With winter well and truly upon us (meaning more time spent at home than elsewhere), there’s no better time than now to update your favourite playlists with some recently-released tunes, from DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou’s highly anticipated debut album to Bon Jovi’s joyful return and Maya Hawke’s indie folk compilation. And if long walks or road trips are on the agenda, we have also lined up a selection of addictive podcasts to subscribe to for some entertaining and informative listening.
New Albums | New Podcasts
New Albums
Peggy Gou
I Hear You
Embark on a sonic journey with artist, producer, DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou as she unveils her highly anticipated debut album, I Hear You. One of the most hotly-awaited debut records in recent years, this ten track LP is the culmination of years of work for the Korean-born artist, who’s uniquely revered as both an underground icon and global sensation. Featuring previous successful singles including the 2023 chart-topping global hit (It Goes Like) Nanana and I Believe in Love Again (a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz), the work sees Gou stepping into the next level of her artistry and boldly claiming her voice through the kaleidoscopic lens of ‘90s house music. A timeless debut.
Song to start with:
1+1=11
Bon Jovi
Forever
Music legends Bon Jovi released their new album Forever this June — the group’s 16th studio effort. As the band celebrates their 40th anniversary, Forever sits as an ode to joy, exploring the depths of the journey to get there. Bon Jovi once again teams up with his two remaining founding bandmates in a masterpiece of timeless, quintessential rock.
Song to start with:
Legendary
Maya Hawke
Chaos Angel
Actress-musician (and daughter of Ethan Hawke & Uma Thurman) Maya Hawke has released her third studio album which promises to further sharpen her storytelling prowess. The indie folk compilation weaves a tapestry of teasing electronics, muscular guitars and heavy reverb, and is her most progressive, telling work yet.
Song to start with:
Missing Out
NxWorries
Why Lawd?
Eight years since their collaborative debut — a highly acclaimed LP titled Yes Lawd!, NxWorries (the dynamic duo of Anderson. Paak and Knxwledge) are releasing a soulful sequel. Why Lawd? features the likes of Dave Chappelle, Thundercat, and H.E.R., taking the pair’s genre-bending musical talents to stunning new heights.
Song to start with:
86Sentra
New Podcasts
AdMission
From what Taylor Swift and The Wiggles have in common to modern-day Mad Men, iconic ad guru Russel Howcroft and industry up-and-comer Freddie Young tell the uncensored stories behind the world’s most talked about brands, ideas, campaigns, and industry transgressions, offering insight into some of the greatest creative ideas and businesses along the way.
CEO Yourself
Sharing practical advice from incredible women in leadership positions, CEO Yourself, hosted by lauded businesswoman Hermoine Olivia, deep dives into a slew of inspirational guests’ CEO prowesses, allowing us to connect the dots, adopt their humbly shared learnings and, ultimately, take charge of not just our careers, but lives.
Revisionist History
Now in its 10th season, Revisionist History is multi-bestselling author and journalist Malcom Gladwell’s journey through the overlooked and often misunderstood corners of history. Every episode re-examines something from the past — spanning events, people, ideas and more, offering the past a second chance at a future.
Backstage Pass
Local and international
directors, actors, creatives,
and designers pull back the curtain on New Zealand’s vibrant theatre scene, sharing insights and inspiration, juicy anecdotes from the rehearsal room, and laying out what it takes to bring plays to life — from ideation to writing, casting, directing and, ultimately, putting on a good show.
