Manchester based musician Freak Slug - the project of Xenya Genovese - will be welcoming audiences in Pōneke Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into her dreamy indie-pop world this October. Freak Slug performs at San Fran on October 20th and The Tuning Fork on October 21st with her Big Candles tour.
Tickets will be available to purchase by the General Public on Friday 11 July at 10:00am local time.
My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences Thursday 10th July from 10:00am local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.
The name ‘Freak Slug’ encapsulates Xenya’s artistic world perversely and perfectly. Known for following the beat of her own drum, Xenya’s releases under the name Freak Slug so far include debut 2020 EP Videos and its viral hit Radio (23 million streams and counting), and follow-up EPs I’m In Love (2022) and Viva La Vulva (2023). Having shown listeners her more “summery, happy sound”, she then delivered a more grungy-feel with debut album I Blow Out Big Candles, furthermore pushing the diversity of her sound.
Hugely influenced by ‘90s cult heroes including Ride, Mazzy Star and Stephen Malkmus, Freak Slug is all about hitting a mood. Everything that fuels her creative output is raw, authentic, sometimes weird, but always totally true self-expression. I Blow Out Big Candles is a strong statement of all of this and more. Down there, picking through the curious mix of sounds and feelings, from nostalgic, ‘90s-influenced and dreamy as well as eccentric and experimental, lives Freak Slug. The 10-track project gives listeners a taste of what they will be in for at her Aotearoa shows, a journey of both soft soulfulness and sonic songwriting, all laid out on the table.
I Blow Out Big Candles is as fearless a record as Xenya herself and was met with features and reviews throughout some of the most prestigious radio and media platforms in the United Kingdom. With her 4 piece band, Freak Slug has performed at SXSW Austin – and was the most searched UK artist at the 2025 edition - alongside many other showcases and festivals. Earlier this year Freak Slug completed her Big Candles tour of the US, CA, UK and EU taking in 40 cities including sold out dates in LA, Chicago, Seattle, London, Paris and Amsterdam, she also has a busy summer of festivals festival with a headline slot on the alcove stage at Latitude.
LEWIS CAPALDI ANNOUNCES 2025 NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES
After two years away from the spotlight, global superstar Lewis Capaldi is well and truly, back. Back in the charts with his huge new single Survive, back in the headlines after his surprise and magnificent return to Glastonbury Festival and, this November and December, back on tour in New Zealand at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena and Auckland’s Spark Arena presented by Secret Sounds, Live Nation and WME.
For people who purchased tickets to Lewis’s previously cancelled 2023 tour, a Past Ticket Holders Presale will go live on Thursday 10 July, 11am (local) until Monday 14 July, 11am (local). Those customers will receive an email from Secret Sounds with presale access information.
A Secret Sound presale will occur Friday 11 July, 11am local until Monday 14 July, 11am local. Sign up now to access at secretsounds.com.
Tickets will be available to the General Public to purchase from Monday 14 July, 12pm local.
These dates will be the first time Lewis has returned to Aotearoa since his Auckland Town Hall performance in 2019. His new track Survive sees him reunited with close collaborator Romans, who co-wrote his global megahit Someone You Loved, that extraordinarily turned 10x Platinum earlier this year.
On Friday 27th June, a headliner-sized Pyramid Stage crowd at Glastonbury Festival embraced the emotion of Lewis’s emergence into the sunshine for a powerful, hit-laden half-hour. “Second time’s a charm on this one,” said Lewis. “I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish last time.” That he emphatically did, with his soaring vocals leading the crowd through classics Before You Go, Grace, Hold Me While You Wait, Bruises, Forget Me, a first live showing of Survive, and a unifying performance of Someone You Loved. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Lewis’s performance at Glastonbury arrived off the back of a run of Scottish warm up shows in May that saw him return to the stage as a guest of mental health charity CALM, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. With no pressure, and no level of expectation, the shows allowed Capaldi the space to gauge his comfort and emotional response before returning to the spotlight - a move which ended up proving nothing short of a triumph.
