Castaway Establish New Chapter with ‘Her Favourite Song’
Aotearoa’s rising pop-rock force Castaway continue their momentum with the release of their new single, Her Favourite Song – the latest glimpse into their upcoming body of work.
Castaway are five mates bound by music. Formed in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the band comprises Austen (bass), Jack (saxophone, keys), Jackson (vocals, keys, guitar), Joe (vocals, drums), and Rhys (guitar). The band blends pop-rock with alternative influences, adopting boy-band sensibility. Their sound combines driving guitars, punchy rhythms, sax-driven hooks and dual vocals – brought to life through high-energy performances built on soaring choruses and emotional connection, designed to make crowds sing, move, and feel everything all at once.
Following the success of their EP Nondual, which saw Pretty Little Liar earn B-rotation on ZM, and the growing traction of recent single Heart Attack, which secured feature moments across radio, Castaway return with Her Favourite Song continuing a run of releases that signal a band finding its stride with clarity and confidence.
Her Favourite Song is an anthemic indie pop-rock track from the Ōtautahi Christchurch 5-piece Castaway, blending sun-soaked guitars and infectious hooks in the vein of The Kooks and Lime Cordiale. Driven by a bouncing guitar hook, bright synths, and a pulsing bassline, the track delivers high-energy, feel-good momentum with a raw edge through subtly distorted vocals.
The song captures the rush of falling for someone magnetic and carefree, while being caught in the emotional pull of a past relationship. As she connects deeply with a song written about an ex, the tension between holding on and letting go fuels a euphoric, chant-worthy chorus. It’s a youthful, hook-heavy release that balances nostalgia and forward motion, landing in a space that feels both emotionally charged and ready for repeat listens.
Castaway have evolved from university jam sessions to sharing stages with Mitch James and Drax Project, lighting up Selwyn Sounds and earning spins across ZM, The Hits, More FM, Radio Hauraki, and RNZ. With Her Favourite Song, they continue that trajectory – capturing a band not just on the rise, but stepping confidently into what comes next.
And the five-piece’s rise is already gaining traction! On May 16, Castaway will take the stage at the ‘Once In A Lifetime’ opening of One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi, supporting Six60 and Synthony alongside Kaylee Bell and Cassie Henderson – a landmark moment that signals their arrival on a bigger platform.
Photo Credit: Tom Grut
