Another month, another incredible artist handpicked by Live Nation and Vodafone to be their monthly ONES TO WATCH artist! This month, Auckland-born fuzz-pop band Na Noise are taking the stage as a tight-knit three-piece band with deep roots in the local music scene.
Connecting through a love and passion for local music, principal songwriter Yolanda Fagan met future bandmate Hariet Ellis at the iconic Auckland music venue where Hariet worked, the Kings Arms. Their instant musical connection led them to play several shows around the city, before bringing drummer, percussionist, and keyboardist Christopher Varnham into the mix. Together, Na Noise was born.
Their first album Waiting For You is self-described as a “stitching of sonic palettes”, with the band paying homage to the likes of Ian Svenonius, and 1960’s R&B girl group vocals. While the mash-up of genres might seem eclectic, they provide a musical fusion that is also influenced by key players in the Aotearoa indie scene – Noa Records, Sunreturn, Stink Magnetic and 1:12 Records, as well as their physical surroundings. “We listen to what’s around us and we write to be a part of it.”
Na Noise exploded onto the scene to critical acclaim, with Waiting for You earning them the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award at the Taite Music Prize Awards last year, and later being named the Best Alternative Artist at the 2021 Aotearoa Music Awards. They credit their ability to make music that doesn’t abide by the rules. Allowing themselves to spit-ball ideas and experiment with their arrangements has resulted in the band finding their unique sound.
On Na Noise joining the ONES TO WATCH family, Live Nation’s Renée Hermsen: We’re stoked to add Na Noise to the ONES TO WATCH hall of fame, arguably Auckland’s coolest and fuzziest trio, complete crackling ’60 effects! Get amongst it.”
2022 has now welcome four emerging artists into the ONES TO WATCH programme: Mo Etc., Teenage Joans, Leaping Tiger and Na Noise. They join a slate of artists across a range of genres, including There’s a Tuesday, Muroki, Balu Brigada, Daily J and Rhys Rich.
Launched in 2017 in the United States, ONES TO WATCH has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including Halsey and Grammy-award winning superstars Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish, who are both set to visit New Zealand later this year on their world tours.
Vodafone’s Experience & Commercial Director, Joe Goddard, had this to say: "Restrictions are lifting, the orange light is on, and that means we can once again gather to support our favourite New Zealand artists. We're pleased to welcome Na Noise to the ONES TO WATCH family and encourage everyone to get out and support our music scene as we head into NZ Music Month."
After launching an exclusive long-term partnership in 2019, Live Nation Australasia and Vodafone New Zealand have provided Vodafone customers access to Live Nation’s entertainment portfolio including music, family and comedy tours and festivals across the country. The strategic multi-year partnership is committed to bringing the best live experiences to New Zealand and the best New Zealand artists to the world. The unique emerging talent platform of ONES TO WATCH builds on this strong partnership and a mutual dedication to support grassroots initiatives.
As well as access to the online platform, Vodafone customers will be given the chance to win tickets to the ONES TO WATCH invitation-only quarterly showcase events. More info and competition details available at: vodafonerewards.co.nz