From their first meeting at high school in Auckland and forming in 2001 to play a string of house parties, The Mint Chicks decimated many packed, sweaty living rooms for years before being signed by New Zealand record label Flying Nun. The Mint Chicks made a name for themselves with their distinctive brand of edgy, angular pop mixed with violent psychedelia going on to release three EP's, three albums, and an armful of New Zealand Music Awards before disbanding, rather theatrically at their last live show in Auckland, 2010 and then relocating to Portland, Oregon.

In the years since their demise, a lot has changed, so where are they now?

Ruban Nielson (guitar)

Ruban has to resided in Portland since 2011, whilst recording and performing with the band, Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They released their fourth studio album, Sex and Food in April 2018.

Both Ruban and Kody have also performed with The Adults.

Kody Nielson (vocals)

In the years since The Mint Chick’s final live show in 2010 where Kody stormed offstage destroying the bands equipment in a final explosion of anger with reports of his last words directed at his brother, Ruban (who had announced his desire to leave the band weeks prior) as “Start your own fucking band!” he went on to start Opossom upon his return to Auckland, releasing one album before releasing an afro-beat influenced jazz fusion under his own name, but disbanded the project before it took off. He’s spent a lot of time behind the mixing desk producing albums, including co-producing his partner, Bic Runga’s fourth album, Belle.

In 2014, Kody fund himself at unexpected cross roads, drained for his love of music from his myriad of music projects and former bands, so, he took a break to do nothing but paint large monochrome pieces which would become the artwork for the album he released as Silicon, titled Personal Computer. After getting the call from his brother, Ruban to fly to Portland to help write and co-produce Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s third album, Multi-Love, he was reignited with a new passion for music, partly inspired by his monochromatic paintings, playing around with electronic sounds and tools and continues to create whatever music inspires him. As of 2018, he is now a permanent part of Unknown Mortal Orchestra where they meet up in Auckland, Portland and Vietnam to records albums.

Kody released his latest album Birthday Suite on 9 May 2018.

Michael Logie (bass)

In 2007, Michael departed from The Mint Chicks and relocated to London. Upon his return (post Mint Chicks Break up) he joined Kody as bassist for the short-lived project, Opossom. He released his debut EP, titled Couch, for his solo project, F in Math in 2011. Michael also continues to perform with Die! Die! Die!.

Paul Roper (drums)

Paul also continues to live in Portland and joined the indie, synth-pop band, Blouse, as drummer in 2011.

 

Ambient Light is the brainchild of two professional photographers, Doug Peters and Meagan Kerr. Both formally qualified and with many years of industry experience under their belts, Doug and Meagan wanted to provide an outlet for the knowledge and information rattling around in their heads, and so Ambient Light was born.

Ambient Light is now first and foremost a space to showcase the art of a small select team of New Zealand photographers and writers dedicated to covering live music and theatre events, as well as being somewhere to find out about upcoming events, both musical and photographic in nature.

Ambient Light is also a space to feature other amazing artists from the wider world (through interviews), new photography products (through previews and reviews) and a great place to learn new photographic techniques (through tutorials and workshops). Taking its name from Doug’s photography business, Ambient Light is also a space to showcase historic concert shoots from Doug’s extensive photographic archive curated from nearly twenty years of live concert photos.

While Ambient Light covers a variety of acts from around the world, they are also dedicated to showcasing NZ Music in all it’s forms from young hip hop artists through to experimental jazz musicians through to the heaviest of black metal bands, via features, interviews, album reviews and concert reviews. If it’s music related we have a space for it!

Bakers Eddy

While in Auckland as part of their Europe/NZ Tour, Bakers Eddy caught up with Alex and Chris from the Auckland Inside the Muzic team to discuss the reasons for their migration over the ditch to Melbourne, the evolution in their musical style, as well as a rather honest discussion about the challenges of touring and living together. After which they treated us to an acoustic performance of Good Decisions. Watch their interview here:

Sola Rosa

Alex and Chris also caught up with Andrew Spraggon AKA Sola Rosa; a man who has achieved the dream of music being his full time career. We discuss frankly how he got started, how his style has evolved over seven studio albums, and the pros and cons of music being your primary source of income. Watch his interview here:

In 2008 one of the hottest acts around was Auckland four-piece Miscreant (pictured) - they spent much of 2007 writing and recording their debut 14 track album at Studio 203 with Andrew Buckton, and it was unleashed in 2008. Unfortunately, it didn't last long, and Miscreant called it a day in October 2009. At that time, they called it an 'Indefinite Hiatus' so there's still every chance they may return one day.

