ARTIST: SAM V. PHOTO: SAMUEL BERNARD
October 31st, 2025
Aotearoa New Zealand indie-country artist, Murphy Moore, is back with her first single since the release of her debut EP, Break, in 2024. Her new track, ‘Ella Joy’, is a playful, upbeat anthem inspired by a larger-than-life character who embodies both chaos and charm.
Written about Murphy’s sister, a fun-loving, hopeless romantic with a heart too big for her own good, ‘Ella Joy’ captures the spirit of a woman who is both a storm and sunshine. This indie-country tune celebrates flawed beauty and authenticity.
“Ella Joy is really a character study. I wanted to write about someone who is perfectly imperfect. She’s messy but magnetic, someone who can break your heart but also make you laugh until you cry,” says Moore. “She’s the type of person who leaves an imprint on everyone she meets, good and bad, and I wanted to capture that energy in a song.”
Produced in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist and engineer Christian Tjandrawinata, ‘Ella Joy’ builds slide guitars, harmonicas and playful percussion into a track that feels both tender and jubilant. The single was recorded with some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s top musicians at Roundhead Studios.
Following the intimate heartbreak of her debut EP project, ‘Ella Joy’ shows a lighter, more whimsical side to Murphy Moore’s artistry. It’s a song that invites listeners to embrace their authenticity, and maybe even see themselves in the contradictions of the character at its heart.
Murphy Moore continues to carve out her place in the indie-country landscape, with ‘Ella Joy’ marking a new chapter in her musical journey.
‘Ella Joy’ is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms.
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Born in small town Te Kuiti, Murphy moved with her family when she was 8 years old to the deep south. She is one of seven children and her large musical family has always encouraged storytelling through music. Her unique blend of classic country with a contemporary edge has already garnered attention from fans and critics alike. With ‘Break’, she hopes to inspire listeners to embrace change, break free from expectations, and follow their own unique path.