Lorde-Backed Music Startup Lume Announces Launch Date, First Releases

New Zealand-headquartered music startup Lume will launch its album-centric music app on July 17.

What is it:

• Founded in October 2025, Lume brings “boxed set-style content” to app stores that includes the core album with bonus demos, live tracks, extra artwork, and behind-the-scenes footage.

• Rather than selling subscriptions it operates on a “buy once, own forever” model, with 80% of net revenue going to artists and their partners.

• Lume has struck deals with renowned independent New Zealand labels such as Flying Nun, Lil’ Chief Records and Melted Ice Cream, and releases will be chart eligible in its home country.

• The Lume app will debut on Google’s Android and Apple iOS on July 17.

• Initially it will only be available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to roll out globally.

Investors:

• Lume’s investors include Lorde, Substack’s Hamish McKenzie, Letterboxd’s Karl von Randow, Previously Unavailable’s James Hurman, and former Sky boss John Fellet.

Initial releases:

• Lume’s first releases will include albums by New Zealand artists such as Erny Belle, Dick Move, Earth Tongue and Vera Ellen, as well as reissues of classic NZ albums by Die! Die! Die!, Fur Patrol and more.

What they said:

• Sacha Judd, Co-Founder: “This material represents a holy grail for fans. They’re artefacts which add context to albums, and don’t belong on the social web. Here they’re beautifully housed and presented, and reserved for only those who really believe in and truly support an artist.”

• Justin Warren, Co-Founder and Head of Artist Relations: “We’ve received truly incredible archival material. Everything from historically important unreleased live sets, to the voice notes where iconic New Zealand songs first began, to diary pages or exciting cover versions.”