Lewis’ last release, the hit-stacked record Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, scored him his second UK number 1 album, creating another three heartbreaking UK number 1 singles, Pointless, Wish You The Best and the Platinum-certified Forget Me working with hitmakers including Max Martin (Taylor Swift, The Weeknd), Malay(Lorde, Frank Ocean), and longtime collaborator Phil Plested (James Bay, Bastille).
The album also gained widespread critical acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, New York Times, NME, Rolling Stone, GQ, Stereogum & many more. It also topped airplay charts, smashing an impressive 95,000 units, outselling the rest of that week’s Top 10 combined, as well as outselling first week sales of his own monumental debut album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.
April 2023 saw the global Netflix release of Lewis’ compelling, raw and honest feature-length, GRAMMY®-nominated music documentary ‘Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now’ - available to watch on the platform now. The documentary shot straight to the top of the Netflix chart, making it the most watched film on the platform since its release.
Lewis’ subsequent success stems back to 2019’s multimillion selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, which propelled Capaldi from bedroom musician to superstar. Few had seen a debut release quite like it, becoming the biggest selling UK album of both 2019 & 2020, spawning two UK number 1 singles, bagging a few BRITs and a GRAMMY® nomination, with one of those number 1’s becoming a smash hit on both sides of the globe in Someone You Loved which as well as recently going 10x Platinum, is also the UK’s most streamed song of all time & the world’s fourth highest ever streamed song.
After weathering the kind of storm that few can prepare for, Lewis Capaldi returns with a renewed sense of purpose. Survive proves that even in the darkest moments, there’s still strength in showing up. As he marks a new era, Lewis isn’t just surviving, he’s returning even stronger, heart wide open, and ready to step out again.
PREPARE TO FALL IN LOVE: TRENT DALTON’S LOVE STORIES COMES TO THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND THIS OCTOBER
Auckland Live, in association with Auckland Writers Festival, proudly presents the New Zealand exclusive season of Love Stories — the critically acclaimed stage sensation by Trent Dalton, direct from standing ovations and five-star raves in Australia. This heart-expanding theatrical gem plays just five performances at The Civic, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, from Thursday 16 October to Sunday 19 October.
Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Tim McGarry and directed by Sam Strong (the creative team behind the smash-hit page-to-stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe), Love Stories invites audiences into Dalton’s world: a city street corner, a battered Olivetti typewriter, and a single question posed to strangers passing by - “Can you please tell me a love story?”
“In a time when we need joy more than ever, Love Stories lifts the spirit.” - Arts Hub
From strangers to soulmates, parents to children, friends to lifelong companions, the stories collected and celebrated in this remarkable production traverse the full spectrum of human love. Weaving real-life encounters with music, laughter, movement, and tenderness, Love Stories is an unforgettable tribute to the beauty, fragility, and fierce resilience of the human heart.
“It dives into the chaos of love – the joy, the pain, the laughter, the heartbreak ... sending you back to the streets feeling just a little more alive” - The Guardian
Trent Dalton reflected on the production’s journey from the streets of Brisbane to The Civic in Auckland:
“Early this year, the extraordinary gang from Auckland Live walked me into that hallowed Civic theatre in the heart of that glorious city. They showed me exactly what it will feel like to walk into Love Stories come showtime. The theatre ceiling literally shimmered with a blanket of stars. That theatre - that city, their writer’s festival - embodies everything the play is about … community, dreams, storytelling, connection, love in all its tricky and wondrous forms. I kinda lost my mind with the joy and possibility of it all. It’s a dream come true for me, to create a piece of art that adds to a history of NZ culture - theatre, books, film, music, art - that has inspired me since I was a teenage writer wannabe who could only dream of having something he wrote travelling across the ditch, all the way to paradise. Thank you Auckland Live, from the bottom of my heart. And thank you dear Auckland!”
Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live commented:
“I saw the very first pitch of this work at idea stage and knew that it would be a winner. And it has been. Thousands of people across Australia have seen this play since its world premiere at Brisbane Festival. This is a beautiful work, full of heart and innovatively staged; we can’t wait to share this stunning production with the audiences of Aotearoa. It is the perfect spring show - love will be in the air!”
Love Stories was originally commissioned and produced by Brisbane Festival and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The production features additional writing and story by Trent Dalton and Fiona Franzmann, with choreography by Nerida Matthaei, design by Renee Mulder, lighting by Ben Hughes, and original music and sound design by Stephen Francis.
