2025 has most certainly been a year. From culture to politics, the world has never felt so large and demanding. In a world so fast-paced, we can lose track of the moments that have encapsulate our time on this small island in the vast Te-Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.

Aotearoa has been blessed by some incredible moments in music this year. Despite what seems like ever increasing, and insurmountable odds, the scene continues to plow on and build and refine a distinct palate of sounds and spaces that define our place in this chaotic world.

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to share some of our favourite albums, tracks, and gigs we have attended this year in Aotearoa music.

This time of year every outlet seems to be obligated to tell you their personal 1-100 of what matters. We are fully aware that social media is already awash with the product of the ‘wrapped’ media machine. With this in mind, we would like to preface that this is just our personal opinion. You probably have other favourites that you think are better, and you’re almost certainly right.

This is as close to a listicle as we can palate.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Flynn’s Pick - Eveline Breaker’s Idle Viewer

The year has felt so long, with so many distinct points in the year having been soundtracked by different releases. From travelling around the UK in a rental car blasting Marlon William’s Te Whare Tīwekaweka to crying along to repeated listens of The Beth’s Straight Line Was A Lie whilst in the doldrums of heartbreak, so many albums have struck a personal chord with me. My long list would also include Eden Burn’s debut And the Make Believers and There’s a Tuesday’s Blush.

*Idle Viewer* is the debut solo album of Wellington-based artist Lilith Ercolano AKA Eveline Breaker. You might have heard Eveline on 2024’s Scrambline Pitcher (the product of Eveline Breaker & Scramble 204), or their glitchy, bootleggy work as GIRLS FACTORY. If you haven’t caught Eveline, there is no better time than the present. Idle Viewer was released only two weeks ago and the album is a kaleidoscope of ethereal vocals, honest guitar music, and progressive electronica.

Sam’s Pick - IVY’s Hush

Honourable Mentions: Ologism by S.E.I.S.M.I.C, Straight Line was a Lie by the Beths, Awning by Awning, bird the kid by School Fair, and Spring Board by the Chills.

A massive debut full-length release for Ōtepoti’s genre-skipping IVY, whose unmistakable identity defines itself further on *Hush*. In a year that also saw them play a show with the Dunedin Youth Orchestra, IVY well and truly makes a case for being one of the most exciting bands in the country. They play and write with what Professor Anthony Ritchie (of Otago University - one of the arrangers of IVY’s DYO show) aptly describes as “maturity beyond their years”.

Rosa’s Pick - Geneva AM’s Pikipiki

In perhaps a surprise to no one, my favourite album released in 2025 is Geneva AM’s *Pikipiki*. I vividly remember listening to this for the first time and getting full body chills, then immediately listening to it front to back all over again. I love Geneva’s unique approach to music creation, with the blending of classic waiata with modern beats, synths and instrumentation. Her voice is both like a salve and a call to get up and boogie. I anticipate this being a long-standing Aotearoa classic.

TRACK OF THE YEAR

Flynn’s Pick - Ben Chassave’s ‘Clouds’

Picking one song seems even more difficult than an album, purely based on the abundance of great tracks that have been released. Honourable mentions would go to There’s a Tuesday’s ‘Margo’, The Circling Sun’s ‘Amina’, Awning’s ‘Cardboard Boat.’

2025 has been a year of becoming aquatinted with the artist known as Ben Chavasse. Ben has been around on the Auckland music scene for a while now (and was a one-time National Smokefree Rockquest champion) but he waited patiently for his debut release as Ben Chavasse. The result is an album with incredible depth, both lyrically and sonically.
The track Clouds, mightn’t come to mind when recommending Chavasse’s album, *Boxing*. The track is definitely the lightest tread on an album that sinks deep - but that is the magic of Clouds. The track feels like the soothing touch of ointment on a wound. Over the track’s 3.21min run time, Ben’s gravelly voice dances in and out with the backing vocals of the equally incredible talent of Rita Mae. The track has been an incredible moment of reprieve in a year that has times has felt relentless.

