The world’s music lovers are discovering what Kiwi have known all along – Aotearoa New Zealand is a place of creativity and innovation, boasting top-charting writers, A-list producers, and an electrifying array of musical talents.
As the world returns to enjoying live music events, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the vibrant and diverse music community of Aotearoa New Zealand. From pop to rock, producers to songwriters, Aotearoa New Zealand’s music scene is on the rise, and it’s time to showcase the talent that’s making waves both at home and abroad.
This May, we’re celebrating Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa New Zealand Music Month 2023, a month-long event that puts the spotlight on the nation’s incredible music industry.
Kiwi join Spotify’s Billions Club
Grammy-winning music superstar Lorde hit a huge music milestone, with her debut single Royals surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. She’s now been admitted to the streaming platform’s Billions club – a playlist of all the songs with over a billion streams. A total of 366 songs have reached this milestone so far.
Three Kiwi songwriters are also among those acknowledged for reaching the milestone of one billion streams online. Joel Little, Leroy Clampitt and James Wong have been rewarded for their songs’ achievements.
Benee’s meteoric rise
Pop sensation Benee took Coachella by storm this year, and is one of the few New Zealand acts to have made the celebrated event’s line-ups. The Tāmaki Makaurau-Aucklander could be seen waving a New Zealand flag, given to her by loyal fan in the crowd.
Her hit single "Supalonely" propelled Benee to international stardom, and she’s since gone on to perform at major music festivals and collaborate with artists like Gus Dapperton and Lily Allen.
From Wellington to the World
Coming from humble beginnings, busking as jazz students on the streets of Wellington, Drax Project have performed on the biggest stages across the globe, opening for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Christina Aguilera, Lorde, Brian McKnight and Camila Cabello. The band has hit over 400 million streams and even received their first US Gold plaque for their single "Woke Up Late" featuring Hailee Steinfeld.
Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa New Zealand Music Month is a celebration of the sounds that define a nation and the artists who make them. From global superstars to local up-and-comers, Aotearoa New Zealand’s music industry is a force to be reckoned with, and this May is the perfect time to turn up the volume and show the world what makes it so special.
If you’re looking for beats that are world-beating… we know a place.
Stream it. Follow it. Play it. Buy it.
