JUNK 2025

JUNK 2025

Saturday 7th June

WHAMMY, DOUBLE WHAMMY & PUBLIC BAR

 Tāmaki Makaurau

CABINET | DROPPER | GEORGE BARNEY ROBERTS

GIRLS FACTORY | HŌHĀ | OFFICE DOG | PEARLY*

RINGLETS | SALT WATER CRIMINALS

 SCRAMBLINE (Eveline Breaker & Scramble 204) | THE EMPTY THREATS (AUS)

 TWINE (AUS) | VERA ELLEN

Time to separate your recycling, and be sure not to miss rubbish day - because there’s only room for one kind of JUNK, as Tāmaki Makaurau’s favourite alternative music festival announces its return for 2025! After a sold-out debut in 2024, JUNK FEST is back and bigger than ever, bringing you the best of the music underground from Aotearoa and beyond.

On Saturday, June 7th, Double Whammy, Whammy and Public Bar will come to life with an all-killer-no-filler lineup of must-see acts. If you missed out last year, don’t sleep on this chance to catch some of the finest talent from Aotearoa and Australia - in one night, at one place, in one fell swoop.

This year, joining us from across the ditch are two of Adelaide’s/Tarndanya, Kaura Land’s finest noise-makers; Twine and The Empty Threats.

Noise-rock meets eruptive strings and stinging country in five-piece Twine, who are well accustomed to our shores already, having first played here in 2024 as a part of Camp A Low Hum. They made their triumphant return with four headline shows in February just gone and we’ve already got them coming back for more.

Raucous art-rockers The Empty Threats also make their much-needed return to Aotearoa after stand-out sets at 2024’s Camp A Low Hum; now with new music on the way - bracing for impact. Rambunctious modern post-punk meets a nostalgic Aussie flare - propelled forward by driving guitar and the jet-fueled contortions of front-person Stu Patterson.

As far as the locals go, joining the lineup for the first time are Aotearoa’s indie-rock champions, Office Dog, whose debut album ‘Spiel’ was heralded by Pitchfork as “Disarmingly Poignant”. Cabinet, the hardcore newcomers, and George Barney Roberts, with his 90s-meets-2010s angst, also join the lineup for their JUNK debuts. Also, Tāmaki Makaurau's post-punk quartet Ringlets return to the JUNK stage once more - after their steaming, shoulder-to-shoulder set last year and with a new album looming just beyond the horizon. Our second repeat player is not without good reason; fast favourites of 2024’s lineup, jump-around emo slackers Salt Water Criminals will also be back to share songs from their forthcoming record.

Flying in from Ōtepoti is blistering duo HŌHĀ - featuring Liam Clune (Crime Hospital, Night Lunch) on guitar and Madison Kelly (Riot Gull) on drums, as well as fuzzy indie-rockers Pearly* who share members with last year's fest favourites, Dale Kerrigan.

Up from Pōneke, shoegaze sensations Scrambline - the project of Eveline Breaker and Scramble 204, with members of Feshh. Eveline Breaker’s semi-secret EDM side-project, Girls Factory, will also be gracing the Double Whammy stage - boiler room style - Filled to the brim with samples spanning from local New Zealand bands, pop hits of the 2010s and K-pop girl groups, It is unserious, overstimulating, bright, distorted and a lot of fun. Capital-city newcomers Dropper, featuring members of the now disbanded Bleeding Star, also make their debut Auckland performance - having just delivered a creditworthy support slot for UK post-rockers SHAME.

Taite Prize Winner and rising songstress, Vera Ellen, makes the trip North as well - December saw her take off around Australia for 10 shows as the support act for Crowded House, now she gets back into the groove of smaller rooms after recent sets at Cuba Dupa, Laneway Festival & opening for MJ Lenderman at Pōneke’s Meow Nui.

Want to get in on the action? So you should! Head to www.undertheradar.co.nz and score yourself a ticket or two to this unmissable night of music before it sells out.

