Star Returns with Soulful New Single ‘Blurry Eyes’
Star Returns with Soulful New Single ‘Blurry Eyes’
October 30th, 2026
Following the breakout success of her debut single ‘When You’re Around,’ emerging New Zealand artist Star returns with her second single, ‘Blurry Eyes‘.
‘When You’re Around’ reached the Top 10 NZ Airplay chart, remaining there for 10 consecutive weeks, and helped kick off a huge first chapter for Star, including supporting Borderline across three New Zealand shows before joining the band on tour in the UK in August 2026. Now, ‘Blurry Eyes’ offers the next glimpse of where Star is heading. Smooth, soulful and driven by a cool, effortless groove, ‘Blurry Eyes’ captures the feeling of growing up while life seems to be moving faster than you can take it all in.
“This song is about change, growing up, things moving so quickly that everything feels a bit like a blur,” says Star. “It captures the in-between feeling of being so excited for what’s ahead, but also feeling a little bit homesick for what used to be. It’s a reminder to slow down, have a look around where I am and enjoy every stage I’m at.”
The track was written by Star Knuiman and Josh Fountain. “Blurry Eyes came out of Josh and I’s first session together, which was also the first time we’d met, so I think it’s pretty cool that we came out of that session with a song I’m so proud of,” says Star. “I really feel like I’m starting to find and develop my own sound, and it’s been so cool seeing that take shape through this process.” For Star, the sessions with Josh have also marked the beginning of an exciting new creative partnership.
“Working with Josh has been the coolest experience. He is such an awesome person and an incredible writer, producer and musician. He’s created a really cool environment and is really fun to work with. I feel super lucky and excited to be able to work with him! I think we have a really cool thing going and very excited to see what’s next.”
Reflecting on everything that has happened since releasing her debut, Star says:
“The response to ‘When You’re Around’ was so crazy! I feel so grateful for all the amazing opportunities that it has created, getting to meet so many amazing people, play some awesome gigs, and tick off so many cool experiences I have wanted to do for a long time! So much has happened in such a short amount of time, and I’m really looking forward to everything that’s ahead.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Miryam Jacobi, visually explores the song’s themes of change, growing up and the feeling of life moving faster than you can take it all in.
‘Blurry Eyes’ is out Friday 30 October 2026 via EMPIRE. Made with the support of NZ On Air.
Check out all things Star below:
Facebook
Linktree
Instagram
Star is an emerging indie artist from Ruapuke, a small coastal farming community just outside Raglan, New Zealand. Raised on a farm and surrounded by music from a young age, she picked up her first guitar at nine and has been singing for as long as she can remember. By 16, she was writing her own songs, drawing from real experiences, emotions and the people around her.
Blending indie pop and bedroom pop with touches of soul and rock, Star is developing a sound built around honest songwriting and melodies that feel both personal and instantly relatable.
Her debut single, ‘When You’re Around’, a collaboration with Muroki and Reiki Ruawai, introduced Star in 2026 and quickly gained momentum, spending 10 consecutive weeks in the Top 10 of the New Zealand Radio Airplay Chart. She has since taken her music to the stage, supporting Borderline across three New Zealand shows and performing in the UK.
Now Star returns with her second single, ‘Blurry Eyes’, a song about growing up, navigating change and wanting time to slow down. With new music on the way and a growing live presence, Star is establishing herself as an exciting new voice in New Zealand music.
Photo credit: Tom Grut