New Music 27/03

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Amelia Power — Kingfisher

Amelia Power returns with Kingfisher, marking a shift into a more refined and soulful sound. Known for blending neo-soul, indie and alternative pop influences, she’s been steadily building a catalogue centred on emotional honesty and storytelling, with this latest release signalling a clearer direction for where she’s heading as an artist.

Kingfisher explores heartbreak and the process of moving toward acceptance, written during a period of personal upheaval and shaped as both an outlet and a form of healing. Co-written and produced with Ethan Jupe, the track leans into a more stripped-back, natural feel, supported by visuals shot in forested settings that reflect its themes of reflection and growth. It’s a focused step forward for Amelia Power, locking in the sound she’s been working toward while continuing to build momentum.

Imani-J, Bam Marley — talk is cheap

Rising artist Imani-J continues her rapid ascent with talk is cheap, a new collaboration with Bam Marley that builds on the momentum of her recent work. At just 17, the Haitian–New Zealand artist has already been carving out a space across Afrofusion and R&B, with her debut EP EXPECTATIONS and a string of international writing sessions helping expand her reach both locally and overseas.

talk is cheap leans into a playful Afrofusion sound, built around bright afrobeat rhythms and a clear message about actions matching words. The track came out of a studio session in LA and features a guest verse from Bam Marley, adding another layer to its confident, easy-going feel. It’s a strong step forward for Imani-J, continuing to highlight her ability to balance catchy, upbeat production with direct and self-assured songwriting.

Emma Kate — Autumn

Wellington singer-songwriter Emma Kate continues to build her place in the local pop scene with Autumn, the latest single from her upcoming EP of the same name. After spending time in Christchurch completing the Artist Development Course at SOLE Music Academy, she’s returned with a more defined pop sound, already picking up support across student and community radio stations around the motu.

Autumn leans into that shift, pairing bright, Taylor Swift-inspired melodies with a playful take on falling in love, full of seasonal references and lyrical callbacks. Produced by Flynn Adamson and rounded out by a tight mix and master, the track gives a clear sense of where Emma’s heading next. It also sets the tone for the Autumn EP, which centres on the different stages of relationships, from early romance through to loneliness and reflection.

Logan Edwards — Worry

Christchurch musician Logan Edwards steps out on his own with his debut solo project, introducing the EP Belong to Someone Else. Known for his work with The Beatniks, Ani Saafa and Chump Change, Edwards has built a reputation as one of the South Island’s busiest indie musicians, with a long list of live shows and festival appearances behind him. This new project marks a shift into something more personal, giving him full creative control after years of working within band settings.

The first taste of the EP comes through Worry, an indie pop-rock track that blends punchy instrumentation with a more vulnerable edge. Written during a burst of creativity in late 2025 and recorded with producer Sam Charlesworth, the track reflects Edwards’ tendency toward overthinking and anxious spiralling, gradually building in intensity as those themes take hold. It sets the tone for Belong to Someone Else, a project that leans into alt-pop, indie rock and folk influences while establishing Logan Edwards as a solo artist in his own right.

jaycee!! — Leave it be

Tāmaki Makaurau-based, Pinoy-born artist jaycee!! returns with Leave it be, continuing to shape a sound they’ve been developing over the past couple of years. With a growing catalogue that leans into alternative textures and emotion-led writing, jaycee!! has been carving out a lane that feels both personal and reflective of a younger generation navigating relationships in real time.

Leave it be centres on the fallout of miscommunication between close friends, using a situationship as the backdrop to explore how quickly things can unravel. Produced alongside Wellington artist ShehatesJacob, the track blends distorted bass with shoegaze-inspired guitar work, adding a slightly hazy edge to its core theme. It’s a tight, self-aware release that balances tension and honesty, while hinting at where jaycee!! could head next.

Tebsin — Decadence

Tebsin introduces her solo project with debut single Decadence, marking a new chapter for Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist April Nisbet. After more than a decade fronting pop-punk band False Heights, this new project sees her shift into a more intimate and emotionally driven space, trading in that band dynamic for something more personal and self-defined.

