Music
Rad festivities
Creeps Record Parlour is turning four! Or five! Who knows! The Newtown institution will celebrate whichever birthday it is with Rad Fest, featuring 13 “sick bands playing killer sets” across the suburb.
The songs you know in your bones
We interviewed legendary Kiwi musician Tim Finn of Split Enz and Crowded House fame about his tour The Lives and Times of Tim Finn, coming to the Michael Fowler Centre this September.
Sorry, I’m a Libra
Pōneke-based artist Danica Bryant and her out-of-this-world band will celebrate her new single Libra with The Astrology Tour, landing at Wellington’s very own space-themed bar, Moon, this September.
Today’s hits yesterday
Sensational pop-jazz collective Postmodern Jukebox brings their Life In The Past Lane Tour to Wellington.
Floral fixation
Independent Arrowtown singer-songwriter Sofia Machray has just released Language of Flowers, an EP as unpredictable, delicate, and bold as a rose that grew from a crack in the concrete.
A decade of embracism
Wild, wondrous Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Kirin J Callinan launches his new album in New Zealand on the If I Could Sing: A decade of EMBRACISM and beyond tour.
The birds and the bush
Alt-country folk artist Jenny Mitchell is about to tour Aotearoa in support of Forest & Bird. The Bush & The Birds Tour is an extension of a song from her latest album that pays tribute to her late grandfather.
Americana in Aotearoa
Just featured on Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, bluegrass supergroup You, Me, Everybody will jam old faves and new material at San Fran this July.
Hopeful angst
Sean James Donnelly, better known to indie and electronica fans by his now-iconic initials SJD, released his ninth album Sweetheart in 2022 and is set to take it on its “first proper little tour”.
Riding on Park Rd
Tāmaki Makaurau indie-rockers Park Rd will play their first Wellington headline gig for 2023 to celebrate their new single Ride.
The fruits of a purple patch
Songwriter and raconteur Andrew London will debut his new show Songs I Wrote When I Was Cross at Kapiti Playhouse in Paraparaumu on the 27th of May.
A new beat for Boy & Bear
Award-winning, genre-tripping Australian band Boy & Bear are on their way to New Zealand with their fifth studio album. We caught up with David Hosking and David Symes ahead of the Wellington gigs at San Fran.
Starfish, meet rock
Rockers Velvet Star, named after the starfish Petricia vernicina, will perform alongside Mokomoko and the Shwayliens and Search for Yeti at Moon on Sunday the 30th of April.
Bangers and mosh
Kiwi rock band Dead Favours just released the long-awaited Riffing & Yelling Part 2. Celebrate with a custom beer in time for their Meow gig at the end of April.
The bleak and the beautiful
Wellington songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vera Ellen will unveil her latest album Ideal Home Noise at San Fran on the 15th of April.
And Out of the Void Came Love
A broken wrist, a pandemic, a baby… It’s been a strange seven years for pianist and singer-songwriter Finn Andrews, and he’s got a new double LP to show for it. The Veils have just released and will soon tour …And Out of the Void Came Love.
Love, light, vibes
London-based soul collective 10:32 will bring their new single Coffee Shop Girl to Wellington in the shape of a big groove party filled with big love, big light, and big vibes.
Vibe out with BEACHWARE
Auckland indie-rock band BEACHWARE tours the motu with their debut album It’s Only Time.
Recreating magic
After four long years since their last NZ tour, The Frank Burkitt Band brings their latest album Silvereye, filled with pensive folk ballads, back to where it all began: Wellington.
Catch Camp Cope
Australian alt-rock trio Camp Cope are coming to Wellington with their latest album Running with the Hurricane, an empowering embrace of new sonic and lyrical ground.
Recollect with Cowboy Junkies
For the first time in 20 years, and after COVID derailed their last scheduled tour, Canadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies will return to New Zealand this summer.
Lawrence Arabia on dancing to dissonance
Christchurch singer-songwriter and composer Lawrence Arabia brings a new track and old favourites to San Fran this summer.
Continually choosing hope
The Weather Machine will perform Applecore, an album about choosing hope in the face of grief, for their Welly fans off the back of a US tour.
