New Music 10/04
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Amelie Rose — Free
Mount Maunganui-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Amelie Rose steps into a new chapter with her debut solo single Free. Previously performing as part of The Darlings, this release marks a shift into her own project, where indie and dream pop influences meet honest, personal songwriting. With a sound grounded in atmosphere and relatability, Free introduces Amelie Rose as a solo artist finding her footing and voice.
Written from her experience with emetophobia, Free reflects the process of working through that fear and rediscovering a sense of freedom. It is a deeply personal release that also aims to raise awareness around a condition that is often misunderstood, setting the tone for a project centred on openness, connection, and real-life experiences.
Meddles — Down Every Road
Tāmaki Makaurau four-piece Meddles have spent the past year building momentum through consistent gigging, sharpening their sound across headline shows and support slots with acts like Pool House and Ivy. Made up of Oliver Whiley, Alex Crook, Sammy Woolfall, and Simon Roberts, the band leans into gritty guitars and melodic hooks, shaping a style that sits comfortably between raw alternative rock and anthemic balladry as they gear up for their debut EP in 2026.
Their debut single Down Every Road lands as a strong introduction, pairing an explosive, unpolished edge with a wash of psychedelia. The track explores themes of naivety and blind confidence, capturing the feeling of following something without fully questioning it. As a first release, it sets the tone for what is to come from Meddles, offering a glimpse into a band beginning to define its voice.
CAITLIN — Guardrails (EP)
Ōtautahi-based artist CAITLIN continues to cement her place in Aotearoa’s indie-pop landscape with the release of her new EP Guardrails. A regular on festival line-ups and known for her strong live presence, she brings a balance of organic and electronic elements into her songwriting, with this latest project shaped through a deeply personal and self-driven creative process.
At the centre of the EP is Tied, a reflective track that builds from stripped-back acoustic beginnings into something more expansive. Written from a place of feeling stuck and uncertain, the song captures the tension between routine and the desire for change, sitting at the emotional core of Guardrails. With a national tour set for May, the release marks another step forward for CAITLIN as she continues to evolve both her sound and storytelling.
Bunchy's Big Score — Oscar Says
Ōtepoti outfit Bunchy’s Big Score return with Oscar Says, a bright, hook-heavy lead single that signals a bold step forward from their earlier lo-fi roots. Now operating as a four-piece with Niki Knight, Jack Ingram, Reef Brazendale, and Max White at the helm, the band leans into a bigger, chorus-driven pop rock sound, trading scrappy textures for something more expansive without losing their offbeat charm.
Oscar Says lands as an anthemic, high-energy release, packed with vocal harmonies, driving bass, and propulsive drums that keep things moving from start to finish. It sets the tone for their upcoming sophomore album Wanda’s Bicycle, hinting at a more refined and ambitious direction, with the band also gearing up to take the new material on the road across Aotearoa this June and July.
Imperfect Circles — All I Saw
Motueka four-piece Imperfect Circles continue to build towards their upcoming album with a string of releases, following on from earlier singles Two and Cry All You Want. Known for their tight chemistry and energetic live shows, the band leans into a collaborative approach that blends harmony, rhythm, and storytelling, shaping a sound that feels both raw and connected.
Their latest single All I Saw arrives as a punchy, guitar-driven track that doubles as a statement of intent for what is to come. Built around themes of internal darkness and the way it can cloud expression and control, the song pairs crunchy guitars, driving drums, and forward vocals to create something both vulnerable and anthemic. Positioned as a prelude to their debut album, All I Saw sets the tone for the band’s next chapter.
Amber Carly Williams — Put You Down
Ōtautahi artist Amber Carly Williams continues to build momentum in Aotearoa’s indie-pop space, following the release of her debut EP 21 Roses and a steady run of live shows and festival appearances around the motu. Known for her emotionally open songwriting and guitar-driven sound, she has carved out a lane that balances vulnerability with a grungy edge, while continuing to develop her voice through collaborations, live sessions, and national touring.
Her new single Put You Down centres on the blurred line between humour and harm, unpacking moments where connection can tip into something more cutting. Written from personal experience, the track captures the lingering guilt that can follow, especially when trying to fit in comes at someone else’s expense. With an EP set to follow later this year, Put You Down marks the next step in Amber Carly Williams’ evolving catalogue.
ORPHEU5 — HOME
Dunedin-based EDM and rock artist ORPHEU5 returns with HOME, an experimental progressive house track that leans into shifting time signatures and a dense, atmospheric sound. Having spent the past two years embedded in the local scene, the project continues to push into more exploratory territory here, with HOME showcasing a focus on texture and mood as much as rhythm.