Decadence sets the tone with a cinematic, dark pop sound that explores the pull of desire and the tension between indulgence and consequence. Built on atmospheric production and close-up lyricism, the track captures that feeling of wanting something you know could undo you. It’s a strong first release from Tebsin, with more music on the way alongside a run of intimate live shows as the project begins to take shape.

SUPANAKA — SUPANAKA (EP)

Te Whanganui-a-Tara four-piece SUPANAKA step in with their debut EP SUPANAKA, introducing a jazz-fusion and city pop sound built around groove, detail and a clear sense of identity. Made up of Nawaqualiva Duiloloma, Sean Grieve, Jasper Fogerelli and Garam Jung, the band have spent the past eight months shaping the project entirely themselves, handling everything from writing through to recording, mixing and mastering.

The result is a collection that leans into feel and atmosphere, with a focus on strong musical interplay and laid-back energy. SUPANAKA sets the foundation for what’s shaping up to be a busy year ahead, with more recordings already in the works and a run of live shows on the horizon as SUPANAKA continue to build their presence.

Max Allais — Anywhere & Everywhere (EP)

New Zealand-French artist Max Allais reaches a major milestone with his debut EP Anywhere & Everywhere, a six-track release that brings together his acoustic-driven pop sound. Having already built momentum with singles like Wherever You Go and Everywhere, which have seen strong radio support across Aotearoa, the project marks a step forward as he continues to grow his audience both locally and overseas.

Anywhere & Everywhere expands on those earlier releases with four new tracks, exploring themes of love, longing and connection across a coming-of-age lens. Written as a cohesive body of work, the EP reflects a period of growth for Max Allais as he refines his sound and songwriting voice. Its release also arrives off the back of a UK and European tour, signalling a wider reach as he continues to build momentum internationally.

Deva Mahal — FUTURE CLASSIC VOL II: FUTURE (EP)

Deva Mahal expands her latest body of work with FUTURE CLASSIC VOL II: FUTURE, the second instalment in a two-part EP project that continues to showcase the range of her sound. The Pōneke-based artist has already laid the groundwork with earlier releases like South Coast, Need, Sometimes Good and Til The Morning Comes, building toward a collection that blends soul, R&B and electronic elements.

This latest EP leans further into that sonic mix, introducing more percussive and digital textures while exploring themes of connection, identity and Afro-Nature Futurism. New track Slow Down centres on grounding yourself through community, sitting alongside songs that move between personal reflection and wider social commentary. With a nationwide tour lined up, FUTURE CLASSIC VOL II: FUTURE marks another strong chapter for Deva Mahal as she continues to evolve her sound and scope.

PRINS — HEAVEN OR HELL (EP)

PRINS returns with her latest EP HEAVEN OR HELL, a five-track release that builds on a run of high-impact pop singles and collaborations. With previous tracks like Run, That’s the thing x and Something New, alongside work with Lee Mvtthews, she’s already established herself as one of Aotearoa’s more prominent pop voices, balancing chart success with a strong live presence both locally and overseas.

HEAVEN OR HELL leans fully into that space, combining high-energy dancefloor tracks like Designer, Cool and TRUST FUND BABY with more restrained moments such as Run. The EP reflects a confident step forward, pairing polished electro-pop production with more introspective themes across the project. With major live shows lined up and more music in the pipeline, HEAVEN OR HELL marks another big moment for PRINS as she continues to expand her reach.

Sophie-Maude — Hotel Lobby

Sophie-Maude steps into a new phase with Hotel Lobby, building on a run of releases that have already made an impact across Aotearoa’s pop scene. Since breaking through with Take Me Away, which topped the NZ Hot 40, she’s continued to develop her sound through singles like Vertigo while also building a strong live presence, supporting acts like PRINS and Hollie Smith and playing major events around the country.

