Keep it local, keep it loyal: A celebration of upcoming Aotearoa artists

It’s great to see the Aotearoa music scene thriving and I love that we still set aside the month of May to celebrate our local artists and bands – especially fresh talent. But I’ve struggled these past few years to keep up with the pace at which new artists and bands are emerging.

As a music junkie from birth and a former music journalist-turned music manager/co-founder of a boutique PR agency, it’s been both my hobby and my job to stay across all that’s happening on the local scene. Sniffing out new acts before they broke was a favourite pastime and pre-Spotify, I could’ve named every new band in the land. Today, I reckon I’d struggle to name 50 percent. My playlists and vinyl collection are stacked with legacy and well-known current acts (local and global. But ashamedly, new homegrown talent features far less than it used to.

So, in the spirit of ‘80s mixtape culture’, this Music Month I’m sharing some of my favourite new(ish) finds with friends, whānau and you, the wonderful readers of Empty Spaces.

Disclaimer: The nature of my job means I’ve worked with a few of these acts mentioned. Rest assured, there’s no bias at play – they all deserve a mention.

Emily Esplin – Ōtepoti’s alternative scene is the stuff of legend and it’s still turning out some of Aotearoa’s most kick-ass music. Emily Esplin for instance. Her debut single ‘EAT ME ALIVE’ dropped on April 29 and I LOVE IT!!! Phoebe Bridges meets Lucy Dacus, but with a dollop of angsty Dunedin grit - it had me hooked within the first 15 seconds. I’m a big fan of artists like Emily, who go against the grain. I’m excited for what’s next!

Also shout out: If you’re a fan of the famed ‘Dunedin sound’, keep an ear out for AMMONITA. This alt-rock five-piece will blow your socks off. AMMONITA’s debut single ‘Walnut’ is out May 29, and it goes hard!!!

Lucy Munro – I’ve had Lucy Munro’s song ‘Knotless (Imperfection)’ on high rotation since she released her debut album LOST IN IMPERFECTIONS in 2023. It’s a sophisticated body of work, with impeccable vocals, tight harmonies, and a real depth in the lyricism. I was gob smacked to learn that Lucy was only 17 at the time of the album’s release. The Ōtautahi singer-songwriter has released a few new singles since. These new songs lean more into polished Gracie Abrams-esque pop.

Also shout out: Jessica Leigh’s been on my radar for a while now. She makes edgy indie-alt pop. I’ve been lucky to get a sneak listen of her next single ‘Pretty Please’ (out May 15) and I’m eagerly awaiting her new EP.

Marei – 2025’s ‘Nanakia’ was my gateway waiata to the incredible Marei. I may’ve been late to the party – she’s been releasing music for a few years now – but gee, I’m glad I finally made it. Waiata like ‘Nanakia’, ‘Tahi Ka Riri’ and ‘Tau-Ā-Nuku’ are steeped in soul and Marei’s voice is like velvet. It will come as no surprise to learn that her grandmother is the one and only Whirimako Black.

Shout out: Another powerhouse vocalist who commands attention is Nikau Grace. She’s been steadily releasing singles for a few years now and I’m excited to see what lies in store for this young singer from Kawerau.

The ill collective – Doom scrolling on social media can sometimes lead to a positive outcome. Case in point - The Ill Collective. I know very little about this local artist, but his deceptively simple TikTok posts have got me hooked on his songs ‘The Party’s Over’ and ‘Blood Orange’. I’ve watched The Ill Collective’s stats on Spotify and TikTok grow from zero to tens of thousands in a matter of months! Proof for all the social media haters out there 30 second video clips do sometimes have the power to grow an audience.

Shout out: Doma Cyno is not a new discovery for me, but his unique style of R&B is worthy of a mention here. He’s another example of an artist who’s cracked the code for building an audience via TikTok. 

MariaClara – Following in the footsteps of Icelandic-US superstar Laufey, MariaClara makes infectious jazz-infused pop. She also blends in indie-folk and draws on the bossa nova influences of her birthplace, Brazil. MariaClara’s new single ‘8:30 (Peace of Mind)’, is a breath of fresh air. With only three songs to her name, it’s early days for this Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist and there’s no doubt – her best is yet to come. 

Shout out: Neo-soul and jazz-pop aficionados Emily Alice are an ‘act to watch’. Originally from Dunedin but now based in Wellington, they’ve been quietly making a name for themselves on the live scene. Cool as can be!