Anybody else have a band that they just Really Got Into when they got a Big Crush because something happened to connect those two things like you danced with them to song at a school social or something and now they are inextricably linked forever?
This breakthrough band have been a favourite of mine over the past year. I can't get over the contrast of their mellow moody lyrics against their upbeat 80's synth sounds. Honestly anything that makes me feel like I'm in a John Hughes film is going to be a favourite. It's been incredible seeing them perform and grow over the past year, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this local Auckland band. One of my favourite sets of theirs has to be their show on the Thunderdome stage during Laneway in January. Their beats echoed throughout the lanes of Albert Park under the prettiest trees, shading the crowd from the heat of summer. It was so serene (despite the huge crowd) and it was the perfect match for their Indie Alt sound.
Top Pick: Two Angels
Lorde
I remember first hearing Lorde when she had just dropped a Soundcloud EP titled The Love Club, ever since then I've been inspired and mesmerised by her music and personality. This girl has such a beautiful mind and I always enjoy hearing what stories she has to share. Each of her releases remind me of different moments I experienced during different time periods in my life which I will cherish for a long time. It's incredible how music holds memories better than my mind can. Lorde is the second artist in my top 5 I haven't seen perform but I can imagine she's just as good live.
Top Pick: The Love Club
Marlon Williams
The first time I saw Marlon Williams live was at the Villa Maria Winery earlier this year and ever since then I haven’t stopped listening to his music. I was a bit late to the band wagon but luckily I have friends with good music taste to push me in the right direction. I will never forget my friends and I dancing under the moonlight to Party Boy after a few wines. It was truly such a special experience and honestly,we are so lucky to have such exquisite musicians here in New Zealand. The lyrics and soul throughout Marlon’s music are so outstanding and thoughtful. I am constantly kicking myself for not listening to his music earlier on but very thankful to be listening to his music now. If you’re into Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala or Jeff Buckley make this your sign to give Marlon Williams a listen.
Top Pick: Party Boy
Braves
Growing up is always rough, especially if you lived in Christchurch, but my spirit was always lifted when I could count down to a live show, it made the rough days so much easier to handle. When I moved to Auckland in 2014 I was excited to check out the local shows again but I had no idea where to start as Ding Dong lounge caught me a little off guard at the age 18. I finally made it to a Neck Deep show there in 2014 with a close friend and was introduced to the Auckland scene as local band, Braves, were opening. The positive energy was contagious and the community was so welcoming. If it wasn’t for one of my mates asking me to hit up this gig with her I wouldn’t have all the friendships and relationship I have to this day. It’s been so incredible sharing so many memories with friends and family while jamming out to Braves tracks over the past few years. A stand out moment for me was definitely the last tour with Australian band, Bukowski and long as list of NZ bands including - NPETBS, Mishap, Rich James, Swizl Jager, Fire For Glory, Melanie, Banks Arcade, Pale Lady and Right Seater. Every show was so welcoming, and there were so many good memories made. RIP.
Top Pick: Euphoria
Elemeno P
Around 2005 I remember sneaking up the stairs to my mums bedroom just so I could jam out to C4 without anyone yelling at me to turn it off or down. My older sister would always jam to their tracks on the radio when she would take me for drives, and as a 9 year old I thought they were so bad ass. There was no stopping me when it came to bands like Elemeno P, Good Charlotte and Goodnight Nurse. Their guitars, drums and occasionally moody lyrics fueled my angsty youth. Their entire Love & Disrespect album is still so damn good and I have continued listening to it throughout my youth and into my twenties. Trouble In Paradise is also such a killer album too, and I will probably never stop annoying people when the time hits 11:57. It would have been insane seeing these guys live, but like all these artists listed, I am so thankful for all the memories and experiences I have had while listening to their melodies and lyrics. If I could time travel back to the early 2000’s and create an All Ages line up it would definitely be Elemeno P, Goodnight Nurse and Steriogram. Kiwi classics maaate.
Top Pick: One Left Standing