Don’t miss this moving celebration of humanity, connection, and the stories that bind us.
Presales are on now, ahead of the general onsale on Thu 3 July, 9 AM. With just five performances, audiences are encouraged to book tickets early to secure their seats for this strictly limited season. For more information, go to aucklandlive.co.nz
KIWI DJ MESSIE ANNOUNCES ALL NIGHT LONG TOUR IN AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON
Wellington-based DJ phenomenon MESSIE, aka Tessa Hills has today announced two All Night Long DJ sets across Pōneke and Tāmaki Makaurau. Gaining international attention after opening for one of the United Kingdom’s most coveted DJs Fred again.. and remixing his song ‘places to be’ which now has over 2.6M listens on Spotify alone, MESSIE is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new names to watch in New Zealand.
Audiences will be able to enjoy MESSIE’s high-energy, electrifying set for literally the entire night - with these two shows running until the early hours of the morning. Saturday, September 13th will see her take over Auckland’s Studio the Venue, before heading to Wellington’s San Fran the following Saturday, September 20th.
Tickets for MESSIE’s All Night Long tour in Auckland and Wellington will be available to purchase by the General Public on Friday 4th July at 12:00pm.
My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences on Wednesday 2nd July from 11:00am until Friday 4th July at 11:00am. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.
MESSIE is taking Aotearoa’s electronic dance music scene to filthy new levels. As a former drummer, her passion for drumming was the pipeline for her falling in love with genres like Garage, Breakbeat, and Jungle. She has since expanded her sound and it’s safe to say each set will keep you guessing what will come next as she effortlessly merges genres such as Baile Funk, Ghetto Tech, Jersey Club, Juke, Afro beat inspired drums, Techno and many more global club soundscapes that encompass her high energy DJ sets. MESSIE’s sets are guaranteed to be bootleg heavy with something for everyone as she draws from her own music taste of rap and grime, to early 2000’s singalongs, girl-boss anthems and queer music culture in the form of edits you’d never expect.
Alongside her headline tour around Aotearoa in mid 2024, MESSIE has now brought her fresh, high-energy club music to Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, R&V, Beyond The Valley, Wildlands, Love Saves The Day, Gemfest & Outro Festival. With slots at Pohoda Festival, Hidden Festival, Motion, Truck Festival, AIASOUND and All Points East locked in for the second half of 2025, there is no slowing her down.
ROCK MEETS RAVE: COMBO TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
This July, two powerhouse live music experiences will collide in one epic night at Spark Arena. Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA and SYNTHONY ORIGINS will perform back-to-back – with fans now able to purchase exclusive combo tickets for the ultimate musical double-header.
Combining the raw intensity of rock and metal with the pulsing energy of classic dance anthems, this is a genre-bending night like no other.
Presented by Duco Touring and Liberty Stage, Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA is a symphonic showdown where metal meets majesty. Featuring a 29-piece orchestra, 5-piece band, iconic guest vocalists, and led by conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, the show brings to life legendary tracks from Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, and more – all reimagined with soaring strings and epic visuals.
After a short reset, the party continues with a special edition of SYNTHONY – taking fans back to where dance music all began with SYNTHONY ORIGINS.
“We’re proud to bring two world-class productions to Spark Arena in one night, offering fans an unprecedented live music experience,” says David Higgins, Founder of Duco Touring. “Whether you're into the power of rock or the pulse of dance music, this combo ticket offer is about giving people the chance to immerse themselves in both – all under one roof, on one unforgettable night.”
A tribute to the golden era of dance music, SYNTHONY ORIGINS will reimagine classic anthems by Darude, Eric Prydz, Faithless, Avicii, Fatboy Slim, Tiësto and more – brought to life by a live orchestra, DJs, vocalists, and immersive visuals.
It’s a throwback to the sounds that shaped the dancefloor – from underground clubs to global anthems – reimagined with the full SYNTHONY treatment.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE PLAY IT STRANGE PEACE SONG COMPETITION
Play It Strange is thrilled to today announce the winners of the Peace Song Competition, generously sponsored by The Wright Family Foundation. This year’s competition saw an overwhelming number of talented young musicians showcasing their creativity and passion for music, with a record-breaking 194 songs entered. We are excited to share that we have 52 exceptional finalists who have impressed our judges Bic Runga, Mike Chunn, Dave Johnston and Dianne Swann with their outstanding songwriting.
