thebigcity

c artists

Princess Chelsea

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.

a artists

All Seeing Hand

Wellington experimental trio combining Synthi AKS synthesis, throat singing and turntables in dense improvisational soundscapes.

b artists

Erny Belle

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.

b artists

Beastwars

Wellington sludge metal band whose 2019 album IV debuted at number one on the NZ Albums Chart.

b artists

Beach Pigs

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.

a artists

Alaska!

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.

g artists

Glass Vaults

Wellington electronic pop duo Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce, whose albums have been released on Flying Out and UK label Melodic.

p artists

Purple Pilgrims

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.

s artists

Seth Frightening

Wellington neo-folk musician Sean Kelly, who has performed alongside Grizzly Bear and Jónsi.

l artists

Loves Ugly Children

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.

m artists

Minisnap

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.

l artists

Lawrence Arabia

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.