Mac Summer
Mac Summer is a rising force in Liquid Drum & Bass, known for his intricate productions and electrifying live performances. Based in Auckland, he has built a dedicated following both in New Zealand and internationally, with standout tracks like “Suddenly The Rain” and “Hands In Our Tills” amassing over 450,000 streams.
Blending atmospheric textures with driving beats, Mac Summer crafts immersive soundscapes that captivate listeners. As his global presence grows and high-profile events loom, he continues to push the boundaries of the genre. Watch this space—his journey is just beginning.
Christina Perri
At the time of its release, Christina Perri was unsigned, sparking significant industry discussion as “Jar of Hearts” gained traction. The song resonated with critics and audiences alike, charting at #17 in the United States and #21 in Canada.
In its opening week, the song sold 47,500 downloads. When released in the UK in 2011, it peaked at #4 on the UK Singles Chart, spending an impressive 31 weeks in the Top 40 and 48 weeks in the Top 75. It was later certified Platinum for shipping 600,000 copies and ranked as the 11th best-selling single of 2011 in the UK.
Shihad
Shihad is the third full-length album by New Zealand rock icons, Shihad, released in September 1996 under Wildside Records.
Often referred to as “the fish album” due to its distinctive cover art, the record captures the band’s evolving sound, blending raw energy with melodic depth.
More than just a release, the album stands as a tribute to Gerald Dwyer, the band’s late manager and close friend, who passed away earlier that year. His influence and legacy remain deeply woven into Shihad’s history.
Supergroove
Traction is the debut album by New Zealand rock-funk powerhouse Supergroove, released in 1994 under RCA Records. The album made an explosive entrance, debuting at #1 on the National Album Charts and quickly achieving platinum status.
Driven by high-energy grooves and infectious hooks, ‘Traction’ became a defining record of the era, ultimately reaching five-times platinum certification.
Before recording their second album, the band saw a major lineup change with the departure of Che Fu. Despite the shift, Supergroove went on to release their final studio album, ‘Backspacer’, cementing their place in New Zealand music history.
Neil Finn
Tim Finn, Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn
Together in Concert: Live is a 2000 live album capturing the collaborative energy of Tim Finn, Bic Runga, and Dave Dobbyn during their Together in Concert tour.
Recorded across various venues in New Zealand throughout August and September 2000, the album showcases the trio performing each other’s songs, with all three providing vocal and instrumental backing.
The album debuted at #2 on the New Zealand charts, holding its position for an impressive 26 weeks. It later saw a UK release on 29 May 2007. Notably, an early iTunes listing mistakenly credited Tim Finn as “Tim Funn,” though this was later corrected.
Zed
Shihad - Killjoy
“Killjoy” is the second full-length album by New Zealand rock band Shihad, released in May 1995. It marked a significant step in their evolution, blending heavy riffs with atmospheric depth, setting them apart in the alternative rock scene.
The album became Shihad’s first to go gold in New Zealand and is widely regarded as a classic in the country’s rock history. Its influence extended beyond New Zealand, earning praise from Iggy Pop and members of Metallica, as reported by MTV, further cementing its status as a standout release.
Stellar*
Stellar* is a powerhouse New Zealand pop-rock band, fronted by vocalist Boh Runga, sister of acclaimed artist Bic Runga. With four RIANZ Top 10 singles—including the hit “Every Girl” peaking at #3—and two #1 albums, Stellar* became one of the defining acts of their era.
Their signature track, “Violent”, dominated the 2000 New Zealand Music Awards, winning Single of the Year and earning Runga the Best Songwriter award. Across their career, the band amassed an impressive seven NZ Music Awards, including Best Album for their debut, Mix.
Adam Lambert
Take One is the unofficial debut studio album by Adam Lambert, featuring pre-American Idol recordings from his time as a session musician. Though released after his breakthrough on Idol, the album offers a glimpse into Lambert’s early artistry and vocal range.
Released on November 17, 2009, ‘Take One’ found chart success, reaching #72 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and #6 on the U.S. Billboard Top Independent Albums, reflecting the growing demand for Lambert’s music following his rise to fame.
The Feelers
The Feelers burst onto the New Zealand music scene after signing with Warner Music, releasing their debut album Supersystem in 1998. The album soared to #1 on the New Zealand charts in September of that year and became the second best-selling album in the country.
At the 1999 New Zealand Music Awards, ‘Supersystem’ dominated, winning Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year (James Reid), Band of the Year, and Producer of the Year (The Feelers & Malcolm Welsford). The album’s impact extended to radio, with “Supersystem” becoming the most played song of 1998, followed by “Venus” achieving the same honour in 1999.
