Ah, New Zealand. A land blessed with unspoiled natural beauty and gentle
weather; where the sunlight melts harmoniously with the countryside. A place where Hobbits and Orcs can frolic gleefully in the meadows, unhindered by global economic collapse or oppressive regimes. A nation so tucked away in solace that, regardless of recent media attention, most people
still think it’s part of Great Britain.

It is here that a wealth of talent exists, just on the cusp of breaking into full-out international envy. Centered on the cities of Auckland and Wellington, scores of musicians are pumping out some of the most inspired and original music of our decade. Despite the large spotlight drawn to New Zealand
by favorite sons Flight of the Conchords, this tiny country remains a best-kept secret of melodic prowess. Pretentious hipsters rejoice, I give you THE six bands you’ll want to know about before everyone else; just so you can be a total douche about it later.

Liam Finn
Since recording, producing, and mixing his own solo debut “I’ll Be Lighting,” Liam Finn has been on a non-stop trek around the globe. Garnering tons of critical accolades, including a nod from Rolling Stone as an “Artist to Watch” for 2008, and a four star review from Allmusicguide, things only seem to keep improving. Despite his dizzyingly constant touring schedule (which includes a stop at Minneapolis’s own 7th Street Entry on October 1st), we were fortunate enough to catch up with Liam for an interview.

The Brunettes
The Brunettes are twee. Gushingly twee. And for those who love everything cute and poppy, their music is a mantra. “Structures and Cosmetics,” their first U.S. release, is teeming with baroque-pop harmonies, edgy guitars, and playful keyboards. The team, consisting of Jonathan Bree and Heather
Mansfield, has toured across the world opening for acts like Sub-Pop label mates The Postal Service and The Shins.

Shocking Pinks
Let’s face it: Pitchfork is filled with pretentious music heads that have found a way to justify hating pretty much every band ever. That being said, it seems a tad shocking that Shocking Pinks were tagged as having “simultaneously one of the most tragically hip and irreverently unaffiliated records
of the year” in 2004. Their self-titled release in 2007 also received Pitchfork accolades, garnering a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Backed by DFA Records (the same label that signed Black Dice, Hot Chip, and LCD Soundsystem), it is safe to say this is a band that has a date with destiny.

The Ruby Suns
Led by ex-Californian turned New Zealander Ryan McPhun, The Ruby Suns are a sonic conglomeration of pop, world rhythm, and experimentalism. Upon first listen, it is clear that McPhun is well traveled, as innumerable sounds from across the globe are meshed together to form their latest release, “Sea Lion”. Recorded entirely in his basement with the help of a few friends, it’s hard to believe how atmospherically large and diverse this record is. Banging African rhythms interspersed with synth keyboards and reverb-washed vocals make the experience as enjoyable as it is eclectic. Currently on the tail-end of a worldwide tour, the follow-up to “SeaLion” should come out some time in late 2009.

The Naked and Famous
The Naked and Famous have a full arsenal of buzz-worthy songs that bridge the gap between rock and electro-pop. Think of them as the ultimate house band for First Ave’s “Too Much Love.” Though relatively unknown in their own country, they are likely to make a big splash with their appearance at CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival in New York this month. The Auckland-based duo just released their second EP “No Light” in September, available online.

Age Pryor
The best part about Age is his sound. Every new project he creates, from folk-pop, to funk, to rock, always somehow sounds uniquely Age Pryor. Whether it’s the wispy, yet whimsical vocals, or the
distinctive melodies, the secret ingredient makes his music great. Although his fan base has not yet extended far past New Zealand’s borders, being featured in the 2007 film Eagle Vs. Shark has helped gain Pryor some notoriety. Perhaps his upcoming record, “The Wooldshed Sessions” will send him further into the spotlight.