Acclaimed Aotearoa musicians Elizabeth de Vegt and Hamish Jellyman (Ngāi Tahu) return as The Flow Collective with their deeply personal new EP Black Swans, releasing on Friday, 16 May 2025, in celebration of New Zealand Music Month and de Vegt’s birthday.
London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes draws inspiration from contemporary soul and jazz, touches of global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, with dynamic arrangements and production. Taken from his upcoming debut album, new single ‘Before It’s All Over’ forms a central focus on the record with its unusual, energetic, pulsating reversed drums.
The Waikato continues to grow its reputation as the hub for original Made-in-New Zealand rock music. This week we heard the announcement that the famous Jim Beam Homegrown festival will return to its origin of Hamilton in 2026. Waikato’s own Rise The Wicked, who self-describe as working-class rock & metal are among the many who fist-pumped, or more aptly gave the horns rock-on to the news.
Taonga pūoro band IA teams up with award-winning artist Rei to launch their latest single, "He Piko He Tuna," an R&B-infused earworm fresh out now, marking the vibrant beginning of New Zealand Music Month.
Christchurch’s very own rising country-pop star Steffany Beck has released her first song of 2025, the rocking ‘n’ rowdy anthem, ‘Country Strong’.
Hot off her appearance at Nostalgia Festival and following her country-tinged track ‘Mad Woman’ comes ‘It’s My Pleasure’, an explicitly fun and fizzy ode to sex and sexual desire.
Your hand holds on to the moment , just before you learn to let go, I stand at the foot of the mountain , I climb against my will, born free
Chart-topping New Zealand country artist Miranda Easten unveils her most moving release to date with When I Dream - a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the bittersweet ache of longing for someone who has passed on.
Dónal Gunning’s next single Losing Weight drops on the 10th May on all streaming platforms. The Irish Musician (Dublin), now New Zealand based, is churning out some great tunes in 2025.
Today (May 2), Aidan Fine shares the second single ‘Summertime Nausea’ from his forthcoming debut album, a collaborative track with Aotearoa hip-hop artist Kid Rey.
To celebrate NZ Music Month, Calla will release 3 singles followed by a full album and kick off an album release tour - all in May! Her forthcoming album, Animal Reaction, marks the first full roar under the new name: lush strings and crystalline vocals soar over gritty electronic production, delivering mythic emotive swells and sub‑shaking depth.
Following two and a half years of creative evolution, resilience, and reflection, No Quarter marks a bold new chapter for one of NZs best in the hip hop scene.
Rising indie-pop artist Bridges has upped the ante with a bold sonic shift on her new single ‘Close To You’, out today.
‘Better Days’ is a reminder that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, marking a new musical era for Emma Rutherford.
‘LightBulb’, dropped yesterday just in time for NZ Music Month, this latest track is a wavy, stripped-back, drumless piece, showcasing Parks’ signature synth-heavy, soulful inflections. It’s a song that explores the emotional complexity of regretful breakups—navigating self-discovery through conflict and longing.
After a year spent sharpening her craft, Ukrainian born, NZ based - VÏKAE rises with "Swipe Right" - the first explosive offering from her upcoming body of work, DOOMSDAY COLLECTIVE, due November 2025.
New Zealand alternative pop artist CAITLIN joins forces with innovative producer Junus Orca to unveil "Attention (Junus Orca Remix)", a dynamic, atmospheric rework of the original track from her celebrated EP, Legacy.
A true meeting of minds, ‘Dream It Again’ is a four-track collaboration from Singer and songwriter Erin G and Producer/DJ Altercation, two artists equally rooted in Aotearoa’s independent music scene.
Ōtautahi-based emotive singer- songwriter Keren Mara releases her latest single ‘I love the open road’. This track is up-beat and further solidifies Keren’s music artistry as she builds on her two previous releases in 2024, ‘Under the wind’ released May 1st, and ‘Livin’ a heartbreak’ released in August.
Today, Brandn Shiraz unveils his latest single, ‘Youngin from Kuki II’, a powerful continuation of the original track featured on his 2023 self-titled project. The track explores the duality of his upbringing — navigating life between the urban city and the cultural roots of island life — offering a raw and honest glimpse into the complexities of identity and heritage.
Ladi6 returns with Le Vā – her long-awaited new album and most personal project to date. Years in the making, Le Vā represents a creative reinvention and a recalibration of the signature wavey electronic soul sound she’s known for. It also marks a profound chapter of personal growth and healing.
Aotearoa Award-winning children’s songwriter Claudia Robin Gunn is back with a calming sing along perfect for rhyme time just in time for World Book Day. Her latest single, Library Card, is a gentle and joyful call-and-response style song about the magic of reading and the wonder of libraries.
Beloved children’s entertainer Suzy Cato joins forces with enchanting folk duo Parrot in the Pocket to release Birdies in the Bush—a joyful new song that takes listeners on a magical stroll through Aotearoa’s native forests.
Following the chart-topping success of his latest single ‘Lovesick’, rising pop artist Jack Robertson returns with ‘Easy’, the first single from his highly anticipated debut EP, set for release later this year.
Aotearoa singer-songwriter Hannah Virk releases new futuristic single ‘Can’t Outpace the Algorithm’. The single showcases Hannah’s recording and producing talents, blending different beats to delve into the complexities of new technologies.
With ANZAC Day fast approaching, TOI is paying a powerful and moving tribute to those who have served and died in war and peacekeeping operations, with the release of a new song, ‘Lest We Forget’ on April 25.
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) is proud to announce the winner of the prestigious 2025 Taite Music Prize at an exclusive ceremony held at the Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau. Congratulations to our MMF managed artists MOKOTRON, winner of the Taite Music Prize, and Byllie-Jean, winner of Best Independent Debut.
A driving pop-rock anthem with indie twists and turns, ‘Buzz’ narrates the thrill of getting ready ahead of a night out.
The Auckland pop-punk band are making a splash with their fresh music video out Good Friday, made with the support of NZ On Air. "It looks like we're working overtime when we should be at the pool," lead vocalist President Ruby (Jade Lewis) says.
Americana artist Jackie Bristow continues to unearth treasures from her Sydney Days series with the release of “When You’re Near Me,” available on all streaming platforms
