NZ MUSIC MONTH 26: Revisiting essential albums from 2025

Celebrating NZ Music Month by revisiting our favourite Aotearoa albums from 2025.

For this selection, we focused on records where songs were recorded within a relatively short period leading up to release, moving away from compilations. We leaned toward albums that present a cohesive body of work and offer something distinct and singular in vision.

For an accolade that (arguably) carries more weight than the Emmys… the Stack Records Artist, Album of the Year, and Mood Picks.

This list isn't about winning — that said, the winner is jazz. The incredible, ever-evolving scene that continues to bless this country.

Listed in no particular order, enjoy exploring our selections — and let us know your favourite releases, and what you're looking forward to next.

A Deeper Life — Chaos in the CBD [In Dust We Trust]
Deep and soulful, blending house, jazz, and late-night warmth into a cohesive, fluid listen.
Favourite song: "Love Language" (ft. Nathan Haines)

Aseurai — Phoebe Rings [Carpark Records]
Rich world-building with a seamless blend of dream pop, fusion, and funk — detailed, cohesive, and easy to get lost in.
Favourite song: "Static"

Black Sand — Clear Path Ensemble [Soundway Records]
A world-class jazz release — expansive in scope, unique in palette, and deeply considered throughout.
Favourite song: "Best Life"

Orbits — The Circling Sun [Soundway Records]
A sophomore album that speaks a universal language, transcending space and time, and holding everything you'd want from a modern classic.
Favourite song: "Teeth"

PONO — Mokomokai [Independent]
Authentic Aotearoa hip-hop — effortless flows, heavy bars, neck-snapping chops, and whiskey-smooth samples, all delivered with undeniable steeze.
Favourite song: "PONO" (ft. Mā)

Pool Sharks — Joe Kaptein [Jandal Records]
Sharp, playful, and effortlessly cohesive — a standout project with real character and flow.
Favourite song: "Second Wind"

Past Present — Mark de Clive-Lowe [Mashibeats]
A deeply immersive ambient record paired with a full-circle presentation of Midnight Snacks — thoughtful, expansive, and beautifully executed.
Favourite song: "present past"

You Can Call Me CC — Crystal Chen [Independent]
A distinct and intimate release — modern in its palette, understated, and confidently realised.
Favourite song: "Bloom"

While I'm Distracted — Arjuna Oakes [Soulstep / Loop]
Textural and groove-led, moving between broken beat, jazz, and introspective soul with clarity and restraint.
Favourite song: "Mallet Groove"

Le Vā — Ladi6 [Question Music]
A grounded and refined return — signature soul and storytelling delivered with clarity and control.
Favourite song: "Fractions"

Notes Deluxe / The Remixes — Nathan Haines [LOOP Recordings Aot(ear)oa]
A smooth and expansive rework — jazz-rooted compositions reframed through downtempo and house with warmth and ease.
Favourite song: "Just Holdin' On"

Mood Picks
Tuning In → Past Present — Mark de Clive-Lowe
Day Thinking → Aseurai — Phoebe Rings
Cutting Shapes → Notes Deluxe / The Remixes — Nathan Haines
Winding Down → Orbits — The Circling Sun

Album of the Year
Orbits — The Circling Sun

Artist of the Year
Joe Kaptein — founder of Jandal Records, for Pool Sharks and continued contributions across the Aotearoa scene, including work with The Circling Sun and Crystal Chen.

Aotearoa Vinyl — In Stock