Phoebe Rings is a dream-pop band offering a unique blend of introspective yearning with celestial danceable grooves. Their self-titled debut EP, a hopeful collection of musings, out October 18, 2024 on Carpark Records, is a testament to the distinctive musical style of Auckland jazz-school-trained pianist and songwriter Crystal Choi. Across six tracks, the EP is a love letter to some of the band’s influences: Studio Ghibli films, Zelda and Stardew soundtracks, Bossa Nova, Stereolab, and 90’s Korean ballads. In 2020, the band played their first gig in a ‘funny side room’ during a festival at Auckland Town Hall. Choi’s songwriting was brought to life with Alex Freer on drums, Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent on guitar and synths, and Benjamin Locke on bass. Choi says she knew the tracks had to be recorded after the band played the songs better than she could ever imagine. And so, remotely through the COVID-19 lockdowns, the band started recording the EP. “Daisy” is the vibrant leading single, with the shimmery refrain “Ooh-wee-a-waa” and the uplifting mantra: “When you’re next to me, the world’s full of daisies.” The swirling synths fizz on the skin like warm sun, promising growth and new starts. Choi grew up in Seoul, developing a palette for K-pop and retro sounds. The city-pop influence of “January Blues” shines through, with Choi crediting one of her favourite songs from the ’80s: “연극이 끝난 후 [After Play]”. The track explores her disconnect with the summer break. “In the Northern Hemisphere, January is winter,” says Choi. “I missed that a lot, and I don’t vibe with the beach.” The members of Phoebe Rings are cemented in the musical ecosystem, balancing other projects and full-time work. Yet Sundays will always be carved out for Phoebe Rings to dream up imaginative, world-building tunes.
Release date:
October 18, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Chrissie Hynde Duets Special
Rhino / Parlophone
October 17, 2025 -
Robert Plant Saving Grace
Nonesuch
September 26, 2025 -
Scorpions From The First Sting (Gold; Amazon Exclusive) [2xLP]
Bmg
October 17, 2025 -
Motorhead NO Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (50Th Anniversary; Yellow/Black; Half-Speed)
Bmg
August 29, 2025 -
Various Artists No Life 'Til Leather - A Tribute To Metallica's Kill 'Em All
Silver Lining Music
November 14, 2025 -
Margo Price Hard Headed Woman
Loma Vista Recordings
August 29, 2025 -
Cthulhuseeker Age of the Synth: Elden Ring Original Soundtrack [2xLP]
Materia Collective
September 5, 2025 -
Cameron Whitcomb The Hard Way
Atlantic
September 26, 2025 -
Amorphis Borderland [2xLP]
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
September 26, 2025 -
Brogeal Tuesday Paper Club
Play It Again Sam
October 17, 2025 -
Cardi B AM I THE DRAMA? (Apple)
Atlantic
September 19, 2025 -
Verses GT Verses GT (Clear)
Luckyme
October 17, 2025 -
Gomez In Our Gun (Blue) [2xLP]
Integral
October 17, 2025 -
Trapeze Lost Tapes Vol. 1 (Yellow) [2xLP]
Metalville
September 12, 2025