First-place goes to Betty Shen from Long Bay College for her track 'At least, I'll try'.
Betty Shen was a Play It Strange finalist twice last year, with her songs ‘Willow’s Song’ and ‘Sweet Potato’, available on Spotify here. Betty also had the winning album artwork on the 2024 Peace Song competition album.
Betty will receive a one-on-one mentoring session with Bic Runga, a $1,000 Rockshop gift card, a performance opportunity at Play It Strange’s annual awards, and an interview on 95bFM with their song played on the radio. Betty will work with a composer to create a backing arrangement for a quartet of orchestral instruments from Auckland Philharmonia’s Learn & Participate programme, who will also join Betty in the recording studio to professionally record her winning track. She will also receive an artist development mentoring session with SOLE Music Academy.
All 52 finalists (list here) will receive a professional recording of their song in a studio of their choice, with an incredible opportunity to work alongside some of New Zealand’s most recognised producers and engineers. Once recorded, these songs will be compiled into digital albums and uploaded to Spotify and Bandcamp.
Guest judge Bic Runga says about the entries in this year's Peace Song Competition:
"It's been a real privilege to hear what's on the minds of so many talented young people expressed through songwriting. Comparing them is almost impossible, as every single one has something special to say. I can't wait to hear the top songs recorded as an album, many of them I can't get out of my head, the quality is truly exceptional."
Guest judge Dave Johnston says about the entries in this year's Peace Song Competition:
“It’s been fantastic to observe the incredible variety of song styles submitted for this year’s Peace Song competition, and an absolute pleasure to hear the work of so many talented young songwriters. Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who had the courage to submit one of their creations!”
Play It Strange Founder Mike Chunn says of the winning song:
"The song “At least, I’ll try” is a weaving masterpiece whereby Betty Shen from Long Bay College takes her musical adventure with a lyrical engagement and we, the listeners, find ourselves in a riveting environment. There is magic in this song. And I congratulate Betty in the highest fashion. It’s a triumphant song and is a winner that walks with true pride."
Play It Strange CEO Stephanie Brown says:
"The entries into this year's Peace Song Competition have truly blown us away, and all 194 songs are deserving of a prize. The musical talent of rangatahi across Aotearoa is astounding. We can’t wait to share the recorded songs with you once the albums are published later in the year. There are already many songs that are on repeat on my playlist!"
Guest judge Dianne Swann’s message for those who aren’t finalists this year:
About Play It Strange:
Play It Strange was established in 2003 by cofounders Mike Chunn of Split Enz and Bill Moran, COO of New Zealand Treasury at the time. Their purpose is to provide an outlet for creative expression for secondary school-aged students in Aotearoa.
They run annual national songwriting competitions, with finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their songs. Play It Strange provides a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their talents, through mentorship, performance opportunities, radio play and more. Their alumni list includes Kimbra, Georgia Nott of Broods, Liz Stokes of The Beths, Annah Mac, Louis Baker, and CHAII.
While many alumni have turned that passion into full-time music careers, there's inspiring stories every day from past alumni who now have careers as music teachers, in music therapy, and even teaching music in prisons.
ImpactLab recently calculated our tangible social return, stating Play It Strange increases specialised skills, improves mental health, increases creativity, and increases confidence. ImpactLab calculates the social value for each participant generated to be $1273, and that every year, Play It Strange delivers $619,926 of measurable good to New Zealand society.
Extensive research highlights the positive impact of music and the arts on emotional well-being, personal development, and cognitive skills in young people. Studies show music education improves academic performance, self-esteem, and social engagement. Their competitions provide young people with this opportunity.
FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE RETURNS TO AOTEAROA
Following a widely popular Aotearoa run in 2024, the comedic culinary adventure like no other Faulty Towers The Dining Experience will make its return in October 2025. This year will see shows in Christchurch, Wellington, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland.
