As we discussed in our city guide to Auckland New Zealand makes for an attractive holiday destination.
And we weren’t even talking about those picturesque snow-laden mountain images. NZ is close, affordable and we share enough music history to know they’ve got plenty of talent.
While a stop in Wellington is necessary as far as the country’s music scenes go most would probably pick Auckland over the capital. That’s understandable, but there’s still plenty in Wellington for music travellers to discover and a plethora of local talent that’s just waiting to be unearthed.
While Wellington has transitioned through numerous genre phases over the years the two that are most internationally known have been inspired by the alt. rock of Shihad’s rise in the 90s and Fat Freddy’s Drop’s roots-reggae run in the noughties.
Those bands remain active and traces of their influence are still undoubtedly present, but there is a rich source of eclectic musical depth throughout the city’s music scene.
One that has started to emerge of the past few years is the electronic musings of bedroom producers. It’s a trend that has almost certainly cropped up around the entire globe.
Locally Skymning is one of the best examples (we’ve written more about him below). He testifies to the scenes growth in an interview with Under The Radar while he also labels Wellington’s music scene as “interesting”.
“The electronic production scene has definitely grown even in the few years I’ve been doing it” he says before calling for venues to cater for the genre after the closure of Puppies and Mighty Mighty.
While the closure of such venues is a problem that both countries are more than familiar with Wellington still has much to celebrate in terms of its music scene.
Here’s ten recommendations you should check out while you’re in town.
Head To San Fran For Local And International Gigs
171 Cuba St.
Straight up this venue boasts that it’s Wellington’s best music venue “Hosting the greatest local and international live bands, DJ’s and comedians. Award winning hospitality. See you soon..” That’s a lot of bravado but San Fran actually lives up to their own hype. Full name The San Francisco Bath House actually has a pretty decent menu too. They play host to free live music from time to time while some of the best local and international acts crop up here regularly.
Experience The Best Kiwi Folk At Wellington Folk Festival
Know for short as WellyFest this event has been held every Labour weekend in Wainuiomata, a short drive from Wellington, for 50 years. Over that time they’ve represented a large slice of New Zealand’s folk music history by providing a stage for the best up and coming and established acts of the genre. Attracting around 500 people each year the festival allows for a laid back atmosphere to experience quality music in.
Head To Rough Peel For All Your Vinyl Needs
140 Vivian St.
The store was originally Real Groovy Record Store in Christchurch, after the devastating earthquake of 2011 the owners packed up and moved to Wellington. Their new incarnation provided them with a fresh start, but they still provide an impeccable selection of new and used vinyl goods, CDs, DVDs and books. They stock a wide variety of genres and are seven days a week including a 7pm finish on Fridays.
See Black City Lights Play A Hometown Show
Garnering hype after touring with the likes of Grimes, Baths and Van She and releasing their 2012 debut EP, Parallels, Calum Robb and Julia Catherine Parr have been busy in 2014 as they continue to promote last year’s debut album, Another Life. With dark intimidating synths and Parr’s commanding vocals the duo are currently one of NZ’s most interesting acts on the scene.
Catch The Biggest Acts At Bodega
101 Ghuznee St.
You’ll probably be in the CBD anyway so you’ve got no excuse in missing out on Wellington’s “premier music venue and bar”. Known locally as an institution for over 22 years the venue may have transferred its location from a heritage building to a concrete establishment but it’s still home to local and international acts that put on some of the city’s biggest gigs.
Vinyl Hunters, Lo-Cost Records Have Got You Covered
147 Jackson St.
Located just outside of Wellington in Petone and accessible online as Moonhop Records the physical establishment has been around since 1991. Since then they’ve been one of the go to places for vinyl, CDs, posters, t-shirts, cassettes and anything else in-between. They promise you’ll need “more than an hour to view our stock!”
Hear The Beautiful Sounds Of Skymning Live
This 20-year-old bedroom producer is responsible for some very delicate and beautiful beats. He provides an ambience that is best suited to a rainy day and cold weather. With a few Bandcamp EPs to his name the Skymning is said to be working on a physical release, here’s hoping we get to here it soon.
Share Your Food And Catch Local Acts At Matterhorn
106 Cuba St.
This popular venue isn’t a stranger to being packed out come the setting of the sun. But thankfully it provides three different spaces that allow a little room to breathe. The long bar, dining room and garden all have a fairly relaxed atmosphere while the kitchen is responsible for some scrumptious tapas. Quality local acts play here across each weekend.
Drop Some Cash At Slow Boat, The City’s Oldest Indie Record Store
183 Cuba St.
Situated in the downtown CBD area Slow Boat has forever been a favourite of local music enthusiasts. And as the city’s oldest independent record store that comes as little surprise. With a large selection of CDs, vinyls, 78s, 45s, tapes, videos, posters and DVDs Slow Boat is regularly home to the newest and best releases from around the globe. With 17 years of history behind them there’s no better hands to leave your vinyl discovery in.
Check Out Lontalius Live In His Hometown
While there are several acts we could have included in this list our decision was easier much in thanks to Eddie Johnston’s brilliant cover of Beyoncé’s ‘Mine’ the highlight of last year’s self titled release. Thankfully though the musician has some quality lo-fi tunes of introspection, which backs up our decision to include him over his compatriots. Just click through to the Soundcloud link we’ve provided above to hear the proof.