CLOVA — Spiral (ALBUM)
Pōneke-based producer and multi-instrumentalist CLOVA has been steadily building a name through immersive live sets that blend 90s rave influences with UK garage, jungle, and experimental club sounds. Her approach pulls equally from her background in orchestral composition and her work in electronic production, layering violin and vocals through Ableton to create dynamic, genre-spanning performances. With appearances at festivals like Twisted Frequency and CubaDupa, alongside support slots for international acts, CLOVA’s focus has remained on taking listeners through shifting sonic worlds.
Her debut album Spiral captures that same sense of movement and evolution, split into A and B sides to bring cohesion to its wide-ranging sound. Named after the symbol of growth and rooted in her Irish heritage, the project reflects both personal and creative progression, marking a point where she feels she has found her sound. Accompanied by a series of short films shot by Theo Villa and with a release show planned in Pōneke following the second half, Spiral arrives as a fully realised introduction to CLOVA’s world.
Yawner — Subside
Te Whanganui-a-Tara R&B outfit Yawner continue to build momentum off the back of a strong run of live shows, including appearances at Newtown Festival, CubaDupa, and Flying Nun Records. Since forming in late 2024, the group have been steadily refining their groove-led sound, setting the foundation for their upcoming EP due later in 2026.
Their second single Subside captures that progression, pairing tight, groove-driven instrumentation with the distinct vocal presence of Eden Mekkelholt. With jangling, jazz-leaning guitar from Jamin Forlong and a more melancholic undertone, the track leans into a modern jazz-R&B space while maintaining a clear sense of identity. As the first step in their EP rollout ahead of a July release, Subside signals a confident next move for Yawner.
Narakel — Where Did Everybody Go?
Christchurch-born, Sydney-based artist Narakel continues to build a presence across the alternative space, with support from platforms like Triple J Unearthed and FBI Radio, alongside a growing run of live performances. Blending genre and drawing from lived experience, his work leans into themes of identity and youth, shaping a sound that feels both introspective and grounded in real-world moments.
His latest single Where Did Everybody Go? strips things right back, using minimal, atmospheric production to explore tension, absence, and emotional disconnection. Built around the feeling of nights that blur into one another, the track captures the quiet aftermath of fleeting connections and empty spaces, marking the beginning of a new chapter that will unfold further in an upcoming EP.
Triggar Happy — COWBOY POWER ROCK
Tāmaki Makaurau artist Triggar Happy continues his rapid rise with another bold release, following strong momentum off Zombies and a run of chart success with his previous albums. Known for blending country grit with alt-rock energy, he has quickly carved out a lane defined by raw honesty and a larger-than-life presence, building on a journey that has seen him step away from farming life to fully commit to music.
His latest single Cowboy Power Rock leans all the way into that identity, delivering a loud, high-energy anthem built on distorted riffs and unapologetic attitude. Framed around backing yourself and going all in, the track captures a sense of freedom and momentum, while also acting as the next step towards a new deluxe album set to roll out through 2026.
Corella — Under The Covers
Tāmaki Makaurau band Corrella return off the back of a huge run of live shows, including festival appearances across Aotearoa and a national tour supporting UB40. Following the success of their 2024 album SKELETONS, the group continue to build on their reputation as one of the country’s most in-demand live acts, with their signature roots-reggae sound and feel-good energy carrying strong momentum into 2026.
Their new single Under The Covers introduces a smooth, confident step forward, blending warm guitars, horns, and laid-back rhythms with a more subtle, observational edge. Centred around reading between the lines and picking up on what people try to hide, the track keeps things grounded while letting the groove do the work. As the first taste of their next album, Under The Covers sets the tone for what’s shaping up to be another strong chapter for Corrella.
Aldous Harding — Venus In The Zinnia
Aotearoa songwriter Aldous Harding returns with new music from her forthcoming fifth album Train On The Island, continuing a body of work that has cemented her as one of the country’s most distinctive voices. Known for her shape-shifting vocals and enigmatic songwriting, Harding once again teams up with long-time collaborator John Parish, with the new record recorded in Wales alongside a cast of international musicians.
Her latest single Venus In The Zinnea leans into that signature unpredictability, pairing her idiosyncratic vocal delivery with a richly layered arrangement featuring H. Hawkline and John Parish. Accompanied by a visually striking video starring Harding herself, the track offers another glimpse into Train On The Island, set for release on May 8, and signals a continuation of the strange, compelling world she continues to build.
Harry Charles — Drift
Following the release of his album NOVA, Harry Charles returns with Drift, a moodier cut that leans into the deep house and downtempo sound he has been shaping for his live sets. Built around subtle layers of voice and guitar, the track is driven by a steady synth line and intricate percussion, creating a more introspective feel within the wider project. Released with a new streamlined edit alongside the full-length album version, Drift offers another glimpse into the sonic world Harry Charles continues to develop.
