Leave your sheep jokes behind, don’t make fun of the accent and forget the cross-Tasman rivalry. You’ve seen Lord Of The Rings, heard about the bungee jumping and realised how cheap and close New Zealand is. It’s an attractive holiday destination for sure.
There’s little doubt that after you’ve seen the spectacular mountains and hiked for days that you’ll be yearning for a little bit of urbanisation as you recover from your New Zealand adventure.
Not to rest to easy though, Auckland has a music scene which goes beyond the knowledge of Tim and Neil Finn and the legendary bands they’ve been in.
As New Zealand’s largest city those looking for night-life will find it best here. Situated in different pockets of the city, head to Viaduct Harbour, Parnell, Ponsonby or central Auckland if you’re ready for a few drinks.
Lovers of dance music will be in their element in Auckland, which is dominated by electronic music and a healthy DJ community.
If find yourself to be a keen party goer, you should be buoyed by the fact that some clubs stay open for 24 hours.
The rise of club culture first began in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until the 90s that it was truly established.
Likewise, it was in the 1980s that music festivals began to become more prominent in New Zealand. It’s fair to say that Kiwis have a unique relationship with music festivals with most of the famous and successful ones being one-offs. The most notable is 1979’s Nambassa, which saw 75,000 music fans come out for the peace-preaching fest. That level of attendance means that Nambassa was, per capita, the world’s largest festival of its type.
Apart from multi-day fests, nowadays there is a prominent hip-hop and independent music presence in the city. While you may not hear about Kiwi music outside of Kimbra or Split Enz, there are plenty of great musicians in the city, although international success isn’t all that common.
Hip-hop has become hugely successful in recent years, especially amongst the Māori and Islander youth. The sub-genre of Urban Pasifika has come as a result, with considerable success being achieved by local artists such as David Dallas, Young Sid and Savage.
Just as the local hip-hop artists have put their own spin on the American genre, much of Auckland and New Zealand’s artists take international music and put a Kiwi spin on it.
The indie music scene in Auckland is home to cherished local acts such as The Ruby Suns, Lawrence Arabia, The Vietnam War and The Naked and Famous. All of which are a testament to this flourishing scene.
Auckland, with its modern urbanisation, takes its cultural cues from the Pacific and with traditional Māori influences mixed in, the artists here have a variety options to take inspiration from.
While the independent music scene might seem small in comparison to other cities around the world, it is thriving here as well as any other.
For a city that has over a million people, there is a huge variety of venues to experience live music in.
With a large population of students coming from regional areas, there is an ever-present need to cater for the young population’s thirst for nightlife and entertainment.
It’s a need that is obviously well catered for as Auckland has been listed as one of world’s best party towns and with good reason to.
The bars, the clubs, the cafes and the music in Auckland are well suited for youth clientele that are looking for a good time.
Auckland Festivals/Conferences
St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival: While Big Day Out may not run a Kiwi event anymore, the NZ leg of Laneway continues to grow since it first extended it’s event to Auckland in 2010. Held at Silo Park on the waterfront, the 2012 event drew an almost sold out crowd of 6500 punters. The event also obviously has an increased focus on Kiwi acts, compared to the Australian cities on the tour. Held on the 28th of January, the 2013 lineup features Bat For Lashes, Yeasayer, Kings of Convenience and a Tame Impala set that isn’t afforded to Australian audiences.
http://auckland.lanewayfestival.com.au/
Music In Parks: Presented by Auckland Council, this festival brings together over 70 artists across 42 different events. Running for 20 consecutive years, Music in Parks is a free event which calls on artists to sign up for the chance to play at this iconic event. Tim Finn headlined the festival in 2012 and an outdoor cinema is also on offer. The 2013 Music In Parks will run from January to late March.
http://www.musicinparks.co.nz/about/
Summer Vineyard Tour: In the picturesque surrounds of the Turanga Creek Winery, this festival allows you to enjoy good food and delicious wine while experiencing some of the countries best acts along with international artists. The tour also stops in five other locations including Christchurch and acts such as John Butler Trio, Aloe Blacc and Tiki Taane have played the festival before. Missy Higgins and beloved homegrown act Opshop are headlining the 2013 tour in late February.
