The three Kiwi artists on the rise

Despite our little land mass, New Zealand punches well above its weight when it comes to producing raw talent. We mean, hello, have you heard of Lorde?!

Off the back of NZ Music Month in May, Remix chatted to three of our favourite up-and-coming artists - Theia, Kings, and Nomad, who share the same common goal of performing at Coachella one day! 

THEIA
The young singer-songwriter's tunes Roam and Champagne Supernova have filled the airwaves and she’s now gracing us with an EP and a NZ tour this July.

Why is NZ Music Month important to you?
I think it’s very important because there is so much talent here that just needs the right exposure. NZMM gives opportunities to artists to showcase their art. It means musicians who aren’t necessarily Top 40 orientated can be appreciated for their work. 

Who’s your favourite kiwi artist and song?
I, like many others, absolutely love Lorde. As a lyricist, performer and artist, she’s incredible.
Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the songs we sang in school assemblies when I was at Primary School in the late '90s/'00s and was a great source of comfort. 

What would be your dream collaboration(s)?
I have kept a running list of dream collaborations from when I was young, of artists that inspire me. All are idiosyncratic, outlandish and bizarre in some way, I love people that are fearless and totally themselves. Rihanna and Bjork to name two. 

What’s coming up next for you?
I’ve just returned from Australia and L.A, and have announced my EP tour which is happening in July. After that, there’s a couple of really cool things coming up, which I can’t say too much about yet but I’m so excited and can’t wait to share more information. 

KINGS
His number #1 hit, Don’t Worry Bout It took over radio and is still sitting on the NZ Music Charts after a year. You’ve probably also listened to many of his collaborations with the likes of Ministry of Sound and George FM’s Dan Aux. 

Why is NZ Music Month important to you?
It gives NZ musicians an opportunity to have the spotlight shone on their works. 

Who’s your favourite kiwi artist and song?
KORA (most their jams), Scribe - Crusader album and Che Fu - Waka. 

What would be your dream collaboration(s)?
Kayne, Childish Gambino, MUSE and Creative Geniius. 

What’s coming up next for you?
My album - my main focus at the moment! 

NOMAD 
Nomad is a three piece band hailing from Christchurch who’s unique sound (listen to Oh My My) is captivating and beyond their years. They’ve also been collaborating with fellow NZ muso’s Benny Tipene and Dave Dobbyn. 

Why is NZ Music Month important to you?
It’s important because it highlights local music and opens up opportunities for bands like us to play more gigs. It’s pretty cool that the whole country takes a month to appreciate local music, that’s for sure. 

Who’s your favourite kiwi artist and song?
Hard to nail down one kiwi song, but Buffalo by The Phoenix Foundation is definitely a fave. Same situation with picking one kiwi artist, really enjoying Fazerdaze at the moment though, they’re sweet. 

What would be your dream collaboration(s)?
Justin Vernon from Bon Iver because he’s a genius and we’ve loved his music for ages. 

What’s coming up next for you?
We’re currently touring around the country performing for crazy kids at National Young Leaders Day arena events, so that’s pretty cool. We’ve got a few headline gigs too - we've recently played a tour in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as well as opening the Queenstown Winterfest which is awesome. An album is also on the horizon so we’re busy writing that.