2021 marks the 40th birthday and anniversary of Flying Nun Records.
From the first 1981 releases of the Pin Group “Ambivalence” and The Clean’s “Tally Ho!”, through to the last decade of releases from new artists - including Aldous Harding, Reb Fountain, Wax Chattels, Fazerdaze, Mermaidens and others - the Nun has been lucky enough to hitch it’s wagon to more than its fair share of formidably good left-of-centre local independent artists for 40 years.
Thanks primarily to all these exceptional artists and their music, we made it to 40. So, it only seems fitting to have some big parties.
While the hazy details of the previous anniversary celebrations remain murky (the 10th, 15th, 21st and 30th), we assume they must have been good. The surviving event posters and photographs indicate monumental musical celebrations.
We intend to continue this birthday tradition with two monster extravaganzas in Wellington and Auckland - multiple stages, a mix of established artists, new artists, and plenty in-between - a record store and all kinds of other stuff.
Inevitably, we’re biting off more than we can chew. But we know it will be worth it in the end. We hope you will join us for a line-up that includes the following;
WELLINGTON SHOW DETAILS
- Aldous Harding (solo)
- The Chills
- Reb Fountain
- The Bats
- The Subliminals
- Voom
- Superette
- Purple Pilgrims
Saturday 7th of August – The Michael Fowler Centre – Wellington
Two Stages, Record Shop and more fun stuff.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THURSDAY 24th JUNE FROM TICKETMASTER
AUCKLAND SHOW DETAILS
- Aldous Harding (solo)
- Straitjacket Fits
- Reb Fountain
- The Bats
- The Subliminals
- Voom
- Superette
- Mermaidens
- Wax Chattels
- ...and more to be announced
Saturday 24th of July - The Auckland Town Hall
Three Stages, Record Shop and more fun stuff.
PRESALE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM 11AM FRIDAY 28TH MAY
Here’s what a few people nice people have said about Flying Nun over the past 40 years;
“Founded in 1981 by Christchurch-based Roger Shepherd, Flying Nun Records is one of the world’s great independent labels” The Guardian (UK) 2017
“a label called Flying Nun seems to have a monopoly on the best bands in the country.” NPR Radio (US) 2016
“Flying Nun’s influence – especially in the US – has spread outward, and not just on bands like Pavement, but on indie labels such as Sub-Pop. And like the south island’s famous Jurassic reptile, the Tuatara, Flying Nun lives on today” The Vinyl Factory (US) 2015.
“Flying Nun Records, arguably the best ambassador of New Zealand’s music scene, is continuing to document both the past and present of that country’s distinctive pop sound. Recently, their efforts have landed on a fascinating glimpse into the work being done by women on this island nation.” Paste Magazine (US) 2017
“A new kiwi act on legendary Flying Nun label who sounds like an old kiwi act on legendary Flying Nun label. Which makes it brilliant” The Guardian 2017 (print edition) review of artist Fazerdaze;
“one of New Zealand's and the world's most beloved independent record labels.” Kiran Dass on Flying Nun, Stuff (NZ) 2016
Wellington poster - Will Agnew
Auckland 'flying orange nuns' image - Valentin Coquillat