Loud chaos meets subtle storytelling
Two wāhine-led bands, Ingrid and the Ministers and Goodnight My Darling, will hit the road this spring for a double headliner with a twist.
Sounds great!
Pōneke’s Cuba Street Precinct will host the first edition of Great Sounds Great, a one-day multi-venue music festival by the local Eyegum Music Collective.
Rockstars rock out
StarJam will celebrate 20 years – and a year’s worth of hard work and fun – in their End of Year Wellington Concert this December.
Put your game face on
Kiwi alt-rock band Villainy will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the album that launched their career, Mode. Set. Clear., with their Wellington fans at San Fran this November.
Rum and skulduggery
The Wellington Sea Shanty Society (WSSS) is back from exile with a new swag bag of secrets from the sea in the shape of their new EP Sea Shanties of the 70’s, 80’s & Today.
Bright mornings for Don McGlashan
Don McGlashan, one of New Zealand’s best-known and highly regarded songwriters, is on tour with his new number one album Bright November Morning.
A vehicle for connection
After five long years, Canadian soul-Americana artist Frazey Ford is heading to New Zealand to celebrate the release of her third solo album, the critically acclaimed U kin B the Sun.
Step back, see it all with The Beths
The Beths release their third album Expert In A Dying Field, a collision of power-pop and skuzz housing 12 guitar-laden jewels.
Jenny Mitchell on the ups and downs of life
Jenny Mitchell’s new album Tug of War documents the award-winning singer-songwriter’s mission to be more grateful for all the ups and downs of life.
Escape into another world
United by a deep passion for chamber music and musical connection, Ghost Trio are excited to play St Andrew’s on The Terrace during the venue’s popular Lunchtime Concert Series.
Wallace on breaking down walls
Future soul artist Wallace has just released her debut album And Other Colours, which she says has been there for some of the biggest moments of her life.
The return of Ziggy Stardust
Some of New Zealand’s greatest rock musicians are coming together to perform David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars in the album’s 50th year.
Dark pop for the midnight soul
Rising star Harper Finn will play a special show at Meow on the 11th of August to celebrate the release of his debut EP Newcomer.
Cuba gets classical
It’s time to experience classical music with a twist thanks to Classical on Cuba, a vibrant weekend festival that includes 100 shows, over 40 music groups, and 19 Cuba Street venues.
Deluxe done DIY
High-energy pop band Hans Pucket heads to San Fran to gear up for their new record, which has more technicolour production involved – a deluxe high-budget sound done DIY.
Bring your loud game
Prolific Kiwi musician Greg Johnson heads back to Meow with his band to play an edgy set filled with rocky numbers, tracks from his latest album Tilt Your Interior, and staples from a career spanning more than 30 years.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina – T-Bone y’all
T-Bone is “excited, elated, and extremely happy” for the upcoming release of their debut album Good ‘N Greasy, which they’ll serve rare and juicy to San Fran audiences on the 30th of June.
Is it your birthday?
Vera Ellen made her Flying Nun debut with It’s Your Birthday in October last year. Now, the Wellington and Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter is finally touring it.
Deceptive simplicity
Described as “a saxophonist and composer of rare excellence and mettle”, Lucien Johnson is currently touring the country with his talented jazz quartet. Audiences can expect to hear and see music that’s both terrific and out of the ordinary.
The stars have aligned
Kiwi music legends The Black Seeds are about to embark on their first national tour in five years in support of their first album since 2017, Love & Fire.
Five people having a jam
Fresh from a huge Aussie tour postponed not once, not twice, but five times, L.A.B is back in New Zealand to play TSB Arena on the first national Matariki public holiday.
Another layer of growth for Wiri Donna
Wellington-based Indie riff rock artist Wiri Donna is feeling a lot of excitement and a little bit of relief about the release of her debut EP Being Alone.
The world behind the work
Alt-indie musician Anthonie Tonnon is finally heading out on the Leave Love Out of this Tour with his latest album and full band in tow.