The international smash-hit has been entertaining audiences across the globe for over 28 years. A loving tribute to Fawlty Towers, the BBC TV series written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, audiences are invited to step inside the television series and become part of the action itself.
Highly improvised, interactive and a fully immersive experience, audiences will enjoy an action filled and unforgettable night, with a delicious ‘70s-style three-course meal and 5-star comedy. Guests are not just audience members, but highly esteemed guests of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel.
The longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind worldwide was devised by Kiwi Alison Pollard-Mansergh, who is also the artistic director and writer of this show. Growing up surrounded by the arts, Alison started her first theatre business at 15. She went on to launch Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in 1997 and played Sybil for many years, being involved in the production all the way up to 2019.
Producer and Programmer Jared Harford is thrilled to be back to New Zealand after last year's successful run of shows, and says a return was always on the cards. “We were completely blown away with the response last year and knew right away that we would be back. Touring such a world class show such as this around Aotearoa has been a dream, and I hope one that I never wake from.”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is a globe-trotting tour-de-force that has been smashing records, and collecting accolades since its humble beginnings in 1997. Touring globally in 43 countries, and welcoming well over 1 million guests through its doors, 2025 sees the show celebrate 28 years of touring worldwide, and its 13th year of the highly successful West End residency in London.
The show is now the longest running immersive production, the longest running Fawlty Towers production in the West End, and the longest running show based on a TV series in the West End. It is also the longest-running Fawlty Towers production of any kind running worldwide.
This smash hit has been labelled “theatre at its startling best” (Best of Theatre, London West End) as the iconic trio brings the famous British BBC series to life in a dining experience like no other.
The cast for 2025 mirrors that of 2024 - including kiwi Jed McKinney as Basil, Eilannin Harris-Black as Sybil and Michael Gonsalves as Manuel. And producer Jared Harford, Palmerston North Local, wants everyone to know that it’s the only town to have named a rubbish dump after John Cleese - Mt Cleese.
Tickets are on sale now at www.faultytowersnz.com for all shows except for Rotorua - which launches on July 1st. You can call 07 351 8957 to be placed on the waiting list. More locations are to be announced - if you’re interested in hosting a show in your region or want to know more, contact morgan@818.co.nz.
Fawlty Towers, the BBC TV series scripts are not used in Faulty Towers The Dining Experience; this show uses its own original scripts and format.
"If you're looking for an evening of hilarity with a side of delicious nostalgia, this dining experience is not to be missed."
BlackGuard Reviews – Auckland 2024
‘"Deliciously unforgettable.”
Regional News – Wellington 2024
"A raucously hilarious and wonderfully chaotic dining experience."
The Movie Army – Auckland 2024
STEP INTO THE UNKNOWN: DARKFIELD ARRIVES IN AOTEAROA FOR THE FIRST TIME
Auckland Live and Realscape Productions are thrilled to present DARKFIELD’s, internationally acclaimed ground-breaking immersive audio experiences, in New Zealand for the first time. Known for pushing the boundaries of sensory storytelling, DARKFIELD offers audiences a unique theatrical experience that blurs the line between reality and imagination.
Set to debut on Wednesday, May 7th in Aotea Square, DARKFIELD will present two experiences: SÉANCE and FLIGHT. Set inside custom-built shipping containers, these pitch-black environments utilise 360-degree binaural sound and innovative special effects to create thrilling, immersive worlds that challenge the senses and explore the depths of human psychology and perception. Each individual experience lasts between 20 and 25 minutes and will have staggered start times, meaning audiences can move easily to attend both while enjoying an evening in Aotea Square.
DARKFIELD has captivated over half a million audience members globally, with its acclaimed audio experiences featured at major festivals and cities including the Venice Film Festival, BFI London, Tribeca, SXSW, and across the UK, US, Australia and Asia. New Zealand audiences have been eagerly awaiting their turn — and now, after years of anticipation, SÉANCE and FLIGHT will finally open in the heart of Auckland from May 7 to June 8.
“There’s been real anticipation around DARKFIELD coming to Auckland, and we’ve felt it. Partnering with Auckland Live has given us the opportunity to deliver these works with impact — and we’re curious to see how local audiences respond in the dark.” Amy Johnson, Producer, Realscape Productions
ABOUT SÉANCE
SÉANCE is the first DARKFIELD shipping container experience, transforming the interior into a Victorian séance room. Designed to blur the line between what is real and what is imagined, it explores the psychology of a group of people, asking that they believe not only what is happening inside the container, but also in what might be conjured up into the room with them.
