2024 was a formative year for First Reserve, the pseudonym of Te-Whanganui-A-Tara’s Ryan Connaghan (he/they). They’ve supported visiting internationals Hot Mulligan (US) and Movements (US), and have toured with Kiwi favourites PARK RD, Wiri Donna, and Wet Denim.

The artist has amassed a cult of devoted supporters, thanks to their identifiable sound that draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including folk, rock, and pop. Connaghan affectionately refers to their music as “kinda emo, kinda queer – very catchy.” Following the release of dynamic singles “Alice” and “Telling The Same Joke Twice,”

This year First Reserve will be continuing their momentum with the single “Twenty” out February 2025, as well as a second collection of songs recorded with Tarn PK.