5 Australian Musicians You Need To Hear Essay

5 Musicians from New Zealand You Need To Hear

Dear New Zealand, a month ago I wrote a blog titled “5 Australian Musicians You Need To Hear.” On my list, I included two NZ artists whom I absolutely love. Brooke Fraser and Evermore produce some of the best music your country has to offer, and consequentially when they moved to Australia we quickly claimed them as ours. Yet it became apparent to me via a lovely Tweet from Brooke that there is too much Kiwi pride to include these artists on an Aussie list.

While Australia’s claim of your talent is (clearly) not unusual, I get that it is somewhat annoying for you. I mean, it drives me crazy when American’s tell me Keith Urban is from the US. So, in an effort to make it up to you and pay tribute

She counts Taylor Swift as a best friend, has featured on the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 and is known in the Twittersphere for her bold and loyal support of her friends. Not only is this girl one of New Zealand’s best, but she is also a global superstar.

Stan Walker: While Stan came to fame as the winner of Australian Idol in 2009, his Maori roots have been fundamental in his music and career. The 24 year old has released three albums, and of late he has collaborated with Ginny Blackmore in the single, “Missing You.” Performing “Aoteara” for Maori National Language Week 2014, Stan has featured in the film Mt. Zion and has been a judge on New Zealand’s X Factor.

Kimbra: While this lady is perhaps best known for her collaboration with Gotye in his hit, “Someone That I Used To Know,” Kimbra has made it clear that she is a powerful force within the international music scene. Her 2011 debut Vows made the top 5 in both NZ and Australia, and even peaked at #14 on the US Billboard 200 Charts. She is a Grammy award winner, an adventurer in the realm on electro, pop and jazz and, while she now resides in Australia, is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed