After their standout performance at Going Global last week, Dateline have released their new album It’s All Downhill From Here.
Fronted by Wellington singer-songwriter Katie Everingham, the ever-evolving indie pop project’s second album wraps up a big year for the group. They’ve released standout singles like “Be Good,” “Hands,” and “Choose Me” (which was longlisted for the APRA AMCOS Silver Scroll Award) and performed at Welcome to Nowhere, Going Global, and Great Sounds Great.
Since their standout debut Dumb For My Age in 2022, Dateline have caught attention, with Rolling Stone AU/NZ naming them one of Eight Kiwi Artists Tipped to Take Over in 2023, praising Everingham’s “deft touch when it comes to combining crunchy guitar lines and earnest melodies.”
It’s All Downhill From Here continues their evolution, blending ’90s rock with ’60s jangle. Expect distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and lush harmonies.
“There was a bit of an intention to try to make an album that “ROCKED” and was fun to listen to,” says Everingham. “Not all of the songs have landed strictly in the rock zone but as we’ve leaned into our influences of classic 90’s alternative albums by bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, and Weezer.”
Everingham moved to Wellington in 2023, forming a new band with Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (Ebony Lamb, French for Rabbits, Glass Vaults), Phoebe Johnson (Ebony Lamb, Revulva), and Reuben McDonald.
Many songs, like “Be Good,” “Nothing,” and “Leaves,” started as acoustic voice memos.
Everingham notes, “Having Phoebe and Hikurangi join the band (who are both Jazz trained) had a really significant impact on the sound of It’s All Downhill From Here, their parts are definitely more intricate than what I would’ve written. Reuben is a fantastic guitar player, he puts so much effort into finding the right lead guitar parts and sounds for each song. The group had such a huge impact on the album, I couldn’t have done it without them.”
The album was recorded and mixed by Jonathan Pearce (The Beths) at Vogelmorn Hall and mastered by Oliver Devlin (Hans Pucket). It includes recordings of the band’s banter from the sessions, capturing their passion and signature wry humour.
“Vogelmorn Hall has really left its mark on the album. Recording over the course of a few days in a big space with trusted friends was such a fun experience. I am really proud of what we managed to achieve. Jonathan Pearce (who recorded, mixed and also produced the album) played a really significant role in guiding us to get the most out of our songs. He also captured sounds and band chat that happened between takes which we’ve sprinkled throughout the album. I really hope listeners enjoy being able to imagine that they are part of the process too.”
Dateline will hit the road for three Aotearoa shows this September and October: Wellington on Friday, September 27th, Napier on Friday, October 4th, and Auckland on Saturday, October 5th (see full details below).
Reflecting on the year, Everingham adds, “I’m relieved that it’s finished but chomping at the bit to get on the road in September & October and start writing the next one!”
Dateline’s ‘It’s All Downhill From Here‘ is out today via Sunreturn. Order the vinyl LP edition here.
Dateline Album Release Tour
Auckland and Napier tickets on sale via Undertheradar
Wellington tickets available via moshtix
Friday, September 27th
Meow, Wellington w/ Mystery Waitress, Flute Journeys
Friday, October 4th
Paisley Stage, Napier w/ Lizard Prom
Saturday, October 5th
Whammy Bar, Auckland w/ BUB, The Protection
