Why You Should Be Listening To Kiwi Music

Lorde has become a household name these days, but she’s certainly not the first New Zealand musical artist to breakthrough into the US market. Chances are you’ve heard a lot of great songs that you didn’t know were from Kiwi musicians. Below are a few classics, and scroll down further to see the music that you should be listening to right now.

OMC – How Bizarre

OMC, or Otara Millionaires Club, was a New Zealand musical group best known for their 1996 hit “How Bizarre.” The single was named one of the greatest New Zealand songs of all time by the Australasian Performing Rights Association.

Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over

Crowded House is one of the most successful NZ rock bands of all time. Queen Elizabeth II bestowed an OBE on both Neil and Tim Finn, in June 1993, for their contribution to the music of New Zealand.

Dragon – April Sun In Cuba

Dragon is a rock band that formed in Auckland in January 1972. In 2008 the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) recognized Dragon’s iconic status when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame.

New Zealand is very proud of their own music, and while there are many pop, hip-hop, and rock hits from around the world each week in their top40 singles chart, much of the chart still contains Kiwi tracks. I’ve tried, but I can’t neatly sum up Kiwi music as a particular style or sound. There’s a good chance of hearing a little reggae vibe mixed into lots of different genres, but that’s about the best I can do. The nice thing about my inability to neatly summarize the music is that there is something for everyone in NZ music. The quality and diversity of the music scene is astounding considering they have just over half the population of New York City…in the entire country. Here are some of my favorite, must-hear tracks:

The Naked And Famous – Young Blood

If you watch a lot of television, chances are you’ve already heard something this Auckland group has done. Catchy electro beats you want to play again and again, and an apparently perfect sound for film.

Flight of the Conchords – Business Time

Flight of the Conchords have gained a worldwide cult following with songs such as ‘Business Time’ and ‘Albi the Racist Dragon’. Best known for their TV show on HBO, they are masters at mixing comedy and music.

Six60 – Don’t Forget Your Roots

Six60 is a six-time award-winning five piece New Zealand rock band that formed in 2008. They are a fusion of roots, reggae, hip hop, dubstep, and drum and bass, and with only one full album under their belt, their success has been remarkable. 

Kora – On My Mind

Kora is five lads (4 brothers) and five different sounds. A frenzied fusion of reggae, hip-hop, rock, funk and electronica launched these boys into the mainstream.

Fat Freddy’s Drop – Wandering Eye

Fat Freddy’s Drop have epitomised NZ funk and rhythm since forming in the 90s. Their first studio album Based on a True Story is the highest-selling album by a national artist in NZ history.

Katchafire – Get Away

Originally formed as a Bob Marley tribute band, these guys have developed their own unique style. Music for a summer on the beach.

Shapeshifter – Monarch

Shapeshifter has been heralded for their ground breaking live shows and unique blend of heavy soul with drum and bass. Their reputation as pioneers of modern music was built by their live approach to electronic music which has earned them widespread critical and commercial acclaim.

K.ONE – Same You (Feat. Brooke Duff)

Kaleb “K.One” Vitale is a rapper whose recent string of successful singles shows he’s got some real promise in the NZ hip-hop scene.