In this new Rolling Stone AU/NZ series, we get to know the music tastes of artists through their favourite records. Next up, Auckland’s premier dream-pop band Phoebe Rings.
Phoebe Rings are about to be very busy indeed.
In just over a week, the Tāmaki Makaurau dream-pop band will share their long-awaited debut album, Aseurai. It features tracks such as recent single “Fading Star”, which mined Talking Heads and Orange Juice influences to excellent effect (listen below).
Originally the songwriting vehicle of former jazz school student Crystal Choi (watch her INTROS episode here), Phoebe Rings’ forthcoming record showcases the whole band – Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent (guitar/synth), Benjamin Locke (bass), and Alex Freer (drums/production) – getting in on the songwriting fun.
“I feel more precious about this LP because it includes everyone’s gems. The broth is richer with more cooks in the kitchen, and the brewing of textures creates a distinct ‘Phoebe Rings’ sound,” Choi said about Aseurai.
As for the album title? It’s as poetic as you might expect from a dream-pop outfit. “Aseurai means around you in the atmosphere, hard to reach, fading away,” Choi explained. “It’s a poetic expression. You wouldn’t say it in normal conversation, but I like that.”
Aseurai will be released on June 6th via Carpark Records, who reissued their 2021 self-titled EP late last year.
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The band will then head to North America for a massive run of shows between October and December, including several dates supporting their fellow Kiwis, The Beths.
Before this busy period kicks off, and they don’t have as much time for leisurely perusing record stores, Phoebe Rings took part in our On the Record series, in which an artist takes us through their favourite records.
Credit: Supplied
They stopped by Melbourne’s Oh! Jean Records (the Kiwis would have felt right at home – the record store stocks a healthy selection of New Zealand vinyl) to pick out five favourites, including a classic Kiwi rock record.
Check out Phoebe Rings’ picks now!
Phoebe Rings’ Aseurai is out June 6th via Carpark Records (pre-order here).
On the Record with Phoebe Rings
Leonard Charles – Basement Donuts
Taeko Ohnuki [大貫妙子] – Romantique
Credit: Supplied
