Villainy Return with Explosive New Single ‘Happy Waste’
After more than a decade establishing themselves as one of Aotearoa’s most formidable rock bands – and off the back of an epic set at Jim Beam Homegrown 2026 – Villainy return with their new single Happy Waste. Releasing today, April 10 2026, Happy Waste offers the first glimpse of the band’s long-awaited fourth studio album due later this year.
Built on the scale, melody and raw intensity that have defined Villainy’s live sound for over ten years, Happy Waste captures the band at a moment of renewed focus and creative momentum. Coming off a run of shows, the group felt a renewed urgency to channel the energy of their live performances back into new music.
Frontman Neill Fraser says the song centres on how we present ourselves – the outward confidence we convey to the world, while being something more complicated underneath.
“It’s about having the license to set yourself free when even though you’re showing the world you’re composed, you’re in control – under all that there’s so much more going on – and that’s okay.”
Musically, the track leans into the dynamic punch Villainy have become known for on stage. Years of touring have shaped the band’s writing, with songs designed to create moments in a live setting.
Since emerging from Auckland’s rock scene in 2011, Villainy – Neill Fraser (vocals/guitar), James Dylan (bass), Dave Johnston (drums) and Thom Watts (lead guitar) have built a reputation for explosive live shows and a catalogue that balances muscular rock dynamics with introspective songwriting.
Their debut album Mode. Set. Clear. (2012) reached No.8 on the New Zealand charts and won Best Rock Album at the AMA’s. Follow-up Dead Sight (2015) debuted at No.4, while
Raised in the Dark (2019) arrived at No.2 and secured the band another Best Rock Artist award – making every Villainy album an award winner.
Along the way they’ve shared stages with global acts including AC/DC, Incubus, Papa Roach, Halestorm and Billy Talent, while continuing to tour extensively across Aotearoa.
The band’s 2024 single Miles Away reaffirmed their place at the centre of New Zealand rock, holding the No.1 spot on the NZ Rock Radio Chart for eight consecutive weeks.
For Villainy, Happy Waste signals the beginning of a new chapter as they move toward their fourth album.
“Happy Waste has everything that makes us who we are – it’s big, melodic, vulnerable and raw.”
With new music on the horizon and the band firing creatively, Villainy are stepping into their next era with renewed intent.
Happy Waste is out now on all streaming platforms.
