Since 2011, Going Global has created a pathway between Aotearoa artists and the international music industry – bringing artists at pivotal stages of their careers into the same room as festival programmers, labels, agents, publishers and media from around the world.
Today, Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ), in partnership with the New Zealand Music Commission, announces the 2026 Going Global showcasing artist lineup, with 23 artists selected to perform across two nights of live showcases in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Selected from more than 190 applications, this year’s artists represent the breadth of independent music being created across Aotearoa, spanning Pacific-psychedelic, R&B, hip hop, indie, soul, post-punk, and beyond.
“We are very proud to be showcasing these amazing artists to our international delegates. These artists and their teams are ready to take part in all the Conference opportunities, and we look forward to seeing what exciting results will emerge this year!”
PIPPA RYAN-KIDD, CHAIRPERSON, IMNZ
Taking place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August as part of Going Global Music Summit, showcase performances will be held across Whammy! and Double Whammy! on Karangahape Road. Each artist will deliver a focused 20-minute set, introducing their music directly to international delegates, local industry professionals and public audiences.
2026 GOING GLOBAL FESTIVAL – SHOWCASING ARTISTS
Ardon England – electronic, hyperpop (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Awning – alt rock (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
CAITLIN – alternative pop (Ōtautahi / Christchurch)
Dropper – alt rock (Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington)
Frank On Tap – alt rock (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Greatsouth – Māori indie rock, Polynesian post-punk (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Guardian Singles – post-punk (Te Tai Tokerau / Northland)
Half/Angel – alt rock, noise rock (Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington)
Hun Lynch – avant-Pop, neo-soul, noir (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Keith Pereira – country pop (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
LEAO – niu wave, Pacific Psychedelia, post-punk (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Louis Baker – soul, neo-soul, R&B (Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington)
Mainard Larkin – alt-country (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Mokomokai – hip hop (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Paige – pop, singer-songwriter, soul (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Pearly* – indie Rock, alternative rock, noise rock (Ōtepoti/Dunedin)
Powder Chutes – alternative rock, grunge, hard rock (Wānaka)
Ray Leslie – alternative hip-hop, jazz-house, neo-soul (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
SKILAA – psychedelic R&B, hip hop (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
SOLA ROSA – electronic (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Tusekah – alt R&B, neo-soul, pop (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Tyran – R&B, soul (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
Where’s Jai – pop, rock electropop (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland)
To learn more about the 2026 Going Global showcasing artists and the music they are creating, visit: HERE
GOING GLOBAL OPENS UP PATHWAYS
Previous showcasing artists have used Going Global as a launchpad for international opportunities. Going Global Presents showcases have been instrumental in the discovery of some of New Zealand’s biggest success stories over the past 15 years including; Aldous Harding, Tami Neilson, Holly Arrowsmith, Tiny Ruins, Troy Kingi, Sachi, Alien Weaponry, Fazerdaze and Nadia Reid. At the 2025 summit, Tāmaki Makaurau band Ringlets connected with representatives from The Great Escape before securing a performance opportunity at the UK festival for 2026.
Since launching in 2011, Going Global has welcomed over 260 international delegates from the music industries of Asia, Europe, and North America, and provided a platform for 238 showcasing artists, to perform directly in front of decision-makers from major festivals, labels, publishers, agencies and media outlets.
International delegates consistently cite the showcase as an invaluable way to discover artists they may not otherwise encounter. Following her attendance at Going Global 2025, Hayley Percy, Head of Music at RISING (Australia), said:
“Very real and outcome-driven pathways were forged… I have a very long list of new acts I look forward to staying in touch with for future bookings.”
HAYLEY PERCY, HEAD OF MUSIC AT RISING (AUSTRALIA)
Going Global 2026 continues that commitment, connecting showcasing artists with Aotearoa’s wider independent music community; managers, labels, promoters, publishers and songwriters building careers in international markets.
ABOUT GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT
Going Global Music Summit is Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier international music industry event, presented annually by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) in partnership with the New Zealand Music Commission. The summit connects leading international figures in A&R, booking, licensing, management, marketing, promotion, and publishing with New Zealand artists and industry.
Earlybird tickets for Going Global 2026 are on sale now via Q Theatre, with earlybird pricing available until 4 August 2026. Tickets cover both conference days and entrance to the showcase nights.
Further speaker announcements, the full programme, and the 2026 Showcasing Artist selection will be released in the weeks ahead. Stay close. https://indies.co.nz/going-
ABOUT INDEPENDENT MUSIC NEW ZEALAND (IMNZ)
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) serves as the primary representative organisation for the independent music sector in Aotearoa, representing the interests of independent artists, labels, publishers, and music businesses. IMNZ advocates for a healthy, sustainable independent music ecosystem and delivers events, education, and initiatives that support the growth and global reach of New Zealand music.
Photo Credit: Chontalle Musson
GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT 2026
Dates: Thursday 27 & Friday 28 August 2026
Venue: Q Theatre, Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand
Tickets: Conference / Showcase ticket On sale now via Q Theatre (earlybird pricing until 4 August 2026)
Showcase-ONLY ticket link: On sale July 27 via undertheradar.co.nz
Website: https://www.goingglobal.co.nz / https://indies.co.nz/going-
Hashtag: #goingglobal
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