Girlpool

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I've closely followed Girlpool's journey over these past years, specifically, since I heard the song Bla Bla Bla for the first time. Friday was the first time the band had been to NZ, but they still pulled a good-sized crowd at Galatos.

Joining the duo was lovely Jasmin who is 'Being.' performing and reciting her beautiful poetry, exciting things are happening with her, as the release of her first music video approaches!

Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad have both evolved both as people and as musicians since the release of their Ep ‘Girlpool’ back in 2014. The best friends released their third album 'What Chaos Is Imaginary' earlier this year, and although voices have altered, and looks have differed the two have produced a very Girlpool album. Their sound is still fun, just now with more layers of sounds and richer instrumentation on top of the original vocals, bass and guitar.

But vocals, bass and guitar were what Girlpool brought with them to the show on Friday. It made for such an intimate time, and far more powerful experience. I look forward to the day they come back to NZ and to see where their lives take the two of them.

Carb on Carb + Friends

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Before their journey to Japan, Carb on Carb spent a night at Whammy Bar playing alongside their mates.

It was Blush Juliet's debut show, and even though they commented it would be their last, I hope it won't be! Their set was very enjoyable. Looking for to their single that's coming soon.

Ana Te Kōtiro was breath taking. I couldn't keep my eyes off her. As her beautiful voice boomed, her hand was moving so quickly using her looping controller. She would loop four, five even six sample layers with not a single mistake (well, not that my ears could pick up). I came away feeling very inspired!

Being., the graceful Jasmine Balmer is always mesmerising to watch. She has a way of being (hehe), so calming while still brings forth emotions of both fierceness and bubbling joy.

Finally one of New Zealand's coolest Emo-Punk bands 'Carb on Carb' played their set. Ok, so you know how I can be a bit fangirl, it's quite embarrassing at times. But I want you to know I played it cool while asking Nicole and James to sign my records of theirs (which was so not cool). Carb on Carb is off on their first ever Japan tour. Performing their worldwide acclaimed album 'for ages', my favourite album they have released yet. Good Luck Guys, We'll See You When Your Back Home.

Blush Juliet

Ana Te Kōtiro

Being.

Carb on Carb

Lawrence Arabia's Singles Club

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I immensely enjoy seeing Being. perform. Jasmine has a knack for writing such happy songs contrasted with sad emotions. Hearing her speak her poetry mid-set always gets me and often brings out a tear in me (But don't tell anyone cos I'm a stone cold bitch remember)

I've never seen Lawrence Arabia live and I've been told there is always a surprise when it comes to his performances. Sure enough, there was. At the start of the show, the instruments were covered with sheets and lit from underneath, creating a lightbox (sorry photography term) like effect. I tried to capture as best as I could.

The show could not have been held at a better venue. The Hollywood Cinema has such a great vibe about it and was perfect for Lawrence Arabia's indie synth-ambient sound.

His daring twelve-month long project, "Lawrence Arabia's Singles Club." included collaborations with Hollie Fullbrook (Tiny Ruins), Heather Mansfield (Brunettes), Ryan McPhun (The Ruby Suns) and Liam Finn. Also featured was legendary Beach Boys collaborator Van Dyke Parks.

From the start of Feb 2018 Lawrence Arabia aka James Milne has released a song every month for 12 months till the album was complete. He is now is touring with his six-piece band around New Zealand.

Lucy Dacus

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I've been a bit embarrassed to post this as I don't believe I did my best when shooting Being. or Lucy.

Arriving at The Tuning Fork I realised my camera battery was about to die, so I began using it as sparingly as possible. I only managed to get a few shots of Being. and Lucy before my camera craped out. The lesson here is always to check and charge your batteries or even better buy a spare and keep it on you (which I'm still yet to do)

So after my baby died, I had the pleasure of watching and singing at the top of my voice. You all know how I love Being. and the music she is creating, but this performance was mixed with moving poems which struck a chord with me. With a grin on my face (thanks Being.) I waited patiently for Lucy! She and her band did not let us down. As their last show on tour, I hope that we as an audience did not let them down and I believe we didn't, swaying, singing and cheering Lucy's name. She spoke of how ducked (you know the word I mean) of a place she thought America had become so I reckon she and her band should just come live here in New Zealand.

It was a great night despite my technical difficulties.