It has been a significant 15 years since New Zealand’s treasured songwriter, Bic Runga, released a collection of entirely original compositions. Following 2011's critically acclaimed 'Belle', the drought is finally broken. The musical icon has officially announced her forthcoming studio album, 'Red Sunset', available now, February 13th, 2026, accompanied by an extensive tour of Australia and New Zealand. Fans can now pre-order the album, marking the start of a much-anticipated renaissance for one of the region’s most captivating voices.
The album was captured during the winter of 2025 in Paris, with the atmospheric European setting clearly influencing the material, including the title track and lead single, ‘Red Sunset’, which is already available now alongside an accompanying video. It’s a powerful, emotionally charged torch song that deeply explores feelings of yearning and abandonment. The intricate and sophisticated soundscape of the album is shaped by Runga's enduring creative partnership with Kody Nielson, with the pair sharing production duties.
Further showcasing the record’s sonic depth are previously shared tracks: ‘It's Like Summertime’ is a beautiful, nostalgic look back at youth while offering hope for a better tomorrow, while ‘Paris in the Rain’ is a moody, cinematic piece, inspired by the sight of water cascading over the Louvre Pyramid during a downpour. Crucially, the song’s distinctive feel was achieved using the rich resonance of a historic 1807 French Pleyel piano.
Runga’s influence on the sound of Kiwi music is profound. Since her 1997 debut, Drive, which swiftly achieved multi-platinum status, her crystalline voice and simple grace have resonated across the globe, with classics like ‘Sway’ being woven into pop culture via Hollywood soundtracks. Her musical journey is defined by self-sufficiency, often writing, producing, and arranging her own work, demonstrating an independence inherited from her Chinese-Malaysian and Māori heritage.
Now, she prepares to celebrate her past successes alongside her new creations. The 'Red Sunset' Tour will begin in New Zealand before crossing the Tasman for a run of highly anticipated Australian dates: Northcote Theatre in Melbourne on April 9th, the Princess Theatre in Brisbane on April 11th, Sydney’s City Recital Hall on April 12th, Canberra Theatre on April 14th, and Freo.Social in Fremantle on April 16th. Expect an unforgettable journey through her glittering catalogue, from ‘Beautiful Collision’ to 'Drive' and beyond. Tickets are on sale now.
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