-old musician has become a familiar face in Aotearoa’s live scene, performing with countless bands and collaborators.

Following the success of his debut single 18, Jackson shares that Just Breathe has been a long time coming — recorded back in 2022 and featuring an all-star cast including Clint Harris (Opshop), Scotty Pearson (Elemeno P), Grammy-nominated composer Stephen Small, and session guitarist Jeremy Toy. Mixed by Scott Seabright at Roundhead Studios, the track feels like a gentle exhale — a reminder to slow down, practise self-care, and trust that things will be okay. It’s an uplifting, sun-soaked addition to Jackson’s growing catalogue — and a perfect soundtrack for the summer ahead.

Foley — Honey

Foley are back — and they’re bringing the sunshine with them. Fresh off a five-date tour across South Korea, the beloved Aotearoa indie-pop duo return with Honey, a playful, feelgood singalong made for road trips and long summer days. Written alongside Max Jacobs and Nico Scali from Australian alt-pop trio Loretta (who also co-produced the track) Honey captures the spark of that first studio session, with the duo even leaving in snippets of chatter and laughter to bottle the moment’s energy.

Blending jangly acoustic guitars with a hint of bluesy swagger, Honey sees Foley embrace a warm, high-energy sound that’s distinctly their own. Lyrically, it’s about pushing your luck in a relationship and leaning on the one who still chooses to stay. “It’s about taking it too far and realising you might’ve gone overboard,” the duo share. “The line, ‘Whenever I spill my guts you stitch me up, honey’ sums it all up.”

Shot on tour in South Korea, the visualiser mirrors the track’s buzzing, feelgood chaos — a perfect reflection of the duo’s connection and joy. With Honey, Foley continue to prove why they’re one of Aotearoa’s most exciting pop exports, pairing infectious hooks with heartfelt honesty.

FFAR, QUINE — Fade Away

FFAR is calling his new single Fade Away the song of the summer — and he’s backing it up with a track built for long nights, loud crowds, and that unmistakable Kiwi festival buzz. Co-produced with Dunedin-based producer/DJ QUINE, the track brings together FFAR’s bold, high-energy style with QUINE’s knack for crafting tight, club-ready cuts. It’s a collab made for the season, and the pair have landed on something that feels instantly addictive.

FFAR’s momentum has been building fast, with sets at Rhythm & Vines, Mardi Gras, and clubs across Wellington helping cement his place as one of NZ’s most exciting new names in dance music. QUINE, meanwhile, has been carving out his own lane — playing events like Bay Dreams, Snow Machine, and George FM parties while steadily shaping his sound. Together, they’ve delivered what FFAR confidently dubs the anthem of the summer: “Fade Away.”

Deva Mahal — Till The Morning Comes

Deva Mahal returns with Till The Morning Comes, a dreamy, playful new single that sees the Wellington-based powerhouse in a warm and optimistic mood. Co-written with Chris Wethey and co-produced with Wethey, Shae Fiol and Mireya Ramos, the track explores that moment when a casual connection quietly becomes something more. Light, whimsical, and full of charm, complete with Deva achieving her lifelong goal of whistling on a record, it sits alongside recent releases South Coast, Sometimes Good and Need as anticipation builds for her new EP arriving in early 2026.

Showcasing the unmistakable depth and emotion of her vocals, Till The Morning Comes is the perfect companion for a slow dance or a summer road trip. It carries the same heartfelt honesty that has defined her songwriting across a career spanning New York City, global stages, and acclaimed screen credits—all while reflecting the soulful joy she brings to every performance.

alayna — Hold Me

Critically acclaimed Rotorua artist alayna unveils her heartbreaking new single ‘Hold Me’, taken from her forthcoming sophomore album SET HER FREE (out 13 February). Written in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winner Sebastian Kole and powerhouse duo The Orphanage, the track captures the universal ache of wanting to be held—by yourself, by someone you love, or by someone you miss. Sebastian arrived at the session with most of the song already formed, a moment alayna describes as a rare creative gift and a masterclass in trust and collaboration. “He taught me how the best songs sit right at the edge of yourself,” she says, reflecting on a day in the studio that shifted her understanding of vulnerability in songwriting.

The accompanying music video, shot with Westall Road across an intense 18-hour day, layers simple visuals with deep emotional weight. Wrapped in a handmade silver dress and surrounded by projections of water, ripples and open skies, alayna leans into the magnitude of the feeling at the centre of ‘Hold Me’. Known for her soulful, intimate approach and past collaborations with Finneas, Ta-ku and Sango, alayna now steps into a new chapter—one that reaches outward, honouring the quiet foundations of love, friendship and the women who hold us. With SET HER FREE, she invites listeners into a space of tenderness, connection and transformation.