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Propeller

Propeller Records

Simon Griggs’ mighty fine Propeller Records – was (along with Ripper Records) the label that kicked off New Zealand’s independent record scene with an absolute hoard of excellent singles through the first few years of the 1980s.

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Future Stupid

Formed in Christchurch, but soon moved to Auckland hard-rock outfit from the mid-late 90s. Led by guitarist / vocalist Tony Hallum and a procession of supporting players including drums Jason Young (Loves Ugly Children) and Dave Toland (They Were Expendable).

Released a self-titled EP and an album on Felix Records – a sub-label of well-known Auckland-based hard-rock indie Wildside Records. The single and music video ‘Big Dumb Future’ featured a guest rap by MC Rhythm Slave.

Miltown Stowaways

Miltown Stowards were a short-lived Auckland pop group with ska, jazz and funk overtones that featured Fiona Anderson (who later became the head of Vodafone NZ), Brent ‘Sid’ Pasley, Kelly Rogers, Grant Hewson, Mark Dansey and Benny Staples. Known for fantastic live energy.

Ripper Records

Legendary and short-lived indie punk label that debuted right on the cusp of the New Zealand underground explosion (i.e. they predate and are noted as a precursor to Flying Nun). Ripper was basically where New Zealand punk first surfaced with the likes of the Suburban Reptiles, the fleetingly popular Swingers, Scavengers etc – basically the cream of the early New Zealand punk scene.

Techtones

4-piece early 80’s group from Auckland. Key single ‘That Girl’ is a slice of British-style power-pop:

Put out some sought after releases on the iconic Ripper and Propeller labels in the early 1980’s and were included in Propeller’s terrific ‘Doobie Do Disc’ and ‘It’s bigger than the both of us (NZ Singles 1979-82)’ compilations.

Juricevich and Roach came from 2nd gen punk outfit Sheerlux (previously the Stimulators), Chris Burt would go on to join the Stridulators and work with the Headless Chickens, and Solomon would go on to form The Rapture.

Semi Lemon Kola

Auckland based outfit started their time at the end of the eighties with a post shoe-gazey british sound. The band featured Tosh Graham – vocals, Rob Young – bass, Deryck Hunt – drums, Gareth Price – guitar. The band have… Read More »Semi Lemon Kola

Spelling Mistakes

[The Spelling Mistakes ‘Feel So Good/Hate Me Hate/I Hate’] tied for first single [with The Features recorded debut]…also sold around a thousand and briefly broke even until Phonogram heard it and asked for their compilation advance cheque back..oh well. –… Read More »Spelling Mistakes

Newtones

Ground Breaking Christchurch Exponents Of Melodic Tinged Rock, Sort Of New Wave For The Time (1981-3). The Newtones Featured Tony Peak On Guitar And Vocals, Mark Brooks On Bass And Vocals And Graeme Van Der Colk On Drums, Replaced By… Read More »Newtones

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Andrew Boake, Mark, Carl And Paul. Discography Can We Get Away With It? [Live Recording 1983 Propeller Rev208] Links BandCamp Page LastFM Photo’s on Flickr