Sam’s Pick - Mim Jensen’s ‘Big Feelings’

Honourable Mentions: ‘Motorway’ by Fazerdaze and ‘Juliette’ by Heavy Chest

In a track about trying to artificially pump up her feelings to have something interesting to write about Mim Jensen still manages to write from the heart. It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of dramatising your own life, and become your own worst enemy in the process. ‘Big Feelings’ is Mim processing out loud, and once again simplifying something complex in the process.

Rosa’s Pick - Jude Kelly’s ‘Clarence’

Honourable Mentions: ‘Opposition City’ by Pearly*, ‘When I Die’ by Rita Mae, and ‘Heavenly Wheel’ by Ringlets

This was extremely difficult to pick but ‘Clarence’ by Jude Kelly might just take the cake. There’s something about this song that is addicting to me and I could listen to over and over again. The build up from pre chorus to chorus has an anticipatory excitement with a satisfying release as Jude launches into her powerful vocals. I love the tambourine. I love the light western vibe. I love the layered acapella chorus near the end of song. Brilliant and beautiful. Bravo.

GIG OF THE YEAR

Flynn’s Pick - Junk Fest 2025

This is possibly an easier choice, purely based on the fact that options are limited to what I was able to attend. The list of gigs I wish I could have attended probably runs just as long. Some special shows I attended this year include: Doubleslack!! which was organised by the incredible Slack Agency team, some great bFM Drive Islands at the Beer Spot, and Marlon Williams at St. Pancras Church in London.

Junk Fest Vol. 2 was easily the best show I attended all year. Months down the track I found myself recounting experiences and talking about bands who featured on the line up. Others have been doing the same. It’s a real testament to Lara Marie and her vision for Junk that people feel the pull of this musical Mecca, and have been gagging for the 2026 edition.

Sam’s Pick - SLACKBARN!

Honourable Mentions: Yurt Party @ Gin Gin (March 21st) and DOCJOC @ FLUX (May 3rd).

The Slack Agency’s biggest outing yet took place in January at the stunning Black Barn Vineyard, still my favourite place in the country to see live music. A lovely mix of local and international acts was headlined by evergreen Aotearoa stalwart the Black Seeds. Flynn and myself had a lovely day of watching music and chatting to fellow Slackers. A lack of planning saw us putting up our tent up in the wee hours of the morning after the music had long finished, but not even our own poor organisation could dampen what was definitely my gig of the year. SLACKBARN! returns in January and I couldn’t recommend it more enthusiastically.

Rosa’s Pick - Eyegum Scenic Tour: Pearly* and Cruelly with Salt Water Criminals @ Whammy Bar

Honourable mentions:

Awning album release at Whammy – that gig was HUMMING! Maybe the busiest I’ve ever seen Whammy outside of a festival.
Revulva at Double Whammy – slick and funny with insane musical talent on display.
Crystal Chen album release at Neck Of The Woods – gorgeous, earnest, sensual and silly. Hugely talented band with Crystal clearly making the space totally her own.

Becoming re-acquainted with the Auckland music scene living here full time for the first time since high school has been a fun journey with many gigs attended over the year, and many that could’ve made this list. A highlight for me was Pearly* and Cruelly on the Eyegum Scenic Tour with Salt Water Criminals at Whammy. Flynn and I had just photographed them for the mag in a quick-fire 15 mins at Public Bar in between soundcheck. It was crazy, energy was high! The energy continued into the gig and with SWC opening the show wonderfully. I loved watching Cruelly for the first time bring power and finesse. Pearly* were rockin’ as per usual and awesome to hear the songs from their debut album live. The friendship forged between Pearly* and Cruelly over the tour was on full display and brought awesome vibes.

2025 has been one hell of year in music, especially for us. The fact we continue to exist is purely down to the incredible music community who we love so deeply. These are just some highlights from the year, but they only scratch the surface of what amazing talent exists in our scene. We are so proud of Aotearoa music, and can’t wait to dive back in again in 2026. Arohanui whānau.

NEWZICIAN PICKS OF 2025