An intimate evening of stories and laughter
Ōtautahi-based singer-songwriter Lee Martin has just unveiled her new album Gypsy Soul, which she’ll perform at Meow on the 1st of May.
Peaceful and wild all at once
Country music star Jackie Bristow brings her fifth album Outsider to Petone this April.
The art and the people who make it
Local music series Pōneke Classical Sessions is back! Designed to make classical music accessible for wider audiences, the diverse programme will take place at Bedlam & Squalor on Cuba Street.
Jaz Paterson tours debut EP
Rising alt-indie-pop artist Jaz Paterson is set to perform Ache, which tracks the highs and lows of her early twenties, at Valhalla on the 31st of March.
Mentor and student become peers
Pianist Ingrid Schoenfeld and accordionist Jonathan Berkahn, a musical duo that began as mentor and student, will perform together at St Andrews on the Terrace.
Kendall Elise finds strength in vulnerability
Musician Kendall Elise is heading out on tour with her latest album Let The Night In, playing Moon in Newtown on the 11th of March.
Ainslie Allen tours new album Betty
“I feel it is time to share my own stories and sing my own songs”, country music singer Ainslie Allen says about her new album Betty, named after her nan.
Bassist pushes the boundaries
Bassist and composer Umar Zakaria will draw on the “powerful and engaging” rhythms of Malay music at his upcoming Wellington gig.
Lawrence Arabia Does Chant Darling
Alt-indie artist Lawrence Arabia tours his sophomore album Chant Darling, which is having its long-awaited vinyl release after a full eighth-of-a-century on the market.
An intimate evening with Jacquie
Join vocalist Jacquie Fee and organist Christopher Yeabsley at Ivy Bar and Cabaret for a night of smooth jazz and sharp laughs.
Join the Skramily
Soak in the good-time vibes, catchy melodies, and hectic rhythms of Wellington pop group Skram at San Fran this January.
Attention all bass-lovers
Presented by Church of Bass NZ, The Day Before Next Year is Wellington’s biggest multizone New Year’s Eve rave.
Mel Parsons carries on
After COVID delays, award-winning singer-songwriter Mel Parsons is finally setting out on her Carry On Single Release Tour.
Big feels from big feelers
Songwriters Finn Johansson and Emily Fairlight will share the stage at two/fiftyseven on Willis Street on the 4th of December for an evening of white-hot emotion.
How Jake Baxendale prepares to improvise
Pōneke saxophonist Jake Baxendale will champion improvisation in Striking Moments, coming to the Lovebite stage on the 11th of November.
New EP speaks of hope
Writer, musician, and photographer MaryJane Thomson’s forthcoming EP This Is How The Deaf Speak blends piano with spoken word to explore undiscovered frontiers and hope for a brighter day.
Expression painting the sky
Kiwi singer-songwriter Michael Llewellyn wrote his debut album Oh My Darling following a breakup and a neck injury. He’ll share the stories with us at Meow on the 30th of October.
A happy-sad combo album
The Phoenix Foundation’s Luke Buda has just released his first solo album in 12 years. He hopes you don’t cry too much at how awesome it is.
Forget your problems with Tidal Rave
Tidal Rave toured their new sophomore album for just one weekend before lockdown struck. Now, they’re back in Pōneke to play Albumette and help you shake off your worries for a while.
Moonlight Madness with Lou’ana
Lou’ana will present a cosmic cocktail of sweet and soulful at Meow on the 21st of August when she performs her 2020 album Moonlight Madness.
Yulia and Edith
Award-winning contralto Yulia steps back into the spotlight to honour French chanteuse Edith Piaf.
Grawlixes on their new album Love You to Death
Existential folk-pop band Grawlixes’ sophomore album feels like homesickness for a home that cannot be returned to and has the texture of magnolia petals after the rain.
Psychedelic improvisation
Local jazz trio The Stinging Nettles, which features musicians from Phoenix Foundation and Orchestra of Spheres, will play Lovebite on the 22nd of July.
Old songs, new memories
Mirroring the first tour she undertook solo in 2011, Hollie Fullbrook – aka Tiny Ruins – will perform her debut album Some Were Meant for Sea at San Fran in honour of its 10th anniversary.
