Album #1

Julia Mark - "Keeping You"

"Julia is one of my closest friends (despite our extremely awkward first meeting after which I thought we would never speak to each other again) and one of my favourite songwriters ever. This album is an absolute masterclass in singer-songwriter-dom - it explores some really deep and tough themes and examines them with incredible detail and vulnerability, in a way that is totally unique to Julia. Her voice, her piano playing, and her lyrics are all so idiosyncratic and original and creative that I would absolutely hate her guts if she wasn't also such a wonderful person.
I LOVE THIS ALBUM."

Album #2

The Beths - "Jump Rope Gazers"

"What is there to say about The Beths that hasn't already been said? Liz Stokes is a good pal and another songwriter who makes me froth with envious energy. I'm a huge fan of her approach to melody - every song on this album is crammed so densely with hooks and yet never feels overwrought or weighed down. Jono Pearce's production is a huge highlight as well - it's tight, energetic and bright, but never gets in the way of the songs. "Out of Sight" might contain my favourite lyric ever - 'I keep a flame burning inside, if you need to bum a light'."

Album #3

Matt Hoyles - "Time"

"Another friend on the list (are you sensing a theme here?)! Matt and I have been besties since we flatted together as 21 year olds trying to figure out how to get started in music. It's so inspiring to listen to this album and observe Matt's musical growth - it's an incredibly mature record and I feel like I can hear every single iteration of Matt I've known over the years in it. From his deep, soulful holler to his blazing guitar chops, to his metaphor-steeped lyrics, it's all here and it's all SO good."

Album #4

Mazbou Q - "The Future Was"

"Mazbou Q and I have been close friends since uni and we've shared a pretty awesome musical friendship throughout - we've toured the country, played festivals, and produced songs together, and he's one of the few people who I send my unfinished demos to when I'm looking for feedback. His music is multifaceted and genre-bending, his production is intricate and meticulous, and his flow is unparalleled - technical and precise, yet fluid and grooving. This record is a monument to his immense abilities as a writer, a producer, and an MC."

Album #5

Valere - "Colours"

"Asian folks in the NZ music industry are still a bit of a rarity, so I think we naturally tend to find each other as we make our way through the scene. I still remember the first time seeing Valere play and being completely captivated by her voice - soaring, expressive, and sparkling. It's an incredible vehicle for her songwriting. I feel lucky to be friends with her and to have played a bunch of shows together - every single time, I get taken back to school by her musicality. I don't think anybody else could possibly sing the songs on this record - the combination of her melodic sensibility and THAT VOICE create something really truly special."