New Zealand’s music scene is all about mixing deep roots with fresh sounds. Traditional Māori music and Pacific influences bring a strong sense of culture, while today’s artists are experimenting with everything from hip-hop and electronic to indie and soul. It’s not unusual to hear ancient instruments or te reo Māori sounds woven into tracks with modern beats. The result is a sound that feels grounded and unique, with music that speaks to both the past and what’s happening right now.
In our ongoing series 5 Artists You Should Know, we introduce local artists from regions all over the world. We’re very excited to share these five rising artists in New Zealand that showcase the region’s diversity and global growth: Kaylee Bell, Daily J, XUZZ, Mim Jensen, & Subtribe.
Kaylee Bell
Kaylee Bell, the unstoppable country-pop star from Waimate, New Zealand, is taking the global stage by storm. After touring with Ed Sheeran in 2023, she dropped a string of hit singles and her chart-topping album Nights Like This, which held the #1 spot in New Zealand for 24 weeks. With major wins at the CMA Awards and Australia’s Golden Guitars, plus a recent signing with top U.S. management, Kaylee’s momentum is undeniable. From viral hits like “Keith” to sold-out tours, she’s proving that Kiwi country music belongs on the world stage.
City: Waitame, NZ
Follow on Instagram: @kayleebellmusic
Daily J
Daily J, made up of three brothers and a close mate, has become one of New Zealand’s most exciting indie acts. Known for their catchy indie-rock tunes with pop flair and heartfelt lyrics, the band has racked up tens of millions of streams, sold out tours across countries, and even scored radio play on BBC Radio One. After a huge year that included a sold-out UK tour, a slot at All Points East, and a gold-certified hit with “Left Me Like Summer,” Daily J continues to win over fans with their relatable songwriting and electric live shows.
City: Auckland, Aotearoa
Follow on Instagram: @dailyjband
XUZZ
XUZZ is a rising alt-pop artist from the deep south of New Zealand, known for his dreamy, genre-blending sound and introspective lyrics. Since his debut single “I Suppose” in 2018, he’s racked up millions of streams, landed on the Official NZ Music Charts, and earned praise from local outlets like Sniffers. After cutting his teeth as frontman for Frank on Tap, XUZZ is now stepping fully into the spotlight with his debut solo EP — bringing a fresh, soul-stirring sound that turns life’s highs and lows into something you can truly feel.
City: Invercargill, NZ
Follow on Instagram: @xuzzmakesmusic
Mim Jensen
Mim Jensen is a rising indie-rock force from Aotearoa/New Zealand, known for her raw, emotional songwriting and sharp-edged sound. Her debut EP Emotional Affair tackled heartbreak and personal growth with catchy guitar-pop, earning her a devoted fanbase and viral success with the single “Germaphobe.” Following up with Same Blood in late 2024 and her sophomore EP Shadow of the Gift on the way, Mim continues to turn vulnerability into power. With a reputation for compelling live shows and a string of standout support slots, she’s cementing her place as one of the most exciting voices in indie rock.
City: Christchurch, New Zealand
Follow on Instagram: @mimjensen
Subtribe
Subtribe is a powerhouse 7-piece dub-fusion collective blending South Pacific roots with Jamaican rub-a-dub, UK dubstep, and European bass culture. Based in Sydney but proudly repping Aotearoa, their high-energy live shows, rich harmonies, and soulful grooves have made waves across Australasia. 2024 marked their breakout year, and with major festival slots and a growing catalogue that includes the Te Reo Māori-infused hit “Te Rerehua” and the chart-topping “One Love,” they’re showing no signs of slowing down. With more releases set for 2025, Subtribe is gearing up to take their sound even further worldwide.
City: Aotearoa, New Zealand
Follow on Instagram: @subtribemusic