Also massive were independent pop-rock Wellington band Ammp, who released the singles Go and Always during 2008.

Chris Yong was performing with outstanding act Redline, with his brother Richard. Success came quickly for this band, who opened for Evanescence and Disturbed, played at the inaugural Metal Day Out Festival as well as supporting Blindspott and The Bleeders.

Action Man Records was still alive and well in 2008, bringing us brilliant music from the likes of Strangers and The Wrongmen.

Other outstanding acts of 2008 include Just One Fix, White Birds and Lemons, Eqwanox, Dukes, Los Muertos, Doppler, Us As Robots, Bulletproof and Every Man For Himself.

One of the biggest milestones ever celebrated by a NZ Rock act was acclaimed by Shihad (pictured) when they turned 20 years old. Of course, that's nothing compared to their 30th anniversary that they are celebrating this year!

El Schlong went on tour to promote their new album The Baddies Are Coming while Cripple Mr Onion released Antigravity and toured the entire country with Cause for Alliance.

Sora Shima blasted their way through NZ with support slots with Jakob, Dimmer, Broken Social Scene and The Mint Chicks as well as playing at the Camp A Low Hum 2008.

Goodnight Nurse (pictured) released Keep Me On Your Side, had the most prolific MySpace page in the country with over one million views and toured relentlessly. Who knew at that time that Joel Little would become famous for his work with Lorde and Broods.

Whilst Sean Garea released his short film My Beautiful World he was also creating brilliant music with Dezmadore.

Antagonist A.D. (or just Antagonist as they were known as back then) released These Cities, Our Graves.

We also enjoyed the likes of Thirty Years Late, This Theory of Static, 5th Threat, The Symphony of Screams, Streetwise Scarlet, These Four Walls and the amazing Elemeno P, who released their self-titled beauty of an album in 2008.

And three members from Villainy were in Inverse Order. They released their debut EP Six in November of 2008 and toured the North Island to celebrate.

This is just a taste of what was going down 10 years ago, for more flashbacks head on over to our newsletter archives.

Calling all New Zealand musicians – Time to celebrate your successes

It’s almost time for the biggest night in New Zealand music with the nominations for the 2018 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards officially opening today.

In November the music industry will descend on Spark Arena to celebrate the achievements of Aotearoa’s musical talent over the last year.

Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan said celebrating the wide range of extraordinary Kiwi musicians is an annual highlight.

“The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards are about acknowledging the vibrant artists creating music today, honouring those who paved the way in the past, and inspiring a future generation of creativity.

“It’s been a brilliant year for Kiwi releases and I can’t wait to see the well deserving finalists of 2018 receive the recognition they deserve.”

Nomination details can be found at https://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/. Unless otherwise specified, awards are open to New Zealand artists who have had recordings commercially released between 1 August 2017 and 31 July 2018 (12 months). Nominations stay open until 5pm on Friday 3 August 2018.

Full Article

Top Jazz Talent Recognised at NZ Jazz Awards

The winners of the Recorded Music NZ Best Jazz Artist and the APRA Best Jazz Composition were announced tonight at an awards event ahead of the opening of the Wellington Jazz Festival.

Umar Zakaria was awarded Best Jazz Artist for Fearless Music and the Best Jazz Composition was awarded to Anita Schwabe for Springtide. 

Umar’s career is exciting to follow. At just 25-years-old, Umar has already performed internationally with jazz legends like Bob Moses (US), Hagai Bilitzky (Israel), Rob van Bavel (Netherlands), Snorre Kirk (Denmark), Magnus Hjorth (Sweden), Steve Barry, and Mark Lockett, among others.

The album Fearless Music is a strong collection of tracks recorded in collaboration with some of New Zealand’s top jazz musicians.

Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan says Fearless Music is an exceptional record, and Umar is well deserving of the Best Jazz Artist Tui.

“It will be fascinating to see where his career takes him – both here in New Zealand and overseas. I feel like he’s just getting started.”

