The Full Story

The Wax Birds are a harmonious acoustic duo born in the Yorkshire valleys and now living and performing across the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, from their rural home near Christchurch in Canterbury, to their second home on the wild West Coast, and beyond!

Raised on the eclectic sounds of Dolly Parton, Motown classics, Americana/folk, Northern indie, pop punk anthems, and even a guilty pleasure or two from the 80s, The Wax Birds are a true testament to the diversity of musical inspiration.

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Their journey began in a dive bar, where fate (and perhaps a little serendipity) brought them together. With a shared passion for music bubbling beneath the surface, it wasn't until the tumultuous events of 2020 that they decided to spread their wings and take flight as The Wax Birds. Embracing the challenges of the times, they transformed adversity into opportunity, using the downtime to create their own unique sound and master the art of reimagining beloved covers in their signature style.

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Embracing the challenges of parenthood and the responsibilities of adulthood, they found solace and joy in creating music together. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of their homeland and the rugged beauty of New Zealand's South Island, The Wax Birds honed their craft, transforming everyday moments into heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies.

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Since their inception, The Wax Birds have flourished, gracing stages and venues across New Zealand with their captivating melodies.

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By the end of 2020 they had released  'Slow Rise', a slightly Jazz sounding album, recorded from their tiny house. Their sound has since taken on more of a Folky Americana feel which can be heard on the second album 'Yellowhammer' which was released in March 2023. Their most recents works show further growth in their abilities and styling, with flavours from across their influences. They are due to gather and release this next set of songs later in 2024 as 'A Steady Hope'. 

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'For me, recording our music at home and putting it out there is more about the documenting of work, telling the story of our own journeys, sharing our own feelings and passions, and not letting our art disappear with us - a common thought shared with our friends who are older musicians.', says Pete.

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Their talent was recognised when they were named finalists for the MLT Songwriter's Awards in 2023, a testament to their dedication and skill. With each performance, they've enchanted audiences, showcasing their evolving sound and leaving a lasting impression wherever they go. As they continue to grow, The Wax Birds exemplify the transformative power of music.

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You will mainly catch them enchanting audiences regularly throughout their home region of Canterbury and their second home - the misty West Coast. Their harmonious tunes weave tales of love, loss, and the timeless journey of the human spirit.

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Whether they're strumming a guitar under the starlit skies or serenading a bustling crowd in a cozy venue, The Wax Birds bring a warmth and authenticity to their performances that's impossible to resist.

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So, if you're craving a musical journey that traverses the valleys of Yorkshire, the untamed beauty of New Zealand and the spaces in between, look no further than The Wax Birds. They're here to whisk you away on a sonic adventure you won't soon forget.