The ultimate VMorg Music Month rundown

Words Hannah Powell & Java Katzur. Edited by Liam Stretch.

Images taken by Kenzie Pigman, Ed Boy, and Oli Cheyne.

Yo Vocal had the privilege to go on tour with VMorg for their Music Month in Pōneke. With four Saturdays, three different venues, and over 16 artists, it was a wild ride.  

To kickstart the month, we went to VMorg x Banshee Club’s first of four events. With a spectacular line up and a stellar show, their first gig was confirmed to be very good indeed.

Wellington band Sleeping Village kicked off the evening with their psychedelic blues rough rock. Being their debut show, we were impressed by the well-executed sound. Their single Honeybee was a highlight of the night - a sweet little song that toyed with darker themes. Next up was Dunedin artist Neive Strang, an incredible vocalist with a wonderful band. Soulful, dark, gritty, and strong, her voice blows us away, as do her beautifully written songs. Headliner Macho Macho ended the night with an incredible, high-energy performance; their dynamic turned on ultra-high. The crowd was privileged to a few new tunes, as well as the absolute feet-stomping head-bopping favourites we all know and love. Shout out to Marcus from Oosh Productions, who absolutely killed it on the Meow stage.

The second week rolled around, and we went to Valhalla, a collaboration with Peach Promotions, featuring all Pōneke based artists. 

The acts included Club Classic, Will McClean & the Zooks, and Wiri Donna. We were in for another treat with Club Classic. These indie-funk folks were full of dynamism. They gave us some originals and a couple of covers to start off the night. Then Will Mclean and the Zooks took to the stage, an up-and-coming hip-hop band. A fusion of hip-hop and jazz, they got everyone on their feet again within minutes. If they aren’t already on your radar, they really should be. Lastly, Wiri Donna blessed us with herself described “dinky riff rock” – she blew us away. An unreal talent, she is a staple here in the Pōneke music scene. 

The third week of VMorg music month (VMorg Familia Night) had us grooving at San Fran, one of Wellington’s most iconic venues. 

Sofia Machray started off the night; she and the band were moving around the stage in a synchronised way, all at the same beat; it was awesome to see. Next up was Miss Cressida, their recent EP has just been released, so they changed their setlist and treated us to come new songs. And four songs in Kenzie did the honours and cut Oscars (Bass guitar) hair and threw it to the crowd, a definite highlight for everyone. Lastly, the headliner Hot Donnas made the trip up from Dunedin to close the night. And was their set amazing, or what! Jacob, their lead singer, broke his own guitar string and also Eli Superflyy’s after being handed it. Which gives you a good indication of what their set was like. The crowd, of course, wanted more, and an encore followed; Jacob returned and said, “well, we didn’t want to be a rage covers band, but you’re asking for it,” and they performed ‘Killing in the Name’, one of the only songs they could play with only one guitar. An instant crowd-pleaser: everyone left this week wanting more from all performances. 

Then before we knew it, the month had come to an end, with the last show being a collaboration with Garbage Records at Meow. 

Violet Hirst started the night with her dreamy, ethereal sound - a warm and inviting entree for the evening. Sipping her tea on stage, she cheered the crowd as her amazing vocals filled the room. Artist after artist, they levelled up the energy; Jack Berry took to the stage, performing his new single ‘The Middle’ – the first time he has played it live. With this, we were reminded of the importance of those behind the scenes with unreal lighting from Oosh Productions bringing the performance into another realm. Last but definitely not least, we have Nic and Reuben. Much like the previous acts, this one had us grooving. There was something special about the atmosphere that night; not a foot was still on the dancefloor thanks to the vigour of each set. During the set, Nic put down his guitar and went acapella for ‘late night jazz club’, which set a different tone, and yet provided a warm interlude. 

And as we walked towards the van, we realised what a jam-packed month we had. Ben and the team behind VMorg put on four truly amazing shows, showcasing some established and upcoming talent across Aotearoa. With a great lighting and photography team behind it all, it was awesome to see it all come together. 

The last year has really shown us what outrageous talent we have here in New Zealand. Never forget how lucky we are to be able to put on shows and dance with people.

Ka pai, VMorg team!