The music world is constantly evolving, with a new wave of up-and-coming artists redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. Finding the newest singer-songwriter or rock band is a daunting task, new music is constantly being dropped. Whether you’re searching for fresh sounds in pop, R&B, alt, or rock, these emerging talents are Aotearoa made, shaping the future of music, and are poised to become the next big names on playlists and stages worldwide.

artwork by Mariia Paimanova – salt water criminals photo provided by Milan Healy-Furniss – all other photos were sent to nexus for use, or are public instagram posts

Frankie Venter

Mount Maunganui raised, Frankie Venter, in my opinion, is going to be the next big pop star. At only 18-years-old, Venter has opened for Kaylee Bell, Drax Project, and Six60. Venter has begun her first headlining NZ tour (as of May 2nd) and will be playing at The Meteor on the 16th (tickets are still available). I’d compare her sound to the likes of Benee, Tate McRae, and Dua Lipa. She is the perfect fusion of R&B and pop-rock. She is on the up and up and will keep going up. Venter is an amazing talent who is worth watching, I’d get in quick so you can gatekeep once she’s the biggest popstar on the planet. Watch out for Venter, she will be the next big thing.

Emerson

17-year-old Emerson won 2024’s Smoke Free Rock Quest and is on the rise of being the next household name in alternative-pop. Emerson has a really unique sound; I’d call it a fusion between Billie Elish and Renee Rap. Her vocals are insane and she’s an even better song writer. After watching her play at Tuning Fork, I fell in love with her stage presence and voice. She has such a promising career and even though she’s only been in the game for a short period of time, her career is off to a good start. Catch Emerson opening for Frankie Venter on her NZ tour (16/05 at The Meteor, get tickets).

boondocks

While working on this very piece, a two piece rock band blessed my for you page on TikTok. The Boondocks, from South Auckland, have managed to bring hard rock a new look. Their sound is if Metallica met The 1975. My favourite of their singles, Bombs, gives a similar feel to the albums Drones and Showbiz by Muse; ultimately, still providing a fresh twist with incorporation of indie-rock style vocals rather than the notorious rasp in hard rock. If you are— or want to get into— hard rock, give The Boondocks a listen.

Borderline

Has had a quick rise to fame in Aotearoa. These four boys have a beautiful fusion of 70s style pop and modern alt. They have a similar sound to The Backseat Lovers and Peach Pit - this vibe is on the rise to form what I think will be known as 2020’s alt-pop. Their ability to blend indie-pop melodies with rock influences has set them apart as one of the most exciting new acts in the region. Their momentum has only grown, culminating in a major milestone—signing with the US-based label EMPIRE, making them the first New Zealand act to do so. Their raw talent and compelling sound have already caught the attention of industry leaders, and it’s clear they are on the path to becoming a major force in indie music.

Nikau Grace

At only 17-years-old Nikau Grace has started something really special. Not only is Grace fluent in Te Reo Māori, she writes and performs beautiful waiata. Recently, with ANZAC day, Grace released a song for her ancestors, and ours, who fought in Gallipoli. The bilingual song He Aha Te Aha is truly beautiful and with the combination of her stunning vocals, she is a force to be recon with. She will bring Te Reo to commercial music and, in time, everyone will know her name.

Double Parked

This band brings every element of Aotearoa’s sound together. Their fusion of pop, punk, and reggae is extremely refreshing. These boys have incredible stage presence and know how to get the crowd moving. Their lyrics are catchy and their musicality is unmatched. Like in the name, these guys feel like having a cold beer in each hand and their music really feels like a summer night at the beach with your mates. If you’re a fan of Sticky Fingers, Ocean Alley, and/or Mako Road definingly give these guys a listen, you will not regret it.

flaxxies

Their tunes? Surf-rock. Reggae. Think Sticky Fingers, but with more sauce. Their gigs? Electric, buzzing. Their style? Immaculate; moustaches, Lucious locks, and fire ‘fits. Flaxxies is a 5-piece band based in Auckland, with roots in Tauranga. Their songs are dripping with groove and steeze, with the beach as such an integral part of their vibe you can almost smell the salty air when they come on. They have opened for some of the most iconic surf-rock bands, such as Ocean Alley and Daily J, having garnered a cult following of surfers, stoners, and students. Five best mates pumping out banging indie-rock ‘chunes, and having a good time while doing it? What more could you want in a band?

Kliffs

Based in Tamaki-Makaurau, Kliffs is known for their buttery vocals, belting drums and bumping guitars. As a 5-piece band made up of late teens, early 20’s musicians, their indie rock/reggae songs are rich in personality. Having been steeped in the local Jazz, Rock, and Surf scene, they take inspiration from the turmoil of growing up in a world as wild as this one. Their EP Tides Change is full of tracks that will melt in your ears, notably Caged, with complex lyrics and guitars to scratch that itch only the best riffs can. With rumour that they are heading into the studio in the near future, Kliffs has a few songs they have been itching to release. Keep your eyes on the space, as these tunes are going to buzz like never before.

Lehali

Rosalie Norton is a 20-year-old Kirikiriroa born and raised University student, rangatahi advocate, singer and artist. Her nana comes from Ureparapara in the beautiful islands of Vanuatu and was born in a small village called Lehali, which is the whakapapa behind her artist name Lehali. She has worked alongside other amazing Pasifika artists in Aotearoa creating songs like Company feat. Lepani, produced by Frank Keys, and working with Troy Kingi through APRA’s Mentorship Programme, and continues work on her second album - which will be a blend of her two worlds, music and youth advocacy. She has also just received her second lot of NZ on Air funding to produce a music video for an upcoming single linked to her album, so watch out for that!

Mondogreen

Mondogreen have been actively making waves throughout the Waikato and larger NZ music scene for the past three years, and have spent the majority of that time designing their eclectic sound and developing their combined musicianship as a band of lads inspired by both their icons and peers. Opting out of cementing themselves solely as a reggae band, their continuous pursuit of creating invigorating yet memorable, genre-fluid tunes has led them to such opportunities as opening for Drax Project and professionally recording their soon-to-be-released debut EP, “Day Trip.” As a four-piece alternative rock band comprised of Aidan Scott-Nanthasack (guitar/vocals), Connor Quickfall (bass), Joel Newport (rhythm guitar) and Lochie Begley (drums), their groove-heavy live sets are often characterised by their frequent implementation of shrieking guitar tones, Jamaican/Latin inspired rhythms, melancholic lyricism and pedal-heavy shoe gaze, designed with the goal of crafting memories and music that you’ll feel nostalgic about someday.

Salt Water Criminals

Fans of Salt Water Criminals know to expect two things: sprawling albums, and chaotic live shows, featuring exaggerated versions of those catchy and crunchy songs the band crafted in every possible place but a studio. SWC’s 2023 debut, House of Highs, introduced the signature recording style they’ve become known for, one that is rough around the edges, but full of colour, finding power-pop melodies in scenes of distortion. With their second album I Believe in Dog set for release on May 2, the band will bring their raucous show across the country, to as far south as Invercargill. Salt Water Criminals are playing at Last Place on Friday, May 2, with special guests, dear friends, and indie-rock heroes Daffodils. It’s SWC’s album release show, so they’ve made it easy for people to join the party, with tickets as low as $10 via undertheradar