First Reserve is inevitable. Before adopting the moniker in 2023, Ryan Connaghan had been prolifically writing music that communicated their experiences in life, love, and loneliness. These themes are all approached on songs like Last One and Me & My Friends – the first offerings from First Reserve’s debut EP There’s A God set for release on November 14th, 2025.

Thanks to their exhilarating live performances joined by a four-piece band, First Reserve has amassed a cult of devoted supporters both in their hometown of Te Whanganui-a-Tara and beyond. On stage, their sound is both intimate and larger-than-life, combining influences from alt-rock, indie-folk, and pop. First Reserve has supported visiting internationals Hot Mulligan (US) and Keli Holiday (AUS), and have toured with Kiwi favourites Park Rd, There’s A Tuesday, and Wet Denim.

First Reserve are:

Ryan Connaghan (vocals, guitar, bass)

Releases by First Reserve