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.
Christchurch alt-rock trio active 1989–1998. Fronted by Simon Maclaren (vocals/guitar) with Angela “Floss” Leslie (bass) and Jason Young (drums). Released two Flying Nun albums — Cakehole (1995) and Showered in Gold (1997) — plus numerous EPs. Reunited in 2024; released Lost Demos 12″ on Acrid Plume Records in 2025.
Christchurch indie-pop trio formed in the early 2000s by three-quarters of The Bats, with guitarist Kaye Woodward stepping up as principal songwriter and vocalist. Rooted in the jangle-pop of the Dunedin Sound. Debut album Bounce Around (2008, Pocket Music); a follow-up album is mastered and awaiting release.
Christchurch-born singer-songwriter James Milne recording under the name Lawrence Arabia. Indie pop shaped by 1960s classicism, wry storytelling, and sophisticated arrangements. APRA Silver Scroll winner (2009, ‘Apple Pie Bed’) and inaugural Taite Music Prize recipient (2010, Chant Darling). Five solo albums on Lil Chief, Honorary Bedouin, Bella Union, and Flying Nun.