A New Era for Aotearoa Alt-Rock
Main character energy alert: The Auckland-based alternative rock band Awning has officially signed with the Los Angeles-based label Winspear. They are the label's first-ever signing from New Zealand and only their second international act ever, following in the footsteps of Australia’s Swapmeet. The vibes are immaculate and the band is rightfully hyped.
Meet the Band
Formed in 2023, the five-piece group consists of frontman Christian Dimick, drummer Riley Noonan, bassist Damin McCabe, and guitarists Ethan Broughtan and Eli Chamberlain. They've been building a serious rep as a live act, dropping a self-titled EP in 2025 and touring with artists like Wednesday and Twine. They even crushed a showcase at the Going Global Festival in NZ.
The New Track
To mark the signing, they’ve dropped their latest single, “Little Green Book.” Recorded at the legendary Roundhead Studios, the track dives deep into themes of grief. Dimick describes the creative process as tackling "gritty stuff that feels almost too much to put into song format." The official music video, shot by bassist Damin McCabe, is out now too.
Winspear founder Jared Jones is a fan, saying, "I can’t get that chorus out of my skull.” For the band, it’s a total dream come true to get US support from a label whose roster they’ve admired for years.
Why it matters
This deal highlights the growing global reach of New Zealand's indie scene. It’s a major W for the local talent in Tāmaki Makaurau, proving that if your sound is authentic enough, the right ears will find you from across the ocean. Say less, we’re keeping this one on repeat.
