Our guide of where to go, what to see and what to do this weekend.
Kane Strang. Photo: Sam Valentine
Kane Strang: Dunedin-based musician Kane Strang released his debut album Blue Cheese earlier this year, and talked to us about his five favourite New Zealand songs and why they mean so much to him. He’s now heading out on a five-date tour of the country over the next few weeks that begins this Saturday in his hometown, before seeing him play shows in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Palmerston North, for the upcoming Great Job! Festival. Entry to his show at Chick’s Hotel is $10 and he’ll be playing alongside Beach Wolf, Kolya and Lady Lazerlight.
Tyra Hammond: Former Opensouls singer Tyra Hammond dropped her debut solo EP back in March, a six-song release produced by She’s So Rad’s Jeremy Toy and featuring a cover of Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s ‘So Good At Being In Trouble’. In support of the record, she plays a launch party this Saturday at Matterhorn in Auckland. Find more details over on the Facebook event page and stream the EP via Bandcamp.
Daedelus: Los Angeles-based electronic producer Daedelus aka Alfred Darlington is on his way back to New Zealand this week for three upcoming shows around the country, beginning with one in Christchurch this Sunday. He’ll be playing at the Dux Live before travelling north for shows in Wellington on Wednesday and another on Thursday in Auckland. Get hold of tickets via Under The Radar, where you can also find a list of support acts, and check out his video for ‘Onward’, from his 2014 album The Light Brigade, below.
Trinity Roots: Trinity Roots are about to close out a huge 14-date album release tour of the country with one last show at Wellington’s San Fran this Saturday. Tickets to see the band, who recently recorded a live session for Music 101 at Auckland venue The Tuning Fork, are $40 on the door or you can grab presales from Eventfinder for $30. And if you missed it, you can read Melody Thomas’ review of Citizen, as part of our Weekly Listening column, right here.
Matthias Jordan: Following up his 2014 effort The Sound of Asia, Auckland-based musician Matthias Jordan has just released his latest EP, the 80s/electropop-influenced Silk Island. To celebrate the release, the former Pluto/Nightchoir member plays Golden Dawn this Saturday alongside co-writer Jol Mulholland. Entry is $5 and you can get a taste of the album with the recently-released video for ‘Sharp Colour’, directed by Fergus Waveforms, below.
Winter Beach Party: This weekend sees Shitripper and PCP Eagles take their Winter Beach Party to Auckland’s Whammy Bar and Wellington’s Meow. Both bands will be playing with slightly beach-themed name changes - Beachripper and PCP Seagulls - and entry to each show is $10 “with a beach party costume”. Not sure how that’ll work? Here’s one solution.
The Turtleneck Gig: Another themed show this weekend sees a considerable lineup of bands play Auckland’s Ellen Melville Hall for an all ages “Turtleneck Gig”, “an unforgettable night dedicated to celebrating the turtleneck culture and good vibes!” Among the bands on the bill are The Cavemen, Night Gaunts, Courtney Hate, and, uh, Smoked Salmon Is Better Than Sex, an Auckland producer who performs while wearing a snorkel. The show starts at 7pm with tickets available from Under The Radar. Otherwise entry is $15 on the door or, of course, $10 if you’re wearing a turtleneck.
Did we miss something? Leave your suggestions in the comments or email us with your events here.
