For over a decade, Emo Night at Ding Dong Lounge has been the emotional epicentre of Aotearoa’s emo and pop-punk scene. Born upstairs at Dead Witch in 2014, it’s grown into a full-blown cultural movement—where eyeliner runs, hearts break, and every chorus hits like a memory.
This October, we’re back with another stacked night of nostalgia, chaos, and catharsis.
Downstairs in the main bar, DJs Trix, Abby, and Drew Bang will be spinning the anthems that raised us—My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, blink-182, Panic! At The Disco, and more. Expect scream-alongs, dance breakdowns, and zero judgment for crying during “I’m Not Okay.”
Upstairs at Dead Witch, the live lineup features:
Not Exact – Headlining their first-ever Emo Night, the rising pop-punk duo from Waihi Beach arrive fresh off the release of their new EP On A Roll. With tracks like “9 Months,” “Fight Fair,” and the title track “On A Roll,” they deliver raw lyrics, punchy riffs, and full-throttle catharsis. Think Blink-182 urgency meets Title Fight grit, wrapped in a DIY ethos that hits hard and stays honest.
Lost Vessels – The five-piece pop-punk powerhouse fronted by Eileen Jolly and Cameron Faulkner. Known for dual harmonies, dynamic tempo shifts, and high-energy live shows, they blend catchy party anthems with darker emotional wreckage. After winning the Ding Dong Lounge Band Competition 2022 and releasing their debut EP Things I Never Said, they’ve become one of Auckland’s most promising young rock acts. Their latest single “Broken But Okay” is already a crowd favourite.
Blossom – Fresh off their win in Heat Two of the Ding Dong Lounge Band Competition, Blossom blends pop-punk hooks with grunge grit and alt-metal weight. Formed in 2017 by music classmates Allan, Willem, and Joseph, this trio hits like a breakup text at 2AM—melodic, heavy, and emotionally raw.
Sympathy For Summer – Kicking off the night at 8:30PM, this Pop Punk / Emo trio delivers cathartic anthems for the overthinkers and romantics. Will (guitar/vocals), Hinata (drums), and Brad (bass) channel late-night chaos into shout-along hooks and punchy rhythms. Their debut singles “Insomnia” and “Labyrinth” are tailor-made for anyone who’s ever cried on a skate ramp.
Whether you’re reliving your teenage angst or discovering it for the first time, Emo Night is your safe space to scream, sweat, and feel everything. Come early, stay late, and don’t forget your eyeliner.
Tickets:
$15 Early Bird
$20 Standard
$25 Final Release
$25 Door Sales before 8PM / $30 after 8PM
Presented by ACT UP Entertainment.
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