“It's skin-tingling, breath-quickening stuff.” – The Stage
GARDEN STAGE PRESENTS: SAM CULLEN & HIS BAND, BORDERLINE AND DANI JOSIE
Rhythm and Vines is bringing a taste of their popular GARDEN STAGE to The Tuning Fork, Auckland on Friday, April 11 2025.
The stellar lineup includes some of Aotearoa’s top tier up-and-coming musicians, all of which have graced the infamous Rhythm and Vines Stage in 2024. Sam Cullen & His Band, Borderline and Dani Josie are looking forward to rocking out with the crowd at The Tuning Fork for an epic Friday night in the big smoke where gig-goers will get to experience three kick-ass bands showcasing the latest in Kiwi talent on the big stage.
As Aotearoa continues to display excellence in the music scene, these three young musical acts are no exception. Attendees will have the chance to win tickets to this year’s Rhythm and Vines festival, merchandise from the artists and more goodies throughout the night.
TH’GOODSIDE will kick the night off, winning an opening slot via Garden Stage Presents’ Instagram page. Formerly known as BLISS, the 5-piece alternative rock band is made up of Harry Le Cheminant on vocals, Oliver Wallace-Pram on lead guitar, bassist Evan Fairgray, Grant Heyns on rhythm guitar and drummer Visko Bryers. Hailing from Orewa beach, they came together four years ago from different stages of their individual music journeys to create Th’Goodside. Having played alongside a list of established artists both from Aotearoa and afar, the band’s sound has been labelled as ‘genre bending’ and their goal of getting in with the NZ festival circuit could well be starting here.
JONATHAN VAN NESS
Fresh off three successful worldwide comedy tours, Road to Beijing; Imaginary Living Room Olympian and Fun & Slutty – Jonathan Van Ness is bringing his brand new show Hot & Healed to Auckland Town Hall for one night only on September 27.
Unfiltered comedy, wildly entertaining and fun, the show is a celebration of joy and a showcase for all the sides of JVN you have never seen before.
"New Zealand is one of the most amazing places and I cannot wait to come back and share my new show with y’all!”
Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-winning television personality, 3x New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, comedian and hairstylist to the stars with his own successful line of hair products – JVN Hair.
They star on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning series “Queer Eye,” where they shine as the hair guru and self-care advocate; and they host the popular podcast, “Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness.”
Jonathan also starred on the Emmy-nominated web series “Gay of Thrones,” a witty social commentary series recapping HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Launched in 2013, the series ran for 8 seasons and garnered three Emmy nominations for ‘Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.’
MALL GRAB JOINS AUCKLAND WINTER SERIES ALONG WITH SHOWS IN WELLINGTON AND CHRISTCHURCH THIS JUNE
MALL GRAB is back, making his long-awaited return to New Zealand this June bringing his Looking For Trouble label and party here for his largest headline shows to date. He’ll make stops in Wellington and Christchurch, before heading to Auckland, and is the second act to be announced as part of the Auckland Winter Series line up.
2025 marks 10 years of the Mall Grab project – since bursting onto the scene and exploring a plethora of genres, Mall Grab has reshaped the global electronic landscape, cementing himself as one of Australia’s most influential DJs and producers. With his hotly anticipated second album on the horizon, he’s bringing a stacked lineup of talent to join him for nights of unstoppable energy, immersive audio-visual production, deep cuts, and future anthems.
Auckland Winter Series is a new curated concert series brought to you by Live Nation in association with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, on behalf of Auckland Council. Showcasing impressive international acts alongside some of Aotearoa’s beloved artists in Tāmaki Makaurau this June. Sign up to the waitlist to find out more: www.livenation.co.nz/auckland-winter-series
Tickets go on sale at 1pm on Thursday April 3.
My Live Nation members may secure tickets first during the pre-sale beginning Wednesday April 2, 12pm until Thursday April 3, 12pm.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz
Mall Grab heads to Wellington and Christchurch before joining Live Nation’s Auckland Winter Series line up.
