Posted in: World Music by Chambo on June 16th, 2008 | 16 Comments
Now, there are not many New Zealand artists that break into the overseas market, and especially the American market. So for all Americans and others living outside of New Zealand, here’s a list of must-haves for your iPod.
They haven’t quite made it in mainstream America yet but you just wait. US iTunes has embraced the EP from Kora in which the reggae/roots/dub style band has three songs definitely worth listening too. Give them a chance and you won’t be sorry.
Their debut album “Based on a True Story” went gold in New Zealand and the hope is that it will be no different in America. Another dub style band, the genre is quickly becoming the new sound of Aotearoa.
US iTunes has their 2007 album “Second Hand Planet” but they are hardly international yet. The rockers are definitely worth a listen and are highly sought after in New Zealand.
Aussie soap opera Home and Away has picked up on these guys since hitting the charts with their debut album “Under The Dub Plates”. Americans won’t find this album on iTunes yet but they will get their latest album “Heal Me” and if you’re a reggae/dub fan, then you will love this album. Tiki Taane, the lead singer of Sal Dub has recently gone out on his own and produced a fantastic album called “Past, Present, Future”. However you may have to find some others means of getting your hands on this one as US iTunes doesn’t have it. Boo.
One of the biggest and best rock bands New Zealand has produced, Shihad tried to break onto the American market before now by changing their name to Pacifier amidst the 2001 terror attacks. It was recommended by their record company that they changed it as Shihad sounded and looked to close to jihad. Go figure. They eventually changed it back to the original name and as yet still haven’t quite made it.
Another P-Money produced rapper, Scribe burst onto the New Zealand charts with his debut album “The Crusader” in early 2003. A host of hits were to follow as was domestic stardom. Rumour has it he is soon to team up with a host of top name American rappers. We will see.
So there you have it. Crank out your IPOD’s and start downloading these quality New Zealand artists on US iTunes. Feel free to share any I have missed or new ones that pop up. Happy listening.
Lucy Lockett June 17th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Nice review, they are all excellent musicians, one of my personal favourites is Bic Runga, I like both her albums too.
tracy sardelli June 17th, 2008 at 4:44 am
excellent review, well done.
watapoloswmr14 June 17th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
hey!!!
nice article i love music i will check out these names… who knows maby i will find the cool new thing to listen to. it might be fun to listen to some new bands from another country
RJ Chamberlain June 17th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Appreciate all your comments people and do check out these bands. They don’t get a lot of publicity outside New Zealand so it would be great. Thanks
RJ Evans June 18th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Cool article – will try ad check out a few of these new bands…!
B Nelson June 24th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I dunno about USA but Spit Enz/Crowded House – were pretty big up here in Canada..
I think I can recall one “History never repeats” I loved that one.. back from the ’80s.
Alot more Aussie bands get attention here.
good list and thank you!
RJ Chamberlain June 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Thanks a lot for your comment B Nelson. Much appreciated. Yeh Split Enz and Crowded House have been proably the most well known artists to come out of New Zealand.
lanne June 27th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I have always enjoyed Split Enz and Crowded House, but had no idea as to the connection between the two. Better be home soon has always been a favorite of mine. Nice list.
Arty blood August 7th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
As per usual these are just ‘commercial in N.Z’ bands that are pretty generic and souless. ‘moonshine’? just another run of the mill r and b/hip hop song you could find anywhere in the top twenty in the States. Fat Freddy’s and Sal dub are pretty bland reggae-ish dub, nice for a summer day but nothing special. Brooke Fraser is a middle of the road popsy folksy wench and don’t Crowded House consider themselves Australian?
There is wayyyyy more depth to N.Z music than this list of rubbish. Do some research and you will honestly find some fantastic (and meaningful) songs.
booradley August 14th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I think I’m familiar with only the first one. And you’re right – it’s a must have! I will have to check out the others. Thanks.
RJ Chamberlain August 14th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Arty, a New Zealander and having also lived in the States, I think you will find that both Neil Finn and Tim Finn of Crowded House and Split Enz respectively, are both genuine Kiwi boys and consider themselves to be. This piece was not about how great the songs are, although most are well respected pieces, it was about songs that you will find on iTunes America. Yes there is far more depth to New Zealand music but a lot of this you won’t find on American iTunes. Thanks for your comment. Peace.
Alex T May 8th, 2009 at 6:13 am
Ten great New Zealand songs from the 2000’s that aren’t on this list …
1. Hollie Smith – Bathe In The River
2. Brooke Fraser – Albertine
3. Fur Patrol, – Lydian
4. Blindspott – Phlex
5. Evermore – Light Surrounding You
6. Scribe – Not Many
7. Smashproof featuring Gin – Brother
8. Dave Dobbyn – Welcome Home
9. Brooke Fraser – Better
10. Tiki Taane – Always on my mind
Ki July 11th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
umm.. Salmonella Dub doesn’t have an album called Under the Dub Plates. The album I think you are talking about is Inside the Dub Plates. Also this is not their debut album, that being a self titled album Salmonella Dub way back in 1994. In fact Inside the Dub Plates is their fourth album.
Libby August 16th, 2009 at 7:50 am
This is a great list that really come through with the pacific island influence of a lot of NZ music.
Though Evermore’s new hit song “Hey Boys and Girls” is my new favourite.
samuel welsh October 8th, 2009 at 5:13 am
awesome its great that amercians can enjoy our stuff too
try some zed and six day war too there great.
kirstie May 25th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
stellar and the feelers toooooo!