NEW Singles & Videos + Release Announcements + Brand New Signings
SEREBII releases new single & video | Catch Serebii live tonight Auckland
On ‘Verrans Corner,’ the Serebii sound crests over a tall wave as Mower sings of “sailing like furniture on estuaries,” his voice recalling the jazzy falsetto of Thom Yorke. To celebrate the release of ‘Verrans Corner’, Serebii will bring his evocative soundscapes to the Auckland Unitarian Church for a one-of-a-kind performance on Friday, January 31, 2025. Avondale native Spdrtwnbby (pronounced “Spider Town Baby”), whose neo-soul melodies are laced with delicate guitar strings and R&B instrumentation, will join the bill. This one-night-only event promises to be a unique celebration of creativity and connection—a fitting prelude to the full album’s release in March. Get your tickets from Under The Radar
WOMB release new single ‘Angels’| Album Tour announcements
Sibling trio Womb have released ‘Angels,’ the third single from their upcoming third album One Is Always Heading Somewhere, to be released on March 14th. The album will be available digitally and on clear vinyl LP via Flying Nun Records. In addition to their new single, Womb is excited to announce the One Is Always Heading Somewhere album tour, with special guest appearances at each show.
BAD SUNS share sunny single| Listen to 'Communicating'
Seasoned pop-rock pros Bad Suns are back with a feel-good single titled ‘Communicating’ – their first new music since 2023’s Infinite Joy. Sparked by an idyllic drive through Los Angeles, frontman Christo Bowman aimed to mimic the feeling of a “quintessential SoCal moment”, sonically recreating that blissful feeling with whimsical synths, an intoxicating groove and funky rhythmic licks informed by the colourful sounds of Japanese City Pop.
MDOU MOCTAR share 'Funeral For Justice (Injustice Version) | Wrap your ears around desert rock
On February 28, Matador will release Tears of Injustice, the acoustic version of Funeral for Justice. Listen to ‘Funeral for Justice (Injustice Version).’ The song – the title track of Funeral for Justice and something of a thematic lynchpin for the band’s last year of work – has been dramatically reshaped for ‘Tears.’ The original’s tight arrangement and full-blast guitar riff have been set aside in favour of an arrangement that feels loose, sprawling, and improvisational.
MARINA ZISPIN share new song & announce album | Check out 'Penthouse Samba'
Synth-pop duo Marina Zispin return with their highly anticipated album Now You See Me (Now You Don’t), set for release on March 7 via Scenic Route. The announcement comes alongside their latest track ‘Penthouse Samba’ out now, following the success of their double A-side single The Bells / The Tudors. Formed in 2018, Marina Zispin—comprising Newcastle and London-based artists Bianca Scout and Martyn Reid—has earned acclaim for their ethereal blend of melancholic storytelling and surreal soundscapes. With Now You See Me (Now You Don’t), Marina Zispin invites listeners on a captivating journey through their signature blend of fantasy and reality
JULIEN BAKER & TORRES announce debut album | Listen to new single 'Sylvia'
After dropping hints for months and following the release of their first single ‘Sugar in the Tank,’ Julien Baker & TORRES are excited to announce the April 18 release of their debut album Send a Prayer My Way. The album has been in the works since the two played their first show together in 2016 and at the end one singer turned to the other and said, “You know, we should make a country album.” This is the origin story, the stuff of legend in the world of country music, and the beginning of a collaboration between two artists already admired for their spare, elegant lyrics as well as the courage to share their struggles with those who love their music. Julien Baker & TORRES also share a new single, ‘Syliva’. With its yearnful lyrics, goosebump inducing harmonies, and swelling pedal steel guitar, the new track not only embodies the duo’s love of country music but highlights each of their singular approaches to songwriting and the genre.
MAMALARKY release new single 'Feels So Wrong' | Check out this rock quartet
Mamalarky, who recently announced their signing to Epitaph Records, share ‘Feels So Wrong,’ the captivating new single from the tri-coastal indie rock quartet. Known for their intricate instrumental interplay, dreamy vocals and suave melodies, they blend a modern indie sound with nostalgic rock elements. The track delivers infectious hooks and heartfelt lyrics, crafting a listening experience that feels both fresh and familiar while drawing listeners into an emotional journey.
JOY ORBISON & JOE JAMES collaborate on new single | Listen to 'Bastard'
UK innovator Joy Orbison and cult underground rap icon Joe James come together on new single ‘Bastard’. Released today via XL Recordings, the track sees the two kindred spirits combining their own distinct sounds to create something genuinely unique. It’s a suburban sound born outside of the M25, as the Southend rapper paints trademark vivid imagery over Joy Orbison‘s deep, introspective beats. The result is part-rapturous, part elegiac. Recorded at XL Recordings’ Ladbroke Grove studio, it develops ideas Joy Orbison explored on his acclaimed 2021 still slipping vol. 1 mixtape.
MECHATOK ushers in a new era with 'Addiction' | Turn it up!
Mechatok ushers in an ambitious new era with ‘Addiction’, his debut single on Young Recordings and first new solo music in over three years. Following collaborations with Yung Lean, Oklou, Bladee, Charli XCX, and Evian Christ, ‘Addiction’ sees Mechatok exploring playful, bouncy, and experimental sounds that are as compulsive and compelling as the title suggests.
