Aotearoa soul artist TEEKS returns with “Lovers Comet,” a 12-track album centered on love, desire, identity, sexuality, and self-discovery.
The project arrives five years after his chart-topping debut album, “Something To Feel,” and finds TEEKS, of Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, and Ngāti Ranginui descent, moving toward a more playful and layered sound while maintaining the emotional weight associated with his music.
The album’s focus track, “Headlights,” draws inspiration from the 1980s and explores the decision to leave an unhealthy relationship.
“Sonically nostalgic of the 80s, I wanted to make something I could put on in the car on a late-night drive,” TEEKS said. “This is a song about choosing yourself and finally walking away from a relationship that wasn’t good for you.”
TEEKS created “Lovers Comet” with producers Terence O’Connor and VIIN, also known as Vincent Pham, while working across Aotearoa and Australia.
The album expands on themes from “Something To Feel,” shifting from longing and unrequited love toward freedom, sexuality, and trusting one’s instincts.
“I think I’ve gotten really good at trusting my intuition,” TEEKS said. “I definitely learned that trusting my intuition above anything else is the most valuable thing.”
Songs include the opening track “Eros,” “Promised Land,” “Overdose,” and “Put Your Love On Me,” which was written in Los Angeles with New Zealand pop artist Thomston.
TEEKS first gained attention with his platinum-certified 2017 EP, “The Grapefruit Skies.” His 2021 debut album reached No. 1 on New Zealand’s Official Top 40 Albums chart and included platinum-certified singles “Remember Me” and “First Time.”
His career has since expanded internationally, with more than 200 million global streams. His music has also developed a following in South Africa, where “First Time” achieved double-platinum certification.
“Lovers Comet” marks TEEKS’ latest step toward music shaped by intimacy, self-acceptance, and personal freedom.
New Zealand tour dates are expected to be announced next week.
