Recommended artists from New Zealand: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters
New Zealand is a lesser-known hotspot for great music.
That’s because many New Zealand artists go abroad and make a name for themselves.
As a fellow island nation with almost no time difference despite being in opposite hemispheres, and often called a neighbor by longitude, it’s interesting to listen to the music of this country.
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Recommended artists from New Zealand: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters (11–20)
Love Love LoveAvalanche City
Avalanche City is a New Zealand solo project that wraps listeners’ hearts in gentle, sunlit acoustic sound.
Dave Baxter’s indie-folk craftsmanship is its charm.
The 2011 release Love Love Love was used in a TV network promotion and became a hit overnight; the track also won the APRA Silver Scroll award.
The story of crafting the acclaimed album Our New Life Above the Ground by hand in a community hall symbolizes his DIY spirit.
He’s an artist for anyone who loves warm, empathetic melodies and music with a tangible, handmade feel.
SophieGoodshirt
From a shed in their backyard, Goodshirt reshaped New Zealand’s music scene.
They’re a rare band that blends the DIY spirit of indie rock with sun-drenched melodies reminiscent of the Beach Boys.
Their 2001 debut album, “Good,” went platinum, and the single “Sophie” hit No.
1 on the national chart in May 2002.
The song’s inventive one-shot music video won Best Video at the 2003 NZ Music Awards, showcasing the band’s creative talents.
If you love playful sounds and unforgettable melodies, this is a band you should definitely hear.
Dominion RoadThe Mutton Birds
Taking flight from Auckland’s music scene in 1991, The Mutton Birds are a band that blends the warmth of folk with the grit of rock.
They quickly rose to popularity with tracks like “Nature” from their 1992 debut album The Mutton Birds and “The Heater,” which topped the New Zealand charts.
At the 1993 New Zealand Music Awards, they swept major categories including Album of the Year.
Songwriter Don McGlashan’s storytelling reflects the landscapes and society of his homeland, and their music was also featured in Peter Jackson’s film The Frighteners.
Highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in moving melodies and profound lyrics.
Always On My MindTiki Taane
Tiki Taane stands out in New Zealand’s music scene.
An exceptional sound engineer, he’s also an artist who commands everything from dub and electronica to heartfelt acoustic sounds.
“Always On My Mind,” from his debut album Past, Present, Future released in October 2007, set a record by staying on the NZ charts for an impressive 55 weeks.
His multiple wins at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards attest to his talent.
His sound, rooted in Māori heritage, delivers emotion that transcends genre.
He’s the perfect artist for those who want to immerse themselves in a uniquely creative world.
MaybeOpshop
A song by the rock band Opshop, formed in Auckland, New Zealand in 2002.
It was released as a single in 2007.
The track reached No.
3 on the New Zealand charts and was certified Gold.
The album that features this song, Second Hand Planet, reached No.
1 in New Zealand and earned Triple Platinum certification.