The APRA Best Jazz Composition was awarded to Anita Schwabe for Springtide off her 2018 album Eat Your Greens.

Full Article

One Love 2019 - First Line-Up Announced

Now in its fifth year, One Love has well and truly established itself in the hearts of Reggae Fans from all corners of the globe as one of the most vibrant and popular summer music festivals.
 
In 2019, the two-day event returns on Auckland Anniversary Weekend - Saturday January 26 and Sunday January 27 - to its home in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, at the Tauranga Domain. And in keeping with One Love tradition, next year’s line-up will feature an array of the best roots, rock, reggae acts in the world.
 
The first line-up revealed by Promoter Pato Alvarez today, includes headliner UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue. The chart-topping multi-platinum reggae-pop act will be performing as part of their “Real Labour of Love, 40th Anniversary World Tour”. They are no strangers to these shores, with the band’s hit songs such as Red Red Wine, (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, and Kingston Town absolute favourites.
 
The Marley family is always on the most-requested list of acts for One Love and for 2019 we have Ky Mani Marley, son of Bob Marley, to grace our stage!
 
The other international big-hitters sharing the One Love stage include British legend Maxi Priest, renowned for smash hits such as Wild World and Close To You; Hawaiian reggae Kings Kolohe Kai and US soul singer LaTasha Lee. The new generation coming out of Jamaica, Raging Fiyah will perform in New Zealand for the very first time.
 
Representing Aotearoa and flying the flag for homegrown reggae and R’n’B are the legendary Katchafire, just after releasing their successful latest album, Legacy.
 
Festival favourites, Fiji, L.A.B., Aaradhna, Tomorrow People, General Fiyah and Paua are also on the talent-packed line-up.
 
One Love Festival are happy to welcome and support up-coming local talent, adding Common Unity and Cool Meditation.

Full Article

- New Releases -

Destructatron - After The Blast 
Komaine - Shadow Animal 
Callum Gentleman - Cigarettes 
IllBaz, Melodownz & Raiza Biza - Outchea Feat. Dirty
Vince Harder - Colours 
Sachi - Hollywood Angel 
These Four Walls - Over & Over 
Bulletbelt and Sabbat (JAP) - Darkness and Death 
Rei - Herself
Outland Sessions - Daylight 
Huia - Āio
Carb on Carb - Annual Leave 
Princess Chelsea - The Loneliest Girl 
Holly Arrowsmith - A Dawn I Remember 
Ria Hall - Te Ahi Kai Pō 
Lawrence Arabia - Everybody Wants Something 
Lee Mvtthews - Inside Out 
Neil & Liam Finn - Back To Life 
Madly - Honey 
Pale Lady - Told To Fold 
NRG Rising - Say Yes To Life 
Apollo SteamTrain - Superstition (Looking Through The Mirror) 
IllBaz, Melodownz & Raiza Biza - Live Stream Feat. Teeks
Jed Parsons - Time 
Saski - Work It Out 
Boycrush - Desperate Late Night Energy 
Lexxa - I Got Better Friends Now 
Chores - Vampire Teeth 
Captain Festus McBoyle - Moolah 
Ashy - Jersey 
Tess Goodwin - Grace 
Coridian - Reflections 
Thomston - Acid Rain 
Mecuzine - Don't Fire That Gun 
Racing - Devil's Work 
The Adults - HAJA 
Alizarin Lizard - No One Could Tell 
Missy - Missy 
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Hunnybee 
Neil & Liam Finn - Lightsleeper 
Yukon Era - Feel 

