The new Kiwi music app backed by Lorde is going global from day one

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

The team behind a new New Zealand-based music app have announced a revised launch date.

Lume will go live on July 17, offering a digital platform that rejects the subscription model in favour of a “buy once, own forever” approach.

The startup was founded in October 2025 with backing from investors including Lorde, Substack’s Hamish McKenzie and former Sky boss John Fellet.

Under the platform’s model, 80% of net revenue will go to artists and their partners. Buyers will get album-centric ‘box sets’ containing add-ons such as demos, live tracks, extra artwork and behind-the-scenes footage.

Co-founder Sacha Judd said: “This material represents a holy grail for fans. They’re artefacts which add context to albums, and don’t belong on the social web. Here they’re beautifully housed and presented, and reserved for only those who really believe in and truly support an artist.”

Lume initially targeted a June launch and planned to sell internationally down the track.

But deals signed with various partners unlocked their ability to release globally from day one.

Co-chief executive Tim Harper said: “Artists at every scale have fans all over the world. So while we will still launch with a slate of 100% local artists, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to let them sell Lume to fans wherever they might live.”

The first slate of releases includes albums from Bic Runga and Troy Kingi, alongside work from newer acts such as School Fair, Fazerdaze and Lontalius. Classic reissues feature music from Fur Patrol, Tiki Taane, Die! Die! Die!, The Phoenix Foundation and The Reduction Agents.

Lume has established partnerships with Recorded Music NZ to ensure chart eligibility, and APRA AMCOS for songwriting rights. Distribution partners include Precise and DRM, alongside independent labels Flying Nun, AAA Records, Lil Chief and Melted Ice Cream.