“It isn’t always the heroes who get your attention, it can be a new name which just pulls you in. And those artists can come from anywhere… that bring us to alayna” - Graham Reid, Elsewhere
“Weaving between folk and singer-songwriter to R&B and pop influenced songs, this exploration of the self illuminates alayna’s spell-bounding voice and truly assures you that after creating her own lane as an artist, she has arrived” - Hype Medium
After wowing critics and fans alike in 2023 with her debut album, New Zealand’s alayna steps back into the spotlight with an exquisite new song, ‘Blue’ featuring Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer Mokita.
Listen to ‘Blue’ HERE
‘Blue’ is the first new music from Auckland-based alayna since the release of her critically acclaimed 14-track album SELF PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN UNRAVELLING. And it finds the talented singer-songwriter in an introspective and hopeful mood.
“I was fresh off releasing my debut album and I was in Nashville on a songwriting trip. The world felt really heavy and I didn’t feel like writing about myself that day. I felt like writing for hope,” she says of ‘Blue’, which she co-wrote with Mokita, who also produced the track.
‘Blue’ is a significant milestone for alayna: “This song represents me looking out beyond my own world. In this new era, I'm stepping into a profound sense of scratching at something far greater than myself.”
The song is accompanied by a lyric visualiser HERE - shot at Muriwai Beach.
“It’s a one take video, of walking out towards the ocean, a grand body of water that, to me, embodies the vastness of love."
The artwork for ‘Blue’ also helps to convey the song’s message. “It’s a polaroid of a water rapid near my home in Rotorua. To me, there’s something in that, that emulates the power of love and the strength that can be caused in numbers of equal intention and the momentum it can cause.”
Fans of alayna will be pleased to hear that ‘Blue’ is not the only new music on the cards. “It's a small taste of everything that is to come. It's a celebration of collaboration, of softness, of strength, of determination, and mostly, hope. Of new things on the horizon.”
Listen to ‘Blue’ HERE and watch the visualiser HERE
alayna bio:
Alayna is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter from Rotorua, New Zealand, whose captivating music combines soulful melodies with raw, honest lyrics. Her distinctive sound has quickly established her as a rising star, resonating deeply with listeners around the world.
Over nearly a decade, alayna has collaborated with renowned producers and artists, including Finneas O’Connell, Alex Lustig, Sango, and Ta-ku. Her discography began with her debut EP, SWEET SOUL (2018), which featured standout tracks like ‘Falling Autumn’, ‘Bliss’, and ‘High Off You’. This was followed by the TENDER EP in 2020, solidifying her growing reputation with hits such as ‘Glowing’, ‘Sugar’, and ‘Tender’. In 2023, she unveiled her first full-length album, SELF PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN UNRAVELLING, a deeply personal project three years in the making. Recorded at Auckland’s Big Fan, the album explored themes of vulnerability and empowerment, earning widespread critical acclaim and celebrated with a sold-out release concert.
Known for her authenticity and emotional depth, alayna’s music has struck a chord with fans globally. Her growing presence on streaming platforms and social media reflects her expanding fanbase, as she continues to captivate audiences with her undeniable talent. Whether performing live or connecting with fans online, alayna remains deeply committed to her craft. With her unique blend of emotional resonance and vocal mastery, she stands out as one of New Zealand’s most promising and impactful artists.
Mokita bio:
Mokita is a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer known for his emotive blend of pop, folk, and indie music.
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