Welcome to The Sounds Series, New Zealand’s premier music festival network since 2017. Our commitment to showcasing outstanding music has grown from strength to strength, establishing ourselves as a leading force in the New Zealand festival scene. With the addition of Hutt Sounds in 2023 and Auckland Sounds in 2024, we are proud to present The Sounds Series — three exceptional music festivals in early March that set the stage for unforgettable performances and experiences.
(Established 2017)
Originating as the flagship festival, Selwyn Sounds has become synonymous with high-quality music events and exceptional artist lineups. It continues to draw thousands of fans each year with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of musical genres.
(Added 2023)
Building on the success of Selwyn Sounds, Hutt Sounds was introduced as a new addition to our festival lineup, offering a fresh and exciting experience in the Hutt Valley. This festival has quickly become a staple in the region’s cultural calendar.
(Added 2024)
As the newest member of The Sounds Series, Auckland Sounds is set to bring our celebrated festival experience to New Zealand’s largest city. With an anticipated impressive lineup and engaging atmosphere, Auckland Sounds will be the go-to festival for music lovers.
Why Join The Sounds Series?
Outstanding Lineups: The Sounds Series has a rich history of featuring internationally renowned and local artists. Previous performers include iconic bands and solo acts such as OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), The Human League, Go West, Jimmy Barnes, The Little River Band, Sir Dave Dobbyn, and many more. Our festivals are known for delivering unforgettable performances from both established legends and emerging talent.
Tickets Sold: Over the last ten years, we have sold over 100,000 tickets, drawing audiences from all regions of New Zealand and overseas. Our growing attendance is a testament to the quality of our lineups and the unforgettable experiences we create.
Proven Track Record: Our successful history of hosting memorable events has earned us a reputation as a premier music festival. We have consistently delivered top-tier performances that leave a lasting impression on audiences and artists alike.
State-of-the-Art Production: We invest in top-tier production facilities, ensuring that every performance is delivered with the highest quality sound and visuals. Our commitment to excellence makes us a preferred choice for artists seeking to deliver memorable live experiences.
Comprehensive Marketing Support: We collaborate with our partners to maximize exposure through integrated marketing campaigns. Our strategies include social media promotion, media partnerships, and on-site branding opportunities, ensuring your artists gain the recognition they deserve.
Unmatched Experience: Each festival within The Sounds Series is meticulously curated to ensure a high-quality experience. From our well-organised events to our enthusiastic crowds, we offer a festival experience that stands out in the New Zealand music scene.
Get Involved:
We are always on the lookout for new bands and artists to join our lineup. Whether you’re an emerging talent or an established act, The Sounds Series provides the perfect stage to reach new audiences and elevate your career.
For Booking and Inquiries: Contact us to learn more about performance opportunities and be part of The Sounds Series. Join us in celebrating music at New Zealand’s most exciting and prestigious festivals. Email: [email protected]
A Rich History:
A Rich History: We are renowned for showcasing an impressive roster of world-class artistsacross various genres. Our past performances include iconic bands and solo acts such as:
OMD
(Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)
Formed in 1980 in Liverpool, UK, OMD is known for their pioneering work in synth-pop and new wave. Their hits include “Enola Gay” and “If You Leave.” The band combines electronic music with catchy pop melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
Thompson Twins
(Tom Bailey)
Originally formed in 1977, the Thompson Twins gained prominence in the 1980s with their synth-driven pop hits like “Hold Me Now” and “Doctor! Doctor!” Tom Bailey was a key member and later pursued a solo career.
The Human League
Formed in 1977 in Sheffield, UK, The Human League is a seminal synth-pop band known for hits like “Don’t You Want Me” and “Love Action (I Believe in Love).” Their work helped define the sound of the 1980s.
Go West
Formed in 1982, Go West is a British pop duo known for their hits “We Close Our Eyes” and “King of Wishful Thinking.” Their music blends pop with a touch of soul and rock.
Nik Kershaw
A British singer-songwriter who emerged in the mid-1980s. Known for hits like “Wouldn’t It Be Good” and “The Riddle,” Kershaw’s music features catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
Jimmy Barnes
An Australian rock singer and songwriter, Barnes is renowned for his powerful voice. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist of Cold Chisel and has enjoyed a successful solo career with hits like “Working Class Man.”
Midge Ure
A Scottish musician and producer, Ure is best known as the lead vocalist of Ultravox and for his role in Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” He has had a successful solo career with hits like “If I Was.”
Leo Sayer
An English singer-songwriter known for his energetic pop hits in the 1970s and 1980s. His most famous songs include “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and “When I Need You.”
Icehouse
An Australian rock band formed in 1977. Originally known as Flowers, they are famous for hits like “Electric Blue” and “Great Southern Land.” The band’s sound blends rock with new wave and pop.
10CC
A British rock band formed in 1972, known for their eclectic style that combines rock, pop, and art rock. Hits include “I’m Not in Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday.”
Hoodoo Gurus
An Australian rock band formed in 1981. Known for their energetic rock sound and hits like “What’s My Scene” and “Come Anytime,” they are a significant influence in Australian rock.
The Little River Band
Formed in 1975 in Melbourne, Australia, the band is known for its smooth rock and pop sound. Hits include “Reminiscing” and “Cool Change.”
