Recommended artists from New Zealand: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters
New Zealand is a lesser-known hotspot for great music.
That’s because many New Zealand artists go abroad and make a name for themselves.
As a fellow island nation with almost no time difference despite being in opposite hemispheres, and often called a neighbor by longitude, it’s interesting to listen to the music of this country.
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Recommended artists from New Zealand. Popular international singers and singer-songwriters (1–10)
So TrueThe Black Seeds
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.
April Sun In CubaDragon
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.
Woke Up Late ft. Hailee SteinfeldDrax Project
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.
Recommended artists from New Zealand: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters (11–20)
Amazing GraceHayley Westenra
Hayley Westenra is a New Zealand-born soprano whose crystal-clear voice captivates audiences around the world.
Her signature style is an elegant classical crossover grounded in classical music while incorporating elements of pop.
Her international debut album, Pure, released in 2003, entered the UK classical chart at No.
1 and achieved the remarkable feat of selling over two million copies worldwide.
In Japan, it included songs used as TV drama theme tunes and won Album of the Year.
Her pure voice, with which she skillfully sings in Japanese as well, resonates deeply when you want to calm your mind or immerse yourself in grand, sweeping music.
LiabilityLorde
A song released in 2017 as a promotional single by New Zealand singer Lorde.
It is a lamenting ballad created together with American singer-songwriter Jack Antonoff, who is also known for his work with Bleachers and fun.
Love Love LoveAvalanche City
Avalanche City is a New Zealand solo project that wraps listeners’ hearts in gentle, sunlit acoustic sound.
Dave Baxter’s indie-folk craftsmanship is its charm.
The 2011 release Love Love Love was used in a TV network promotion and became a hit overnight; the track also won the APRA Silver Scroll award.
The story of crafting the acclaimed album Our New Life Above the Ground by hand in a community hall symbolizes his DIY spirit.
He’s an artist for anyone who loves warm, empathetic melodies and music with a tangible, handmade feel.
Take It AwayL.A.B.
Hailing from the southern-hemisphere paradise of New Zealand, L.
A.
B is a band that’s like a true kaleidoscope of sound.
With reggae as a laid-back foundation, they blend blues, funk, and soul into a seamless mix that invites listeners on a free-spirited musical journey.
Quickly rising to prominence after their 2017 debut, their song “In the Air” from the album L.
A.
B.
III became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the New Zealand singles chart.
Their prowess is further proven by sweeping the four major categories at the Aotearoa Music Awards two years in a row, in 2021 and 2022.
If you’re looking to free your mind with genre-defying sounds or crave grooves that get your body moving naturally, L.
A.
B is the perfect fit.