Hotel Lobby marks a clear shift toward a more mature direction, both lyrically and sonically. Built as a flirty, dancefloor-ready pop track, it centres on the excitement and spontaneity of a first date, leaning into bold choices and blurred lines. Produced by Flynn Adamson, the single signals a step forward in how Sophie-Maude is presenting herself, moving beyond earlier expectations and leaning into a more confident and self-defined pop sound.

Sanoi — Digitalism [RW]

New Zealand producer Sanoi returns with Digitalism [RW], a new single that highlights his textured and detail-focused approach to electronic production. The track arrives as a reworked version of Digitalism [AW], bringing a refined, groove-driven feel that leans into layered rhythms and subtle melodic shifts. It’s a focused release that captures his balance between atmosphere and movement, sitting comfortably across ambient and downtempo spaces.

Digitalism [RW] also ties into the wider release of AUGENBLICK, now presented in full after previously being split into two parts. The album brings together both Side A and Side B as a complete listening experience, moving through cinematic soundscapes, lo-fi textures and introspective moments. As a full body of work, AUGENBLICK showcases Sanoi’s ability to build mood and cohesion across a project, with the new single acting as a strong entry point into that world.

Merlia — Sicily

Auckland artist Merlia introduces herself with debut single Sicily, marking her first release as she steps into the indie folk-pop space. Written alongside Austyn Mills of Whangārei band Otium, the track lays the foundation for her sound, drawing on a mix of classical influence and contemporary pop sensibilities.

Sicily leans into a more atmospheric and dreamlike direction, shaped by themes pulled from vivid dreams and subconscious fears. Built around layered vocals and textured instrumentation, the track blends folk elements with a darker, more modern edge. It’s a strong first release from Merlia, offering a clear sense of her tone and direction moving forward.

Castaway — Heart Attack

Aotearoa pop-rock outfit Castaway return with Heart Attack, an electrifying new single that signals the start of their next chapter. Formed between five mates in a Christchurch flat, the band blend driving guitars, punchy rhythms, sax hooks, and dual vocals into a sound that sits somewhere between alt-pop and high-energy pop-rock. Following the momentum of their EP Nondual — which saw Pretty Little Liar pick up B-rotation on ZM — Heart Attack arrives sharper, more self-assured, and unapologetically ambitious.

Heart Attack captures the rush of reckless attraction and late-night escapism, leaning into the thrill of something that might not last but feels impossible to resist. Built on snappy guitars and a relentless rhythm section, the track pairs modern pop polish with subtle nods to ‘90s anthems, before bursting into a euphoric sax-driven payoff. It’s a bold step forward for Castaway, reflecting a band coming into their own as they gear up to share the stage with acts like Six60, Synthony, Kaylee Bell, and Cassie Henderson at the opening of One NZ Stadium this May.

Kliffs — Got More Time

Kliffs are a five-piece coastal funk-rock band based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Known for smooth vocals, energetic drums, and catchy guitar riffs, their music is rooted in the local funk, rock, and surf scenes. Off the back of their debut EP, and recent singles Running and Got More Time, Kliffs are gearing up for their upcoming sophomore EP - promising to pack a punch with a unique sound full of character; a testament to the inspirations drawn upon.

Arthur Ahbez — Mystery Train

Following on from his 2024 album Arthur Ahbez & The Flaming Ahbez, Aotearoa songwriter Arthur Ahbez returns with his first release of 2026, Mystery Train. The new single leans into a hazy, psych-pop palette, built around hypnotic organ lines, driving rhythms, and dreamy, immersive vocals. Channeling the spirit of late-60s psychedelia while sitting comfortably alongside modern revivalists, Mystery Train continues to showcase Arthur Ahbez’s knack for vintage-inspired songwriting and richly atmospheric sound.

Since his 2013 debut Gold, Arthur Ahbez has quietly carved out a cult following through his DIY approach and commitment to analog textures, jangling guitars, and hypnotic grooves. From the lo-fi acid folk of his early work through to the fuller band sound of Arthur Ahbez & The Flaming Ahbez, his evolution has remained grounded in the aesthetics of classic psychedelic music. Mystery Train feels like a natural continuation of that journey, bridging past and present while reinforcing his place as one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive independent voices.