Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ Returns This June

Live Nation’s Ones To Watch returns to Pōneke, Wellington’s San Fran on Thursday 25 June, bringing a fresh lineup of Kiwi rising stars to the latest instalment of the emerging artist showcase.

Joining the Ones To Watch lineup are Pōneke artists Debt Club, First Reserve and Dillon Jo, each bringing their own unique sound to the showcase.

Debt Club are a six-piece indie/folk-rock band known for combining jangling indie rock, folk, alt-country and emo with rich arrangements, soaring saxophone melodies and thoughtful lyricism. Since forming in 2023, the band has become a notable presence in Aotearoa’s underground music scene, sharing stages with Marlin’s Dreaming, Phoebe Rings and Floodlights while appearing at festivals including Rhythm and Vines, CubaDupa and Twisted Frequency.

First Reserve is the project of Pōneke-based artist Ryan Connaghan, blending alt-rock, indie-folk and pop into emotionally charged songs exploring life, love and loneliness. Backed by a four-piece band, First Reserve has built a devoted following through captivating live performances and has previously shared stages with Hot Mulligan, Keli Holiday, PARK RD, There’s A Tuesday and Wet Denim.

Dillon Jo are a queer, female-fronted four-piece creating dreamy, genre-blurring indie rock inspired by dream pop, shoegaze, folk and alt-rock. Formed in Wellington in early 2025, the band has quickly made waves with a string of local performances, supporting acts including The Rions, Foley, Wet Denim, Hemi Hemingway and Coast Arcade, while building a reputation for their expansive live sound.

Following a standout showcase at Wellington’s San Fran in 2024 featuring Sure Boy, Casual Healing and Mikeyy, Ones To Watch returns to the capital with another round of fresh talent. Ones To Watch continues to champion Aotearoa’s thriving music scene, shining a spotlight on the next generation of artists making waves across the country. Since its inception, the programme has showcased an impressive range of musicians across genres spanning pop, indie, rock, electronic and hip hop, celebrating the very best of local music.

Live Nation NZ Bookings Manager Caitlin Gosling said:
“We’ve been lucky enough to watch each of these artists build momentum over the past year, and we’re excited to bring them together for a night that celebrates what’s happening in New Zealand music right now.”

Launched in 2017 in the United States, Ones To Watch has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including international superstars Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and Gracie Abrams, as well as kiwi trailblazers Borderline, Frankie Venter and Ella Monnery.

Past artists are added to the Ones To Watch platform, where fans can discover new music and follow artists as their careers continue to unfold. Through editorial content, interviews and live performance opportunities, the programme helps connect emerging artists with audiences around the world.