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Welcome to this week's New Music Friday roundup. It's been a busy week for Roots, with Roots Volume 05 now printed and ready to go. I've shared a few photos of the magazine over on Instagram, so keep an eye out there to find
News
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Borderline — Borderline (ALBUM) After a breakout 12 months Borderline have released their self-titled debut album, Borderline, alongside the infectious new single Skyline. The young band have quickly become one
Pōneke alternative hip-hop outfit Zafado (pronounced “zah-fah-doh”) have spent the past year building a reputation as one of the capital's most exciting underground acts. The band brought together Auckland-born vocalist Adam McPhail, Nelson musicians Tyler Curtis (drums) and Duncan Petre (guitar), Far North bassist
While FLAIRGUM may be a new name on the Te Whanganui-a-Tara music scene, the creative partnership behind the electronic-pop duo stretches back to their days at Nelson Intermediate School. Florence McNabb (Floss) and Kahu Sanson-Burnett first began making music together as teenagers before going on to
Born in Durban, South Africa, before growing up on a small olive farm in Ohoka, just outside Ōtautahi Christchurch, Michèle Ducray has always lived between different worlds. Now based in Sydney after relocating earlier this year, the cinematic dark-pop artist is entering a new chapter both personally and creatively.
24 year old Tāmaki Makaurau artist arielwose (Ariel Kelly) is steadily carving out a place for herself within Aotearoa's alternative music scene. A graduate of the University of Auckland's music programme, she grew up surrounded by music before finding her own voice through songwriting that blends
Thomas Waddington has a lot on his plate balancing life as a full-time creative in Pōneke. Just 19 years old, the third-year Massey University student studies commercial music (majoring in music technology) while also fronting shoegaze-inspired band The world is against you (Twiay) and co-running local
Formed in Wellington by Massey University students Georgie Levien and Betty Smith, Dillon Jo began as an acoustic songwriting partnership before evolving into a full four-piece band. The pair, both 20, first started writing music together in late 2024, gradually building their presence through busking, open mic nights and
Talking to Kiwi musicians across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pōneke alternative hip-hop outfit Zafado (pronounced “zah-fah-doh”) have spent the past year building a reputation as one of the capital's most exciting underground acts. The band brought together Auckland-born vocalist Adam McPhail, Nelson musicians Tyler Curtis (drums) and Duncan Petre (guitar), Far North bassist
While FLAIRGUM may be a new name on the Te Whanganui-a-Tara music scene, the creative partnership behind the electronic-pop duo stretches back to their days at Nelson Intermediate School. Florence McNabb (Floss) and Kahu Sanson-Burnett first began making music together as teenagers before going on to
It's another huge week for new music from Aotearoa artists, with standout releases spanning indie rock, folk, electronic, reggae, hip hop and pop. This week's roundup includes new albums from The Veils, Office Dog, Star Time, Bunchy's Big Score and Killian Ordono, alongside fresh
Born in Durban, South Africa, before growing up on a small olive farm in Ohoka, just outside Ōtautahi Christchurch, Michèle Ducray has always lived between different worlds. Now based in Sydney after relocating earlier this year, the cinematic dark-pop artist is entering a new chapter both personally and creatively.
24 year old Tāmaki Makaurau artist arielwose (Ariel Kelly) is steadily carving out a place for herself within Aotearoa's alternative music scene. A graduate of the University of Auckland's music programme, she grew up surrounded by music before finding her own voice through songwriting that blends
It has been another massive week for new music, both here in Aotearoa and overseas. Internationally, listeners have been treated to major new releases from Olivia Rodrigo, Ruel and Spacey Jane, while closer to home there has been no shortage of fresh music from emerging and established Kiwi artists alike.
Thomas Waddington has a lot on his plate balancing life as a full-time creative in Pōneke. Just 19 years old, the third-year Massey University student studies commercial music (majoring in music technology) while also fronting shoegaze-inspired band The world is against you (Twiay) and co-running local
We’re officially into the first week of June and somehow already nearing the halfway point of 2026. After a massive NZ Music Month packed with live shows, new releases and the Aotearoa Music Awards, things haven’t slowed down at all heading into winter, so wherever you’re reading
Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2026 is now in its final week! This year’s theme, Our Sounds, Our Spaces, has continued to spotlight the artists, communities, venues, and environments that shape Aotearoa’s music culture, marking 26 years of NZ Music Month with a nationwide programme that has stretched
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Logan Edwards — Isla South Island indie artist Logan Edwards is one of the region’s most active young musicians, having previously built his musical identity as a guitarist and drummer
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Jayme Morpeth — Fast Car Pōneke singer-songwriter Jayme Morpeth has been writing music since the age of 12, building a catalogue rooted in emotional honesty and lived experience. Across recent
Do you have a new song coming out? Send me a message at ryanfromroots@gmail.com to get a feature! Greer Castle — INTROSPECTION (EP) Greer Castle is a Sydney and Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based soul and pop vocalist emerging as a compelling new voice in the capital’s music