http://summervineyardtour.co.nz/
Auckland Folk Festival: Organised by various members of local folk clubs such as the Devenport Folk Music Club, this festival displays not only the city’s but New Zealand’s love of the genre. Auckland Folk Festival has been running since is inception in 1973. The long running four day extravaganza also awards the Folk Album of the Year and the Frank Winter Memorial Award. The festival is a great place to experience the close knit folk scene in Auckland as well as seeing international acts.
http://www.aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz/home.html
Auckland Record Stores
Real Groovy Auckland, 438 Queen Street, Auckland Central, http://www.realgroovy.co.nz/
The country’s biggest retailer of not only vinyl but a whole host of other goods is also one of the longest lasting record stores in Kiwi land. They boast a huge range of books, CDs, DVDs, posters, collectables, novelties and t-shirts. But for devout music lovers the store will quench their thirst with a huge range of vinyl and music memorabilia. Real Groovy also sells a large portion of tickets to gigs in Auckland.
Southbound Records, 69 Mount Eden Road Mount Grafton, http://www.southbound.co.nz/shop/
Opened in November 2011, this is Auckland’s newest record store. As other stores in the city moved their business online, Southbound Records allows buyers to physically peruse through their catalogue of over 2000 brand new vinyl. The store hosts acoustic sets from local musicians and also sells a range of shirts and DVDs and CDs. They even host a radio segment entitled ‘From the Crate’ on a local station which entails a discussion on interesting new releases. The podcast can be heard on their website.
Conch Records, 115A Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, http://conchrecords.co.nz/
Independently owned and based in the city, this record store has reputation not only for its collection but for its backyard cafe. The store and cafe is made completely from cavern style wood which gives it a homey feel. While their records range from jazz, funk, soul, world, independent hip-hop, reggae and dubstep all the way through to dubstep and techno. Their cafe specialises in South American flavours. Conch Records also stock t-shirts, hats, DVDs, art and books.
Auckland Bars
Galatos, 17 Galatos Street, http://www.galatoslive.co.nz/
This historic venue was purchased and saved in early 2012 from 70 year old local jazz and blues musician Dean Whaitiri. The building, which is over 100 years old, may not look to flash from the outside, but the interior has some real character and as Whaitiri will tell you it’s not about being glitzy it’s about the live music. As the venue’s new operator he wants the space to be used to accommodate bands who play the old style of rock. In the past the building has seen the likes of the Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Stereophonics grace the stage.
Kings Arms, 59 France Street, Newton, http://kingsarms.co.nz/
Want to experience the best of Auckland’s live music scene? This is it. As the city’s premiere rock ‘n’ roll venue this is the place to visit if you want to hear some great local acts. While no stranger to international tours either, Kings Arms is seen as a rite of passage for many bands active in Auckland’s scene. With live music four to five nights a week and a pub menu on offer you should spend at least one of your nights here.
The Wine Cellar/Whammy Bar, St Kevin’s Arcade at 183 Karangahape, www.facebook.com/thewhammybar
Situated down a set of stairs, The Wine Cellar is an almost secretive bar which is dark, mysterious and very cool. The venue has a capacity of only 100 which ensures an intimate live music event for acts that make experimental music or play alternative folk and blues. It also features a graffitied bar and couches if you’ve had a long day. However its neighbouring sister venue, Whammy Bar, which is also located in the same arcade can hold a capacity crowd of 250 and suits indie and rock bands. Both venues also host festivals such as Stone Fest and Vitamin S Festival.
Auckland Acts You Should Check Out
Opossum – YouTube
Kody Nielson, more commonly known as the frontman of noise-pop band Mint Chicks embarked on a solo career in 2012. Under the moniker of Opossum, Nielson has crafted his debut solo album, Electric Hawaii, 10 tracks of psychedelic indie pop. Nielson is also known for producing Bic Runga’s fourth studio album Belle.
Ruby Frost – Website
Real name Jane de Jong, this pop singer songwriter released her debut album Volition in 2012 to positive reviews. The songstress has toured with the likes of Cut Copy, Nero, Digitalism, Diplo and Kimbra. She has also performed at the CMJ conference in New York. Hear her latest single ‘Young’ below.
Five Mile Town – Soundcloud
This four piece Indie Folk band only formed in 2011 and have since released their debut self-titled EP in March of 2012. Despite the band being unsigned they have quickly garnered a following in their native land. The band will be playing at SXSW Festival in Auckland during early 2013. Listen to their new single ‘Kids and Their Chemicals’ below.
