Retro Valley
We are Retro Valley! A five-piece indie pop rock band from the Waikato.
We started out as mates in high school all in separate bands and genres. But in 2019, we were all looking for a new project together and started making music for fun.
We like to consider ourselves pretty laid back guys who just love to make music that we think sounds good. We listen to all kinds of music so we try not to discriminate when playing around with sounds and ideas. So as long as it still feels like what we are trying to portray, then we can always build from there. But for the most part our sound usually falls into the indie pop rock vibe.
We’ve just kept the ball rolling and trying to step it up all the time ever since. We love going all out, so we finish every set feeling exhausted. We have had a successful string of shows over the past few years to keep us busy here in the North Island.
Any upcoming shows/releases to promote?
We are excited to announce we have a song coming out on Friday May 19th called, “Backseat Lovers.” A song that is too good to not listen to! Following the release we will do a mini North Island tour in July hitting Wellington, Auckland and Raglan.
Who are your favourite local musicians? Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now?
The Rvmes, Midwave Breaks, Summer Thieves, Coast Arcade, Rat Cafe and Casper just to name a few.
RIOT GULL
We are RIOT GULL (squaw). Ōtepoti riot-grrrl-post-punk-noise-pop band.
How did you start out?
Gemma: Deborah and Lucy had been planning on putting together a new music project, something less man-centred and fun, which was missing in our local scene, and I got talking to them when we were all working together. We started to put together some songs and jam and when we were asking around about a drummer, we were super lucky to have Mads recommended to us! We had a few jams and practices and started putting together tunes and playing gigs.
We loosely refer to ourselves as a post-punk noisy pop band but we sort of just make things that we want to make or would want to listen to. We’re not too strict in writing specific-sounding songs or trying to fit into a genre which makes it much easier for us all to give input and try new things. We love to introduce new sounds, features, and instruments where we can and just have a good time together.
Any upcoming shows/releases?
Our album SCABBING has been out on bandcamp and spotify for just over a month now!
Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now?
Lucy: Gemma and I just went to a Hannah Everingham gig on the weekend and that was amazing.
Gemma: Yeah Hannah Everingham was so great, we also played with some amazing bands on our tour, Half Time from Kirikiriroa was a personal favourite. I’m also a huge fan of Pickle Darling.
Babe Martin
My name’s Babe Martin
I have exited my week of delirium that was my Covid-19 infection and am now tapping away at these questions after eating some pie. Can’t complain.
I’ve been writing and playing music since forever, but I suppose it officially started when I was six and the house my parents were renting came with a banged up piano which was so shit it wasn’t even worth getting rid of. I’ve been playing piano and writing ever since. Gigging and recording music in Tāmaki has been a more recent development though, really just in the last six months.
Describe your music! Synthy, Julee Cruise, Twin Peaks soundtrack vibes. Sort of haunting and beautiful. I grew up singing in choir so the melody and emotion of a song is very important to me, as are the lyrics. I played my friend my tracks the other day and she said, verbatim, “it’s giving Dido,” and it also made her cry so make of that what you will.
Any upcoming shows/releases? Yes! My debut single ‘Knocked For Six in BHX’ is coming out Tuesday the 30th of May, with my EP releasing later in the year.
Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now? I think Amamelia’s Bananamelia is one of the coolest albums in the world. Jazmine Mary’s latest single ‘Seagull’ is as captivating as it is devastating. I love both artists very much. I’d recommend listening to 95bFM Breakfast with Rachel or any student radio station if you want to hear the plethora of amazing local music our city and motu have to offer.
Theia
He uri teenei noo Waikato-Tainui
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Te Wherowhero te tangata
Ko Ngaati Tiipaa, ko Ngaati Amaru ngooku hapuu
Ko Tauranganui, ko Ooraeroa, ko Te Kotahitanga ngooku marae
Ko Kukutai, ko Karaka ngooku whaanau
Pai Maarire!