New Albums & EPs Out Now
JAMIE XX collaborates with Erykah Badu on 'F.U.' | Get In Waves Digital Deluxe today!
Fresh from the release of his acclaimed second album In Waves, and a recent nomination in the Artist of the Year category at the 2025 BRIT Awards, Jamie xx today releases a new single ‘F.U.’. The track sees the London based artist, DJ, producer and composer collaborating with US soul icon Erykah Badu. ‘F.U. (feat. Erykah Badu)’ features on the Deluxe Edition of Jamie’s acclaimed second album In Waves, available digitally for the first time today. The release adds five songs onto the original twelve-track album including a second new song ‘Do Something’ alongside the previously released singles ‘It’s So Good’, ‘LET’S DO IT AGAIN’ and ‘KILL DEM’
Reissue of the Week
BIG THIEF reissue their sophomore album Capacity | Buy it from your favourite record store today!
The trails that Brooklyn’s Big Thief — Adrianne Lenker (guitar, vocals), Buck Meek (guitar), Max Oleartchik (bass), and James Krivchenia (drums) — take us down on 2017’s Capacity, the band’s highly critically acclaimed sophomore album, are overgrown with the wilderness of pumping souls. The album is thick with raw, un-doctored beauty: most of the songs on Capacity were played for the rest time in the studio and were recorded the same day.
YO LA TENGO share rarities & previously unreleased songs | Buy it from your favourite record store today
American indie rock band Yo La Tengo have released via Matador, the 2LP repress of ‘Genius + Love + Yo La Tengo’. The 2x LP/CD Set available for the first time in over 20 years. 2+ hours of hard to find and unreleased tracks recorded from 1988-95
Tours, Events and Festivals
THE D4 vs VILLAINY! Live at MEOW in Wellington Feb 21 | The D4 summer tour updates
With the news that the mighty Head Like A Hole are unable to perform with the D4 on their summer tour of Aotearoa due to personal reasons an urgent call went out to find a band worthy of filling the sonic void left by the departure of the stenchiest band in rock. It is with pleasure and excitement we announce that the alt-rock powerhouse outfit well known to you all as VILLAINY have come forth to push the show beyond the realms of all comprehension in a double header for the ages. Tickets remain valid, are selling fast and you can expect this announcement to create hot demand for the finest Friday night of rock n rolling chaos you will witness this year.
SHIHAD: Loud Forever The Final Tour 1988 - 2025 | Show updates & venue upgrades here
After huge shows in New Plymouth and Wānaka, Shihad is set to rock Hawke’s Bay this Friday to a SOLD-OUT crowd. They’ve also announced a venue upgrade in Christchurch, now performing at QEII. Tickets for Nelson, Auckland, and Coromandel’s Kick Down Festival are selling fast. The band have called on fans to ensure every show is “off-the-chain amazing”! The tour wraps up where it all began, with Shihad’s final performance at Wellington’s Home Grown. Don’t miss it!
WOMAD AOTEAROA 2025 Unveils Tui Stage & Exciting Artist Additions |Don’t miss Poppa Jax!
WOMAD Aotearoa is thrilled to unveil an exciting new addition to this year’s festival: the Tui Stage. Formerly known as the Dell, this revitalised area takes inspiration from the vibrant beauty of Pukekura Park, the home of WOMAD Aotearoa. The Tui Stage will offer a relaxing sanctuary by day, featuring shaded seating, delicious food traders, and a refreshing bar. As the afternoon fades, it will transform as some of Aotearoa’s hottest DJs spin a mix of house, techno, and bass-heavy beats, flowing well into the night. Over the three days of WOMAD, the revamped Tui Stage will feature a handpicked lineup of DJs, each known for their ability to fuel the dancefloor. Don’t miss Poppa Jax, a proud Wahine Māori, bringing an electrifying mix of future beats and international sounds.
WOMAD AOTEAROA 2025 stage schedules announced | Get planning!
WOMAD Aotearoa’s festival programming ensures that no one misses out on their favourite artists, with many acts performing multiple times across the weekend’s stages. This allows festival-goers plenty of chances to catch their top picks. Check out all the stage schedules today and get planning!
HENDERSON MUSIC TRAIL free music & art community event | Get yourself along!
The Henderson Music Trail, a free community event, will bring music and art to Henderson’s bike paths on Saturday 15 February, from 11:00 to 4:00pm. Spanning two kilometres, this unique festival showcases the area’s vibrant arts and culture while celebrating Bike Month. Designed to be accessed by bike, scooter, or on foot, the Henderson Music Trail will feature three music locations, as well as roving performers along the route. People will also have the opportunity to engage in various bike-related activities, including an antique and unusual heritage bike display, an art workshop, and much more.
Visual Goodness
MJ LENDERMAN shares NPR Tiny Desk Concert | Watch it now
MJ Lenderman’s Manning Fireworks (ANTI-) was one of 2024’s most beloved and critically acclaimed albums, with The Wall Street Journal crowning the album “one of the best indie-rock records of the year” and several publications, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, NPR, and Rolling Stone, placing the album in their top ten albums of the year. Following a completely sold-out fall North American tour and a late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lenderman & his band, The Wind, have now made their NPR Tiny Desk Concert debut.