Supported by NZ On Air New Music Single funding, the release follows the success of his radio hit ‘SUCKS’, marking another exciting step forward for the emerging artist.
Blending sun-soaked guitars, irresistible melodies and a larger-than-life singalong chorus, ‘Started A Cult’ captures the all-consuming feeling of young love, where logic goes out the window and devotion takes over. With influences ranging from the laid-back cool of Dominic Fike to the nostalgic warmth of Supertramp and melodic pop sensibilities of Shawn Mendes, the track showcases Adamson’s knack for pairing playful storytelling with undeniably catchy hooks.
At the heart of the song is a narrator so infatuated that he would follow the person he loves anywhere, even into her father’s cult. Having ghosted his friends, sacrificed his guitar strings to buy her gifts and turned a blind eye to the warning signs around him, he’s willing to overlook just about anything in the name of love.
Despite its unconventional premise, ‘Started A Cult’ is ultimately a lighthearted exploration of infatuation, blind devotion and the lengths we go to for someone who has completely captured our attention.
Written, produced and mixed by Adamson himself, the single is another example of the independent artist’s hands-on approach to his music. Backed by NZ On Air New Music Single funding, ‘Started A Cult’ builds on the momentum of his previous release ‘SUCKS’, which reached #4 on the Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks, peaked at #36 on the NZ Hot 40, and became the 17th most-played song on The Edge.
Accompanying the release is a playful visual world that brings the song’s unusual storyline to life. Both the single artwork and accompanying music video centre around a candlelit dinner, where one figure sits calmly at the head of the table while the remaining guests bow their heads, offering a tongue-in-cheek take on the song’s themes of devotion and unquestioning loyalty.
To celebrate the release, Adamson will host a free, all-ages pop-up event tonight, Friday November 6, from 6pm–8pm at 49 Sainsbury Road, Mount Albert, Auckland. Fans will be treated to an exclusive premiere of the ‘Started A Cult’ music video, an intimate acoustic performance featuring unreleased music, early access to new merchandise and the opportunity to meet Adamson in person.
Free event tickets can be secured here.
Having first picked up a guitar and begun busking on the streets of Christchurch at just seven years old, Adamson has spent much of his life honing his craft. By the age of 20, he had already performed more than 400 live shows, establishing himself as an exciting emerging talent in Aotearoa’s pop-rock scene.
His growing list of live credits includes Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, Selwyn Sounds and a sold-out co-headline show alongside Rosetta at Auckland’s Big Fan. More recently, he supported international acts MKTO and Jack Gray on their respective New Zealand tours in September 2026, further cementing his reputation as a compelling live performer.
Beyond his own releases, Adamson is a sought-after songwriter and producer, having worked with emerging artists including Sophie Maude, Wilka, May-C, Hone and Verity. His growing online presence has also seen his singing content surpass two million views, with his Instagram reaching approximately 600,000 monthly views.
With an ever-growing catalogue, a strong live following and a distinctive approach to guitar-driven pop, Flynn Adamson continues to carve out his own space in New Zealand’s music landscape.
‘Started A Cult’ is out now on all major streaming platforms. Listen here!
