UPCOMING GIGS

Lee Martin is a New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her evocative storytelling, soulful voice, and genre-blending sound. An “old soul” with a modern edge, Martin crafts songs that explore vulnerability, resilience, and the quiet complexities of the human experience.

Martin's latest single, I'd Change It All (2026), has quickly gained momentum online, connecting with audiences through its raw honesty and emotional depth. The song was recently performed live on Newstalk ZB Breakfast with Mike Hosking, introducing her music to a nationwide audience and generating significant interest ahead of the release of her fourth studio album, Marlene.

Her fourth studio album, Marlene is Martin's most personal work to date and debuted at number 5 on the New Zealand charts after it's release at the end of June 2026. The album, named after her birth name, explores different chapters of her life through deeply honest songwriting and her signature blend of country-soul, folk, Americana, and blues influences. The accompanying album release show will take place at The Piano in Christchurch on 17 July 2026. Demand has already been strong, with the first allocation of release tickets selling out within 24 hours.

Her previous (third) studio album, Dreamers Dawn (2024), also debuted at #5 on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts and was launched with a sold-out album release show at The Piano in Christchurch, followed by a nationwide tour and widespread critical acclaim. Available on vinyl, Dreamers Dawn weaves together folk, indie-soul, country-soul, blues, and Americana, showcasing Martin’s ability to transcend genre while maintaining a distinct and authentic voice.

Written and recorded over nearly two years, the album emerged during a period of profound personal change. Its songs reflect emotional highs and lows, capturing themes of growth, loss, and renewal with striking honesty. Standout track Losing Sleep features a Welsh male choir recorded in Wales, an innovative collaboration that adds depth and scale to the album’s cinematic feel.

Martin’s earlier release, Gypsy Soul (2022), debuted in the NZ Top 20, earning international radio and press attention. The lead single What If I Die was named Muzic.net’s Top Single of 2021, shortlisted for a New Zealand Cinematography Award, and playlisted on CMT Australia and Ditty TV USA. The album also marked a return to her South African roots, featuring gospel backing vocals recorded in Johannesburg.

Across her career, Martin has built a reputation as one of New Zealand's most authentic independent artists, earning chart success, international airplay, sold-out shows, and critical acclaim while remaining fiercely committed to honest songwriting and meaningful connection with audiences.

Previous releases include:

• Lost Girl EP (2019)
• I Know You're Sleeping (2008)

Influenced by artists such as Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Emmylou Harris and Zach Bryan, Martin began classical guitar training at age nine and has been performing ever since. Known for her captivating live performances, powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and genuine connection with audiences, Lee Martin continues to establish herself as one of New Zealand’s most compelling and emotionally resonant singer-songwriters.

September  2026

From the heart of Ōtautahi comes Moonflower, a powerhouse four-piece blending the spirit of 60s and 70s soul with the grit of classic rock and a modern edge. Fronted by the remarkable Bunny Reid, whose commanding vocals have drawn comparisons to Grace Slick, Aretha Franklin and Ann Wilson, Moonflower create music that’s warm, powerful and impossible to stand still through. 

After turning heads and winning hearts on their last West Coast visit in 2024, Moonflower are heading back across the Alps this September for two nights of deep-pocket grooves that hit somewhere deep in the chest. 

Joining them is Canterbury music stalwart Duncan 'Disorderly' Sole, a musician, promoter, mentor and champion of the South Island music scene for more than two decades. Known for his work supporting emerging artists and fostering vibrant music communities, Sole brings heartfelt songwriting, road-worn storytelling and authentic musicianship to the stage. 

If you like your music with heart, soul and a little bit of grit, don't miss Moonflower's return to the Coast. 

October  2026

Hailing from the music-filled streets of Melbourne, Australia, Shaun Kirk is an award-winning blues and soul troubadour recognized for his exceptional talent as a born entertainer. His unique talent has not only earned him many accolades but also much praise from fellow artists, such as three-time Grammy Award Winner Fantastic Negrito, who has declared his show as "One of the best one-man shows he’s ever seen!"

Kirk's vocals exude a gritty, soulful depth that seems to transcend far beyond his years, with critics continually acclaiming him as "one of the finest blues voices Australia has ever heard" (Buzz Mag). Complementing his vocal artistry, Kirk's vintage guitar tones and raw grooves pay tribute to the timeless influences that have shaped his musical journey, resulting in a distinctive sound fast becoming his own.

Shaun’s musical journey has taken him to stages all over the world, where he's not only performed but consistently sold out shows, leaving audiences enthralled by his magnetic presence. From iconic festival stages like Bluesfest Byron Bay, where he's become a familiar name, to sharing the billing with legends like Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Paolo Nutini, John Butler Trio, and The Teskey Brothers; Kirk's artistic prowess is in esteemed company. Moreover, he's also had the honour of opening for household names such as blues maestro Joe Bonamassa, soul sensation Allen Stone, and the indomitable Beth Hart; further solidifying his place in the landscape of contemporary music. This remarkable journey is a testament to Kirk's unmatched talent and ability to connect with audiences across genres and generations.