Released as the June instalment of the group’s ongoing First Thursdays campaign, the song was co-written and produced by EDYONTHEBEAT and Hales during a livestream songwriting session in Auckland, allowing viewers to watch the creative process unfold in real time.

At the heart of I Wish It Would is the story of a woman struggling to accept that the person she loves has chosen someone else. Knowing his wedding day has arrived, she reflects on the future she once imagined for them and wrestles with the heartbreak of letting go. Through its emotional chorus, she wishes for rain to hide her tears, wash away her pain, and ruin what should be the happiest day of his life.

The release sees A.R.T return to the R&B and soul influences that first connected them with audiences across Aotearoa, showcasing the rich harmonies and emotional storytelling that have become a hallmark of the group’s sound.

The single follows a recent collaboration with Sammy Johnson on Make Me Believe and performances across New Zealand and Australia as the official support act for Josh Tatofi. With millions of streams and views across their catalogue, multiple Pacific Music Award wins, and Aotearoa Music Award nominations for Breakthrough Artist (2025) and Best Soul/R&B Artist (2026), A.R.T continue to build momentum as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting harmonydriven acts.