New Found Sound is back, and across five regional heats, Auckland's emerging music talent has taken to the stage and made its mark. Delivered through The Y's Raise Up programme, this year's series has once again shown what happens when young people are given a platform - live venues, real audiences, and the kind of experience that no classroom can replicate.

From Te Oro in East Auckland to venues across the city, high school performers have competed across all genres, sharing original music and covers in front of live crowds. Alongside the performers, Raise Up members have worked behind the scenes across event coordination, production, and delivery, gaining hands-on experience in the live music industry along the way.

One name worth watching as the series heads into its final chapter is Olivia Reeves. A returning finalist from last year's competition, Olivia took first place at the opening Te Oro heat adding to a musical journey that already includes two Play It Strange finals, an independently growing body of released work, and a place among 14 mentees selected for the 2026 APRA Aotearoa Mentorship Programme. She is the exact kind of emerging artist New Found Sound exists to celebrate. Other performers are recognised through the Audience Choice award which is a reminder that the competition celebrates more than just first place.

Now, all attention turns to The Tuning Fork. The New Found Sound Grand Final takes place on Saturday 26 September, where finalists will perform with the support of industry professionals across performance coaching, stagecraft, and live show delivery. Find out more at raiseup.co.nz.