MĀNUKA PHUEL SYNTHONY FESTIVAL IS OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT!
Duco Touring has today announced that Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival, has sold out!
“We are excited to announce today that the 2025 Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival has sold out,” said Duco Touring Founder David Higgins. "In just three years the festival has become the country’s biggest one-day music festival, and we are very proud of this."
Nick Hill, CE Tātaki Auckland Unlimited adds: “To see the 2025 Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival sell-out is testament to the quality and popularity of this world-class event. Auckland is a UNESCO City of Music and we’re delighted to again support this festival which celebrates local and international music and brings people together from the wider Auckland region and from around the motu.”
With 40,000 tickets sold, the 2025 Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival is set to be the biggest yet—topping last year’s crowd of over 35,000. Returning to Pukekawa, Auckland Domain, the unmissable event takes place this weekend, on Saturday, 29 March 2025.
What does it take to make Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival the biggest one-day music festival in New Zealand?
40,000 fans attending
10km of fencing brought in
45 tonnes of production equipment
75,000 litres of water brought in to keep attendees hydrated
12 days to pack in / pack out
2,000 working personnel including 170 production crew, 200 site crew and contractors, 900 food and beverage staff, 400 security guards
50+ food trucks
20+ sponsor activations
600 toilets / 150 luxury toilets
$1.8 million dollar production
Gigantic 475 sq/m of LED screens
Double the amount of pyro and special effects from the previous year’s event
29 track SYNTHONY set with special guests
350 lights
14 giant laser lights
183 artists / performers
58 orchestra members
30 choir members
16 dancers
21 roving entertainers including drag queens and kings, and LED stickmen, dancers and ballerinas
8 samba dancers
5 bespoke large light sculpture installations by Angus Muir
Important notice to attendees and Auckland Domain residents:
There will be a number of road closures in place around the Auckland Domain as a result of the festival, from 21 March until 2 April, please make sure you consult the AT website if travelling nearby and plan travel accordingly. The Auckland Domain will also be subject to a 24-hour liquor ban beginning from 7am, Saturday 29 March through to 7am, Sunday 30 March.
THE LOST DOGS’ DISCO SET TO LIGHT UP AOTEA SQUARE THIS APRIL
Get ready to embark on a tail-wagging journey like no other! This April, Aotea Square will play home to a vibrant playground for humans and hounds alike as the Lost Dogs' Disco lands in Aotea Square. Presented by Auckland Live, this immersive art installation will bring joy, whimsy, and a whole lot of bark to Aotea Square and the heart of Auckland City. The Lost Dogs’ Disco promises a unique, family-friendly experience that's sure to leave tails wagging!
The Lost Dogs’ Disco is no ordinary exhibit. With 16 larger-than-life dogs standing (or lounging) tall—some reaching an impressive 5.5 meters—visitors will be greeted by these colourful, illuminated canine characters. From Poodles and Bull Terriers to Dachshunds, each dog comes to life with light and sound, their coats flickering with joy as they welcome you into the disco with playful grunts. It’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and the irresistible love that dogs bring to our lives.
Whether you’re admiring the nose-touching, standing, or curled-up pups, each new encounter will delight both young and old. And yes, leashed four-legged friends are invited to join in the fun too!
Designed by the multi-award-winning art and technology studio ENESS, this work was first staged at Hota - Home of Arts on Australia's Gold Coast. Alongside its captivating visuals, The Lost Dogs’ Disco also boasts a custom-designed electronic soundscape, featuring an unforgettable chorus of barks, howls, growls, and other canine commotion. As you explore, you'll be swept into a whimsical world where dogs rule the dance floor, and every bark is a beat you won’t want to miss.
The Lost Dogs’ Disco will light up Aotea Square this April. Don’t miss this free event, perfect for all ages (and all dogs)! Bring your family, your friends, and of course, your furry companions to experience the joy and wonder of this unique installation.
