Lil Sister’s Rising Stars presents: Chart-topping up-and-comer Ella Pollett Shines Bright on her New Indie-pop Gem, ‘A Name I Knew’
Lil Sister’s Rising Stars presents: Chart-topping up-and-comer Ella Pollett Shines Bright on her New Indie-pop Gem, ‘A Name I Knew’
May 1st, 2026
Ella Pollett is one of Aotearoa pop music’s most exciting new voices and she’s kicking off New Zealand Music Month with a bang – her new single ‘A Name I Knew’.
The young singer and songwriter has been making waves in her hometown of Napier for a few years now. But it was her NZ on Air funded single ‘Losing My Mind’ – released in October last year – that drew nationwide attention and saw her topping the Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles chart.
Now Ella returns with her first single of 2026, the indie-pop gem ‘A Name I Knew’. A powerful song, it highlights Ella’s honest and relatable storytelling lyricism, as well as her knack for turning out infectious pop hooks and strong melodies that leave you wanting more.
“I’m drawn to music that feels real and honest,” says Ella.
Ella explains that ‘A Name I Knew’ is about “holding onto someone who has already started to feel like a stranger. It captures that in-between stage where nothing has fully ended, but everything has changed. Memories still feel close, but the connection doesn’t.”
With a mix of nostalgia, vulnerability and quiet acceptance woven throughout the track – produced by Nigel Mauchline – ‘A Name I Knew’ also sees the talented singer and songwriter delving more into a moodier and atmospheric soundscape; showcasing an artist who’s not resting on her laurels but rather honing her craft and pushing into new sonic spaces.
Ella is one of Lil Sister’s Rising Stars – an initiative which aims to shine a spotlight on Aotearoa’s newest and brightest emerging acts. And this powerful new song sees Ella living up to her reputation as one of New Zealand’s most exciting new talents.
Check out all things Ella Pollett below:
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