I’m Theia. I am a singer-songwriter who makes alt-pop (as THEIA) but you’ll also find me releasing mournful alt-folk ballads entirely in te reo Māori as part of my reo rangatira project TE KAAHU (@tekaahuorangi). They exist on separate platforms because I felt it was important to give both the space they each deserve. Also, my nannies and aunties may not be overly into the in-your-face sonics and lyricism of some of my THEIA stuff. Haha.
I started writing poems when I was little. It was a way of processing my thoughts and all that was happening around me. Gradually, I started putting melodies to the poems, and so then I had all these little songs I’d composed. But it wasn’t until later in my teens that I started to think about music as more than just a hobby. When I was studying at university in Christchurch, I started to get myself into studios and began recording songs here, which I’d then pitch to student radio.
Describe your music!
I’m definitely drawn to the experimental side of music and you’ll hear that in my newer THEIA material. It’s categorised as alt-pop, but there are also elements of hip-hop and alternative rock in there. But production is often paired with ethereal and dreamy vocals. I love the juxtaposition of dark and light. You’ll hear the same ethereal vocals coming through in my TE KAAHU project, but these waiata are wrapped up in warm, nostalgic sounds of yesteryear. In my THEIA songs, I am often confrontational and challenging in the lyricism, while my TE KAAHU songs are filled with kupu whakarite (metaphor), pepeha (tribal sayings) and whakataukī (proverbs).
Any upcoming shows/releases?
I’ve started to release singles from my upcoming THEIA album. So you can expect more singles on the horizon and the album at some point. But I’m actually about to head off to North America, where I have some THEIA shows in June. I’ll be back in New Zealand a bit later in the year and I’ll have some exciting things to reveal then.
Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now?
There are far too many to name. But a couple of shout outs…Wiri Donna and Erny Belle. I adore Jazmine Mary. I am a massive fan of Proteins of Magic and Baby Zionov. And, keep your eye on the socials for @nympho.world. It’s a dance and club night in Auckland run by my bestie and the DJ for my THEIA live show, Kylie @monoga.my.
Eliezer
Who are ya?
Hey, what’s up! My name’s Eliezer, I’m an artist based in Auckland. My journey has been a rollercoaster so far to say the least, a lot of ups and downs and challenges along the way. But with that comes a lot of growth, progression, and evolution. I started out writing poems as a kid, that evolved to writing raps as a teenager, and then when I was 20 I started making my first songs.
Describe your music!
My music is a variety of vibes and genres but I predominantly make rap/hip hop music. I’ve been compared to Mac Miller and Russ a lot but I do like to dabble in a lot of different sounds.
Any upcoming shows/releases?
We just released an album called “Kingdom Come” and we begin touring NZ with our first show in Hamilton April 29th, Wellington May 4th and Auckland May 12th at Whammy Bar!
Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now?
There’s heaps and obviously I’m gonna be a bit biassed to my friends. With that being said I really like: Leisure, Aidan Fine, Ash Supe, Luke-W, Mr O6OO, OD, Lil Bubblegum, Abdul Kay, OHNINE and many more.
Bandi
Who are ya?
My name is Bandi and I’m an artist/singer/songwriter. My music journey has been a fun hustle from the very beginning. I’ve been singing since I was a child, often singing with my talented older sister who plays the piano. I was involved in choirs, had a YouTube channel where I covered songs while playing guitar, and eventually started performing at benefit concerts and open mic nights. After living in LA for 8 years, I made the decision to move back to NZ and pursue my music career wholeheartedly. I had the opportunity to collaborate with NZ DJ/artist Cymbol and we created a hit song in an all-night studio session. The song received radio rotation and I got to perform it live on GeorgeFM, leading to more shows with Cymbol. This was my breakthrough, and since then I’ve met amazing musicians, artists, producers, and singers. I’ve been making music, writing songs, and have released over 10 songs now, some with over 100,000 listens. I recently dropped my debut EP ‘Bittersweet’ and am excited to be heading to Australia for my first international show. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.
Describe your music!
