CRAIG PAYNE – MOVED AND WELL SHAKEN
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — July 8, 2026 — One hundred and thirty-one days after the release of his acclaimed eighth studio album, Moving & Shaking, New Zealand multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and recording artist Craig Payne is already deep into production on what promises to be his most ambitious project yet.
Released earlier this year, Moving & Shaking represented a significant creative leap for Payne. The album marked a departure from the style and sound of his previous releases, with greater emphasis placed on every stage of production—from songwriting and arrangement to recording, mixing and mastering. The result was an album that not only raised the bar artistically but also posed the question: Where does Craig Payne go from here?
At the time of the album's release, Payne reflected on his creative journey:
"I've produced eight studio albums in the last five years, each with its own unique direction. If I'm going to make a ninth album, it has to be genuinely different—and that may take some time."
Craig Payne 2026
Production has officially begun on Payne's ninth studio album, introducing a fresh creative approach that is already setting it apart in every aspect of its development. As part of the process, Payne has transitioned from Steinberg's recording platform to Pro Tools, the industry-standard digital audio workstation used throughout the professional music industry, providing expanded production capabilities and greater creative flexibility.
While details remain closely guarded, early development indicates that both the album title and its title track explore a concept unlike anything previously released. This unique direction is expected to give the project a distinctive identity while maximising discoverability across digital platforms when the album is released.
Craig Payne's catalogue, including Moving & Shaking is available on major streaming and digital download platforms worldwide.
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