ISRAEL STARR TEAMS UP WITH SIANNE, LION REZZ & PAQUIN ON NEW SINGLE ‘WORDS OF WISDOM (NGATI RIDDIM)’

Made with support from NZ On Air, ‘Words of Wisdom (NGATI RIDDIM)’ marks the latest single from Israel Starr, building anticipation for his upcoming project.

The track delivers a heavy, bass-driven roots reggae rhythm, produced by Israel Starr himself: "I was really trying to make something that had a catchy bassline, paying homage to traditional basslines from the golden era of Reggae," says Israel Starr.

The creative process behind the release was truly collaborative, with fellow artist Sianne first laying down a demo for the track, followed by contributions from Lion Rezz and featured artist Paquin, before Israel Starr added his final touches.

KEIRA WALLACE UNVEILS NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO 'LAMBS AREN'T WAKING YET'

2024 Play It Strange National Secondary School Songwriting Competition winner Keira Wallace, unveils a haunting new video for their winning song Lambs Aren't Waking Yet – a deeply personal and ethereal reflection on the fleeting nature of innocence. Recorded at the iconic Roundhead Studios, the song captures Keira's distinctive blend of raw emotion and intricate storytelling.

With an increasingly folk-influenced sound, Ōtepoti based Keira Wallace curates intricate chord voicings and unexpected lyrics that explore the beauty in imperfection and the weight of memory. Their reflections run deep through each song, resonating with warmth and cocooning vulnerability. Lambs Aren't Waking Yet draws on a childhood memory of attempting to save an injured wild baby rabbit. Despite Keira's efforts, the rabbit did not survive. In a tender act of protection, their grandmother buried the rabbit before Keira woke, hoping to shield them from loss. This song embodies the pockets of time where this weight eases its grip, and innocence and connection breathe the cool night air before the sun rises and the lambs wake. 

"This song holds a quiet ache and a sense of wonder," Keira explains. "It’s about those fragile pockets of time where life feels soft and full of possibility."

The accompanying video, produced by Bunker Street Film Co. (Joe Murdie), mirrors the song's delicate yet expansive spirit. Filmed in a single day across breathtaking locations in Wānaka and Tarras, a small village in Central Otago, the visual narrative weaves natural beauty with personal symbolism. At its center is a windswept papier-mâché mask – a found object from Keira's grandmother's pottery studio that has since become a cherished heirloom. Against the vast landscapes, the mask becomes a motif for memory and transformation.

WATCH: ‘Lambs Aren’t Waking Yet’ Official Video

Lambs Aren't Waking Yet was also performed across two nights in Auckland last year with the Exploding Rainbow Orchestra, showcasing Keira's ability to translate their introspective sound to a grand, collaborative scale.

To celebrate the release, Keira Wallace will perform two special shows in Ōtepoti and Lyttelton. The first takes place on Friday April 4, at Pearl Diver, Dunedin. Alongside their solo performance, Keira will be joined by Kristian Groves for the launch of their new folk duo, Dolly Possum, with Yesterday's Letters, and Eris (acoustic) on support duties. The second show follows on Saturday April 12, at Wunderbar, Lyttelton, where Keira will be joined by Kristian Groves and acclaimed Christchurch singer-songwriter Mousey. Tickets for both shows are available via Undertheradar.co.nz.

Keira Wallace is no stranger to the spotlight. Their passionate involvement in New Zealand’s music scene has led to significant milestones, including multiple placements in the Smokefree Rockquest and Play It Strange National Secondary Schools Songwriting Competition. They have performed over 100 live shows since their first gig at age 13 and have shared stages with musical inspirations such as Mount Eerie (USA), Tiny Ruins, Clare Sands (IRE), Ebony Lamb and Luke Buda. Beyond live performance, Keira is currently self-producing an EP, while also pursuing a double degree in music and marketing at the University of Otago.

