When I meet with Evie Bamford, it's 10am on a Sunday at a coffee shop in Grey Lynn. Because of this, by the time I get there, the whole place is packed with people. Evie is sitting outside at the only available seat. She cranes her neck, resting her hand above her eyes like a salute, peers between her fringe and her sunnies and spots me. It's honestly pumping, the sun's out and people are lining up to grab a table. I greet Evie with a hug and suggest we get takeaway coffees and relocate to the park to discuss her upcoming release, her 6 track debut EP, Now Rising, Now Falling.

“Live At The Void” is a DIY concert film, set in the ‘void’ between Mount Albert and Mount Roskill. The gig was planned under the guise of a 21st flat party for local promoter Liam Hansen, but as the idea evolved, the void was filled by the creative ambitions of Tāmaki Makaurau’s thriving DIY music scene. The film features performances from local acts Neither Do I, Park Flyers, CCTV, and 花溪 Flowerstream and will premiere at Dominion Road’s Capitol Cinema on Monday, 27 April. Ahead of the ANZAC Day release, I spoke to producer and promoter Liam Hansen and Director Corey Fuimaono about what it takes to take a living room to the big screen.

This weekend, Twominds Festival hits Christchurch’s Spencer Beach Holiday Park for its fourth iteration. With Friday fast approaching, we thought it best to get you aquatinted with some of the local talent that will on show. Eden Burns and Christopher Tubbs, both accomplished DJs in their own right, have built a powerful partnership under moniker Burns & Tubbs. The two DJs and producers released Volume IV of their Burns & Tubbs series in August 2025 on German record label Public Possession. Back in 2024, Flynn interviewed the pair about their flourishing creative partnership and surprising friendship for Newzician Magazine Issue Three.

In the very un-New-Zealand-like tradition of competitive speculation, we have decided to preview each of the ten finalists, in an attempt to bring a speculative gossip to the New Zealand music awards circuit. We make some goddamn great music, and I don’t envy the panel who have to make such a subjective judgement call. All I know, is whoever wins, its a bloody good album.

Aotearoa has been blessed by some incredible moments in music this year. Despite what seems like ever increasing, and insurmountable odds, the scene continues to plow on and build and refine a distinct palate of sounds and spaces that define our place in this chaotic world.

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to share some of our favourite albums, songs, and gigs we have attended this year in Aotearoa music.