Neo-folk and dark pop artist from Gippsland, Australia, based in New Zealand. Their trio of albums — The Licking of a Tangerine (2021), Dog (2023), and I Want to Rock and Roll (2025, Flying Nun) — trace a path through visceral, haunting folk music and bold psychedelic pop.
Quirky two-room bar built into the hillside of Lyttelton, opened in 1991 by German publican Jörg Schwarz with a distinctly Berlin-influenced interior. One of the port town’s best-loved live music venues.
Wellington seven-piece indie pop and psych-folk band who released two albums on Arch Hill Recordings: Come Howling (2009) and Spirit Lights (2011). Known for their orchestral arrangements, the band wove guitars, organs, piano, synth, and autoharp into lush, expansive soundscapes.
FLASHBACK to January 2012 — six galleries of photos and a full write-up from Day One of Camp A Low Hum 2012 at Camp Wainui, Wainuomata.
Auckland electropop singer-songwriter Chelsea Nikkel, recording as Princess Chelsea on Lil’ Chief Records. Her four albums — from Lil’ Golden Book (2011) to Everything Is Going To Be Alright (2022) — blend satirical wit with maximalist chamber pop. Winner of the 2023 Taite Music Prize.
Wellington experimental trio combining Synthi AKS synthesis, throat singing and turntables in dense improvisational soundscapes.
Ngāpuhi singer-songwriter whose alt-folk, country, and Pacific pop-tinged music is rooted in the Kaipara and her whakapapa. Her two Flying Nun albums — Venus Is Home (2022) and Not Your Cupid (2023) — established her as one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive voices.
Wellington sludge metal band whose 2019 album IV debuted at number one on the NZ Albums Chart.
Auckland indie and pop-punk four-piece who released their debut EP on Arch Hill Recordings in 2012, followed by the album Grom Warfare in 2014. Known for their high-energy live shows and sun-soaked guitar pop.
Auckland indie folk project who released the album FLAWS in 2012 before evolving into Farah Loux. Active in the Auckland independent music scene of the early 2010s.
FLASHBACK to June 2008 — Borderline Ballroom at the Christchurch Media Club with performances from Black Boned Angel, Sandoz Lab Technicians, Alex McKinnion and Lee Noyes.
Wellington electronic pop duo Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce, whose albums have been released on Flying Out and UK label Melodic.
New Zealand sister duo Clementine and Valentine Nixon — great-granddaughters of Scottish folk musician Davie Stewart — whose devotional dream pop spans Not Not Fun Records and Flying Nun. Albums: Eternal Delight (2016) and Perfumed Earth (2019). Now also recording as Clementine Valentine.
A roundup of recent updates: 18 new and refreshed artist profiles, a new Musician Index under Resources, and the brand-new thebigcity.co.nz: Radio! streaming playlist.
Wellington neo-folk musician Sean Kelly, who has performed alongside Grizzly Bear and Jónsi.