Bio

A culmination of dreamy vocals and experiential sound, Goodnight My Darling is the vision and project of up and coming Wellington based singer-songwriter Maxine Macaulay.

With elements of shoegaze, folk and dreamy melody, Macaulay says her ever evolving vibe is a poetic expression of her life and the places around her. Her songs take you on a cinematic journey, while her ethereal vocals lull you into a quiet sense of peace and appreciation.

Goodnight My Darling started as an electronic project when Macaulay released her EP of self produced songs Levitate. She then joined forces with a band to create and release her latest nine-track self-titled album, with a mix of soul-stirring tunes including ode to love, loss and rebirth The Carriage, Until I Return and the story of a relationship’s end in The Trees Have Eyes.

A thoughtful and calming presence, Macaulay draws inspiration from art, travel, food and film. Her dreams often form the foundations of her hypnotic lyrics, where she weaves in themes from her slumber and subconscious. She says her songs provide a platform to express emotion, and are a cathartic release for some of the tougher moments in life. He Died in May stemmed from a protest and political movement, while Until I Return was written after Macaulay’s grandparents and aunt passed away at the beginning of the pandemic. Unable to grieve on home soil, she was stuck in Germany writing of the yearning to get back to New Zealand.

Her upcoming 2024 single Ruby touches on creative repression, Motherhood, female empowerment.

Music has been part of Macaulay’s life from a young age. She sang for Kapiti based bands, choirs and learned to play the trumpet from her grandfather - who was a conductor in the New Zealand National Band. She then moved to Melbourne to pursue a career in acting, but began focusing on her writing instead. After some time in Japan, she returned to New Zealand and in 2018 became one of the first graduates from Massey University’s Bachelor of Commercial Music.

In 2022 Macaulay took her debut album on tour, visiting Auckland, Whanganui, Hamilton, Levin, Wellington and Kapiti for live performances. She’s also performed at Gardens Magic and Newtown Festival. It’s on stage where Macaulay says she feels most present, connecting to a moment in time that she believes brings peace to her and her audience.

Goodnight My Darling says a highlight was opening for Heavy Chest, playing with Ingrid and the Ministers and playing CubaDupa 2024 in Wellington.

Her floaty sound and poetic lyrics are an amalgamation of ideas, and an extension of the artist who admits to always wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Currently performing in her band of Wellington based musicians; from Tiny Triumph Recordings, Toby Lloyd (lead guitar) & Kim Andrews (drums), Mitch Kirk (bass) and Bella Florence (percussion, keys & BV’s).

Listen out for her latest tunes - a culmination of emotion, environment and experience.


Photo Credit: Nick George Creative

Band Members:
Maxine Macaulay

Links

• Facebook Page
• Youtube Page
• Instagram Page
• Bandcamp Page
• SoundCloud Page
• Spotify Page
• Apple Music Page