How Bizarre - OMC
Probably the most well recognised and biggest selling song on the American market, OMC or Otara Millionaires Club produced a phenomenal one hit wonder aptly named “How Bizarre” in 1996. Pauly Fuemana went from impoverished struggling South Auckland songster to international star with this catchy tune.
Walkie Talkie Man - Steriogram
These funk/punk/metal guys were famous in New Zealand for a number of years before making it big on the US charts with there hit song “Walkie Talkie Man”. It was landing the advertisement tune for the Apple IPOD which launched them to fame in early 2006.
Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
After the break up of Split Enz of which both Tim and Neil Finn formed, Neil broke away and produced a stunning piece of musical mastery in Crowded House's debut album “Don't Dream It's Over”. Consequently the song title of the same name became a huge international hit and is one of the only songs still heard on American mainstream radio today. A Kiwi song of iconic character.
Moonshine - Savage
South Auckland Dawn Raid Music member Savage went from a virtual unknown to internationally recognised rap superstar (even if it was for only a few months). After teaming up with emerging star Akon, the two went on to create a catchy hit that leads you to believe that they are singing about a woman and not the alcoholic beverage of the same name. Not so as you conveniently discover at the songs finale.
I Got You - Split Enz
Although the US market got a taste of a number of singles from the 70's rock/pop band; it was ultimately the song “I Got You” that launched their career off shore. Tim and Neil Finn created a wonderful sound before going their separate ways in the mid 80's, Tim pursuing a successful solo career and Neil forming the hugely successful Crowded House.
P-Money - Keep on Callin
Very quickly after Savages massive hit “Moonshine” alongside Akon, hip-hop producer and mixer P-Money got in on the act and once again teamed up with Akon to create the song “Keep on Callin” which was once again a hit in the States. Although gaining limited radio airtime, the song became popular with Akon fans and P-Money's name was made.
Shadow Feet - Brooke Fraser
Having been extremely popular in New Zealand since her debut album in 2003, Brooke Fraser burst onto the American market in 2008 with her album “Albertine” in which the Norah Jonesish style songstress produced the hit Shadow Feet which has received acclaim world wide.
Burning - Kora
They haven't quite made it in mainstream America yet but you just wait. US iTunes has embraced the EP from Kora in which the reggae/roots/dub style band has three songs definitely worth listening too. Give them a chance and you won't be sorry.
Wandering Eye - Fat Freddy's Drop
Their debut album “Based on a True Story” went gold in New Zealand and the hope is that it will be no different in America. Another dub style band, the genre is quickly becoming the new sound of Aotearoa.
One Day - Opshop
US iTunes has their 2007 album “Second Hand Planet” but they are hardly international yet. The rockers are definitely worth a listen and are highly sought after in New Zealand.
Love Sunshine and Hapiness - Salmonella Dub
Aussie soap opera Home and Away has picked up on these guys since hitting the charts with their debut album “Under The Dub Plates”. Americans won't find this album on iTunes yet but they will get their latest album “Heal Me” and if you're a reggae/dub fan, then you will love this album. Tiki Taane, the lead singer of Sal Dub has recently gone out on his own and produced a fantastic album called “Past, Present, Future”. However you may have to find some others means of getting your hands on this one as US iTunes doesn't have it. Boo.
Pacifier - Shihad
One of the biggest and best rock bands New Zealand has produced, Shihad tried to break onto the American market before now by changing their name to Pacifier amidst the 2001 terror attacks. It was recommended by their record company that they changed it as Shihad sounded and looked to close to jihad. Go figure. They eventually changed it back to the original name and as yet still haven't quite made it.
Stand Up - Scribe
Another P-Money produced rapper, Scribe burst onto the New Zealand charts with his debut album “The Crusader” in early 2003. A host of hits were to follow as was domestic stardom. Rumour has it he is soon to team up with a host of top name American rappers. We will see.
So there you have it. Crank out your IPOD's and start downloading these quality New Zealand artists on US iTunes. Feel free to share any I have missed or new ones that pop up. Happy listening.