Kiwi music legends celebrate a classic
Shihad’s Jon Toogood, Phoenix Foundation’s Luke Buda, Laughton Kora, and more will come together to perform Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Four EPs of life through the seasons
Multi-instrumental indie-folk artist and looping genius Graeme James is back in New Zealand with his new EP collection, which explores the emotional landscapes of autumn, winter, spring, and summer.
Go behind closed doors with KITA
Wellington psychedelic trio KITA’s debut album will magnify their experience of lockdown at San Fran this June.
Miles Calder snaps out of autopilot
Miles Calder is in the midst of a nationwide tour of his debut solo album Autopilot Life, written in the lead-up to the end of a long-term relationship.
The Pink Floyd Experience shine on
The Pink Floyd Experience will celebrate two of the band’s most revered albums, Animals and The Wall, when they play TSB Arena on the 29th of May.
Nadia Reid at a theatre near you
Off the back of her highly successful 2020 album Out of My Province, Nadia Reid and her band will play The Opera House as part of a seven-date nationwide theatre tour.
Bassist brings New York to Wellington
The Ollie Bomann Quartet will capture the spirit and freedom of New York’s jazz scene when they play Lovebite on the 29th of April.
The Chills are on fire
Dunedin cult rock band The Chills are back with their seventh studio album Scatterbrain. Catch them live in Kāpiti and Wellington this May.
The Veils to make a big ungodly racket
Veils frontman Finn Andrews chats to Regional News about getting the indie alt-rock band together to play The Opera House in their first New Zealand tour since 2017.
The Silver Beatlez bring back Beatlemania
Wellington-based tribute band The Silver Beatlez will perform a massive set of hits and deep cuts in Paraparaumu this month.
Wellington Sea Shanty Society to hark to the heave-ho
Set your sails for a salty singalong with the Wellington Sea Shanty Society and storyteller extraordinaire Louis Tait.
Lake South and Birdfeeder on course for a brilliant collision
DIY pop artist Lake South and south seas psych-pop trio Birdfeeder will perform a double header at St Peter’s Hall in Paekākāriki this March.
Leaving the news for the stage
After spending decades as a successful reporter for TVNZ, Ian Sinclair has left that life behind to pursue his passion for flamenco guitar.
Recklessly eclectic grooves from Krispy & The Pooch
Krispy & The Pooch have escaped the brutal Berlin winter to come back to New Zealand, where they’ll play their new EP Drop the Needle at Meow on the 18th of March.
SOL3 MIO to wow Wellington
Amitai Pati of the acclaimed operatic-pop trio SOL3 MIO talks touring and the year that has been.
Gerry Paul on writing music for kids
Gerry Paul and the Elephant Tree Band will play a wacky, wonderful family concert this New Zealand Fringe Festival.
A collaboration years in the making
After three years of anticipation, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra principal cello Andrew Joyce will join Camerata as the soloist for Joseph Haydn’s challenging Concerto No. 2 in D Major.
Elemeno P on massive NZ tour
Frontman Dave Gibson, who lived in NYC in the thick of COVID-19, says the best part of 2020 was the end of it – jumping on a plane back to New Zealand to tour with Elemeno P.
Barry Saunders and Delaney Davidson’s blood deal gets thicker
When Barry Saunders and Delaney Davidson first met, in a church, they joked about making a deal in blood. Speaking to me in the midst of another national tour, it’s clear the deal still stands.
Villainy to rock Wellington
Rock band Villainy shake up the status quo with their new EP Beggar.
New opera company set to soar
Wellington Opera will officially launch in April 2021 with Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
Something good will come our way
New Zealand music icon Bic Runga will perform six special concerts across the North Island this spring.
Reb Fountain to tour new album
Award-winning singer-songwriter Reb Fountain released her new self-titled album while New Zealand was in the thick of COVID-19.
JessB releases confident collection of high-class hip-hop
Auckland-based rapper JessB will launch her new mixtape 3 Nights in Amsterdam across Aotearoa this October. Recorded with local producers in the capital of the Netherlands, she calls the six-track work “a very high-energy project.”