Wellington hip-hop and funk band, Raw Collective, mark their much awaited return in 2026 with their powerful new single ‘In the Clouds’, marking the group’s first release in several years and the beginning of a new chapter for the band.

Built on a laid-back 80 BPM groove with double-time hi-hats, ‘In the Clouds’ blends hip-hop, funk, soul and R&B into a track that evolves from a cruisy, reflective opening into a high-energy, full-band climax. The song showcases Raw Collective’s signature musicianship. Featuring a dynamic horn section, driving rhythm section, and a standout vocal performance from the band’s much loved singer, Moira Jean, whose recognisable sound & vocal hook anchors the track.

‍“You’ve got your head in the clouds, stay high don’t think about coming down,
Feet on the earth, gave birth to the roots that you have grown.”

Produced by the collective’s emcee & beat maker, Raw Deezy, the track began as a stripped-back hip-hop demo before evolving into one of the band’s most ambitious recordings to date. Built layer by layer, while Raw was based in the South Island, with each member contributing remotely, recording and sending parts from across the country. The result is a richly textured arrangement featuring over ten instruments, including horns, guitars, percussion, and keys. All brought together in a detailed final mix by engineer Jason Erskine.

The single also arrives alongside a full music video, filmed on a rooftop on Cuba Street — a visual nod to both the track’s title and the band’s roots, in the heart of Wellington’s music scene. Directed and edited by Nick George Creative, the video places Raw Collective quite literally ‘in the clouds’, while grounding the story in the city where it all began.

Lyrically, the track reflects on periods of uncertainty and disconnection - a theme drawn directly from the band’s own journey over recent years. As several core members stepped into parenthood and life shifted focus, Raw Collective entered a new phase of balancing creativity with responsibility. 'In the Clouds’ cleverly captures that tension, while ultimately delivering a message of grounding, resilience, and staying connected to what matters.

As the first of three singles planned for 2026, ahead of a full-length album release in summer, ‘In the Clouds’ emphatically signals Raw Collective’s return with renewed focus and intent. Well known & respected for their high-energy live shows and rich, full-band sound, the group are stepping back into the spotlight in 2026 with what they describe as one of their strongest releases to date.

‍

Listen to ‘In the Clouds’ here.

‍

Check out all things Raw Collective below:

Facebook

Instagram