Tadpole
The Buddhafinger, the debut album from Tadpole, was released in mid-2000 and became an instant hit, debuting at #2 on the Official New Zealand Top 40 Albums chart.
Blending alternative rock with pop-punk energy, ‘The Buddhafinger’ stood out with its distinctive sound, featuring DJ Kritikl (Kevin May) on vinyl scratching across most tracks.
In August 2002, Tadpole followed up with The Medusa, another Top 10 hit. In contrast to The Buddhafinger’s high-energy hooks, ‘The Medusa’ explored a darker, more intense sonic direction.
The D4
The D4 was a high-energy rock band from Auckland, New Zealand, known for their raw garage-rock sound. Their music was released by Hollywood Records (U.S.), Flying Nun Records (NZ), and Infectious Records (UK).
Formed in late 1998 by Dion Palmer and Jimmy Christmas, the band built a reputation with their explosive live shows, starting at Frisbee Leisure Lounge parties and inner-city pub gigs.
Their energy landed them on major festival stages, including Big Day Out and SXSW in Austin, Texas, where they introduced international audiences to their blistering sound.
Garageland
Garageland is a New Zealand indie rock band formed in Auckland in 1992, signed to the iconic Flying Nun Records. Drawing inspiration from bands like Pixies, Pavement, The Clean, and The Velvet Underground, they earned critical acclaim in the UK and U.S. for their sharp, hook-driven sound.
Their name pays tribute to The Clash, taken from the song “Garageland.” Over the years, they built a strong reputation for crafting infectious indie rock, including their 1998 non-album single “Feel Alright,” which featured John Cale of The Velvet Underground on piano.
‘Scorpio Righting’ continued their tradition of well-crafted, melodic songwriting, further cementing their place as one of New Zealand’s most beloved indie acts.
Headless Chickens
“George” is a 1994 single by New Zealand rock band Headless Chickens. Released as a double A-side with the Eskimos in Egypt Mix of their 1991 hit “Cruise Control,” the song became a massive success in their home country.
It spent four weeks at #1 on the New Zealand charts between 1994 and 1995 and earned a Gold certification from RIANZ (now Recorded Music NZ). The single also saw release in Australia, where it reached #67 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
Flying Nun
Tim Finn
Tim Finn OBE (born 25 June 1952) is a legendary New Zealand singer-songwriter and musician. Best known as a founding member of Split Enz, his career spans successful solo albums, collaborations with his brother Neil Finn in Crowded House and Finn Brothers, and a lasting influence on New Zealand music.
His 2001 album Feeding the Gods showcased his sharp songwriting and dynamic energy, with mixes handled by Malcolm Welsford. The album captured Finn’s signature storytelling, blending introspection with powerful melodies.
Tadpole
The Medusa is the second studio album by New Zealand rock band Tadpole, released on September 15, 2002. Recorded between late 2001 and early 2002, the album was produced by Malcolm Welsford through Antenna Recordings.
Upon release, ‘The Medusa’ debuted at #10 on the New Zealand Top 40 Albums chart, spending a total of nine weeks on the charts and marking the band’s second album to break into the top 10.
Indicator Dogs
Indicator Dogs was formed in 1997 in New Zealand by Dan Young (guitar) and Val Hunting (bass). Their early demos and electrifying live performances quickly caught the attention of award-winning producer Malcolm Welsford, who recognized their unique sound and offered to produce their debut album.
Their first album, Anschluss, was released through independent label Antenna Records and distributed by EMI. The album received critical acclaim, earning a nomination for Best Rock Release and solidifying the band’s reputation for intense, dynamic rock.
ENZSO
ENZSO was a groundbreaking orchestral project led by former Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner, blending the grandeur of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra with contemporary pop vocalists to reimagine Split Enz classics.
The idea was born from Rayner’s desire to give the band’s songs a new life through orchestral arrangements. Working alongside Dave Woodcock, he crafted the arrangements on his synthesiser before approaching Mark Keyworth of the NZSO, who enthusiastically agreed to bring the vision to life.
The London Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones was digitally recorded and mixed in Dolby Surround™ Sound at Metropolis Studios, London, between January 13 – February 15, 1994.
The London Symphony Orchestra was recorded earlier, on January 10 – 12, 1994, at Air Lyndhurst Studios, London.
