If you want to be the cool friend in the group chat that always seems to know about secret shows and underground gigs, here’s where to look.
Every week seems to kick off with that one dreaded question from your coworker. “So, what did you get up to this weekend?”. There’s only so many times you can say you rotted in bed while doom scrolling on TikTok before it gets concerning.
In a place like Wellington, there are countless shows and events to go to each week. But we live in an attention economy, with a constant overload of information and content and not enough time to consume it all. It’s overwhelming trying to keep up with all the events around town, especially those that seem to fly under the mainstream radar.
We all hear about the large events that happen at TSB Arena or the Opera House, but what about those smaller gigs at a bar or basement venue you’ve never heard of – the ones where you can discover a rising local band before everyone else? How can you actually find out about some of those more underground gigs that are happening around town? Here is a master list of places to look to find out about the latest gigs.
The Image 04
The Image 04 is the true MVP of the Wellington gig scene. Each Tuesday, a mysterious poster uploads a gig guide for the week ahead, broken down by venue and featuring illustrations from local artists. It usually includes details for larger events coming up later in the year, such as Eyegum’s Great Sounds Great festival. I personally love the bottom section of each graphic detailing some of the more obscure events, like gigs at Welsh Dragon, Bedlam and Squalor, or Thistle Hall. Follow them on Instagram, subscribe to their Substack to get it straight to your inbox, or even go analogue and print out a copy from their website to stick on the fridge.
Under the Radar
Under the Radar is the veteran hero of the New Zealand music scene. The website showcases local artists that may not show up on your Spotify algorithm. You can read about the hottest releases from some of the nation’s smaller known artists, as well as find tickets to gigs in your area. I mean, where else can you score a cheap ticket and read a ranking of the best cold ones in Aotearoa?
Under the Radar’s primary focus has always been on uplifting artists that do not get mainstream attention or who, dare I say, fly under the radar. They do a fantastic job of keeping punters up to date with everything happening in the music scene, including by publishing interesting artist interviews that actually make you give a shit.
RadioActive 88.6FM
This just in: the trend forecast is saying that supporting your local independent radio station is so hot this season. RadioActive has been a pillar of the community for decades, and a go-to station in any car without an aux cord for years. Founded in the ’70s as Victoria University’s student radio station, RadioActive was the second station in New Zealand ever to broadcast in FM. The students association decided to axe its funding back in the ’90s, but a group of DJs purchased the station to continue broadcasting. Tune in online or on the airwaves to hear a great array of tunes, both local and international.
Independent stations like RadioActive are the gateway for many local artists to showcase their talents and get their music out there. RadioActive runs live sessions and artist interviews, and is involved in local events like CubaDupa and the Newtown Festival. The stations’s Activity Guide lists all the hot events coming up, and broadcasters read it out on air three times a day. Even if you don’t have access to a physical radio, there’s nothing stopping you from chucking on the online stream and finding some new music you might not have otherwise heard.
Posters
I admit, I tend to walk around town staring at my phone. But lately, I’ve been trying to make more time to be present and take in my surroundings instead of being caught up in social media/my own delusions – and let me tell you, it’s pretty worthwhile. There are heaps of eye-catching and informative posters plastered around, especially from venues like Moon or Meow detailing all their upcoming shows. But the greatest treasure lurks even deeper. I’m talking about those A4 printouts stuck to a random power pole for some band you’ve never heard of. You know, the big bollards outside Haere Mai on Victoria St, opposite the Night ‘n Day on Cuba St, inside most shop windows or on every pole down in Left Bank Arcade. Once you start looking, they’re everywhere. Go outside, be more observant, and you might just stumble on a really great gig.
Facebook is a lawless place. Once you’ve scrolled past the endless updates fromthe someone you spoke to once in Year 7 and AI-generated photos of babies in flower pots, you can stumble upon the shining beacon that are Facebook event pages. Almost every show you can think of will have a Facebook event made for it, and honestly, it’s kinda great. You’ll find all the relevant details, the set times, and a scalper jacking up the price of a ticket all in one convenient place. Just head to the events tab and search for events in your area, and you’ll find a goldmine of different gigs. As much as I would love to be freed from Zuckerberg’s shackles, I fear he may have popped his zussy with this one.
Venues
All of Wellington’s venues offer a different kind of gig. Valhalla is the go-to spot for metal or hardcore gigs, grimy floors and all. San Fran hosts Eyegum Wednesdays, a free gig that’s a great way to introduce yourself to local acts. Meow cultivates a great night out with a wide range of genres – jazz, rock, alternative, electronic and more. Vogelmorn has a cosy, intimate vibe which is perfect for these wintery nights. Pyramid Club focuses more on the electronic and experimental space, and hosts a range of sonic art exhibitions. Rogue and Vagabond does a great jazz nights most Sundays, so you can treat yourself to some smooth jazz and curly fries.
Much like artists, venues need our love too. When you go to an underground gig, you’re not just supporting the artist but also the hosts and the wider arts community. If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that support matter. It can be as simple as showing up to a show and letting the artists you enjoy what they do and the art they make. Check out the opening or closing acts, meet some new people out in the audience, and enjoy a reasonably priced beer. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch the next Fat Freddy’s Drop or The Beths playing at a random Eyegum Wednesday.