After more than a year abroad, Hearth returns home to Aotearoa celebrating their debut single “Not Gonna Leave You,” out May 20, 2026. Years in the making, this long-awaited release marks a new chapter, rising at last from the ashes. For their Tāmaki Makaurau stop, Hearth will be joined onstage by Clara van Wel and Evie Bamford.

Hearth is a theatrical whirlwind of sugar and salt from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa. Organic, dynamic, and heartfelt, their songs explore love, lust, laughter, and loss with a lyrical honesty that draws listeners in close. Blending elements of folk, rock, country, and jazz, Hearth creates a sound that is both playful and deeply true, equal parts cheek and catharsis. Known for their captivating arrangements and expressive delivery, Hearth balances wit and sincerity with ease. What they lack in seriousness between songs, they make up for in moments of striking emotional clarity, weaving stories that linger long after the final note. Since first emerging in 2021, Hearth has grown and evolved across a range of live settings, both solo and with a band. They have performed throughout Aotearoa at festivals including CubaDupa, Newtown Festival, Twisted Frequency, Welcome to Nowhere, and Great Sounds Great. They have also supported artists such as Frank Turner and Avalanche City, alongside a string of headline shows in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Warm, whimsical, and slightly unhinged, Hearth invites you into their flickering glow. Welcome to the fireside.

Clara van Wel is a nationally recognised musician, comedian, and writer known for their witty and thoughtful storytelling. From Sunday mornings at the Farmers’ Market to national television, they have captivated audiences for more than a decade. Unable to decide if they want to be listened to, laughed at, or left alone to finish their book, Clara refuses to commit to a single medium, but their passion for the craft of songwriting endures. Dynamic, reflective, and lyrically astute, their music lends a theatrical slant to the confessional intimacy of folk. Previous praise includes: “not as good as Avril Lavigne” and “you look like the one in the boy band who reads”. They look forward to hearing your review.

Evie Bamford is a guitarist, clarinettist, vocalist and songwriter from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand), drawing on a background in jazz and classical music to create indie rock with colourful, textured instrumentation. Following the success of her jazzy debut ‘Money Bag,’ Evie released ‘Through the Day’ in March 2026, an expansive track weaving lush clarinet and cello. ‘Through the Day’ marked a breakthrough moment, reaching #1 on the 95bFM Top Ten (remaining on the chart for 4 weeks), #2 on the SRN Top Ten, #4 on RDU’s Te Ahi Top Ten and #20 on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles. Evie has also built a dedicated local following through introspective yet energetic live performances alongside her four band mates. Highlights include opening for Serebii at Double Whammy, headlining Public Service, and supporting international folk-rock artist Tyler Hilton. Building on this momentum, Evie returns with ‘Company,’ an upbeat and bright indie-pop track about learning to be your own best company. Fans of Faye Webster, Alice Phoebe Lou and Ullah will enjoy the warmth and emotional tension that runs through Evie Bamford’s music.  

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