Borderline Release Breathtaking Self-Titled Debut Album
The past 12 months have been full of wins for New Zealand band Borderline – taking out the People’s Choice Award at the Aotearoa Music Awards, being named in Rolling Stone’s Future of Music 2026 list, multiple nods from BBC Radio 1, a 14-date North American tour and more – with all their success culminating in the release of their debut album, Borderline, out today via Empire. The album drops in line with Borderline debuting their new single Skyline, a slick pop song with an accompanying retro-styled music video, and ahead of Borderline’s album tour of New Zealand and Australia that is set to kick off in their hometown of Auckland next week. The incredible trajectory of Borderline is only just beginning.
On unveiling their debut album to the world, Borderline said, “Our self-titled debut album is something we’re all incredibly proud of. It’s the sum of every single corner of musical inspiration from all four of us. Every song has its own character and place for us, shaped through sessions in home studios and late nights, before coming together in the Brick Room of Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios, taking advantage of the vintage synths and time piece guitars, as we explored and refined the overarching soundscape for the project.”
Lead single Skyline shows Borderline are not afraid to delve into pop territory, with the band explaining, “Skyline definitely surprised us. With the album, we wanted to push the boundaries of the genres we could find ourselves in, while still playing as a four-piece band. And after a short obsession with the Justin Timberlake album Justified, we found ourselves chasing the awesome sound that album has and reimagining it into a modern day pop-rock song, and then there was Skyline. It’s a super slick, funky pop song full of tight drums, funky bass and the most addictive glossy shiny guitar tone imaginable. It was so much fun recording this one in the studio; it was good vibes all day and it came together really quickly. We’re so excited to start playing it live, and hopefully hear people singing along in the chorus.”
The countdown for fans to witness Borderline’s new album live is now on, with the band set to kick off their album tour in Auckland next Friday, July 3rd, before hitting Hamilton, Christchurch, Tauranga and Rotorua, and then crossing the Tasman to play Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
“We are beyond excited to take the album out on the road,” said Borderline. “Ever since we first wrote these songs we’ve been imagining playing them live, and really can’t wait for people to experience it in person. There are so many fun moments in the show that we hope people will love, and we’re really happy to be touring it for the first time at home here in New Zealand and then over to Australia – it feels very special to us.”
And the touring doesn’t stop there. After wrapping their New Zealand and Australian tour, Borderline will then head to the Northern Hemisphere for a run of seven shows in the UK, before playing their debut headline shows in Europe, plus Bittersweet Festival in Poland, proving the love for Borderline has no borders.
With the wait for Borderline’s debut album now over, fans can dive into a collection of 13 songs that explore the band’s love of pop, rock and funk, with Borderline’s incredible musicianship and undeniable chemistry at the fore. Alongside Skyline, the album includes previously released album cuts When It’s Raining, Terrify, Tainted, Watching It Burn and That Girl.
Hailing from Auckland, Borderline is Ben Glanfield [guitar, vocals, keys], Jackson Boswell [drums, vocals], Matthew McFadden [lead guitar], and Max Harries [bass, sax]. With all their accolades, it’s hard to believe the band members are still only aged between 20 and 21. One thing is for certain, the future is looking more than bright for Borderline.
BORDERLINE
2026 NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA ALBUM TOUR
Q Theatre, Auckland
Friday 3 July
Clarence Street Theatre, Hamilton
Saturday 4 July
James Hay Theatre, Christchurch
Saturday 11 July
Tauranga – Totara Street, Tauranga
Thursday 16 July
Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua
Saturday 18 July
Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Thursday 23 July
The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
Friday 24 July
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Saturday 25 July
GP On Sale: Thu 14 May, 2pm local
Live Nation Presale: Wed 13 May, 1pm > Thu 14 May, 1pm local
For tickets and further information head to livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz.
Photo Credit: Tom Grut
