The Best Gigs in Wellington For the Remainder of January

Even though we live in one of the most isolated places in the world, the spread of musical acts that make the journey to our fine country is more than impressive. In this month alone you can go out and experience everything from a genre-bending fusion of pop, electronica and R&B, experimental beat making, Australian sibling folk, deep-voiced crooning and huge, hulking riffs.

We outline some of the best gigs around the city for the remainder of this month.

Little Dragon

Formed in Sweden way back in the ’90s, Little Dragon perform a genre-bending fusion of pop, electronica and R&B. Their latest and fourth record Nabuma Rubberband features collaborations from the likes of De La Soul and Robin Hannibal and has earned them a nomination at the 2015 Grammy Awards. For their Laneway sideshow, Little Dragon will be joined by another member of the festival lineup, Chicago MC Vic Mensa.

When: Tuesday, January 27

Where: Shed 6

How much: $75

Flying Lotus

As well as taking the stage at Laneway Festival in Auckland electronic wunderkind Flying Lotus will make his way to Wellington for one show. For the performance FlyLo will dust off his 3D visual show, which is fully improvised live by a graphics team throughout the show. The fusion of technological innovation and experimental beat making has been explained as “a mind-expanding plasm.” The visit down under will support the release of his latest album You’re Dead!.

When: Thursday, January 29

Where: Shed 6

How much: $75

Nas

To mark the 20th anniversary of his highly acclaimed debut, Illmatic, Nas is heading down under to perform the work from start to finish. Illmatic is regularly considered as one of the best hip hop albums of all time, and even spurred it’s own documentary Time is Illmatic this year. As well as the landmark album, Nas will perform standouts from his extensive back catalogue – though perhaps not his first-ever collaborative single, ‘Live at the Barbecue’. He was last here with Damian Marley in 2011, and supported Kanye West in 2008. On this visit he will be joined by DJ Green Lantern and DJ Raw and Dam-G.

When: Sunday, January 18

Where: James Caberet

How much: $75

Angus and Julia Stone

After sold out shows on both sides of the ditch last year, sibling folk duo Angus and Julia Stone are returning for a summer tour. Auckland’s Laneway Festival on January 26 kicks off their summer appearances before they head further down the country for their next two shows. The appearance also backs up their latest self-titled album which was co-produced by music big wig Rick Rubin and was preceded by the singles 'Heart Beats Slow', 'A Heartbreak' and 'Get Home'.

When: Wednesday, January 28

Where: The Opera House Wellington

How much: $69.90

Passenger

British folk musician Mike Rosenberg, aka Passenger, is set to charm New Zealand with his 2015 Whispers tour. The show will see him share the stories that are weaved throughout his catchy new album. Whispers was released in June 2014 and is spearheaded by the grand love song and single, ‘Heart’s On Fire’ with Ed Sheeran.

When: Saturday, January 31

Where: Michael Fowler Centre

How much: $70

Royal Blood

Much buzzed UK rock duo Royal Blood recently had their live show described as ‘huge, hulking riffs delivered with a snarling swagger’. The powerhouse are one part anguished vocals and one part ferocious drumming. The performance will held at Wellington's new 1,300 capacity venue Shed 6, giving plenty of room for a casual head bang.

When: Wednesday, January 28

Where: Shed 6

How much: $75

Meridian Garden Magic

Meridian Gardens Magic is a long-standing favourite with Capital City residents. The series of free outdoor concerts play out through January at the Soundshell in the picturesque Wellington Botanic Garden with a variety of musicians and genres on display each night. This years line-up includes international renowned Weissenborn guitarist Thomas Oliver, soul man Louis Baker, indie-rock three-piece Bunnies on Ponies and soul/beat/jazz band Drax Project.

When: Various

Where: Soundshell, Wellington Botanic Garden

How much: Free