Sir Dave Dobbyn
A prominent New Zealand singer-songwriter known for his work with the bands Th’ Dudes and DD Smash. His solo career includes hits like “Slice of Heaven” and “Beware of the Dog.”
Jon Stevens
An Australian singer and songwriter, Stevens was the lead vocalist for INXS and Noiseworks. He has also enjoyed a solo career with hits like “No Lies.”
Gin Wigmore
A New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and blend of soul, rock, and pop. Her debut album included hits like “Oh My” and “Under My Skin.”
Greg Johnson
A New Zealand singer-songwriter known for his melodic pop and folk-influenced music. His hits include “Liberty” and “Save Yourself.”
Mi-Sex
A New Zealand new wave band formed in the late 1970s. Known for their hit “Computer Games,” Mi-Sex combined synthesizers with rock to create a distinctive sound.
Dragon
An Australian rock band formed in 1972, known for their powerful rock sound and hits like “April Sun in Cuba” and “Are You Old Enough?”
Stellar*
A New Zealand rock band formed in 1999, known for their catchy rock and pop songs. Hits include “Violent” and “Everyday.”
Sharon O’Neill
A New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and hits like “Maxine” and “Words.” Her music blends pop and rock with a distinctive style.
ZED
A New Zealand rock band formed in 1999. They are known for their catchy songs and hits like “Renegade” and “Settle Down.”
Jordan Luck Band
Formed by Jordan Luck after his time with The Exponents, this band continues to perform with a focus on the rock and pop sound for which Luck is known.
Diesel
An Australian rock musician known for his blues-rock style. Diesel, whose real name is Mark Lizotte, has hits like “Cry In Shame” and “Tip of My Tongue.”
Stan Walker
A New Zealand singer who gained fame after winning “Australian Idol” in 2009. Known for his powerful voice and hits like “Black Box” and “Choose You.”
Mental As Anything
An Australian rock band formed in 1976. Known for their quirky pop-rock sound, their hits include “Live It Up” and “The Nips Are Getting Bigger.”
Ross Wilson
An Australian singer-songwriter, Wilson is known for his work with Daddy Cool and his solo career. Hits include “Eagle Rock” and “Cool World.”
Annie Crummer
A New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and hits like “See What Love Can Do” and “Language.”
Margaret Urlich
A New Zealand singer who achieved success in Australia with hits like “Return to Paradise” and “Escape.” Her music combines pop with elements of soul.
Kim Willoughby
A New Zealand singer known for her solo work and her role in the band When the Cats are Away.
The Mockers
A New Zealand band from the 1980s known for their pop-rock sound. Hits include “Surrender” and “One Black Friday.”
The Narcs
A New Zealand rock band known for their energetic performances and hits like “Heart and Soul” and “Ain’t No Angel.”
Hello Sailor
An influential New Zealand rock band from the 1970s and 1980s. Known for their hits like “Gutter Black” and “Blue Lady.”
Blam Blam Blam
A New Zealand band known for their punk and new wave influences. Their notable song is “Don’t Fight It, Marsha, It’s Bigger Than Both of Us.”
Peter Urlich
A New Zealand musician known for his solo work and his role in the band The Dudes.
The Lady Killers
Iconic New Zealand female artists Tina Cross, Jackie Clarke and Suzanne Lynch.
The Warratahs
A New Zealand band known for their country-rock sound. Hits include “The Only One” and “Maudie’s.”
Jason Kerrison
A New Zealand singer-songwriter and member of the band Opshop. Known for hits like “Maybe” and “One Day.”
Midge Marsden
A New Zealand blues musician known for his powerful performances and hits like “Dance to the Music” and “Blue Lady.”
Jed Parsons
A New Zealand singer-songwriter known for his contemporary pop and indie sound. His notable works include “Clarity” and “Green Light.”
Golden Kiwis
The best New Zealand artist come together to play the very best of NZ pop and rock music.
The Chills
A New Zealand alternative rock band formed in 1980. Known for their influential indie pop sound and hits like “Heavenly Pop Hit” and “Pink Frost.”
Elemeno P
A New Zealand rock band formed in the early 2000s, known for their energetic pop-rock sound and hits like “Every Day’s a Saturday” and “Fast Times in Tahoe.”
Automatic 80s
New Zealand best 80s cover band with a sound influenced by 1980s pop and rock. Known for their catchy songs and energetic performances.
The Choirboys
The Choirboys are an Australian hard rock and Australian pub rock band from Sydney formed as Choirboys in 1979
Castaway
An electrifying fusion of pop and rock, Christchurch band Castaway bring a captivating high-energy show to any stage they come across.
We work closely with Plus1 founder Kurt Shanks who has successfully promoted concerts for local and international acts around New Zealand for the past 15 years – undertaking more than 100 tours, as well as corporate and special events.
Repeat tours for acts like The Human League, Proclaimers, Joan As Police Woman, Henry Rollins, Buzzcocks, Lloyd Cole, Greg Johnson, Mel Parsons, Mockers and more.
Plus1 handles the full spectrum of event activity, including liaison with venues, artists and agents, logistics, production, promotion and marketing.
Plus 1 is co-promoter of the annual Sounds Series music festivals.
