New Zealand artists recorded their strongest album sales performance in four years, according to the latest NZ Music Statistics report from the New Zealand Music Commission. During the first three months of 2026, New Zealand albums accounted for 9,840 units sold from a total market of 89,140 units,
After months of regional events, Aotearoa’s next generation of musicians finally discovered who will head to Wellington for the 2026 Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats National Finals. For nearly four decades, Smokefreerockquest has been a hugely influential launchpad for young musicians. Founded in 1988 by music teachers Glenn Common
South Auckland could be described as being a little rough. It's reputation paints a picture of poverty, crime and culture, a mixing pot for expression in all forms. Emerging from the depths of Māngere, DeHusslar Music is an independent electronic and bass artist who's latest single,
New Zealand music recorded its strongest first quarter for streaming in four years, with local artists generating 226.8 million streams between January and March 2026. According to the New Zealand Music Commission's Q1 2026 NZ Music Statistics report, the figure marks the highest Q1 total recorded across
Every now and again a song comes along that makes your ears prick up. In the case of Beloveds, their latest single 'Bullshit' had this effect not because it does anything incredibly innovative, but because it perfectly captures an era of music that is oddly forgotten about - despite
Music can represent feelings that are not able to be expressed through language alone. And few experiences capture something as raw and meaningful as the road to recovery. For Christchurch artist Bryony Matthews, a traumatic head injury was a life changing event that paved a rough journey home. Her upcoming
Beth Torrance is about to release a new EP. It's darker, more distorted with that same brand of clever songwriting from previous releases. With the backing of a full band 'The Garden Party', the new songs are a glorious modernisation of indie rock in a way
Many artists are aware of the change in landscape brought about by digital media and how it has pushed the majority of creatives to do a lot more than just make art. There is a growing demand for artists to not only stay relevant through what they create, but also
The Boondocks are loud. So loud it's hard to believe there are only two of them. What's more is they play all the parts live. None of those pre-record filler parts. The good old days. Music that is actually performed live - like it should be.
Originally constructed in 1927, the South British Insurance Building is an unlikely location for an underground music venue. And yet, beneath Shortland Street in Auckland's CBD, The Mothership has established itself as a fixture in the city's live music landscape since opening in July 2022. With
Online streaming services often receive a bad rap. But for some they can be an incredible tool for growth. Not a lot of artists experience this in the way Letoa has. Initially building an audience on the back of aesthetic self produced releases, some of these tracks have now clocked
Fresh from receiving a Silver Scroll nomination for her song But It's Lonely, Alayna is about to embark on an immersive performance and art tour in support of her album Set Her Free. We caught up with the singer songwriter to discuss the courage it takes to embrace
Music
If you're feeling ready to get in the ring and throw a few punches, the latest track from Wilka has the attitude (and visuals) to be your spirit animal. Built around a driving beat and pulsing synth stabs, the video showcases a performance from the boxing ring, but
Music
These kids are talented. After winning Smokefree Rockquest's Solo/Duo category in 2025, alt-folk artist Sahara has released a sobering debut single Turcot. Originally from the Waikato and now based in Wellington, Sahara's Turcot is accompanied by a music video created as part of her
Interview
If you're somewhat involved with music in Aotearoa, you may have heard about a new digital album-like product hitting the market. You may have also heard it pitched as a shift for artists, opening fresh ways to earn in an industry that is becoming more and more
More than two decades later, a passing comment during a late night drive inspired the title, Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving, now the new album from The Broken Heartbreakers. It's about time, family, relationships and the value of staying the course. After a period focused on
Interview
Queens of the Stone Age have performed all over the world. They've released music to critical acclaim and by popular opinion, could be seen as 'one of the greatest live bands of all time'. So after all this, what's next, and how do you
Industry
The global recorded music industry has announced a new voluntary framework designed to help listeners understand how generative artificial intelligence has been used in music recordings. The initiative, unveiled by a coalition that includes IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA and the Human Artistry Campaign, introduces
Interview
Dunedin has long been a breeding ground for Aotearoa's alternative music community. Local favourites Ammonita have a distinct grunge-infused sound that sets them apart from many of New Zealand's established acts. With their debut EP SPORE out now, the band reflects on their musical growth,
Music
Who remembers 2010? If you need a reminder, put on Play For Keeps. The Christchurch five piece embody the guitar driven, synth laced indie pop that defined an era. Their debut EP, HEY LOVE, is out now. The four track release features Handsome Boy, Presumptuous, Out Of The Dark, and
Industry
Six commercial radio stations have been recognised for exceeding the voluntary target of playing at least 20 percent New Zealand music during 2025, despite the commercial radio sector as a whole failing to reach the benchmark for a third consecutive year. Leading the list was NiuFM, which recorded 54.13
Music
Hard rock is alive and well in Aotearoa. Our legacy icons - Shihad, The Datsuns, Blindspott and others leave a lot to live up to. But Powder Chutes are on the road to emulating their quality, intensity and success. They've just released Rivers - a hard hitting rock n roll
Music
Boutique music festival Tora Bombora has announced it will return in 2027, ending a four year hiatus and bringing the event back to the Tora coastline in Wairarapa. The festival will expand its capacity to 2,000 attendees for its return while maintaining its focus on a community led experience.
Music
It's a pretty crazy world out there, and it's easy to feel bogged down by it all. Whatever 'it all' may mean. But allowing the mental load of everything rub off in negative ways will only take you down a dark road. You need
