Mana Moana was still moving, but this time it was missing a little magicSlicker and more subdued, Mana Moana’s second act traded raw joy for refinement – and left some of the magic in the dark.By Liam RātanaĀtea editor & Madeleine Chapman | 6th May, 2025Special correspondent
How I learned to love my imposter syndromeIt attends every interview, intercepts every congratulation and barks at any bubbling feeling of pride. By Vera Ellen | 9th August, 2024Contributing writer
‘The future of musical instruments’ could be inside this 3D printing professor’s labHis intricately designed guitars are admired around the world. But they only scratch the surface of 3D printing's musical possibilities.By Naomii Seah | 11th May, 2022Contributing writer
Georgia Lines on finding her voice, trusting herself and not burning out earlyAs the young songwriter steps confidently into a new phase of her career, she explains how it’s unfolded to this point.By Matthew McAuley | 26th July, 2021Commercial Creative Director
Party people: Flamingo Pier on the places that inspire them to get downLondon, Bali, Tāmaki Makaurau - Flamingo Pier knows how to get a party started anywhere in the world.By Josie Adams | 17th June, 2021Contributing writer
‘How the hell am I going to finish this?’ Ladyhawke on her long, patient comebackFive years since her her last album, Ladyhawke's long-awaited new record is on its way. We caught up with her to find out what’s been going on in the meantime.By Jonique Purcell | 2nd June, 2021Guest writer
Extreme highs, extreme lows: Mousey on stress, success and social media2020 should have been her breakout year. She made the most of it anyway.By Maddi Rowe | 14th May, 2021Guest writer
‘I was bored of strumming guitars’: How Merk made a new album, and found a new soundOn his long-awaited return, the acclaimed songwriter talks postponed plans, film scores and finding new purpose by paring things back.By Matthew McAuley | 29th April, 2021Commercial Creative Director
How one song saved Kane Strang’s whole albumAfter four years mulling it over, Kane Strang is back with new music.By Josie Adams | 30th March, 2021Contributing writer
The year of TeeksHe’s a nervous sex symbol and a reluctant pop star, but soul singer Teeks is slowly becoming more comfortable in his own skin.By Leonie Hayden | 29th March, 2021Contributing writer
‘Secure the bag and redistribute the wealth’: Imugi on what drives themAfter a three-year wait, Imugi 이무기 have just released their sophomore EP, Dragonfruit. Matt McAuley caught up with the Auckland band to learn what they've been up to since their 2017 debut.By Matthew McAuley | 9th December, 2020Commercial Creative Director
For Niko Walters, the pressure doesn’t change the passionNiko Walters' first mixtape was made in a London bedroom. On his debut album, he takes a giant leap forward.By Max Tetlow | 8th December, 2020Guest writer
Māoritanga and motherhood: What influenced Anna Coddington’s new albumOn her fourth full-length, the acclaimed songwriter found inspiration from those around her.By Anna Coddington | 3rd December, 2020Guest writer
For L.A.B, the air is clearThey've been on the album charts for two years, they've had a number one single, and now they're one of our biggest live draws too. So what comes next for L.A.B?By Matthew McAuley | 30th September, 2020Commercial Creative Director
In full bloom: Paige on standing up, speaking out and always growingThe Always Growing songwriter tells us about her new EP and why she thinks it’s so important for NZ music to include voices like hers.By Sherry Zhang | 7th August, 2020Contributing writer
The Naked and Famous on the hustle and the heartbreakTen years, one move to LA and one break-up on from 'Young Blood', The Naked and Famous have a new album out. By Josie Adams | 23rd June, 2020Contributing writer
‘Stay in your room and blast it’: MAALA on his new lockdown-ready albumFour years after his debut, Auckland pop singer-songwriter MAALA is finally preparing to release his sophomore album. He spoke to Matthew McAuley about how he's been passing the time.By Matthew McAuley | 18th May, 2020Commercial Creative Director
A brutal kind of therapy: Wellington band Giantess on their new break-up recordWhat's it like to grow an album over two years and then labour it during a lockdown?By Emily Writes | 16th May, 2020Contributing writer
Isolation loops: Some of our favourite local music from the last little whileIs your iso playlist in dire need of refreshment? Here are some of our favourite new local releases to keep you going, no matter what your bubble likes.By The Spinoff Music | 17th April, 2020?
The return of Dunedin pop: Why Marlin’s Dreaming isn’t afraid of the p wordMarlin’s Dreaming have a new single out ahead of their next, "least accessible" album. Frontman Semisi Maiai sat down to talk about how a bunch of jocks from Dunedin became indie darlings.By Josie Adams | 24th February, 2020Contributing writer
