Zoë Vera Releases New Single ‘Twelve Feet Under’ + Announces EP
Zoë Vera is a New Zealand pop singer-songwriter known for her honesty, vulnerability, and emotive vocals. Born in the Netherlands and raised in South Auckland, she draws on her life experiences to craft music that explores themes of resilience, identity, and growth. Her sound leans into musicality, sophistication, and creative substance, setting her apart from predictable pop genre conventions.
Zoë returns to the music scene in 2026 with her five-track EP Live Harder, delving into her personal experience with trauma and the journey of rebuilding her life. Releasing today, 23 January, is the second single from Live Harder: Twelve Feet Under. Capturing the feeling of unbearable overwhelm and shifting between despair and defiance, Twelve Feet Under was written in the wake of a prolonged legal battle. It reflects the relatable pressure to move on when a difficult chapter ends, despite the impact that lingers. The track stands as a raw yet determined survival anthem about refusing to let trauma define the ending.
The first single from the EP, Good Enough, received widespread industry acclaim and multiple radio spins, including debut airplay during an on-air interview with celebrated hosts Jono, Ben & Megan on The Hits. Rising Artists praised its “striking, raw vulnerability,” while The Sounds Won’t Stop highlighted its “boisterous honesty, authenticity, heart, personality, and character,” noting its ability to make listeners “think and feel.” Popfad observed “the pathos of her creative mission,” describing Zoë Vera as “unafraid to express vulnerability,” and noted it is “impossible not to develop a strong connection to the artist.”
Zoë has been working on this EP with producer Danny McCrum, who has an extensive background working with artists including Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Norah Jones. The final track on the EP features keys by Alex Burke, a Los Angeles–based musician who has recently worked with Bob Dylan and contributed to the latest (unreleased) Bruce Springsteen album.
Zoë’s previous singles, Don’t Make It My Fault and Amsterdam, received radio play in New Zealand, including on The Edge, as well as internationally. Don’t Make It My Fault was featured in Air New Zealand’s Runway Pop playlist. LA on Lock described the vocal performance as “impressive,” noting the emotive power of her delivery, while Tearaway highlighted her “moving and heartfelt” songwriting. Welcome to the Gig praised Vera’s ability to “create deeply emotional music.”
