New Zealand @ The Great Escape: A Global Soundtrack in the Making
- jimt
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The New Zealand Music Commission is proud to return to The Great Escape Festival with New Zealand @ The Great Escape 2025 — an electrifying showcase of four of Aotearoa’s most dynamic and globally acclaimed artists. Set to take place on Thursday 15 May from 12pm–4pm at Patterns Downstairs in Brighton, the afternoon will spotlight genre-defying performances that represent the diverse heartbeat of modern New Zealand music.
MEET THE ARTISTS:
CHAII
Born in Iran and raised in New Zealand, artist-producer-visionary CHAII is an unstoppable force in the global music scene. With a fierce creative direction that spans sound and screen, CHAII’s debut Lightswitch EP merged the raw textures of Oman with the neon lights of California — catching the attention of brands like Apple, EA Sports, Netflix, and FENDI. Her high-octane tracks have been featured in FIFA 21, Ms. Marvel, The Old Guard, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Named the first ever NZ Spotify RADAR artist and the most synched artist in Rolling Stone AU/NZ, CHAII blends her Persian roots with electronic, hip-hop, and industrial soundscapes, all delivered with boundary-breaking intensity.
Drax Project
From Wellington street performers to international pop heavyweights, Drax Project continue to ascend. With over 500 million streams and US RIAA Gold-certified hits like “Woke Up Late” and “Catching Feelings,” the band has shared stages with Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, and Christina Aguilera. Known for their slick blend of pop, R&B, and jazz-influenced harmonies, Drax Project’s sophomore album Upside led to a 17-show international tour, including sold-out stops in London and Amsterdam. Now, they return with Live at The Jazz Cafe, London, an homage to their soulful influences from Jamiroquai to D’Angelo. Expect hooks, harmonies, and high energy.
Muroki
Berlin-based and Raglan-raised, Muroki brings a fresh wave of indie-pop, funk, and soul to the global stage. With a voice that melts like sunlight, Muroki’s debut single “Wavy” went Platinum in New Zealand, while tracks like “Love Cocoon” (featuring Benee) and his stunning Tame Impala cover on Triple J’s Like A Version reveal his musical depth. A regular on festival stages across NZ and Australia, he’s recently toured with Jack Johnson, Six60, Rikas, and Leisure. Muroki’s sound is globally-minded yet deeply personal — warm, breezy, and full of heart.
NO CIGAR
Blending indie rock energy with heartfelt storytelling, NO CIGAR has become one of New Zealand’s most exciting live acts. Following a successful European tour and the release of their sophomore album The Great Escape, the band is capturing international attention. With over 11 million Spotify streams and a reputation for exhilarating performances — including a sold-out show at London’s The Dome — NO CIGAR is proving their music is built for the world stage. Produced by Connor Jaine (Mako Road, Summer Thieves) and supported by NZ On Air, their latest record showcases a band at the top of their creative game.
Don’t miss this special afternoon of cutting-edge music, international buzz, and unmissable live energy — straight from the shores of Aotearoa.
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