Famous New Zealander Musicians

Bret McKenzie is a versatile New Zealand musician, comedian, music supervisor, and actor. He gained fame as one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords with Jemaine Clement, leading to a successful BBC radio and HBO television series. McKenzie has excelled as a songwriter and music supervisor for notable films like The Muppets, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Additionally, he has been involved with bands like The Black Seeds and the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra. McKenzie's career also includes acting roles in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Tim Finn is a highly acclaimed New Zealand singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He is best known for his role as a founding member of Split Enz, where he served as lead singer and principal songwriter. Finn later embarked on a successful solo career, achieving hits such as "Fraction Too Much Friction" and "Made My Day". He also collaborated with his brother Neil in Crowded House, co-writing major hits like "Four Seasons in One Day" and "Weather with You". Finn's talent extends to composing scores for films and musicals, showcasing his versatility in the music industry.

Joel Little is a highly accomplished New Zealand record producer, musician, and Grammy Award-winning songwriter. He is renowned for his exceptional work as a writer and producer with a diverse range of artists, including Lorde, Taylor Swift, Broods, Sam Smith, Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Khalid, and many others. His talent and versatility have allowed him to collaborate with top musicians across various genres, contributing significantly to the success of numerous hit songs and albums. Joel Little's professional expertise and creative vision have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Zane Lowe is a multi-talented New Zealand professional known for his work as a radio DJ, live DJ, record producer, and television presenter. He gained recognition through his roles at XFM, MTV Europe, and BBC Radio 1, where he hosted prime-time radio shows from 2003 to 2015. In 2015, Lowe joined Apple as the Creative Director of Apple Music 1, a global music station. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent for music curation, production, and presenting, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Graeme Revell is a renowned New Zealand musician and composer known for his work as the leader of the industrial/electronic group SPK in the 1980s. Transitioning to film scoring in the 1990s, he has crafted memorable compositions for a range of films, including Dead Calm, The Crow, and Sin City. With a notable partnership with director David Twohy, Revell has also scored movies like Below and the Riddick franchise. His talent has been recognized with multiple BMI Film Music Awards and an AACTA Award.

Dave Dobbyn is a highly accomplished New Zealand musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a member of the rock group Th' Dudes before becoming the driving creative force behind the successful pop band DD Smash. Dobbyn later transitioned to a solo career and has since released the majority of his music as a solo performer. Known for his versatile musical talents and ability to connect with audiences, Dobbyn has established himself as a prominent figure in the New Zealand music scene.

Margaret Mary Urlich was a talented New Zealand singer who achieved success in Australia. Her debut solo album, "Safety in Numbers," earned her the prestigious "Breakthrough Artist – Album" award at the 1991 ARIA Awards. The follow-up album, "Chameleon Dreams," was also well-received. Throughout her career, Urlich sold over 400,000 albums, solidifying her status as one of New Zealand's most accomplished recording artists. She made a significant impact in the music industry with her impressive vocal abilities and captivating performances.

Jennifer Patricia Morris, known professionally as Jenny Morris, is a New Zealand-Australian singer-songwriter with a successful career spanning several decades. She first achieved fame as a member of the band the Crocodiles before transitioning into a solo career. Morris has collaborated with iconic artists such as INXS and has released multiple top-charting albums and singles in Australia and New Zealand. She has won prestigious music awards, including two ARIA Music Awards, and received recognition for her contributions to the music industry.

Jiaxin Cheng is a Chinese cellist with a successful international career. She graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and later obtained her Master's degree in New Zealand. Cheng has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She has also been a member of the Aroha String Quartet. Cheng has lived in London since 2007, where she has given recitals and collaborated with renowned musicians like Julian Lloyd Webber. Their recordings and performances have received critical acclaim worldwide.

Liam Finn is a talented New Zealand singer and musician who has made a name for himself in the music industry. With a successful solo career and collaborations with renowned bands like Crowded House, Finn has showcased his musical prowess and versatility. His involvement in the music scene, both as a solo artist and as part of larger musical projects, has earned him a reputation as a skilled performer with a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Jordan Luck is a prominent figure in the New Zealand music scene, known for his role as the lead singer and songwriter of the Exponents. He has received accolades such as being inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame and appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to music. Luck continues to make music with his band, The Jordan Luck Band, and has been involved in various projects, including covering songs and touring the country, showcasing his enduring passion for music and performance.

Jawsh 685 is a talented beat maker and music producer from New Zealand who rose to fame while he was a student at Manurewa High School in South Auckland. He achieved significant success with his 2020 hit single "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" in collaboration with Jason Derulo. The song's remix by BTS topped the charts in over 15 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Jawsh 685's professional career has been marked by his innovative music production and successful collaborations with renowned artists.

Douglas Lilburn was a highly acclaimed New Zealand composer known for his significant contributions to the country's music scene. He is considered a pioneering figure in the development of classical music in New Zealand, blending Western musical traditions with local influences to create a distinctive style. Lilburn's compositions often reflected the landscapes and culture of his homeland, earning him recognition as one of New Zealand's most important composers. Throughout his career, he inspired and mentored numerous aspiring musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the country's music community.

