Auckland psychedelic rock duo formed c.2009 by Matthew Paul and Eammon Logan. Known for blending Flying Nun jangle-pop with krautrock, drone, and 1960s psychedelia. Released two albums on Arch Hill Recordings and Flying Nun Records, with mastering by Sonic Boom of Spacemen 3.
She’s Insane were a punk and alternative rock band from Christchurch, New Zealand, active throughout the 1990s, who won the Rejuvenation Battle of the Bands in 1997 and became the most requested band on Christchurch’s RDU radio station in 1998.
Dunedin bassist, guitarist, and songwriter at the heart of New Zealand’s underground music scene since the late 1970s. Co-founder of the Every Secret Thing cassette label and fanzine, bassist in The Clean, and frontman of The Bats.
The Chills, led by Martin Phillips, were a seminal New Zealand band central to the Dunedin Sound. Formed in 1980. Despite struggles, including the death of drummer Martyn Bull and Phillips’ drug dependency and health issues, they continued producing acclaimed albums until Phillips’ unexpected passing in 2024.
#thechills #martinphillips #nzmusic
Arclife Records was an excellent ‘home-grown’ independent label formed by the Arclife Trust, an arts organization that formed out of the Arc Cafe in central Dunedin.
The label had a strong, tight-knit community of local Dunedin groups on its roster – many of whom had moved on from the by-then Auckland based Flying Nun Records.
#nzmusic #arcliferecords
The Great Unwashed were a quieter, folkier edition of The Clean, a contrast to their raucous earlier sound. Peter Gutteridge’s contributions to their song-book should not be understated, with ‘Born in the wrong time’ an absolute classic.
#nzmusic #greatunwashed #theclean
The Alpaca Brothers were a short lived noisy post-punk band from Dunedin formed by Bruce Blucher and Nick Wilkinson in 1984, with a young Steve Cournane soon joining as drummer. The group disbanded after releasing a single EP for Flying Nun, but miraculously resurfaced recently (after a 36 year absence) with a new album.
#nzmusic #alpacabrothers
Recorded in a typically DIY fashion and released straight to cassette in 1989, this rucous live album features a stellar band line-up. Bob Scott was joined by future 3D Dave Saunders (just arrived in Dunedin), Australian guitarist / vocalist Ken Stewart, former-Chill Alan Haig on the drums, and billed as a special guest on organ; Peter Gutteridge – just prior to the release of his incredible solo album ‘Pure’.
#mrbignose
Flashback to my 2002 review of The Clean’s ‘Anthology’ (2002, Flying Nun Records, FN468, a double CD monster packed to the brim with material from The Clean’s early and mid-period releases.
#nzmusic #theclean #anthology #flyingnun
Edmund Cake is the quirky alias of talented Auckland-based musician and producer Edmund McWilliams – or at least it was for his 2004 album ‘Downtown Puff’. McWilliams has made his name with the brilliant trio Bressa Creeting Cake and as a producer to the likes of the Finn brothers, Anika Moa and Bic Runga.
#nzmusic #edmundcake #bressacreetingcake #piewarmer #rikstarrr
Dunedin 4-piece indie-rock outfit with a sound heavily indebted to the classic early Flying Nun groups. Self-released a couple albums and toured with support from A Low Hum before ending in 2009.
#nzmsuci #onanon
Bohemian Cafe that was one of the very few late night spots in Christchurch during the late 1970’s through to early 1980s. The Clean filmed the music video for notable early single ‘Beatnik’ here in 1982. The Volkswagens played here regularly, along with the likes of The Topp Twins (as 17 year olds!), and various other folk performers.
#nzmusic #nzvenues #theclean #beatnik #thevolkswagons #topptwins
The Gordons appeared out of (almost) nowhere in March 1980 to take the mantel of Christchurch’s (and soon New Zealand’s) loudest band; however they were more than just loud. It’s the songs they created during their initial year and a half run that have fuelled the legend of the Gordons. Through blistering feedback and propulsive bass come visions of a dystopian future, and anti-regime anthems.
#nzmusic #thegordons #bailterspace
Flashback to the Flying Nun Records 30th Birthday show, November 26th, 2011 at the CPIT Students Association with The Clean, The Subliminals and T54.
#nzmusic #flyingnun #t54 #thesubliminals #theclean
The Cartilage Family were a short-lived Dunedin group featuring Peter Gutteridge (and a bunch of his best early songs), Shayne Carter, Lesley Paris and Francisca Griffin. No official recordings exist and they only performed live twice; but the Cartilage Family were an important stepping stone for New Zealand Music.