Music Industry News

Off the back of two singles and coveted support slots for Keli Holiday (AU) and PARK RD (NZ), Aotearoa New Zealand artist First Reserve has returned with new song ‘Time Song’ and announced his debut EP There’s A God set for release on November 14th.

The solo recording project of Wellington-based songwriter Ryan Connaghan (he/they) has become a staple of Aotearoa’s indie circuit since the release of their first singles across late 2023 to early 2025. This new track features First Reserve’s signature bittersweet and vulnerable tone with a more mature sound and production style.

‘Time Song’ was produced by First Reserve and frequent collaborator Tarn PK, and the pair’s songwriting styles blend beautifully on the song – with glimpses of First Reserve’s indie-folk inspired angst peeking through Tarn PK’s polished pop production. Narratively, the song is drenched in nostalgia as First Reserve reflects on the years and their friends – some gone for now, and some gone for good. Connaghan had this to say of the song’s lyrics: “it’s definitely one of the most personal songs I’ve released, but maybe not the most direct. Every verse is about a different person in my life and my experiences with them. It really means a lot to me for that.” ‘Time Song’ is the last single before First Reserve’s debut EP, There’s A God, which will be released on Nov. 14th.

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Photo Credit: Ben Kirilo