Candice Milner Releases New Single ‘Milk in the Sun’
Indie-folk-rock songwriter Candice Milner returns with her new single Milk in the Sun, out 27 January 2026. Based in Lyttelton, Ōtautahi, Milner is known for blending intimate folk storytelling with grit and emotional bite, balancing sweetness with a quietly sardonic edge. Her work has earned widespread acclaim across Aotearoa, awarding her features on RNZ, successful national tours and a finalist spot for the Tui Award for Best Folk Artist.
Milk in the Sun marks a tonal shift for Milner. A catchy, upbeat folk-rock track with driving guitars and full-band energy, the song was born from years of unsolicited commentary about her songwriting and career shift to midwifery and motherhood. Remarks such as “you have too many sad songs” and “it’s a shame you gave up music for delivering babies” became the unlikely fuel for a track that dresses melancholy in bright clothes, pairing toe-tapping melodies with lyrics that remain quietly reflective.
“Milk in the Sun is about trying not to be sad,” says Milner. “It’s intentionally upbeat, almost dance-worthy, but the heart of it is still very much mine. I liked the idea of writing a song that sounds heavy and energetic, while still telling the truth.”
The single was recorded at Ryan Fisherman’s studio, known for hosting a lineage of Aotearoa artists including Marlon Williams and Delaney Davidson. Fisherman engineered the track, with Milner co-producing alongside Shane Kovacs, whose raw, gritty guitar work features prominently. Kovacs’ background in New Zealand’s punk scene adds a sharper edge to the song, hinting at the broader sonic direction of Milner’s forthcoming third album.
Milk in the Sun serves as a first glimpse into that upcoming record, due in 2026. While retaining Milner’s folk foundations, the new material leans faster, louder, and more alt-rock in spirit, expanding her sound without losing its emotional core.
The single will be available on all major streaming platforms from 27 January 2026.
