Rotorua band Strangely Arousing finalists for Best Independent Debut award

Rotorua reggae-funk-jazz band Strangely Arousing have been named finalists for the
Auckland Live Best Independent Debut award.

The band, made up of former Western Heights High School students, is one of five finalists for the award, which is part of the Taite Music Prize.

The winner receives $2000 from Independent Music NZ and a live performance slot programmed by Auckland Live.

Strangely Arousing released their 11-song self-titled album covering their melting pot of sound.

Rotorua band Strangely Arousing. Photo/Stephen Parker

From Raggamuffin to Rhythm & Vines, from sell out tours around New Zealand to gigging in the Middle East, they have seen the world.

Recent highlights include playing to 15,000 people at Lakeside 2018 – Whenua #itsabouthome, and headlining the Whangarei Fritter Festival with Elemeno P and Salmonella Dub.

Other finalists are Daniel McClelland - Anxious Heart*, Kendall Elise - I Didn't Stand A Chance, L.A.B. - L.A.B. and The Miltones - The Miltones.

Independent Music NZ also today announced the 2018 recipient of the Classic Record Award. It is Headless Chickens 'Stunt Clown' (Flying Nun 1988).