- July Gigs & Tours -

Local Gigs

Arma Del Amor
6 July @ Yonder, Queenstown
7 July @ The Rippon Hall, Wanaka
Aura Noir
3 July @ Whammy, Auckland
4 July @ Valhalla, Wellington
Bernie Griffen
6 July @ Tuning Fork, Auckland
Boycrush
7 July @ Whammy, Auckland
14 July @ Caroline, Wellington
Decades
13 July @ Empire, Christchurch
14 July @ Fifty Gorillas, Dunedin
20 July @ Whammy, Auckland
21 July @ Caroline, Wellington
Fabulous/Arabia
27 July @ Meow, Wellington
28 July @ Common Room, Hastings
Great North
6 July @ Meow, Wellington
7 July @ Mussel Inn, Golden Bay
8 July @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch
14 July @ Wine Cellar, Auckland
27 July @ Sawmill Cafe, Leigh
Jed Parsons
20 July @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland
21 July @ San Fran, Wellington
27 July @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch
28 July @ The Cook, Dunedin
Kimbra
14 July @ San Fran, Wellington
Ladi6
11 July @ Fifty Gorillas, Dunedin
13 July @ Winnie Bagoes, Christchurch
19 July @ San Fran, Wellington
21 July @ Powerstation, Auckland
Nadia Reid
13 July @ Waldorf School Hall, Hamilton
14 July @ Haumoana Hall, Hawkes Bay
15 July @ Lucky Bar, Whanganui
19 July @ Wunderbar, Lyttelton
20 July @ Fifty Gorillas, Dunedin
Pale Lady
5 July @ Nivara, Hamilton
6 July @ St Peter's Hall, Paekakariki
Tami Neilson with The Miltones
26 July @ Theatre Royal, Nelson
27 July @ Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
28 July @ Glenroy Auditorium, Dunedin
The Great New Zealand Folk Revival Tour
with Albi and the Wolves, The Frank Burkitt Band, The Slacks and Ben Dixon
26 July @ Tuning Fork, Auckland
27 July @ Kakaramea Hall, New Plymouth
28 July @ Paekakariki Hall, Wellington

International Gigs

City Calm Down
6 July @ Whammy, Auckland
7 July @ San Fran, Wellington
Joshua Hedley with Reb Fountain
14 July @ Blue Smoke, Christchurch
15 July @ Tuning Fork, Auckland
Kendrick Lamar with SiR
17 July @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
19-20 July @ Spark Arena, Auckland
Lil Dicky
11 July @ Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland
Machine Head
13 July @ Foundry, Christchurch
14 July @ Powerstation, Auckland
Majid Jordan
29 July @ Powerstation, Auckland
Miguel
14 July @ Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland
Pale Waves
14 July @ Tuning Fork, Auckland
Tash Sultana
24 July @ Town Hall, Auckland
25 July @ Opera House, Wellington
27 July @ Horncastle Arena, Christchurch
28 July @ Town Hall, Dunedin
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
30 July @ ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland

New Artists

The following new artist pages have been created on muzic.net.nz during the past month:

Laughton Kora	Phat Krunk	Robots In Love	Foley
Jon Lemmon	Descendants of Dinosaurs	Times x Two	Thomston
Darryl Baser	Efflorescent	Twig Pigeon	Arthur Ahbez
Paul Cathro	The Slacks	Ben Dixon	Bingo Fighter
The Lunatics	Sadius Fiend	Us	Depraved
If He Dies He Dies	Thieving Gypsy Bastards	Sugarcoated Bullets	Dr Thompson

It is 100% FREE to create a muzic.net.nz artist listing, and you'll get free access to update your page, as well as access to add mp3s and photo galleries: 

Add Artist Form
Info about filling out the add artist form

New Reviews

Check out our latest reviews at the below links:

Alien Weaponry - Album Review: Tū
Written by River

Soda Boyz - EP Review: By Soda Boyz
Written by Paul

Soda Boyz - Single Review: Home Again
Written by Paul

Dead Kid Harvester - Album Review: The First Sign Of Madness
Written by Paul

Shady Brain Farm - Album Review: 19 Years In The Same House
Written by Andrew

IVY RED - Single Review: Absent
Written by Jenny

Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ Galatos, Auckland - 02/06/2018
Written by Shelley

This Flight Tonight - Single Review: Nothing To Declare
Written by Tori

Gig Review: Bernie Griffen and The Thin Men @ The Incubator, Tauranga - 26/05/2018
Written by John

Kendall Elise - Gig Review: This Way North @ The Wine Cellar, Auckland 07/06/2018
Written by Alex

Vallkyrie - Single/Video Review: Runaway Child
Written by Paul

Gig Review: Written By Wolves @ Neck of the Woods, Auckland 08/06/2018
Written by Alex

Gig Review: The Bats @ The Cook, Dunedin - 09/06/2018
Written by Darryl

Janine - Album Review: 99
Written by Shelley

Mecuzine - Single Review: Don’t Fire That Gun
Written by Corinne

Gig Review: Ska Save The Queen @ The Thirsty Dog, Auckland - 03/06/2018
Written by Paul

