We’ve been checking in with some local artists, writers & critics to get their thoughts on what makes the Wellington Music scene unique, and to get their take on some of their favourite Wellington sounds. You can check out some older posts from critics Nick Bollinger, & Grant Smithies, Blue Smoke writer Chris Bourke, and musicians Samuel Flynn Scott & Alistair Fraser, but since it is New Zealand Music Month we thought we would check in with some more people over the course of May.

Whether offering an opinion on the uniqueness or elusive qualities that make up Wellington music, or just some of their favourite albums, the most important thing is the music itself, and we hope these posts lead you back to some favourite albums, or help you to discover something new.

Up today is Nik Brinkman from Over The Atlantic. Nik Brinkman and Bevan Smith came together through shared involvement in a A Low Hum compilation. Two and ½ years of work went into creating their first album Junica…

I think what makes Wellington music unique may be the energy that this city has, which I think is very creative, social and progressive. Geographically, Wellington is far removed from the bigger global cities, as well as the major music industries, which I think this gives Wellington musicians a certain freedom to do what they want, and how they want.
3 Albums:
DSuper – Straight To The Sun
Letterbox Lambs – Not A Private Joke
Secret Knives – Affection

D-Super video for ‘We Ride Tonight’. Check out the 5000 Ways (a site dedicated to reviewing every NZ On Air video) commentary here.

’16 Songs’. 5000 Ways commentary here.

You can buy Over The Atlantic’s music on their Bandcamp page here & Nik’s solo album here.

Special Friday bonus:
Here is a video of Nik’s early band Ejector live at Indigo, 2003. You can also buy their music on Bandcamp here.