KIWI DRUM & BASS ARTIST MYLEN RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘WALLS’ WITH C:RCLE AND HOUNDEYE
Today marks the release of Drum & Bass/Electronic/Dance infused single ‘Walls’ - from New Zealand’s Mylen, aka Cameron Mills. The track is in collaboration with Slovakian-based artist C:rcle, featuring American vocalist Houndeye. Releasing under Dutch label Liquicity Records, the single is both Mylen and C:rcle’s first release on this prestigious label and is truly a collaborative, international piece of work that has been years in the making.
Auckland-based producer Mylen began his journey as an artist in 2017 in Dunedin, New Zealand. His affinity with Drum & Bass became quickly apparent as the young artist saw himself on lineups with some of the biggest names in the industry. His talent has seen him perform at iconic New Zealand music festivals, embark on headline tours, a ‘New Zealand's Best DJ’ nomination and single releases on international labels, which he continues to do with ‘Walls’. Showing no signs of slowing down the young kiwi has already gained support from the likes of Andromedik, T & Sugah and Lee Mvtthews, and is best known for his hits ‘Hearts Locked’ and ‘Twilight Zone.’
These singles both made an appearance in the NZ Hot 40 Singles Charts, and amassed over half a million streams. With his own fortnightly residency on Aotearoa’s iconic dance music station George FM, Mylen has now had 3 singles playlisted in the George FM A-rotation, cementing himself as a name to pay attention to in the Drum & Bass music space.
‘Walls’ sees Mylen collaborate with C:ircle, who is easily the most prominent female Drum & Bass DJ in Slovakia, regularly playing some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Her previous singles have received the support of international record label and ‘home of bass music since 2009’ UKF, garnered praise from some of the biggest names in the genre, and quickly illustrated her production talent. The track also features a regular on Liquicity Records, Houndeye, who has quickly risen to stardom in 2024 after collaborating with Dutch artist Lexurus on their track ‘Cold Divide.’ This record will be Houndeye’s second collaboration with Mylen following their single ‘Who You Are’ in 2023.
“I’m so excited to finally be releasing this record. Houndeye first sent me the vocal in 2022, and it has truly been a labour of love to pull it together. I couldn’t have asked for a better Liquicity debut!” - Mylen (Cameron Mills).
‘Walls’ will be debuted on the Liquicity Records YouTube channel, rolling out on Spotify and all other streaming platforms thereafter.
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY THE STAGE SHOW ARRIVES IN AOTEAROA
For the first time ever, hit theatre show Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show will visit Aotearoa following a global tour across Australia, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Spain, Abu Dhabi and North America.
Bluey’s Big Play, a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA & Emmy® award-winning children’s television series produced by Ludo Studio, will hit the road in April 2025 and tour to Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: bluey.tv/blueys-big-play/ & livenation.co.nz
Audiences of all ages will get to see Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and Mum & Dad embark on their first live theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, live actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, the theatrical adaptation contains music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Bluey’s Big Play is produced by Andrew Kay and Live Nation with Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios.
Kate O’Connor, Director of Brands and Licensing, BBC Studios ANZ said: “Following the incredible reaction to the live theatre show in the US, UK, Australia and more, we are so excited to bring Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to fans across New Zealand.”
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to New Zealand audiences premiering at Dunedin’s Regent Theatre in April,” said director Rosemary Myers of Windmill Theatre Company. “The response to the show from fans across Australia, the US, UK and more has been nothing short of amazing and we can't wait for New Zealand families to experience all the fun and excitement of having Bluey and her family on stage live in their city."
The stage show has enjoyed much success in Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform 447 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House. The tour is currently in the US where it’s played at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and the iconic Chicago Theatre. A Canadian tour was also announced earlier this year. Bluey’s Big Play is set to make its debut in Paris, France later this year. Bluey’s Big Show has been seen by nearly 1 million fans worldwide.
Since bursting on to TV screens in Australia in 2018, Bluey has enjoyed critical success at home and abroad, recently winning a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category and picking up its consecutive fourth AACTA Best Children’s Programme award to add to an International Emmy.
Bluey is the #1 children’s show in Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Poland and South Africa. #1 on Disney Junior in the UK, and the #1 rated show on CBeebies in the UK. Bluey is the number one most-watched series on streaming among total views in the US, with over 35 billion minutes watched (584M hours), according to Nielson data. Bluey also remains popular on Neon and TVNZ+ which broadcast Bluey in New Zealand.