Gig Review: Skinny Hobos @ Galatos, Auckland - 25/05/2018
Written by Andrew

Julian Temple Band - Album Review: Antarctica
Written by Alex

Knights of the Dub Table - Single Review: The Journey
Written by Tori

Gig Review: Coridian @ San Fran, Wellington - 9/06/2018
Written by Lisa

Captain Festus McBoyle and his Motley Crew - Single/Video Review: Moolah
Written by Corinne

Running Stitch - EP Review: Brightside
Written by Darryl

Gig Review: The Jordan Luck Band @ The Cook, Dunedin - 16/06/2018
Written by Darryl

Gig Review: Brian Jonestown Massacre @ Powerstation, Auckland - 16/06/2018
Written by Paul

Apollo SteamTrain - Single Review: Superstition (Looking In The Mirror)
Written by River

Gig Review: Metaract with Remote and Descendants of Dinosaurs @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 15/06/2018
Written by Alex

Alizarin Lizard - Single Review: No One Could Tell
Written by Alex

Gig Review: Small Stage, Big Sound @ Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland 15/06/2018
Written by Alex

Metaract - Video/Single Review: Never Forget
Written by Paul

Hypnumb - Single/Video Review: Bullet
Written by Alex

Phat Krunk - EP Review: Whatever You Say
Written by Alex

Racing - Single Review: Devil's Work
Written by Paul

Thomston - Single & Video Review: Acid Rain
Written by Shelley

Times x Two - EP Review: Late Night Legacy
Written by Shelley

Scott MCB - Single/Video Review: In Your Mind
Written by Andrew

Gig Review: The Miltones w/ Reb Fountain @ Pt Chevalier Memorial RSA, Auckland 22/06/2018
Written by Alex

Lola Sola - Single Review: You Got Me Good
Written by Tori

Lexxa - Single Review: I Got Better Friends Now 
Written by Darryl

Ashy - Single Review: Jersey
Written by Darryl

Gig Review: Pale Lady @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland 30/06/2018
Written by Amanda H

Email [email protected] if you would like us to review your music.

---

New Photos

Our photographers have uploaded some outstanding photos during the past month - check them out at the below links:

Marlon Williams
Julia Deans
Bernie Griffen and The Thin Men
Will Saunders
Nadia Reid
Anthonie Tonnon
Bakers Eddy
Dead Beat Boys
She Loves You
Photos by Chris Z

Marlon Williams
Julia Deans
Photos by Amanda H

Skinny Hobos
Cheshire Grimm
Photos by Michael

Minimal Silence
Written by Wolves
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Arthur Ahbez
Julian Temple Band
Paul Cathro
The Miltones
Reb Fountain
Photos by Chris M

Skinny Hobos
Coridian
Curlys Jewels
His Masters Voice
Photos by Reef

The Bats
Jay Clarkson and The Containers
Skinny Hobos
Pieces of Molly
No Broadcast
Photos by Adam

Skinny Hobos
His Masters Voice
Coridian
Photos by Corinne

Metaract
Remote
Descendants of Dinosaurs
Photos by Dave

The Winter Party
Photos by Bevan

Openside
Foley
Jon Lemmon
Mermaidens
Arma Del Amor
Twig Pigeon
Bakers Eddy
Photos by Nichole

Small Stage Big Sound
Tipi Haere
Photos by Shelley

Email [email protected] if you would like us to photograph you. 

Tour Features

--

All muzic.net.nz tour features can be viewed here
Email team@muzic.net.nz if you would like us to create a tour feature for you.

Our next newsletter is going out on Sunday, 5 August 2018!

If you are a NZ musician and you would like to promote your music,
we would love to feature you in our newsletter
and you can choose the date which suits you

We can also feature record labels, venues, music stores, music websites...
anything that has something to do with NZ music

Check out this forum and email [email protected] for more information about our newsletters

Muzic.net.nz newsletters are currently sent out to over 8770 members!
with this number growing every day, featuring in our newsletter is an excellent promotional tool

Access our newsletter archives here

- The muzic.net.nz team

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• 9
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• 2
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• 3
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• 4
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