Additional recording sessions took place in multiple locations worldwide:
- Michael Hutchence – Metropolis Studios, Melbourne
- Mick Jagger – Ocean Way Studios, Los Angeles
- Jerry Hadley – Soundtracks Studios, New York
- Maire Brennan, Marianne Faithfull, Gilbert Biberian, and The Ibstock Place School Singers – Metropolis Studios, London
EMMA PAKI
Emma Paki made an unforgettable entrance into the New Zealand music scene with her debut single “System Virtue”, earning Best Songwriter at the 1993 RIANZ New Zealand Music Awards.
The song’s visually striking music video, directed by Josh Frizzell and Matt Noonan, won Best Video at the same awards and became the most-played New Zealand music video of 1994, cementing her place as a defining voice in Kiwi music.
Pacifier - Live
Pacifier Live is a live album by Shihad (then performing as Pacifier), recorded during their August 2003 New Zealand tour.
Released on November 23, 2003, via WEA, the album was issued as a 2×CD set, with an exclusive limited edition run of 1000 vinyl copies. ‘Pacifier Live’ captured the band’s raw, high-energy performance and reached the top 10 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.
Bike
Andrew Brough was a revered singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Dunedin, New Zealand. Best known for his work with Straitjacket Fits, he later formed Bike, delivering his signature melodic sound with the 1997 album Take in the Sun.
The album showcased Brough’s shimmering guitar work and ethereal vocals, earning critical acclaim. In 1996, he was shortlisted for the APRA Silver Scroll, and in 2008, he was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the country’s alternative rock scene.
Brough’s influence remains deeply felt, with ‘Take in the Sun’ standing as a testament to his songwriting brilliance.
Shihad - Churn
Churn is the debut album by Shihad, released on 12 July 1993 in New Zealand via Wildside Records and later in Europe on 25 June 1994 through Modern Music.
As of August 2014, Shihad held the record for the most Top 40 singles by any New Zealand artist, with 25 charting songs, including three top ten hits. Their singles “Home Again”, “Pacifier”, and “Bitter” were featured in Nature’s Best, the official list of New Zealand’s Top 100 songs, ranking at #30, #60, and #83, respectively.
EIGHT
Breathe
Breathe was a Wellington-based rock band that emerged in the mid-1990s, formed by Andrew Tilby (vocals, guitar), Richard Small (guitar, vocals), Pet Johnson (bass), Steve Gallagher (keyboards), and Guy Fisher (drums).
The band was founded by Hutt Valley school friends Small, Tilby, Fisher, and Gallagher, later joined by Johnson. Their album Don’t Stop The Revolution was recorded in Karekare, the same location where Crowded House recorded Together Alone, adding to its rich musical legacy.
OpShop
Opshop is a New Zealand rock band formed in 2002. They released their debut album, You Are Here, in 2004, followed by Second Hand Planet in 2007. Their third album, Until The End of Time, debuted at #1 on the New Zealand Album Charts in 2010.
In 2008, Opshop won the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll for Song of the Year with their hit “One Day.” Frontman Jason Kerrison later gained national recognition as the Tuatara on The Masked Singer NZ, winning the first season.
Second Child
Second Child stood out in Auckland’s early 1990s rock scene with their intricate, almost progressive take on alternative rock. Their lineup evolved around core members Damien Binder and Chris van de Geer, who pursued a more melody-driven approach on their 1996 album, Slinky.
Both Binder and van de Geer went on to long careers in music, with Second Child’s best songs capturing their evolution as songwriters. The band’s work also provides an early glimpse into van de Geer’s future as a respected studio engineer and producer.
THE EXPONENTS
Thorazine Shuffle
Thorazine Shuffle carved out a unique space in Auckland’s mid-90s indie rock scene, blending the raw energy of The Who and The Rolling Stones with the grunge-infused intensity of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins.
Frontman Hetherington’s lyrics were known for their provocative edge, with tracks like “Happy Camper,” “Queer,” and “Wank” sparking discussion. Despite lineup changes in the rhythm section, the band maintained a hard-hitting live presence, earning them international support slots for Helmet, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fugazi, and Grant Lee Buffalo.
With searing, rock-fueled pop hooks, Thorazine Shuffle became indie guitar heroes of Auckland’s 90s scene, delivering music that was as powerful as it was original.
The Bats
The Bats are an influential New Zealand rock band formed in 1982 in Christchurch by Paul Kean (bass), Malcolm Grant (drums), Robert Scott (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), and Kaye Woodward (lead guitar, vocals).
Although primarily based in Christchurch, The Bats are closely associated with the Dunedin Sound, a movement that shaped New Zealand’s alternative rock scene in the 1980s. Remarkably, the band has maintained its original four-member lineup since its inception, a testament to their enduring creative chemistry.
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