New Zealand… Rocks!!

Saturday 12th April saw a much-awaited day for us Kiwis in London, with the arrival and performance of Shapeshifter at The Forum in Camden.

An eclectic mix of drum ‘n bass and electronica, these guys absolutely rocked it on stage. The opening act of Electric Dream did a great job of starting off the show and is always a crowd-pleaser. Like the football fans of the UK, Kiwis place so much emphasis on local talent, and our irrational passions kept the night alive with the flailing of limbs and spilling of beer.

This show got me thinking. There is little else that awakens the pride and patriotism of us K.I.L. (Kiwis in London) as seeing our very own homegrown musical talent all the way on the other side of the world killing it on stage.

With a huge spike in international musical talent streaming out of the island across the road from Australia, it’s hard not to get caught up in the fanatical patriotism we all feel. From Six60, who arrive for a sold out gig next month, to Lorde, who’s just performed at Coachella alongside some of the biggest names in the business, we’re really making a name for ourselves other than That Place Where They Filmed Lord of the Rings. The land of the long white sheep finally has something to bring to the table, and brag we will.

New Zealand music has it’s own look, it’s own sound, it’s own feel. When you’re so far from home, sometimes this is the only way to get your fix. When Six60 arrive in May, I know I’ll be right up the front: where will you be?

Roxayn Wright
Accountant UK (and proud K.I.L)

Photo via Phillip Capper, Flickr under CC BY 2.0 license.