Boh Runga is a talented New Zealand recording artist known for her work as the lead singer and guitarist in the popular rock band Stellar. With a successful career in the music industry, Boh has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and impressive guitar skills. Her contributions to the band's sound have earned her recognition as a skilled musician. Boh's passion for music and her dedication to her craft have solidified her reputation as a respected artist in the industry.

Anika Moa is a New Zealand recording artist and television presenter known for her successful music career. Her debut studio album, Thinking Room, reached number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart and produced two Top 5 singles. Moa gained recognition after competing at the Rockquest songwriting contest in 1998, which led to a recording contract. Her professional journey has been documented in two documentaries by film-maker Justin Pemberton, highlighting her signing to a record label and the release of Thinking Room, as well as her later career.

Lili Kraus was a Hungarian-born pianist known for her specialization in Mozart and Beethoven. She studied with renowned musicians such as Zoltán Kodály, Béla Bartók, and Artur Schnabel, which honed her interest in the classical tradition. Kraus gained critical acclaim through chamber music performances and recordings with violinist Szymon Goldberg, leading to an international career. Despite being interned in a concentration camp during World War II, she resumed her career post-war, eventually settling in New Zealand before teaching at Texas Christian University.

Hollie Smith is a highly acclaimed New Zealand soul singer-songwriter known for her chart-topping solo albums. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, she has achieved significant success in the music industry. With four solo albums - Long Player, Humour and the Misfortune of Others, Water or Gold, and Coming In From The Dark - all reaching number one on the RIANZ albums chart, Hollie Smith has solidified her reputation as one of the most successful female New Zealand artists of the 21st century.

Philip Fuemana was a highly regarded New Zealand musician known as "the Godfather of South Auckland". He made significant contributions to establishing the Urban Pasifika sound, founding Urban Pacifika Records in 1996. Fuemana's professional life was characterized by his innovative work in the music industry, collaborating with artists such as Moizna, AKA Brown, Lost Tribe, and Dei Hamo. His legacy as a pioneering figure in South Auckland's music scene continues to influence and inspire musicians to this day.

Kings, also known as Kingdon Chapple-Wilson, is a multi-talented New Zealand artist recognized for his roles as a rapper, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Since 2018, he has been actively involved in producing music under his independent label, Arch Angel Records. Kings made history in the New Zealand music scene with his 2016 hit single "Don't Worry Bout' It," which holds the record for the longest-running No. 1 single in the country. His professional journey showcases a dedication to creating impactful music and achieving significant success in the industry.

Georg Tintner was an Austrian conductor and composer known for his work in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. He began his career as a singer in the Vienna Boys' Choir, later studying composition and conducting in Vienna. Tintner conducted various orchestras and opera companies, including the National Opera of Australia and the Australian Opera. He was a respected Bruckner conductor and recorded a complete cycle of Bruckner symphonies for Naxos. Tintner also had compositions of his own recorded and released, showcasing his talent beyond conducting.

John Psathas is a renowned New Zealand Greek composer with a strong international presence. His works are performed by notable musicians such as Evelyn Glennie, Michael Houstoun, Michael Brecker, and Joshua Redman. Psathas is recognized as one of New Zealand's most frequently performed composers, with a diverse repertoire that has garnered him a significant following. He consistently receives commissions from prestigious organizations both in New Zealand and abroad, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the contemporary music scene.

Mahara McKay is a versatile professional with a background in modeling, music production, and DJing. She rose to fame in 2000 after winning the title of Miss Switzerland. Transitioning from modeling, she redirected her focus towards Yoga and healing practices. Currently, McKay is known for her global presence as a Yoga and Tantra teacher, traveling to various festivals worldwide to share her expertise. Her career evolution showcases a dedication to holistic wellness and a commitment to spreading knowledge of Yoga and Tantra practices on an international scale.

Anne Crummer is a prominent New Zealand pop singer and songwriter with Cook Islands heritage. She has achieved significant success in her professional career as both a solo artist and a member of different musical ensembles. Known for her versatile vocal abilities and captivating stage presence, Crummer has garnered a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for her contributions to the music industry. Her talent and dedication have solidified her reputation as a respected and iconic figure in the New Zealand music scene.

Tami Neilson is a highly acclaimed Canadian-born New Zealand country and soul singer/songwriter with a remarkable list of achievements in her professional life. She has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the 2014 APRA Silver Scroll Awards and Best Country Song Award. Tami has also been recognized with multiple Best Country Album wins at the New Zealand Music Awards in various years. Her talent and dedication have earned her the title of Best Female Artist at the New Zealand Country Music Awards on multiple occasions.

Brooklyn Nathan is a multi-talented musician and actor known for his online presence as a creator and influencer. He gained recognition through his music covers shared on YouTube and TikTok, amassing over 80,000 fans on the latter platform. Nathan's passion for music developed at a young age, leading him to launch his YouTube channel in 2010. In 2018, he released his debut original song "Jump I Got You" and has since covered popular tracks, including songs by DJ Khaled, showcasing his versatility and talent in the music industry.

Che Fu, also known as Che Kuo Eruera Ness MNZM, is a prominent figure in the New Zealand music scene. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he gained recognition as a founding member of the band Supergroove before embarking on a successful solo career. Known for his contributions to Hip hop and Pasifika music, Che Fu has achieved significant commercial success with thousands of albums sold both domestically and internationally. His innovative approach and musical talents have solidified his status as a pioneer in New Zealand's music industry.