With Lambs Aren't Waking Yet, Keira Wallace continues to establish themselves as a rising voice in New Zealand's folk music landscape – weaving stories of childhood, loss, and fleeting wonder with striking authenticity.

Follow Keira Wallace
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Shady Wade 'Damaged Goods'

After more than 25 years of crafting heartfelt songs, Shady Wade is finally taking the leap into the spotlight with his debut single, Damaged Goods, releasing on April 11th, 2025. The singer-songwriter’s journey, long marked by a prolific output of original music, is now reaching its culmination, with Shady Wade now taking the step from performing artist to recording artist.

At 42, Shady Wade is proving that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. His decision to release Damaged Goods comes after years of honing his craft and performing on the live circuit. He first developed his stage presence while living in rural Japan from 2007 to 2010, where he played small gigs and gained experience. He continued to build his presence in Christchurch’s vibrant open mic scene, even running his own Friday night open mic throughout 2019. It was also in 2019 that Shady Wade took his music and passion for rugby back to Japan, touring across the country with intimate gigs in Kobe, Fukuoka, Akita, and Tokyo—all while attending Rugby World Cup matches.

With the support of the Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Mentorship Programme, Shady Wade has partnered with renowned mentors and producers Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, The Feelers, Opshop) and Sam Trevethick (Shapeshifter) to bring Damaged Goods to life. Together, they selected the track from his extensive catalogue, a song that explores emotional vulnerability and the walls we build after heartbreak. With lyrics like "You want to know it all, Comparing me to past mistakes, I hide behind my walls, Because I’ve been burned before, We're damaged goods for sure," the song speaks to anyone who’s been reluctant to open up after past emotional trauma.

To complement the powerful message in the song, Shady Wade teamed up with Neato Productions for the music video, using the symbolism of broken, rundown brick walls and wooden slats behind SOLE Music Academy to convey the emotional walls depicted in the song. The visual imagery encapsulates the essence of the track—a raw, honest look at the hesitance to let love in due to past pain.

As Shady Wade continues his momentum, he's already recording additional songs with Lyttelton-based producer Flynn Adamson (LYTTEL Studios) for release later this year, working towards a debut album that will showcase his unique blend of folk and rock influences.

This story is a testament to perseverance and artistry. It’s about a musician who, after years of building his craft and his name on the live circuit, is finally ready to share his voice and story with the world. 

MOHI Release His Latest Single “Flowers in Hendo” – The Tales of a West Auckland Native

Aotearoa’s lover boy MOHI hangs up his dancing shoes and bares his soul in his latest track, "Flowers in Hendo." This deeply personal track marks a significant shift in both sound and storytelling for MOHI, a raw, heartfelt letter to the artist’s younger self, capturing some of the raw truths of growing up in Hendo.

"Flowers in Hendo" blends hip-hop, R&B, and local influences to create a fresh, evolving sound that represents MOHI’s growth as an artist. The title is a metaphor for the tales of growing up in Hendo, the many loved ones in his upbringing, those that grew from struggle, those that are no longer with us and those that live on through us.

MOHI explains, “This song is really personal for me, it’s the song that sparked this whole new project. Writing this song was the hardest and most confronting piece of music I’ve ever written, but what has come from this process has been so beautiful and healing in so many ways for me. ”

“Flowers In Hendo” is the first of a 5 track EP set to be released on NZ Music Month this May. Listeners should prepare to be reintroduced to MOHI, as this new project is set to be the most raw and real look into the artist. 

MOHI says, “This song is a tribute to all of my mates, my loved ones, those that have passed on and those that live on today. Flowers In Hendo is a real look into Mohi the person, Mohi the West Auckland native, my past and what drives me to create music today.”

