The Wait
New Zealand band active in the mid-1980s, releasing two EPs on Ode Records including the radio-played ‘The Burma Road’. Members went on to form the Dough Boys and The Reactions.
Artists
The Same
Dunedin school punk group formed over Labour Weekend 1978 by Martin Phillips (The Chills), Jeff Batts, Craig Easton (The Verlaines) and Alistair Dunn. Three songs written by Phillips for The Same became The Chills’s contribution to the famed Dunedin Double compilation.
The Spirals
Wellington pop group active 1989–1992, fronted by vocalist Belinda Bradley. Known for lush, melodic rock with saxophone and keyboard textures, they released two 1989 singles and the 1992 BMG single Normal before going on hiatus. Reunited in 2025 for their first show together in 30 years.
DOG Power
Christchurch duo formed in 2017 by vocalist Sam Perry and Henry Nicol, blending experimental textures, 1980s pop aesthetics, and cinematic electronics. Released a self-titled debut on Flying Nun Records in 2018 before relocating to Serbia.
Surf Friends
Auckland psych-surf duo formed in 2009 by Brad Coley and Pete Westmoreland. Drawing on the jangle-pop heritage of Flying Nun bands, they blend driving guitars, drum machines and synth loops into a sun-baked wash of post-punk and surf psychedelia. Released on Powertool Records and Flying Nun Records.
Kane Strang
Dunedin indie-rock and lo-fi pop musician who rose to international attention with his debut album Blue Cheese (2016) on Ba Da Bing Records and Flying Nun. His 2017 follow-up Two Hearts and No Brain on Dead Oceans drew widespread critical praise. He also performs as part of the trio Office Dog.
Sharpie Crows
Auckland post-punk and noise rock band who released two albums on Flying Nun Records: Nostalgia Kills (2012) and 12 Omeros (2013). Known for their confrontational live shows and sardonic take on suburban New Zealand life.
avoid!avoid
Auckland krautrock and psychedelic trio, active from 2015. Members Brendan Moran, Sonya Waters, and Stephen Reay released the Low Earth Orbit EP and the album Particle and Wave through Flying Nun Records.
Ringlets
Auckland post-punk quartet formed in 2021, signed to Flying Nun Records and Leather Jacket Records. Known for their energetic, intelligent sound and acclaimed debut and sophomore albums.
Vera Ellen
Wellington indie rock singer-songwriter on Flying Nun Records. Winner of the 2024 Taite Music Prize for Ideal Home Noise. Albums include It’s Your Birthday (2021), Ideal Home Noise (2023), and Heaven Knows What Time (2026).
Psych Tigers
Christchurch bedroom pop project of teenage musician Sam Perry, who went on to front Zen Mantra and join Yumi Zouma before forming DOG Power with Henry Nicol.
Reb Fountain
Reb Fountain is an American-born New Zealand singer-songwriter raised in Christchurch, blending folk, country and pop-rock across a career that spans three decades, most notably winning the 2021 Taite Music Prize with her Flying Nun Records debut Reb Fountain.
Pearly
Pearly are a Dunedin (Ōtepoti) indie rock band who released their debut vinyl EP Pearly* EP in 2024 through trace/untrace, followed by their album Not So Sweet in 2025.
Heka
Heka is a New Zealand duo comprising Stephen Kilroy and Heath Te Au, who released their debut album Last Spiritual Gas Station Before The End Of Civilisation on Arclife Records in 2004.
Wax Chattels
Wax Chattels are an Auckland trio making confrontational, guitar-less post-punk, who released their self-titled debut album in 2018 through New York label Captured Tracks to international acclaim.