Celebrating NZ Music Month Overseas. Why NZ Music Month Matters, Wherever You Are
By Travel Geek May is NZ Music Month, a time to crank up the volume on Aotearoa’s legendary sounds, whether you’re at home in New Zealand or exploring the far corners of the globe. But let’s be real: Kiwi music deserves to be celebrated all year round. From the raw energy of Shihad to the soulful grooves of Fat Freddy’s Drop, or the iconic anthems of Crowded House and Split Enz, New Zealand’s musical legacy is as diverse as its landscapes.
How to celebrate NZ Music abroad
So, how do you keep the Kiwi spirit alive while overseas? Here’s your guide to celebrating NZ music, no matter where your travels take you.
1. Curate the ultimate Kiwi playlist
Forget about FOMO over missing live gigs, your playlist is your passport to NZ music. Load up on:
Rock & Alternative Classics: Shihad, The Datsuns, The Mutton Birds, Straitjacket Fits, The Clean
Reggae & Dub: Fat Freddy’s Drop, Katchafire, House of Shem
Indie & Folk: The Phoenix Foundation, Tiny Ruins, Aldous Harding, Marlon Williams
Pop & Iconic Anthems: Lorde, Crowded House, Bic Runga, Six60
Underground Gems: The Beths, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, The Veils, L.A.B
Pro Tip: Use Spotify’s “New Zealand Hot 50” or Apple Music’s NZ charts to discover new tracks. Or dive into Bandcamp for deep cuts from local labels like Flying Nun or Arch Hill Recordings. And don't forget about Bandcamp Fridays, where Bandcamp waives their revenue share and pass the funds directly to artists & labels. Support your favourite Kiwi artists.
2. Hunt for Kiwi music in unexpected places
You don’t need a tour schedule to find NZ music abroad. Try this:
Record Stores: Many cities have shops specializing in international music. Ask for Flying Nun Records vinyl or CDs, you might score a rare find.
Expat Bars & Kiwi Pubs: Places like The Churchill Arms (London), The Australian (NYC), or The Kiwi (Berlin) often host NZ-themed nights or have Kiwi DJs.
Festivals with NZ Acts: While big names like Lorde or Six60 might play or even headline international festivals, keep an eye out for smaller Kiwi acts at events like SXSW (USA), Great Escape (UK), or Reeperbahn (Germany).
3. Host your own NZ music night
No Kiwi bands in town? Be the change.
Throw a “Kiwi Rock Night”: Invite fellow travelers or expats, play NZ music videos on YouTube and serve L&P, Steinlager or flat whites for authenticity.
Trivia Challenge: Test your mates on NZ music history. (Example: Which Kiwi band was the first to top the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart? Answer: Shihad, with “Sweeting” in 1999.)
Karaoke Kiwi-Style: Belt out “Dominion Road” (The Mutton Birds), “Not Given Lightly” (Chris Knox), or “Royals” (Lorde), guaranteed to start a singalong.
4. Support NZ Music from afar
Buy Merch Online: Many NZ bands sell T-shirts, posters, and vinyl through their websites or Bandcamp.
Stream & Share: Follow Kiwi artists on Spotify, YouTube, Deezer, Qobuz or Bandcamp and share their music with your global network.
Donate to NZ Music Charities: Organisations like MusicHelps (formerly: NZ Music Foundation) supports hundreds of projects across New Zealand, each using the power of music to change the lives of thousands of New Zealanders in need.
5. Dive into NZ’s music history
Use your travels as an excuse to geek out on NZ music lore:
Read: Michael Dummett’s “The Craft of Flight” (on Flying Nun) or John Dix’s “Stranded in Paradise” (the story of NZ rock).
Watch: Documentaries like “The Ghost Who Walks Again” (about The Clean) or “Ever the Land” (a deeper look at NZ’s cultural identity through music).
Listen to Podcasts: The Wireless (RNZ) or Flying Nun’s podcast for interviews and deep dives.
Kiwi music: more than just a month
NZ Music Month is a reminder, but Kiwi music is a year-round vibe. Whether you’re sipping a beer in a Berlin bar, road-tripping through the USA, or lounging in a Southeast Asian hostel, there’s always a way to keep the Kiwi sound alive.
So, wherever you are this May (or any month), turn it up, proud and loud. Because the best way to celebrate NZ music? Just press play.
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