"Flowers in Hendo" is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Joe Cole // new single 'This Town'

Dive into the mind of a restless soul in This Town - Joe Cole's first release in almost a year documents a raw and unflinching journey through turmoil and despair. The song's storyteller clings to fading memories, as he claws his way towards a brighter future. Witness his struggle, his reflections, and the burning desire for a simpler life to return.

This Town follows the success of the New Zealand based artists independently released May 2024 EP Breathing In, which to date garnered nearly 500,000 streams on Spotify alone. More music is on the horizon, so stay tuned.

Joe Cole is on tour in Aotearoa/New Zealand in May 2025:

23 May, Nivara Lounge, Hamilton, NZ
24 May, The Yard, Raglan, NZ
25 May, Portland Public House, Auckland, NZ

Born in Nelson, Aotearoa / New Zealand, at the cusp of a new millennium, Joe Cole is the youngest of three. Shifted shortly after his birth to the northern hemisphere, he learnt to walk and talk amidst the brick buildings and overcast skies of Scotland.

His family moved back to New Zealand’s South Island in 2003 and a few years later on to the windy capital Wellington, where Joe saw out his schooling days and first got started in music: “Mum bought me my first guitar, Dad’s a drummer and paid for my piano lessons. My brother and sister both taught me the first songs I learnt on guitar. Saying they have all played a role in my musical journey is an understatement.”

By now accustomed to making himself comfortable in new environments Joe followed a love to Hawkes Bay at seventeen. This is where his music career came into fruition. “It took one bad shift at my night shift job for me to make the decision.” Taking what money he had left, he purchased a simple busking set up and took to the streets of Napier.

Joe Cole is authentic. His unique voice, raspy and soothing at the same time, and heartfelt performance style quickly made him a crowd favourite in the Hawkes Bay.

Five years later, Joe has several thousand hours of live music under his belt and his May 2024 EP Breathing In has surpassed 500,000 streams.

When it comes to writing the music, Joe Cole finds inspiration in his day to day.
“It’s everywhere. The stories, the characters for your stories. You just have to remember to look out for them, that’s all.”

Joe Cole on Spotify

Joe Cole on Instagram

Erin G Releases Dreamy New Single "Chameleon"

"Chameleon honors my multicultural heritage and the way I often find myself adapting like a chameleon." - Erin G

Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Erin G returns with Chameleon, an NZ On Air funded track that feels like golden hour - warm, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool. 

"I’m a revolving door of versions of me," Erin says. "But the magic never leaves. It’s fun. It’s innocent. It’s emotional. And it’s pure."

Stream Chameleon on all platforms

Written when she was a teenager watching a friend fall in love, Chameleon has evolved into something deeper and is an ode to change, love, and self-discovery.

"It’s a golden-hour soundtrack for a perfect summer day," Erin explains. "It reflects joy, melancholy, and everything in between."

Chameleon’s production is just as layered, with contributions from Tom Broome, Vivek Gabriel, and Shallows.

"This song has been through so many iterations," Erin says, "from full band arrangements in high school to solo loop pedal versions. It’s been shaped by incredible musicians who helped bring it to where it is today. Now, as I step fully into my sound, it finally feels right to let Chameleon into the world."

With a collaborative liquid drum and bass EP with DJ/Producer Altercation on the way and more solo music in the works, Erin G is creating her own lane, on her own terms.

Funded by NZ On Air under the Pan-Asian Fund.

ISLA NOON 'OUT OF BODY'

In  her  own  words,  Isla  Noon  is  introspective,  bold,  emotive,  and  energetic.  These  qualities  are  woven  into  the  vibrant,  otherworldly  fabric  of  her  debut  album,  ‘Out  of  Body’,  a  collection  of  songs  that  explore  themes  of  identity,  detachment,  and  the  winding  path  back  to  oneself.

Set  for  release  on  Friday,  4th  April,  the  album  is  an  invitation  to  step  into  Noon’s  unique  world,  a  space  where  sound,  image,  and  emotion  collide  in  striking  harmony. 

