NZ Music Month is dead, read a misquoted article. The proliferation of local music has taken it from a niche market of second rate international knock-offs to an over-abundance, removing the novelty and therefore the need to celebrate something so common place.

But if New Zealand music is everywhere, then where is it? Why is it that every time I accidentally land on the Edge TV, or take a ride in a car with FM all I hear is the repetitious and easily forgotten international pop of this age? 

Semi ex-pat though Damien Binder may be, aren’t we as a nation are usually quick to reappropriate our assets when others (generally Australia) claim ownership. Then where are the artists like Damien Binder when I’m channel surfing?

If Dave Dobbyn was just starting out today, would he have the same impact? Would he garner the same airplay?

I ask because that is the sound of Binder’s A New World. Relaxed rock with a hint of country, notably present on the track Evergreen. Gone is the dark grungy defiance from the days of Second Child, but that is expected, as I imagine a lot of the band and fans’ adolescent angst has dissipated over the past twenty years. 

What remains when all the anger is gone is a collection of musing observational and reflective pieces with lyrics of love and life laced with the cynical remnants of a bygone rebel, an evolution that comes with maturity and open eyes. There’s an appeal in that to me, more than there is in bunting, fighting, excessive drinking and made up words.

Perhaps it’s the generation gap, it could be I’m at the age of self-reflection and reminiscence. Maybe I’m just one of those old people, out of touch with the modern world, whose opinion counts for naught. Whatever the case, if it was up to me, there would be more music like A New World in the world today.

You can find A New World on the Damien Binder Bandcamp Page.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Degrees.K
• 6
  Michelle Rounds
• 7
  L.A.B.
• 8
  The Feelers
• 9
  Devilskin
• 10
  The Boondocks

• 
  Powder Chutes @ Underworld Tavern, Wellington - 30/11/2024
• 
  Haast Hunter @ Underworld Tavern, Wellington - 30/11/2024
• 
  The Bravo Uniform Mikes @ Underworld Tavern, Wellington - 30/11/2024
• 
  Half Queen @ The Others Way, Auckland - 30/11/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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