Articles from ‘elocal magazine’ in ‘Music’

She taught herself to play, built her own recording environment, developed an international following and secured a deal with one of America's best-known independent heavy-music labels. Now Auckland-raised artist VANA is taking her uncompromising sound to audiences around the world. Her journey is a reminder that New Zealand talent does not need permission to succeed. VANA: From Auckland to the World Stage · A Kiwi Voice That Refuses to…

In the heart of Southland, where the air is crisp and country music runs through the veins of the community, two young stars from the Halton Hart family band were dreaming big. Georgia Martin and Meila Scully, known as the award-winning duo The Sparks didn't just want to listen to their idol, Lainey Wilson; they wanted to show her exactly how much she had inspired them. Driven by what they described as a "raging fire" in their hearts, the…

Sun, Sails, and Steel Guitars: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival - If you’re planning a trip to the "Winterless North," there is no better way to see it than when the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival is in full swing. The term "winterless" is a bit of a local secret, while the rest of New Zealand is starting to feel the first real bite of May , Northland stays famously mild. In May, you’re looking at…