“This  album  captures  a  time  when  I  felt  deeply  disconnected  from  the  world,  from  others,  from  myself,”  Noon  shares.  “I  wasn’t  fully  aware  of  how  lost  I  was  until  I  started  writing.  The  songs  became  a  map,  each  one  helping  me  navigate  my  way  back,  reconnecting  me  to  my  body,  my  sense  of  self,  and  the  world  around  me.”

From  its  inception,  ‘Out  of  Body’  was  designed  as  a  fully  immersive  experience.  The  album’s  sonic  landscapes  are  deeply  intertwined  with  a  visual  world  that  exists  alongside  it,  a  world  built  from  vivid,  instinctive  imagery  that  arose  in  tandem  with  the  music.  “Every  song  had  a  scene,  a  colour,  a  feeling  attached  to  it,”  Noon  explains.  “Deep  blues,  flashes  of  neon,  a  lonely  dance  floor  with  a  red  wine  spill  drying  to  a  sticky  sheen.  I  knew  from  the  beginning  that  this  record  wasn’t  just  about  sound.  It  was  about  capturing  the  way  these  experiences  looked  and  felt.”

‘Out  of  Body’  evolved  beyond  a  collection  of  songs  into  a  cohesive,  intentional  statement.  Rather  than  a  linear  narrative,  the  album  flows  like  a  dream,  one  moment  euphoric,  the  next  haunting,  always  shifting  yet  interconnected.  Its  title  reflects  not  just  a  feeling  of  disconnection,  but  the  perspective  gained  by  stepping  outside  oneself  and  seeing  things  anew.

The  album’s  title  track,  'Body',  was  a  similar  catalyst.  Originally  a  ballad,  the  song’s  ascending  chord  riff  evolved  into  something  celestial  after  producer  and  close  friend  Maude  Minnie  Morris  layered  chaotic  white  noise  and  timpani  hits  over  Noon’s  synth  line.  “It  took  the  chorus  into  outer  space,”  Noon  recalls.  “From  there,  everything  else  fell  into  place.”

The  album  balances  luminous  pop  hooks  with  moments  of  deep,  pulsing  darkness.  “I’ve  always  blended  those  worlds,”  Noon  says.  “The  early  songs  are  steeped  in  escapism,  their  energy  physical,  almost  desperate  for  release.  As  I  moved  through  the  writing  process,  I  found  myself  embracing  honesty  and  rawness  in  a  way  I  hadn’t  before.  That  demanded  more  grit,  more  weight  in  the  production.” 

The  closing  track,  'Spiralling  Up',  produced  by  artist  Lola,  became  the  final  brushstroke,  a  moment  of  clarity  and  arrival.  “It  holds  a  different  energy,  like  a  deep  breath  after  a  storm,” Noon  reflects.  “It’s  not  about  saying,  ‘I’ve  figured  everything  out,’  but  recognising  that  growth  isn’t  linear.  It  loops  and  twists,  but  you  can  still  feel  yourself  moving  forward.”

While  deeply  introspective,  'Out  of  Body'  is  designed  for  movement.  It  is  an  album  that  pulses  with  life,  meant  to  be  danced  to,  felt  viscerally.  “This  album  is  an  expression  of  joy  as  much  as  it  is  a  reckoning  with  loss,”  Noon  shares.  “I  hope  people  find  themselves  in  it.  I  hope  it  feels  like  a  space  where  they  belong.”

The  album  will  not  only  be  released  on  streaming  platforms  but  in  physical  form  with  CD  copies  being  made.  Noon  herself  has  a  large  CD  collection  and  is  excited  to  be  able  to  share  her  work  in  physical  form. 

Noon is also set to play an album release show at Big Fan on April 11th (tickets available from Under the Radar). 

'Out  of  Body'  is  set  to  release  Friday,  4th  April  via  Aotearoa’s  indie  label  Particle  Recordings.

Follow Isla Noon
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