"Incontestably one of Aotearoa’s most influential and lauded contemporary songwriters” Under The Radar

Delaney Davidson is a New Zealand Singer Songwriter, Musician, and Visual Artist.

A wry sense of humour, some theatre of unease, and a voice classed as  “not conventionally beautiful” all combine to breathe life and space into the niche he has carved out for himself, winning him critical acclaim across the world for his original take on things.

His seminal influence and work with Marlon Williams on their “Sad But True” series as well as his visionary production on Tami Neilson’s acclaimed album’s “Dynamite”,  “Don’t Be Afraid”  and “Chickaboom!”, have also earned him great praise from the media and huge respect amongst his peers. Sync placments in The Expanse, Nashville TV Series, Bad Sisters, and Brokenwood Mysteries, have taken Delaney’s music globally.

Initially inspired by the songs of Hank Williams and the Birthday Party, and the performance styles of distilled Johnny Cash and dead-pan Buster Keaton, Delaney synthesises this into his own persona.

Generally dealing with the darker side of things, Davidson’s lyrical content ranges from classic murder ballads to songs with a deeper insight into the human condition and a sympathy and acceptance of the quirks of life and human foibles. Combining the older style of beerhall musician and the traditions of pantomime and audience involvement his live show is renowned for its sublime dance competitions and bawdy sing-alongs.

Davidson works in Visual media as well as music ,and his wide cast net of interest has seen him haul in and land some ambitious and unexpected projects. Collaborations with Tame Iti, Troy Kingi, Shayne Carter, Te Kaahu, Matt Hyde (Beastwars). Ever curious and not commercially driven his work continues to reinvent and to surprise. 

Delaney’s 10th Studio album “Out of My Head” was released March 2024, and to much acclaim, was toured with Chamber Music New Zealand across Aotearoa.

June 2026 sees Delaney releasing his 11th Studio Album “Baby Heavyweight.

" …..beautifully haunting”   Rolling Stone