Emerging Aotearoa artist Star introduces her debut single ‘When You’re Around‘, a breezy, feel-good pop track that captures the simple joy of being around people who lift you up.

Raised on a farm in Ruapuke, just outside Raglan, Star has been surrounded by music from an early age. She picked up the guitar at nine, began taking music seriously at 15, and started writing her own songs at 16. Now 18, she steps into her first official release with a sound that blends pop, indie and bedroom pop, alongside subtle influences of soul and rock.

‘When You’re Around’ began in Star’s first ever studio session with Muroki and Reiki Ruawai. After heading into the studio straight after school, the trio wrote and recorded the first demo in just six hours. The result is an upbeat, summery track centred on connection, a reminder of how the right people can shift your mood and outlook.

Produced by Muroki, with mixing by Jacob Brown and mastering by Chris Chetland at Kog Studio, the single introduces Star as a new voice grounded in real experiences and honest songwriting.

The accompanying music video builds on the song’s theme, featuring Star’s friends and band in a series of relaxed, summery scenes. Filmed between Dailies Studio in Hamilton and her family farm in Ruapuke, the visuals reflect the environment and people that inspired the track.

‘When You’re Around’ is out now on all major streaming platforms

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Star is an emerging indie artist from Ruapuke, a small coastal farming community just outside of Raglan, New Zealand. Raised on a farm and surrounded by music from a young age, she picked up her first guitar at just nine years old and has been singing for as long as she can remember. By the age of 15, she knew music was more than just a passion, and by 16 she had begun writing her own songs, drawing from real experiences, emotions, and the people around her.

Blending indie, indie pop, and bedroom pop influences with touches of soul and rock, Star is developing a sound that feels both fresh and authentic. Her music is rooted in honesty, capturing moments that feel personal yet widely relatable.

Now at the beginning of her career, Star is quickly building momentum with a clear love for live performance and a natural ability to connect with audiences. With a strong sense of self and a growing catalogue of music, she is an artist to watch as she continues to evolve and share her story.

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