11 April 2024 - 0 Comments

Auckland indie-rock band, Voom have released another brand new single, Martin Phillipps — hot on the tail of their most recent single We Don’t Care and 2022’s Magic feat. Fazerdaze — all out now via Flying Nun Records and made with the support of NZ on Air.

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In the titular and lyrical ode to Flying Nun legend, Martin Phillipps (The Chills), Voom wear their love for the songwriter on their sleeve. A little bit tongue-in-cheek, with a dose of unashamed adoration, Martin Phillips is dedicated to one of the most influential song-writers to come from New Zealand’s jangly shores.

“I wrote 'Martin Phillipps' about 25 years ago, after having heard him talk about his travels round the world in search of his music idols of the past; The Beatles and Beach Boys. My cousin used to be in The Chills until he got kicked out, and having been a huge fan, I was like “How dare you kick out my cousin!?”. The whole song is a stream of improvised consciousness that I layered some instruments over. It sounds like I’m taking the piss a bit — which I probably was — but I also think he’s a magic songwriter and was a big inspiration to me. After about 20 years of it sitting in my computer, I sent the song to him thinking he might take offence, but he said he loved it and wanted to put it in the movie that was being made about him. Good vibrations going out to you Martin, wherever you are.” - Buzz Moller

As mentioned, the song was originally given Martin’s blessing when Buzz Moller sent Martin a voice recording of it a few years ago — and an early version very nearly made it into The Chills: The Triumph & Tragedy of Martin Phillipps documentary in 2019.

“Buzz Moller has written an excellent (and weird) song about me and my journeys. It is great fun and I feel honoured!” - Martin Phillipps

Alongside their last single We Don’t Care, the single artwork for Martin Phillipps was created by fellow Flying Nun alumnus, David Mulcahy — of The Jean-Paul Sartre Experience and Superette fame.

Voom is lead vocalist and front person Buzz Moller, guitarist Murray Fisher, bass player Nick Buckton (AKA sidekicknick), and drummer Josh Sorenson. The band have promised the team at Flying Nun Records that they’re sitting on a vault of unreleased and brand new material, so we can expect that a new album — the first since 2006 — may be just around the corner.

Recently, Voom announced an Aotearoa tour alongside fellow Flying Nun artists, Reb Fountain and Vera Ellen. The triple headline tour kicks off in Christchurch at James Hay Theatre on Thursday, May 30th, followed by Errick’s in Dunedin on Friday, May 31st. Wellington’s Great Hall will host the next stop on Saturday, June 1st, followed by Auckland’s Powerstation on Sunday, June 2nd (Kings Birthday eve).

Tickets: https://eccles.co.nz/voom-reb-fountain-vera-ellen

Photo Credit: Ginny Frame

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