Recommended artists from New Zealand: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters

So TrueThe Black Seeds

The Black Seeds – So True (Official Music Video)

The Black Seeds are a New Zealand band that captivates the world with a sound perfectly suited to sun and sea.

Since forming in 1998, they’ve blended roots reggae with smooth touches of funk and soul, naturally getting listeners to move.

Their debut album, Keep On Pushing, released in 2001, went platinum domestically.

Their signature track One by One is also known for being featured in the hit TV series Breaking Bad.

Widely acclaimed—including an award for the album On the Sun in 2004—they’re the perfect band for anyone who wants to sink into an easy, feel-good groove.

Heavenly Pop HitThe Chills

The Chills – Heavenly Pop Hit

The Chills are a rock band formed in New Zealand in 1980.

As pioneers of the “Dunedin Sound,” a style of indie pop music that emerged in the early 1980s, they are also known as a cult band with worldwide popularity.

This song was released in 1990 and became a hit in New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and elsewhere.

April Sun In CubaDragon

Dragon – April Sun In Cuba

Dragon, the legendary rock band that shines in the music history of the Southern Hemisphere.

Formed in New Zealand in 1972, they boldly evolved their sound from progressive rock to pub rock and then to new wave.

Signature songs like 1977’s “April Sun in Cuba” and 1983’s Australian No.

2 hit “Rain” remain timeless.

Despite numerous lineup changes and hardships, they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2008.

Central figure Todd Hunter has also composed for television series, showcasing his wide-ranging talents.

Perfect for anyone eager to experience the dramatic sonic world of a band that blazed through the eras.

All She WroteSIX60

SIX60 – All She Wrote (Official Video)

Six60 is a New Zealand band formed by friends from their university days.

Their music masterfully weaves together a rich mix of genres—reggae, soul, and drum and bass—embodying the very essence of Kiwi fusion sound.

Their debut album, Six60, released in 2011, became a phenomenal hit domestically, and signature tracks like “Don’t Forget Your Roots” have since become national anthems.

In addition to numerous wins at the NZ Music Awards, their popularity is undeniable, with feats like selling out a 50,000-capacity stadium in April 2021.

They also show respect for Māori culture, with some of their songs used in traditional ceremonies.

If you’re seeking grand, soulful music, their sound is a must-listen.

Woke Up Late ft. Hailee SteinfeldDrax Project

Drax Project – Woke Up Late ft. Hailee Steinfeld (Official Music Video) Starring Liza Koshy

Drax Project, a four-piece from New Zealand who leapt from the streets of Wellington to the world stage.

Elevating jazz technique into pop and blending R&B and hip-hop, their sound is distinguished by Shaan Singh’s saxophone, which heightens an urban mood.

Formed in 2014, they achieved global success with their 2017 track “Woke Up Late,” and won at the NZ Music Awards in 2018.

Their debut album, “Drax Project,” also received high acclaim.

They’ve created songs embraced as anthems for new challenges, and their groovy music is a must-listen for anyone seeking a heart-thumping rush of exhilaration.