Artist
Aotearoa Music Award winning and Taite Prize winning artist Vera Ellen was born and raised in Naenae in Te Whanganui-A-Tara/Wellington. She spent her younger years playing and writing music, her first song written at age 8. Whilst living in Aotearoa, she played in bands such as grunge 4-piece Maple Syrup and Sweater. Vera relocated to Los Angeles, where she started the band Girl Friday, whose music debuted on indie giant Sub Pop’s sub-label, Hardly Art.
In early 2020, Vera moved back to Aotearoa during the pandemic, leading to her finishing her solo album, It’s Your Birthday — released on Flying Nun Records in October 2021. This album saw Vera named ‘Best Alternative Artist’ at the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards.
The 2023 follow-up album, Ideal Home Noise, was a record unearthed from much introspection and an attempt to find some comedy and lightness in an otherwise dark period for Vera Ellen. Vera’s momentum was unstoppable with Ideal Home Noise reaching all corners of the world, and being awarded the prestigious Taite Music Prize for musical excellence.
Having recently returned from a 10-date arena tour of Australia as the support act for Crowded House, Vera is hard at work on her third album due for release in 2025. The new album explores the nuances of unconventional love and finding meaning and joy in community and nature.