Music Industry News

Wellington indie/alt-rock band Lipstick return with their new single ‘Hardly Know Her’ — a tense, danceable track that channels the angular energy of Interpol and Bloc Party.

Built around a hypnotic plucked guitar riff and an anthemic chorus, the song dives into desire and self-destruction in equal measure — a portrait of wanting someone you know is bad for you.

Following on from 2025’s ‘You & Me’, which cemented Lipstick’s reputation as one of Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s most exciting rising acts, ‘Hardly Know Her’ pushes their sound into darker, sharper territory while keeping the infectious hooks and emotional immediacy that define their music.

Since bursting onto the Wellington indie scene in 2024, Lipstick have made a name for themselves with high-energy alternative rock, punchy songwriting, and electric live performances. The band have shared the stage with Racing, Where’s Jai, Half/Angel, New Candys, and more — building a loyal following across Aotearoa’s underground scene.

Lead singer and guitarist Oliver Bailey says of the new single:

“This one’s about tension — that feeling of chasing something you know isn’t good for you, but you can’t stop. It’s probably the most intense and immediate track we’ve made so far.”

Produced and mixed by Joe Ledword (Wet Denim) and mastered by Chris Chetland (KOG Studio), ‘Hardly Know Her’ captures Lipstick at their most confident and cutting-edge yet.

The single marks the final release before the band’s forthcoming EP Better Ways to Spend the Night, due early 2026.

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