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

Rising artist TîMMY is set to release his highly anticipated single, "SCARED" on April 18 the lead track from his upcoming EP, "The Source", out July 4.

New Zealand born and Melbourne based award-winning artist Jenny Mitchell is excited to unveil plans for the release of her fourth album ‘Forest House’ scheduled for May 16, featuring her new single ‘Heart Like A House’, out now.

This is a 45 minute multi- camera documentation of a solo show written for TAHI Festival and performed at BATS Theatre in Wellington. An historical piece dealing with McBoyle's back story, the myths and facts about Pirates, and the cold harsh reality of days of old.

Hailing from Ōtautahi Christchurch, Thursday Collective is a group of 17 young songwriters between the ages of 18-25 who are passionate about Jesus and proclaiming the Word of God. Their unique individual backgrounds and creative minds bring a fresh flavour to the Christian/Gospel music scene.

Following on from last month’s release of the single “Seventeen”, Don and the Divorcees are now releasing a limited edition CD of the complete “Bit Players” album

Loopy Tunes (Preschool) Music have released their Matariki album 'Mā: Matariki for Tamariki'. A 13-track assortment, ‘Mā: Matariki for Tamariki’ was made with the support of NZ on Air Tamariki funding. In collaboration with producer Thom O'Connor, the Ōtautahi-based sister duo, Siu and Leah, made the album for "our little ones to help them understand Matariki and grow up singing and dancing to the waiata". 

Tāmaki Makaurau-based indie-pop artist Geoff Ong has today shared his hotly anticipated second EP, DIVERGING LINES, alongside an electric new single, which takes its name from the record.

Neither Do I has shared his second single from his debut album We're Not Known for Anything, called 'Recollection'. Ebdale says, "Recollection is about realising you have sacrificed your personality to please someone else, resulting in feeling burnt out and unsatisfied."

Showing no sign of slowing down, Love Party released an energetic third single, ‘I Don’t Wanna Leave’ today (April 11) from their debut album ‘WOW!’, releasing on May 30. 

Time to separate your recycling, and be sure not to miss rubbish day - because there’s only room for one kind of JUNK, as Tāmaki Makaurau’s favourite alternative music festival announces its return for 2025! After a sold-out debut in 2024, JUNK FEST is back and bigger than ever, bringing you the best of the music underground from Aotearoa and beyond.

Made with support from NZ On Air, ‘Words of Wisdom (NGATI RIDDIM)’ marks the latest single from Israel Starr, building anticipation for his upcoming project.

2024 Play It Strange National Secondary School Songwriting Competition winner Keira Wallace, unveils a haunting new video for their winning song Lambs Aren't Waking Yet – a deeply personal and ethereal reflection on the fleeting nature of innocence. Recorded at the iconic Roundhead Studios, the song captures Keira's distinctive blend of raw emotion and intricate storytelling.

After more than 25 years of crafting heartfelt songs, Shady Wade is finally taking the leap into the spotlight with his debut single, Damaged Goods

Aotearoa’s lover boy MOHI hangs up his dancing shoes and bares his soul in his latest track, "Flowers in Hendo." This deeply personal track marks a significant shift in both sound and storytelling for MOHI, a raw, heartfelt letter to the artist’s younger self, capturing some of the raw truths of growing up in Hendo.

Dive into the mind of a restless soul in This Town - Joe Cole's first release in almost a year documents a raw and unflinching journey through turmoil and despair. The song's storyteller clings to fading memories, as he claws his way towards a brighter future. Witness his struggle, his reflections, and the burning desire for a simpler life to return.

Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Erin G returns with Chameleon, an NZ On Air funded track that feels like golden hour - warm, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool. 

In  her  own  words,  Isla  Noon  is  introspective,  bold,  emotive,  and  energetic.  These  qualities  are  woven  into  the  vibrant,  otherworldly  fabric  of  her  debut  album,  ‘Out  of  Body’,  a  collection  of  songs  that  explore  themes  of  identity,  detachment,  and  the  winding  path  back  to  oneself.

While it’s a good few years since Claudia’s kids had the living room floor strewn with diggers, dinosaurs and building blocks from the toybox, the songs she started writing for and about their playtime fun are now rolling, digging, clicking and roaring their way into the world on the new collection titled ‘PLAYFUL’ out today. 

Jam packed with fuzzy Corgan-esque guitars, heavy drums alongside emotional vocal melodies and lyrics, the alt-rock debut channels the energy of 90s alt-rock, infused with a dark, post-punk edge and draws influence from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Shihad, Jimmy Eat World, The Garden.

Te Whanganui a Tara-based indie songwriter Michael Llewellyn has today released his gritty new single ‘The Fish Song’. It serves as an enthralling taster from his sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS, out May 20.

Tāmaki Makaurau-based alt-folk songwriter Greta O’Leary has today shared her unyielding and bold new single + video ‘The Greatest Peace I’ve Known’ and announced the release of her debut album RIVER DARK - out May 9!

On My Way can only be described as an anthem about self belief, perseverance and resilience. When creating On My Way Village90 started by building the music before the subject matter, and the chords in addition with the stripped back dynamic inspired a sense of vulnerability and self analysis.

ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.

Today (March 28) Loopy Tunes (Preschool) Music shared the final single ‘Feed The Stars (Hautapu)’ from their new upcoming Matariki album 'Mā: Matariki for Tamariki', out April 9. 

SOJØURN’s debut album “LOVE IN THE WAY” introduces the Mangawhai band’s unique sound; blending diverse influences like surf rock, reggae, disco, and psychedelic rock. The album follows the rollout of the album's three singles: "HIPPIE CHICK", "PLAY IT COOL", and "STAY", all released in 2024.

“When the world around us is too overwhelming, we numb ourselves. We harden our hearts so we can block out the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings that make us FEEL.” Nikau states, “We gotta feel all the feels”.