We here at The 13th Floor are thrilled to learn that Image Auckland has announced the winner of 2025 Music Photography Award – Whakaahua Puoro Toa. First place goes to Azrie Azizi for his photo of Fazerdaze at the Powerstation.
First Reserve has wasted no time in 2025. The Te-Whanganui-A-Tara based solo recording project of Ryan Connaghan (he/they) has become a staple of the city’s music scene in little over a year. Last One marks a new era for the songwriter, and is the first release from their upcoming, as of yet unannounced debut project.
Dynamic Taranaki 5-piece Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie reveal a musically softer side with 1988, a warm-hearted, radio-friendly country-pop gem, and their first release in 2025.
Ōtautahi’s darling, and San Francisco’s Father/Daughter Records signee Pickle Darling returns with their first release of 2025 – the shimmering, emotionally expansive single Massive Everything.
Kirsten Morrell, lead singer and songwriter of Goldenhorse, releases a new single Buddah (forget you) taken from her forthcoming album Morrellium set for release late 2025.
New Zealand progressive bluegrass band You, Me, Everybody returns with Heart of Stone — a stirring new single that speaks to resilience, reflection, and the strength to begin again. The track blends emotive lyricism with the band’s signature acoustic sound, offering a powerful listening experience that feels both intimate and cinematic.
Ōtautahi’s fine purveyor of shoegaze-meets-dream pop, T. G. Shand, returns with her first single of the year, The Deadpan Break.
International alternative rock band Yumi Zouma have delivered their most addictive track yet with their newest single, “Blister,” released via Nettwerk.
Imperial Triumphant announce exclusive headline show on Friday 13 June, Mothership, Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau
After conjuring a major moment with SWIPE RIGHT (featured in The Rolling Stone (AUS/NZ) best music picks of the week), Ukrainian-born, NZ-based VÏKAE returns with DEATH EATER — the second searing chapter in her upcoming body of work, DOOMSDAY COLLECTIVE, due November 2025.
