Independent Kiwi emo revival band The Not Okays today announce a live show at Auckland’s Ding Dong Lounge alongside Wellington nu-punk rockers Holloway and Auckland’s Lost Vessels.
From headlining Ding Dong Lounge's infamous emo nights with a wealth of slick covers to releasing original music post-lockdown, The Not Okays are stoked to return to Dead Witch's stage once again for a night full of pop-punk and emo hits new and old. Expect to hear singles 'Sophie' and 'Better Days' live and in the flesh, as well as new original content yet to be released.
“We’ve seen the crowds and energy that incredible international artists in our genre can pull now that we’re lucky enough to have them return to our shores,” says singer Lauren Kate Borhani. “Being in the crowd of Yungblud and Peach PRC’s high-energy pop-punk performance this week at Shed 10 was inspiring, and it’s clear that our scene and family of misfits is well and truly alive here in Tāmaki Makaurau and across the motu. We hope that the same energy is put into what the local scene has to offer, and can’t wait to put on a fun local show that proves that it’s totally okay to not be okay! We can’t wait to show you what we’ve got.”
This will be a high-energy show not to be missed that will well and truly show that emo was never a phase.
THE NOT OKAYS
The Not Okays are an independent five-piece emo revival band from Auckland, celebrating the fact that emo was never dead. Having headlined Ding Dong Lounge's infamous emo nights since 2018 with covers, extensive lockdowns gave the band the push they needed to start working on original content and continue to support the rise of modern emo. The band features seasoned musicians on the festival circuit in the likes of Written by Wolves, Shotgun Alley and alongside Kaylee Bell. Recent releases include Sophie (Goodshirt cover) and pop-rock bop Better Days.
“Lauren called the crowd to the stage demanding people dance, all the guys were really into it with loads of energy. Aaron was at the front just riffing hard, while Noriel was so into it that he soon let his hair down! All the band were relaxed and having fun, which was great to see, with Caitlin and Noriel both smiling and enjoying the vibe while B was in his element at the back.
Everyone in the crowd was having a blast, as were the band. This was the song of the night up to this point, as everyone was giving their all, onstage and off, with the words being sung back to the band, Lauren and Aaron harmonised, and it was just awesome.” - Kev Rowland, Muzic.net.nz (Live gig review, Crushfest @ The Tuning Fork, 9 July 2022)
HOLLOWAY
The New Zealand nu-punk rockers of your dreams, Holloway are a sugary face-punch flaunting obnoxiously infectious hooks, vampy looks and a penchant for performance. Holloway have toured Aotearoa since 2020 with an inclusive and DIY approach to shows. The band have released a slew of records since their inception, with singles Here Comes Glitterboy (2020), Violet, and Last Dance For Losers (2021) propelling the band forward to make waves in scenes across the country.
LOST VESSELS
On one fateful Sunday afternoon in Cockle Bay, a drummer and a guitarist discovered they both liked some pretty cool bands and just had to start making some pop punk of their own. A few lockdowns later they found a new singer through an accidentally shared voice memo, and they were away laughing. Lost Vessels take influence from bands like Motion City Soundtrack, All Time Low, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, Origami Angel, and generally so much pop punk and emo shit they can’t keep track. With music on the way, but nothing out just yet, it’s probably best to catch these cool kids live while you can.
