Greta O’Leary Releases Rollicking New Single ‘Year of the Dog’
2026 sees wordsmith & talented singer Greta O’Leary take a new turn – absurd, lively, galloping, perfect to ring in the Year of the Horse! With this new energy comes the rollicking and captivating new single Year of the Dog.
O’Leary, known for her eclectic writing and arrangements, presents her latest release, following in the well paved footsteps of her breakthrough debut album River Dark. Released to great acclaim in 2025, a Top 10 Aotearoa Album Chart & numerous #1 SRN & alt radio airplay charts, the album clearly established O’Leary as a rising figure in Aotearoa’s varied musical landscape.
“Greta’s voice is ‘imbued with earthy, smokey tones’, ‘reminiscent of a hāngī pit” – Under The Radar (NZ).
“Year of the Dog takes a dramatically different path, filled instantly with enticing and hypnotic guitar riffs, an unfaltering rhythm section and real momentum, this track lets loose, beautifully tied together by O’Leary’s unmistakable vocals.
‘Serene with a sting in the tail” – Tony Stamp
Undeniably infectious and impeccably pieced together, Year of the Dog is a journey into an absurdist childhood dream. Created with long time collaborator, Jol Mulholland at the famed Lab Studios, who co-produced the track with O’Leary, alongside acclaimed Emily Wheatcroft-Snape on mastering duties.
While River Dark took the listener on a tender and reflective path, Year of the Dog does the opposite, galloping out the gate, not looking back.
“Year of the Dog is animal spirit, it’s racing forwards and upwards, fast and free. It’s renewal.”
The single is released alongside a hazy and vigorous music video made with frequent collaborator Adam Rohe, set in gold rush country in Victoria, Australia. Produced and Shot by Adam Rohe & Co-directed by Rohe & O’Leary and brought to life thanks to New Zealand on Air.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAixYCQVxI
After the success of her debut 2025 album, Greta toured River Dark through winter 2025, With 10 dates across Aotearoa and Melbourne. Joined on the tour by members of her stellar live band Jol Mulholland (Anika Moa, Neil Finn), Nava Tekela-Pule (Erny Belle, Leao), Amy Borovich (HINA, Anna Coddington) and Alistair Deverick (Come Together Band, Carnivorous Plant Society).
O’Leary also received in 2025 an APRA Artist Mentoring Programme Award, leading to collaborations with producer Tom Healy (Marlon Williams, Folk Bitch Trio). She has recently performed on several successful tours across Aotearoa, Te Waipounamu and Australia, while making appearances at Newtown Festival, Earthbeat, Performance Arcade, Wellington Gardens Magic Festival, and Te Papa’s Rongo Rehutai Summer Music Sessions alongside Vera Elle. Late in 2025 she was also invited to open for Australian folk and blues legend C.W. Stoneking on his 2025 NZ tour.
This June O’Leary has joined with fellow indie artist Neive Strang for a run of southern shows showcasing both their work in true intimate style. O’Leary will be joined on stage by instrumentalist Will McGillivray (Goodwill, Mousey).
Greta O’Leary – Winter Tour Dates:
13 June @ Vogelmorn Bowling Club, Wellington
w/ Michaela Tempers
19 June @ Lyttelton Coffee Co, Lyttelton
w/ Neive Strang
20 June @ Pearl Diver, Dunedin
w/ Neive Strang
Auckland – Date/Venue- to be announced
More info & tickets – HERE
Photo Credit: Adam Rohe