My music/artistry is a unique blend of bubblegum pop and soulful R&B, with a vibe similar to artists like Doja Cat, Ariana Grande, and Cassie, but with my own ‘Bandi’ twist. My visuals, aesthetics, and outfits are often bright and over-the-top, and I love incorporating candy and vibrant colours into my shows. Overall, my music has a fun and energetic feel, with a touch of my own distinctive style.
Any upcoming shows/releases?
I’ll be performing at my good friend Eliezer’s ‘Kingdom Come Tour’ in Auckland on Friday May 12th. The lineup includes a diverse range of talented artists, with a mix of hip hop, rap, pop, and R&B. It’s going to be an epic night, so make sure to get your tickets ASAP!
Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now?
My favourite local musicians at the moment would be obviously Eliezer because he is so damn talented. Aidan Fine, his music is stunning! Sam V, one of the most incredible singers, and BAYNK—he makes banger after banger.
Vana
Who are ya?
My name is Vana, as with a lot of artists, my journey started young. My dad was a musician so I grew up with a lot of guitars around the house. I found that I fell in love with early 2000s Emo/punk pop bands. I love playing the guitar and taught myself when I was 14. I even started a little punk band myself with a couple of friends. As I grew older, I started off my musical journey by singing on EDM tracks and doing vocals for some very talented friends. Being a vocalist definitely helped me find my footing in the music industry and taught me a lot about vocal recording production and how to write catchy lyrics. I started posting a lot on TikTok and found I grew a following. I’ve always wanted to give my audience a reason to follow me because there are so many talented musicians out there these days, so sharing my life, and my experiences felt like a great way to connect with my audience. I released my debut single “You’re Not the Only One” early last year and was overwhelmed by the positive response I got back. It’s truly addicting, releasing the music that you love, and that you would hope other people would love too.
Describe your music!
I would describe my musical style as “Dark Alternative Pop Trap Swag Money Very Gay Sexy Maneater Sultry Goddess Female Empowerment But Not In A GirlBoss Way”. I hope you get the vibe please thx xoxo.
As an artist, I would like my music to represent the feeling of listening to the devil on your shoulder.
I love representing those who embrace their dark, creepy little sneaky qualities and make music for people who wanna feel like a villain.
Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now?
I really like what Indy Skies is doing, she’s an alternative female musician and does a lot of cool trap music. Some amazing musicians in NZ include Eliezer, Christabel, Chaii, Vikae – the list goes on!
No Comply
Who are ya?
Fynn: I’m an antisocial Namekian with a crippling addiction to Mouse hunt. I put hot sauce on most things, avoid politically charged conversations around the dinner table, and hate the word hate with a hateful passion. Known to most as Fynn Blackwood or Dende. I write the raps and speak them into microphones for our rap/prod duo NO COMPLY.
Ethan: The name’s Ethan but my friends call me eboat.
How did you start out?
Fynn: Started out mostly writing poetry in high school. Played in a couple of different bands/groups and got into producing at the end of high school and then started making music with my brother Ethan in 2019. Dropped out of uni, pissed a lot of people off and didn’t make a lot of money for many years but fuck we love the journey.
Ethan: Practising walking from an early age.
Describe your music!
Fynn: I honestly don’t really know how to answer this apart from saying fun really. We take inspiration from all genres of music and all mediums of art and just do what we want to do. It’s non-apologetic, authentic, and makes us feel good.
Ethan: I try to be as open as possible. To always try new things and work with cool people is the vibe.
Any upcoming shows/releases?
HECK YES! May 5th we are playing meow in Welly. May 13th we are playing Space Academy in Christchurch and May 26th we are playing in Auckland at Galatos! You can snag tix for WLG at moshtix, CHCH at undertheradar and AKL on the Galatos website. Jump on our insta for the linktree in our bio @omgitsnocomply <3
Who from Aotearoa should we be listening to right now?
Fynn: We have so much bloody talent in NZ. I’m listening to a lot of Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the moment. Benee, Eno x Dirty, Wax Mustang, Chaos In The CBD, Swidt, Avantdale Bowling Club, Team Dynamite, Neil MacLeod, Harper Finn and Casual Healing just to name a few.
Ethan: CHEFMOB, Mara TK, A.B.C.
