September 24-30 in 2018 was Happy Mag’s inaugural NZ Week, a new initiative spotlighting New Zealand as one of the world’s most exciting cultural hubs.
Of course, we had to celebrate such a thing with a gig. So on Saturday night, we hosted Ha The Unclear, Pikachunes, and a set of local supports in Sydney for a helluva good time. Here’s what went down.
Missed out on our NZ Week Party? Relive the night right here. NZ Week will return!
First up were Concrete Lawn, vocalist Maddison climbing upon every part of the stage possible, looking for the best vantage point to shred out some scuzzy DIY punk. These guys are dynamite live, and if you don’t jump onto a chance to see them soon… you’re a fool.
Spike Vincent followed, treating the audience to a showing of his charming, guitar-driven Australiana. A few tracks from his self-titled live album (released in February this year, check it out) stood out. A brilliant set as always from one of our favourite locals musos.
Georgia Mulligan and co. took up their instruments next, bringing things down to earth for a laid back and totally entrancing set. Somewhere between heartwarming and heartbroken, Georgia is a musician you simply can’t tear yourself away from.
Next it was time for Rosa Maria to come to town, and they tore the roof down. Sydney’s stylish garage rockers were in full form, turning the Lady Hampshire into a Spanish saloon complete with foot tappin’, call-and-response and a ton of good times.
Then in stepped our Kiwi headliner, Ha The Unclear all the way from Auckland. Their album Invisible Lines was one of our favourites of the year, and it was a pleasure to hear these songs cranked out in an Aussie pub from the gentlemen themselves.
After they cleared out, Pikachunes jumped on the decks… the rest is history.
If you enjoyed the NZ Week Party or reckon it looked like a bleedin’ good time, join us at the next one: Happy Mag’s Issue 9 Launch.
Special thanks to Young Henrys, Audio-Technica Australia and Sydney Underground Film Festival for supporting our NZ Week Party.
